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THE

f July 28, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,

COTTAGE GARDENER,

AND

HOME FARMER.

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

CONDUCTED BY

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

Established

in 1848.

VOLUME XIV. THIRD SERIES.

JANUARY - JUNE, 1887.

LONDON :

PUBLISHED E OB THE PEOPBIETOE, 171, FLEET STEEET.

1887.

LONDON :

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

July 28, 1887. ]

TO OUR READERS.

The period which the annexed index covers includes an event that will be marked as an historical
epoch in the nation’s life.

A circumstance so remarkable as the fiftieth anniversary of the accession of our Sovereign was
naturally a time of rejoicing, and the great community of horticulturists shared in the joyousness.
They also gave expression to a desire to commemorate the event in a befittingly practical and appropriate
manner — increasing the means for benefiting aged gardeners who can no longer labour, and establishing
a fund for gardeners’ children who may be left without means of support.

The Gardeners’ Rojal Benevolent Institution has been strengthened and the Gardeners’ Orphan
Fund originated during the first half of the memorable year of 1887, and we cannot let this pass
without prominent record.

And, strongly desirous of seeing those who have toiled in making British gardening what it is
to-day comfortably circumstanced in the eventide of life, also gratefully feeling that some provision will
now be made for those helpless children of gardeners who have been called away, we wish to register
our thanks earnestly and sincerely to all who have shared in the good work alluded to, and in com¬
memorating the year of the “ Queen’s Jubilee ” in such a commendable way.

We also desire to express our deep obligations to “hosts of friends” for their able and willing
co-operation in the compilation of the pages of this Journal during the same period of time.

Glad are we to know that those of ripe experience will continue to enrich our pages, and with
pleasure do we recognise the steady accretion of young aspirants to fame in their calling who give
promise of becoming worthy coadjutors in the work in which we are all engaged — the promotion of good
gardening and the advancement of horticulture.

It is pleasing to know from the best of evidence that the combined efforts of readers, writers, and
editors fail not in their object in rendering the Journal useful and acceptable. Of this we could give
much testimony, but content ourselves with a few lines from a “coming man” who writes from a famous
garden. “The Journal gets better every year; it is the paper for practical men, and everyone in the
bothies here goes for it as soon as it arrives.”

There is no mistaking the earnestness in that case, and we know it is typical. We are determined in
turn to maintain the interest in its pages, and to compel old and young to “go for it ” with a zeal that will
command continuous success.

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July 28, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

v.

ABCTILONS — PRUNING, 319 ;
vitifolium, 467

Achimenes— in basket, 112, 194 ;

culture of, 258
Aconitnm napellus, 402
Aerides— Fieldlngi, 149 ; Law-
renciaj, 149 ; 427 ; expansum
Leonia?, 531

Afghanistan, collections of
plants from, 109
Aldenliam Park, 16
Allium aggregatuin, 452
Alocasias, 119
Alpine ramble, 439
Alyssums — Wierzbicki, 157 ;
saxatile, 485

Amaryllises — 20 ; at Chelsea,
191,273 , from seed, 201 ; Nestor,
198 •

Amasonia pnnicea( A.calyclna),
173

American blight, 55. 101
American Exhibition at West
Kensington, 191,374
Anemones— diseased, 408 ; pul-
satilla, 4' 2; from seed, 474
Angiopteris evecta, 358, 390
Anise or Aniseed, 424
Annuals — outdoors, 171 ; sow¬
ing, 342

Antnemis nobilis 402
Anthracite coal, 372. 892, 418
Anthuriums - Schertzerianum,
11, 119; Veitchi, 356
Ants, destroying, 131, 147
Antwerp, exhibition at, 441
Aphelexis culture, 511
Apples, popular, culinary varie¬
ties, 1ft; useful, 142; imports
from America, 390 ; notes on
blossoming, 480
Apple trees, canker in. 171
Apricot blossom, protecting, 140
Arabises, 485

Araucarias, renovating, 26
Artichohes, Globe, 351
Asclepiads, interesting, 445
Ashpits, watertight, 44. 45, 85,

108, 128, 247, 266, 295, 329
Asparagus, planting, lul ; cul¬
ture, 229; and Rabbits, 264, 393

Asters, China. 387
Aubrietias, 4*6

Aucuba japonica, monoecious,
374

Auricula (National) Society’s
Meeting, 29

Anricma aDd Primula Society,
Scottish, 109, 373 ; Southern
Show, 338 ; Northern Show,
381

Auriculas— and their raisers —
Campbell’* Green Edge, 75,

109, 135 ; names. 95.; failures
in, 178 ; top-dressing, 202 ;
Primulas, and Primroses, 325 ;
at South Kensington, 351 ;
on gin of edged varieties, 393 ;
notes on the. 420; Mr. Bolton’s
collection, 458: notes on cul¬
ture, and varieties, 459,490

Australia, high temperature in,
152

Australian Herbarium, 534
Azaleas -introduction of, and
varieties, 303 ; mol 'is, 345 ;
origin of hardy, 477, 487

BATLEY, DEATH OF MR.THOS.,
332

Barkeria Vanneriana, 33

Bath Bulb Show, 254 ; Spring
Show, 400

Bailee, Mr. F., and his work,
480

Beans, Kidney, 238; culture of
Scarlet Runner, 330

Bedding out, 384

Bedding plants. 150; propaga¬
ting. 180 : preparing, 305 ;
watering, 493

Bedford Horticultural Society,
209

INDEX.

- + -

Bees— the hive of the future,
20; Cyprian, 21; markets for
honey, 35 ; the weatner and
bees feeding, 36 ; foreign
races of ,57, IOO, 161, 202, 221,
280, 344, 538 ; a new foal brood,
Tunisian, 57 ; practical bee-
keeDing, 77, 119, 141, 160, 239,
238,298.342,428.473,517; notes
on. 78 ; the apiary, Syrian, 99 ;
queen introduction, dry sugar
feeding, 120 ; Punic or Tunis¬
ian, 121 ; dying. 123 ; the honey
market, 142, 162, 260; trans¬
ferring, 143; honey, heavy
yield of, 16L ; peculiarities in,
188: the honey question, 182 ;
spring manipulation. 01 ;
curreut discussions, British
Honey Company, leaving
hive, 240; “ super-body,” 241 ;
apiarian notes, spring feed¬
ing, ventilating hives, 259 ; the
standard frame, 279; poison¬
ous honey, 280, 300 ; placing
section racksupon a hive, 301 ;
thickness of combs, tin crates
in Arran, 320; selling honey,
Bee keepers’ Union, 32L ; sec¬
tions and crates, 323; notes on,
the weather, wintering, 363,
406; swarming and sections,
387 ; zinc floors for hives, 386 ;
apicultural operations, causes
of queenlessness, 385 ; scien¬
tific queen breeding, lan¬
guage of, 407, 451 ; the season,
frame for seciions, doings of
the past week, 429 ; ventila¬
ting floors, 475 ; disease of,
cases and coverings for
hives, 473; artificial swarm,
473; hiving, 473; Cyprians,
floorboards, queens, 495 ;
diseased, 495 ; diseases of, 496 ;
B.B.K. Union prospectus, 49 J ;
swarming, 534
Beet, culture of, 36
Begonias — weltoniensis, 20 ;
tuberous for bedding, 70;
dividing Tuberous, 222 ; 472
Bergmau, testimonial to Mr. F.,
234

Bignouia venusta, 209, 272
Birds and fruit buds, 220
Birmin.ham Gardeners’ So¬
ciety, 32, liO, 191 289
Birmingham -Rose Show, 191;
visit of the Queen to, 250 ;
spring show, 274
Blackberries, American, 3 11
Blood manure, 387,409
Boilers— a difficulty with, 53;
101 ; effects of hard water on,
1"5, 155 ; hollowed bars, 295
Books— “ Permanent and Tem¬
porary Pastures,” 36; new, 73 ;
Wood’s Booke for ye Garden,
8»; various. 162; “Garden
Calendar,” 219; “Thomson’s
Handy Book of the Flower
Garden,” 42L

Bones, burned, 281 ; dissolving,
474

Border flowers, 170
Boronia heterophylla. 334
Botanic (Royal) Society’s Meet¬
ings, 53, 492 ; Spring Show,
317; Summer Show, 403 ;
Evening Fere. 512
Botanists, British field, 289
Bouquets, 484

Bouvardias, culture of, 18, 160 ;

culture and varietms, 465
Box edging, planting and cut¬
ting, 228; insects on, 490
Briar cuttings, 183
Brighton and Hove Chrysan¬
themum Society, 215
Broccoli— Penzance, 85 ; eight
months supply of, 22.5 ;
Carter’s Mammoth Spring
White, 354

Brussels Sprouts— Veitch’s Pa¬
ragon, 68 ; for late use, 809
Bulbophyllum barbigerum, 532
Buh^cL powder, 171

Bu'b mite, the, 109, 129 ; destroy¬
ing the, 164

Barchellia capensis, 401
Burdock, 424

Bury St. Eimunds, short walks
from, 355

Buxus Macowani, 191

CABBAGE SHOW AT KELSO. 419
Cactaceous plants in Germany,
395

Calceolarias— in the flower gar¬
den, 291 ; herbaceous, 419 ;
472 ; at Bedford Hill House,
467

Caianthes — diseased, 41 ; fail¬
ing, 90, 98; degenerating, 107,
134; vestita and C. Veitchi,
culture of, 185 ; 428
Californian Floral Fete, 49)
Callas, culture of, 330
Cambridge Botanic Garden seed
list, 170

Cambridge Lodge. 375
Camellias —inarching. 223 ; with
yellow foliage, 281 ; after
flowering, 3L5

Campanulas — rotundifoiia
flore-pleuo, 49, 75
Canuas, 56

Carnations— leaves spotted, 79 ;
179 ; border, 232 ; tree, 278,
450

Carpet beds— arranging, 337 ;
Carr, death of Mr., 312 [495

Carrots— in frames, 34 ; 118 ;
early Horn, 159 ; culture of
early, 278

Carter’s seed warehouse, 111
Caterpillars, de-troying, 418
Cattleyas, 98 ; potting and
watering. 145 ; Triame Schro-
derai, 295 ; labiata leucophaja,
531

Cauliflowers, 118 ; autumn, 163
Cedrus Libani, old specimens
O', 174

Celery, 193 ; early, 278 ; clean,
463

Celsia cretica, 332
Centropogon Lucyanus, 200, 405
Chard, removal of Mr. J. K..89
Cherries, 97

Cherry house, 20, 140, 179. 273
Chervil, tuberous-rooted, 514
Chesterfield, death of the Earl
of, 72

Chiswick Gardeners’ Mutual
ImDrovement Society, 52
Chiswick Horticultural So¬
ciety’s Jubilee Challenge Cup,
234

Chiswick House, 327 [151

Chiswick, trial of vegetables at,
Chrysanthemums, notes on
new, 5; for cutting, 19
Chrysanthemum Conference,
proposed, 234

Chrysanthemum (National)
Society’s Meeting, 29, annual,
94,138; Midwinter Show, 33;
schedule. 259

Chrysanthemums and their
culture, 117, 334, 350, 419 ; a
critique on, 132, 237, 392 ; an¬
swer to Mr. Garnett’s critique,
173, 194, 266 ; Mrs. H. J. Joues,
3l; early, 50; for exhibitiou,
67,83,326; Mdlle. Elise Dordan,
87; prizes for, 90; late, 90;
Ralph Brocklebunk, 92; late
flowering, 107 : Golden

Gem, 1<'9 ; Boule de
Neige, 148 ; syringing, 270 ;
Mr. Mawley’s list of varieties
at the National Society’s
show. 284 : Jeanne d’Arc,
305 ; Castle* s “ Annual,” 309 ;
aphides, antidote for, 373 ;
audits, 379, 445 ; not thiving,
430; fragrant, 418, 439 ; 450 ;
Exquisite. 467 ; exhibiting,
467 ; in June, 475 ; Leucanthe-
mum semi-duplex, 532

Cineraria flowers, large, 211 ;
for exhibition, 856 ; 442 ; pro¬
pagating, 497

Citrus Limetta, 425 ; japonica,
440

Clematis— coccmea, 231; indi¬
visa lobata, 251

Clerodendron Balfourianum,

200

Climate of England, 171
Climbing plauts, 298 ; in con¬
servatories 319
Clydesdale fruit growers, 72
Coelogyne cristata.90, 98, li 7, 134,
148 ; at Goodwood, 232 ; ocel-
lata maxima, 272
Coffee culture in India, 420
Coleworts, sowing, 497
C >lletias— spinosa, 9 ; variation
in, 151

Colours— the arrangement of,
269 ; of leaves and flowers,
294

Continental HortieulturalCom-
pany, sale of plants, 269
Copyright in engravings, 122 ;

infringement of, 191
Corbularias, Mr. Maw’s lecture
on, 130

Cornflowers, 518
Committees of the Royal Horti-
cnltural Society for 1887,7
Crassu’as, seedling. 474
Crocuses — karduchorum, 137 ;

Ducks and, 211
Crotous, 353

Crystal Palace, schedule of ex¬
hibitions, 151; the future of
the, 191

Crystal Palace Show, 255, 422
Cucumber '—culture at Worth¬
ing, 6 ; forcing, 77,118,179,257 ;
in March, 220 ; growing for
market, 266 ; scorched, 281 ;
cultivation, 286, 327, 353, 494;
raising plants, 303; in frames,
349 ; failing, 408
Currant bushes, pruning and
cleaning. 12
Currant bud mite, 391
Current topics, thoughts on, 74,
216

Cyclamens— culture of the, 212,
266 ; a feathered, 287 ; 450 ;
essay on the, 490
Cymbidium tigrinum,3>3
Cypripedimns — callosum, 7 ;
Scomburgkianum, 28 ; C. Lee-
anum superbum, 33 ; 93 ; Bois-
sierianum, 90; Spicerianum,
98 ; insigne, 189 ; Morgani-
anum, 233 ; hirsutissimum,
2 >2 ; Waliisi, 353; Cambridge-
an urn, 376; Ernesrianum,377 ;
421 ; superc liare, 531

DAFFODILS, 9, 332, 452 ; RIP
Van Winkle, 19L
Dahlias— sowing seed outdoors,
430 ; decorative, 433
Daisies ou lawns, 18 1
Damping houses, 211
Datura stramonium, 423
Delphinium nutPcaule, 355 ;
staphisagria, 423 ; Chamont
and Britannia, 532
Deudrobinms — Australian, 8 ;
Schneiderianutn, 143; culture
of 1). noblte, 214 ; in small
pots, 232 ; crassinode x
Wardianum, 312; culture of,
416

Dickson, Mr. G., presentation
to, 419

Digging.bast ird trenching, and
trenching, cost of, 58
Ditherington and Sc. Michael’s
Cottage Garden Society,
170

Dixon, death of Mr. Edmund
Philip, 29

Dracamas, propagating, 34 ; cul¬
ture, 363

EARWIGS, 523
Ecbaliium elaterium, 423
Edinburgh spring show. 294
Eichler, Dr. August Wilhelm,
death of, 211
Endive, culture of, 246
Epacris culture, 519
Eragrostis abyssinica, 72
Eranthemuins, 405
Ericas, culture of, 289
Essex Horticultural Society’s
Show, 483

Eucliaris— mite, 83,383 ; grandi-
flora, 193

Euphorbia jacquiniceflora, pro¬
pagating, 322, 405
Exhibitions, arrangement 0%
440

FARM-A WELL-STCCKED, 23;
Messiau fly, fowls laying in
December, the drainage of
meadows, 24 ; soil and its im¬
provement, 37 ; Mr. Sutton’s
work on pastures, 38; soil
lessons, 60, 79, 102, 123; tenan ts’
valuation, 80 ; land for per¬
manent pasture, 80 ; scarlet
fever of cows ; winter dietary
of cows, 124 ; manure for pas¬
ture, 148 ; dairy farming, agri-
culturalsalt, 144 ; dairy farm¬
ing, 163. 183; chemical ma¬
nures, 203 ; manure for grass
land. 204; reform in agricul-
t ure, 223 ; prudential cropping,
28 L ; the root crop, 301 ; profits
of grass farming, 323 ; the
agricultural depression, 345 ;
management of pi g9, 365,387 ;
steamed bone flour, 366 ;
Wheat, 409, 431 ; cost and pro¬
fits of Wheat culture, 453 ;
potash on light and heavy
soils, country eggs, 454 ;
Turkeys dying, 476 ; our
cereal crops (barley), 475 ;
forage crops, 519; manures
and forage crops Mr. Sutton’s
experiments, 540
Fashion in floral art, 505
Featherstone, death of Mrs.
Annie, 151

Fernando Noronha, expedition
to, 53

Ferns— in vineries, 221 ; hardy,
298; gigantic non-arborescent,
390; liquid manure for, 415;
colours in exotic, 504
Fern tiles, Booty’s, 170
Fibre yielding plants, 251, 289
Ficus repens, venation of, 9 ; F.
sycomorus, 2 >2

Fifty years ago, reminiscences
of, 499

Figs— forcing, 20, 56, 97, 179, 220,
257 ; out of doors, 178, 404 ;
failing, 345
Filbert culture, 5
Floral Societies, National, 151
Floral fa9hon.44l ; decorations
at a Royal Garden Party, 535
Florists’ flowers — seasonable
hints on, 139; in May, 414
Flowers — in Covent Garden
Market, 151, 289 ; in America,
152; protecting hardy from
slugs, 194 ; and Gardens, Mr.
Burbidge’s lecture, 275 ; the
colours of, 294 ; at Nice. 375 ;
for the shooting season, 497 ;
o'd-fashioned,49)

Flower garden— work in the,
279, 49»; arranging beds for
the, 345 ; roots for the, 361 ;
notes on the, 417 ; bedding
out, 450

Foeuiculum capillaceum, 423
Food reform, 382
Forcing Plants and Bulbs, 155 ;
pit, 365

Forest -species of Japan, 171;

trees, roots of, 257
Frames, covering for, 89

VI.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 28, 1887.

France, National Horticultural
Society of, 9
Francisceas, 258
Freeaias, 160
Fritillaries, 397, 444
Frogmore, notes at, 508
Frost report of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society, 250, 268 ; 396
Frost, death of Mr. Philip, 396
Fruit— forcing, 43, 319, 427 ; rut¬
ting exhibition, 68: the cul¬
ture of hardy, 81, 93, 133, 152 ;
Mr. Rail lie’s address on grow¬
ing, 217 ; the weak link in the
culture, 263 ; farming in
America, 393 ; prospects at
Chiswick, 396 ; from South
Australia, 419 ; thinning
hardy, 455 : keeping, 465 ; pro¬
spects in Worcestershire, 467 ;
notes ou bush, 482 ; at the
early summer shows, 512;
thinning, 515

Fruit trees— protecting, 59 ;
transplanting, 101 ; deeply
planted, 169; old, 183; Tay¬
lor’s sulphur and lime mix¬
ture, 203 ; buds destroyed by
birds, 220; newly planted, 341,
renovating, 352 ; spring treat¬
ment of, 411

Fruit garden— work in the, 55,
140,257,404,515

Fuchsias— in winter, 8: propa¬
gating, 56; hardy. 235 : the
earliest hvbrid, 264 ; leaves
“ crinkled,” 322
Fumigator, a new, 74

GAILLARDIA VIVIAN GREY,

532

Gardeners’ Orphanage, 111, 131,
148, 165, 205, 250, 265, 288, S26,
350.396,418, 466

Gardener, presentation to a, 832
Gardeners* Royal Benevolent
Institution, 68, 122
Gardenias, culture of, 258
Gardening— appointments, 234 ;

literature of, 248, 292
Garden Oracle, 29
Garden, the pleasures of a,
14

Gas-lime as an insec icide and
fertiliser, 459

Gladioli— raising from seed, 6,
26 ; in pots, 241

Gladiolus— notes on, 210; Col-
villi, 513

Glasgow International Exhibi¬
tion, 466

Glasgow Spring Show, 276]
Glazed pots for Orchids, 64
Glenny’s Illustrated ^Garden
Almanack, 9
Gloriosa grandiflora, 141
Gloxinias and Cyclamens, cul¬
ture of, 162

Gloxinias, 200 ; planted out in
frames, 256 ; at Chelsea, 440 ;
at Reading, 483 J
Gomphia decora, 16
Gooseberry bushes —’pruning
and cleaning, 12 ; protecting,
404

Gooseberries, 101
Greenhouses, rating, in nurse¬
ries and market gardens, 228 ;
plants at Kew, 435
Grange, The, Wallin gton, 4 >8
Grapes— without fire heat, 8;
the fertilising and stoning of,
12; Muscats shrivelling, 15,
45 ; Gros Oolman, 18, 27, 48. 64,
91, 107 ; Black Hamburghs,
28, 135 ; varieties of, 29, 59 ;
Ryton Muscat and General
de la Marmora, 46 ; without
heat for the million, 53, 105,
129, 153; training, stopping,
cropping, 54 ; thinning, 54,
442 ; appearance v. flavour
in, 62; shanking, 86; shrivel¬
ling, 88; Mrs. Pearson, 90;
Bucklaud Sweetwater, 108,
135 ; late, 122, 522 ; Alnwick
Seedling, 127, 167 ; for suc¬
cession, 142; stoneless, 183;
notes on, 190, 255 ; flavour of,
217; Muscats in April, 268 ;
remarks on setting, 369 ; fail¬
ing, 452 ; at Frogmore, 508;
a calamity with, 511 ; fumi¬
gating and scalding, 524
Gravel on plant stages, 157
Greig, death of General, 250
Gypsophilas for decoration, 222

HABROTIIAMNU3 elegans,
172

Hall hardy plants, house for, 223
Hands worth Nurseries, 464
Hard wooded plants, useful, 435
Hardy officinal plants, 402, 423
Heat, loss of from hot-water
mains, 67

Heaths, win ter- flowering, 55
Heatbfield House, Gateshead,
438

Heliotropes for winter, 524
Helleborus niger, 424
Heuchera sanguinea, 531
Heyvvood, death of Mrs., 310
Hollies, transplanting, 539
Hollyhock— the, 153, 485; dis¬
ease, the, 170; history of the,
106

Horticulture in 1886, 2 ; pro¬
gress, 522

Horticultural (Royal) Society-
Committee Meetings, 32, 110,
137, 197, 218, 236, 296, 314, 835,
380, 530; position and pro¬
spects of the, 103 ; annual
general meeting, 113 ; Ken¬
sington arrangement, 170 ;
memorial to the Queen, 205;
special general meeting, 532
Horticultural Club — Meeting
of the, 52 ; and the Royal Hor¬
ticultural Society, 94
Horticultural Provident and
Benefit Society, Annual Meet¬
ing, 62

Horticultural societies, 463
Houses, damping, 244
Hull and East Riding Chrysan¬
themum Society — Annual
Meeting of the, 73; Annual
Dinner, 211; schedule, 419
Hyacinths— at Exeter, 211 ; at
Bristol, 251 ; stems dislocated,
322

Hydrangeas, 159
Hydrastis canadensis, 424
Hvmenocallis macros teph ana
141

ICELAND POPPIES, 513
Illicuim floridanum, 481
Indian experiences, 16, 49, 290,
311, 357, 372, 420, 525
Insecticide distributor, Wood’s,
461

Insects— on Grapes, 316 ; the
prevention and destruction,
347; singular, 474
Inula Helenium, 424
Ipoimea noctiflora, 441, 488
Iris tuberosa, 231
Isolepis gracilis, 472
Ixias and Sparaxis, 160
Ixora— Mr. Cox’s paper on the
culture of the, 195, 218 ; 333

JACKMAN, DEATH OP MR., 440
Japanese botanical book, the
finest, 10

Jubilee— the Royal, 25 ; and the
Royal Horticultural Society,
45, 65, 84 ; a gardeners’ orphan¬
age, 11L ; propositions, 165 ;
decorations, 533
Justicia flavicoma, 378

KALANCHOE CARNEA, 33

Kelway, Mr. & Son, meeting of
employes, 30

Kensington, South, Exhibition
Grounds, 191

Kew— Bulletin of Miscellaneous
Information, 72, 191, 251, 457 ;
list of seeds, 210; spring gar¬
dening at, 252 ; notes at, 435

Kickx, death of Mr. J. J.. 2 >1

King, Mr. G., presentation to,
418

Kinghorn, death of Francis R.,
513

Kitchen, serving the, 249

Kitchen garden— work in the,
76. 199, 238, 277, 318, 362, 404,
449

Kitchen Gardeners’ Calendar,
211

Knott’s Green, Leyton, 490

LABELS, WATERPROOF, 354
Lachenalia tricolor, 235
Lajlias anceps— Stella, Sanderi-
ana, 33 ; virginalis, 42 ; varie¬
ties, 64; purpurata, 442
Laing, death of Mr. R., 52
Land — laying down to per¬
manent pasture, 80; neglected,
163 ; cultivation in the High¬
lands, 432
Lantanas, 56

Lapageria alba, fine spray of,
441

Lapiedra gracilis, 137
Lappa major, 424
Larkhall, notes from, 356
Lawns, lawu-tennis,and cricket
grounds, 293 ; effects of ashes
on. 408

Leaves, the colours of, 294
Leeds Professional Gardeners’
Friendly Benefit Society’s
meeting, 13

Leeds Horticultural Society-
259 ; Show, 512,526
Leeds Paxton Society, 235 ; an¬
nual dinner, 272
Leek Auricula Show, 353
l^eeks— early, 76, 371 ; about, 216
Le Jardin, 192

Leptospermum buliatum, 465
Leschen tultia biloba major,
513

Lettuces, 118 ; culture of, 246,
804 ; from December to May,

481 ’

Lilacs, treatment after flower¬
ing, 179 ; Marie Lequay,467
Lili urns -Harrisi, 160 ; neilgher-
ense,222 ; candidum in April,
309, forcing, 356 ; bulblferum,
532

Lillesden, notes from, 316
Lime, quantity of for soil, 37 ;
origin of, 452

Lindley library, 332
Linnean Society, meeting of
the, 109

Literature of Gardening, 211,
248, Mr. W. Paul’s lecture. 270
Liverpool Horticultural Asso¬
ciation annual meeting, 89 ;
Show. 131, 231 ; 191 ; 251
L’Horticulture Internationale,
234

Lobelia cardinalis, 269
Lock, presentation to Mr. G., 89
Lodoicea seychellarum, 251
London’s lesser open spaces—
Lincoln’s Inn, 48 ; 252, 444
London nurseries, April in the,
273 ; Messrs. J. Veitch Sons,
273 ; B. S. Williams, W. Cut-
bush & Sous, 274 ; Messrs.
Laing & Co.’s, 310
Lo niats in London, 440
Ludlow Horticultura Society,
151

Lytham, sale of plants at, 513

MAGNOLIA UNHEALTHY, 59
Maidenhead Horticultural So¬
ciety, 251

Manchester Botanical Gardens,
annual meeting, 90
Manchester, Jubilee] Exhibi¬
tion, 151

Manchester Whit Show, 447
Marantas, 119
Maryland Pink Root, 424
Mandevilla suaveolens. 512
Manures— concentrated, forms
of potash, 241 ; artificial, 339,
391 445

Manuring fruit trees, 220, 452
Market gardeners exhibiting,
24L

Market— growing produce for,
307 ; gardens, rating, 415
May Apple, or American Man¬
drake, 424

Me Elroy, death of Mr., 29
Me Hutcheon, J ohn, death of, 250
McIntyre, death of Mr., 489
Mealy bug ou Vinss, 142
Meteorological observations at
Hodsock, 192, 289
Meteorological Society, Royal,
30. 92, 110, 131, 192, 251, 331, 449,
467

Melon Pear, 210

Melons, 257, 494 : forcing, 97, 118,
179 ; in March, 220 ; a good,
234; plautdiseased,28l ; man¬
agement of, 383 ; supports,
431, 505
Menthol, 424

Menyanthes trifoliata, 474
Micrococcus amylovorus, 235
Milford, Mr. James, death of,
234

Moore, death of Mr. Thomas, 3
Moore, herbarium of the late
Mr. T., 251

Mignonette, 56, 279 ; Cannell’s
Perfection, 351

Mos9 and licheQ, removing from
trees, 55

Moss litter, German, 15
Molyneux’s “Chrysanthe¬
mums and their Cultivation,”
a critique, 156

Mushrooms— in boxes, 65, 475 ;
insects on, 261, 390 ; in a Peach
house, 345 ; in Cucumber
frames, 383; beds, late bearing,
287, 309, 350

Mvrobalan Plum, propagating,
222

NARCISSI — WILD FJRMS OF,
in Portugal, 137 ; pseudo-Nar-
cissus minimus, 195, 23(5 ; hy¬
brid, 212 ; useful. 269 ; cycla-
mineus, 287, 297, 332 ; calan-
thinus, 371

National Chrysanthemum So¬
ciety, 29

Nephrolepis rufescens tripin-
natifida, 420

Neumann, death of Mrs. Chas.,

354

Newcastle Spring Show, 340

Newcastle Jubilee Exhibition,
401

Newcombe House, Crediton, 30

Nicotyl vaporiser, 470

Nitrate of soda as a fertiliser,
217

Norton Pansy Society, 414

Norwich Almanack, Jarrolds’,
211

Nurseries, rating, 283

Nursery and Seed Trade Asso¬
ciation, annual meeting, 133

ODONTOGLOSSUMS- RAMOS *-
simum, 58; Cervantesi, l( 7 ;
W. Thompson’s variety of
crispum, 296 ; Edwardi 415
Oncidium monarchicum, 28
Onions— the culture of, 3 ; the
best, 74; sowing spring. 158;
Potato, 452 ; autumn-sown for
exhibition, 518
Ono9ma taurica, 527
Oahrys pnmncialis or lutea,
'416

Orange trees, scale insects at¬
tacking, 170

Orchards— sites for, 39; trees
for, 55

Orchids— giant. 7 ; fungus on,
27 ; at Woodhatch, 28 ; peat
for, 41. 64 ; enemies, 42 ; sales,
64 ; glazed pots for, 6i ; lore,
90,116, 136; British, HO. 131;
in plant houses, 134 ; at Blen¬
heim, 189 ; at Cheltenham,
189; at Westbrook .syringing,
214; at Howick House, 213;
preserving flowers from slugs,
2L3 ; Baron Schroder’s, Cypri-
pedium Morganianum, Den-
drobium Wardianum, 232 ;
a valuable Odontoglossum,
Coelogyne cristata, at Good-
wood, Dendrobiuin nobile,
Zygopetalum Veitchi, 232 ; at
Wyncote ; at Elm Hall,
Wavertree, 248; Mr. Smee’s,
249; at The Barons, Twicken¬
ham, 272 ; flowers, an Orchid
Society, 292 ; Odontoglossum
Rossi majus, 312; at Down¬
side, Leatherhead, 33L ; for
bouquets and floral decora¬
tions, 853 ; at Cambridge
Lodge, 375 ; sale of and prices
at Downside, 374 ; at home,
397; at Sheffield, 398 ; at Hol¬
loway, 398 ; Wisconsin, 398 ;
at Messrs. J. Veitch Sons,
415; Mr. G. F. Wilson’s, 416;
hardy, 416, 442, 486. 515 ; at
Kew, 412. 486 ; at The Grange,
Wallington, 468 : at Highgate,
a bouquet of, 515 ; an ama¬
teur’s, 533

Orchidaceous plants, Veitch's
Manual of, Part 1, 139

Ornamental mound, an, 467

Orphanage, gardeners’proposed ,
229

Overcrowding plants, 483

Oxford, notes at, 29 J

PJEONIES —CULTURE OF, 192 ;

Glory of Somerset, 532
Palafoxia Hookeriam, 531
Pancratium*, 141
Panic am variegatum; 200
Pansies, culture of, 192; election
of, 519

Pansy Society, Norton, 461
Papaver nudicaule, 513
Parsley, curled and plain, 191 ;

culture of. 373
Parsnips, 118

Parks— maintenance of the
London, 131, 152 ; changes in
the management of the Lon¬
don, 170

Passi flora Constance Elliott, 395
Paul’s hardy plant nursery, 439
Pavonia Wighti, 363
Peaches— forcing, 34 ; buds fall¬
ing, 79; trees, training young,
209; culture in the open air,
125, 140 ; culture out of doors,
147, 176 ; trees on open walls,
227 ; wood not ripening, 281 ;
shoots, training, 452 : Alex¬
ander, 474; foliage injured,
474 ; and Nectarines, loosen¬
ing from walls, 22 ; forcing,
76 ; 118, 341, 495 ; out of doors,
187, 209 ; under glass, 239 ; dis¬
budding, and thinning, 298
Pears— trees not fruiting, 22 ; 97 ;
new foe of the, 109 ; Glou
Mor^eau, 293 ; grafting, 222 ;
blight, 235 ; Marie Louise, in
Elvaston Castle Gardens, 252 ;
dessert, 269

Pea Conference, proposed, 44
Peas— raising under glass 76;
early, 89, 128, 238 ; transplant¬
ing, 129 ; 158 ; selection of, 166 ;
transplanting, 435
Pelargoniums— leaves spotted,
22 ; Zonal, 56, for winter, 183,
Constance, 191, 359, and sum¬
mer, 387 ; culture of show and
fancy, 95, 196 ; Regal, 142 ; pro¬
pagating, 150; standard, 160;
for pots, 173 ; decorative, 430 ;
French and Fancy, 472 ; strik¬
ing, 497

Perennials, propagating choice,
436

Petroleum, 58
Petunias in pots, 518
Phaius grandiflorus, 98; tuber-
cnlosus var. superbus, 213
Phaiamopsis— grandiflora, 331 ;
culture of, 428 ; hybrid, grandi¬
flora x violacea, 416, hybrids,
530 ; Harrietta?, 531
Phloxes, propagating herba¬
ceous, 290 ; garden, 513
Phosphates as manure, 418
Photographs of lightning, 457
Phylloxera, planting maize
with Vines, 46 ; Vines infested
with, 301

Pillar plants for intermediate
house, 59

Piinpinella anisum, 424
Pine Apple Charlotte Roth¬
schild, 49

Pines— forcing, 20, 56, 97, 140, 159,
220, 278, 471 ; 494

Pipes, loss of heat in, 29; paiot
for hot water, 142
Pittosporum undulatum, 109
Plants — new of 1886, 28, 47, 73,
93, 117, 157, 176, 198, 255, 277,340,
426 ; lecture on food. 29 ; certi¬
ficated in 1886, 61 ; diseases of,
73 ; removing, 261 ; for shady
borders, 300 ; vernacular
names of, 332; hints on pot¬
ting, 353 ; pests in soil, 430

PLANTS CERTIFIC ATED —

Abies excel sa mu tab U is, 425.
Aerides expansum Leonire,
531. Adiantnm cuneatum
Gordon's Tassel led, 297. Ama¬
ryllis Nestor, 198 ; Edith
Wynne. Nonpareil, 296. Auri¬
cula Abbe Llzst, Sir W.
Hewitt, 297 : Amanda, S.
Barlow, J. Douglas, Sir. W.
Hewitt. Magpie, Dulcle, Gray¬
ling, Rubra, E. Pohlman, 338 ;
Azalea indlca Souvenir de
Francois Vervaene, 423;
(hardy) Beauty, Maiden’s
Blush, Peach Blossom, Snow¬
flake, 425. — -Barkeria Van-
neriana, 33. Begonia (Tube¬
rous) Princess Victoria, Duke
of Edinburgh, 423 Boronla

heterophylla, 236. - Cattleya

Trianre Schrcederae. 296 ; C.
labiata leucophea,531. Chrys¬
anthemum Mrs. H. J. Jones,
83 ; leucanthemnm semi¬
duplex, 532. Cineraria Alex¬
ander Warwick, William
Pratt, 297. Cyclamen Queen
of Crim<oas, 297. Cymbidium
Dayanum, 491. Cypripedium
Leeanum suoerbum, 33; leu-
corrhodum, 293 : superciliare,

531. - Delphinium Chamont,

Br tannia, 532. - Fritillarla

pallidiflora, 380. - Gaillardia

Vivian Grev, 532. - Hemero-

callis Middendorflana, 491.
Heuchera sanguinea. 531.

Hyacinth La Belle, 236. -

Ixiohrion tataricurn, 491. -

Kalanchoe carnea, 3 J. Korol-
Kowia (Frltillaria) discolor,

83. - Laelia anceps Stella,

Handeriana, 33 ; purpurata
Mrs. H. Little, 423. Lycaste

lana Measureslana, 111. -

limulus Carters’ Jubilee
Queen’s Prize, 425. Mas-
aevallia Harryana luteo-

oculata, 491, - Narcissus

cvclaminens, 297 ; Captain
Nelson, 389. - Odonto¬

glossum crispum Leopardl-
num, 111 ; triuinphans, Rose-
fleld variety, 236 ; Pescatorei
virginale, crispum, W.
Thompson’s variety, 296 ;
Pescatorei Pollett’s variety,
425; vexillarium rad latum, 491.

- Pachystoma Thomsoni-

ana, 111. Pieonies Uranie,
Rinzi, Odorata Maria, Louise,
Mouchelet, 423 ; Bauieri, Isis,
Lactea, Zenobia, 425 ; Glory of
Somerset, 532. Phahenopsis
speciosa, 425. Pelargonium
Henry Dawkes, 423 ; Duke of
Clarence, 491 ; Primula Double
Scarlet, Rosy Queen, Gipsy
Queen, Double Rose, Double
Blue. 33 ; sinensis Purity,
Brightness, Cannell’s White
Perfect on, Snowflake, 111 ;
Sieboldi, Ware’s variety, 389.
Pteris tremula flaccida, 33.
Pyrethrum Magicien, Floren¬
tine, Figaro, Aphrodite. Mar¬
garet Moore, 491. - Rhodo¬

dendron La Belle, 198 ; balsa-
minajflorum carneum, 286.
Rose The Bride, 198; minnti-
folia, Golden Fairy, The
Puritan, 297 ; Lady Alice,
Cleopatra, 532 ; Rauunculus

cortusajfo lins, 425. - 3y ringa

japonica. 531. Violet

Victoria, 297. - Zygopetalum

Veitchi, 236.

Plums. 97

PodoDhyllum peltatum, 424

Polemonium Richardsoni, 499

Poinsettias— culture of the, 337 ;
405 ; in spring, 488

Pollen, analysis of, 218

Polygala senega, 424

Postal labour, Mr. Sutton’s
statistics, 513

Potatoes— Dr. Masters and the
Tercentenary, 9 ; early in
frames, 34 ; degeneration of
the Champion, 41, 267; crushed
bones for, 58 ; Mr. Fenn’s
lecture on, 69; Scotch Cham¬
pion, 87 ; culture of the, 128 ;
for Ireland, 131 ; cutting seed,
154 ; manure (Dr. Voelcker’s),
163; planting, 199; old and
new. are they degenerat¬
ing ? 207, 464; changing seed,
233 ; planting, 277 ; degenera¬
ting, change of seed, 331, 392,
354, thoughts on, 837, 413, 419,
and fads, 461, 512 ; growths,
430 ; Onion, 452 ; Mr. Fenn’s
lecture on, 4 16 ; disease,
mulching, 465 ; size v. quality,
478

Potash on light and heavy soils,
454

Pots, draining, 267

Primroses and Polyanthuses,

386

Primulas— at Reading, 9, varie¬
ties certificated, 33.44 ; Messrs.
Sutton <fc Sons’ varieties, 30 ;
Carters’ special prizes, 29, and
Messrs, cannells’, 52 ; Wil¬
liam/ Magenta Queen, 109;
imperialis, 170 ; under glass,
221 ; sinensis, discussion on
the,2ll; paper on, at Birming¬
ham, 285; fragrance of, 251 ;
Stuarti, var. purpurea, 336 ;
obconica, 417; 494 ; Sieboldi,
ani its varieties, 491

July 28, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTaGE GARDENER.

Yll,

Prizes, Messrs. Carters’, t®
gardeners, 29
Pruning, late, 220
Pteris tremula flaccida, 83
Pyrethrums, dividing, 202

Rabbits-protecting trees

from, 305

Radishes, early, 118
Rain v. insects, 467
Rangemore Gardens, 188
Ranunculus cortus£cfoiius, 425,
437

Raspberries — protecting, 101 ;
341 ; not succeeding, 474 ;
thinniDg growths, 518
Rating greenhouses in [nur¬
series and market gardens,
228 ; the Greenwich case, 309
Reading and writing, 4
Reading Show, 470
Reminiscences of fifty years
ago, 499

Rhizoglyphus echinopus, 83
Rhodanihes, 279
Rhododendrons, 122, 142 ; La
Belle, 198 ; culture of, 283 ;
Cunningham’s White, 288,
308; in pots, 288 ; Veitchia-
num, 289, 395 ; caucasicum
album, 308, 354 : white, 345 ;
Countess of Haddington, 374 ;
balsamina?florum album, 440 ;
at Duneevan, 489
Rhubarb— exhibiting, 22 ; forc¬
ing, 32, 40

Rhynchospermum jasminoides,
56

Richardias — cethiopica, 160 ;

from Christmas to Easter, 448
Richmond Show, 535
Robins’ nests, 467
Rockery— plants for a green¬
house, 203 ; Mr. G. Paul’s, 439
Romney a Conlteri, 78
Root-pruning, 65
Rosarians’ Year Book, 30
Rose growing for beginners, 10,
63, 84, 104. 147, 167, 186, 212, 226,
244, 265, 306, 333, 359, 369, 412,
456, 502

Roses— The Bride and Grand
Mogul, 16, 27, 198; the best,
41 ; preparation of the soil,
63 ; buying plants, bow to
plant, 84 ; whento plant, 85 ;
Marechal Niel, 101 ; trans¬
planting, distance apart,
winter treatment, where to
plant 104; Hybrid Tea, 112,
137 ; Archduchess Maria lm-
maculata, 131 ; varieties to
grow, 147 ; planting with
Vines, 163 ; pruning, 167, 212 ;

Roses— continued—
deepening the colours of, 183;
short pruning, long pruning,
187; Marechal Niel and Vines,
222 ; Mrs. House, 211 ; disbud¬
ding, 212; gross shoots, reno¬
vating an old plant, grafting,
226 ; sporting, 241 ; notes on,
249, 269 ; stocks for, 244, 290 ;
Scotch, 267; Princess Beatrice,
269 ; top-dressing tor, 2S1 ;
own-root Roses, layering, 265 ;
The Puritan, 296, 4 12 : mulch¬
ing, 298, 365 ; budding, 306 ;
seedling Briars, 309 : new
varieties, 313 ; buds failing,
345 ; American Beauty, 354 ;
in pots, 359, 413, 494 ; at Ascot,
353 ; in Peach houses, 355 ;
pale Marechal Niel, 365 ; new
Tea varieties, 348; culture of
Tea, 369 ; Earl of Dufferin,
874 ; and Mignonette, 374 ;
forcing, 412 ; at Cheshunt,
441 ; exhibiting, 456 ; liquid
manure, lime manures, 502;
old, 521 ; Lady Alice and Cleo¬
patra, 532 ; beetles on, 539 ;
the coming struggle, 534

Rose Shows— in 1887, 170, 191,
248 ; fixtures, 331 ; postponing,
462 ; prospects, 462

Royal Gardens, the, 507 ; Frog-
more, 508 ; Windsor, Buck¬
ingham Palace, Osborne, and
Balmoral, 510

Royal warrants to tradesmen,
170

SABAL BLACKBURNIANA, 70
Salads and Salad culture, 246,
267 ; for exhibiting, 323
Sal ammoniac for pipe joints,
78

Salt— quantity for soil, 37 ; in
soil, 409
Salvias, 450

Sansevierias, the (Bowstring
Hemp), 379

Scutellaria Mocciniana, 405
Seakale— from roots and seeds,
22; planting, 425
Seed— list cf from the Jardin
des Plantes, 89 ; an hour in a
warehouse, ill ; effects of
changing, 439
Selaginella coesia, 200
Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana,
138

Sewage for crops, 322
Sheffield— Chrysanthemum So¬
ciety’s annual dinner, 52 ; en¬
largement of Botanic Garden,
72 ; Floral and Horticultural
Society, 89

Shady borders, plants for, 300
Shrubs, preparing for removal,
185

Silica in soil, 293, 339, 445
Sinclair, death cf Mr. Archi¬
bald, 109

Slag as a manure, 288
Slugs— preserving flowers from ,
213 ; destroying, 281
Smet, death of Charles Louis
de, 250

Snow and vegetation, 22
Soda, nitrate of, 22
Soils— for plants, 20 ; lessons,
102 ; notes on, 172, 255 ; im¬
provement of clay, 310 ; silica
in, 293, 339, 391, 445 ; Lettuces
on dry, 436

Solanum albidum Poortmani,
72

Southampton (Royal) Horticul¬
tural Society, annual report,

152

Sphajrogyne latifolia, 258
Spigelia marilandica, 424
Spinach, 479

Spiraea japonica, culture of, 169 ;
S. confusa, 464

Spring— shows, 243 ; signs of,
246 ; flowers, 485
Springtails, 400
Stachys affinis, 534
Statice Suwarowi, 279
Stevens, death of Mrs., 109
Stockdoves, vagaries of, 382
Stocks — East Lothian, 92 ;
planting, 479

Stopping and disbudding fruit
trees, 404

Strawberries — new and old
varieties, 4 ; time in forcing,
37 ; in pots, 97, 179, 278, 405 ;
dying, 260 ; spring treatment
of plants, 24'.); King of the
Earlies, 289, 355 ; new planta¬
tions, selection of varieties,
297 ; culture of, 300 ; early,
309 ; late, 341 ; Princess Frede¬
rick William (Princess of
Prussia), 329 ; in Florida, 355 ;
for market, 452 ; at Frogmore,
508 ; gossip, 503 ; Fete at Chis¬
wick, 512

Sulphur and lime mixture for
fruit trees, 203
Summer, planting in, 501
Swanley flowers, 350
Syringa japonica, 531

TABERNJEMONTANAS, 258
Table decorating, 116
Table plants, 42

Tank for tepid water in hot
house, 59

Tapeinantlius humilis (La-
piedra gracilis), 137
Teff, Eragrostis abyssinlca, 72
Tenants’ valuation, 80
Tennis Court, making a, 101
Thanatophore, the, 74, 95
Thoughts on current topics, 74,
216

Thunias, 98 *, Marshall!, 398
Thyrsacanthus rutilans, 128, 405
Tobacco culture— in England,
152, 190; Carter’s experiments
in, 170; home-grown, 269 ; 354
Tomatoes, 118 ; under glass,
170 ; early, in vinery, 307 ; on
walls, 365; dying, 386 ; Webb’s
Sensation, 440 ; ;in the open
air, 457

Tomato house, constructing a,
202

Trees and shrubs— damage to,
9,52

Trees— planting, 101 ; nailing on
walls, 128 ; measurement,
150; grafting, 162; on walls,
disbudding and stopping, 471 ;
at Whittinghame, 482
Trellis plants, 539
Trichnocantrum alba-purpu-
reum, 27
Trichopilias,353
Tuberose, culture, 59
Tulip Society, Royal, 469
Tulip— the Florist, 40, 149 ; Mr.
Barlow’s species of, 433 ; at
Haarlem, 440 ; Mr. Polmaa
Mooy’s lecture on, 514, 528
Turner memorial prizes, 30
Turnips, culture of, 287
Tydaeas, 200

USTIL1GO ON FIGS AND
Dates, 219

VAIR, DEATH OF MR. JAMES,
170

Valeriana officinalis, 434

Valves in pipes, 222

Vanda teres, varieties of, 134;
Sauderiana, 134

Van Geert, death of Madame,
512

Vegetables— prizes for, 29 ; good
of 1886, 42. 126, 146 ; Sutton’s
work on, 289

Vegetable Marrows, culture of,
277

Veitch memorial prizes, 30

Veratrum album, 421

Victoria regia at Chats worth,
12 ; in the open air, 27

Vine borders— manure for a, 79 ;
outside, 434 ; Clay’s fertiliser
for, 474 ; 526

Vine leaves, warts on, 365
Vine rods, depressing, 122
Vinery, seasonable notes in, 348
Vines— dressing, 22,497 ; forcing,
19, 55, 98, 140, 159, 199, 239, 297,
362 ; pruning and top-dress¬
ing, 27 ; grafting, 59 ; prema¬
turely destroyed, 59 ; shoots
fasciated, 58, 886 ; for a cool
house, 79 ; mealy bug on, 142,
162 ; and Ferns, 154 ; planting
with Roses, 163; grafting and
inarching, 162 ; out of doors,
178, 471 ; not breaking, water¬
ing, 280; breaking irregularly,
301 ; dying, 301 ; insects at¬
tacking, 316 ; leaves scorched,
387,430 ; unorthodox pruning,
389 ; jottings, 413 ; the largest,
490 ; mildew on, 539 ; barren
flowers on, 534
Violas and Pansies, 430
Violets — in winter, 127. 169 ;
Lady Eslington, 237 ; Wellsi-
ana, 289 ; Mrs. Rawson, 350 ;
single and double, 386

WAKEFIELD PAXTON So¬
ciety, 89, 250, 490
Wall covers, glazed, 196
Wales, mildness of climate in
north, 332

Warwick Castle, 174
Watercress culture, 425
Water, warm, for plants and
flowers, 368
Watertight ashpits, 69
Weather— the, 30; in South and
West Perthshire, 52 ; at Hod-
sock Priory, 53 ; land and
crops, 205, 211 ; severe, 234 ;
in the north— effects on vege¬
tables, 269 ; in Notts, 533
West, death of Mr. J.F., 89
Wilder, death of Marshall P., 73
Wilts Horticultural Society,
meeting of, 152
Wire worms, destroying, 518
Wirral Rose Show, 89
Wisdom, the beginning of, 81
Worsley Hall Gardens, 416

YEAR, THE NEW, 1
York Florists, Aucient Society
of, 72, 96

York Gala— prizes at the, 109
505

Zygopetalum Veitchi, 232

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 28, 1887.

WOODCUTS.

PAGE

Achimenes, a basket of . 113

jEaidium qnadrifidum . 408

Aeride3 Fieldingi .. . . 149

Alyssum Wierzbickii . 157

Anemone fungus . 408

Anthurium Yeitohii, large specimen of . 357

Azaleas, hardy hybrid . 467

Balmoral Castle . 51S

Bignonia vennsta . 209

Boronia heterophylla . 335

Buckingham Palace Gardens . 507

Burchellia capensis . 401

Camellias, inarching . 223

Cattleya bioolor . 177

Chatsworth, Victoria reg'a at . 13

Chiswick House . 329

Chrysanthemum — Madlle. E ise Dordan . . . , 87

Cypripedium Boissierianum . 01

„ callosum . 7

„ Oambridgeanum . 877

„ Erneslianum . 377

„ hirsutissimum . '93

„ Morganianum . 233

Citrus Limetta . 425

Cce’.ogyne ooeUala maxima (corymbo33) . 273

PAGE

Currant bud mite . 391

Dendrobium crassinodo War Jianun . 313

Draining implements . 128

Erica vertioillata . 51

Fire bars, hollowed . 295

Frogmora House, Windsor . 609

Gladiolus flowers, shade for . 26

Gomphia decora . 16

Grape, Alnwick Seedling . 137

Illiciom fl iridanum . 481

Insecticide distributor . 4S1

Lselia ancep3 virginalis . 42

Leptospermum bullatum . 485

Lime, The . 425

Mignonette, Cannell’s Perfeation . 351

Mushrooms in bores . 65

Narcissus calithinas . 371

„ cyclamineu3 . 237

„ pseudo-Narcissus minimus . 195

Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatiad* . 421

Newcombe House, Crediton . 31

Nicotyl vapouriser . 471

Odontoglossum Cervantesi decorum . 107

„ Edwardi . 415

Oaosma taurioa . 527

PAGE

Orchid house, Mr. B. S. Williams’ . 399

Ornithogalum arabioum . . 275

Pear, Marie Louise, at Elvaston Castle . 253

Phaius tuberoulosus var. superbus . 215

Phalienopsis Harriett, t . 531

Phylloxera vastatrix . 30<t

Pine Apple, Charlotte Bothschild . 49

Ranunculus cortuetefolias . 437

Rose, The Puritan . 443

Roses, grafliog . 227

„ in pots, pruning . 860

„ layering . 265

„ pruning . 168, 186, 187, 212

„ stocks, budding . 215,803,807

Sabal Blackburniana at Chatsworth . . . . . . 71

Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana . 188

Spirseu confusa . 484

Thanatophore, The . 74, 95

Trichocentrum albo-purpureum . 27

Vanda teres var. Auro a . 135

Victoria Regia at Chatsworth . IS

Vines and Ferns at Chilwell . 155

Wall oover, glazed . 197

Warwick Castle . 175

Windsor Castle, the Terrace Gardens . £05

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1

COMING EVENTS

6

Th

7

F

8

S

Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

9

SUN

1st Sunday after Epiphany.

10

M

11

Tu

Royal Hort. Society, Frnit and Floral Committees at 11 A.M.

12

W

National Chrysanthemum Society’s Winter Show at Westminster.

THE NEW YEAR.

HE Old Year has gone for ever, and has been
in many respects eventful. Some of the horti¬
cultural events and products will be recorded
as time rolls on, for a good deal that is worthy
of recapitulation has been accomplished in
1 886. The year on which we have now entered
will be memorable above all others of which
we have record — the Jubilee of the vene¬
rated Sovereign of this realm and its world-wide depen¬
dencies. The first Victoria of Great Britain is the only
Queen who has reigned so long in this, if in any other
country. It will be a year of public and private rejoicing,
hut many there will be who cannot share in the joyousness
that will flow in commemoration of the great and grati¬
fying historical event. The past year has not been a bright
and prosperous one to all, and many a dark shadow will
he cast over the future ; but better times we shall hope
will come with brighter days, and it will be a gladsome
circumstance if the past year shall have been the last of
a series in which trade and commerce have been abnor¬
mally inactive, and if the year of rejoicing shall inaugurate
an epoch of national prosperity.

Whatever the contributing causes, and there are many,
there have been ebbs and flows in national as in individual
lite through all past times. Every stroke has its rebound.
Periods of brisk trade and great commercial activity lead
to inflation and over-production ; and this in turn to slack¬
ness that culminates in stagnation for the time being,
entailing loss to capitalists, and privations to many who
live by their labour. There would appear to be a disposi¬
tion on the part of many persons, if not the majority,
to regard the last cloud that passes over as the darkest
that has overshadowed a nation. Admitting the difficul¬
ties of the day in regard to trade, commerce, and especi¬
ally the great agricultural industry, it must be also
admitted that they do not exist in this country alone, but
they are as acute in other lands as in our own. The
overstocking of the markets of the world has been general,
and overstocking always did and always will lead to
a depreciation in the value of produce of whatever kind
it may be ; and necessarily also in the value of the labour
employed in that production. If the supply of anything
is in excess of the demand there is an inevitable decrease
in value. No legislative enactment can supersede that
great natural law. No matter whether the produce of
the soil is in question, manufactured articles, or the com¬
modity of labour, all are influenced. If there are two
masters competing for one man, the man’s services are
enhanced in value, and the wage rate increases ; but if, on
the contrary, there are two or more men competing for
No. 341. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

the employment of one master, the value of their labour
decreases and wages must come down. No combination
can avert this. “ Nothing ” once observed a great states¬
man, “is so certain to occur as the unexpected.” It
was a trite remark ; for nothing is more certain than
the inevitable, and that has often been the reverse of what
was contemplated by well-intentioned but ill-informed
and misguided people.

We are, if ever we were, face to face with the fact
that, however unpalatable to a large and most respectable
class of the community, cannot be ignored— namely, that
there are not now two masters competing for the services
of one gardener. No matter the reason of this ; we record
the fact m the best interests of both employers and em¬
ployed. To those gardeners we will say, what we have
intimated before, Do not hunger after a change because
you see some of your brethren are more fortunate than
you. Many of the best of them to our knowledge were
once in positions the reverse of enviable, but by doing
the be^t in those positions, striving honestly and earnestly
to develope the utmost of the moderate resources, and
“holding on,” the time came when a vacancy occurred,
and they had won in the meantime a character for
ability, industry, and steady resolve in the path of duty
that gave them a commanding advantage over their less
patient and non-fickle rivals for the coveted position.

We know many gardeners at this moment qualified
both by experience in the vocation and educational attain¬
ments to fill with certain credit to themselves and the
craft to which they belong positions better than they now
occupy ; but what avails all this if there are no vacancies
representing the ideal of their aspirations ? Let all such
men stand firm where on anything like solid ground at
present, even if it be more or less rugged ; and until they
can see their way clearly to step on a still firmer founda¬
tion with certainty we counsel them to pause before
throwing themselves on the great world of chance, which
has proved the ruin of many reputations. We would
impress this truth on all gardeners at present established
in large or small responsibilities that are not exactly what
are desired, that for every vacancy afforded, no matter of
what nature it may be, we can point to men, thoroughly
good, trustworthy, experienced, and respectable men,
ready and even anxious to fill it ; and we are painfully
conscious of the inability of some of the most thorough
and industrious of gardeners to find opportunities for the
exercise of their qualifications. They are longing for a
field for their labours, and would rejoice in stepping into
a breach created by a fellow worker who is not, and
perhaps not without reason, quite satisfied with his
present engagement. In any contemplated changes
during the early spring of 1887 we desire that the real
facts of the situation be comprehended by all who live by
their labour in the career of gardening.

We have something to say, too, to employers of
gardeners, and conceive there can be no more appropriate
time for saying it than at the commencement of a new
year. It is this. Do not over-estimate the quality of
“ cheapness,” nor hastily part with a man of proved com¬
petency with the object of saving £5 or illO a year.
Mistakes have been made in this respect, and we know of
some that are serious. We know of valuable plants
spoiled, Vines ruined, and fruit trees jeopardised through
a change that was hoped to be economical, but which has
proved mos costly. We could tell of men rejected a
year or two ago — men of wide experience and proved

No. 1997. — Vol. LXXVL, Old Series. .

2

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE -AND UOTTACE - GARDENER.

— - [ January 6, 1887.

competency — in favour of others whose services were
obtained at a few shillings a week less, and who have
failed by undertaking charges beyond their capacity, and
the men at first rejected are now gladly taken in their
stead to put as soon as they can things that have gone
wrong right once again. We are recording stern facts
which may possibly be suggestive in averting further evils
on the ground of mere “ cheapness.” Nothing is cheap
that is inferior, and the man or the article that can be
had at a small outlay is often, if not always, the most
costly in the end.

Let it not he surmised that all young gardeners are
necessarily inferior to the old. The exact reverse is the
case in many comparisons. Competency is not altogether
a question of age. Some of the greatest feats in history
have been accomplished by men young in years, but notin
experience. Facilities and antecedents are factors that
cannot be overlooked, and assurance being had on these
points the energy, zeal, and ambition to win a reputation
have not unfrequently overborne all obstacles ; but there
must be sound knowledge founded on experience, and men
who have proved by their works have claims to considera¬
tion that cannot be lightly set aside without the possibility
of a mistake occurring.

It has been said that there is a disposition to regard
the last cloud as the darkest, and it is certain that many
persons are firm in the conviction that “times” were
never so bad as now. They forget the past, if they ever
knew it Lower wages, greater general privation, and far
less business was transacted in the industry of horticul¬
ture some years ago than obtain at present, and recovery
came then, as it will come now. Every obstacle is pro¬
claimed in these days of publicity that once remained
obscure ; and difficulties are occasionally, if not habitually,
magnified that were borne in comparative silence. More
of the patient plodding of past days seems to be want of
the times. It is gratifying to observe that gardeners as a
body are alive to the importance of self-improvement, for
they stand almost alone in their efforts to attain com¬
petency-through the mutual help that is afforded in the
increasing societies that have for their sole object the
making of better men and more profitable servants. That
should be the aim of all in whatever calling they may be
engaged, and this united action will sooner or later result
in general improvement. There are not wanting signs of
recovery in trade, and notably in agriculture, and there
is good hope that the year on which we are now entering
will mark the commencement of an era of better times
for all.

HORTICULTURE IN 188G.

An me ! how the years roll on ; and surely they roll quicker as
we ourselves are nearing the end of our journey. Is it not because we
know that there cannot be many more ? Time was when we looked
on and thought how many there were perhaps yet to come ; now we
look forward knowing that there cannot be many. Happy they who
can look back with thankfulness and look forward without fear. But
I must not mount the pulpit stairs, but just from my potting bench
take a run over the past year so far as it affects horticulture. It has
hard lybeen an eventfu1 year, although good work has been done.

• c.,01!? wntes of horticulture in England the natural feeling
is nrst of all to revert to the Royal Horticultural Society, the sun
and centre of the art in England. Alas ! the sun is und^r eclipse
and the cent-e_ somewhat difficult to find. There is this difficu’tv in
writing about it, that if anyone finds fault it is considered that it must
be done in a spirit of opposition, and that one must be actuated by
he spirit of “ envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness-” but
surely this is very childish. Then if alterations or improvements are
suggested it is at once said, “ But there is the Charter.” I am sure
all horticulturists are grateful to the present Council for undertaking
the management of a Society whose position is so humiliating and so

unworthy of that which it ought to occupy as the representative of
English horticulture. For a long time its position has been very
hard to define, and still more hard for its responsible advisers to
endure, and yet they have not lest heart ; and not even Mark Tapley
himself could have shown a more serene front in the face of diffi¬
culties than they have. The manner, too, in which the horticulturists
of the kingdom took up, and still, notwithstanding all, repose
confidence in it, has been shown by the Conferences which it has of
late years held — the Apple and Pear Congresses at Chiswick and the
Daffodil and Primula Conferences at South Kensington go far to
show this ; and that of the latter flower held during the past year
was in no point less interesting than its predecessors. It was unfor¬
tunate that the year was unfavourable for the flower on which the
Conference was engrafted — the Auricula, but withal no one will
regret that they had the opportunity of seeing so many and such
beautiful species and varieties of this charming spring flower.
Nothing could perhaps better show this confidence than the contrast
exhibited by the Tercentenary of the Potato held at the Aquarium.
I heard one of those who lectured there, one well known and greatly
valued in the horticultural world, say he had before him when he
lectured 200 chairs, a reporter, and a personal friend 1 I venture to
say had it been held at South Kensington, and managed by Mr.
Barron, the case would have been very different. The fortnightly
meetings have continued to be a great enjoyment to horticulturists,
and a great means of bringing them together and affording the
opportunity of bringing new and interesting plants before the public.
The future, both of the Society and the South Kensington Gardens
themselves, seems involved in impenetrable darkness. Whether the
scheme for making the upper part, with the Albert Hall, a place of
amusement, connecting the Royal with it, and the building of the
new Imperial Institute in the lower part of the grounds will be
effected, or what may be its future none seems to know. One great
evil connected with this inactivity is that those Societies, the National
Rose, the Primula and Auricula, Carnation and Picotee Societies,
which have made it their home, are unable to fix their arrangements.
The sister Society, the Royal Botanic, has held on its usual course
of usefulness and popularity. Its meetings has been well attended,
and a fairly successful financial year been completed. I may also
be permitted to notice the very successful season that the Horti¬
cultural Club has had. A series of papers has been read at its
meetings, which have appeared in the leading horticultural papers,
and some of which have elicited a good deal of correspondence,
resulting in much valuable information being given.

I do not think that horticulture gained a great deal by the
magnificent Indian and Colonial Exhibition ; the plants seen there
were pretty well known, and I think that the most interesting point
connected with it was the very successful manner in which the New
Zealand and Australian Ferns, especially the Todara, were managed
by Mr. Ban-on. We must not omit the Shows at the Crystal Palace,
which have been carried out in the usual extensive scale which
characterises that Institution. Both the Rose Show and the Autumn
Flower and Fruit Show were veiy successful. The exhibition of the
National Chrysanthemum Society, held at the Aquarium, showed how
widely extended the culture of this most valuable winter flower has
become, and we of the National Rose Society must feel not a little
gratified that a good deal of the success has arisen from the fact that
they have gone upon its lines.

The most remarkable of the provincial exhibitions held during the
year was that of the Royal Horticultural Society at Liverpool,
remarkable for its extent and for its utter financial failure. There
are some of us who know Liverpool who anticipated nothing less ; it
showed, too, very unmistakeably that it is a great error to suppose
that another attraction at the same time enhances the probability of
success. It is quite the reverse ; people who went through the
Industrial Exhibition felt very little inclination to go to the Horti¬
cultural Show, and the fact of its being held during the election week
was most unfavourable. Manchester as usual was carried out with
great spirit and with a fair amount of success, despite of unfavourable
weather. Other societies seem to have done fairly well, and the Rose
societies especially were favoured in every instance with fine weather,
and one comes to the conclusion that, notwithstanding the depression
and the almost complete absorption of public interest in political
matters, the progress of horticulture is unmistakeable. We have long
been at the head of all sections in our devotion to the fascinating
pursuit, and there are no signs of our lagging behind, but every year
indicates advance. The world is ransacked to supply the eager
desire for novelty, and in no flower has this been exhibited so
strongly as in Orchids New growers are starting up on all sides,
and the high prices obtained for really valuable specimens show
how general the taste has become ; while the immense im¬
portation of the commoner kinds has reduced their prices
to a sura which I should hardly think can pay the cost of importa¬
tion. _ The same may be said of Lilies. How can it pay to import

January 6, 1887. ]

3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Lilium auratum when they can be bought (really good bulbs) at
sales for about £1 a 100, and at some times even less? And my
memory goes back to 1861, when the late Mr. Rucker carried off in
triumph the first that had bloomed in England for fifteen guineas !
Neither in plants nor floribts’ flowers has there been anything very
remarkable. In Orchids many beautiful plants have been intro¬
duced, but nothing so startling as was the case a few years ago.
The same may be said of florists’ flowers. There have been new
Dahlias, new Carnations and Picotees, new Gladioli, but there has
been no marked improvement or any new departure. Chrysanthe¬
mums have become an utter mass of confusion. One French grower
announces 100 new ones, and the intensely disinterested desire to
satisfy our love for novelty is even more manifested with regard to
that flower than with the Rose. It will no doubt itself prove the
remedy, for the utter hopelessness of trying to grow these will lead
amateurs to grow none and let the nurserymen try them and select
the best.

In what may be called horticultural literature there has not been
such marked changes as in some former years. The weekly journals,
catering to every grade of horticulturists, and supplying valuable
information, have completely shut up the monthly publications. The
“ Botanical Magazine ” still holds on its course, and is now a cen¬
tenarian ; but then it appertains to horticulture only in a
secondary sense. It is a severely scientific journal, although often
horticulturists revert to its pages.

The roll-call has not elicited so many fallings out as in
former years. Some, indeed, have left us ; one, to whom it is
impossible to refer without recalling times long past, when he was
more actively engaged in horticulture than of late years — I mean the
doyen of horticultural literature, the late Mr. G. W. Johnson, the
originator of that which was once the Cottage Gardener and is now
“ the Journal.'’ So much has been so well said about him that there
is no necessity for me to say more. Then our valued friend,
“ C. P. P.,” has been called away, but he, too, had a long time pre¬
vious ceased to take an active part in that which at one time he so
thoroughly entered into. Then an excellent gardener in Mr. Stevens
of Trentham is no longer with us. Others also less known will be
missed in many horticultural circles, but the year has not brought
such serious losses as the two preceding ones.

And now we are commencing a year which in some senses will
be the most remarkable one of this century — the Jubilee Year of our
well-beloved Queen. It is true that it has already witnessed a Royal
Jubilee, but how different this to that of her poor old grandfather,
worn out in mind and body, and incapable of fulfilling the duties of
a Sovereign ; while she, fulfilling them as no other Sovereign of
England has ever done, and enthroned not only on the firm throne of
a united Empire, but also in the hearts of her subjects, is looked up
to all through her Empire as the pattern of all that is good ! What
will be its effect on our delightful hobby we know not. There are
clouds over us as there are over our statesmen and legislators ; but
let us hope that these clouds may be dispersed, and that wre may
have a prosperous year ; and while thus looking back, as I have done,
I would make use of my opportunity as the oldest contributor to the
Journal of wishing it and all its readers

A Very Happy and Bright New Year.

— D., Deal.

DEATH OF MR. THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S.

We have to record this week the death of one who has held a prominent
place in the horticulture, and especially the botanical horticulture, of
this country for many years past. Mr. Thomas Moore breathed his last
on the morning of the 1st inst. at the Botanic Garden, Chelsea, where he
had occupied the place of Curator for the long period of thirty-nine
years, respected by all who knew him and admired for his work’s sake by
those who had not the privilege of his personal acquaintance. For some
time past Mr. Moore has been obliged to withdraw himself from the active
part he was wont to take in horticultural work. Notably his previous
regular appearances at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society
had been discontinued in consequence of painful attacks of rheumatism
from which he suffered. It was to these long-continued attacks, combined
with dysentery, from which he has suffered for the last two years, that he
eventually succumbed. His recent withdrawal from public life will cause
his absence to be less remarked than it otherwise would have been if he
had died in the full flush of his active life, for there was a period of
nearly forty years during which he was identified as a steady supporter of
every good horticultural work, and which greatly profited by his cool,
persistent, buBiness-like help and advice. Mr. Moore was a worthy in a
series of worthies who adorned the old Physic Garden of Chelsea. The
successor of Fortune, Anderson, Forsyth, and Philip Miller, he maintained
to the last the fame of the garden, and that of his distinguished pre¬
decessors.

Mr. T. Moore was born on May 29th, 1821, at Stoke-mext-Guildford,
Surrey, and commenced hisgardemng career early in life, one of- his first

engagements being in Mr. Dickinson’s nursery at Guildford, where he was
occupied for three or four years. He next went to Mr. Fraser’s nursery,
Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, in 1839, and then to Park Hill, Streatham. as
under gardener. Two years later he was engaged as clerk to Mr. Mar-
nock at the Royal Botanic Society’s Garden, and in 1845 Mr. Marnock,
having been appointed editor of “ The United Gardeners’ and Land
Stewards’ Journal,” secured Mr. Moore as sub-editor. In 1848 he suc¬
ceeded Mr. Fortune as Curator of the Chelsea Botanic Garden, which
office he has held ever since — namely, for a period of nearly forty years.

Mr. Moore has been connected with the Royal Botanic Society for a
considerable time, having acted as judge at most of their shows, and he
was elected an Associate some years since. He was appointed a member
of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Fruit Committee in 1858, and in the
following year the Floral C .mmittee was founded upon the National
Florieultural Society, and Mr. Moore was selected as Secretary, la 1806
he, with Dr. R. Hogg and the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, was appointed Director
of the Chiswick Garden. In that year also he was Exhibition Secretary
of the Great International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Con¬
gress held in London. Besides acting as judge at many important shows
Mr. Moore was Secretary to the Committee formed for instituting the
Yeitch Memorial, and subsequently became one of the trustees of the fund.
He was also Trustee to the Bindley Library, Chairman of the National
Auricula and Carnation Societies, and Secretary to the National Dahlia
Shows successfully held at the Crystal Palace during the past few years.

Numerous works issued from hi» pen, some of the principal being the
fallowing : — “ Cultivation of the Cucumber and Melon,” 1844 ; “ Hand¬
book of British Ferns,” 1848 ; “ Ferns and Allied Plants,” 1851 ; “ Ferns
of Great Britain and Ireland” [Nature Printed), 1856, and in two vols.,
1859; “Illustrations of Orchidace ius Plants,” 1857; “ Field B itanist’s
Companion,” 1802; “ Elements of Botany,” 1865; joint editor of “Gar¬
deners’ Magazine of Botany,” 1850 — 2 ; editor of “ The Floral Magazine,”
1861 ; and editor of the “ Treasury of B dany,” 1866. A new edition of
“ Thompson’s Gardeners’ Assistant ” appeared in 1878, which was edited
by Mr. Moore, and an article contributed by him to the “ Encyclopaedia
Britannica” in 1880 was in the following year reprintei in an enlarged
form as an “Epitome of Gardening.” In 1862 he was associated with
Dr. Robert Hogg in the editorship of the “ Floiist and Pomologist,” of
which he subsequently became the proprietor, and that periodical termi¬
nated its career in 1885. He became joint editor of the Gardeners’
Chronicle in 1806, and shortly after his retirement from that office in 1881
he was presented with a testimonial consisting of a silver salver and purse
of 300 guineas. Mr. B. S, Williams commenced the issue of his “ Orchid
Album ” in 1882, and has been assisted by Mr. T. Moore and Mr. R.
Warner in the editorship of the work, the botanical descriptions being
contributed by the former of the two named. Mr. Moore also assisted in the
preparation of the sixth edition of Williams’ “ Orchid Grower’s Manual,”
published in 1885 — this being the most recent complete work in which he
was concerned.

ONIONS AND THEIR CULTURE.

In all ages the Onion has been a favourite, and deservedly so,,
for it is one of the most wholesome and nutritious vegetables we
possess. Its merits are evidently well known and appreciated by
all classes, as there are few gardens in this country where it is not
grown. In the nobleman’s garden we find large breaks of the very
best soil in the garden devoted to its culture ; while the cottar,
with equal care and attention, reserves the most favoured part of
his little plot for it. Much has been written of late regarding the
Onion, the advisability of farmers applying themselves to Onion¬
growing receiving a share of attent:on ; also the shape of the bulbs,
which most judges consider the standard of excellence at the pre¬
sent time — namely, flat, or Pancakes, as some call them. On this
latter head I think the remarks of your correspondent, “ Thinker,”
page 513, Journal of Horticulture , 9th December, are very signifi¬
cant. I fully endorse his view of the case, considering it but a
waste of space to grow these flat bulbs when we have other varie¬
ties equal in every respect, and bringing in about a third more
weight for the same space occupied. I have given particular atten¬
tion to the cultivation of the Onion for years, and after careful
selection of bulbs and crossing the most reliable sorts in cultivation,
I have been fortunate in securing a very superior shaped bulb of
exceptional merit, and which is now almost entirely grown in the
gardens here. It is a strong robust grower, the bulbs swelling to
a great size. I have had six which weighed over a stone of 14 lbs
It is firm in substance, and an excellent keeper. It has been exh
bited by me at most of the principal shows of recent years, an
has invariably carried off first honours. With this variety I would
have no difficulty in tabling hundreds of bulbs in the month of
September equal to any that are imported into this country. When
such can be done in a district of Scotland, which, though compara¬
tively mild, is notonous for its wet and sunless summers, what
might we expect from the most favoured parts of England ? I
think when the cultivation of this and many other vegetables is
better understood and receives the attention it deserves., we shall
find less of our capital leaving this country to the pockets of the
foreigner. I think we have ourselves to blame for much of the

4

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ J. nuary 6, 1887.

foreign competition which is pinching us so severely. Our syste¬
matic neglect of some of the richest land of the country, coupled
with what seems a hereditary feeling of sticking to the old orthodox
lines and growing the same crops just because our forefathers grew
them, is fast injuring the British agriculturist. A new departure
will have to be made, and in this departure I believe the Onion will
play an important part. There are hundreds of acres in this
country capable of producing as good Onions as any that are im¬
ported. A few remarks on the mode of culture that we practise
here might be of interest to some of the readers of the Journal.

The ground intended for the Onion crop receives a good dressing
of farm manure in autumn before we throw it up into ridges two
spits deep, as our soil inclines to be heavy. I much prefer the
ridging to trenching, as more surface is exposed to the frost, also in
spring the ridges have the advantage, for in some wet seasons the
main crop can be sown weeks earlier than if the ground had been
left with a level surface, as it generally is after trenching. After
the middle of February we never let a chance pass to get in the
main crop ; but before we have the ground dry enough to allow the
ridges to be thoroughly broken up fine with steel forks, it is often
the middle of March. Taking advantage of a dry morning we give
the ridges a good dressing of soot, a'so a sprinkling of Thomson’s
Vine and plant manure, which appears to suit the crop well, both
being thoroughly mixed with the soil as the forking of the ridges
proceeds. After the break is levelled the surface can still be made
finer with rakes, to secure a smooth, shallow drill for the reception
of the seed, and if one follows the sower with some fine soil saved
from old potting material, and covers the seed slightly, that is all
the covering necessary. If the ground be dry enough to allow a
light roller to be used it makes a capital finish. No other attention
is required till the young plants appear above ground. When they
are in this stage they are much benefited by giving them another
dusting of soot, and stirring the surface soil with either hoe or rake.

I quite agree with Mr. Ward of Longford Castle, in advocating
the use of soot to check the maggot, an enemy that is very injurious
to the Onion crop in some soils, and particularly in some seasons
after having a cold spring. To guard against such seasons we always
sow seed in a few boxes for transplanting, treating the young plants
like early Leeks. I have found this to answer well, the crop keeping
more healthy and less liable to disease than when sown in the ordi¬
nary way. Also the bulbs ripen earlier and keep quite sound till
the autumn-sown Onions are fit for using in spring. — David
Murray, Culzean Gardens, Maybole.

READING AND WRITING.

Few persons in (he humbler ranks of life have better opportunities for
improving their minds by reading than young men engaged in gardening,
especially those who are located in bothies. The majority of these young
men are not slow to take advantage of the quietude incidental to these
places to indulge freely in reading ; but the question arises whether it is
carried out with a view to intellectual improvement or mere amusement.
Ji for the latter purpose only it is cf little value from an educational
point of view, because the mind is not thereby framed to receive impres¬
sions of ideas and objects, and convert the same into useful knowledge.

To derive the greatest amount of good from reading books,
magazines, and newspapers a course of prccidure should be mapped out
and rigidly adhered to, with a resolve to read not merely for pleasure
alone, but also for instruction. Literature of the highest class only, and
tbere is plenty of such available at reasonable rates at the present time,
°f t0 rea<^ Preference to that of a trashy description. In that
°f the former, whether of science, art, poetry, or prose, the studious
perusal of it will educate and lift the mind up to a higher level, create a
broader and deeper sympathy with all good objects affecting the welfare
ot mankind. There will be no great difficulty in attaining this end if
the mind is thoroughly made up to read both for instruction and pleasure.
A man thus determined can educate himself in those arts, sciences, and
accomplishments that will be of advantage to him throughout life.

There are those who, unfortunately for themselves, do not believe in

teai;“1Qo power and value of book", and therefore strive to discourage
others from taking an interest in the subject. This is a great mistake,
entirely due to want of knowledge. The mind cannot be too fully en¬
riched with the stores of valuable information gleaned by a judicious
perusal c f high-class works. As in searching the earth for gold and silver

and other minerals, the greater the diligence bestowed the more success¬
ful will the finding of the treasure ultimately be, so will the car.ful
reading and analysis of each sen‘ence yield priceless gems of knowledge
which would never be obtained by a careless reader. Pursue this impor¬
tant object, then, throughout life, remembering that the fact of your
doing so not only improves your mind and your social position, but also
ruses you to a higher level of respect in the eyes of your fellow man.

Turning to writing, we may say that unless a man is, or has been a
great reader, he cannot become an intelligent and successful writer. The
two subjects are so inseparably connected in their common relations to
each other that it is impossible to discuss the one w tbout the other. It

has been said with great truth by a distinguished man that conversation
makes a ready man ; reading a full man ; and writing an exact man.
Those who write for the Press frequently derive great benefit from doing
so, owing to the fact that when engaged in teaching others they are
teaching themselves. This proves at once the great value of acquiring a
faculty for writing as well as reading. It must not be done merely for
the sake cf it, but for a higher purpose — the imparting of useful know¬
ledge to those in need of it. To do this successfully, whatever ideas are
intended to be conveyed must be clothed in as simple a language as
possible. As a valued friend once pointed out to us — “ It is to the plain
and homely Sixon character of the language used by John Bright and Mr.
Spurgeon that their effectiveness and popularity are mainly due ” — and so
it is and will be in the case of writers on gardening, who embody abundance
of useful information in simple language.

Editors are resolute yet generous men, and though they appreciate
copy containing well-rounded periods, with gracefully and elegantly woven
sentences, they accord a welcome to brief mitter, every sentence of which
is pregnant with some useful fact or hiot. Mere word-spinning should
never be attempted ; rather communicate what you have to say in
a few brief lines, and have the pleasure of being respected alike by Editor
and reader'.

To young men who are ambitious to appear in print a word of advice
may be useful. In the first place, avoid plagiarism as you would a
reptile, for depend upon it if you become too intimate therewith you will
always feel its never to be forgotten sting. It is an unpardonable act.
Do not attempt to write lengthy articles at first, but commence in a
smalt way and you will gradually gain confidence and strength. Write
on subjects that you are well acquainted with only, giving preference to
practical ones.

In summing up the advantages of these essential subjects to young
gardeners, it will appear clearly to most of them that the reading, of high
class literature with a view to their educational improvement will prove
more valuable to them ; and further, this fact should be well home in
mind, that no amount of casual loading will elevate the mind of those who
practise it. Nothing less than a resolve to grasp and fix the meaning of
whatever you read will succeed. Bear in mind, too, that next in impor¬
tance to the latter is the subject of writing. If you wish to be a good
writer cultivate latent talent by contributing brief notes from time to
time, or preparing short essays by way of practice. Store your mind full
of useful knowledge by taking observation of places, persons, and things,
and then, with a well-trained and ordered memory, you will at some time
be fully prepared to 1 unch out in the world of letters. Everyone should
have some o ject in view, some ideal to attain, which will eventually be
reached by patient plodd ng perseverance and a determination to succeed.
— A Young Head Gardener.

STRAWBERRIES — NEW AND OLD VARIETIES.

During the last five or six years we have grown a great many
varieties of Strawberries both old and new. Each year we have
made a selection and retained only those which have proved most
satisfactory in their respective seasons. Few, if any, of the newer
varieties have come up to our old standard varieties, hence we have
only retained the very best for future trial and experiment. The
cultivation of this fruit has been so often written upon that I shall
only state a few important points that we have found beneficial.
In light sandy soils the ground can hardly be made too solid where
the plants are to grow. A good dressing of rich decayed cowdung
should always be used for such soils. Here our soil is a strong
loam resting on clay, so that we never require to make it so firm
for planting, as it always has a tendency to get firm with rains.
We use mostly horse manure, with occasionally a good dressing of
lime rubbish round the plants placed close under the leaves. This
we find an excellent dressing for heavy tenacious soils. Our plan¬
tations continue in good condition for three and even four years,
but on light sandy soils the beds and plants should be renewed
every alternate season. We allow ample room between the plants.
Our plantations are mostly 3 feet apart from row to row, and strong¬
growing varieties 2 feet apart in the rows ; others 18 inches in the
rows. This we find much better than having them too close
together, especially in damp seasons.

Among the older varieties, we grow the following in quantities,
viz., Yicomtesse Hericart de Thury, also grown under the name of
Garibaldi. This is of French origin, and has been extensively
cultivated for years. It is a good grower, with strong healthy
foliage, very early, abundant bearer ; fruit moderate sized, bright
red colour, of excellent flavour. Keens’ Seedling, early, and when
kept true is still one of the very best. Comte de Paris is con¬
sidered an improved variety of this. Lucas is a splendid variety
of excellent flavour. Sir Joseph Paxton, good for main crop,
travels well, good grower, of excellent flavour and appearance. Sir
Charles Napier, a very excellent sort, well known, and highly
esteemed by many growers for market. British Queen, rather un¬
certain and tender, but the best flavoured sort grown. Dr. Hogg
and Mr. Radclyffe are both hardy, of the same flavour, and often
flourish where British Queen is a failure. Elton Pine and Oxonian

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

5

are good for late supply. There are many others, excellent and
well worth growing where variety is required.

I will now name some of the newer varieties ; the descriptions
are in some cases the raisers’ — that is, when they have not been suffi¬
ciently tested here to warrant me in giving an opinion on their
merits : — Duchess of Edinburgh (Brown), large flattish fruit, of
high colour, and excellent flavour. Pauline (Paul), certificated as
an early variety. A. F. Barron (Laxton), a cross between Sir
Charles Napier and Sir Joseph Paxton, an extraordinary prolific
variety, bright in colour, and of fine quality. King of the Earlies
(Laxton), earlier and better here than Black Prince, of much the
same style of growth and fruit. Captain, said to be very good.
Commander, a very heavy cropper. Noble, large fruit, bright
scarlet fruit, appears to be a great bearer. Waterloo (Yeitch),
fruit large Cockscomb, very dark in colour, and of excellent
quality, distinct. Hammonia, fruit large and handsome, glossy
orange red, flesh solid, sweet, and luscious, bears travelling well,
late. Le Roi Henry (Paul & Sons), a perpetual bearer, small.
Belle du Midi (Turner), large globular fruit, strong grower, and
heavy cropper. Her Majesty, fruit large, handsome, and well
flavoured. President Delacour, a fine strong grower, one of the
best, fruit large heart-shaped, colour bright orange and scarlet,
flavour excellent. Crown Prince, lan excellent sort, colour bright
scarlet, firm, and travels well ; rather uncertain unless on young
healthy plants. Bothwell Bank Seedling is one of the best
hardy varieties, being a good grower and bearer, of excellent flavour
and appearance, forces well.

I am aware of many others not named here which are wel
worth growing ; at the same time few of the newer varieties are
equal to those which have been in cultivation for years, and until a
really good one has been proved suitable for the soil and situation
it is best policy to depend on our good old friends, such as Keens’
Seedling, Vicomtesse, &c., &c. One reason for disappointment in
new varieties is that when shown and first brought under notice,
they have been grown in rich soil with great care, and when sub¬
ject to ordinary cultivation they are disappointing, and some
varieties will grow and flourish when others are a complete failure.
My idea of new fruits is this, plant and treat them the same as old-
established kinds, and if they prove superior then you are warranted
in extending the crop of the variety under notice. It is a wrong
idea to grow new varieties under special conditions. Let anyone
try this with Keens’ Seedling or Sir Joseph Paxton, &c., get fine
healthy runners, plant them in rich soil, and in fact cultivate them
with great care and attention, and they will be surprised at the
improvement produced.

New varieties that will stand the test of producing finer fruit
than any of our old varieties, when treated alike in every respect,
are well worth extending, otherwise the sooner they are consigned
to the rubbish heap, as I have done with some scores of varieties, the
better it will be for the grower. — J. Smith, Mentmore , Backs.

NOTES ON CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

(Continued frontpage 574 last vol.)

Continuing my notes on the new varieties of the year I may
mention one named Mrs. J. Wright, a seedling raised by Messrs.
J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill. It is a valuable addition to this class,
and as pure white varieties are not very plentiful it is all the
more welcome. It has round twisted florets, which renders it
totally distinct from any other sort. It should make a fine middle
or front row flower for exhibition. Mr. D. B. Chapman, another
seedling raised by the same firm, is quite a new departure in the
shape of its florets, which are divided at the tips somewhat after
the style of a deer’s horn in miniature. It is rosy purple in colour,
and of good size. Alpha, from the same firm, also a seedling, is
likely to make an exhibition flower. It is full, having rounded
slightly twisted florets of a rosy pur| le shaded with white. Snow¬
storm, as shown by Mr. Davis, is a large-flowered pure white
variety, as its name implies, producing blooms in abundance,
which will prove an excellent variety for decorative purposes.
N. Davis ought to be more grown than it is, being the brighte t
coloured of all the varieties I am acquainted with. It is the nearest
approach to a real red. It is a full bloom, not very large ; the
florets have a drooping habit, which renders it quite graceful in
appearance. Martha Harding, sent out last season by Mr. Stevens,
Putney, is sure to make headway as an exhibition flower. Its
thread-like petals are golden coloured heavily suffused with bronze ;
it is full in the centre, and, what is of great importance, the flowers
last a long time in good condition. Maiden’s Blush, also sent out
last spring by Mr. Stevens, has fully maintained the reputation it
had then. It has been generally well shown during the season. It

possesses an admirable constitution, producing exhibition blooms in
abundance, massive in size and the faintest blush colour, makes it
particularly attractive. It bids fair to take the place of Elaine as
an exhibition variety. Mrs. Jones, the pale yellow sport from
Ethel, now being sent out by Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, is a
valuable acquisition to the late-blooming varieties. Its pleasing
shade of colour harmonises well with other varieties, and as a late-
flowering variety it is excellent. Pelican was sent out last spring
b.y Messrs. Jackson & Son, Kingston-on-Thames. It is a white
variety, producing large blooms ; the florets are very broad, which
curl inwards, giving it a massive appearance. C. L. Teesdale, a
new variety in the hands of Messrs. Cannell & Sons, is a creamy
blush of excellent quality as shown by him. The above comprise
the best of the new Japanese sorts in my opinion.

The number of reflexed varieties has been increased by the
addition of three, which are all of the first order of merit,
Amy Furze being the first to demand notice ; it is a seedling raised
by Mr. Coombes, gardener to W. Furze, Esq., Teddington, who has
placed his stock in the hands of Messrs. Jackson for distribution,
and is particularly pleasing, being of large size, possessing great
depth of florets, well up in the centre and of capital form, in fact
it is the right type of a reflexed flower, the long time it remains
fresh after being cut renders it valuable ; the colour is blush,
mottled with pale magenta. Temple of Solomon, an old variety
brought forward again by Mr. Davis, is a rich yellow of capital
form, medium in size, just the kind required to brighten up a stand
of blooms composed of dull varieties, of which class many of the
reflexed belong to. Elsie in the hands of Messrs. Cannell was several
times well shown, its colour a beautiful creamy white, being quite
charming ; it is of medium size, the true type of a reflexed flower,
it cannot fail to become popular even if it were for its colour only.

Several additions have been made to the Anemone class, which are
much more favoured by the public than they were owing to the
increased number of forms and colours. Citrinus is one of the
best, and as its name implies isiof a citron colour of good shape. This
one belongs to the class now known as show Anemones, and
Ratapoil, another new variety sent out by Mr. Cannell also, belongs
to the Anemone Japanese section ; it is a buff or dull brown colour,
having long guard florets with medium centre disc ; on account of
its colour it should have a place in a not over-stocked class. Another
variety belonging to the show Anemone list is La Marguerite, a
full flower of medium size, particularly rich in colour, which is
carmine velvet.

Mention should be made of the three varieties Chardoneret,
Croesus, and Scapin, which form quite a new break in the sections,
this one being best termed fimbriated, the tips of the petals
being deeply toothed, which gave a pleasing fringy character to the
flowers. As shown by Mr. Davis, who received first-class certificates
for all, they were all very attractive. No doubt in due time with
the object of encouraging their cultivation prizes will be offered
for this class.

As a guide to those who contemplate forming a collection for
the first time I purpose naming some of the older sorts that have
borne out their previous good character for producing flowers of
the first class. Some varieties are peculiar in their manner of
perfecting their blooms. One season they are produced in large
numbers, and possibly the next year the same variety will scarcely
afford a single bloom for the exhibition board thi’ough some un¬
accountable reason. Belle Paule is an instance of this peculiarity.
Jeanne Delaux, Criterion, Duchess of Albany, Grandiflorum, Mar¬
guerite Marrouch are a few which are not always consistent
producers of finest flowers in all localities, but it would be extremely
bad taste not to grow these because of their failure one season.
Some of the incurved section, too, are addicted to this variability,
notably Empress Eugenie, John Salter, Lady Hardinge, Eve, both
Pink and White Venus, and Mrs. Heale. Extremes of heat or excess
of rain in one season over another will be found the chief causes in
the general production of the incurved class, but no cultivator will
dispense with the above named. My advice to young beginners is
this — Grow enough varieties, and seldom it will be found that too
many are cultivated. The different varieties of the Queen family are
the most constant we have, and should be grown in large numbers.
— E. Molyneux.

FILBERT CULTURE.

Inquiries concerning Filbert culture occasionally appear in the
Journal, and when they do I notice they ask for information in a general
way. I therefore purpose devoting a paper describing in detail most of
the principal points in their cultivation ; and although there may be very
little, if anything, new to communicate, the result of a long experience
may be of service to younger men who are anxious t9 learn all they can
to advance them in their profession. To begiD, thei, I may say there is
not a great risk to run in the first step t . wards Fi b:rt culture, because it

6

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1687.

is a plant that will bear any amount of severe weather in its dormant
state, neither are the plants expensive, and they will grow in almost any
sort of soil so long as it is not a stagnant one, but like most other things
they have their favourite spots and must be judiciously managed in some
particular points, to which I will presently allude. Some of the most suc¬
cessful Filbert grounds in Kent are situated on a range of hills running
east and west, commanding miles of uninterrupted view of the Weald of
Kent and Sussex, where the soil is a good sound loam, rather shallow,
but resting on a foundation of marl or sandstone. These grounds produce
the famous Filberts and Cob Nuts, so much in request, and their position
indicates that the Filbert likes a high and dry situation, not, perhaps, so
much from the advantage of soil as for the favourable elements such
positions afford for the natural distribution of p lien at flowering time,
which happens in their case to be very early in the year ; therefore, if a
plantation of Filberts is to be attached to a garden for home ute, ehoose
the highest and driest spot consistent with other surroundings, and if the
land has been previously cultivated not much other preparation will be
needed beyond breaking it up and then working down again before
planting.

Stations for the plants should be set out ; 10 feet from tree to tree and
row to row is a good distance for a plantation, but if only a single row
8 feet will answer well. In selecting the trees those inclined to a branch¬
ing habit are to be preferred, and with a clear stem of sufficient length to
allow a clear foot above ground after planting in order to check the pro¬
duction of suckers. Mix a little decayed manure in the soil at planting
as an assistant to a good start — the trees will need treading in firm.
About a month after planting the first pruning can be done, which may
be a heading down of all the principal shoots, say one-third of their
length, and the spray wood likewise shortened. The season following
little will be needed beyond keeping the ground clean and removing any
ill-placed shoots, but the next season’s pruning will have to be with a
view to the shape of the tree. This may be a matter of taste with some,
but I have found the cup shape to answer all purposes ; consequently the
centre of the tree should be kept clear of wood, and the best outside shoots
trained at equal distances, of which from five to eight will be ample to
form a good tree, and will allow sunlight and air to freely circulate
among the branches, making sure of this is one of the good points in Fil¬
bert culture.

During winter when the leaves are off some addition should be made
to the soil, not necessarily strong manure, but decayed vegetable refuse, or
in fact anything that will improve it. After this the trees will be getting
well in hand, and pruning from time to time will be the principal work.
This operation should not take place till blooming time, which is gene¬
rally about February, when both male and female flowers will
be out at one time. First cut out too strong or ill-placed growths, then
thin the centre of the tree ; afterwards examine the whole tree, and
thin out some and shorten others of the fine or spray growth in a regular
manner, paying careful attention to the wood bearing female flowers,
and, if possible, leave sufficient male blooms or catkins on every tree to
fertilise them. In some seasons, however, there is a difficulty in this
through the scarcity of catkins, while in some plantations one part will
have plenty and the other none, therefore means must be taken to
equally distribute these by tying a few sprigs of them in each tree when
they are about to burst. I used to know a Filbert orchard in Kent that
scarcely ever produced sufficient male flowers ; this was thought to arise
from the plantation being surrounded by high Walnut trees, and there¬
fore too much confined ; but we usually had a fair crop nevertheless,
because for five seasons in succession I was sent round the hedgerows of
the Hop gardens to collect the branches of catkins from the common Hazel
nut, and tie some on each tree for the wind to circulate the pollen.
It was always noticed, however, that the best crop and finest Nuts were
on the outside trees, the interior of the orchard having weaker trees of
more straggling growth. This shows the partiality of the Filbert to light
and air, so that I have come to the conclusion if I ever required to grow
Filberts I should prefer planting a single row of trees round a fruit
orchard, or a single row in any open situation ; the trees might then be
put closer together, say 8 feet apart, and if trained as stated above, and
about 6 feet high, they would prove both ornamental and useful. —
Thomas Recokd.

RAISING GLADIOLI FROM SEED.

Although Gladioli have been known and cultivated in this
country for over 200 years, very few appear to have entered into
their cultivation with much spirit until within the last thirty years ;
and even at this present time I believe there are very few who
take the trouble to save seed and increase tbeir own stock, but con¬
tent themselves by purchasing corms by the dozen or hundred from
the nurserymen, and so keep plodding on from year to year with
their limited numbers. _Itis just ns simple and easy to raise a good
stock of Gladioli as it is to obtain a good stock of Peas or Pota¬
toes. As with everything else, it is necessary to have a little stock
to start with. A hundred corms of select varieties are quite suffi¬
cient to get seed from to stock the largest of gardens. Have a
piece of ground well trenched, and dressed with either cow or pig
manure early in the autumn, and plant the corms either in lines
about 18 inches apart, or in a bed, as may be most convenient or
agreeable to the cultivator’s taste. If the ground is very stiff it
would be well to have some good light soil, say about a spadeful,

for each corm to start in. The second week in March is a very
good time to plant them. When they have commenced growth
keep the ground well stirred and free from weeds, and in dry
weather give them frequent waterings of liquid manure to help
them form strong spikes, which, as they advance, will require
staking and tying to prevent the wind breaking them down. As
the flowers expand, if there is a hive of bees in the neighbourhood,
they will do the work of hybridising ; or if time is not much of an
object with the cultivator he may feel disposed to do it artificially
with a camel-hair brush. The enthusiast may consider it necessary
to protect his spikes so operated on from the effects of rain, but I
think this is quite unnecessary. Some varieties seed very freely,
whilst others are most obstinate. However, a crop of seed from
the majority is certain, provided they are well fed with liquid to
help them swell their seed pods. No fixed date can be given for
harvesting the seed. There is only one common-sense way of doing
it — i e., gather it as it ripens. The pods will burst when ripe, and
these should be examined three times a week and cut as they burst,
laid on a sheet of brown paper, and put in a dry vinery or some
similar place for a few days, and then cleaned and stored away till
the following March. The old corms should be lifted when their
growths die or before severe weather sets in, dried, and stored
away in a shed or room safe from frost.

Gladioli like a change of ground — or, in other words, they do
not succeed well on the same ground year after year ; so select
another piece, and have it well trenched and manured early in the
autumn for the following year, and plant as before advised. Let us
now return to the seed,, as that is the principal object of this letter.
Most soils will grow matured corms with a certain amount of
satisfaction, even under very ordinary management ; but to succeed
well with seed a good friable soil is indispensable, and this should
be well drained, either naturally or artificially, to carry away all
stagnant or superfluous moisture which may be caused by the con¬
stant waterings necessary during the growing season Trench and
manure the ground in the usual way, except in securing some of the
best decayed dung available, and keep it near the surface to feed
the seedlings immediately they begin to root. I sow our seed in a
well-prepared border in the kitchen garden, and as we are close on a
gravel subsoil we can water our plants freely without fear of stag¬
nation. I sow the seed in drills about 8 inches apart (just wide
enough to work a Dutch hoe with freedom) about the middle of
March, if the weather is favourable ; if not, I leave it to
the end of March. Immediately the seedlings appear keep the
ground well stirred with the Dutch hoe to keep down weeds.
Immediately the ground seems dry and sweet, give them a good
watering with liquid manure. Even at this early stage of growth
they will take liquid twice or thrice a week if the weather is dry,
and as they advance in growth they will take it more abundantly —
in fact, the only attention they will require will be a perpetual
stirring of the soil to break the crust formed by watering, which
will also keep down weeds and give abundance of liquid manure,
and if this is persevered in I am quite satisfied the cultivator will
be rewarded with a few spikes of flower in the same year the seeds
are sown ; at any rate, the writer has flowered them the first season
from seed, and I see no reason why other cultivators cannot do like¬
wise.

I remember, several years ago, paying a visit to my friend Mr.
Ivelway’s celebrated Gladiolus establishment at Langport. When I
arrived he expressed his pleasure in seeing me, and added, “ I have
a treat in store for you — a field over a quarter of a mile long of
Gladioli in full bloom.” And it was a sight well worth going to
see, and this was only one of the many fields he had at that time in
full bloom. While enjoying this great feast of Gladioli bloom,
Mr. Kelway remarked, “ I am the only successful Gladioli grower
in this country — i.e., a cultivator who grows the plant from seed to
maturity in quantity in this country,” and I thought he well de¬
served the palm. I noticed his seeds were all sown in drills, and he
told me how long it took to mature the corms to flowering size, and
feeling as I did so deeply impressed with the sight of acres and
acres of their flowers, I determined to try my hand in working up
a stock. Accordingly I secured some good named varieties to start
with, saved seed, sowed it, and grew the seedlings in the manner I
have described, and, as I have already stated, succeeded in flowering
some of the seedlings in the same year they were sown. — J. Oi.ler-
Head, The Gardens, Wimbledon House, S. W.

(To be continued.)

NON- VENTILATING SYSTEM FOR CUCUMBERS.

At page 514 of the preceding volume of this Journal “ A Thinker ”
asks if I can inform the readers of the Journal whether Cucumbers are
grown on the non-ventilating system by the growers at Worthing, and
from which distiict more early Cucumbers are sent to Covent Garden

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

7

than all other districts in England put together ; at least, the salesmen
says eo. It would gladden the eyes of many a gardener, and take the
“conceit” out of some, to see the miles of vineries, Tomatoes, and
Cucumber houses, and managed by me^i who started life differently from
a gardener’s. Certainly, the Worthing growers are blessed with a climate
second to none in Britain, and an idea of it may be gained when I say
that in the open Fig trees grow to the^ize of standard Apple trees and
bear abundantly. Cucumbers are not grown at Worthing on the non¬
ventilating system, as, upon inquiry of the largest growers, I was informed
that the plants become worn out too soon, but by giving air judiciously
and only when it was needed according to the outside temperature, that
the plants continued in health and free hearing much longer. That, I
hold, is the best system for private gardeners to(adopt, as we wantja steady
supply. — A. Young.

COMMITTEES OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY FOR 1887.

The following are the names of the members of the three Committees
of the above Society nominated for the ensuing year.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, 1887.

CHAIRMAN.

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, K.C.S.I., M.D., C.B., F.R.S., V.P.L.S., The Camp, Sunmngclale.

VICE-CHAIRMEN,

Godman, F. Du Cane, F.R.S., 10, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square.

Masters, Maxwell T., M.D., F.R.S., Mount Avenue, Ealing, W.

Berkeley, Rev. M. J., F.R.S., Sibbertoft, Market Harborough.

GIANT ORCHIDS.

Orchids vary greatly in size, but though there are many of minute
dimensions there are comparatively few that exceed 10 feet in height.
The Vandas and Vanillas are the best known of the taller-growing
Orchids, but the Genus Galeola (no member of which is in cultivation)
contains the giants of the family. G. altissima is found in Java, and has
been described as attaining the height or length of 120 feet. Another
species named Galeola Ledger‘ is a native of Australia, and though
smaller than the first mentioned yet its stems reach a remarkable length.
A coloured illustration of this plant was given recently in Fitzgerald’s
“ Australian Orchids,” where it was described as the largest known Orchid
in Australia, “ found only in dense scrubs on the east coast, and not
farther south than the Macleay River, on the banks of which, and on
those of the Bellinger, I observed it clinging on the Rosewood (Dysoxylon
Fraserianum) and other trees peculiar to the tropical forests. It attains
a height of 30 feet, and one spike of flowers measured 6 feet in length
and 3 in breadth. This Orchid adheres to the tree (from the base of

SECRETARY.

Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, M.A., F.L.!

Benuett, Alfred W., M.A., B.Sc., F.L.S., 6,
Park Village East. W.

Boulger, G. S., 9, Norfolk Terrace, Bays-
water, IV.

Bnrbidge, F. W., F.L.S., Trinity College
Gardens, Dublin.

Church, A. H.,F.C.S., Royston House, Kew.

Dod, Rev. C. Wolley, Edge Hall, Malpas,
Cheshire.

Ellacombe, Rev. Canon, Bilton.

Fream, Professor William, Coll, of Agr.
Downton, Salisbury.

Gardiner, Professor Walter, Clare College,
Cambridge.

Glaisher, James, Dartmouth Place, Black-
heath.

Houston, D., F.L.S., 179, Mayall Road,
Herne Hill, SJS.

Lowe, Dr. Wm. Hy., Woodcote, Inner Park
Road, Wimbledon.

Llewelyn, J. T. D., F.L.S., Penilergare,
Swansea.

Lynch R. Irwin, AL.S., Botanic Gardens,
Cambridge.

>.,F.G.S., Drayton House, Ealing.

Maw, Geo., F.L.S., Benthall, Kenley, Surrey

MoLachlan, R., F.R.S., Westview, Claren¬
don Road, Lewisham.

Michael, Albert D., F.L.S., Cadogan Man¬
sions, Sloane Square, S.W.

Morris, D , F.L.S., Assistant Director, Royal
Gardens, Kew.

Murray, G., F.L.S., Natural History
Museum, South Kensington, S.W.

O’Brien, James, Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Pascoe, F. P., F.L.S., 1, Burlington Road,
Westbourne Park, W.

Plowright, C., F.L.S., 7, King Street, King’s
Lynn,

Ridley, Henry N., B.A., F.L.S., Natural
History Museum, South Kensington, W.

Smee, A. H., The Grange, Wallington,
Surrey.

Smith, Worthington G.,F.L.S.,High Street,
Dunstable.

Ward, Professor Marshall, The Laurels,
Englefleld Green, Staines.

Wilson, A. Stephen, North Kinmundy,
Summerhill, Aberdeen.

FRUIT COMMITTEE.

CHAIRMAN.

Hogg, Robert, LL.D., F.L.S. 99, St. George’s Road, S.W.
VICE-CHAIRMEN.

Lane, John E., Berlthampstead.

Rivers, T. F., Sawbridgeworth.

Sutton, Arthur W., Reading.

SECRETARY.

Archibald F. Barron, Roval Horticultural Society, Chiswick, W.

Barr, Peter,12, King Street, Covent Garden

Blackmore, R. D.,Teddington.

Bunyard, George, The Old Nurseries,
Maidstone.

Burnett, J., The Gardens, Deepdene, Dork¬
ing.

Crowley, Philip, IV addon House, Croydon.

Denning, IV., The Gardens, Londesborough
Lodge, Norbiton, Surrey.

Fitt, Joseph. Cashiobnry Park Gardens,
Watford.

Ford, Sidney, The Gardens, Leonardslee,
Horsham.

Goldsmith, G., The Gardens, Fioore
House, IVeedon.

Haywood, T. B., Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate.

Lee. John, 78, Warwick Gardens, IV.

Miles, George T., The Gardens, Wycombe
Abbey, High Wycombe.

Myers, Jonathan, The Grove, Watford.

Norman, G., Hatfield Honse Gardens, Hat¬
field.

Paul, William, Waltham Cross, N.

Pearson, Alfred H., The Nurseries, Chil-
well, Notts.

Roberts, J., The Gardens, Gunnersbnry
Park, Acton.

Ross, Chas., The Gardens, IVelford Park,
Newbury.

Rutland, F., The Gardens, Goodwood,
Chichester.

Saltmarsh, T. J., The Nurseries, Chelms¬
ford.

Smith, James, The Gardens, Mentmore,
Leighton Buzzard.

Veitch, H. J., F.L.S., Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, S.W.

Warren, IV., Worton Gardens, Isleworth.

Weir, Harrison, Hinwick, Lansdowne
Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Willard, Jesse, Holly Lodge Gardens, High-
gate, N.

Woodbridge, John, The Gardens, Syon
House, Brentford.

which it grows) by attaching hand-like roots which grow from the nodes
and opposite to the spikes and spikelets, which form the large dependent

Fig. 1.— 'J; pr pcd utn csllosu ■.

FLORAL COMMITTEE.

CHAIRMAN.

Geo. F. Wilson, F.R.S., Heatlierbank, Weybridge Heath.

VICE-CHAIRMEN.

Hibberd, J. Shirley, 1, Priory Road, Tte Green, Kew.
Wilks, Rev. W„ Shirley Vicarage, Croydon.

Lendy, Major, F.G.S., FX.S., Suubury-on-Thames.
SECRETARY.

Archibald F. Barron, Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick, IV.

Baines, Thomas, Fern Cottage, Palmers
Green, N.

Ballantine, H., The Dell Gardens, Eg-
ham.

Bennett, H., Shepperton, IVaiton-on-
Thames.

Bradshaw, A. Waddesden Manor Gardens,
Aylesbury.

Dean, R., Ranelagh Road, Ealing.

Dominy, John, 11, Tadema Road, Chelsea,
S.W.

Douglas, J., The Gardens, Great Gearies,
Ilford, E.

Duffieid, G., The Gardens, Bramford Lodge,
Winchmore Hill, N.

Fraser, John, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton-
stone.

Goidring, Wm., 52, Gloucester Road, Kc'
Herbst, H., Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey
Hill, E., The Gardens, Tring Park, Tring.
Holmes, W., Frampton Park Nurseru
Hackney,

Hudson, James, The Gardens, Gnnners-
bury House, Acton.

Lowe, Dr. W. H., Woodcote, Inner Park
Road, Wimbledon.

Masters, Maxwell T., M.D., F.R.S., Mount
Avenue, Ealing.

Maw, George, F.L.S., Benthall, Kenley,
Surrey.

Noble, C., Snnningdale Nursery. Bagshot.

O’Brien, James, West Street, Harroiv-on-
the-Hil).

Paul, George, “ Old ” Nurseries, 3 Ches-
hunt, N.

Perry, Amos Isaac, Stamford Road, Page
Green, Tottenham.

Pilcher, Charles, 84, Ringford Road, West
Hill, Wandsworth.

Pollett, H. M., Fernside, Bickiey. Kent.

Turner, Harry, Royal Nursery, Slough.

Walker, J„ Whitton, Middlesex.

Wynne, Brian, 17, Catherine Street,
Strand, W.C,

panicles of waxy yellowish flowers. Though originally named foliata
it has no true leaves, but only leaf-l'ke bracts at the nodes,
and for thia reason and in honour of Mr. Ledger (who first
introduced the Llama into Australia), Baron F. Von Mueller requested
me to change the name he had originally given to that of Ledgeri, his
genus Ledgeria being reduced to a sjnooym, but the Baron has since in¬
cluded the species in his census under the original name of foliata.” It is
rather curious that specimens of this Orchid were found by Mr. Fawcett
at Richmond River at the same time as he found the smallest Australian
Orchid, Bolbophyilum minutissimum, of which a number of full-sized
plants can be placed in the space of an inch, an extraordinary contrast
with the Galeola.

CYPRIPEDIUM CALLOSUM.

This Cypripedium is a recent introduction from Cochin Ch'na, and
has within the past month flowered in several collect! ns. Mr. \V. Bull
exhibited the first plant at South Kensington on Decern1 er 7ih 1S8G,
when a first-class certificate was awarded for it, but if the arcing had
been a day or two later F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studlev Hi me, G ldhawk
Road, Hammersmith, would have had an opj oitnnity of sharing the
honours, as a fine flower expanded in his collection from which the illus¬
tration (fig. 1) was prepared. 0. callosum resembles the well-known
handsome C, Lawrencianum in general appearance ; the dorsal sepal is

8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887

broad, white at the margin, and regularly streaked with purple. The lip
is small and neat, purplish, the petals greenish at the base, with a few
scattered tufts of black hairs on the upper margin, and purplish at the
tips. The leaves are marbled, somewhat like C. Lawrencianum, but not
quite so distinctly.

AUSTRALIAN DENDROBIUMS.

Some prejudice has existed against the Australian Dendrobiums
amongst ceitain growers, possibly because most of the species have
hitheito been found rather difficult to cultivate satisfactorily, but their
requirements are now better understood, and with greater success will
come an increased popular favour. Several species from the great
southern land are very beautiful when in their right condition, and the
flowers last for a great length of time either on the plant or cut and
placed in water. D. bigibbum is very useful in this respect, and is now
frequently seen in robust health, Mr. Cypher of Cheltenham being very
successful in its cultivation. The flowers will keep fresh in water for
over a month. We have spikes now that were placed in a vase more than
three weeks ago, and only one flower, the lowest on the spike, has faded,
and that was slightly injured ; the others are quite as fresh and bright in
colour as the day they were cut. The rosy tint is a very pleasing one,
and is suitable for arranging with many other flowers. D. superbiens is
another handsome species, and is well grown by Mr. Cowley, gardener to
F. G. Tautz, Esq., Hammersmith, in a stove. A plant there has made a
pseudo-bulb feet long and proportionately stout, the old imported
pseudo-bnlb not exceeding a foot in length. This plant has borne two
racemes of eleven flowers each, and when shown at South Kensington
recently a cultural commendation was awarded for it. Mr. Cowley seems
to find no difficulty in growing this Dendrobium. It is in the same house
as the Phalsenopsis, evidently enjoying plenty of heat and moisture, with
free exposure to sun. Some idea of the capabilities of this plant can be
formed from the fact that a specimen has been grown in Australia that
was in flower for thirteen months, bearing twelve racemes at one time of
fifteen flowers each, which lasted three months. The handsome but
scarcer D. Phalaenopsis does not seem to be so free, but it is a charming
species, and another recently brought into notice — viz., D. MacFarlanei,
is rather attractive. — L. Castle.

GRAPES WITHOUT HEAT FOR THE MILLION.

( Continued from ■page 582, last vol.)

Furnishing. — The back wall is of great importance in the
lean-to house, in the case, and under the coping or projecting eaves.
In flat-roofed vineries the back wall is no good, through the Vines
on the roof overshadowing it. It is, therefore, a question of light,
so we must not cover the roof if the back wall is to be utilised,
then w'e get all the sun in front and all the warmth the wall absorbs
to give out in cold weather and at night. To furnish the wall,
plant Chasselas Vibert, round large berries, golden amber when
ripe, flesh tender, juicy, and well flavoured, capital grower, and
earlier than Royal Muscadine ; Esperione, round large berries,
purple or black, flesh very juicy and rich in flavour, free grower, and
great bearer ; Early Smyrna Frontignan, round, medium sized,
amber, juicy and rich, not nearly so strong in growth as the other
two, and is not advised for any but lovers of the Frontignan flavour,
as they are not profitable from a sale point of view.

In the case the best varieties are Foster’s Seedling, berries not
large, but above medium size, oval or roundish, sweet, and nicely
flavoured ; Black Hamburgh, roundish berries, large, juicy, and
red ; Buckland Sweetwater, round large berries, pale amber, juicy
and sweet ; Trentham Black, oval berries juicy and rich. Chasselas
Vibert and Esperione can be added — half-a-dozen of the very best
Grapes for our purpose. Foster’s Seedling and Trentham Black
will keep some time.

For the house grow all the preceding, with Madresfield Court,
large berries, rich, superb, with slight Muscat flavour ; Black Muscat
(Muscat Hamburgh) medium-sized, oval berries, juicy and rich ;
Black Prince, oval, juicy, and good ; Gros Maroc grafted on the
Black Hamburgh is superb in appearance, and wants no more heat
than a Hamburgh ; Golden Queen, oval, amber, flesh firm and richly
flavoured ; Golden Champion, very large berries, pale yellow, flesh
firm and very juicy; General della Marmora, round large berries,
flesh tender, sweet, and good, very like Buckland Sweetwater;
Ferdinand de Lesseps, medium-sized berries, deep amber, flesh juicy
and peculiar flavour ; Chaptal, large round berries, white, juicy and
sweet. Frontignans : — Early Smyrna, Early Auvergne, Early
Sauaiur, Primavis Frontignan, and Tokay Frontignan ; Early
Silver Frontignan has large berries, and though it, like White
Frontignan, will ripen in a oool house, it is the better of heat. The
Frontignans are to connoisseurs the choicest of Grapes, and should
be grown on a part of the wall, or have a division of the case or
house to themselves, as they do not grow so strongly, and require a
more calcareous soil than the freer growing varieties. Madresfield
Court and Golden Champion are given to speck and spot respectively,
but that can be overcome by keeping the house freely ventilated
when ripening.

Soil. — Any siliceous or calcareous loam will grow Vines. A
good bodied loam, interspersed with gravel and sand, is better for
the freer- growing sorts, in fact all but Frontignans than a very
light soil. If there is a bed of gravel or rock under, so that water
never lodges within 3 feet of the surface, it is all that could be
desired. Trench it 2 or 3 feet deep as the soil admits, adding about
a fifth of short stable or farmyard manure. If there is a deficiency
of sand and lime add a sixth of old mortar rubbish freed of pieces
of lath or other wood, and about a twentieth of crushed bones, the
whole well incorporated. Nothing further is wanted except to
loosen the soil or “ brash ” at the bottom of the trench, so that
the water can pass away freely. Soils that have not natural drain¬
age should have 3-inch drain tiles put in at 3 to 4 feet depth, with
proper fall and outlet to carry off the superfluous water. Nine out
of ten soils in their natural state would grow much better Grapes
than the costly borders that are made for them. If the soil is light
and shallow deepen it by bringing in fresh loam so as to get a depth
of 24 to 30 inches ; if medium textured add some lime rubbish,
and where inclined to be stiff a free admixture of lime rubbish,
brickbats, &c., will make it open. A Vine soil needs to be well
drained, open or porous, so that water can pass into and through
it freely, and then it can be freely supplied with surface dressings
and liquid manure. Never seek to make a Vine border if the soil
is suited to it naturally, or by slight additions can be made available.
With a stiff wet soil on a cold subsoil the case is different. On
such instead of excavating raise the border. There may be equal
reasons for keeping up some soils that are not unsuitable only
through water lying near the surface, and the difficulty of seeming
an outlet for drains. The whole of the border, drainage as well,
may be above the surface, forming a terrace a yard high. Place
drain tiles to carry off the superfluous water, a foot of rubble on a
bottom sloping to the drain, the roughest of the rubble at the bottom
and finest at the top. Thirty inches depth of soil, the top 3 or 4 inches
thickness of a pasture where the soil is a light or medium textured
loam, chopped up rather roughly, adding a sixth of old mortar
rubbish and a twentieth of crushed bones, the whole well incor¬
porated, and placed together firmly when in good working order.
No manure need be added, as it will be rich enough through the
decay of the fibre of the loam. The width of the border need not
exceed 4 feet for a wall or case ; for a house it may be the width of it
if Vines are planted in front as well as against the wall of a lean-to,
or on both sides of a span, confining the roots to the inside, and
when that is occupied with roots the border can be extended out¬
side. Wide deep borders only become sodden and sour. If the
border is raised its slope may be grassed over, or it may be
made gay with rock plants. The outside border need not exceed
the inside, or in a span half the width on each side.

Planting. — Spring is unquestionably the best time to plant.
The Vines should be in pots kept cool and dry, the pots protected
from frost. The canes can be cut back to the length required.
For walls, say 9 to 12 inches, the former preferably, as the shoots
are wanted at a foot distance from the soil, and they must be
originated lower, so as to get them with a nice bend instead of an
abrupt one. When the Vines are on the move turn them out of
the pots, disentangle the roots, spread them out evenly, cover with
fine soil, and avoid, as is a common practice, burying the cane or
planting low, just covering the roots with soil, and the generality
of the roots being 3 inches beneath the surface they are deep
enough. Follow with a watering of tepid water, and mulch with a
couple of inches thickness of short manure. If the canes are
wanted to reach to a certain height before bearing growths are
needed, they may be left the requisite length at pruning. The
Vines in the case of houses should be planted inside, and so that
the rods and growths can be trained to the under side of the trellis
In the case of entrances or corridors which preclude a border inside
the Vines will need to be planted outside and taken through an
aperture in the wall or side, which should be large enough to admit
of a stuffing of hay, and the cane outside must be wrapped in soft
hay bands. Keep the Vines in planting about 4 inches clear of the
wall. In respect of distance apart at planting, that depends upon
the space. A Vine will cover the largest wall or fill the largest
house in time. It is, however, so tractable that it may be fruited in
a 6-inch pot. A Vine will cover a house end in perhaps a dozen
years. More Vines will do it in less, and so on as regards the house
front, the wall, and house. Pigmies and monsters have their advo¬
cates ; a medium is, perhaps, best. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

FUCHSIAS IN WINTER.

The Fuchsia is still a favourite flower in the majority of gardens
especially with amateurs, and when liberally grown it makes a good
display throughout all the longest days, but it is not a good winter-

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

9

■flowering plant, and it is best at rest then. When Fuchsias axe planted
out as wall or pillar plants the leaves gradually fall from them in the
autumn until they are destitute of foliage, and when this is the case they
should be kept dry at the roots and the shoots be cut well in. This is a
good time to prune plants of this kind, as there is little danger of their
starting into growth again so long as the roots are kept dry, and they
should not be watered until the spring. The object in cutting them now
is to trim off all the wood on which there may be any insects, and also to
make the plants appear tidy, as the long branches formed during the
summer are not by any means ornamental if left bare and projecting.

Plants in pots have been well exposed to the sun and air during the
autumn to render the wood brown and hard. When the branches are
leafless the plants may then be stored away for the winter, and they may
■be turned out of the plant ranges, as they will keep equally well in a
.-shed or cellar, the conditions being to prevent frost from reaching them
and not giving them any water. Some are inclined to water them, and
think they would die if allowed to become very dry ; but this is not
correct, as they would suffer more from being kept damp at the roots.
Some of our plants in 6-inch and 8-inch pots will have no attention until
February or March next, when they will be brought into the light and a
little heat and thoroughly soaked with water. This will induce them to
burst into growth vigorously. — M.

T

In reference to the remarks of “A Thinker” in last week’s
Journal, we are requested by Dr. Masters to state that the reports which
have appeared in various organs of the press convey a wrong account of
what he said at the Potato Tercentenary. Dr. Masters says, “ I saw
some wonderful statements as to what I was supposed to have said, but I
did not think it worth while to contradict them, but when they appear in
the ‘ Journal ’ it is another matter.” The report that Dr. Masters recog¬
nises as correct will be found at page 747 of the last volume of the
Gardeners' Chronicle.

- Mr. James Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford, Essex, informs us

that an important meeting of the Committees of the National Auricula
Society (Southern Seotion) and National Carnation and Picotee
Society (Southern Section) will be held in the Conservatory of the Royal
Horticultural Society, South Kensington, at noon on January 11th, to
consider suggestions that something special ought to be done for the
branch of floriculture represented by the above Societies on this the
jubilee year of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria ; to receive the
statement of accounts which was not ready at the general meeting in
December.

The results obtained in the Horticultural Congress organised by
the National Horticultural Society of France in 1885 and
1886 have determined it to hold a third in 1887. Like its predecessors,
this Congress will be held in the month of May, at the same time as the
General Exhibition, and the exact date will be indicated later. To
assure the success of the Congress, and in order that it may be as fruitful
as possible for science and practical horticulture, the Society earnestly
invites its members, as well as all persons interested in horticulture, to
either join it as simple adherents or with the object of taking part in its
work, bearing in mind that no subscription may be collected. Arrange¬
ments will be made for obtaining, as in preceding years, from the French
railway companies, a reduction in fares. M. A. Bleu, 84, Rue de
Grenelle, is the Secretary of the Society.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons have now a remarkably beautiful
display of PRIMULAS in their Portland Nurseries. Numerous varieties
including some admirable novelties, are represented by well-grown plants
with healthy foliage, and of compact vigorous haoit, bearing substantial
trusses of large brightly coloured or clear pure white flowers. The strain
is a very good one, and is the result of a long period of careful crossing
and selection.

We have received several communications concerning the
Damage to Trees and Shrubs caused by the recent heavy snow¬
storm, and from them the following note from Mr. G. R. Allis, Old
Warden Park, Biggleswade, is selected as representing the general
result; Sunday, 26th December, was dark and foggy. A drizzling

rain set in about 10 A.M., and continued more or less all day. At about
6 p.m. the wind veered from south-east to north-east. This change was
followed by a fall of snow with a rise of wind. Snow continued to fall
during the night, and at daylight next morning the average depth wss
10 inches. Owing to the weight of the snow on the branches of trees
and shrubs a great deal of damage has been done, the trees in the park
have suffered, and a scene of desolation meets the eye at every point. In
the pleasure grounds evergreens have suffered considerably, such as
Arbor Vitae, Cupressus, Aucubas, See., some lying nearly flat on the
ground. It is grievous to see large branches of Cedar of Labanon, aged
Evergreen Oaks, and other choice shrubs blocking the walks almost at
every turn. I have not seen anything to equal the damage done to trees
and shrubs here since the memorable snowstorm of Good Friday, 1870.
Deciduous trees, considering their leafless state, have suffered more in
proportion than evergreens. We usually go over the choicer kinds of
shrubs, when heavily weighted down with snow, with a light pole, and
gently shake the enow off them. The limbs will gradually rise again.
The operation requires to be lightly done, or it is apt to do more harm
than the snow. Those readers of the Journal who have had but little
experience in selecting and planting evergreens, such as Arbor Vitse and
Cupressus, &c., will do well to select plants with single stems, which stand
a better chance than those with two or three leading shoots. The water
from the rain and snow, as measured from the rain guage, is equal to
1-26 inch of rain.”

- Since our correspondent wrote the weather has changed

several times. On the 1st and 2nd inst. 16° to 25° of frost were regis¬
tered ; this was followed on the 3rd inst., by a rapid thaw and heavy
rain during the greater part of the day, being succeeded at night and on
Tuesday morning by a heavy fall of snow, from 4 to 6 inches deep.

- We are desired to mention that the Lecture On Pears was

given by Mr. T. F. Rivers at the Horticultural Club on Tuesday, the 7th of
December last.

- Gardening Appointments.— Mr. Thomas Carling, for the past

nine years gardener at The Hollies, Acrefield Road, Woolton, Liverpool,
has been appointed gardener to George Cope, Esq., Dove Park, Woolton,
Liverpool ; and Mr. William Hodgins, foreman to Mr. Kipps at Walton
Lea, near Warrington, has been appointed head gardener to A. M. Smith,
Esq., Bolton Hey, Roby, Liverpool.

- A correspondent sends us some small branches of the curious

Colletia spinosa, closely studded with its white bell-shaped flowers,
rather pretty and slightly fragrant. C. spinosa is not quite so strong as
C. cruciata and has smaller angular flattened spines, but it is quite for¬
midable enough, as it is dense and closely branched in habit.

- The issue of Glenny’s Illustrated Garden Almanack

for 1887 (London : Ward, Lock, & Co.) contains the ordinary calendarial
matter, several articles on special subjects, and lists of new plants, fruits,
&c., with illustrations. It comprises 174 closely printed pages.

- The popularity of Daffodils has increased greatly in the past

year or two, and no doubt the low prices at which many beautiful varieties
are now offered has had much to do with the extension of general favour.
They are all now being planted largely in many gardens, both in borders
and on turf, amoDgst trees, on slopes, or in any suitable position where
their flowers will produce a welcome display in spring. As will be seen
from Messrs. Barr & Sons’ clearance sale advertised in this Journal, the
prices now admit of some varieties being obtained in hundreds at a
moderate outlay, and such are valuable for naturalising in the so-called
“ Wild Gardens.”

- “ S. P. E. S.” writes, “ Amongst all the prettily veined leaVtS

that one sees most frequently, not excepting those with which lovers
of plants are familiar, few are so exquisite as those from the fruiting
branches of the Ficus repens. Compared with those ordinarily borne
by this plant, they are as unlike as well can be ; in fact, so much so,
that they might easily be taken by many to belong to some totally
distinct plant, or otherwise fail to be identified at all. A vigorous
shoot will produce leaves measuring as much as 4 inches in length and
2^ inches in breadth, the upper sutface being smooth and of a pleasing
glistening deep ivy green. The under sides are of a much lighter shade,
and it is on this side of the leaf that is exhibited the interesting and
surprising elaborate arrangement of its veins, which are seen best when
holding a leaf to the light and viewing it from the reverse side. A lead

10

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Janairy 6, 18.7.

rubbing of the leaf can be easily and satisfactorily made, as the enclosed
one will show. Some of those who may possess the plant may not
have noticed, or even suspected, the interesting sight that awaits themq
and which they can at any time witness for themselves by simply turning
over a fresh leaf.”

- The finest of all Japanese Botanical Books is the Honzo

Dsufu. It is also from a scientific point of view the most valuable, inas¬
much as it contains excellent coloured figures of no less than 1500 species
of Japanese plants, of many of which there are no other published repre¬
sentations. Franchet and Savatier, in their “ Enumeratio plantarum in
J iponia sponte nascentium,” quote throughout the copy in their posses¬
sion, which was not, however, quite complete. It is in ninety-six
volumes, or rather livraisons, and is rare even in Japan. It was prefaced
in 1828, but only the first six livraisons have ever been printed, and the
rest only exists in hand-made copies. It has long been desired to obtain
a copy for the library of the Koyal Gardens, Kew, and this wish has at
length been gratified by the kind liberality of Mr. Tokutaro Ito, grandson
of the well-known Japanese botanist, Keisuke Ito. Mr. Ito is now study¬
ing botany at the University of Cambiidge, and lately communicated a
revision of Japanese Berberidacem to the Linnean Society, of which he
has recently been elected a Fellow. The Kew copy of the Honzo Dsufu
is probably the finest to be obtained in Japan. It came from the library
of Senator Tanaka (himself a distinguished botanist), who, with extraor¬
dinary generosity, placed it at the disposal of Mr. Ito for presentation to
Kew. — {Nature.)

ROSE-GEOWING FOR BEGINNERS.

I will commence by saying that the following remarks on
Rose culture are not intended to be funny, neither have I any wish
to teach my grandmother, or snyone who knows more than I do
myself. My sole aim and object is to give plain instructions to
those who, having had no experience, know nothing, for after all,
and in spite of everything that may be said to the contrary, experi¬
ence is the only safe guide to what may be possible on any given
soil and in any given climate. For instance, on some dry warm
soil in the northern or midland portions of the United Kingdom
the Tea Rose might be successfully grown out of doors ; while in
the far south or west, on a heavy wet cold clay, all attempts to do
the same thing might end in dismal failure. It is here that ex¬
perience and a general knowledge of the habits and requirements
of the Rose come in useful.

I am of opinion that many promising Rose growers give up in
consequence of beginning wrongly. They buy Roses, plant them
wrongly, prune them wrongly— the result is, that disheartened by
their want of success in their first attempt they abandon Rose-grow¬
ing altogether. Now if these faint-hearted ones only started in
the right way, and went on in it, many of them would become in
al] probability successful growers and prizetakers, to say nothing of
adding considerably to their own health and happiness, besides
gratifying their friends with rich harvests of lovely blooms. There
is one other point I wish to mention. In the instructions I intend
to give in these papers there will be nothing but what I have per¬
sonally proved to be possible. If I wander into theory, or quote
opinions from standard authorities — I may do both as I go along —
I shall be careful to give notice of the fact, and so prevent mis¬
takes.

On the subject of Rose-growing the public seems to me to be
divided into two great sections or classes. One section is com¬
posed of those who think that it is only necessary to buy Roses,
plant them, and leave them to take care of themselves. The other
section consists of those who think that Rose-growing is so difficult
that they dare not attempt it. I need hardly say all these people
are mistaken. There is one thing the Rose grower must never
expect, no matter how successful he may be. He must never expect
anybody to give him any credit, however bad the soil or impure the
atmosphere. People will come and admire, will say “ How lovely,
&c., and then they will coolly say, “ What splendid soil you must
have here or ‘ I suppose your air must be very pure,” or “ What a
c ever gardener you must keep,” and an extra knowing one may say,
I suppose, after all, its only a question of money.” In Rose¬
growing, as in most other things, success, like virtue, is its own
reward.

noroyal road to perfection in Rose culture; it is not
difficult to attain to respectable mediocrity, but to get anywhere
near the top of the tree a man must be in earnest. Messrs. Cant,
Paul Turner, Cranston, Pemberton, Hall, and a good many others
aic all in earnest, and while these men are all struggling and strain¬

ing every nerve to be first at the goal, does any man think he can
possibly have a chance of a place, while he, metaphorically speak¬
ing, stands with his back to the wall and his hands in his pockets ?

Given fairly pure air and fairly good soil — -the latter is within
the reach of all, for it can be procured from a distance — good
Roses may be grown. Many persons have no wish to go beyond
growing blooms for bouquets, and these people may be very easily
satisfied. But there are others whose aspirations do not stop here ;
they want to become exhibitors, to compete at the shows, to try
their strength against all comers, and, if possible, to carry off the
prizes. These have a harder task to face, and they must not ex¬
pect to sweep all before them at the beginning. It takes at least
two or three years of careful observation and hard work for a man
to educate himself up to a fair knowledge of Rose culture. Had I
said nine or ten years I should perhaps have been nearer the mark,
but much depends on the individual. Even the setting up of a box
of blooms at a show, to make the most of them requires a lot of
practice. Frequent attendance at the great London shows will
give the beginner an idea of how well this may be done, while fre¬
quent visits to the little local shows held round about the suburbs
of our large towns will give him an idea of how badly it can be
done.

Another thing I wish to impress on my readers is that I should
not like for a moment to pretend that there are no other ways of
arriving at perfection in Rose-growing except those that I indicate.
The experience of any one individual must necessarily be very
limited, and soils, climates, and other conditions vary so much that
it would be impossible for me to frame instructions suitable for
everybody. The beginner may be sure of one thing, and that is,
that if he take a real interest in the study or cultivation of any¬
thing, be it a Rose or a Cabbage, that before long he will make
many discoveries for himself, and improve upon written and printed
advice in many ways.

In arriving at the conclusion of these introductory remarks, I
should like to say that while I shall endeavour to make each of the
following sections as complete as possible in itself, I recommend
the intending Rose grower to read the papers throughout, if he have
the necessary patience, I on my part pledging myself to be as brief
as possible ; but if I do repeat some statement now and again, I
trust he will forgive me, as I prefer to say a good thing twice rather
than run the risk of omitting it altogether. — D. Gilmour, Jun.

To be continued.)

POPULAR APPLES.

( Continued from page 5 65.)

Culinary Varieties.— We rarely meet with Carlisle Codlin, yet it
is one of the best varieties for garden culture that can be named. We
have two good sized bushes of it, and very rarely fail to secure good
crops. It is fit for use early in Augu t, or when about half grown, and
will keep good to the end of November. It is not nearly so vigorous as
the Keswick Codlin, but in other respects, in my estimation, it is decidedly
superior to it. The Keswick Codlin, however, is still a most reliable and
generally good early sort, and seems to do well under almost any con¬
ditions. Lord Suffield may be described as an improved and much larger
form of Keswick Codlin. It is wonderfully prolific on all kinds of trees,
and apparently in all localities. I believe I may safeiy term it the most
profitab'e early variety in cultivation. It usually wins all the prizes at
the August shows, and it is equally popular with the cooks and fruiterers.
Duchess of Oidcnburgh is another favourite of mine. On the Crab stock
it forms a good bush or standard, and is more reliable than any other
variety cultivated here. When ripening, or ripe, it is very attractive in
appearance, but though also classed as a dessert variety, it possesses too
much acidity to please most palates. It is at its best during the month of
September, and I should say it will eventually become a profitable variety
for the markets. Red Hawthornden or Greenup’s Pippin is quite distinct
from the old Hawthornden, the latter fast becoming cankered out of
existence. With us it is of free healthy growth, but our bush trees do not
bear so well as I have seen rows of standards in the open Essex market
gardens. It is a handsome saleable variety, possessing, too, the good
qualities that always commend themselves to market salesmen — viz., the
iruit is available for either dessert or culinary purposes. It is in season
during November and December. Jolly Beggar is found a very profitable
early market variety, and should be planted by all who wish for an early
return for their outlay. It is singularly precocious, the fruit being of a
medium size, and in season from August to October. A friend of mine
has long rows of standard trees of this variety, but I have not seen it in
any private garden.

Stirling Castle should take the place of the old Hawthornden, which
it somewhat resembles. It forms a good espalier, bush, or standard, and
is therefore particularly well adapted for garden culture. It is a Bure
bearer, and when circumstances are favourable, as at Rood Ashton, Wilts,,
very fine fruit is obtained, Mr. Miller usually taking the first prize at the
Bath September Show with it. It seldom keeps good later than Sep¬
tember. Emperor Alexander is another popular market variety, and is
equally as profitable for home use. It forms a capital orchard tree and a

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

11

good bush, being also a handsome show variety, well adapted for cordons
on a dwarfing stock. It is of large size, highly coloured, fit to eat, and a
good cooker ; in season during October and to December. Peasgood’s
Nonesuch should be grown in every fruit garden or orchard, being of good
fruitful habit, amenable to any kind of training, while the fruit is usually
very large and handsome, and good for either dessert or culinary purposes,
in season from October to January.

Although I have enumerated a fairly long list of early and second
early varieties, there are yet several more worthy of commendatory
notice. Cellini I have observed closely under a variety of conditions, and
in every instance found it of good fruitful habit, while the fruit are usually
handsome and of good quality — another market variety, in fact. Lord
Derby produces extra large irregularly formed fruit, which can be eaten
or cooked any time from October to late in December. It forms a sturdy
bush and compact standard, and with us has not failed to bear well in
five successive seasons. Ecklinville is in season about the same time, and
is of good free-bearing habit. Cordons of this variety at Sherborne
■Castle were last season wonderfully prolific. Hollandbury forms a good
bush or standard ; the fruit are large and very showy, and in season
during November and sometimes to January. Our tree seldom fails to
roear, but we never get heavy crops, and this was also my E ssex experience.
Mbre de M6iage does well in the western counties, being of good free-
bearing habit either as a standard or dwarf tree, while the fruit are large,
very highly coloured, and available during November and December. Mr.
Williams of Canford Manor, Dorset, exhibited a fruit of this variety at
the Bath Chrysanthemum and Fruit Show that weighed 20 ozs. Tom
Putt ought to be taken in hand by the fruit-growers in other districts
beside the West of England. It is common enough in Devonshire, and is
always well shown at the Exeter exhibitions by both the trade and
private growers. It appears to do well either as a standard or dwarf,
usually bearing well, while the fruits are singularly handsome, and in
season during November and sometimes well into December. It is a
second-rate dessert variety, and cooks fairly well.

Tower of Glamis possesses a very robust constitution, but is a sure
bearer. We have one very strong tree on dwarf stem, and wish we had
more. Have also seen profitable standards of it. The fruits are large,
bright yellow in colour, and excellent for cooking purposes during Novem¬
ber, December, and sometimes to the end of January. This calls to
remembrance that handsome variety Golden Noble, and which I should
have been sorry to have omitted. I have seen profitable cordons, bushes,
and standards of this variety, especially in the western counties. It is a
great favourite with exhibitors, and well pleases the cooks from October
to the end of December. Beauty of Kent all should cultivate. It forms
a good free-bearing bush or standard, and I have seen well-fruited
cordons of it. The fruits are large and handsome, and good alike for
exhibition or cooking ; in season during November, and frequently to the
end of February. Lane’s Prince Albert I have not had much experience
with, but I have heard several speak most highly of it. Our chief
authority, Dr. Hogg, in his “ Fruit Manual,” describes it a9 a very ex¬
cellent culinary Apple from October to March, and further adds, “ the
tree is a marvellous bearer, and rarely fails to produce a crop.” Warner’s
King is generally popular, and is found one of the best for the markets.
It is a good sauce Apple, and as such is well known in the London
markets. Our bush trees rarely fail to bear well, and it does equally well
as a standard. The fruits are large and of good shape ; in season with us
from November to the middle of January, or they may be used direct
•from the tree.

Blenheim Orange or Pippin really merits a separate paragraph, so ex¬
cellent is it in nearly every respect. In a young state it is a shy bearer,
but well established orchard trees very frequently produce most valuable
crops. The fruit are handsome in form and colouring, the very largest
being invincible on the exhibition table, this being in the culinary classes,
while well selected small or medium-sized examples are nearly as valuable
in the classes for dessert varieties. None sells more readily in the markets
at the present time. Season, November to the end of January, and occa¬
sionally later. Kentish Fillbasket is one of the surest croppers we have,
the fruit being heavy and of attractive appearance, and a good cooker. In
season during December and J anuary. It forms very strong bush trees
and good standards. Unless I am much mistaken this is known in some
parts of Kent as the Pork Apple. Fearn’s Pippin is one out of a dozen
sorts extensively planted by a friend who grows solely for the London
Eastend markets. He finds it a free-growing very fruitful variety, and
sells for either dessert or culinary purposes any time during December
and January. London or Five-crowned Pippin is one of my oldest
acquaintances. We have a dwarf tree, and in Kent there used to be large
profitable orchard trees of it. It can be classed as a culinary and dessert
variety, and is good late in November and till March. Royal Somerset,
as grown in tbis county and in the neighbourhood of Exeter, scarcely
answers to Dr. Hogg’s descripton. It is spoken highly of by those who
have it, and I have seen several dishes of handsome conical-shaped fruit
exhibited, and it is said to be a good keeper. Dumelow’s Seedling or
Wellington is so well known and appreciated that I need say but little
about it. Both dwarf and standard trees are very free bearing, and the
fruit keep well into March. Alfriston is best grown as an orchard tree,
and usually produces good crops of heavy good keeping fruit of excellent
cooking quality. Bedfordshire Foundling is also a good orchard variety,
the fruit being large and keeping well to the end of February, and some¬
times later. Reinette de Canada as a bush tree is a failure here, but in
Essex 1 had a strong old standard that did us good service. The fruits
are large and heavy, keeping good to April, and on the whole it may be
classed as a desirable orchard variety.

Winter Greening or French Crab I consider one of the best late sorts
in cultivation. It does well either as a dwarf or standard, and is a sure
bearer. The fruit are rather small, but keep well into the summer.
Hanwell Souring with us is a light cropper, but the fruit are large and
heavy, keeping to April. Dredge’s Fame and Annie Elizabeth I have
not grown, but at Sherborne Castle and else .vhere in the western counties
both are highly spoken of. They are free-bearing medium-sized sorts,
suitable for either culinary and dessert varieties, keeping well into spring.
Hambledon Deux Ans l have seen bearing heavy crops in two different
c-chards, and it has the reputation of being a very profitable and good
1 ing-keeping sort. Norfolk Beefing does well hereabouts, especially as
an orchard tree, cropping well and keeping well into June. Lemon
Pippin is not so late-keeping as several of the preceding, ours being avail¬
able up to March. It forms a good bush, is a sure cropper, and cooks
splendidly.

Having dwelt at length upon the habits, merits, and the suitability of
the various sorts for all purposes, a selection by me would be scarceiy
necessary. — W. Iggulden.

ANTHURIUM SCHERTZERUNUM.

Anyone having seen a houseful of well-grown plants of A. Schert-
zerianuni, during their season of flowering, with their bright and showy
scarlet spathes standing out boldly in contrast with their dark green
foliage, must have admired them. It is one of those plants we
cannot afford to be without, as the lasting properties of its spathes
are such as to make it invaluable as a show or decorative plant for at
least four months of the year. Those who remember the first plants
of this Aroid sent out from the nurseries can see the marked difference
both in size of spathe and foliage, being both broader and longer.
During the past few years man}' forms have been obtained by hybri¬
dising, some of which are beautiful, yet the scarlet-spathed type still
holds its own, and will continue to do so. The plants are not diffimlt
to grow, but will show themselves to best advantage where their
requirements are understood, and will amply repay any extra attention
that may be bestowed on them. Many of the small spathed varieties
seen in private establishments are worthless compared with the finer
varieties, and the former might in many instances produce larger
spathes and foliage by a little more liberal treatment. I have grown
a large number of plants for years, and have never failed in having a
fine show during summer.

The best material in which to grow them is good sound fibry peat
and sphagnum, rough charcoal, with a good sprinkling of dried cow
dung, and a dash of sharp sand to keep the compost open. This must
be of such a nature as to keep sweet for at least twelve months. The
plants soon lose their vigour if the material becomes at all *' pasty "
and retains moisture to an excessive degree. I prefer potting in
August or the beginning of September, when most of the spathes
are dying. Some of the plants require the whole of the potting
material renewed. The plant is very accommodating in this respect,
and always grateful for having its roots well washed and every particle
of old soil taken from it. Of course this must be done with care, so
as to break as few roots as possible. Clean pots half filled with
crocks, a little of the rougher material placed on them, the plant is
then placed a few inches lower in the pots than before, so as to
encourage the emission of roots from the stems, and also to prevent
it having a drawn appearance. The compost must be worked care¬
fully amongst the roots, and made moderately firm. When finished
the plant will be slightly above the rim of the pot, and the whole
surface may be covered with green moss, such as is found growing
under trees or on ledges of rock. It is surprising how soon the moss
will be filled with roots, they seem to have a great liking for it, and
it also stands the application of liquid manure better than sphagnum,
always looks neat and green. A good watering so aB to moisten the
whole, after potting, is all that is needed for a few days. Some of
the plants will be found such a mass of good and healthy roots that
it would be impossible to take any of the old soil from them without
doing more harm than good ; these are simply shifted into larger
pots, allowing them to be a few inches lower, and opening out the
tufts or stems as much as possible by placing the rougher material
between them to give more room and encourage other stems growing
from them. It will also give the foliage more room and the plants a
larger appearance. They are great lovers of water, and in fact should
never be allowed to become dry at any time. The surface moss may
be kept moist by syringing even during winter, when less water is
required. During spring and summer they delight in a moist atmo¬
sphere, and syringing twice a day with tepid water will prove
beneficial and keep the foliage clean. When in full growth they
need watering liberally ; if the pots are well drained, and the compost
such as to allow the water to pass quickly through, there need be no
fear of the result. They are not too fastidious as to the food they
receive in a liquid form, but that made from cowdung is preferable
to any other, and may be given continually in a W3ak state rather
than stronger doses at greater intervals. S lot water may be given
occasionally with good results.

12

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887.

The insects troublesome to this plane are not numerous. Green
fly is the greatest pest, and is found at times in abundance on the
under side of the young foliage, where, if allowed to establish itself,
will soon suck the juices from the tender leaf and cripple its growth.
To have the foliage clean, well grown, and healthy lends a great
charm to the spathe by contrast, so that the fly should be disposed of
by an occasional smoking, or the foliage carefully sponged so as not
to tear or break the young leaf. Sometimes scale appears on the
older leaves ; this may easily be removed by the sponge, as the older
foliage is strong and leathery. Woodlice should have no quarters
amongst the plants, as they destroy the growing points of the
roots.

The 6tock of plants is easily increased by division of the growing
tufts at potting time, and if possessed of a good variety it is well to
keep up the stock by division. Seeds saved from the best varieties —
which appears on the spadix in the form of green dots, and in the
course of twelve months assume an orange-scarlet colour — will
germinate quickly if sown in a light compost and plunged in bottom
heat. When pricked off they must be carefully watered, as they
soon damp off at this stage. It is always interesting to watch the
progress of seedlings, and it often repays any additional care by
giving improved varieties. Some of the seedlings are sure to be
worth keeping, having some good quality of spatbe or foliage. The
broader and longer the leaves the greater the probability of a spathe
in proportion, but some of the narrow-leaved varieties are remarkable
for the length of the spathe, and these form a pleasing contrast and
variety.

The night temperature during winter need not be higher than
55° to 60°, but no hard-and-fast line should be drawn, the temperature
should be regulated by the state of the atmosphere outside. During
spring and summer they enjoy a high moist atmosphere, 65° to 70° at
night, with a rise of 10° by day, and abundance of fresh air. A
slight shade during the hottest part of the day will preserve the
spathes longer, and prevent the tender foliage being scorched. If
the above hints are put in practice they will give good results, and
are not written for the benefit of the experienced, but simply for
those who are making a start. — T. C. A.

t *

PRUNING AND CLEANING GOOSEBERRY AND
CURRANT BUSHES. ; . .

In many places this operation is deferred till spring, with a view to
thereby secure better orops of fruit by cutting out all the shoots from
which the birds had removed most of the buds during the three previous
months, and retaining only those wtreh are well furnished with buds.
This, where no means are employed to prevent the depredations of the
feathered tribe during the winter months, is a very good reason for not
pruning the bushes before spring. But I maintain that gardeners, and
farmers too, should not willingly leave work for doing in spring that could
be as well done in one of the three preceding months. Hence it is that I
recommend Gooseberry and Currant trees being pruned as soon after they
have shed their leaves as may be convenient, the earlier the better, because
then the manuring and foiking of the same into the plots and borders
occupied can be proceeded with, and the walks, if necessary, re-gravelled
and rolled.

In pruning Gooseberries simply thin the shoots out of the individual
bushes, retaining a sufficient number of the best placed shoots of the
current year’s growth to form a handsome bush, cutting the side shoots
back to wi h:n a bud or two of their bases ; and the tops of the shoots left
to bear fruit where likily to be b irne to the ground by the weight of the
latter should be shortened back a little, as also should any unn'cessarily long
shoots be shortened back so as to give symmetry to the trte*. Tne centre
should be kept pretty well op m, an t all cross shoots removed, so that when
the trees are in fruit shoo’s furuishei their entire length with large fruit may
hang one above another all round, thus leaving the centre of each bush
open so that the fruit can be gathered with comfort — hat is, without the
hand boing sacrificed in the process. Thus treated larger fruit and more
of it is obtained than would be secured from bushes spurred in like
Currant trees to within a bud or two of its base.

Black Currants must have the shoots thinned out in the same way as
recommend e i for Gooseberries, but the Rid and White varieties should,
as already indicated, be spurred into the old wood, except, of course,
young trees which should have sufficent young wood left lo form a fairly
good sized tree within three or four years from the time of pruning.
After the trees are pruned dust them with lime while the branches are
quite damp, so that it may stick to them. This will not only destroy any
lichen, moss, or insects that mry be on the trees, but it will prevent the
birds from interfering with the buds.— H. W. W.

THE VICTORIA REGIA AT CHATSWORTH.

The accompanying photograph of the Victoria regia house was taken
in the month of August last at the time the plant had eleven leaves,
the largest measuring 7 h feet in diameter, including the turned up edges,
which were 6 inches deep. I had the curiosity to fiad out what wright

this leaf would carry, and a thin board was made the size of the leaf and
weights placed on, with the result that it carried the almost incredible
weight of 14 J stones (203 lbs.), including the weight of the board. Mr.
Latham of the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, calling hereabout that
time, stepped on to the leaf, which carried him safely.

The marvellous part belonging to Ihis wonderful plant is the rapidity
of its growth, especially when considered in connection with its great
strength and weight, the leaf in question only having taken from ten to
twelve days to reach the dimensions above given from the appearance of
the bud above water.

The plant produced during the summer fifty-two blooms, the largest
measuring 18 inches across. It is impossible to describe the marvellous
beauty of this peerless flower from its first appearance above water to its
decay (which only takes about forty-eight hours). The conditions and’
essentials necessary to its successful cultivation are — a tank large enough
(ours is 36 feet in diameter), with a well in the middle capable of holding
five or six cartloads of rich soil for planting in, a sufficient quantity of
hot- water pipes to maintain the water at from 75° to 80°, and all the light
it is possible to give it. I have heard of its being grown in a heated
tank out of doors, and my experience with the plant last summer loads-
me to think that in the south of England and in some of the warm coast
places it would be quite possible to grow it successfully in this way, pr -
vided the situation is a sheltered one. I shall have pleasure in supplying
anyone with seeds who may feel disposed to try to grow it in this » ay. —
O. Thomas, Chatsmorth Gardens,' Chesterfield.

THE FERTILISING AND STONING OF GRiPES.

These two matters have engaged my attention for some time,,
more especially during the last two years, and I would like to put
my ideas and practice on paper. Fertilising or setting is a some¬
what vexed question. Some growers do not believe in artificial
fertilisation, and grow a crop of Grapes all right under natural
conditions. Again, some believe it is necessary, but for press of
work this is left pretty much to itself, possibly a gentle tap now
and again in passing round being all that is done. As you will see
by the samples sent, it must be very plain that Grapes, unless well
and thoroughly attended to at the right time, would be sadly
wanting here. No doubt fertilising to most would mean stoning,
but this is not necessarily so, as I shall prove.

Speaking generally, I think much better results are obtained
by making sure that every bunch is dusted with pollen with the
aid of a feather brush, and not once, but daily, while there are any
signs of pollen. Bright days are decidedly the best for the ope¬
ration, but to omit this for want of sun is a mistake. The safe
course is to use more fire on sunless days, ventilating also at the
top so as to have the pollen fairly dry. Without doubt any bunch
is better for being brushed even with its own pollen, but in many
cases the pollen from another variety is a great improvement. On
sunny days with care increased front ventilation is very beneficial,
but very great care is needed in this on account of the tender
foliage. Bees and flies are of great use as fertilising agents, but.
unfortunately they cannot be depended on, and especially in the
early houses. I am an advocate of dry pollen, having tried the
syringing method to no good purpose. See Alnwick Seedling
bunch which I send.

That fertilising is an aid to stoning I willingly admit, but to
say it will produce stones I deny. Stoning I have found must be
assisted through the roots. In support of this I call your attention
to the shoulder piece of Alnwick Seedling with large berries, but
very few of these have more than one or two stones. I will now
refer to a few special cases bearing on my twin subject. Lady
Downe’s Seedling, I take it, is known as a bad setter. Fertilising
alone never did what I wanted. Certainly it did produce well-set
bunches, but many of the berries were small and stoneless. Let
me call your special attention to the piece of Lady Downe’s, Ihe
lower half of the bunch being furnished with a cluster of berries
(I nevei thinned these), half of them being large, the others stone¬
less ; but those on the top half of the bunch are not much larger
than they were when in flower. They never swelled, and were
green when the larger berries were ripe. When I say fertilising is
necessary I repeat this is not all that is required to produce stones.
This Grape succeeds better with pollen of any variety than its own,
the Black Hamburgh probably being the best. I send you small
piece of perfect Lady Downe’s out of the same house, so that you
may note the extreme difference. A bunch of Alnwick Seedling
was syringed to set it, and you see the result. Compare the two
examples. Unfortunately this Grape is wanting in the normal
number of stones, so is not the best for keeping. Stoneless berries

J an liars 6, 1887. ]

13

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTA OE OA R DEFER.

of Muscats are the first to shrivel. No Grape will repay for good
attention more than this. A higher temperature at flowering time
is of great assistance in setting. Gros Colman Vines grafted on
Muscat require strict attention, or they will not stone nor attain
the best size. This Grape on its own roots is the only variety that
fertilises itself, yet even here I shall try artificial impregnation
another year. Madresfield Court is always better for the brush.
One or two bunches not so set were small, but the berries were
black. A rather strange freak took place here with the Black
Hamburgh. One young rod was left without attempting to dust
it, and this rod all through was noticeable for its small berries, yet
on the same Hamburgh roots a rod of Gros Maroc set itself, swelling
very fine fruit and of a beautiful colour. Gros Maroc here has
never required fertilising. Alicante on Black Hamburgh is, I think,

Madresfield Court here in a natural state it is very faulty at stoning.
Now by repeated supplies of lime I have had berries with not only
the normal number of stones, but have in some berries this year six
stones. Could I work all so I should be glad, but in some cases I
have used double the quantity of lime with less effect. To me it
appears that different localities and varieties require special treat¬
ment. A light or sandy soil, if well looked after, I should consider
much better for Vines as far as setting and stoning are concerned.
In endeavouring to state my views on this subject I have only
lecorded the practice put in operation here. Without doubt I shall
make a special point not only to increase fertility but also stoning..
I know it can be done, the simpleness of the work being, no doubt,
to some, the reason why it is not done. I have no hesitation in
stating that, without any exceptions, artificial aid at flowering time

Fig. 2. — Victoria regla at Chatsworth.

better for brushing ; yet even with this I am not satisfied the stock
is right, the berries are not large enough for me. Buckland Sweet¬
water came into flower at a very sunless time, so I used the brush :
with Black Hamburgh pollen I succeeded in getting a heavy crop
of fine fruit.

Lime, gypsum, or ground coprolites play a very important part
in stoning my Grapes. I have a very heavy marshland soil to deal
with, naturally containing no lime, and I am now compelled to
believe that the mortar or lime rubbish I used in making the borders
was only good mechanically. As a lime fertiliser, one load of
slacked new lime I think preferable to double or treble the quantity
of old lime rubbish. In all new borders I would mix new lime
with the compost, so that the soil should be thoroughly impregnated.

It is surprising with a little practice in brushing the flowers how
few can be touched, in fact a skilful hand can and will just set the
outside blooms only. In the case of the Alicante, for instance, were
all the berries to be set it would entail a much extra thinning. No
fixed rule can be laid down for root treatment with a view to in¬
suring good stoning, as varieties differ so much. In the case of

is of very great importance in any case, especially where Grapes
have to be kept till April or May. — Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

[The specimens received showed conclusively the great value of
artificial fertilisation at West Lynn, and the failure of the attempts
at setting the berries with the aid of the syringe. The good sam¬
ples before us are very good indeed, and we trust our correspondent
will continue his experiments in Grape culture for the benefit of
himself and other cultivators.]

LEEDS PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS’ FRIENDLY BENEFIT

SOCIETY.

The twentieth anniversary dinner of this flourishing and very useful
Society was held on Tuesday evening, the 28th ult., at the Green Dragon
Hotel, Guildford Street, Leeds. About sixty-five gentlemen sat down to
dinner, and included, in addition to members of the Society, representatives
from the Sheffield Floral and Horticultural Society, the Sheffield and
Hallamshire Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society, the Wakefield
Paxton Society, the Barnsley Paxton Society, the Bradford Paxton

14

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ Jannsry 6, 1887.

Society, and the Leeds Paxton Society. Mr. Jos. Smith (President)
occupied the chair.

After the usual loyal toasts the Secretary, Mr. Wm. Sunley, read the
annual report, which showed that the income of the Society for the past
year had been £110, the expenditure £49, leaving a saving on the year’s
working of £61, which sum, added to £766, the savings of the past nineteen
years, makes a total to the credit of the Society of £827, or £7 7s. 9d. per
member. The honorary members number nineteen and the financial
members 112. The average age of the members is about forty-five
years.

The toast of the evening, “ Success and Prosperity to the Professional
Gardeners’ Friendly Benefit Society,” was proposed by Mr. W. K.
Woodcock, of the Sheffield Floral and Horticultural Society, who took
occasion to congratulate the officers and members of the Society upon the
successful year they bad just completed, and spoke of the extreme value
such a Society is to young gardeners becoming members, and the exceptional
advantages it has to offer over and above those offered by the large
affiliated societies, such as the Foresters and Odd Fellows, for whilst the
monthly contributions paid into this Society are only half the amount
required by those Societies, the sick and funeral benefits to be derived aro
about the same in each case, and yet withal this extremely low rate of
contributions in proportion to benefits, the Gardeners’ Society was able
to keep on saving money at a very satisfactory rate. He was of opinion
there were several reasons to account for this. Firstly, gardeners are as
a rule a healthy body of men, not so liable to accidents as those engaged
in mechanical pursuits, and the death rate amongst gardeners is low.
Secondly, the responsibilities attached to a head gardener’s position pre¬
cludes the possibility of his laying aside his work to fall upon the
Society’s funds for anything short of a serious and protracted illness, and
also that employers of such gardeners do not generally stop payment of
wages during a short illness ; and thirdly, that gardeners as a class are a
respectable body of men with independent feelings, who will not allow
themselves to become a burden upon the funds of a Society without the
most absolute necessity. He believed there was no better Society a
young gardener could join, and he would be pleased to recommend any
such he was acquainted with to become members. He thought it would
be wise on the part of the officers and committee to endeavour to make
their Society more widely known, and so obtain members from other
large centres of gardening.

Mr.Twigg (Wakefield Paxton Society) supported the proposition, and
endorsed the opinions expressed by Mr. Woodcock, that it was much more
advantageous to a young gardener to join this Society than one of
the affiliated Societies in which men of all trades were admitted as
members.

The Secretary (Mr. Sunley) in replying, stated that their Society was
in no way limited to Leeds and district, but had already enrolled mem¬
bers resident in various other districts. He also stated that two years
since a notice of their Society, together with extracts from the rules,
appeared in the Journal of Horticulture, which caused them to receive
numerous letters applying for copies of the rules from various parts of
the country, and caused them to enrol a number of new members, some
of whom they had as yet not seen. The Chairman also spoke in reply,
and stated that their Society was open to receive members from all parts
of the country, provided they were professional gardeners and were able
to conform to the regulations required, one of the principal of which is
embodied in Rule 26, and which states, “ That any candidate for admis¬
sion into this Society be required to sign the following declaration : — I,
A. B., do hereby declare that I have worked as a gardener seven years
successively (five years for members up to twenty-one, three years up to
eighteen years of age), and should this ever be detected to be a false
statement then all claims I may have insured for in this Society shall be
null and void. — Signed, A. B.” He also said that these qualifications
were rigidly enforced, and this fact had caused the necessity of refusing
very many who had made applications to become members. The Com¬
mittee endeavoured in every way to work for the good of the members
who were employed as boDa fide gardeners.

Mr. R. Featherstone made an able and effective speech in proposing
“ The town and Trade of Leeds,” and remarked that he believed the town
had not suffered from depression of trade so badly as had some other
towns, owing principally to the great diversity of trades carried on in the
town. The work of the gardener, he considered, was bound up with other
trades, and although the wages of gardeners were not so high as in some
other trades, and speaking from his own experience as a trade grower,
fortunes could not be realised in the business with such rapidi y as in
those other occupations, yet they as gardeners would all join with him in
wishing prosperity to every trade in the town.

Mr. G. Hemming, in a humorous speech, proposed “the Officers of the
Society,” and. remarked that, although the Treasurer and Secretary had
each held their present office since the formation of the Society, a period
of twenty years, they were not yet willing to part with them, feeling
assured they would never meet with men who had more fully the Society’s
best interests at heart.

The Secretary, in replying, stated that had he accepted all applications
for membership from the formation of the Society they might by now
have numbered 5000 members. They, however, could admit none who
were not, strictly speaking, professional gardeners. Not more than thirty-
five of their members were residents of Leeds or district.

Our reporter concludes bis notice of “ the most successful and
thoroughly enjoyable anniversary meeting ever spent by the Society ” by
commending this Society to gardeners throughout England, and assuring
them that all applications they may choo-e to make for rules or further

I information will he cheerfully responded to by the couitnus Fecetary
Mr. William Sunley, Bacchus Hill, Moortown, Leeds.

THE PLEASURES OF A GARDEN.

The pleasures of a garden ! Where there is so much to be
enjoyed how shall we attempt to define ? If there is such plea¬
sure in charm of diversity in the actual fact, how can I attempt
to enter upon a description, written out in carefully definite
order like the heads of a sermon or a lesson in logic ? In such
an attempt I should deprive my paper of that feature of natural¬
ness which I only wish I could secure, and which it must, in some
measure at least, possess, if it is to impart even a suggested sense
of garden pleasures. It will be clear that I have not just now
in my mind anything approaching the stiff artificialism of closely
trimmed rows of sombre heavy Yews, cut into severely straight
lines, relieved (shall we say?) by here ani there a permitted
growth into something bearing crude resemblance to bird or
beast, but which is not at all in keeping with the statelier sweep
of Nature, who draws her lines with freer hand and balances
new groups with more graceful effectiveness.

But where am 1 to begin ? What may be put amongst the
first of garden pleasures P The provision of an occupation
which shall take you into the open air. This is a pleasure you
can scarcely over-estimate. Only those who know something of
mornings in a garden can appreciate it. The sunshine comes
with his bright warm presence to speak his cheery “ Good
morning ” to Columbine and Sweet William, to Crown Imperial
and Ragged Robin. He lifts the dainty beaded coverlet which
Nature with profusion of sparkling jewels had thrown in the
night over everything she could cover, whilst the world slept.

There is something in the balmy freshness of a beautiful
morning which cannot be described. Dear old Mother Earth
seems to have put upon her brown hands, just to receive the
earlier visitors, her brightest gems, and they flash and sparkle in
the sun, topaz, jasper, emerald, diamond, in bewildering brilliancy.
She is beautiful always, whether she dresses herself in the sober
tones of greys and greens when the dark days come, or when she
uts on her summer finery and smiles upon all who look upon
er, looking as young and fresh as ever she was. But in the early
morning she has a charm which must wear duller as the
day draws on ; besides which, there is the chatter of the birds
which cannot sing, and the full-throated melody of those which
can, and this is a very special feature of the part of the day
which modern civilisation for the most part seems vaguely to
believe has actual existence, and which is referred to as “ the
time before breakfast.”

Let me have a line and spade and seed bags, then. It is too
soon for the world to be curious. Everything astir seems to be
of a confiding disposition. You leave your spade sticking up in
the patch you have just turned up to the sun, and when you look
round again you find a robin is perched perkily on the handle.
He bobs and bows and chirrups cheerfully, as much as to say,
“ Oh, yes, I see you’ve been at it.” Then he avails himself of
his vocal rattle between times in his own peculiar way, “ Well
I’m sure now, this is an unexpected pleasure. I did not
expect to see you so early.” And then an acquaintance comes
chirruping along, and away they go merrily, and next appear
perhaps on the Briar bush close by you as you venture to
straighten your back again to have a peep at the top branch of
the Pear tree, where the thrush — our thrush— sits, and he is
gurgling and trilling the sweetest dreamiest music in regular
alternation with another thrush occupying a branch of the
Walnut tree at the bottom of the next orchard.

Then there is the pleasure of actually growing the fruits and
vegetables for one’s own table. Reader, if you have never
entered into these subtle delights by actual experience you can
never fully realise the joys I would describe. Have you ever had
a call some morning at the office — presumably you are a towns¬
man — when some friend with evident and ill-concealed nervous
excitement is carefully untying a diminutive box of which he has
taken the greatest possible care P He has unfolded from the
layers of cotton wool three fruits of a red Plum, rusty a bit,
perhaps, and smallish, but Plums ! Red Plums ! “ Yes,” he

explains, as his face lights up, “ these are grown on the wall in
my garden hardly out of the High Street. We’ve gathered six¬
teen — no ; one was got for George. Yes, seventeen we have
gathered, and there are twenty- two more yet — thirty-nine Plums
on quite a little tree— and such delicious fruit ! I wish I could
leave you one, but I have promised to take them to the office.
Harriet says she hasn’t tasted Plums like these before.”

How feeble and prosaic it all sounds as I write it in the re¬
membrance of the facts as they stand before my memory. Do

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

15

you think all the wealth of Covent Garden could equal the joy of
bringing on to the breakfast table some morning as a surprise
for Harriet a plate of those Plums P If you have never picked
such you cannot judge. There are no Strawberries like our
Strawberries. With what pride the good wife hides the keys of
the garden and assumes them temporarily lost just as the first
berries ripen. This is a garden secret, and I am supposed not to
know. The children — bless them— Strawberry pickers every one
of them— are of course taken into mother’s confidence. [N.B.
en passant. If you ever want to make an innocent plot “ go ”
successfully, make the children interested parties.] At the week
end of course the keys are found — and the Strawberries. A plate
brim full of luscious melting fruit is handed in with that
triumphal air of success and delight which marks a due sense of
consciousness of the importance of the event, and seems to
suggest quite plainly — “ Ah, you didn’t know this, you can’t buy
Strawberries like these.” Then the children laugh and compli¬
ment each other upon the succ ss of the scheme, and tell of the
hairbreadth escapes during the period of suspense and silence ;
how Rose very nearly said this, and Lily (we have flower names
for the children, you know) nearly said “ Strawberries right out
one night ; don’t you remember ?” All this must appear trivial
and foreign perhaps to some of you, but it is a very real ex¬
perience nevertheless, and one whichjstands out very distinctly as
a real garden pleasure.

But the Peas, and the Potatoes, and the Cauliflowers.
Vegetables never did attain such perfection as in this patch,
wherever it is, if it is “our garden.” The Apples are the
juiciest, the Pears the sweetest, the Plums the prettiest, and the
Cherries the plumpest. The Lettuces are crisp and solid, the
Celery trench is a marvel of excavation and earthwork, a centre
of activity and anxiety for ever so long ; and the herb garden is
filled with just such things as give aroma and flavour in all the
subtle essences which are locked up in the Basil, Tarragon, and
Thyme.

Bat paterfamilias wants something more tangible than senti¬
ment and surprises. Yes, we understand. I can promise him
profit with his pleasure. In Goldsmith’s charming masterpiece,
“ The Vicar of Wakefield,’’ you remember how he describes the
modest mansion of the village pastor, who was “ passing rich on
forty pounds a year.” I have always firmly believed that the
worthy man could not have laid full claim to the possession of
such easy affluence on such a slender stipend, unless he had been
blessed with the treasure of a good garden in addition to his
modest mansion. It is really surprising what an almost inex¬
haustible store may be found in a well kept, well managed
garden. If health and happiness are to be found lurking under
the clods and beneath the leaves concealed everywhere, and only
manifesting themselves as you hunt for them. Thrift might not
inappropriately be written over the gate.

it has been said by someone, who was doubtless a philosopher,
that if a man goes into his garden to seek cobwebs or insects,
grubs and creeping things, scavengers, and devourers, if he looks
for decay, destruction, and death, he may find them, but if he
goes to admire his flowers, he will probably return with one in
his buttonhole. That is only another way of saying you may
find very much in the garden what you go to seek. The pessi¬
mist may have his lines of gaslime and his tracks of paraffin, and
curiously wrought designs in salt and soot, but the caterpillar
nevertheless is fat and flourishing, and the caukerworm is busy
and big. The optimist — and nearly every gardener is an opti¬
mist, or ought to be — cannot see blight for blossom. He loves
his plants more than he hates his enemies, and works “ for love, ’
as the children say when they do not play for gains.

I had a great deal to say upon many other questions, but a
Christmas number is like a Christmas pudding. It would not
do to be entirely composed of currants and peel. The cook
could scarcely tell you how many things have been put into it,
but it somehow seems to be an opportunity for popping in all
kinds of unexpected sweetmeats and good things, and when they
are served together you only catch the flavour of the whole —
that is, the memory of the Christmas pudding.

Some other time I must tell you of the pleasures to be derived
from observation, and noting your observations, keeping them in
a book of records to be read at odd times and consulted upon
points which perplexed you or pleased you at the time. Art in
the garden, science in the garden, and ever so much more. This
must come again; but just one maxim before we part for the
present. If you cannot remember anything else I have said,
remember this, “ Get into the habit of dropping the cares of the
outer world as you put finger on the latch of the garden gate.”
Someone hasn't remembered his bill (receivable in your bill
book) ; someone has remembered his (payable this so far as it
affects yourself) ; and the two facts rub together uncomfortably

and cause friction. You walk on meditatively and do not to-day
see the children who are standing at the entry ends or lane
corners for a word in passing just as they did yesterday. You
walk on. Click goes the latch of the garden gate as you lay your
finger upon it half unconsciously — click. Drop your burden.
Leave it outside. There is a sparrow chirruping upon the roof
with all the family cares at this moment inconveniently placed
in the gutter. They do not bother about vague possibilities.
I should think not. They do not reap and gather into barns, and:
yet— Yes, leave your cares outside the garden gate

One more remark and I have done. Let your love of the
garden tend to induce that love of simplicity of life, which, after
all, is the charm of life. Nothing can give a nation peace,
prosperity, and contentment if her people have lost love of
simplicity.

Her sons must be employed in the field and the garden.
Her children must be fed largely, I would say mainly, witk
the fruits of the earth.

“When spades grow bright, and idle swords grow dull,

Then jails are empty and our barns are full.”

What a happy land is that where its people are filled with the
spirit which finds pleasure in the garden. — John Edmunds.

MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

As this is a most important subject I shall offer no apologies for my
rather late interposition in the discussion so well initiated on page 379 by
“ Experientia docet.” Our late Muscats commenced shrivelling much as
described by that writer, and for a time I was very vexed about it, espe¬
cially seeing that there was then no apparent reason for such an un¬
fortunate result. Having a fairly wide circle of friends and a good scope
for observation, I soon discovered that the complaint was very general,
and a round later on amoDg the Chrysanthemum and fruit shows afforded
proof that we in the West of England have, after all, something to learn.
Luckily the mystery is elucidated.

I have not the slightest doubt that the cause of so many Grapes
shrivelling prematurely was, as our friend points out, a much too dry
atmosphere during September and the first week in October, and for the-
future this unforeseen contingency will, or ought to be, guarded against by
all who wish to keep their Grapes plump. This shrivelling, although
quite distinct from shanking, not only disfigures the bunches either for
table or exhibition, but seriously lowers their market value, as plenty of
growers have found out recently. At the present time there is a good
demand for Muscat and other Grapes hereabouts, Bristol, and I may say
the West of England generally, this proving that many have either sold
out soon after shrivelling commenced, or else that Grapes are keeping
badly. The long spell of wet and dull weather has not much affected the
shrivelled Muscats. They keep because they are more nearly approaching
the raisin state, whereas the more watery and plump Alicantes, Lady
Downe’s and Gros Colman, are, unless very freely thinned at the outset,
keeping very badly indeed. Personally I have not much to complain of
as regards the keeping qualities of the above-named black Grapes, as well
as Gros Guillaume and Mrs. Pince, only the most solid bunches being
any trouble to us, and from this it would appear that what suits them is
not altogether beneficial to the white Muscats. I believe in plenty of
fire heat and a good circulation of air during the time late black Grapes
are ripening, this conducing to the formation of the saccharine matter,
without which Grape3 are neither of good quality nor good keepers.

In addition to the sorts above named, we have also Madresfield Court
in the middle row of supernumerary Vines, and this happened to be at
the end where the Muscats, Mrs. Pearson, and Golden Queen are located.
In order to prevent the former from cracking we admitted front air
freely, too freely as it turned out, nor did we damp down so frequently
as we might have done had Madresfield Court, with its handsome bunches,
been out of the way. Some seasons less harm would have been done, but
this time we injured both the Muscats and Golden Queen, both shrivelling
somewhat, whereas the more watery Mrs. Pearson did not shrivel, but
shanked instead. The most shrivelled berries were towards the end of
the Vines, those at the front or the lowest bunches being the least affected,
this also tending to prove that heat and dryness of atmosphere were prin¬
cipally responsible for the mishap.

I have said that shrivelling was very general, but, as usual, there are
noteworthy exceptions to the rule. The finest lot of Muscats I have ever
seen were perfected at Longleat this season, and I believe I may safely
assert the equal of this grand house of Grapes could not be found any¬
where. In spite of the heavy crop of large bunches, no fault could be
found with them, but all were well set, the berries were extra large, and
coloured beautifully. No sign of shrivelling to be seen, and those who
know some of my weaknesses will readily imagine that 1 soon began to
make inquiries as to the why and wherefore. All the while the dry
weather lasted the vineries were damped down freely twice a day, and
only in dull weather was this discontinued. This, coupled with good
attention at the roots and judicious ventilation, prevented shrivelling and
assisted the Vines in the work of finishing the crop. Mr. Pratt is to be
congratulated upon the results of this suc:essful treatment of the grand
Vines under his charge. Mr. J. Gibson, another friend of mine, well
known in the neighbourhood of Bristol as a good Grape-grower, and now
in charge of the gardens at Draycot House, near Chippenham, Wilts, has

16

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887.

been equally successful in preserving the plumpness of his Muscat berries.
The Vines in this case have been wonderfully improved since he has taken
them in hand, the crop, however being more remaikable for the even
useful size of bunches, and the plumpness and good colour of the berries.
From “information received,” it appears Mr. Gibson “ watered and
damped down the same in September as heretofore.’’ He does not believe
in any cut and dried rules for watering and damping down, but waters
the borders, all inside, when approaching dryness, and damps down when¬
ever the atmosphere of the house feels at all dry. His are not mere
sprinklings, but the water is dipped with a bucket always kept conve¬
niently near an open soft water tank, and thrown all over the border.
It should be added that the border is well covered with stable litter, this
admitting of the just described expeditious method of damping down, and
also I should imagine checking injurious evaporation from a damp
border.

Mr. Gibson also points out that the Vines that are in the best state
at the roots are the first to ripen the wood and cast off the foliage, and
are the least liable to have shrivelled berries. Overcropped or badly
rooted Vines will frequently disappoint in the matter of shrivelling or
imperfectly maturing the crops, this happening during any season, but
whenVines in the best of health and well attended to in every way act some¬
what similarly, the cause must be more or less abnormal. The profession
of gardening presents many difficulties, and is never thoroughly mastered,
nearly every season disclosing some new enigma. — W. Iggulden.

ROSES THE BRIDE AND GRAND MOGUL.

As the exhibitors of these two Roses at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Gardens on July 6th last, alluded to by yeur correspondent,
Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, at page 562, last vol., we feel compelled to pro¬
test against his treatment of them. So far from the blooms in question
being discreditable to the varieties, we have ample evidence that by the
more discriminating section of the Rose-growing public there present
their merits were fully recognised.

We also beg to deny Mr. Girdlestone’s assertion that Grand Mogul is
a sport from A. K. Williams, which if believed is calculated to damage
the sale of the Rose, because many people who would buy a seedling
would not buy a spoit, as the latter often reverts to the type, which the
former never does. As Mr. Girdlestone in the same column I ells your
readers that “ these Rose sports are generally inferior to their parent in
some respect or other,” he should hardly have branded this grand
novelty as a sport when we had long previously exhibited it and an¬
nounced it in our catalogue as a seedling.

By thus endeavouring to “ damn ” these two Roses “ with faint praise,”
Mr. Girdlestone may think to do Rose-growers a service, but we are of
opinion that they have already won for themselves too secure a place in
the estimation of competent judges to be thus ousted from it.

We hope Mr. Girdlestone will not expect that we shall be deterred by
fear of his displeasure from exhibiting any new Rose that comes into our
hands at as early a date as we possibly can, since we believe it to be the
true interest of Rose-growers and Rose-growing that we should do so. —
Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross.

ALDENHAM PARK.

This, the pleasantly situated residence of H. H. Gibbs, Esq., is easily
reached by train from St. Pancras, on the Midland line, being 2| miles
from Elstree Station. The mansion is backed up by some fine specimen
Elm trees, and has a most pleasant outlook. The gardens have undergone
many improvements during the last two years. Trees and Conifers have
bei n transplanted from one place to another, and from their luxuriant
appearance they seem to have had the right treatment. Notwithstanding
the fact that the soil is clayey and wet during the winter, the gardens
entirely are particularly well managed, the kitchen garden crops being
excellent, and, what is of great importance in all gardens, everything is
very neat and clean, reflecting great credit on the gardener, Mr. E.
Beckett, who, though young in years, is old in experience. A few notes,
hurriedly taken during a short visit some months back, may not be out
of place, and might perhaps be suggestive to others. One of the most
effective sub-tropical arrangements which I have yet seen was there dis¬
played, a border 12 feet wide and 50 feet long, backed up with dark ever¬
greens, such as Yews, Thuiopsis borealis, &c. The tallest plants were
gigantic specimens of Hemp (Cannabis gigantea), green Castor Oils, and
tall. Sunflowers, mingled thinly. The middle and front was filled with
Ricinus Gibsoni, Wigandia caracasana, Solanum robustum, Acacia
lophantha, Red Mountain Spinach, Sutton’s Miniature Sunflower, Varie¬
gated Maize. The whole was remarkable for the wonderful luxuriance
of the foliage ; without being in any way crowded, each plant seeming to
fill its allotted space and no more, while the colours harmonised well ;
the whole formed a grand combination of sub-tropical plants. Particu¬
larly effective was an oblong bed filled with Lobelia fulgens, and edged
with Chamaepeuce Casabonse. Several beds on the terrace were planted
chiefly with carpet plants relieved with a tall plant or two of Dracaena
australis, the arrangement of the various plants being quite in the best
style. Particularly bright was Alternanthera amcena. Lilium auratum
was freely planted among the Rhododendrons, and very well it looked
when in bloom ; large spikes of richly coloured flowers towering above
the green foliage of the plants underneath looked quite imposing. The
herbaceous borders, which are extensive, were occupied with many
choice plants suitable for the purpose. Amongst them were some choice

Scabious, Z'nnias, and at the back were varieties of Pompon Dahlias,
which served to lighten the garden considerably.

The houses were characterised by the same good quality and cleanli¬
ness. There is a small choice collection of Orchids in excellent condition,
the fronts of the stages being neatly margined with Isolepis gracilis,
which gave a finish to the stages, a good batch of healthy-growing plants
of Eucharis amazonica, which Mr. Beckett informed me was at one time
nearly killed with disease. A very fine collection of Chrysanthemums, of
which Mr. Beckett was a noted grower when in the neighbourhood of
Kingston-on-Thames, gave promise of abundance of fine blossoms.
Bananas, Pines, Grapes, Peaches, not forgetting a very fine tree of the
Brown Turkey Fig, were all in excellent order. About 1200 Strawberries
in pots looked capital. — E. M,

GOMPHIA DECORA.

Small plants in pots of Gomphia decora are useful for late autumn
and winter flowering in stoves or warm conservatories, but they are seldom
seen employed in this way. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, had

Fig. 3.— Gomphia decora.

some attractive little specimens in one of the stoves at his nursery a few
weeks back, and the bright yellow flowers had a very cheerful effect
amongst the foliage plants that usually predominate in such structures.
It is easily grown, but is seen to better advantage in a small state, say in
48-size pots, than when of larger size, and to maintain a stock of suitable
plants a few cuttings might be struck occasionally. Light turfy loam
with a little peat or, preferably, good leaf soil, will form a compost adapted
to the requirements of the plant. Some attention will be needed to keep
the plants clear of insects, mealy bug and scale being the chief enemies,
but these can be readily destroyed.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 589, last vol.)

The first work appointed me by Mr. Bassano was forming a large
nursery of seedlings, and building a house for myself on the highest
point on the property. The first operation was one easy enough of ac-

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

complishment to me had I been let alone, but my superior would not
unfrequently upset my work and arrangements by giving me to under¬
stand that he would have none of my “ new jims ” introduced on any
plantation under his charge, ordering the overseers and coolies in my
presence to undo the work I had completed, &c. I worked on patiently,
however, as much after my own fashion as possible, and had the satis¬
faction of rearing a nursery of young Coffee plants containing some
200,000, which I planted out successfully in the open about twelve months
later. The Coffee seed is sown without the inner skin or “ parchment ”
being removed thickly in beds, very lightly covered by fine mould, on the
top of which a thick coating of leaves is placed. The beds are kept in a
uniform moist state until the seeds begin to germinate, which happens
usually about six weeks after sowing. When the seedlings are large
enough to handle they are pricked out into other prepared beds about
3 or 4 inches apart each way, kept constantly watered and shaded in
hot weather until they are fit to be planted out, which is generally about
fifteen or eighteen months after sowing of the seed. I need hardly say
that success in the formation of a Coffee plantation depends greatly on
the stamp of seedling available for planting out, so that the greater the
care bestowed on the nursery the better will be the future permanent
prospects of a plantation. At the time of my arrival in the neighbour¬
hood it was a common practice to dibble the seedlings into the nurseries
from the seed beds without trimming the tap roots, which are always of
great length even in small seed ings, consequently these roots were
invariably turned, the coolies strongly objecting to the practice of the
slightest care in the operation of transplanting, firmly believing in the
quickest and easiest way to the end of any work they undertook.

These plants, after having reached the proper size, were again ruth¬
lessly pulled up and again dibbled into the filled-up pits prepared for
them on the cleared jungle land. This careless mode of manipulating the
young Coffee plants was doubtless the cause of the numerous deaths
which occurred during the ensuing dry season after planting, and the
unhealthy and stunted appearance of numbers of those plants that
survived, an examination of the roots invariably revealing the fact of
their being distorted and twisted in all directions.

My next work of any importance on the estate was to build a house
or bungalow. As may be imagined, I considered it safer to leave its
construction as much as possible in the hands of the coolies or labourers
on the plantation, who were accustomed to such work, contenting myself
with giving instructions as to the size of the rooms. At that time, with
very few exceptions, the houses in the Wynaad were what is called
“ wattle and daub ” buildings with thatched roofs, bricks-and-mortar or
timber dwellings being few and far between ; and as my supervisor evi¬
dently considered a “ wattle and daub ” building quite good enough for
any “ swell gardener,” I gave the necessary orders to have one built
accordingly. Saplings with natural forks were cut and squared by the
axe and collected from the jungle. Two tall ones were planted deep in
the ground to support the ridge-pole, and the others fixed so as to support
the wattle and daub walls of the house and the beams (f the verandah.
The house was divided into five compartments — viz., dining- room, two
bedrooms, a bath room, and a pantry, the kitchen and servants’ rooms
being under a separate roof at a little distance. The roof was composed
of whole Bamboo canes cleverly affixed to the ridge-pole, and overlaid
with the same material split into laths and tied on with the inner bark
of jungle saplings. Over this a thick coating of coarse jungle grass
was laid, which in reality proves the best covering for houses of any
description in such climates, proving cooler during the hot weather and
tighter and drier during the heavy rains than any other material avail¬
able. The walls were made of Bamboo, split and dressed, and interwoven
like basket-work. Over this was plastered a coating of wet mud, thrown
on in handfuls outside and in, which was left to dry and then smoothed
over with two or three coatings of well-diluted cowdung. The earthen
floors of the rooms and the verandah were then dug, well soaked with
water, trodden into puddle, and levelled, receiving as a finishing touch
the same number of coatings of the above-named liquid, and the building
was complete.

I have already stated that the estate was situated further to the east¬
ward than any then opened in the district, and in consequence experienced
a hotter and less moist climate than any other. Indeed, I was told by old
planters on my first arrival in the country that, in their opinion, a mis¬
take had been made in opening land for Coffee so far to the eastward, and
consequently out of the track of the rain clouds, and time proved the cor¬
rectness of that opinion. The early spring showers seemed to shun the
neighbourhood of this particular plantation, whilst falling plentifully in
other localities of the district, and the Coffte blossom, instead of expand¬
ing during the month of March or April, would not make its appearance
sometimes till the end of May, when the trees were in such a dried and
shrivelled condition from the long-continued draught and east winds that
it seemed as if a match would set fire to the whole plantation. My first
year proved a moist one, rain falling early, and the few acres then arrived
at a suitable age, flowered freely, and the fruit set well, but almost
immediately after the trees were attacked by mealy bug, which smothered
the bunches of young fruit and clung to them, effectually preventing their
further development, till the beginning of the south-west rains, which
cleared the trees of bug and fruit at the same time. The other two
seasons that I remained on the property proved equally disastrous, though
in another way. The spring flowers refused to visit the estate till too
late, or till the flowers were nearly destroyed by the long drought and
east winds. At the end of this time I determined to obtain another
situation as soon as possible in a more favoured locality, believing as I
did that nothing but disaster could result from the cultivation of Coffee

in a district subject to suoh long droughts, and this belief was verified by
the dying out of every Coffee tree on the estate a few years later, not¬
withstanding every effort being made to prevent it. To be correct, this
result was perhaps not solely due to the arid nature of the climate, but to
that mostly, assisted by the attacks of the grub of a beetle called the
borer in the Coffee districts of India, and of which I shall have something
to say hereafter.

To give some idea of the effects of this long-continued dry weather, I
may mention that it was impossible for a cooly to dig more than fifteen
Coffee pits per diem 18 inches cube, even with the assistance of a pick
and crowbar ; this was their allotted task, and nothing would induce them
to do more, to such an extent had the fierce sun hardened the ground.
Another reason which induced me to leave the neighbourhood was the
prevalence of jungle fever. The Bamboo district is notoriously fever ,
and there is no instance of an European escaping it for long, even with
the greatest care. Good water is not to be had, and this, according to
native opinion, is the sole cause of ague and fever. My experience leads
me to believe that, although drinking bad water may not be exactly the
sole cause of jungle fever, it has a great deal to do with it. If malaria
from decayed vegetable matter were the only cause, then the forest
jungles would unquestionably be the most unhealthy, and the Bamboo
districts, where the annual jungle fires effectually get rid of all
decayed vegetable matter over the whole surface of the land would be
the moBt healthy, but the reverse is the case. The forest district, where
streams abound and the water is excellent, but where the fires, in the way
of scavengers, never reach, is comparatively healthy, Europeans escaping
fever sometimes for years whilst in the Bamboo districts, where the
greater part of the decayed vegetation is annually destroyed, but where
the water is bad and scarce fever is always rampant, extremely
weakening to the European, and deadly to the native. It would not
perhaps have such a deadly effect upon the native were he in a position
to obtain proper nourishment after each attack of the fever, but as the
food available is the same in sickness and in health, he quickly succumbs
to repeated attacks of the fever. It may be different now, but at the time
of which I write the ccolies on the estates were only willing to accept, at
the hands of their employers, one medicine, and that medicine was
quinine. This was accepted and taken willingly, and in many instances
craved for, but with regard to other medicines for other diseases, if they
took them at all it was invariably under compulsion.

The bulk of the labour employed on the Coffee plantations at that
time was drafted from Mysore, which, as is well known, is mostly an
open table land, and comparatively free from such fevers as prevail in the
more wooded districts of the Madras Presidency. The labourers on first
arrival on the estates were strong and healthy, but a shoit residence began
to tell on their health, and it was no uncommon thing to have on one
estate, out of a gang of from 100 to 150 men and women, fifty or sixty
laid up with fever and other complaints at one time. A hospital was
furnished at the chief towns or villages by the different districts, but the
natives had a deep-seated dislike to take advantage of these institutions,
preferring even death to being removed to them. It will easily be believed,
therefore, that the death-rate amongst the imported coolies was, under such
circumstances, very high indeed, but as no register was kept, the exact
rate was never known. The whole of the Wynaad is one gigantic ceme¬
tery, the price paid by the Mysore coolie for the higher rate of wages he
received from the English Coffee planter than that obtainable from his
own countrymen in Mysore.

I was only some three months in the district before being laid up with
my first attack of jungle fever, which recurred at intervals during many
months. I believe I might have escaped for a much longer period had I
been more careful as to exposure to the sun and as to the kind of water
I drank ; but as no European seems to feel the strength of the Indian
sun for a considerable time after his arrival in the country, I scorned the
idea of remaining under shelter during the hottest part of the day, drink¬
ing water from swamps or where I could get it, and paid the penalty of
my folly in consequence. Sulphate of quinine was considered by
planters to be the sheet anchor in the treatment of jungle fever, but so
far as my experience went, and I took large quantities of it during my
residence in the Bamboo jungles, it is by no means the specific it is
supposed to be, at least so far as European constitutions are concerned.
It may, however, be different wi'h regard to the native constitution.
A supply of quinine is usually kept on each estate, so that I had frequent
opportunities of marking its effects on those suffering from attacks of
ague and fever. In some cases it produced no effect whatever, in others
the effect was rapid and good, a very few doses effectually checking the
intermittent attacks, and in others, again, it acted as a charm, killing the
fever at once. It was, however, quite impossible to obtain quinine in
sufficient quantities to meet every case, and the mortality amongst the
labourers on the plantations was very great in consequence.

Other diseases, such as diarrhoea, dysentery, ulcers, &.\, were also pre¬
valent, the causes for which might be easily traced in numerous instances
to the habits of the people which will not bear describing, and any sanitary
arrangement attempted by the superintendent of a plantation was almost
certain to be met by a strike amongst the coolies, and very often by a gang
leaving the estate without even asking for the wages due to them at the
time. This course of action on the part of the labourers led to great in¬
convenience and loss to the planter, labour never being so plentiful at
any time that the places of absconding coolies could be at once filled ; so
that, as a rule, the first attempt at sanitation on the pait of the young
and inexperienced planter was rarely, if ever, followed by a second. Yet,
strange to say, the insi ’es of their housese were kept scrupulously clean
and neat.

18

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887.

The district was infested with all kinds of reptiles and insects,
amongst snakes the deadly cobra playing a distinguished part, being
frequently found coiled np in some snug corner of an outhouse or
bungalow. From 6 to 7 feet is the usual length of this reptile, and when
seen in a state of irritation with its hood expanded is remarkably hand¬
some. As is well known, this SDake is worshipped by the Hindoos, and is
never wilfully destroyed by the higher castes. Its image is carved in
granite at every temple, and the live animal, if met in the path by a
Hindoo, is sure to receive a profound salaam, and to find an easy way of
escape. Some idea may be formed of the number and variety of the
snakes inhabiting this part of India, when I state that I once saw a collec¬
tion exhibited by Colonel Beddome on the Neilgherry Hills, consisting of
upwards of 300 distinct species, all collected in the Madras Presidency.

The white ant is found all over the district, rearing its wonderful
dwellings in the jungle sometimes to a height of from 10 to 12 feet, and
looking like huge trunks of trees in the process of decay. These earthen
dwellings, or at least that part of them which appear above ground, are
formed by the dust of the earth and moisture secreted by the insect
itself, and withstand the continuous beating of the south-west rains with¬
out crumbling in the slightest degree. These mounds are frequently
broken up and used by the native bricklayers in making roofing tiles, as
the best and least porous material obtainable. The destructive powers of
this marvellous insect is almost beyond belief. It will destroy almost
everything it comes across not containing life, and always working in the
dark and under cover of its earthen tunnels, which it forms in the course
of its progress. One exception to this rule, however, I must relate. It
was in Tinnevelly and in broad daylight, I saw innumerable white ants
issuing from a hole in the ground, without the usual shelter of their
tunnels, cutting off short pieces of green grass and returning with them
to the hole, for what purpose remains a mystery to me to this day. The
belief amongst naturalists being, I think, that the white ant never uses any
other substance for food than withered and decayed matter. Very
shortly after I had completed the building of my bungalow and had gone
to live in it, I found to my dismay on rising one morning several mounds
of earth under the dining table, varying from 2 inches to 12 inches in
height. On kicking these over the secret was disclosed. I had built my
wattle and daub mansion on the top of a huge underground white ants’
nest, and the insects had come up to partake of the cow dung coating on
the floor, of which substance they are particularly fond. For a long time
these hillocks were regularly removed each morning only to be renewed
during the night, till a sound dose of paraffin oil settled the conflict. —
Planter.

(To be continued.)

GROS COLMAN GRAPE.

I have been greatly interested with the accounts published in recent
numbers of the Journal of the wonderful samplos of the above Grape
grown by Mr. Goodacre of Elvaston Oastle, particularly the berry figured
on page 567 of Journal of December 23rd, and your remarks thereon. I
have more than once had occasion to admire the splendid fruit exhibited
by Mr. Goodacre, who has undoubtedly proved himself one of our fore¬
most and most successful fruit growers, and deserves great credit for
producing such a wonderful bunch of Gros Colman.

The figure represents the exact size of the largest berry. At first
sight it does not appear so much larger than ordinary Gros Colman
berries, but when measured it proves to have been a very large berry
indeed ; but, to my mind, the size of berry is not the most extraordinary
feature of this wonderful bunch, but its weight. You report it as 7 lbs.,
and containing only sixty -eight berries. Is there not a mistake regarding
its weight ? Gros Colman is a heavy-weighing Grape I know, but I can
scarcely credit ten berries weighing over 1 lb. of the size indicated, and
shall be glad to hear more on the subject from those responsible for
weighing it. I have this season seen many hundred bunches of Gros
Colman quite as large in berry as this from Elvaston, but very far from
equalling them in weight ; and anyone who called at the Tweed Vine¬
yard, Clovenfords, this season would have seen the same. Thousands of
bunches are there grown annually for the London market, and one of
their large 200 feet houses was most remarkable for the enormous size of
the berries this season. Many berries which I was privileged to inspect
and measure were nearly 5 inches in circumference. The average size of
berries in the whole house — which I daresay would contain about 2000
bunches — would be 4i inches in circumference.

About the finest Gros Colmans I have seen — for size of bunch, berry,
and finish — were exhibited at the Fruit Congress held in Edinburgh a
twelvemonth past last November. They were grown and exhibited by
Mr. Murray, of Park Hall, near Falkirk. Most extensive vineries have
recently been erected there, and Grapes are there cultivated to a very high
state of perfection indeed.

I visited these vineries last August, and there saw, what appeared to
me, a rather novel method of treating Gros Cflman to prevent its tender
foliage being scorched, as we too often see. The practice adopted by Mr.
Murray, who is an able gardener and a Grape-growing enthusiast, was
simply lateral extension in the truest sense of the term. In the same
house are growing Vines which had been pinched in the ordinary way,
others pinched but once, and still others never pinched at all, but allowed
to ramble at will, and presented a perfect thicket, some shoots even grow-
ing out of the top ventilator. The contrast in the foliage was most
marked. The pinched Vines presented the usual red, scorched-like
appearance in the foliage, while the unpinched ones were perfectly green

and not a single red spot perceptible, and the bunches, which were very
large ahfi handsome, were swelling their berries quite as well as those on
the pinched Vines. Mr. Murray believes that Gros Colman, being such a
gross grower, should Dot be checked by pinching but as little as possible.
It would be interesting to know what some of our fruit growers think
of this practice, which until last August I had neither seen nor heard
of.— D. B.

BODVARDIAS.

Among the host of flowering plants of all descriptions which our
gardens possess now few perhaps are so really beautiful and so useful, and
at the same time so generally admired, as the Bouvardia. On their beauty
it is needless to offer comment, since they are on every hand always among
the favourite flowers of the day. Of their usefulness few are better aware
than the bouquetist, whose office it is to produce artistic work in flowers
with the least possible material ; and whether for ballroom bouquets or
for buttonhole work they are always useful, and specially so in winter.
In fact, in winter they may be said to be really in season, not because
they cannot be had at any other time, for they may where they are grown
in quantity and judiciously managed be had in flower all the year round,
but because in summer there are so many good and choice flowers to be
had possessing lasting properties to a far greater extent than Bouvardias,
which suffer in a cut state in an incredibly short space of time ; not so,
however, in the autumn and winter months, during which time they con¬
tinue to produce their charmingly compact and useful trusses of flowers,
which are borne in profusion so long as the plants are kept in a sufficiently
warm temperature to perfect the bloom. The effect of a few pips of the
brighter-coloured varieties is simply charming when interspersed in a care¬
ful and tasteful manner among other flowers in any floral arrangement, and
few flowers are more chaste or beautiful in the bridal wreath or bouquet
than the pure white varieties ; in fact, they are admissible in any arrange¬
ment.

It is surprising if we look at market plants as a whole how widely the
manner of their disposal differs. For example, we will take Cyclamens,
Mignonette, Hydrangeas, and the like, which are annually sold by tens of
thousands in our larger markets as pot plants alone, while the number of
Bouvardias and some others which are sold in this way is but a unit com¬
pared with the above. The actual demand, therefore, for pot plants is
small, while the demand for the flowers is at all times during
the autumn and winter large. Cyclamens also are in great demand
as cut flowers as well as in pot plants, and invariably realise good
prices. It is within the recollection of all when the Bouvardia was a very
imited group indeed, and even now the number of really good varieties is
anything but extensive, for progress with them is slow ; still there is a
wide field open for extension with improvements, and who can predict
what may transpire ere this nineteenth century closes ? But turning to
the cultural side of the question we find quite a revolution, as formerly
they were grown continuously in heated structures, which rarely resulted
in good presentable or bushy plants fit for decorative purposes, and more
frequently were composed of two or three sucker growths from the base,
and a few pieces of wiry flowerless wood surrounding them. Not so, how¬
ever, with the present system of culture for market purposes. We cannot
but rtmark upon the admirable manner and uniform growth in which
some growers turn out their plants ; indeed it is not too much to add
that the market grower has in many instances been the instructor of the
gardener by showing how some of our most valuable winter flowering
plants may be grown to perfection in an incredibly short space of time.
So it is with the Bouvardia, which having emerged from our stoves and
plant houses during the summer, now finds itB way into the open air either
grown in pots plunged in cocoa-nut fibre refuse, spent hops, or the like,
or otherwise planted in the open ground. Whichever plan is adopted
the plants cost considerably less in attending them, they make a cleaner
and healthier though sturdier growth, [and what is more than these, at least
from a pecuniary standpoint, you get well matured wood, which is a sure
forerunner of abundant bloom.

Dwelling for a moment on the planting-out system for Bouvardias,
I may remark that it is an excellent plan for ensuring an abundant supply
of these choice flowers during the summer and early autumn months, and
the quantities of bloom they thus yield are made doubly valuable by the
fact of their being hardily grown, and flowers do not suffer so quickly
or to the same extent as when gathered from plants grown in glass
structures. To ensure a yield of bloom in this way it is best to secure
some of the earliest flowered batches of the previous winter, and which
have produced the earliest batches of cuttings in spring, and plant them
in a well prepared border, choosing a rather warm and sunny position,
The dense bushes they will form during the season, and the quantities of
bloom they produce in the greatest possible profusion, will be a
surprise to all those who have not as yet tried the plan, and those
who have tried and know its value will not readily lose sight of it.
I strongly advocate its general adoption where choice flowers are in
demand at all seasons, for I know of no other plant among greenhouse
shrubs capable of producing such great quantities of useful bloom for so
lengthened a period as these Bouvardias when thus treated. I remember
the first Bouvardias I saw thus treated, beautiful dwarf miniature bushes
laden with flowers. In all these were several hundred plants of the
leading varieties only, and which had been little or no trouble ever since
they were planted out; and the quantity of bloom which had been
gathered from these plants had been considerable. These [were from
plants which had done duty the previous autumn and winter as pot
plants, and so good was the prospect of another winter’s bloom from them

January 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

19

that they were lifted and potted to do service again. To get plants to do
this continued duty they must of necessity have generous treatment. The
besc way to deal with them, or at least a very good way, is after the winter
flowering is complete, to let them gradually ripen by withholding the
water supply and afterwards placing them in a cooler structure, and by
degrees diminishing the water altogether, then placing them in any house
where the temperature is about 40°. If cuttings for producing young plants
are required a portion will have to he introduced into the propagating house
early in the month of January ; indeed, an early start means the best and
strongest plants by the autumn, so the earlier the better. At this stage
they may be cut hack; and do not fear the use of the knife, for they may
be pruned as hard as Fuchsias and break away into growth again with
equal freedom. Do not place them on bottom heat at once, as this will
only too hastily excite the sap, and as yet withhold water at the roots.
They may, however, be syringed twice or thrice a day, which will
materially assist them in forming breaks, and as soon as these appear they
may be watered as they seem to require at the root and be placed in gentle
bottom heat. — J. H. E.

(To be continued).

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR CUTTING.

Almost everything one reads about these is from the “ show ”
point of view, and the uninformed have to grope their way some¬
what at a disadvantage in order to learn the best sorts for ordinary
demands ; but it must be confessed that the man who grows for
showing has a very good case to present for himself, for the reason
that his blooms, though large, are nevertheless not too large for cut-
flower purposes. At the same time, where we have a large amount
of produce to turn out of a limited space, and with limited means
for doing so, growing show blooms is a proceeding of doubtful
utility. After several years of strictly home Chrysanthemum
growing I have this year some on the show principle, and without
doubt they are very telling — so much so, indeed, that, all being well,
1 intend to have a houseful of them in 1887. But not one of them
has been cut, nor do I think it likely they shall be until old age
plainly shows them as fit for the rubbish heap ; and looking back
over several years’ experience with them I am obliged to come to
the conclusion that blooms of the show type mostly find their way
to the same place. Of course it is no blame to the flowers, but one
does not care to spend twelve months in the production of a plant
to carry three flowers without making the most of them when on
the plant. Well, then, I think it may be considered necessary
where many flowers are needed to cultivate Chrysanthemums
specially for that purpose, letting the show blooms alone.

Chrysanthemums for cutting should possess certain qualities.
Thus the habit of plant must be free and leading to florirerousness.
The flowers should be decided in colour, or if of soft shades lacking
in insipidity. Good typical sorts are Mrs. George Rundle, which,
although perfect according to the florists’ standpoint, is at the same
time beautiful from the aesthetic point of view, and fulfils the
practical requirements of the gardener. The variety Mr. George
Glenny is a good example of a pleasing soft shade, and is, if any¬
thing, more productive of good blooms. Mrs. Dixon, again, repre¬
sents a decided yellow, though not quite so good in other respects
as the other two. Lady Selborne repays good cultivation extremely
well, and does not require thinning. This variety is remarkable as
being an early- flowering sort which keeps the purity of its flowers
longer than any other kind. Though not so much grown as some
other white varieties it would well repay more extended cultivation.
The value of Elaine is now fully recognised, excelling as it does
other kinds in purity, though the flowers rapidly deteriorate and
assume a pinky shade after the stage of full development is reached.
Fair Maid of Guernsey also well repays good cultivation. Another
very good white and late is Lady Margaret of the Anemone section.
Fleur de Marie we also grow. This is late, and must be well
grown, when it produces most lovely quilled white blooms. Mons.
Astorg grown as a flower-producing plant we find valuable as a late
sort, the blooms being large and opening pure white. Timbale
d’Argent, a medium-sized honeycombed variety, is wonderfully
free, and though not large the flowers are very pretty. Mrs.
Forsyth, of the Christine type, is very good indeed, the form of
flower being distinct, and the shade inclining to cream is telling.
Cedo Nulli is very good for cutting purposes ; La ISTeige and La
Yierge are both good earlier sorts. Of yellow varieties Mr. G.
Glenny and Mrs. Dixon have already been noted. Golden Cedo
Nulli is perhaps superior to the white recommended above. Anto-
nelli is another very good Pompon. Chevalier Domage is perhaps
the best yellow we have, and is good in all respects, the flowers
being of the reflexed type. Gluck, a rather rough Anemone, is
nevertheless very useful for cutting. Peter the Great, a Japanese
variety, is indispensable alike on account of shade and shape of
flower. Jardin des Plantes when well grown and well supplied
with good manure is moderately floriferous, and the flowers are so
beautiful that it can hardly be dispensed with.

In lilac shades Yenus, Lady Harding, Bouquet Fait, Prince of
Anemones, Madame Dorothee Souille, a lovely sort ; Madame Clos,
very good ; Her Majesty, M. Brun, Marie Stuart (Anemone
Pompon), very soft and pretty ; Acquisition, a lovely shaded
flower, quilled ; James Salter, very good but soon loses colour. Of
orange shades Source d’Or is particularly fine ; William Robinson,
good and pretty ; Orange Annie Salter, free and good. In orange
and brown L’lle des Plaisirs, small but fine ; M. J. Laing is ex¬
tremely good, the blooms being freely produced ; King of Crimsons,
reflexed, fine ; Reverie, one of the very best, the shade most telling,
and shape of flower very good. Darker shades will be found in
L’Africaine, a fine sort for cutting ; Tokio, extremely good ; Julie
Lagravere, a grand old variety, late and useful ; Rex Rubrorum,
very dark, free and good ; Cullingfordi, very fine, dark in colour,
and plant of free growth. Calliope is an Anemone Pompon, rather
later but of good colour and exceedingly pretty. General Bain-
bridge, chestnut, is a pretty incurved sort, moderately free and
good on account of colour. Cry Kang is a good variety in all
respects. Le Chinois, of a port-wine hue, is most floriferous and
altogether good. Margot is a peculiar shade, and is most attractive,
lighting up a vase most wonderfully. Hiver Fleuri, though rather
undefined as to colouring, is notwithstanding of value. La Nymphe
is another shade which is good for lighting up dull flowers.
Triomphe du Nord is of such a peculiar hue tha+ it has almost
necessarily to be used by itself. It is a very good sort. Of purplish
varieties Prince of Wales and President are both very good. All
those above noted are further valuable as decorative plants, and are
just the sorts to be grown by the inexperienced. — B.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Houses. — Great care will now be required in venti¬
lating, so as not to admit draughts of cold air, which injure the foliage,
causing it to beeome stunted, whilst a confined atmosphere causes it to
become thin and poor in texture, falling a prey to red spider later
on with great liability to be scorched. Disbud and tie down the
shoots before they touch the glass, being careful not to bring them
down too abruptly or to tie too tightly. In stopping do not confine it to
any given number of joints beyond the bunch, but extend it so that an
ample and even supply of foliage will be insured fully exposed to light.
Remove all superfluous bunches, overcropping and overcrowding of the
foliage being very adverse to satisfactory results. When the bunches
come into flower maintain a day and night temperature of 70° to 75°, but
with a decline of 5° through the night, and a rather drier atmosphere.
Do not allow the heat to decline in fermenting beds about Vines in pots
nor in the ridges of such in houses, but keep a good heap of Oak leaves
and stable litter in the reserve ground to admit of a supply being obtained
as required.

Houses to Afford Ripe Grapes in June . — The Vines must be started at
osce. If the roots are outside they will have been protected with a good
thickness of dry litter or fern, with tarpaulin, wood shutter, or lights to
throw oS rains and snow, and they will ha /e secured to them a much
higher temperature than if there had been no such protection, therefore
fermenting materials in such circumstances maybe dispensed with, but the
borders having been exposed to cold rains and snow, the temperature of
the soil will be little if any warmer than the surrounding ground, and a
good bed of fermenting materials can be used with advantage, placing it
on the border about 18 inches thick, and protecting with shutters. Supply
the inside borders thoroughly with tepid water, or at 90°. To economise
fuel employ fermenting materials inside the house, also as a source of a
genial warmth and moisture constantly, and turn it over frequently to
liberate the ammonia, adding fresh material as necessary. Where fer¬
menting materials are not obtainable the available surfaces may be
sprinkled, but not the rods, with liquid manure daily. The temperature
should be 50° to 55° by artificial means, and 55° from sun heat.

Pruning , 3,'c. — Vines from which the Grapes have been cut should be
immediately pruned. Cut to a plump bud as near to the base as possible ;
but as some Vines do not prove very satisfactory closely primed, the operator
must be guided accordingly, and choose the best bud on firm well-ripened
wood wherever situated, which will cause the spurs to become long ; but
that can be obviated by training a shoot from the base to displace it after
fruiting, and the Vine will show in the good finish of its crop the advan¬
tage derived from the extra foliage. The spurs under any circumstances
will become long in time, but it is easy to train up young canes. Remove
all loose bark, avoid peeling and scraping, washing with softsoap and
water. Thoroughly cleanse the house, surface dress the borders, clearing
ofi the loose surface, using fresh loam with about a twentieth of bonemeal
intermixed. Keep the house as cool as possible to secure complete rest.

hate Grapes. — Maintain a mean teniperature with a dry atmosphere

20

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887.

in houses where Grapss are hanging. Examine every hunch frequently
and remove all decayed berries. Ventilate the house on fine dry mornings,
and keep it closed when the weather is damp. The Grapes may be cut,
the ends of the stems being inserted in bo'tles of rain water secured in an
inclining position so as to admit of the fruit hanging clear of the bottles.
Failing a Grape room, any dry room will be a suitablo place where an
equable temperature of 40° to 45° is maintained. This will admit of the
Vines being pruned and the house being cleaned.

FIGS. — Early forced Trees in Pots. — When the trees are advanced in
growth the temperature should be gradually raised to 60° at night and
65° by day from fire heat, with 70° to 75° from sun heat, commencing to
ventilate at 70° and closing at 75°, but avoid a high temperature by
artificial means, as the sturdier and shorter jointed the young shoots can
be kept the greater will be the chances of a satisfactory early crop.
Syringe, the trees and house twice a day, in the morning and again at
closing time ; but avoid a saturated confined atmosphere in dull weather.
As the fermenting materials settle firmly about the pots add more fresh
leaves, bringing them nearer to the rims of the pot-', taking care that the
heat about them does not exceed 70° to 75°. Water the trees as required
with weak liquid manure, and place some turves about 2 inches thick,
grass side down, on the surface of the pots around the rims, extending
over the sides towards the fermenting materials, with a view to encourage
the surface roots. These should be watered with weak liquid manure so
as to keep them moist, filling the space between the turves and stems of
the trees with well-decayed manure.

Cherry House. — The house having been closed about the middle of
last month, fire heat may be applied to secure a night temperature of 40°
and 45° by artificial means, and 5° more by day, allowing an advance of
5° to 10° from sun heat, admitting air abundantly in mild sunny weather.
See that there is no deficiency of moisture in the border, and attend with
regularity to watering trees in pots. Syringe the trees and house occa¬
sionally. If any of the trees are found unsuitable, this is a goo I time to
change them. Trees which have been trained to a wall for three or four
years are the best, planting them in fresh loam. May Duke, Black
Tartarian, Governor Wood, and Elton are suitable varieties.

Pines. — Fruiting Plants and Starters. — These must now have a
mean temperature of about 70°, varying it 5° according to external
influence, admitting air at 80° with sunshine, but not lowering the tem¬
perature, allowing it to rise to 85°, and closing at 80°. Syringe all avail¬
able surfaces twice a day, but do not syringe the surface of the bed
between the plants. Avoid producing dense steam by syringing highly
heated hot-water pipes. Syringe the plants ccasionally early in the
afternoon when the axils of the leaves become dry.

Plants for Successional Fruiting. — Early in February another batch
of Queens should be started to supplement the supply of fruit from those
plants which are already introduced for that purpose. Beds that have the
bettom heat aff jrded by hot-water pipes can soon be prepared for the
reception of the plants, but it is not the ease where fermenting materials
are employed, hence the necessary steps must be taken at once to get the
needful beds made, and 85° to 90° of bottom heat secured by the time
required. When plants that have been kept somewhat dry are to be
started, see that the soil is thoroughly moistened, so that with the extra
warmth root-action may commence at once.

A night temperature of 60° to 65°, and 5° less in severe weather, will
be suitable for successional stock, and 5° to 10° more in the daytime,
according to external conditions.

PLANT HOUSES.

Amaryllises. — Young plants that are not strong enough to flower
make capital bulbs if they are given a long season’s growth under suitable
conditions. For this purpose prepare a quantity of litter and dry leaves,
to make up a bed in a pit provided with a flow and return pipe, or in a
low, small structure. The young plants can be turned out of their pots,
and the oil soil removed from their roots and placed in slightly larger
well drained pots, in a compost of fibry loam, leaf mould, sand, and about
one-seventh of decayed manure. When the bed is ready they should be
stood on the surface or plunged, and under such genial treatment will
soon start into growth. Strong well ripened flowering bulbs may be
repotted in the same manner, and introduced into the forcing house in
batches to bring them into flower. After flowering they can bs encouraged
to complete their growth with the young stock. The stock can be
increased by seed, which can be sown at once in light sandy soil, and will
soon germinate in a temperature of 60° to 65°.

Begonia weltoniensis — A few plants of this Begonia, also B. Dregei,
as well as other half tuberous forms may now be cut back and their roots
steeped in tepid water. If stood, after they have drained, on the ferment¬
ing material in the forcing house they will quickly break into growth.
When in this condition they should be turned out of their pots, the old
balls partially reduced and the plants repotted in the same sized pots in a
compost consisting of two-thirds loam to one of leaf mould or old Mush¬
room bed refuse ; if the former, add one-seventh of decayed manure and
plenty of sand. A few tuberous varieties may also be started in a box
amongst leaf mould for early flowering. Any small tubers of good sorts
that it is necessary to grow into large plants may be started at once, so
that a long season’s growth can be accorded to them.

Soi’s. — A good stock of leaf mould, manure, loam and peat should be
placed under cover in readiness for the time when it will be required for
potting in large quantities. The first should be passed through a three-
quarter-inch sieve, so that all small pieces of wood and coarse matter can
be removed, so that when wanted it only requires taking from the bin
and placing on the bench, or carrying to the various houses where the

potting is to be done. Manure that was stacked under cover in autumn
will now pass freely through a fine sieve, and should then be stored in a
dry cool shed where it will not bake. If the manure to be used eventu¬
ally is not in this satisfactory state, expel the moisture from it by filling
boxes and baskets and placing them for a time in the hoiler house. It
mu-t not be unduly dried ; just sufficient to rub it through a s;eve.
Artificial manures for the year’s supply may also be ordered in readiness,
also bonemeal and quarter-inch bones. The loam must be chopped to
pieces or broken up with the hand ; if the first, it must pass through the
hands to remove worms. To save time, when potting has to be done,
place a good portion through a 1-inch sieve. The quantity that falls
through will be suitable for small plants, cuttings, and other similar pur¬
poses, while the remainder will be ready for choice plants. A good stock
with the fine left in should also be prepared. The same may be said of
peat. This should be sorted info three distinct heaps, the most fibrous
for Orchids, from which all the soily particles should be removed ; this
will be suitable for small Ferns, and a variety of purposes. That of the
hardest nature may be reserved for hardwooded plants, and the lightest
for Ferns. The whole of the peat can be broken with the hand, and all
Fern rhizomes, &c., removed, for they are very apt to create fungus
about the roots of the plants when they decay. Wood ashes should be
passed through a fine sieve and placed in a shed. Charcoal can be sorted
and broken in readiness. Clay should be dried and reduced to powder,
then it is ready for incorporating with the soil for Roses or any purpose
for which it may be required.

5

HE BEE-KEEPER.

THE HIVE OF THE FUTURE.

It is impossible to say that a hive of a certain description
will be in general use in the apiaries of this country during
the next ten years, but it is comparatively easy to give what
appear to be the essential and characteristic features of a
good serviceable hive. Leaving, therefore, to others the
labours of bringing into being a hive which shall combine all
that is useful in the hives of the present day with the new
discoveries which may from time to time be made and used
by those whose duty it is to provide the amateur with appli¬
ances for the apiary, I will content myself with discussing
the principles upon which each one should work if he wishes
to make a good serviceable hive without more than abso¬
lutely necessary labour and expense.

In hive construction it must not be forgotten that even
if this year it is more profitable to work for comb honey, in
a future year the order of things may be reversed by a
change in the relative values of comb and extracted honey.
To purchase or construct a hive lending itself only to the
production of one kind of honey may lead to much loss and
vexation, and every hive ought therefore to lend itself easily
to the production of both comb and extracted honey without
more than absolutely necessary extra outlay. It will be
evident that if extracted honey has been produced last year,
and next season we desire to obtain honey in sections, that
“ racks ” must be made or purchased, but my contention is
that the body hive or the brood chamber ought to need no
change whatever in any shape or form. A hive, therefore,
which is equally suitable to the production of honey in the
comb or extracted is the one in which money may most
safely be invested. The next question seems to be the
advisability or not of adopting the “ standard ” frame. That
this frame is not by any means perfect even its most ardent
admirers may well confess, but taking into consideration the
thousands of these frames now in use it would seem to be
the wiser policy in starting an apiary to use hives containing
this almost universally adopted frame. The chief defect in
the standard frame is that it is too shallow ; but this evil
may be remedied to a large extent without much difficulty.

A model hive seems to be one deep rather than long and
broad, and of this type the “ Refrewshire Stewarton ” is an
excellent example. If I were starting a large apiary in this
country the hive which I should choose would be one with
standard frames — not more than twelve in number. On this,
if working for extracted honey, several tiers of frames would
be successively placed, while if sections were required after

January 6, 188*. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

21

placing one tier of frames on the brood chamber I should begin
to tier up racks of sections in the usual manner. Twelve
frames would be too small for a good queen — at least,
they would only give sufficient room for egg-depositing with¬
out leaving room for the storage of pollen and honey, but by
placing a tier of frames upon the brood chamber space is
aibrded for storing the honey, and if necessity should arise
for an extension of the brood nest itself. In addition to this
advantage a breadth of honey would intervene between the
brood nest and the sections. In winter I should be guided
by circumstances ; in some seasons two tiers of frames — the
body-box and a super-tier — might be allowed to remain, in
others the body box alone.

The chief defect in such a hive as that described is the
space between the top of the frames in the body of the hive
and the bottom of the frames in the super-body. These bee-
spaces are a decidedly weak point in such a hive, but at
present there appears to be no way of obviating the difficulty.
I rue, half bee-spaces have been introduced, but the only
benefit to be derived from them is that the hive becomes
more easily reversible — an uncertain advantage, if we may
judge from the very contrary opinions expressed by those who
have made a trial of the reversing principle. We must
therefore, as far as I am able to see, take our choice of two
things cither we must use a deep frame, or we must use
two tiers of standard frames with a bee space between the
upper and the lower tier. A deep frame is not very con¬
venient, while more than twelve standard frames in one
length are not advantageous, although in the hands of an
experienced man I believe that any here will give grand
results. Metal ends may be dispensed with, but distance
pins may be used, at any rate lor a time, until they also may
with safety be discarded. In the matter of roofs there is
little to say except that they must be made so that they can
be handled with ease, and are a sure protection from the
weather. They are most convenient when made in sections,
so that when adding say two racks of sections, an outside
case is slipped over them and the roof on the top of that.
As many of these outside coverings should be made as may
be calculated to be necessary. But room for an extra rack
or tier should always be afforded, even after allowance has
been made for the best of seasons requiring an extra number
of supers. It is far better to have a little too much room
than even an inch less than is required.

.^®Pr^oar^8 “ay be of two principal kinds, either “ venti-
ating or ordinary. Perhaps for the majority of bee¬
keepers a ventilating floorboard may be useful, but hitherto
it has never been necessary in my apiary. “ A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper,” whose long experience has no doubt shown him
t le practical utility of the floorboard he so constantly urges
upon bee-keepers to adopt, is so trusty a guide that, although
not using anything but the ordinary moveable floorboard
myself I would advise those who have not hitherto done so,
and whose bees have suffered in the past from an excessive
mortality at any time during the autumn or winter or sprint
months of the year, to try the effect of this certainly very
easy and practical way of keeping a hive dry and warm and
free from damp. Double walls are, I believe, in many ways
an advantage, but they make a hive heavy and unwieldy. It
is quite a matter of individual taste, for single walls of good
sound timber will preserve bees through the coldest of our
winters if sufficient care is taken to have them well packed
up ; but for an apiary in which the hives are stationary from
year s end to year’s end I prefer double walls.

Simplicity and usefulness will in the main be the chief
characteristics of the future hive ; frames and walls, roof
and floorboard, of plain and unpretending form, will in
time to come prove most acceptable to bee-keepers;
reversing, metal ends, and other contrivances, will die away
and leave a hive of simple construction unencumbered by
so-called improvements to supply the wants of the consumers
of honey in the coming generation. The sooner such a hive
is adopted the less we shall hear of foreign competition ; the i

longer the adoption of such a hive is delayed the more keenly
we shall feel the decline in prices likely to be experienced in
future years. The friends of the British bee-keeper must urge
upon him the necessity of rigidly neglecting new hives and
new appliances, of practising the strictest economy, of being
determined to overcome all obstacles, and by wise manage¬
ment to produce more honey in the future than in the past,
and to produce that honey at a less price than he has been
accustomed to regard as profitable in the time of good prices
and ready sale. All this may be done by using simple and
inexpensive yet efficient hives, and by acquiring a thorough
and intelligent knowledge of bees and their management. —
Felix.

CYPRIAN BEES.

‘ A Notts Bee-keeper ” wishes to know the average yield per hive
of Cyprians for a few years past. I have never troubled in taking the
average, my object always being to make the most of every hive, and
managing them so as to bring them up to the highest standard of weight
and everything else, always keeping the future in view, so that no sacri¬
fice would render my efforts abortive the ensuing year.

If “Notts Bee-keeper” ha9 been an attentive and constant reader of
this Journal for some years past, he must have observed the accounts of
the doings of my bees, and I would particularly call his attention to the
number for October 14th, which contains the particulars and results of
many hives at the Heather.

One thing was not recorded, but which I think is relevant now. I
stated that there is a good deal of rivalry amongst bee-keepers as to who
will have the heaviest hives ; it is a wholesome competiti >n, and causes
much innocent discussion and not unfrequently much amusement. On
the 4th of September last a number of us went to see our bees at the
moors. As mine were probably the strongest and myself the weakest,
they were the first visited, because they were set nearest the station and
furthest from the Heather. On my approach I immediately examined the
likeliest hives with supers, and fnding them less forward than I expected,
made it known to my companions in the following words : “ They had as
yet done little,” meaning the supers only, but which was construed by
them as the total make. After they had examined and weighed their
own hives they concluded theirs had far outstripped mine, and chaffed me
much over their supposed victory. I knew that there was a day of
reckoning coming, so kept silent. There were two companies of us, the
hives of which occupied two trucks. On reaching home, and while dis-
loading our respective trucks, I called upon a “ Hercules.” at least 6 feet
4 inches high, and otherwise well proportioned. “You have heard,” I
said, “how that truck of bees containing yours was so much heavier than
ours in this one.” “ Yes,” was the reply. “ Come, then,” I said, “and
feel the weight of them, and give your verdict.” He did so, and ex¬
claimed to the discomfiture of his pirty that each one of ours was as
heavy as five of theirs.

I had my first Cyprian queen presented me by Mr. A. Neighbour in
1877 and bred from it ; and since 1878 they, unlike other bees, have kept
themselves without receiving any artificial feeding whatever, and have
given a surplus of honey every year since, and in years too when other
hives yielded none, and at t'-e present these stocks will weigh between
60 and 70 lhs. of combs, store, and bees. So it will be observed that
feeding will be unnecessary this incoming season either.

If “ Notts Bee-keeper ” has not read the article referred to, nor those
containing the information on the proper and profitable management of
bees, I shall be glad to give a few introductory remarks for beginners or
those unacquainted with the rudiments and scientific management of
bees ; but I observe “ Notts Bee-keeper ” has been reading, because he
says, “ I and many more are in a fog. We keep reading of the wonder¬
ful doings of these foreigners, but cannot get them to do it.” Reading
alone, without thinking and acting, will not attain the end in view. Then,
of more importance still, Does “ Notts Bee-keeper ” and his friends act
according to the instructions given in this Journal ?

It is but a few weeks since a question was put in a contemporary,

“ Which is the best book on bees for a beginner ?” I observed several
answers naming a certain book as “ the best book on bees.” The said
book I had not seen, but shortly after saw it through the kindness of a
friend. I then scanned its pages, and found it contained not only errors
of fact, but recommended hives and a system of manipulation from the
beginning of the year till the end of it, which if we adopted our harvests
of honey here in the north would be nil. Our system of management is
the only one that we can depend on in getting good returns ; and if we
were in the sunny south the same system would also be the one that
would give the largest returns with least trouble and the least outlay.
The breed of bees in this district are so mixed that it is impossible to
make comparisons, but that can still he done at the moors ; and as I have
so often pointed out that fair trials and comparisons can only be made
when hives are placed together. There are localities situated only threa
miles from each other that bees will gather at one locality a large
quantity, while at the others little or nothing will be obtained.

The Cyprian and Syrian races of bees are very prolific, and to give
them a chance to make weight and remunerate their owners the hives
must be large, ai large again as most of the hives in use at the present
day. Doubtless there has been a movement of late to adopt the tiering

22

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1887.

or Scewarton system, which, has been in use in Scotland for at least two
centuries, perfected there, and at the present moment has not been
improved upon. It is true there are hives which some claim as late in¬
ventions, such as the Carr Stewarton and the Heddon hive, but any¬
thing of worth in these hives is not new, and what is new is not of
much worth. Forty years ago I had fifty of the square type of Stewar¬
ton or Lanarkshire hives, and with but slight difference is the same hive
I mostly use and recommend, and which I gave instructions how to make
in a late number, and if adopted by “ Notts Bee-keeper ” and wrought
according to my instructions I fear not but his Cyprian or Syrian bees
will *‘ do it at least they have done it. and well too, with — A
Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Dickson & Sons, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester.— Catalogue <f
Vegetable and Flower Seeds, 1887.

« * Robert Veitch & Son, 54, High Street, Exeter .— Catalogue of Kitchen
Garden and Flower Seeds, 1887.

William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross— Catalogue of Vegetable, Flower,
and Agricultural Seeds. _ _

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

The Eucharis Mite (IF. E. P.). — The bulb you have sent , is seriously
attacked with the above pest. We shall publish an article on the subject
soon, perhaps next week.

Exhibiting Rhubarb (.Veto Year). — Rhubarb is certainly not a fruit any
more than Seakale is, and cooking and sweetening it cannot make it a fruit.
It can be staged in a collection of vegetables, unless specially excluded,
committees of shows having the right to make stipulations excluding
Rhubarb or anything ebe from any particular class. First-class Rhubarb
would carry more points than Carrots at this time of the year with most
good judges ; but if superior Carrots were staged against inferior Rhubarb,
then the same judges would give preference to the former.

Loosening Peach and Nectarine Trees from Wall (A Foreigner). — It is
an old and excellent practice. Loosening the trees from the wall keeps
them cooler and insures more perfect rest than when secured to the wall,
retards the flowering considerably, besides facilitating pruning operations,
making sure that the branches do not suffer from being too tight, and
allowing the rearrangement of the branches and shoots so as to preserve
the symmetry and equal distribution of the wood. It entails considerable
labour, but it pays in the crops, the credit of the cultivator, and the health
and longevity of the trees.

Snow and Vegetation (A Young Gardener). — Snow is only injurious,
so far as we know, when its weight is so great as to break branches from
trees, or bend them down so that they cannot very w<Tl be placed in position
again; also when it crushes and in that way spoils any plants that cannot
resist its weight. For the reason indicated it is often advisable to promptly
shake the snow from slender Conifers and brittle trees and plants. By
promptly we mean before the snow melts ; but in the great storm that
visited the south of England on the Sunday night following Christmas Day
the snow was not dry, hence adhered closely on whatever it fell. On that
account, together with the time of the fall, it could not be removed even if
the necessity for shaking it off was recognised, hence the injury that was
done was practically unavoidable. ,To low-growing crops generally snow
is the best of protectors against severe frost, and if they are buried for
weeks they do not suffer through the interment. In some districts in which
severe frost has prevailed the absence of snow is much regretted by both
farmers and gardeners, the former fearing their Turnips and Wheat will
suffer, the latter being uncomfortable about the exposure of their Cabbages,
Winter Lettuces, Spinach, and other crops that would be safer if under the
snow.

Nitrate of Soda for Vine Borders {J. D.). — It is not usual to apply
nitrate of soda to Vine borders, nor is it generally advisable, as ample
saline matter is had from the manures applied, especially when the drain¬
ings of strbleB and cow byres are used. It may, however, be given to weak
Vines or those that have small foliage, and with advantage, applying it at
the rate of 1 lb. per square rod in March or early April, which is sufficient
for the season. We have also known nitrate of potash (saltpetre) to be
used with good effect, and in much the same way as nitrate of soda acts by
increasing the vigour of the Vine?, especially the foliage. It should be

applied in spring and at the rate of 1 lb. to a square rod (30J square yards).
Only one of the substances named must be given at a time, but both are
most efficacious in combination with other substances. Be careful to
dispose it evenly over the surface.

Zonal Pelargonium Leaves Spotted (O. E.). — The leaves are spotted in
consequence of imperfect elaboration of the sap or of moisture being con¬
densed upon them and remaining upon them for some time. The soil is
also too rich and wet. The only remedy is to keep them rather drier at the
roots, not watering until the soil becomes dry, but not allowing the foliage
to become limp before giving a supply, when it should be thorough. A little
air should be admitted in all but very severe weather, so as to prevent a
close -vitiated atmosphere, and to prevent moisture accumulating on the
foliage as well as to cause that to evaporate and assimilate the sap. To
effect this you will need a temperature of 50° to 55°, with an advance of 5°
to 10° from sun heat. With careful watering the plants will soon recover,
and may be given liquid manure occasionally, which will much invigorate
them, causing them to outgrow their present condition. They require
a warmer and more genial condition of the atmosphere.

Seakale from Roots and Seeds (D. Marsden), — Plants are easily raised
by both methods, but the largest and most successful growers of roots and
strong crowns for sale, for forcing, almost invariably adopt the latter
method of increase. When they raise plants from seed it is usually with
the object of affording a supply of small clean “ thongs ” or roots for
cuttings. These are cut in lengths of about 5 inches when the Seakale is
taken up in late autumn, the upper end of each cutting being severed
straight across the lower end slantingly. They are then packed in layers
with leaf mould. Cocoa-nut fibre refuse, ashes, or light soil, with the thick
ends outwards, the whole forming a stack or cone, and covered with litter
in sharp weather. Buds form at the ends of the cuttings, and these, if
planted in rich soil in spring and encouraged to grow freely through the
summer, develops fine crowns in the autumn of mon value to the growers
than are seedling plants, though these latter often form very useful crowns
for forcing.

Pear Trees not Fruiting ( Chrysanthemum ). — The trees making plenty
of wood and flowering well, but perfecting no fruit, indicates that the buds
are not well matured, which may arise from the trees being crowded with
wood, so that air and light cannot influence the elaboration and assimilation
of the sap and its concentration on the fruit buds. Being sr near the
attainment of your desire, we should, in the coming season, merely thin the
wood during growth, so as to admit light and air to all the parts left, the
side Bhoots being stopped in J une or not later than early J uly to four or
five leaves, leaving the leading shoots entire, which should be cut back in
autumn as necessary to preserve the symmetry of the trees, but the less the
better; the side shoots being stopped through the season and superfluous
ones removed, and in autumn cut back shoots not having formed spur buds-
to as near the main stems as practicable, being careful not to injure the
blossom buds. This practice would in all probalility have the desired
effect, your case being different from those in which the trees have an excess-
of vigour and do not form fruit buds so sparingly. In the latter case root-
pruning is advisable, and is best done in autumn, but it may be done now
or as soon as the weather is favourable, up to the time the trees swell their
buds, forming a trench one-third the distance from the stem the trees are-
in height, and below the roots, so that all the roots except the small fibres
extending into the trench are cut through. Then fill the trench again and
make it firm. Surface-rooting should be encouraged by removing the
surface soil down to the roots and supplying fresh loam to which has been,
added a fourth of well-decayed manure, but the roots must not be covered
deeper than 3 inches, and during summer supply water in dry periods.
Attend to the growths as advised, and we think your trees will afterwards
fruit satisfactorily. “ Tapping ” is a practice not to be recommended. The
chief thing is to keep the growths thin and encourage surface roots.

Dressing Vines (IF. D. K.). — When you prune the Vines cut them
closely, including portions of old spurs, for in these mealy bug and other
insects often establish themselves. All loose bark from the Vines should
be removed, even for an inch or two into the border, being careful to remove
all loose material from about the spurs. Then wash the glass and wood¬
work thoroughly with a strong solution of softsoap and hot water. For
this purpose 3 ozs. of softsoap may be dissolved in each gallon of water.
The whole of the walls if they have been limewashed should be scraped so
as to remove all loose portions, and then thoroughly washed afterwards with,
the softsoap solution. This being done paint the woodwork, wires, walls,,
in fact everything in the house in which insects can secrete themselves,
with petroleum. While doing this be careful that the petroleum does not
fall upon the Vines. The Vines should now be washed with a solution of
softsoap, 2 ozs. to each gallon of water as hot as you can bear your hands
in, or a solution of Fir tree oil or L‘mon oil, both good for this purpose,,
may be used at the strength advised by the vendors in each case. Old
hollow spurs must be well cleaned out with the knife', then wash them with
a small st'ff brush. The Vines can now be tied to the wires, the walls
limewashed — if they have not been previously done — using the lime as hot as
possible, and in a 3-gallon bucket of this stir one pint of petroleum. If you
can paint thq wires and woodwork afterwards with lead paint do so, but
allow the petroleum to thoroughly evaporate first, which will take, say a
week, or it will turn the paint yellow. While the petroleum is evaporating
remove the surface of the border, in fact this should be done at once after
cleaning the house. Brush all loose material from the surface of the
border, and then syringe it liberally with 1 oz. of petroleum to each gallon
of water. Syringe alternately into the bucket or can and on to the border-
The surface soil should be removed down to the roots, brushing from
amongst them all small particles. Top-dress the border with a compost of
fibry loam, manure, wood ashes, or soot, and bones. To five barrow¬
fuls of the first add one of manure, one of wood ashes, and about one-sixtht
inch potful of half-inch bones, with the fine portion left in to each harrow¬
ful of soil. If you have to remove much surface soil you may also add one
barrowful of old lime rubbish to each five barrowfuls of loam required. If
the border is poor and the Vines lack vigour add two barrowfuls of manure
instead of one ; you can also mix with the compost a little artificial manure-
You should be the best judge of the condition of the border and how to act
in this matter, but if we can aid you in any particular we shall be pleased
to do so. The pipes must be cleaned and painted with lampblack.

January -6,-1887. 3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

23

and boiled oil. The floors if of stone can be cleaned with chloride of lime.
A little of this should be mixed in a bucket with water, then rubbed on to
the stonework thinly with an old brush, than scrub it gently, merely moving
it about until it froths, when it will not only destroy insects but any vegeta¬
tion that may have established itself in the stonework. It must then be
washed off thoroughly. This is all you can do until you apply heat to the
Vines, then you must examine them every alternate day and search for bug.
If you clean the Vines thoroughly and search thoroughly afterwards you may
clear them in one season. If the details given are carried out the scale
will be destroyed by the same means, and if you treat the Vines well another
season you may not be troubled with either spider or thrips.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(H. H.). — 1, St. Sauveur ; 2, Small’s Admirable. (H. J. Cassin).— The three
Apples are Barton’s Incomparable, the others cannot be identified.
( Hortus ). — G-lou Morceau.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( Aliquis ). — Petasites fragrans, the Winter Heliotrope. {T. S.). — The two
small Orohid flower's sent in a match box under the name of Dendrobium
Farmeri album resemble Dendrobium cretaceum, but as they suffered con¬
siderably in transit they cannot be determined with certainty. (TV.). —
Eupatorium riparium. (R. 0. B.). — The purplish flower is Laaiia anceps ;
the other is Zygopetalum Mackayi.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 5th.

Since the holidays our market has been very dull, scarcely any business
doing.

FRUIT.

Apples . £ sieve 1

,, Nova Scotia and
Canada, per barrel 10

Cherries . J sieve 0

Cobs . 1001b. 60

Figs .. .. .. dozen 0

Grapes . lb. 0

Lemons . case 10

a. i

Artichokes ,. .. dozen 1
Asparagus .. .. bundle 0
Beans, Kidney . . per lb 0
Beet, Red .. .. dozen 1

Broccoli .. .. .. bundle 0

Brussels Sprouts . . £ sieve 2

Cabbage . dozen 1

Capsicums .. .. 100 1

Carrots . bunch 0

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen 3

Celery . bundle 1

Coleworts doz. bunches 2
Cucumbers .. .. each 0

Endive . dozen 1

Herbs . . . . , . bunch 0

Leeks . bunch 0

d. s. d.

8.

d.

8.

a

6

to 4 0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

Oranges . . . .

6

0

12

0

0

13 0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

0

0 0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

0

70 0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1

6

2

0

6

0 9

Plums .

$ sieve

1

0

2

0

6

3 0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

0

15 0

Strawberries . . . .

per fib.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

d.

s. d

8.

d.

8

a

0 to 0 0

Lettuce .

dozen

l

0

to 1

6

0

0 0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

6

1

0

6

1 0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

0

2 0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

0

0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

0

2 6

Parsnips .

dozen

i

0

2

0

6

0 0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

6

2 0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

9

5

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb . . *

bundle

0

2

0

6

0

4 0

Salsafy ..

bundle

1

0

1

0

6

2 0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

0

4 0

Soakale .. .. per basket

1

6

2

0

3

0 4

Shallots ..

0

S

0

6

0

2 0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

0

2

0 0

Tomatoes . . . .

0

6

1

0

3

0 4

Turnips .

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

8.

a.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica . . each

1

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

9

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

4!

0

Hyacinths . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

■Chrysanthemum . . dozen

4

0

12

0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . . per dozen

0

9

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

e

31

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Poinsettia . . per dozen 12

0

0

18

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns Tariety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8

d.

8.

a.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 spray3

2

0 to 4

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Margnerites . . 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

9

Mignonette . . 12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bonvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ White, English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4

9

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

17

1

6

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

3

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

6

0

9

0

„ .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Boses . . 12 bunches

0

9

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bohes.

6

0

12

9

„ (indoor), per dozen

0

6

a

0

„ 12 blooms

0

6

2

0

,, Tea . dozen

0

9

3

G

Cornflower . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

,, red . . . . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French'^

4

0

5

9

Epiphyllum . . doz. blooms

0

c

0

0

Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

4

0

9

0

Eacharis . . per dozen

4

0

8

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias .. 12 bloom9

6

0

12

0

„ (double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

•Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1.

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

9

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropmolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lspageria, red ..12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

1

6

2

0

„ loDgiflorum, 12 blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunohes

,1

0

1

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

» Czar, French, pe bunch

1

6

8

0

A WELL-STOCKED HOMESTEAD.

In Whittaker’s Almanack for the new year we have a large
mass of statistics of immense significance and importance.
Those found under the heading of “Our Food Supplies from
Abroad,” serve to enforce our teaching so strongly that we
transcribe a few of them here as tending to show by the logic
of facts that it is possible for the special produce of farm
homesteads to assume a much more important place among
farm produce generally that it has done hitherto.

Last year the butter and cheese imports were valued at
£15,630,000, and we are very sensibly reminded that, while
complaints are made of the unremunerative character of
ordinary British farming, a suggestion is frequently proffered
that arable lands might be advantageously changed to pasture.
The demand for dairy produce at home, beyond what native
factors furnish, is enormous. Foreign eggs come to us in
very large and greatly increasing quantities. Last year we
received upwards of 1,000.000,000 from foreign importers,
the exact number being 1.002,788,000, at a cost of£2,931,237,
which number, it is calculated, gave of those retained for
home consumption between twenty-seven and twenty-eight
per head of the population of the United Kingdom.

Of bacon and hani3 we imported 4,058,454 cwts., at a
cost of £8,685,668 ; of pork 383,636 cwts., for £689,731 ;
and of lard 871,210 cwts., at a cost of £1,606,485 ; so that we
find the enormous sum of £10,981,884 paid to the foreign
producer of pork in one form or other. We quote this won¬
derful array of figures confidently, for our authority is a safe
one, and they are quoted hopefully in view of inciting farmers
generally to turn home-grown corn to profitable account by
pig-feeding — aye, and by the curing of hams and bacon too.
We would have all little porkers of about 40 lbs. weight sold
either alive or dead as pork, but depend upon it there is
“ money ” in converting larger pigs into bacon. Why is it
that Wiltshire bacon continues to command such an excep¬
tionally high price in the market ? Simply because special
pains are taken in curing it. If it answers best to singe the
hairs instead of scalding the pork intended for bacon in
Wiltshire, why, in the name of common sense, cannot it be
made to answer elsewhere ? Low prices cannot yet be said
to render pig-farming unprofitable, for it is notorious that
for some time past pig sales have proved much more profit¬
able than either cattle or sheep. Poultry and pig- keeping
could be taken in hand with greater facility than anything
else in farming by farmers generally, because a compara¬
tively moderate amount of capital is sufficient for a beginning,
and there is a speedy return of interest upon outlay.

Of cattle in connection with the homestead we would
fain speak favourably were it possible to do so, but we
cannot. The most favourable calculations fail to show a
margin of profit upon cattle fattening other than the manure.
Even that is questionable, for having regard to the labour of
carting, but more especially of the great risk of waste of the
very essence of its fertility from exposure, we cannot com¬
mend it. Two or three weeks before Christmas we were
invited to call at the homestead of a farm of some 700 acres
in extent, to see the fat beasts which had been prepared with
infinite care for the local Christmas show and sale. Gladly
did we do so, and we were much interested in our inspection
of yard after yard of prime young beasts in superlative con¬
dition, for we do enjoy the sight of a “ bit of good farming,”
still more do we enj oy a discussion with intelligent pract itioners,
such as we found in the tenants of that farm. Well, we
subsequently attended the sale, and, to our regret, saw the

24

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 6, 1687.

beasts of our friend with from 200 to 300 others sold at an
average of £25 apiece. Such a price for highly fattened
Christmas beasts points to an absolute loss over and above
any value real or fanciful which may be put upon the manure.
Nor were we surprised on the following market day to see
prime sirloins of beef offered for sale at 7jd per lb. By all
means let us have dairy farming in conjunction with pig¬
keeping at the homestead, with milk for home consumption,
butter and cheese for market, calves fattened for market, too,
as quickly as possible, and only enough saved for heifers to
keep up our supply of cows. In this way we should obtain
enough manure for our root crops, and avoid an annual loss
which in the end may prove fatal.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

As we sit down to write this note frost and snow render grazing upon
any kind of pasture impossible for the flock, and the utmost care is being
taken in feeding the ewes forward in lamb. No frozen roots must they
have now, or dead lambs and abortion will be the result. Plenty of sweet
wholesome chaff, consisting of meadow hay, Oat and Barley straw, well
mixed and slightly salted by scattering a few handfuls of salt upon the
chaff as it is thrown into a heap from the machine, is given regularly in
the troughs with corn. In the racks we keep a full supply of Pea straw
and hay, so that the sheep have always some food by them ; but we
prefer to give only enough trough food at stated intervals for the sheep
to clear up at once. Both in quality and quantity of food due regard is
had to the condition of the sheep, and if the slightest tendency to
poverty is perceptible cake must be used in addition to corn. We hold,
however, that if pregnant ewes have been well managed since the last
lambing season there can be no necessity for extreme measures now.
We cannot obtain a good crop of lambs from ewes that were brought
very low in condition last season. There must be no undue strain made
upon an animal’s system at any time if its progeny is to be strong and
healthy. It is solely by attention to this and by careful selection that we
have one flock superior to another. Apart from the fancier’s point of
view, and regarded solely from that of the practical farmer, it is obvious
that a well-fed ewe may reasonably be expected to yield a well nurtured
lamb, just as a badly fed ewe must yield a weak lamb. Glad a»e we to
say that both our ewe flocks are in a satisfactory condition, and although
they are not quite free from the taint of foot rot, yet there are no bad
cases among them now. Hoggets and crones are now coming nicely on
in condition for the butcher, and we have now a certain number on sale
weekly. The fat ewes find a ready and profitable sale, some sold last
week ranging as high as 53s. apiece. These sheep have now been for
several months in folds upon a full diet of grass, roots, and dry food, and
we hope to derive benefit, not only in the crops to follow the folding, but
also in a reduced chemical manure bill this year. Strong healthy crones
and forward hoggets pay ; crones brought very low by poor diet and
being kept late with the lambs, and late hoggets do not.

THE HESSIAN FLY IN BRITAIN.

One of the notable events of the agricultural season of 1886 was the
startling appearance of the long-dreaded Hessian fly upon British soil.
With commendable diligence, Miss Ormerod, F.R.M.S., Consulting Ento¬
mologist of the Royal Agricultural S iciety, has drawn up a report of
observations made, adding thereto sundry suggestions as to means of
prevention or remedy. Accepting the present version of facts, I must own
to some apprehensions that the insect may shortly turn up in some of our
fields about North Kent, and the explanation is easy. Large quantities
of manure from London stables, cab yards, and the like places, is brought
down to Gravesend in barges to be used on the land, and it furnishes a
tolerably ready medium for the transit of the fly from the Continent in
what has been called its “ flax seed •’ or pupa condition. It should be
explained that for the package of goods received from abroad quantities
of straw are used, and many city houses, wholesale or retail, relieve them¬
selves of accumulations of this by selling it to stable keepers. The
natural result is that such straw becomes a constituent of mixed manure
sent from town to country.

It is exactly a century since this pest was first noticed in America,
and not till 1834 was it proved to occur in Europe. On the Continent the
chief localities for the insect are the south of France, Austria, Hungary,
and South Russia. A U.S. Commission lately sitting considers the true
habitat to be Western Asia, near the Mediterranean. There have been
many alarms about it in England. Whether previously to last summer it
had occurred here Miss Ormerod doubts, but she received specimens from
Barley fields near Hertford on July 27 h, and a fortnight after some were
found at Romford. Later on the Hessian fly turned up in several Scotch
counties, while Hitchin and Luton were added to the southern localities.
As yet, however, the attacks have been in no place sufficiently violent to
cause more than trifling damage, and on the Continent the yearly loss
through this fly is small compared with the considerable one that appears
almost every season in the corn returns of the United States.

The following is quoted from Kaltenbach as a good epitome of the
insect’s life history — “ The Hessian fly, or Cecidomyia destructor, resides
as larva in the haulm of Wheat, Rye, and Barley. The females usually lay
their eggs on the young leaves twice in the year (in May and September),
out of which eggs the larv® hatch in fourteen days. These work them¬

selves in between the leaf sheath and the stem, and fix themselves near
the three lowest joints, often near the root, and suck the juices of the
stem, so that afterwards the ear, which only produces small or few grains,
falls down at a sharp angle. Six or eight maggots may be found together,
which turn to pupae in spring, or about the end of July.” A variation as
to this is noticeable in different countries, and it appears that the pupa, or
“ flax seed,” may exist from October to spring within the stalks.

From this it is suggested that thorough clearing of stubble during the
autumn is important as a preventive measure. Others advise the sowing
of narrow strips of Wheat at that season to attract the flies that are about,
when eggs and maggots can be subsequently ploughed in. Straw is, of
course, too valuable to burn, but Mr. J. Marten advises forming it after
threshing into very firm compact stacks ; a great proportion of the flies
must be then destroyed because they cannot reach the outside of the
stack. Late-aown Wheat has been found in the United States to escape
comparatively, because ere it attains any size the flies that would have
attacked it are dead.

I should add that, although I am not at liberty to mention names,
there are entomologists who profess themselves convinced that C. destruc¬
tor has not been taken here as stated. The species of Cecidomyia are well
known to present difficulties of identification, and we have several native
species whose history has not been worked out. One at least has been
detected feeding within the stalks of Graminaceous plants both wild and
cultivated. — Entomologist.

FOWLS LAYING IN DECEMBER.

The writer of “ A Well Stocked Homestead ” asks “ Can it be proved
that the owner of 100 hens or pullets gets ten eggs per day in December 1 ”
In December, 1881, I had 302 eggs from rather less than fifty hens and
pullets — cross Creve and Langshan. It is fair to say that this month was
mild ; but in the following January, when the weather was sharp, I had
481 eggs from the sam) stock. In December, 1882, I had 457 eggs from
a cross of Cr6ve and Black Hamburghs; but again the month was com¬
paratively mild. In subsequent years I have not been so successful, but
still from the same number of hens and pullets I have never till this year
taken less than five eggs a day in December, with crossed Dorking and
Game, and some of the old stock.

But this year I have made a bad shot with Andalusians, the hens not
laying and the pullets only beginning late in December, and then very
sp irsely— 60 that I have but 100 eggs chiefly from old Creve hens, which I
find good layers. The fowls in each case were fed with house scraps
mixed with middlings in the morning hot, and mixed grain in the after¬
noon. A grass run of course. These facts may interest the writer of your
article. — Veteran.

OUR LETrER BOX.

Drainage of a Meadow on Clay (Perplexed). — Have no hesitation in
draining at once, making the drains 25 to 30 feet apart, and only 22 inches
deep. Use the ordinary round 2-inch land drain pipes, and see that they
are well laid with a regular incline throughout. Annual dressings of coal
and wood ashes, and occasional dressings of lime, would gradually render the
soil porous and less retentive of moisture, and when this has taken place
we would introduce a few deeper drains to prevent the ascent of water from
the subsoil by capillary attraction. Have no fear that the drains will do
harm by making the soil too dry in summer as you suggest. It was proved
long ago that well -drained land suffers less from drought than that which
has no drains. We hope shortly to take up this important subject once
more, for it is not at all well understood by farmers generally, and yet
nothing so materially affects their work upon the land. The chemical
manures may be mixed advantageously a fortnight before using.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

1886.

December.

in a8— .
d co oj a>

Hygrome¬

ter.

O-d

is

Temp, ol
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

a

as

as

1887.

January.

*SoJ

(0 " as

Dry.

Wet.

st

So

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday . 26

Inches.

29.888

de*.

36.9

de*.

36.7

S.E.

de*.

35.9

de*.

39.8

d*s

29.3

dear.

40.4

de«.

22.3

In.

1.820

Monday . 27

29.629

34.0

33.6

N.W.

35.8

37.6

31.8

68.2

31.4

0.079

Tuesday . 28

29.883

37.8

37.0

8.W.

35.5

41.0

31.8

54.1

27.1

—

Wednesday .. 20

29.880

37.9

35.8

N.W.

35.7

42.0

33.3

63 4

28.8

o.oio.

Thursday .... 30

30.306

31.2

31.0

N.

35.9

36.7

28.1

52.6

23.4

—

Friday . 31

30.571

30.7

29.9

N.

35.7

36.1

28.4

50.8

24.4

—

Saturday .... 1

30.441

19.8

19.6

S.

35.2

27.9

182

26.5

14.6

—

30.085

32.6

31.9

35.7

37.3

28.7

49.4

24.6

1.909

REMARKS.

2Gth.— Dull early, rain from 9 A.M., turning to snow about 6 P.M., and falling heavily to
midnight, with gale.

27th.— Very heavy snow in early morning, glorious day, almost cloudless till late even¬
ing— 8 inches of snow on ground.

28th.— Slight fog early, bright day, fine solar halo at noon.

29th.— Bright and warm generally, slight shower at noon, and again In evening.

SOth.— Bright and fine.

31st.— Lovely winter’s day.

1st.— Very cold morning, fine and bright ; fog from about 2 to 6 P.M., but not dense here ;
clear starlight night.

The special feature of the week was the unusually heavy fall of dense wet snow on the
night 26th-27th. The snow was nearly twice as dense as usual, for whereas usually it
takes 12 inches of snow to yield 1 inch of rain, about 5} inches of tnis snow yielded 1 inch
of water. Tne total yield 1 82 inches is most unusual in London, except from thunder¬
storms. G. J. SYMONS,

January 18, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

25

I

13

14
16
16

17

18
19

TH

F

S

SUN

M

Tu

W

Royal Society at 4.S0 p m.
Quekett Club at 8 P.M.

2nd Sunday after Epiphany.
Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

THE "ROYAL JUBILEE.

MIDST all the conflicts of the period, political
and industrial, it is pleasant to observe the
deep-rooted loyalty of the community to the
Throne and Constitution ; and in no section of
that community is this spirit more clearly
manifested than in the domain of horticulture.
Those who delight in the occupation of garden¬
ing, and who are in sympathy with the culti¬
vation of the plants, flowers, and fruits of the earth,
recognise the importance of national stability ; and they
are convinced that in no other way can this he so safely
assured as under our present system of government — a
monarchy resting firmly on the affections of the in¬
habitants under its sway. A popular sovereign is the
greatest factor in a nation’s strength. The intensity of
the reverence that exists in the minds of all sections of
horticulturists for the Queen of these realms is suffici¬
ently exemplified by the heartiness with which the “ usual
loyal toasts” are received in assemblies of gardeners;
while the existence of a desire on the part of committees
of floricultural and cognate societies to “do something”
in commemoration of the Jubilee year of Her Majesty’s
reign is abundantly manifest. Suggestions have been
made to this end in our columns, and intimations of action
announced. It is very gratifying to perceive this spon¬
taneity of sentiment, indicating as it does the undercurrent
of feeling that obtains throughout the land. This feeling
will find expression in various ways, so various, possibly,
and subdivided, as to obscure its aggregate force. An
event so historically great as a sovereign’s jubilee, and so
rare as to occur only at intervals of centuries, demands
for its fitting celebration wide unity of action, as then only
can results be achieved in any way commensurate with
its magnitude and importance.

There are no doubt many horticultural societies, the
directors of which will consider the question of devising
means for an official expression of sentiment towards the
Queen on the auspicious event that will overshadow all
others of the year. There are gardeners’ organisations
which will be imbued with the same feeling, and a desire
to express it ; there is the great commercial body of
horticulturists — nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists, who
would rejoice in the opportunity of displaying their devo¬
tion to the Crown in an adequate manner ; and there are
thousands of individuals engaged in or closely identified
with gardening pursuits, men of wealth and men of work,
who would not hesitate to join in a great effort to repre¬
sent in a worthy manner the loyalty of the ancient
craft to which they belong, or in which they are deeply
interested. Now if any well defined yet far-reaching
scheme could be organised for embodying the scattered
No. 342. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

items of loyalty of all who may desire to be included in
the great guild of gardeners, horticulture would be seen
in fuller strength than it has ever yet been displayed, its
magnitude would be recognised, its character elevated, its
wholesome influence appreciated, and its resources deve¬
loped. A national offering of horticulturists and gar¬
deners of all grades, at a great epoch in the nation’s life,
towards a national object at once useful and commemora¬
tive, can, we think, scarcely fail to commend itself to the
vast majority of our readers as worthy of consideration at
the present time.

But admitting the desirability of the great undertaking
suggested, who shall be its organisers and what form will
best display the combined sentiments of the horticul¬
turists of the United Kingdom? Is there any one object
on which their attention and that of their allies can be
concentrated, and at the same time command their sym¬
pathies ? To secure those desiderata it must be per¬
manent, and immediately and continuously useful.

We live in utilitarian days, when something more than
pictures and parchments, gilded pinnacles and Cleopatra's
Needles are expected for outlay. Homes and hospitals,
churches and colleges, schools and institutes are the
favoured commemorative offerings now. If a great public
want can be demonstrated at an opportune moment a dis¬
position is usually created to supply the necessity. There
is a great want now in the world of British horticulture.
We have a Boyal Horticultural Society, an old chartered
institution, the head of all kindred societies in this
kingdom ; yet, though a Royal Society, it is sad to have to
record the fact that it is positively without a home, while
its habitation is of uncertain tenure. Is there any greater
want of a public nature connected with horticulture than
the one alluded to ? If there be not, then is not the pre¬
sent year singularly favourable for a strong eftort being
made tor supplying what is so urgently needed for placing
the Society on a firm basis ? If a new era of useiulness
can be inaugurated for it, and at the same time this be
commemorative of a remarkable event, all who share in
the twin accomplishment will have reason to be proud of
the work in which they engage. A jubilee house — a home
for horticulture — would form a substantial and lasting
memorial of the esteem of an important section of the
community towards the Queen ; and it is not easy to
conceive of any embodiment of that esteem which could
be more agreeable to Her Majesty than the erection of
a building destined for such a good purpose. It would
probably be advisable that the building should be invested
in trustees for the use and benefit of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society and for other horticultural objects that
may from time to time arise.

The object being suggested that it is so desirable to
support, it follows that the organisation requisite for its
accomplishment should rest writh the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society. It is for them to consider the
whole question, and if they should feel that an opportunity
offers such as never occurred before, and certainly
cannot occur again in the present century, for carrying
out a great and good work, they will be able to devise
means for reaching every individual in the kingdom
who may be disposed to join in the undertaking. It
would be desirable to have a strong central com¬
mittee associated with the Council, and it would
not be difficult to have local committees formed in all
populous districts to co-operate in a national horticul¬
tural Jubilee tribute of the nature indicated, and there
must be thousands who would readily contribute accord -
;No. 1998.— Voe. LXXVI., Old Series.

26

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1887.

mg to circumstances to a general fund for that purpose.
With the view to stimulating local effort and recognising
effective aid, some inducement of a complimentary
character might be desirable, the precise nature of which
could be easily determined. The circumstances being
special and exceptional, the occasion would be favourable
for instituting privileges of a nature that would be ap¬
preciated by those who should entitle themselves to
become recipients. The great point should be to enlist
the sympathies and active association of the greatest
possible number of persons all over the land, then the
object in view might be attained without anyone being
appreciably the poorer.

When it is remembered that sums ranging from .£500
to upwards of £1000 have been from time to time col¬
lected as testimonials or memorial tributes to individuals
who have merited such recognition, and when it is further
borne in mind that there was no difficulty in providing a
fund of £10,000, nearly £6000 being actually paid in
contributions, for the International Horticultural Exhibi¬
tion of 1866, it would surely be possible to raise a
national horticultural Jubilee fund of twice the amount,
and for a purpose far exceeding that of a six-days flower
show.

The Royal Horticultural Society being now relieved
from heavy responsibilities, only needs a home of its own
affording the requisite conveniences for the transaction
of business, including the holding of periodical meetings,
and occasional special exhibitions for scientific or edu¬
cational purposes, the accommodation of the Lindley
library, the formation of a horticultural museum, and for
such other purposes that may be required for the ful¬
filment of the object for which it was established ; and
it would then commence a new career and do more than
it has yet accomplished for practical, scientific, and com¬
mercial horticulture.

As slight evidence of hopefulness in submitting these
necessarily crude ideas and vague outline of a project for
a year that will be memorable, we had the prompt offer of
£50 from the only gentleman with whom it was discussed,
and he at the same time expressed his conviction that
there were “ plenty more ” who would contribute similar
or greater amounts for a cause so good as a professional
tribute of devotion to the Queen and to horticulture.

RAISING GLADIOLI FROM SEED.

C Continued from page 6.)

As a rule, when matured corms are planted they produce their
blooms nearly all at one time, or if kept back and planted in suc¬
cession the late planted corms produce weak spikes, but seedlings
well treated will begin to flower in the end of July and keep flower¬
ing in succession until cut down by frost. Our matured corms
flower and ripen their seed long before the two-year-old roots have
done flowering ; by two-year-old corms I mean the second year
from seed. When a stock is once worked up it will not be necessary
to devote so much time to the seedlings, so that they will take
longer to mature, as they grow in proportion to the amount of care
and attention bestowed on them. The strong growers of course
make corms most freely, while the weak ones form slowly ; conse¬
quently, when lifting in October some seedlings will be as large as
matured Walnuts, or even larger, whilst others will be like small
shots. Do not despise the small ones, as these too frequently turn
out the best varieties, so be careful of them ; while the gross corms
too frequently turn out coarse varieties. Last year I sent a man to
lift our bed of seedlings, charging him to be careful and get all the
corms, adding, “ I will be there in a few minutes,” and so I was, to
find that he had gone nearly all over the bed picking up a few of
the largest, and all the rest was well mixed through the border with
the fork. To pick them out was hopeless, so to make the best of it
we covered the bed with a good thickness of leaves with a little
dung over them to prevent their being blown about. We removed
this covering last April, and found the corms had already com¬

menced growth. The ground was covered with them, as though
they had been sown broadcast. We treated them like the rest and
had good blooms from them, the only drawback being that we had
to handweed them instead of hoeing. Owing to this occurrence
this question has presented itself to me : Is it wise to lift seedling
Gladioli the first year ? This autumn I decided I would not lift
the seedlings, but have covered them with leaves and dung as last
year, and if they come satisfactorily next year, I shall in future
abandon the idea of lifting the first year’s seedlings, except those I
give extra special care to as detailed when I commenced growing
seedlings.

When growing Gladioli for exhibition purposes they should be
planted in the richest soil available, and be well supplied with
liquid manure in the growing season. Keep the plants at all times
well protected from the wind by a stout stake, and when the plant
commences to flower get two boards fully 2 feet long and 7 or
8 inches wride ; nail these securely at right angles on the top of the
stake, nail a thin shred of wood along the bottom inside and also

Fig. 4. — Shade for Gladiolus Flower?.

along the inside of the boards lengthways so as to form a rough
groove and a stop at the bottom for a pane of glass (fig. 4). Then
get a pane of glass to slide down and fit in the groove, let the stake
be securely fixed in the ground, tie the spike so that it will lie steady
between the boards to face the sun, and slide in the glass.
The advantage of this is, the action of the sun through the glass
elongates the spike and shields it from the wind. As the flowers
open whitewash the portion of glass immediately opposite
the expanding flowers. This will prevent the sun destroying
their bright colours and cause them to be longer in opening. If
this is followed daily with care, long spikes of flowers will be
obtained before the lower blooms begin decaying, a point of the
greatest importance on the exhibition stand. I give this hint for
the benefit of those who may feel disposed to grow them for exhi¬
bition purposes. My principal object has been to bring before your
readers a simple and easy method of securing a good stock of
Gladioli for general purposes, but before quitting the subject allow
me to add, the Gladiolus is well worthy of far more extended cul¬
tivation than it receives. Its easy cultivation, variety, brightness of
colour, and general usefulness should commend it to all lovers of
flowers, and if the above details are properly carried out no culti¬
vator need be long in securing an abundant stock. — J. Ollerhead,
The Gardens , Wimbledon House, S. W.

P.8. — I should have stated that the spike before being tied to

January 13, 1887. 3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

27

the protector should be tied to a thin stick, and the stick be tied
above and below the protector boards. There is also this advantage
with a protector, the sun and light draw the blooms to the front
of the spike, a matter of no small importance on the exhibition
stand. — J. 0.

VICTORIA REGIA. IN THE OPEN AIR.

We have read Mr. Thomas’s very interesting letter in your issue
of the 6th inst. respecting the Victoria regia at Chatsworth. He
is quite right in supposing that it can be grown in heated tanks out
of doors. It was so grown, and we believe for the first time in
England, in the year 1851, by Mr. John Weeks, the founder of our
firm. At that time he had an experimental nursery in the King’s
Road, Chelsea, the same now occupied by Mr. Bull, and in an out¬
side tank at that establishment he flowered the Victoria regia.
Some of the flowers, of which there were upwards of fifty, were
exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and again at the Royal
Horticultural Society, and Mr. Weeks obtained a silver Banksian
medal as stated in the Journal of Horticulture of October 23rd, 1851.
It was generally considered to be a great achievement, and the late
Prince Consort honoured the place with a visit of inspection. The
tank, which was about 20 feet in diameter, is not now in existence
having been recently removed to make room for Mr. Bull’s new
Orchid houses. The water in it was warmed by a series of hot-water
pipes. It was just about this time that Mr. J. Weeks introduced
his celebrated “ One Boiler System,” and in order to illustrate the
feasibility and advisability of the arrangement, the pipes warming
the tank were not provided with a separate boiler, but were merely
attached to the existing system of pipes warming the hothouses. —
J. Weeks & Co., King’s Road, Chelsea.

GROS COLMAN GRAPE.

It is somewhat difficult to understand the remarks of your corre¬
spondent, “ D. B.,” upon fig. 84 of your Journal for December 23rd,
when he says he has had so many opportunities of measuring berries of
Gros Colraan equally fine. It is to be regretted he has neglected to
put them in the scales and satisfied himself as to the correctness of your
report. I did not at first notice so closely that they were so far above the
ordinary production until I began to receive many letters (about thirty)
some from strangers, all praising them highly.

I have not entered my Grapes against those of Mr. Thomson that I
am aware of, and as that gentleman has retired from exhibiting, I
suppose I never shall, so much the better for me. I am told by quite a
disinterested person that Mr. Thomson had some fine berried Gros
Cjlman at Kingston, hut they bore no comparison to those we exhibited
at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. The foreman here tells me the
nearest approach to our Gros Caiman he had seen the whole season was
shown at York, the exhibitor’s name he does not know.

There are tons of Grapes grown for market in the neighbourhood of
Derby, and fine ones, too ; one grower alone has three span houses, each
about 100 yards long, full of Gros Colman — a fine sight, but I find none
to approach the size of ours. We have a formidable rival with Gros
Colman in Mr. Elphinstone, who has taken more first prizes for this
Grape than any other grower. An odd rod or two of Gros Colman, a3 is
generally seen in gentlemen’s gardens (let them be ever so fine) is but an
insignificant sight compared to a larg; house of ordinary Gros Colman as
grown for market : hut when they reach the high standard of those I saw
at Chiswick a few years ago they are a sight not easily forgotten. — J. H.
Goodacbe, Elvaston.

Being a little curious to-day, at random I cut a berry of Gros
Colman, which measured fully 4 inches round, and weighed half an ounce
only. I have not yet gone into this matter fully, but intend to. I have
larger individual berries, but not to be compared with the berry figured in
the Journal recently. I intend weighing not only a few bunches, hut also
counting the berries. My largest bunch in the room is 3f lbs. — Stephen
Castle.

ROSES THE BRIDE AND GRAND MOGUL.

1 AM delighted to have it, on Mr. William Paul’s authority, that
Grand Mogul is a seedling, and not a sport from A. K. Williams. From
what report it got recorded as the latter in my new Rose note-book,
wherein I record the novelties that I either see or hear about during the
season, I do not recall ; but for reasons both general and personal I am
glad to find it was a mistake. Beyond this, what is meant by my
“ endeavouring to damn (Ob, Mr. Paul 1) these two Roses with faint
praise ” I am at a Iosb to conceive ; but I suppose parental affection can
never be reckoned with.

Mr. Paul’s whole letter on page 16 is so quaintly contradictory that
for the sake of the two Roses in question, for both of which I have
already expressed my admiration, it will be better to say nothing further,
especially as it is evident from his last paragraph that Mr. William Paul
has undertaken the rSle of moqucvr, and is therefore privileged to take
his sport in wrapping his bit of grain in a bundle of chaff. — T. W.
GlEDLESTONE.

TRICHOCENTRUM ALBO-PURPUREUM.

Few species of Trichocentrum are known, and these are natives
of South America, chiefly in Brazil, where they are found as epi¬
phytes, several possessing but little beauty to recommend them to
collectors. There are, however, two that may be grown with advantage,
one being T. tigrinum, the red-spotted leaves of which have been
aptly compared to those of a miniature Oncidium Lanceanurn, and
the other T. albo-purpureum, represented in the illustration (fig. 5). The
latter is a very desirable plant, as it is easily grown, and flowers freely,
the distinct colouring of the flowers rendering if notable in a collection.
It is of dwarf habit, the leaves varying from 3 to 6 inches long and about

1 inch broad, with short ovoid pseudo-bulbs. The flowers are produced
singly on short peduncles, the sepals and petals of equal size, brownish on
the inner surface and greenish on the outward side ; the lip is large com¬
pared with the other portion of the flower, and very conspicuous, the
centre and greater part white, with a bold blotch of purplish crimson on
each side. It can be grown on bio ks, in baskets, or shallow pots, and
the temperature at the cool end of the intermediate house, or the warmest
part of the house. T. albo-purpureum was found by Linden near the Rio
Negro in North Brazil.

A SUPPOSED USEFUL ORCHID FUNGUS.

It is not customary to regard the various fungi which attack plants as
cultivators’ assistants, and in too many cases we have painful evidence
that these minute parasitic forms of vegetation are amongst the worst of
our enemies. A continental observer has, however, recently been in¬
vestigating the nature of some fungi found on the roots of Orchids, and
has discovered that not only are the plants uninjured by their presence,
but it is supposed that they actually assist the Orchid in assimilating the
food supplies. It is said that “the fungus appears in the outer cells of

28

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1887.

the root tissue in the form of yellow bladder-like balls (of the nature of
haustoria or.j sucker) surrounded by numerous filaments,” and that these
“ transform the humus matters into such as are more easily utilised by
the Orchid, thus doing it a physiological service.'’ It may interest some
fungological readers to know that the fungi specially observed are in¬
cluded in the genus Nectria, bnt it is probable that Orchid growers will
be quite willing to dispense with the supposed services of those very un¬
reliable alies.

CYPRIPEDIUM SCHOMBURGIUANUM.

At Mr. J. C. Stevens’ rooms, Covent Garden, last Thursday, one of the
principal attractions among the Orchids offered for sale was a newly in¬
troduced Cypripedium under the above name. It has been known to
botanists for more than forty years, as it was discovered by Dr. R. Schom-
burgk near the Roraima Mountain in Central South America in 1842. It
seems that in 1884 Mr, Im. Thurn rediscovered it in another locality,
though attempts to introduce plants proved unsuccessful. Since then
another collector found it in the locality where it was first observed by
Dr. Schomburgk, and a considerable number of plants were imported in
good condition. As far as the foliage and growth are concerned it closely
resembles Cypripedium Pearcei (or Selenipedium caricinum) which has
dark green narrow Sedge-like leaves very distinct from most other Cypri-
pediums, even those of the Bame section. The flower spike is described
as resembling C. Schlimi, and “ the flowers are about 2J inches in
diameter. They are of deep brown colour, the dorsal sepals lighter and
veined, pouch reddish.” It is also said to be fragrant. Many of the plants
realised from 20s. to 25s. each.

ONCIDIUMJMONACHICUM.

This can only be regarded as a curiosity, but it is worth a place in a
general collection, as all such add to the interest of the Orchid houses
It is a relative of 0. metallieum and O. serratum, being very suggestive
of the latter in its habit of flowering ; the flowers themselves are, how¬
ever, very singular. They are brownish in colour and slightly edged
with yellow. The dorsal sepal is large, arched and undulated at the
margin, the two petals being curved inwards, giving somewhat the
appearance of a hood ; the lateral sepals are curved outwards and strangely
stalked, the lip being small. It has never been very plentiful in cultiva¬
tion, but a considerable addition to the number,; of plants was made re¬
cently at Protheroe & Morris’s Rooms, where a large consignment was
disposed of by auction last Friday. — L. Castle.

ORCHIDS AT WOODHATCH .'LODGE, REIGATE.

The following Orchids were in flower on New Year’s Day in the
admirable collection formed by T. B. Haywood, Esq. : —

iErides Leeanum
Calanthe vestita oculata'

„ ,, rosea 50 plants

„ Veitchi
Cattleya Holfordi
„ maxima

„ Warscewiczii delicata
Cypripedium barbatum nigrum
,, callosum
„ calurum
„ concolor
„ insigne
„ Leeanum superbum
„ longifolium
„ Lowi
., Roezli

,, Sedeni

,, Spicerianum
Dendrobium bigibbum
„ coerulescens
,, Deari
Laelia albida

,, ,, bella

,, autumnalis atro-purpurea
Lycaste Skinneri
„ alba

Masdevailia Chelsoni
„ chimara
„ coccinea
„ infracta

Masdevailia ignea
„ „ superba

„ Schlimi, grand var. with

6 flowers to a spike
„ tovarensis, 20 plants in

48's,many of tlieuf carry¬
ing 150 flowers
,, Veitchi
„ „ grandiflora

Odontoglossum Alexandras, about
100 spikes
„ cirrhosum
„ constrictum
„ Lindleyanum
„ odoratum
„ Pescatorei
„ Ro3sii majus

„ ,, rubescens

„ soeptrum
„ tripudians

Oncidium cucullatum macrochilum
„ ornithorynchum
„ Rogersi
„ unguiculatum
Phalrenopsis Schilleriana
Pescatorea Lehmanni, 2 varieties
Saccolabium Boxalli
„ giganteum
„ „ magnificum

„ violaceum

BLACK HAMBURGH GRAPES IN FEBRUARY.

Your esteemed correspondent, Mr. Taylor, in his well-timed remarks
in your issue of the 23rd of December on 11 Appearance versus Flavour ”
touches a question which to me is of much interest and importance ; and
1 venture to say to many other gardeners who have to supply their
employers with Black Hamburgh Grapes to the exclusion of all other
black Grapes as long as it is possible to have this Grape in anything like
presentable condition. Christmas, according to my experience, is the
latest time one may expect to see Black Hamburgh in fair condition, and
a statement coming from a grower of Mr. 'Baylor’s standing that ’it is
possible to have it in good condition up to the beginning of February
will come upon many as a surprise.

Mr. Taylor will be eonfening a boon upon maDy hv detail :■;» the
treatment necessary to secure tbis, and as wtll as upon — Druid. °

P.S.— Could you not, Mr. Editor, prevail on tbe Committee of the
R.H.S. to eff-r prizes for this Grape— say at thfir first meelin' in
Felruary, 1883 ? °

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

Abbreviations. — B. HI, Belgique Horticole. — B. M., Botanical Magazine.
Cat. C. C. d’H., Catalogue of the Compagnie Continentale d'Horticul-
ture. — G. C., Gardeners’ Chronicle. — Gfl., Gartenflora. — III. H-, L’lllus-
tration Horticole. — L, Lindenia — R., Reichenbachia. — R. H., Revue
Horticole. — IF. O. A., Warner & Williams’ Orchid Album.

Infl., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FL, Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — II., Hardy.
— H.H ., Half hardy. — G., Gre nhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line == One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diarn ., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be consid ;red to be stove epiphytes.

Acer colchicum, var. tricolor. (B H. 1880, p. 371.) Sapindace®.
H. tree. An exc;tdingly ornamental form, with handsomely variegated
foliage. The young 1. are of a bright violaceous red, shot with rose pink,
shading off here and there in an irregular manner into all shades of dark
red or crimson to creamy white. Garden variety.

Acer dasycarpum and A. pseudo-platanus. ( B . H. 1836, p. 358.) Some
ornamental garden forms of these are described at the above place.

Acer platanoides, var. compactum. (G/Z. 1886, p. 117.) H. tree. An
ornamental variety, producing a round compact head, something like the
Ball Acacia. Girden variety.

Aconitum dissectum. (G/Z. 1886, p. 223, f. 16.) Ranunculace®. H. per.
much in the way of A. Napellus, but more hairy, and differing principally
in the narrower helmet of the fl. Himalayas.

Adiantum Birkenheadii. (G. C. xxv., p. 648.) Filice3. A fine Fern
of tufted habit, with tiipinnate fronds about 2j ft. long and 1 ft. broad,
deltoid acuminate ; pinnae alternate, distant, and long-stalked towards the
base, closer together and sessile near the apex, the lower ones bipinnate,
the upper ones pinnate ; pinnules obtusely oblong-trapezoid, cut on the
upper edge into shallow lobes. Garden seedling.

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, var. grande. (G. C. xxvi., p. 103.) H.
A very handsome variety, of larger size, denser, and more bushy in habit
than the type. Garden variety.

Adiantum Oollisii. (G. C. xxv., p. 681.) A good decorative Fern, of
bushy habit, with very broad, decompound, spreading fronds, the ultimate
pinnules finely stalked, very varied in size and form, ranging from a quarter
to half an inch long and broad ; stipes glossy black. Garden seedling.

Adlintum eleGans. (G. C. xxv., p. 200 j Williams' Cat. p. 22.) G.
evergreen Maidenhair Fern of graceful habit, with triangular ovate quadri-
pinnate fronds. The long-stalked distant pinn® are ovate or deltoid, with
stalked pinnules ; pinnulets very small, 2 to 3-lobed, roundish, the larger
ones slightly trapezoid, the terminal ones shortly cuneate. Stipes blackish
purple. Garden seedling.

Adiantum monochlamys. (Veitch Cat. p. 9.) G. An elegant Maiden¬
hair Fern, with glossy dark brown stipes, and spreading ovate-deltoid tri-
pinnate fronds, with small close set pinnules, pea green above, silvery
beneath, the fertile ones with a single sorus in a notch in the upper edge.
Japan.

2Echmea brasiliensis. ( Cfl . t. 1202.) Bromeliace® S. A fine Bro-
meliad, with a lax rosette of narrow, ascending, and spreading 1., 2 to 3 ft.
long, spiny on the margins, bright green, slightly mealy beneath. Fl.
stem about 3 ft. high, bright red, as well as the bracts and calyces of the
blue fl., which are disposed in a dense spike like panicle. Brazil.

2Erides Bernhardianum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 650.) Orchide*. A very dis¬
tinct and fine species. The raceme has the appearance of 2E. quinquevul-
nerum, the 1. is narrow, strap-shaped, and unequally bi-lobel, the lip has
the side lobes overlapping each other, and the front lobe covering both in
front. Borneo.

JErides Godefrotanum. (G. C. xxv., p. 814.) A very fine species
with fl. comparable to those of iE. maculosum, they are light rosy-white
streaked and spotted with amethyst on the sep. and pet., and the whole disk
of the lip rich amethyst. Lip triangular, with a retrorse hooked solid tooth,
and a very small angular spur. Cochin Chita.

Afzellia africana. (Gfl. 1886, p. 551.) Leguminos®. S. per. An
ornamental plant, with bluish-green pinnate 1., and dense racemes of white
fl. The seeds are about the size of a small bean of a shining blackish
brown, with a coral red area around the hiluin. Tropical Africa.

Aganisia cyanea. (G. C. xxv., p. 720, erroneously printed A. coerulea,
corrected on p. 804 to the above.) Orchide®. A fine handsome Orchid of
distinct character, with creeping stems, and large pear-shaped one-leaved
bulbs. Peduncle arising from the base of the bulb, 2-3 flowered. Fl. about
2 in. in diam.,sep. and pet. light blue outside, yellowish and light blue in¬
side. Lip brown with a dull orange callus, behind which is a pouch in the
stalk of the lip ; the blade of the lip is transversely reniform, with wavy
margins. Rio Negro.

Aganisia tricolor. ( L . pi. 45.) A fine Orchid, much like A. cyanea,
but the sep. are whitish on both sides, the pat. fight blue, and the callus of
the saddle-shaped orange-brownish lip is different in shape. Amazons.

Albuca corymbosa. (G. C. xxvi, p. 38.) Liliace®. G. bulb, allied to
A. juncifolia, with 6-8 terete 1., a ft. or more long. Peduncle 6 in. long,
with 5-6 fl. in a lax corymb, pe ianth 1 in. long, yellow banded with green,
inner segments hooded, connivent ; outer stamens without anthers. Port
Elizabeth.

Alnus japonica. {Gfl. 1886, p. 549.) Betulaoe®. H. tree. An Alder,
with elliptic or elliptic-ovate, acuminate, serrate 1., acute at the base, 2 to
4 in. long, 1 to 2 in. broad. Cones ellipsoidal obtuse, ^ to f in. long, 5 to
6 lines thick. Japan.

AloCasia Augustiaxa. (III. H. pi. 593 ; Cat. Comp. Cont. d'Sort., p. 5.)
Arace®. S. foliage p’ant. A fine Aroid allied ta A. zebvina. The petioles
are rosy spotted and handed with brown. The blade of the 1. is deeply
cordate-ovate acut ■, bright deep green above, paler ben ath. Fl. unknown.
Papua.

Alocasia grandiS. (G. C. xivi., p. 390.) S. per. A noble and orna¬
mental foliage plant, with blackish petioles 3 to bi ft. long; large ovate-
sagittate blades 20 to 24 in. long by a ft. broid, bright green above, black¬
ish-green beneath; and flue white apatites marked, with carmine lines oat-
Fide, with a short mottled green tube on peduncles about 10 in. long. East
Indian Archipelago.

(To be continued.)

January 13, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

29

At a Committee meeting of the National Auricula (southern
section), Primula, and Carnation and Picotee Societies, held at
South Kensington on Tuesday last, the Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain was
unanimously elected Chairman of Committees in place of the late Mr.
Thomas Moore. Robert Hogg, Esq., LL.D., was appointed auditor in
conjunction with Harry J. Veitch, Esq., F.L.S. The prizes offered by the
Trustees of the Turner Memorial Fund were accepted with thanks. The
suggestion that something be done to mark the jubilee year was not
adopted. It was thought best to leave this matter to be dealt with by the
Royal Horticultural Society, who could deal with horticulture and allied
sciences as a whole. The balance in favour of the Auricula Society was
stated to be £27 Is. Id. ; that against the Carnation and Picotee Society
being £16 16s. Id.

- We are informed that the well-known nurseryman, Mr. Edmund

Philip Dixon of Hull, died on January 2nd at Stepney Lodge, at the
age of eighty-two years. Mr. Dixon was the founder of the firm of
nurserymen and seedsmen so long established in Hull, and was much
respected in the district.

- Jubilee Appointment.— At the Quarter Sessions, held in

Carlisle on Wednesday last, Mr. James Watt, of the firm of Little and
Ballantyne, nurserymen and seedsmen, was elevated to the magisterial
bench, and took the oath as a Justice of the Peace for the City of
Carlisle.

- Early Seed Orders. — “ A Working Seedsman ” writes,

“ Gentlemen’s gardeners and others about to purchase seeds will confer
an inestimable benefit upon their respective seedsmen by sending their
orders early, especially during snowy or frosty weather, as by this means
the terrific strain upon the seedsman’s staff that must otherwise arise
immediately the weather changes would be considerably relieved, and
equal advantages would accrue to the purchaser, inasmuch [as more time,
and consequently, if possible, a greater amount of care, could be devoted
to the proper execution of the order.”

- With much regret we have to record the death of Mr. John F.

McElroy, gardener to A. J. Lewis, Esq., Moray Lodge, Campden Hill,
Kensington, which took place on Sunday last. Mr. McElroy has been
chiefly known in recent years as Secretary of the United Horticultural
Benevolent and Provident Society, which office he has held for eight
years. He has gained the respect of all who have had any intercourse
with him, and has performed the duties connected with the secretaryship
gratuitously, having joined the Society when he was too advanced in age
to share in its benefits. Five years ago, however, the members of the
Society presented him with a watch as a testimonial of their esteem
Mr. McElroy was sixty-nine years of age at the time of his death, and
had been twenty years gardener at Moray Lodge. His father was gardener
to a Mr. Christy, whose son, Mr. W. Miller Christy, became a well-known
botanist, and from him Mr. McElroy in his youth obtained much of the
botanical knowledge he possessed. At the age of seventeen he was
engaged by a market gardener at Haywards Heath as a salesman ; he left
there to become gardener to a Mr. Pigeon of Clapham, was subsequently
gardener to Mr. Weeber of Stamford Hill, then to Mr. Renshaw of Erith,
and afterwards to Mr. Lancaster of Stamford Hill, where he laid out the
garden, and remained nineteen years until the death of his employer
when he was engaged at Moray Lodge. Mr. McElroy was highly
respected by all who knew him as a man of excellent princip’es and great
kindliness of disposition.

- TnE Secretary of the Birmingham and Midland Counties

Gardeners’ Improvement Association has sent us a paper on Plant
Food, read at a meeting in Society in October last by Mr. E Irnund
Tonks, B.C.L,, and which was so well received that the members de-ired
permission to have it printed. The author at once undertook to defray
the cost of its issue in pamphlet form for free distribution amongst the
members, and 275 copies have been received by the Secretary for that
purpose. They desire to record their gratitude to Mr. Tonks for his
enerosity. The paper is a most able production, and should be of great

service to the recipients, who have been supplied with much sound
scientific knowledge in a concise form and popular manner on the
important work in which they are engaged.

- Messrs. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge, offer at the

Metropolitan and Provincial Horticultural Shows of 1887 a large number
of special Prizes for Vegetables, particulars of which will be found
in their spring catalogue. No less than 215 prizes are provided, varying
from 3 guineas to 2s. 6d., and these will be offered at eighty-two exhibi¬
tions, comprising thejleading Societies throughout the country.

- We are requested to insert the following note from “ A Scot,”

for eliciting information on Grapes : — “Intending to replant a vinery I
have been looking over various lists of Grapes, and amongst others that
of Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth. Amongst Muscats Mr. Rivers recom¬
mends (and on looking back I see he has done so for years), one called
Ryton Muscat. Somebody must have tried it, yet its name is never
mentioned. Can anyone say anything about it ? Mr, Rivers also recom¬
mends a white Grape, General della Marmora, and has also done for yearn.
Is it good, and worth growing ? ”

- The same correspondent also wishes us to insert his experience

on the Loss of Heat from Pipes in Mains, on which subject he
writes : — “ Having put in one boiler to do the work formerly done by
two, the pipes have to travel for some distance under ground in a built
drain. During the recent frost the snow and ice have been melted for
5 or 6 feet above the pipes, showing that I am losing much heat. Can
any correspondentjobligingly favour me with the best remedy for this ? ”

- The twenty-ninth issue of Mr. Shirley Hibberd’s Garden

Oracle (London : 4, Ave Maria Lane) for 1887 contains as a special
feature a list of show Auriculas, corrected to the present time, giving
names, raisers, characters, dates, [and colours. The lists of plants figured ;
descriptions of new plants, Jflowers, and fruits ; selections of the best of
everything in aid of purchasers, and notes on new inventions, &c., are
also given, together with the usual calendarial information.

- The Annual General Meeting of the National

Chrysanthemum Society will be held on Monday evening,
January 31st, at the Old Four Swans, S3, Bishop-gate Street Within,
when the chair will be taken at 7 p m. The principal business will be
to receive the report and balance sheet for 1886, to elect officers and
committees for the ensuing year, and transact such other general business
as may be desirable in the interest of the Society. Immediately after
this meeting the preparation of the schedules for the shows of 1887 will
be proceeded with. Mr. William Holmes, the Hon. Secretary, state s
that “ very many suggestions have already been received from members
respecting alterations and additions to the classes and prizes for the
coming year, but the possibility of carrying out any of these proposals
depends entirely upon the amount of support accorded this year to the
special prize fund.”

- The Valuable Series of Prizes offered by Messrs. J.

Carter & Co„ High Holborn, during 1886 to their customers who
secured the greatest number of prizes at horticultural exhibitions have
been awarded as follows : — First prize, £10 10s., for seventy-six prizes, to
Mr. J. McLean, head gardener, to E. H. T. Crawford, Esq., Auchenames,
West Kilbride, Ayr, N.B. Second prize, £5 5s., for sixty-nine prizes,
to Mr. W. Chettleburgh, head gardener to Colonel Rous, Worstead House,
Norwich. Third prize, £3 3s., for forty-five prizes, to Mr. J. Davis, head
gardener to Rev. H. Arkwright, Bodenham Vicarage, Leominster. Fourth
prize, £2 2s,, for forty-four prizes, to Mr. T. Toggin, head gardener to
Mrs. Wilson, Tapton Hall, Sheffield. Fifth prize, £1 Is., for thirty-seven
prizes, to Mr. H. L. Sell, Windsor Street, Luton. This year seven prizes
are offered on the same terms, consisting of £6, £4, £3, £2, £1 10s., 1£,
and 103 , the three first being either in silver plate or cash. A number of
prizes will also be offered at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural
Society this year.

- Gardening Appointments.— Mr. Harry Mustow, late foreman

at Bicton, Devon, has been appointed head gardener to H. Norris, Esq..
Swatcliffe Park, Banbury. Mr. Albert Saunders, for two and a half
years foreman at East Dene, Isle of Wight, has been appointed head
gardener to Col. Cornwallis West, M.P., Newlands Manor, Lymington,
Hampshire. Mr. Robert Leslie, la e of Munches, has been appointed
gardener to] Hugo Haig, Esq., of Ramornie, Ladybank, Fife. Mr. R.
Laing, late of The Bank, Linlithgow, has been appointed gardener to

30

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ January 18, 1887.

W. Blackwood, Esq., Gogar Mount, Corstorphine. Mr. Joseph Ruther¬
ford, late foreman to Lord Kinnaird, Plaistow Lodge, Bromley, Kent, as
head gardener to H. Bicknell, Esq., Cavendish House, Clapham Common,
S.W. Mr. J. Clement, twelve years gardener to the late E. G. Carew,
Esq., has been appointed gardener to Mrs. Carew, Halswary Manor,
Taunton, Somerset.

- The Weather has been very changeable during the past week,

frost and thaw alternating with occasional snow. Much damage was
caused in several districts last week by the snow, and it is said that a
vast amount of damage has been caused to the Plum trees in the exten¬
sive orchards of the fruit-growing country situate in the triangular area
between Tring, Dunstable, and Leighton Buzzard. There are but few
orchards that have not suffered severely, but the older ones especially
have felt the effects of the weight of snow, as evidenced by the numbers
of branches broken away. In many cases trees have been snapped
asunder by the combined weight of the snow and the forco of the wind.
This, following upon the severe strain put upon the trees by the immense
quantity of fruit of the past autumn, causes growers to have gloomy
forebodings for the next fruit season. On Saturday last a remarkably
heavy snowstorm visited Derbyshire, said to be the most severe that has
been experienced in the past thirty-five years.

“A. M. B.” sends the following note on the weather: —

“ Hitherto this part, Mid-Lincoln, though visited by severe frosts, has
not experienced any deep or severe snowstorm. The last two days, 4th
and 5th, have brought a fall, still, fine, and deep, one of the mo6t beau¬
tiful of snowfalls, but one it is feared which from its weight must do
damage to shrubs and trees. Thaw set in late on Saturday night, then
gentle rain ; snow gradually going, but yet signs of more frost, so change¬
ful is the weather.”

Veitch Memorial Prizes. — At a meeting of the Trustees
held at South Kensington on Tuesday, the 11th inst., it was decided that
a prize of £5 and medal should be offered for competition at the shows of
each of the following Societies : — York Gala, Liverpool, Birmingham,
Leicester, Oxford, Derby, Royal Horticultural Society, May 24th (Cypri-
pediums). Also at the National Dahlia Show, to be held in September, a
prize of £2 10s., and a medal should be offered for each of the following
classes Self show, parti-coloured show, Pompon, decorative, and
single. And, further, at the National Chrysanthemum Society’s Show in
November a prize of £3 3s , and a medal should be offered for twenty-
four incurved Chrysanthemums, distinct ; a similar prize and medal
for twenty-four Japanese kinds, distinct; also a prize of £2 2s. and a
medal for each of the following : — Twenty-four reflexed, twenty-four
large-flowered Anemone, twenty-four Japanese or hybrid Anemone
flowered, and twenty-four Pompon, including Anemone flowered. The
object of the Trustees in the two latter competitions is to make the exhi¬
bitions as complete as possible by inducing exhibitors to bring together
specimens of all the best sections of Dahlias and Chrysanthemums in
cultivation. The number of prizes offered during the year are therefore
seven special prizes, five Dahlia prizes, and six Chrysanthemum prizes, or
eighteen in all, each prize being accompanied by a medal. These prizes
are open to competition amongst amateurs only.

The frontispiece of the Rosarian’s Year Book for 1887
.Bemrose k Sons) is an excellent portrait of Mr, George Prince of Oxford,
which is accompanied by a sketch of his life by the Rev. H. H.

D Omorain. A “ Symposium on the Orange Fungus of Roses ” (illustrated)
is contributed by Messrs. W. G. Smith, D. T. Fish, J. Burrell, W. J.
Grant, and the Rev. J. A. Williams. The other articles are “The Best
Show Roses, by Mr. B. R. Cant ; “ The Rose and National Rose Society
in ,1886,” by the Editor ; “ Single Roses,” by Mr. T. W. Girdlestone ;
‘Roses in New Zealand,” by Mr. R. Trigg ; “Eight Years’ Experience
of Rose Growing in the Perthshire Highlands,” by Mr. A. Hill Gray;
and “The Rose Weather of 1886,” by Mr. E. Mawley. There is much
that is interesting and useful to Rose-growers in all these chapters, but
as our rosarian readers will probably have something to say on the matter,
we leave it in their hands.

The Langport and Somerton Herald states that “ On Tuesday
evening, the 4th inst., the good feeling at this festive season was
generously shown by Mr. Wm. Kelway (of the firm of Kelway & Son,
of the Royal Nurseries, Langport), in welcoming to his newly
built house, 1 Brooklands,’ the whole of the employes of the firm to a
supper. After a hearty meal of good old English fare, which was

highly appreciated, the usual toasts were proposed by the Chairman
(Mr. Wm. Kelway), and were honoured by all heartily singing * God
Save the Queen,’ and other appropriate songs. The vicar of the parish
(Rev. J. Stubbs), who with a few guests sat at the head of the table,
proposed the 1 Health of Messrs. Kelway k Son, and success and pro¬
sperity to the firm.’ Mr. Kelway in response stated that it was thirty-six
years since he commenced business in that parish, and it was well known
to what extent it had attained. This had not been brought about by
accident or mere good luck, but by hard work, attention, and discipline,
and the help of good foremen and men. In conclusion, he expressed
the hope that trade would revive and that they might all have a pro¬
sperous year.”

- An ordinary as well as the annual meeting of the Royal

Meteorological Society will be held at 25, Great Geerge Street,
Westminster, on Wednesday, the 19th inst. The following papers will
be read at the ordinary meeting, at 7 p.m. : — “ On the Identity of Cloud
Forms all over the World, and on the general principles by which their
indications must be read ; ” by the Hon. Ralph Abercromby, F.R.Met.Soc.

“ On the Cloud to which the name ‘ Roll-Cumulus ’ has been applied ; ”
by the Hon. Ralph Abercromby, F.R.Met.Soc. These papers will be
illustrated by pictures thrown on the screen by a lime-light lantern.
The meeting will be adjourned at 8 p.m. in order that the annual general
meeting of the Society may be held, when the report of the Council
will be read, the election of officers and Council for the ensuing year
will take place, and the President, Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., will deliver
his address.

- One of the best displays of Primula sinensis varieties

seen at South Kensington was provided by Messrs. Sutton k Sons,
Reading, on Tuesday last. Several of the varieties were novelties of
considerable merit, as may be judged from the fact that the Floral
Committee awarded no less than six first-class certificates for them, in
addition to the silver-gilt Banksian medal accorded as a recognition of
the whole group. The colours have been greatly improved and intensified
by continued careful'selection and cross-fertilisation. Rose, crimson,
purple, scarlet, and blue with pure white, are all represented, and there-
are various forms with streaked or spotted flowers. There is also much
diversity in the foliage, some plants having the ordinary roundish leaves,
others of the Fern-leaf type, and still others with crisped or curled leaves.
The plants afforded the best evidence of good culture in their robust
habit firm leaves, and bold fresh-looking flowers.

- Turner Memorial Prizes. — The money subscribed twelve

months ago as a memorial to the late Mr. Charles Turner of Slough
amounted to £182 18s. 6d. That amount was invested in Consols, and
£20 will be available for prizes every year for a period of ten years.
That amount will be given in prizes next season at the following Exhibi¬
tions : — The National Auricula (Southern Section) and Primula Society,
at South Kensington, on April 26th, 1887, for six show Auriculas, to be
competed for by amateurs who do not employ a gardener regularly ; the
exhibits must contain at least one representative of each of the four
classes — green, grey, white, and self-edged ; four prizes, 40s., 30s., 20s.
10s. The National Carnation and Picotee Society, to be held at South
Kensington on July 26th, 1887, six distinct Carnations and six distinct
Picotees, to be competed for by amateurs who do not employ a gardener
regularly ; four prizes, 40s., 30s., 20s., 10s. The Newcastle-on-Tyne
Botanical and Horticultural Societies’ Exhibition, to be held in the
Jubilee Grounds on August 30th and 31st; twelve distinct Roses, three
prizes, 50s., 30s., 20s. ; twelve ditto Dahlias, three prizes, 503., 30s., 20s. ;
to be competed for by amateurs or gentlemen’s gardeners.

NEWCOHBE HOUSE, CREDITON.

The proposed testimonial to Mr. G. Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave,
Esq., Newcombe House, Credition, was recently noticed in this Journal,
and in connection with a well deserved recognition of that cultivator’s skill,
the following description of the gardens under his charge will be
seasonable : —

There is certainly a fair number of forcing and plant houses at New-
oombe House, but it is only a good average accommodation and none but
a skilled and persevering gardener could do so much with them. Th' y
were not originally built specially for the production of large plants. That
house in which the finest specimens, or some of the best of the country
are grown, being first intended for a Peach house, but was found unsuitable
by Mr. Lock after he took charge of the gardens. It is now utilised for
the Crotons, and here the giants look remarkably well. The conservatory
is also a fairly commodious structure, and this is kept filled with a good

January 18, 1887. ]

31

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTAGE GARDENER.

variety of well-grown plants. Among these is one of the largest and best
Latania borbonica yet exhibited, which, in spite of repeated trips, looks
as freah as ever. This apparently unwieldly specimen only takes Mr.
Lock and assistant fifteen minutes to neatly “bundle up ” and pack along
one side of the largest van, but it must be very heavy work. Another
telling plant, Dasylirion acrotrichum, that requires much less room, was
atone time too taU in the stem, and this has been successfully shortened.
A good sized pot was split in halves, and with this a quantity of peat and
sand was enclosed round the stem just below the lower leaves and kept
carefully moistened. When well rooted the top was severed from the old
stem and at once shifted into a larger pot, this rendering it a most service¬
able exhibition plant.

The immense Crotons, for which Mr. Lock is noted, are very effectively
grouped in a fairly large house above alluded to, every plant being given
plenty of room and light without appearing unduly favoured. Most of the
largest of them, including C. Williamsi, Queen Victoria, and Princeps, have
been to six or more important shows, but not a damaged leaf is to be seen,
and Mr. Cleave may well be proud of them. At the present time they are

in the summer they, early in November, are freely pruned, and then
placed i» beat to form fresh strong growths. They are rested or ripened
in the spring, and it is these winter-formed growths that give the profusion
of well eolouiei bloom in July and August. Clerodendron Balfourianum
is treated in much the same manner, only they are started earlier, the
young growths at the time of my visit being well up the roof of a small
plant stove.

All the best varieties of Ixoras, including a fine specimen of the very
showy I. Duffi, are well grown, and Mr. Lock will soon flower a fine
batch of seedlings. They are the result of a cross between Prince of
Orange and Fraseri, and there is evidently, judging from the foliage and
habit, a good variety among them. There is also a strong pan of seedling
Anthuriums to be seen, some of which, it is to be hoped, may be improve¬
ments on existing forms. The berries are gathered fresh from the spadix,
was cleared of the pulp, and at once sown on the surface, a pan of
chopped sphagnum and peat. Kept close and moist the seed soon
germinates, but it usually takes two or more seasons to grow them to a
flowering size. Mr. Lock has a very fine form of Anthurium Andreanum,

Fig. C. — Newcombe House, Crediton.

kept rather “ quiet,” that is to say, are not subjected to high tempera¬
tures, and are kept rather dry at the roots. Early this month they will
be freely shortened back and encouraged to break strongly, when they will
be turned out of their pots, have about one-half of the soil removed from
the balls, and be repotted into the same sized pots. The compost found fo
suit them well consists of three parts of good turfy loam, and one of peat,
river sand and charcoal being freely added. They are kept carefully
supplied with watfr, are syringed frequently, and given a night tem¬
perature of about 70°, with an increase of 10° to 20° by day. They are
not “ stewed ” in any way, but are given plenty of light and air
when the weather permits, in order to fit them for subsequent exposure.

At the time of our visit (early in November) the Allamandas were un¬
tied from their trellises and were being rested and ripened near the glass
in a small stove. They will shortly be cut hard back, being started into
active growth late in February, soon after which they are shaken out and
repotted, using good loamy soil. The r; quisite numbers of young growths
are trained up near the glass, and these strong well matured shoots are
freely shortened back about ten weeks before the plant may be required
for exhibition, the short growths resulting being easily trained and pro¬
duce abundance of large fresh blooms. Alter the August shows are over
the plants of Bougainvillea glabra are kept in the conservatory, where
they remain gay till November. In order to have them at their best late

this being much superior to another grown under precisely the same
conditions. It is the distribution of this spurious form that has led so
many to speak disparagingly of the variety. Mr. Lock always excels with
Dipladenias, but it is in a poor little house on the north side of the
principal range, and glazed with rolled glass, where they are grown. The
young shoots are trained up strings on the north side of the house, and
probably facing the sunshine may have something to do with their free-
blooming habit. A small house is devoted to Ericas. These are kept near
the glass, and are well recovered from the effects of placing them too
near the glass, in which position an unexpected and early spell of hot
sunshine crippled them so seriously as to render the majority of them
unfit for exhibition last summer. They were badly missed, nothing telling
better than good Heaths, but as these, Azaleas, and a few other hard-
wooded plants are now in a promising condilion, our friend Mr. Cypher
must “ look out.”

In addition to the show plants there are plenty of ordinary decorative
plants to be seen, and all in good condition. Gloxinias are grown in
quantity, and they always have some in flower. Eucharis amazonica is
also abundant and healthy, and with these, and a variety of Palms,
Crotons, including beautiful standards of C. Warreni and C. angusti-
folius and other plants, Mr. Lock contrives to arrange some of the best
groups for effect to be seen in the western counties.

32

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1887.

The Peach houses and vinerie3 are also well attended to, Mr. Lock
haying shown some of the finest bunches of Madresfield Court Grape I
have ever seen, besides extra good examples of Lady Downe’s, and other
late Grapes. Pine Apples may be said to be a speciality, and of these
Mr. Lock has grown some of the largest yet recorded. Two rather small
houses are devoted to their culture, and they are rarely without ripe or
ripening fruit, all large in size. Great size in this case does not appear
to have been attained at the expense of the quality, as it sometimes does
when the fruit are swelled to an extra large size. It may be early cut¬
ting has a beneficial effect. Directly they commence colouring they are
cut and suspended in the same house, this improving the colour, and Mr.
Lock thinks the quality too. Queens are usually very fine and good, one
of these alluded to on page 187 of this Journal weighing 7 lbs. 14 ozs.
Smooth Cayenne and Charlotte Rothschild are grown for the autumn and
winter supply, the heaviest of the former yet cut scaling 9 lbs. 10 ozs.,
and a Charlotte Rothschild weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. Mr. Lock considers
there are inferior forms of the latter, and is weeding out his stock. He
also considers Black Jamaica worthless. The plants for fruiting this
year are very strong. They are about 42 inches high, yet remarkably
broad leaved and sturdy. The 12-inch pots in which they are fruited
are crowded with roots, the compost consisting of equal parts of turfy
loam and peat, with a liberal sprinkling of bonemeal and river sand
evidently suiting them well. — Visitor.

RHUBARB FORCING.

When I penned the sentence that “market gardeners never use
anything but a hotbed of manure for Rhubarb forcing,” I was discussing
the most simple and expeditious plan of appropriating fermenting mate¬
rials in general use for the purpose, and not enumerating and criticising
the various methods of forcing Rhubarb in structures heated by flues or
hot water, such as your correspondent “ W. T.” refers to. I was fully
aware of the existence of such forcing sheds, and have only to take a
reasonable walk to see them ; but as they were outside the pale of this
controversy I did not allude to them, and I consider your correspondent’s
remarks irrelevant, and I cannot conceive how ho came to take the word
“ anything ” as referring to methods or systems instead of materials or
things. The following sentence of mine perplexes your correspondent,
“ Lukewarm is the temperature required in Rhubarb forcing.” It was
written in reply to a remark made by “ A Working Gardener ” as to
placing the Rhubarb roots on “ a heating dung mass,” and I fail to see
that there is anything in it very profound. In the remarks that follow
“ W. T.” has, however, unwittingly explained it. He says, “ Heat no
doubt ascends, and no one, I consider, would think of placing the heating
material oa a high shelf.” The fact, that heat ascends was the very
reason why I contended for placing the fermenting materials or heat
under the roots, as opposed to the old plan of placing them on the top.
Further on in the same sentence he remarks, “ But a great heat at the
roots of anything while the tops were in a much lower temperature would
be detrimental.” The danger of applying too much heat to the succulent
roots of the Rhubarb was my reason for recommending “ lukewarmth ” as
a safe course, and as we may reasonably conclude that this warmth will rise
into the tubs, and if they are covered as they ought to be, the tem¬
perature will consequently be as high, if not higher in them, than in the
material below. — W. P. R.

THE BIRMINGHAM GARDENERS’ MUTUAL IMPROVE¬
MENT SOCIETY.

The first general meeting of this Society took place on Wednesday
evening, the 5th inst., to receive the Secretary’s report from the forma¬
tion of the Society in February last to the present time, and for the
election of officers and Committee for this year. The Society has met
with very great success, and now numbers 250 members, and is in posses¬
sion of a good library of standard works on horticulture and general
gardening. A branch Society has also been established at Sutton Cold¬
field, near Birmingham, and sixty members have joined since the branch
Society was formed about nine months since. The unanimous re-election
of Mr. W. B. Latham, Chairman ; Mr. J. Hughes, Secretary ; Mr. W.
Spinks, Treasurer, and Mr. J. Crook, Librarian; and a Committee of
tried men on the Society, is a guarantee of its future well-doing. About
£70 has been contributed towards a library fund, and a goodly portion
of this amount has already been spent in the purchase of gardening
books. The establishment of a good permanent library has been the
aim of the energetic Secretary, Mr. Hughes, and it is to his efforts chiefly
that so large a sum has been collected in so short a time.

Prizes were offered by Mr. A. Wood of Sutton Coldfield and two
other members of the Siciety, in sums of 203., 103., and 5s., for the best
Chrysanthemum plant to be exhibited at the general meeting, the young
plants being given by Mr. Wood in March last, and to be grown by
young journeymen gardeners. The variety is Belle Paule, but the
growers were unaware of the name until they came into flower. Three
excellent examples were staged, all grown in a natural form. The first
prize was awarded to Mr. C. Phinix, with a rather tall plant, but well
foliaged to the pot, and with nine fine flowers. Mr. G. Mumford was
second with a plant running close in quality and with the same number
of blooms, and Mr. H. Dix was third with a shorter well-grown plant
with twelve stems and five flowers, but they were getting stale and
showed age. The three specimens were highly creditable to the young
men who grew them.

Mr. Wood also offered a special prize for the best collection of dried
specimens of British plants indigenous to the district, and Mr. James
Bisiton, gardener and groom to a gentleman in the district, exhibited
300 specimens excellently preserved and mounted, and named and col¬
lected by him last year. It was a very meritorious exhibition indeed.

Messrs. Cannell & Sons sent blooms of some new coloured Chinese
Primulas, some remarkably pretty in shades of colour and others for size
and substance. Cut blooms of a very pleasing new Japanese Chrysan¬
themum, Golden Gem, were sent by Mr. Robert Owen, and met with
much approval.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

January 11th.

The first meeting of the year was chiefly remarkable for the 3uperb col¬
lection of Primulas from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, though several
interesting novelties were included from trade and private growers.

Fruit Committee. — Present : Dr. Robert Hogg in the chair, and
Messrs. T. Francis Rivers, William Warren, G. Norman, Wm. Denning, F.
Burnett, T. J. Saltmarsh, J. Roberts, G. T. Mi!e3, J. Fitt, J. Willard, J.
Woodbridge, Wm. Paul, A. H. Pearson, R. D. Blackmore. Harrison Weir,
Arthur Sutton, T. B. Haywood, Harry J. Yeitch, and Philip Crowley.

Mr. Roberts, The Gardens, Charleville Forest, Tullamore, Ireland, ex¬
hibited three bunches of the new Grape Whit9 Gros Colman, with globular
berries, but not like Gros Colman, and close bunches. The Committee re¬
quest to have it exhibited again. Mr. Roberts, The Gardens, Gunnersbury
Park, Acton, showed two handsome Pine Apples. Mr. Norman, The
Gardens, Hatfield, exhibited a basket of fine Mushrooms, for which a
cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Myles, gardener to General
Hutt, C.B , Appley Towera, Ryde, Isle of Wight, showed fruits of Diospyros
Kaki, res“mbling large yellow Tomatoes (cultural commendation). Mr. W.
Horley, Toddington, and Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, sent
seedling Apples that were passed. Messrs. J. Wrench & Sons, London
Bridge, E.C., sent some good samples of curled Borecole. The Permanent
Enamel Company, Plaistow, Essex, had specimens of neat enamelled iron
labels for trees and walls.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. H. Turner, A. J. Lendy, E. Hill, J. O’Brien, H. M. Pollett, G. Paul,
J. Dominy, H. B illantine, C. Pilcher, C. Noble, Richard Dean, Amos Perry,
B. Wynne, W. Holmes, A. Bradshaw, T. Baines, G. Duffield, H. Herbst,
J. Walker, W. Goldring, G. Maw, W. H. Lowe, H. Bennett, J. Douglas,
J. Fraser, and Dr. M. T. Masters.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had a surprise for many visitors
in their magnificent groups of Primulas, which formed one of the best
displays of these useful winter-flowering plants that has been seen at South
Kensington. Over 400 plants were exhibited, mostly in 48-size pots, and
the varieties were arranged in little groups of their respective colours, giving
a very pretty appearance generally. The plants were healthy specimens,
stout and vigorous, with good trusses of fine flowers mo3t varied in colours.
Some of the best varieties were the following : — Reading Blue, single, large
flower, good bluish tint ; Double Blue, a remarkable novelty, with semi¬
double flowers, tinted blue, very distinot and free. There was also Fern-
leaf, double and single varieties, each with the blue tint well developed ;
Reading Scarlet is a free-flowering single variety of brilliant colour ; Ruby
King, a rich crimson single ; Double Rose, a charming delicate shade and
neat flowers ; Pearl, single white, very faintly tinted, handsome ; Rosy
Queen (Fern-leaf), single, of similar colour, bold flowers and large hand¬
some trusses ; Gipsy Queen (Fern-leaf), single, white or faintly tinted, leaves
very dark purplish hue, especially the petioles ; Double Scarlet is rich in
colour ; Double Carmine, a softer shade ; Moss-curled White, semi-double,
Fern-leaf, beautifully crisped ; Moss-curled Lilac, with very curiously
curled and crisped bronzy or metallic leaves, and double pinkish flowers ; and
Giant White, a very large single, pure flower. A silver-gilt Banksian medal
was awarded for the group, and six first-class certificates were awarded for
the best varieties.

Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, exhibited plants of Heileborus niger well
flowered, also spikes of the white and fragrant Freesia refracta alba, the
constant flowering Primula poculiformis and the yellow P. floribunda, the
White Hoop Petticoat, Narcissus monophyllus, with Lachenalia pendula,
the curious Korolkowia discolor, and the late Chrysanthemum Mrs. H. J.
Jones, which was certificated. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, showed
several Primulas and a number of flowers representing their numerous fine
highly coloured varieties. Queen of the Stripes, a single variety, has very
large flowers curiously spotted and striped with crimson or rose on a white
ground ; another named Jubilee, also a single variety, has large deep
crimson flowers and a yellowish centre. Mr. R. Clark, Twickenham, showed
a plant of Cyclamen Albert Victor, a very dark red variety, certificated in
1885 ; he also had plants of C. giganteum oompactum album and Advance,
both fine forms.

F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Goldhawk Road, Hammersmith (gar¬
dener, Mr, Cowley), sent plants of Odontoglossum Luoiniauum, with neat
white flowers, spotted with brown (vote of thanks); Cypripedium Marshalli-
anum, a form apparently of the C. concolor type, with a yellowish lip, the
dorsal sepal and petals dotted with crimson ; and Camellia Lady Dolby, with
single flowers, pale rose streaked with red. Mr. C. G. Hill sent a plant of
Odontoglossum Arnottensis, with small yellowish flowers, spotted with
chocolate. MM. Masereel Freres, Ghent, showed an Odontoglossum with
creamy white flowers, heavily blotched with chocolate, a curious little Res-
trepia veined with gold and bronze, and Odontoglossum crispum guttatum,
white spotted with brown. Baron Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gardener,
Mr. Ballantine), contributed a choice collection of Orchid flowers, several oi
which were certificated. They comprised the following — Cattleya Percival-
iana superba, very richly coloured lip ; Laelia triophthalma, rich crimBon lip ;
Cypripedium microchilum superbum, spotted and steaked in the centre
with dark purple ; Lmlia anceps Percivaliana, faintly tinted with purple ;
L. anceps Dawsoni, very handsome; L. anceps alba, pure white, and L
anceps Williamsi (vote of thanks), whit?, veined with red in the throat of
the lip. H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley, showed a spike of Oncidium coronarium ,

January 13, l£8r. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

33

var. brevifolium (vote of thanks), having rich shining brown flowers with
a yellow lip.

Mr. F. R. Kinghorn, Sheen Nursery, Richmond, was awarded a vote of
thanks for plants of Erica hyemalis alba, which was certificated January
10th, 1882. It is similar in habit to the species, but the flowers are white.
Messrs. C. Smith ifc Sons, Guernsey, showed flowers of a late yellow Chrys¬
anthemum named Guernsey. Mr. J. James, Farnham Royal Slough,
showed twenty plants of Primulas, representing some very handsome
varieties. Votes of thanks were accorded, for Kate White, a large single
Fern-leaf variety ; Mary James, one of the lilacina type, very large ; and
Advance, a deep crimson flower, very large. Mr. R. Owen, Maidenhead,
contributed flowers of a late Japanese Chrysanthemum (certificated),
named Golden Gem, with fluted, slightly recurving florets, yellow, or tinted
bronze ; also a white Japanese variety, named Princess Blanche. Mr. Chuck,
The Gardens, Brodworth Hall, Doncaster, Bent a box of Azalea flowers,
representing twenty-four varieties.

At the meetings of both Committees much regret was expressed at the
death of Mr. Thomas Moore, and it was stated by the Chairmen that
they would be happy to receive subscriptions from any of his friends
who wished to contribute to the erection of a memorial in Brompton
Cemetery.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Barkeria Vanneriana (W. Vanner, Esq., Camden Wood, Chislehurst).—
A pretty novelty with rosy purple flowers produced at the end of a long
scape ; sepals lanceolate, petils more ovate, lip oval, acuminate, with a
white blotch in the centre.

Lrelia anceps Stella (Baron Schroder). — A beautiful variety with large
flowers, the petals broad like Dawsoni, the lip veined with crimson and
having a yellow ridge in the centre.

Lcelia anceps Sanderiana (C. G. Hill, Esq., Arnot Hill, Arnold, Notts
(gardener, Mr. Philp), and Baron Schroder). — A superb variety with broad
white petals and sepals, the lip veined with red, yellow in the centre, and
crimson at the tip. The plant had two spikes of four flowers each.

Pteris tremula var. flaccida (H. B. May). — A strong growing graceful
variety, with bright green fronds and long tapeiingpoints to the pinnae.

Chrysanthemum Mrs. H. J. Jones (T. S. Ware). — A golden sport from
Ethel, very free, and an excellent late variety.

Kalanchoe carnea (J. Veitch & Sons). — An introduction from South
Africa, with small neat flowers, pale rose, lighter in the centre.

Korolkowia ( Fritillaria ) discolor (T. S. Ware). — A recent introduction
from Central Asia by Dr. Regel, with glaucous Tulip-like leaves, and flowers
with six yellowish lobes. It is allied to the Fritillarias and quite hardy.

Cypripedium Leeanum superbum (Baron Schroder). — An excellent variety
of this now well-known beautiful Cypripedium.

Primula Double Scarlet (Sutton & Sons). — A plain leaf double variety,
with handsome, large, very brightly coloured flowers. Most effective for
grouping with the light varieties.

Primula Rosy Queen (Sutton & Sons). — A Fern-leaf single variety, 'with
neat flowers of a delicate pink shade, in fine trusses.

Primula Double Rose (Sutton & Sons). — A plain leaf double variety, of a
soft rosy tint, very pleasing, free and of good habit.

Primula Gipsy Queen (Sutton & Sons). — A single Fean-leaf variety with
white or blush tinted flowers, but chiefly remarkable for the peculiar dark
leaves and purplish, almost black petioles which, in contrast with the light
flowers, had a striking appearance.

Primula Double Blue (Sutton & Sons). — Two varieties of this were certi¬
ficated, one with plain leaves and the other with Fern leaves, both equally
good and distinct, the flowers double, of a clear bluish tint.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Present : Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair ; Messrs. Lynch, Lowe, Maw,
Wilson, O’Brien, Church, Bennett, Pascoe, McLachlan, Michael, Smee,
Smith, Ward, Morris, Hon. and Rev. Boscawen, Col. Clarke, Rev. G.
Henslow, Bon. Sec.

Araucaria Leavei Attacked by Rhizococcus Araucarice. — Mr. McLachlan
reported on the specimen exhibited at the last meeting, and pronounced the
above to be the species. It is noticed by Maskell, a careful writer on New
Zealand Coccid®, and identified by Cronstock, an American writer, with a
similar form on imported Araucarias in California. It appears to be
specially abundant on A. excelsa, the Norfolk Island Pine.

Carbonised Wheat. — Dr. Masters exhibited specimens from a lake near
Neuchatel, on which Mr. G. W. Smith will report.

Orchid Leaves Attacked by Cocci. — Hon. and Rev. Mr. Boscawen showed
leaves with black cocci upon them, of which the eggs or young are devoured
by a small species of ant Mr. O’Brien said he was familiar with the coccus
on Cypripediums. Mr. McLachlan will report upon it at the next meeting.

Chenopodiaceous Plant with Gall-like Processes. — It was referred to Mr.
Maclachlan for examination anl report.

Pleurothallis Proliferous. — Mr. O'Brien exhibited a plant which after
flowering produced a leaf bud from the base of the peduncle.

Picea grandis. — Dr. Masters exhibited a portion of a trunk broken across
by the late severe gale and snowstorm, received from Mr. Noble.

Narcissus Penniziana. — Mr. G. Maw exhibited a specimen from South
Po;tugah It is allied to N. papyracea, and was found by Mr. A.. W. Tait in
1886 in the province of Algarve.

Disease in Corms.— Mr. Maw referred to the specimens brought before a
previous meeting, and remarked that the affection was due to the change of
starch and cellulose into dextrine ; a common occurrence is the presence
of animal matter.

Malope malacoides. — He also exhibited coloured plate of this plant,
together with rhizome and fleshy roots, which are used in Tangiers, &c., as
a “ saponary.”

Lecanora esculenta. — The Lichen described as Parmelia, and called
Manna,” proves to be a species of Lecanora.

Figs Attacked by Ustilago ficuum. — The following communication with
specimens were received from Mr. Plowright : — 11 Herewith I send you half
a Fig which cams out of a box of Figs opened for dessert on Christmas
Day. It is affected with Ust'lago ficuum, Rchdt. It is alluded to in the

new edition of the 1 Handbuchder Pflanzen Kraukherten,’ by Dr. P. Soraner,
page 209, as occurring in the interior of the fruit of Ficus Carica, and is
closely allied to the Ustilago Phoenicia, Corda, which occurs in Dates.
Fischer van. Walsheim, in his ‘ Ustilagindes,’ p. 18, describes the spores en
masse as black, but when seen separately they are blackish violet, smooth,
globose, with a thick epispore, and measure from 3 to 8 mill. This accords
with the specimen sent herewith. The Bpores, as I find them, are in vast
majority of cases about 3 mill across, but scattered here and there amongst
them are a few much larger ones (8 mill), but I do not find any intermediate
ones. The spores of Ustilago Pkcenicis are very similar, but as far as I
know are more uniform in size (4-5 mill).”.

Plants Exhibited. — Two rare species of Salvia — viz., S. leonuroides
(Chili) and S. pulchella (?) by Mr. Lynch, from the Botanic Gardens, Cam¬
bridge; Korolkowia discolor (from Central Asia), this is perfectly hardy,
forwarded by Mr. Ware, Tottenham.

Obituary. — Dr. Masters drew attention to the loss of two members —
Marshall P. Wilder and Mr. T. Moore. It was agreed that a letter of
condolence should be sent to Mr. Wilder’s son.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

Westminsteb Aquabium, Januaby 12th and 13th.

The midwinter Exhibition was very satisfactory in all respects, the
Chrysanthemums being much more numerous and of better quality than
could have been expected. The weather has been very much against the
blooms keeping well, but although specimens up to the standard of a
November show could not be provided, there were many fresh and
excellent blooms, proving that the Chrysanthemum season can be greatly
prolonged.

For a general collection of blooms Mr. Robert Owen was first with fresh
and varied stands, comprising Bronze Golden Gem, Virginale, Ceres, and
Duchess of Albany in excellent condition. Mr. Bolas, The Gardens, Hopton
Hall, Warksworth, was second with smaller blooms. Mr. J. Lowe, The
Nurseries, Uxbridge, was third with eight boxes of blooms, in which Grandi-
florum was very fresh and good. Extra prizes were awarded to Mr. Stevens
of Putney and Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon. With twenty-four blooms Mr.
Walters, Sunny side, Burton-on-Trent, was first, showing remarkably fresh
blooms of Boule d’Or, Marguerite Marrouob, Ceres, M. Freeman, Duchess of
Albany, and Mdlle. Cabrol; Mr. Stevens was second, Princess Teck and
Mrs. Charles Carey being the best of his varieties ; and Mr. J. Hamlyn,
Bletchley Park Nursery, was third with Princess Teck.

Mr. G. Stevens had the best twenty-four Japanese blooms, chiefly Ceres
and Mrs. Charles Carey, and the same exhibitor was first with twelve
blooms of any variety, Duchess of Albany, J upiter, and Ceres being his best
blooms. Mr. Walker and Mr. J, Searle, Crediton, were second and third.
The finest twelve Japanese blooms were staged by Mr. H. Lister, gardener
to Lord Brooke, Easton Lodge, Dunmow, Essex, who was first with Sceptre
Toulousaine, Comtesse de Beauregard, Belle Paule, and Fanny Boucharlat,
all exceedingly fresh for the time of year. Mr. G. Stevens followed, and
Mr. J. Walker third, with small neat blooms. Mr. R. Owen was first with
six Japanese blooms, Ceres, Baronne de Prailly, M. Freeman, and Golden
Gem ; Mr, H. Lister was second, and Mr. Hargreaves. Milnshaw, Accring¬
ton, third.

Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, had a number of good blooms of Mrs.
H. Jones. Messrs. C. Smith ife Sons, Guernsey, had blooms of their yellow
variety Guernsey. Mr. W. Brown, Richmond, secured first honours for a
handsome bouquet of white, yellow, and bronze Chrysanthemums ; Messrs.
N. Davis and Jones, Camberwell, being second with a beautiful bouquet
very tastefully arranged, and Mr. Bolas third. Mr. W. Clark of Twicken¬
ham was first with a fine coll ction of Cyclamens. Mr. P. Cornish, The
Gardens, The Shrubbery, Enfield, and Mr. H. Wright, Lee, were the winners
with Solanum Capsicastrum. A prize was awarded to Mr. E. Mizen,
Mitcham, for several stands of the late yellow incurved Mrs. Norman Davis
very freBh and good.

Mr. W. Holmes, Hackney, had a large and excellent group of Palms,
Ericas, and miscellaneous plants. Mr. H. Wright, of Lee, also had a beau¬
tiful group of bulbs and decorative plants ; and Mr. G. Stevens, a pretty
group of double white Primulus, and Due Yan Thol Tulips. (Vote of thanks.)
For a collection of Primulas, Mr. G. Braid, Winchmore Hill, was awarded
first prize for well-grown plants, bearing large and richly coloured and pure
white flowers. Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn, were placed second for
a collection comprising a large number of excellent varieties. In the gar¬
deners’ class Mr. Low and Mr. F. Howes, Tulse Hill, were the prizetakers
with well-grown plants. Mr. T. S. Ware had a collection of choice hardy
flowers. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had the wonderful group of
Primulas which were so much admired at Sauth Kensington on Tuesday,
and which attracted equal attention here, and a silver medal was awarded
for them besides several certificates.

I H i.7l

pS WORK.F0^THEW'EEK.

1 1*

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The beginning cf the year is a good time for considering what is
best to be done to secure a full and varied supply of all the best vege¬
tables during the next twelve months. Seeds must be bought, soil pre¬
pared, and the crops arranged to the best advantage. Some may be
inclined to think that this can all be done properly as the time arrives

34

[ Junuary 18, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

for planting and sowing, bat this is a mistake. If a complete list of
seeds is made out and the whole of the crops arranged bef ire they are
put in, the most profitable results will follow. With regard to buying
seeds, it will always be found that the best can only be had at a reason¬
able price. Cheap seeds ought always to be avoided where the best
results are desired.

Early Potatoes. — Quantities of frame Potatoes may now be
planted. Use only the earliest sorts, and give preference to those varieties
which do not produce much top-growth. All pits and frames may be
filled with them. Place a good quantity of hotbed material underneath
to create a gentle bottom heat ; add rich soil on the top to the depth of
1 foot, and then plant the sets. They should be kept 15 inches or
18 inches apart, and be placed about 6 inches below the surface. Some
may think that by planting 10 inches or 1 foot apart they will secure
more tubers at digging time, but this will not be the case, as close plant¬
ing only results in a scanty crop of very small tubers. We have tried
early Potatoes in pots and boxes, but never found them so satisfactory as
those in frames.

Early Carrots. — Small Carrots in April are more acceptable on
the table than almost any vegetable we could name, and they are not
difficult to grow. A good hotbed is the best means of forcing them. It
must be made up very solid and a good depth, as it ought to retain the
heat until the end of March. As soon as the bed is formed the frame
should be placed upon it, and light sandy soil be placed inside to the
depth of 10 inches or more. This should be trodden down firmly. The
surface must be made smooth and the seed sown thinly broadcast. Cover
it with half an inch depth of sandy soil beaten down with the back of
the spade. The Early French Horn is the best of all Carrots f )r the
first crop. When the hotbed slopes from the back to the front do not
place the soil in this position, as when water is required it will be found
almost impossible to supply the plants at the top. We always s iw on
the level.

Early Vegetables for Planting out.— At one time Cauli¬
flowers could only be secured very early in summer by sowing the seed in
autumn and keeping the plants in frames over the winter, but now we
have earlier varieties they can be sown in spring and grown to come in
sooner than any of the autumn plants of the old kinds. If a little seed is
sown in a shallow box now and placed in a gentle heat the plants will
appear in ten days or less, and by keeping them near the glass and away
from frost they will be in fine condition for planting out in March, and
such plants will always be found more free in growth than the long half-
starved ones which have been confined in the frames from October until
March. A pinch of early Lettuce seed may also be sown, and where
early Leeks are desired these may be sown. Where autumn-sown
Cabbage plants have failed sow a batch in boxes to plant in March. We
rear a great many young plants in this way in spting, and always find
them most useful for early crops.

Tomatoes. — Where cuttings were saved and are still in the store pots
turn them out of these and give them more root room. Where three or
four of them are together pot them singly in 3-ioch pots, and those grow¬
ing singly in the latter size should be transferred into 6-inch pots. Give
them rather a rich soil, keep them near the glass, and in a temperature
of 60° or 65°. Tomato seed may also be sown to produce plants for the
earliest batch of plants. Draia a 6-inch pot well, nearly fill it with light
soil, sprinkle a little seed on the surface, cover this slightly, and place in
a temperature of 65° or 70°. When the plants show the rough leaf keep
them near to the light, and as soon as they can be handle! place them
singly into 2-inch or 3-inch pots.

Parsley. — There are indications that this may be short in spring,
especially if the present severe weather is experienced during the next
three months, and as a deficiency in April or May will be as much felt as
it would be now, two or three boxes of seed should be put in. It will
not germinate so quickly as the seeds already m ntioned, but the plants
will be ready for putting out by the end of March, and they will give a
good supply in May and onwards. Give a little protection to old
Parsley roots, and collect and dry the leaves which are decaying now, as
they may be used in the kitchen for many purposes as a substitute for
green Parsley.

Globe Artichokes. — Sime winters these require little or no pro¬
tection, but that will not be the case this time, and if they are not
thoroughly protected now add more litter. It should be well packed
round their collars, as it is important that the crowns be not injured by
frost.

Forcing. — So far open air vegetables have been plentiful, but it is
during the next eight or ten weeks that the greatest difficulty will be
experienced in keeping up a varied supply, but the forced produce is ex¬
cellent for this. Cover more Rhubarb, give it plenty of warm manure,
and let fresh air reach the young growths daily. Seakale may be forced
with less air, as it is not so apt to damp as the Rhubarb. As yet our supply
of this is cut from roots, lifted, and forced, but we are now covering the
roots with pots and manure in their growing quarters. Much may be done
with makeshift contrivances, such as old boxes, casks, &c., in forcing
Rhubarb and Seakale, but these are never so satisfactory or convenient as
pots made for the purpose. A fresh batch of Asparagus roots can be
lifted and put in every twelve or fifteen days. Do not attempt to
force roots that are not well developed. The first roots are now over,
and are being cleared out to give place to another batch. The produce
is said to be excellent. Kidney Beans are only growing slowly, and the
batch about to form pods will not be very profitable, as the pods are not
numerous at this season, but large quantities may now be sown for a
supply in March, and they form a highly remunerative rop at that time.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest House. — The flowershaving
openei well and pollen being abundant, the set appears favourable not¬
withstanding that the weather has been and is dull an 1 cold. The chief
aid to fertilisation is to raise the temperature in the morning to 50° if it
has been lower, and to put on a little air so as to induce a circulation of
air without causing a draught, and to maintain a genial condition pf the
atmosphere by damping the path and borders occasionally — i.e., in the
morning and early in the afternoon of fine day». By ventilating early
with a suitable temperature the trees are kept in steady progress, the
blossom becomes perfected, and impregnation is readily effected. It is
easy to assist the distribution of the pollen by means of a feather, a plume
of pampas grass, a rabbit’s tail mounted on a stick, or a camel’s hair brush.
Any varieties deficient of pollen should have it collected from those that
furnish it abundantly, as Royal George in Peaches, and Elruge in Nec¬
tarines, and have it carefully applied to the stigmas of the flowers of the
trees deficient of pollen. The night temperature must now be 50° to 55"
in mild weather, permitting a fall of 5° through the night in severe
weather, 55° by day from fire heat, advancing to 65° from sun heat. In¬
crease the ventilation freely above 55°, but not so as to lower the tempe¬
rature, and close at 65°, a few degrees advance from sun heat being
beneficial. Do not be in a hurry in disbuldiag, but any strong shoots of
the previous year having a tendency to push growth in advance of the
others may be commenced with first, removing the growth on the under
and upper side of the shoots, ani then reducing the side ones to the
number required — i.e, one from as near the bise as possible for to
supplant that now fruiting, and another or more above or on a level with
the fruit, and which should be pinched at a few inches of growth, or if
the shoot be an extension leave growths at about every 15 or 18 inches to
form the bearing shoots of next season, continuing those with the leader
intact. Disbudding must, however, be commenced early and continued
at short intervals until no more shoots are left than will be necessary for
furnishing the wood of the ensuing season. See that the inside borders
are duly supplied with water, ani that the ro ots outside are well pro¬
tected with litter or other dry material. After the fruits are set an occa¬
sional syringing will be useful in assisting the trees to cast the remains
of the blossoms, but avoid heavy syringings, which have a tendency to
weaken the trees, besides inducing an enfeebled growth in the shoots.

Second Early House. — In the house intended to afford ripe fruit in
late May or early June with the older varieties, but with such as Alex¬
ander a month earlier, and with H tie’s Early to follow — two of the very
best early Peaehes for an early house, and which has been closed as
ad rised, employ fire heat only to maintain a day temperature of 50°,
raising it early, or by 8 to 8.30 A.M., to insure the development of the
blossom with light and its due aerification by an increase of ventilation
above 55°, avoiding cold currents and allowing an advance of 5° to 10°
from sun heat and corresponding ventilation, closing early so as to
husband the sun heat. A night temperature of 40° to 45° is sufficient
until the blossoms are well advanced for expansion, when it should be
gradually raised to 50°. Syringe the trees until the flowers show the
anthers, when damping the paths, &e., will be sufficient, and a little air
should be admitted constantly, with a gentle warmth in the pipes.
When the pollen b 'comes rips artificial fertilisation may be resorted to.
If water is wanted give thorough supply, affording liquid manure in a
tepid state to weakly trees. Trees having a superabundance of flowers
should have those on the under or back side of the trellis removed by
drawing the hand downwards.

Succession Houses. — Keep this house as cool as possible by free venti¬
lation, and any trees swelling their buds faster than desired should be
shaded on fine days, but after tho buds are advanced so that the anthers
are showing there is danger, and fire heat is necessary. The house to be
started early in February may now be close 1, furnishing needful supplies
of water, only employing fire heat to exclude frost, and not allowing the
temperature to exceed 50° without full ventilation. All the trees in late
succession houses must be completed pruning and dressing, the houses
being thoroughly cleansed, the trees being secured to the trellis, venti¬
lating freely and keeping them as cool as practicable. If the borders re¬
quire renewing with fresh loam it may now be done, but is preferably
performed just before the fall of the leaf. Remove the old soil from be¬
tween the large roots, being careful not to injure the fibres, and work the
soil in amongst the roots, not covering them deeper than 3 or 4 inches
with fresh loam, and if of a calcareous nature all the better, treading or
ramming it firmly. If necessary give a supply of water, as dryness at
the roots, even when the trees are at rest, will cause the buds to fall.

PLANT HOUSE3.

Dracccnas. — Plants that did duty in rooms and other positions early
in the winter, and have since been kept dry at their roots to harden and
ripen their stems, are in a fit state for cutting up for raising young stock.
The root portion of the stem is best for this purpose, but if this part
proves insufficient to insure the necessary stock, the ripest portion of that
above ground may be employed. The stems may be cut into lengths
about an inch long, and laid in light sandy soil in pans. Place the pans-
in a night temperature of 65°, a temperature 6° lower will do, but the
stems are longer starting into growth. It is a good plan to plunge the
pans in cocoa-nut fibre refuse, where they will receive gentle bottom
heat, and use no water until growth has started. Waen the stems are
thoroughly ripened, so that every portion will produce a plant instead of
decaying, they can be placed singly in small pots, and these plunged in
boxes or in the fibre the same as the pans, covering the surface to prevent
evaporation. Young plants in 2 and 3-incb pots may be given a smalL

January 13, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

35

shift if a temperature of 65° can be given, and convenience exists for
plunging them in gentle bottom heat. If these conditions cannot be
accorded the plants, potting had better be delayed a few weeks longer.

Anthuriums. — Those plants that completed their growth in early
autumn and have since been resting in a temperature of 50° to 55°, may
now be introduced into the stove where they can be kept warmer. With
increased heat and moisture activity soon commences, and bright scarlet
spathes are produced early in the season. While plants are resting in a
moderately low temperature they should be kept on the dry side at their
roots, or they will sutler instead of being improved. Plants that have
been in the stove up to the present time will be benefited by a month’s
rest such as cooler and drier conditions afford.

Anthurium Andreanum. — This is one of the best stove plants that
can be grown, for it is scarcely ever out of flower. During the winter
its large scarlet spathes are most useful, for they render the stove effec¬
tive long before Poinsettias can be had, and also after they are done.
Where general effect is an object, several small plants are more useful
than one or two large ones. The stock is readily increased by topping
the plants and striking them. They strike freely enough in the propa¬
gating frame if kept close and brisk heat is maintained. Portions of the
stem containing eyes, if placed singly in pots, will also produce plants,
but these are best left attached to the parent plant until they have
pushed into growth. From one plant in a season a number of plants will
be produced, and after the old one is improved, for it is certain to pro¬
duce three or four crowns near the surface of the soil. These plants do
well in a compound of sphagnum moss, peat used in lumps, and rough
charcoal.

Plumbagos and Linums. — These will have passed their best, and the
number necessary to retain for stock should be well pruned. They should
be examined, and if any trace of red spider or thrips exist upon them they
should be dipped in a solution of Fir tree oil, which will destroy those
insects. The plants may then be stood in a temperature of 60° until
they produce shoots for cutting.

Adiantums. — Those from which all the fronds have been gathered
should not be stood in a cold place, for this certainly prevents their start¬
ing freely into growth. If placed in a vinery at work, where the tem¬
perature ranges about 55? to 60°, they will quickly commence throwing
up new fronds. When fairly on the move they can be repotted if they
need it, by placing them in larger pots, or they may be cut into two, if
necessary, to increase the stock. Plants started into growth now will
yield a valuable supply of fronds in early spring, when they are generally
scarce if provision is not made for starting a good batch of plants, and
prepare them by light and moderately cool treatment afterwards to form
a succession.

Davallms. — These are amongst the most useful of Ferns for yielding
foliage for cutting, the fronds travel well, and last fresh in water for a
long time. They can be successfully grown in pots and pans, but where
room is limited the largest supply can be obtained from baskets about
1 foot in diameter. Small plants in about two years creep all round such
baxkets, and can conveniently be suspended in vineries or any plant
structure without taking up the stage room required for others. Such
deciduous species as D. dissecta are most useful for starting into growth
now. This is very free growing, and the fronds are of good size, and,
best of all, this is not injured by being placed in a cold vinery or Peach
house during its resting season.

MARKET FOR HONEY.

After the sensible remarks made by “ Felix” on the above, it
would appear unnecessary for me to say anything more on the
subject, and but for one or two points I would have kept silent.
Beyond what be says I am entirely ignorant of the doings of the
“ Honey Company.” In fact, I am somewhat disappointed at
being kept in ignorance of facts concerning it, through Dr. George
Walker, Wimbledon, failing to furnish us with the balance sheet
showing the financial state and results of the Company during the
month of March last, as promised previously by that gentleman.
For his utterances about the great turnover of the capital in honey,
which would have formed a procession of waggons fifteen miles
long, containing a ton each, I forgave him, but 1 did not expect
he would have kept the other particulars from us.

The question of a market for honey is a public one, but unless,
as “Felix” says, those interested exert themselves, the thing can¬
not succeed. More than a year ago both schemes were noticed in
this Journal — viz., the “Honey Company,” and the sensible one
suggested by “ A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.” There appeared to be
no advantage taken of the helping hand by those who would have
certainly been benefited by the scheme. On the contrary, the
British Bee Journal published one or more letters disparaging the
scheme, and in such a manner as to throw obloquy upon its promoter,
“ Hallamshire Bee-keeper,” because he was the only one responsible
for what would have been a valuable scheme for every bee-keeper
in the kingdom had it been taken advantage of.

It does appear strange that people will cry out, “ What are we to
do with our honey ? where shall we find a market for it ?” and yet
they will do nothing to attain their earnest desire, while people
from foreign shores bring over large consignments, and sell their
honey at the very doors of bee-keepers here who cannot get their
honey sold ! and probably honey of a superior quality too.

What the Canadian honey was as to quality I know not, but a
leaflet was sent me to give my verdict on what I neither tasted nor
saw. This leaflet, taken from an English paper, pronounced the
Canadian honey as the “ finest in the world,” which could be con¬
strued only as an assertion without the slightest proof. Had the
Canadians sent me a sample of their honey I would have given a
true verdict of its quality so far as my knowledge of honey went,
but being deprived of that I could not do otherwise than remain
silent. I have not the slightest suspicion of the Canadian honey
being otherwise than pure and of good quality, but that is all I
can say of it. Unfortunately for bee-keepers and consumers of
honey (who will by constant use acquire a taste for an inferior
article, and prefer it to the genuine) there is at the present time a
large quantity of glucose in the market being sold as honey. I
have two samples of the spurious article said to be gathered
from two distinct flowers, and there is not the slightest perceptible
difference in the flavour of the two varieties, and there is no diffi¬
culty in producing a similar compound with glucose as the base.
I read an advertisement lately of a packer saying that at one time
he mixed his honey with glucose, but he found that through edu¬
cating the people to what genuine honey was like, he had discon¬
tinued the practice. This confession does not assure us of the
genuineness of recently imported honey.

The Glasgow authorities, according to the daily papers, have
been investigating the matter, but unfortunately their analyst has
stultified himself by saying that “ Although the honey shows an
excess of adulteration, the syrup by being given to the bees might
be termed pure honey.” When such utterances come from pro¬
fessional men it augurs ill for the speedy termination of adulterated
honey.

The present year has not been a very productive one on the
whole, and the quantity of honey is below the average. Yet much
of last year’s honey remains unsold, and this year’s white comb-
honey is unsaleable. There has been a great demand for Heather
comb, but in many instances there is none to sell. In fact, I have
seen few first class samples of Heather comb this year. But why
this prejudice against the fine Clover honeycomb ? Some say that
it is because of the superior flavour of the Heather honey, but in
every instance this is not the case, but because of the suspicion that
it is sugar. If societies would exert themselves to discover spuri¬
ous honey and expose the persons offering it for sale it would have
a deterrent effect, and honest bee-keepers would reap a benefit
thereby. Then after nothing but the pure nectar was in the
market there would be a corresponding demand for it as for the
Heather comb. When consumers have faith in the producer then
honey will be more easily disposed of, and when the monopoly of
honey companies is broken up then the bee-keeper will get better
value for his produce. Whenever bee-keepers establish a system
that will convey the honey direct from the apiary to the consumer
or to their neighbourhood, then a lax-ge amount of needless expense
in conveying it to a central depot is obviated.

The same rules apply to fruit, and I think a national scheme
such as proposed by “ A Hallamshire Bee-keeper ” for honey, and
in conjunction with one another, -would lessen the expense of work¬
ing, and a larger return for all produce would be the result, while
at the same time glutting the markets would be entirely avoided,
and the produce could be sent direct to where it would be retailed.

When goods are brought under the auctioneer’s hammer, unless
they are scarce, they never realise their value. Purchasers combine
and will not bid, and the goods are often sold at less than a third
of what they are afterwai'ds retailed at. Then private purchasers
are debarred from buying at these sales ; everything goes against
the producer. It was simply vexing to see the little money obtained
for fruit sold in the markets this year, not as much in many cases
as would pay the freight. Some system different from the present
one for disposing of our produce, and one that will remunerate the
producer better, is really needful, but more must be done than
grumble. We must all put our shoulders to the wheel.

A great quantity of fruit is brought to this country in such a
condition as to be utterly unfit for human consumption. Yet this
is bought at a cheap rate by boilers, mixed with glucose and gela¬
tine, much of which is made from tlie remains of dead horses, and
is also used largely in making confections. H such samples of fruit
were consigned to their proper place there would be a greater
demand for home-grown fruit, and people would not be compelled
to eat such abominable compounds, manufactured, too, in close
pi-oximity to our sanitary officials.

36

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1887.

Changes are not always improvements, but if producers would
only combine and take steps to supply the public with genuine jam
made from fresh fruit and good sugar, and establish a system
whereby everyone could buy alike and on the same terms, they will
not only benefit themselves, but be public benefactors. I have no
intention of maturing any plan to effect the foregoing, but will
help all I can, and advise all concerned to peruse the prospectus as
promulgated by “ A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.” The following
account of the way the Scotch market was conducted in Glasgow
before auctioning was in vogue may be interesting : — The produce
was taken to the City in the early morning or night before. The
carts containing the produce were properly arranged ; the disposers
retired to a room where the carts and purchasers could be seen.
The latter consisted of merchants, hawkers, tradespeople, and people
of every class, rich and poor. The disposers, before the market
was opened, calculated from the number of people and baskets what
sales were likely to be effected, and fixed their prices accordingly.
The only restriction in selling was that nothing less than a certain
quantity would be sold, and those not wishing to take the quantity
had to purchase from the retailer at a slight advance on the market
price. Of course that or a similar system would not meet the
approbation of merchants of the present day, but it would put
more money into the pockets of the raiser, who has the best claims
to any profit that is going, and if by any means markets can be
prevented from being glutted, it will be but one of many that the
producer can benefit himself by, and when some such system is
secured none will be better pleased to see it than — A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

NOTES ON THE WEATHER AND BEES.

Snow covers the ground here to a depth of 3 inches, the only snow
that has lain for more than two or three hours this winter. The lowest
temperature that has been this year is 20°, and the mean up to the 7th 32°.
With the exception of Wednesday, the 3rd inst.. when we had a dis¬
agreeable day of sleet accompanied hy a moderate wind ; we have had no
tempest. The ground beneath the snow is covered with ice. The snow
freezing as it fell prevented me clearing it away from the front of the
hives, as is my usual custom, with a bass broom, so I have left it undis¬
turbed, for while the temperature remains at freezing there is not muoh
danger of the bees making an attempt to leave the hive. Then, as snow
upon the roofs of the hives acts beneficially by keeping the frost greatly
from entering the hive, and as all my hives are so constructed that
melted snow cannot penetrate them, I will not disturb it until I observe
a sure rise of temperature is likely to take place. Should a sudden rise of
temperature take place through the day I shall close the hives and ventilate
from below until the ground is cleared of the ice and snow. Those who
attempt to shut in the bees that have Dot provision made for ventilating
other than the entrance ought to be careful that they do not suffocate or
in any way to unduly raise the temperature of the hive. Although the
bees may not be killed, incipient foul brood is sure to follow the change
brought on the contents of the hive by the act, and which can only be
avoided by using ventilating floors or some other easy method of venti¬
lating, so that the bees will not be disturbed by any jarring under the
manipulation.

On the first favourable day that the bees are likely to fly I shall have
in readiness a few heated fire bricks, and if any of the hives show weakly
bees a warm brick will be slipped beneath the perforated zinc. The heat
rising therefrom strengthens swollen bees greatly, and enables them to
fly and return to their hive, while without that they would fall to the
ground and be lost.

Then as soon as the majority of the bees have flown I shall give thoge
syrup that I have the slightest apprehension of being short of food, and
continue to feed until they have as much as will tide them over till Mav
It is much safer and better in every way — where bees require it— to feed
early in the year than postpone it till March, as then there is much br0od
in the hives, and bees feed reluctantly, and should not be disturbed if the
weather is cold and windy. March being the most treacherous month 0f
the year for bees, they should be at that time in a state so that thev mo-o-
not be disturbed.— L. B.-K. 1 may

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Chr. Lorenz, Erfurt.— Illustrated Catalogue for 1887.

Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, N.B. — Catalogue of Choice Seeds and Plants
for 1887.

J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield, Crawley. — Descriptive List of Garden Seeds,
1887.

Charles Sharpe & Co., Sleaford, Lincolnshire. — Catalogue of Garden and
Farm Seeds, 1887.

Daniels Bros., Norwich .—Illustrated Guide for Amateus Gardeners.

R. B. Laird & Sons, 17, Frederick Street, Edinburgh.— Catalogue of
Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds, 1887.

Friedrich Adolf Haage, jr., Erfurt.— Catalogue of Succulent and Cactace¬
ous Plants.

Viccars Colly er k Co., Leicester, — General Catalogue for 1887.

Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London.— Catalogue of Flower. Vegetable,
and Farm Seeds for 1887.

Barr & Son, 12 and 13, King Street, Covent Garden.— Catalogue of Flower
and Kitchen Garden Seeds, Plants, <jc.

James Dickson & Sons, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester. — Catalogue of
Vegetable and Flower Seeds for 1887.

G. Bnnyard & Co., Maidstone. — Catal ogue of Vegetable and Flower
Seeds, 1887.

Richard Dean, Ranelagh Road, Ealing.— Catalogue of New and Choice
Potatoes, Primroses. Polyanthus, and Hardy Plants.

William Baylor Hartland, 24, Patrick Street, Cork. — Year-Book of Seeds
for 1887.

Jno. Jefferies & Son, Cirencester. — Catalogue of Seeds, Bulbs, and
Plants, 1887.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same si e t questions
relating to Gardening and those on Boe subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

THE INDEX. — In consequence of the iseue of the index for binding
with the half-yearly numbers, from the beginning of July to the end
of December, 1886, several excellent articles and interesting com¬
munications that are in type cannot be inserted this week.

Orchids ( J . E. B,.). — You have a very good selection of Cattleyas, and
you could not do better than select a few of the more distinct varieties of
those you name. The following might be also added with advantage: —
Cattleya gigas, C. Gaskelliana (one of the C. labiata type), C. Percivaliana,
and Lrelia purpurata.

The Eucharis Mit» (Hall). — We are pleased to hear you have succeeded
to your satisfaction in extirpating this destructive pest that appears to be
spreading amongst bulbous plants in this country. You are, of course,
quite justified in making the best use you can of your discovery and in
advertising the liquid for sale. We know of no better way in which you
can make it known, but we think you would not make any mistake by send¬
ing sample bottles to persons whose plants are infested with the mite with
the object of obtaining corroborative evidence of the efficacy of your mite
destroyer. Such testimony from independent and disinterested sources
would be its best recommendation.

Ipomaeas (Rosa).— Some of these plants are rather variable in colour, but
in the cases you name the changes were principally due to the deficient
sunlight. We have not seen the Orchid specimen, or it would have been
named with x>leasure. Our correspondents never trouble us when they put
their questions clearly, or send good examples of the plants they wish to be
named.

Piping for Heating Entrance-hall ( Cambridge ). — A coil of about 4 feet
length, with six or eight pipes in height, would give you all the warmth
required, placing it about the middle of the space or where convenient.
Eight rows of 3-inch pipes on each side, or sixteen rows altogether, would
maintain a genial temperature without having to heat the pipes highly.
Moderately heated surfaces are better both as regards health and economy
than are surfaces highly heated. The length of pipes will require to be
about 3 feet, or 48 feet altogether, in addition to the ends or boxes of the
coil. With the case the coil is ornamental.

Araucarias Failing (A. L.). — If, as you say, the soil is rather thin,
the lower branches of the trees are failing from exhaustion, the result
probably of drought in the summer and impoverished ground. We have
seen great benefit imparted to specimen Conifers by removing the exhausted
soil in a circle as wide as the spread of the lower branches, giving very
copious applications of liquid manure, then adding fresh soil with wood
ashes intermixed, and covering it thickly with manure which was left to
decay. If that plan cannot be adopted, then great good may be done by
having recourse to the method of renovation described on page 568, the
issue of December 23rd, 1886. The address you require is Messrs. Alexander
ShankB & Son, Dens Ironworks, Arbroath, and 27, Leadenhall Street,
London, E.C.

Small Beet— Iberises (0. T. H.). — The majority of persons complain of
Beet being too large. We find Dell’s Beet quite large enough grown in
deeply worked, free, good soil that has been weli manured for the previous
crop, as much manure mixed with the soil shortly before sowing the seed
often causes the roots to become forked. We grow very fine Beet on
ground previously occupied with Celery. The ridges are levelled down,
a dressing of soot given, and the ground well forked. The Beet seed
is sown during the last week in April if the ground or weather be favour¬
able, or the first week in May. Thinning the young plants is done very
early, before they are made weak by overcrowding, and the hoe is run
through the ground between the rows very frequently during the season,
scattering an ounce of salt to each square yard three or four times at inter-

January 13, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

37

vals'of a fortnight or three weeks, as well as soot, guano, or some other
quick acting fertiliser, if in our judgment such may be needed. An ounce
of nitrate of soda and twice that quantity of superphosphate of lime applied
' each square yard of ground is a good top-dressing for Beet. Early thin-

ng and hoeing between the rows at intervals of a week or ten days, as
. ather nits, are important factors in producing good roots. Iberis
gibralte _as much finer flowers than I. sempervirens has, but the latter

is .the h , and produces fine masses of flowers in spring. You had

better , „nem both and increase the one that succeeds the best in your

Salt ane ’me'for Light Soil (IK. M.). — Light soils do not require as a
rale so muc. .ime as clays, and the quantity depends a great deal upon the
presence or otherwise of vegetable or organic matter in the soil. If the soil
contains much vegetable matter, as in the case of grass land recently
broken up, or is full of decaying vegetable and animal matter from heavy
dressings of manure, or rich in humus by a long course of manuring and
cropping, G tons of quicklime per acre (3 qrs. or 84 lbs. per rod — 30j square
yards) is a suitable and sufficiently heavy dressing. If, on the other hand,
the land is not “fat” or in fairly good heart, 3 or at most 4 tonB per acre
will be a proper quantity to apply. The dressing "of lime may be given in
March, or as soon as the ground is in good working order. Twenty bushels
of salt is a maximum quantity per acre, and should only be given in the
case of light soil, and where the object is not only to supply salt as a source
of fertility, but as destroying slugs. Ten bushels is a good average dressing,
and is sufficient in most cases as a manure ; but a great deal depends upon
the location of the land, for near the sea the application of salt is not of
benefit, as the soil contains enough generally, though we have known a
light dressing of 5 bushels per acre even near the sea to materially increase
the weight of the crops. Salt should be applied in spring either before or
after putting in the crops.

Forcing Strawberries (J. B.). — For affording ripe fruit in May the
plants should be introduced by or before the middle of February. They
should be placed on a shelf near the glass, and not subjected to a higher
temperature by artificial means than 50° to 55°, admitting air freely above
that, and GO0 to 65° from sun heat until the flowering is over and the fruit
is swelling freely. The temperature may be increased to 60° to 65° at night
and 70° to 75° by day, with an advance of 5° to 10° from sun heat. It will
not be necessary to cover the flue with some material that will give out a
moist heat, as by so doing the flue would be of little value ; besides, suffi¬
cient moisture can be obtained by syringing available surfaces in the
morning and early afternoon. Seakale is not sold by weight in Covent
Garden Market. The heads of the Seakale are cut with a small portion of
the crown when 6 to 8 inches long, and arranged in punnets, twelve to
eighteen heads being placed, each according to their size. A piece or strip
of light coloured blue paper is placed round the middle of the Seakale,
which enhances the whiteness, giving it with the rose tips of the Kale quite
a taking appearance.

Pruning and Top-dressing \in.aa'[(Merchint). — You ought to have very
good Grapes next year, provided you do not overcrop the Vines norover-
crowd the foliage. When, what is termed the long spur system of pruning
is adopted by amateurs they are very apt to err in those respects. If the
laterals are not much more than a foot apart on each side of the rods you
■will do well to consider the advisability of shortening every alternate
lateral to the lowest good bud, as close to the main rod as possible, taking
one growth from each of these spurs this year, not allowing it to fruit, and
it would in all probability be in good condition for bearing in 1888. The
longer pruned laterals will be more than sufficient for producing a crop
during the ensuing season. If you cannot see your way towards adopting
the plan suggested you will need to exercise sound judgment in disbudding
in spring, not only with the view to the current year’s crop of fruit but in
the production and maturation of wood for the following season. You may
prune your Vines now, without waiting for the “ one or two leaves at the
points ” to fall. You cannot do better than add lime rubbish, and especially
smashed oyster shells, to your heavy soil. With plenty of these, which are
excellent for Vines, you may dispense with lime rubbish, as the shells are
composed of more than 90 per cent, of carbonate of lime with a little
phosphate and animal matter. The smaller they are broken the better.
Top-dress the Muscat Vine border as well, where the roots are coming
through the surface. One barrowful of crushed shells may be added to
about five of the soil if it is very strong. You have done well by notching
the old roots and top-dressing to get the border so well filled with active
fibres bristling through the surface. Do not permit it to be loose by deep
digging, nor dry at any season of the year, though, obviously, the soil
must not be decidedly wet, especially in the winter ; in the summer the
surface should be constantly moist, and this is easily managed with the
assistance of manurial mulchings for arresting evaporation of the water
that is periodically applied.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
ehould bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(<71 H.) — We do not undertake to name florists’ flowers.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 12th.

Prices remain without alteration, business being still very quiet. Hot¬
house Grapes in heavy supply at low values. Large cargoes St. Michael
Pines to hand this week.

FRUIT.

B.

d.

S.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d

Apples

6 to 4

0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

»»

Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaohes .

perdoz.

0

0

0

0

Cherries

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., tb.

1

6

2

0

Figs

0

0

0

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

G rapes

6

3

9

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Lemous

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per tb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8

d.

8. d

8. d.

8. d

Artichokes .. .. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce . dozen

i

0

to 1

8

Asparagus .. .. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. ..punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney . . per lb

0

6

1

0

Mustard and Cress punnei

c

2

0

0

Beet, Red .. .. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions . bunch

0

8

0

0

Broccoli . bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts . . £ sieve

2

0

2

6

Parsnips .. .. dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage . dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums .. .. 100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney .. cwt.

4

0

8

n

Carrots . bunch

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb.. .. .. bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ., ,. bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery . bundle

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. .. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. .. per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers .. .. each

0

8

0

4

Shallots . lb.

0

8

0

8

Endive . . dozen

1

0

2

0

Spinach . bushel

8

0

4

9

Herbs . bunch

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes . lb.

0

8

1

0

Leeks . bunch

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. .. bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

0.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica . . each

l

6 to 7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

, (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

42

0

Hyacinths .. per dozen

9

9

12

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

0

0

0

0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperns . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

„ graoilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Poiusettia . . per dozen 12

0

0 18

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

8

0

Ferns jn Tariety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

8.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

1

0

to 2

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

5

0

8

0

Marguerites . . 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

8

1

0

„ White, English, bunch

1

s

1

8

Camellias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

8

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

0

„ .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches. 12

0

24

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

l

0

2

0

„ 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

0

Cornflower . . 12 bunohes

0

0

0

0

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

8

8

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

7

6

EpiphyUum . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

4

0

9

0

Eucharis .. per dozen

4

0

8

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias . . 12 blooms

9

0

24

0

„ (double) per bunch

1

0

1

8

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropasolnm .. 12 tranches

1

8

2

0

Lapageria, red . , 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

„ longiflorum,12bIms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

2

0

2

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

8

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, pe bunch

i

8

2

6

SOIL LESSONS.

What a singular conception of Mother Earth and her re¬
quirements had our forefathers ! To read the clauses of an
old lease, replete as it is found to be with quaint expression
and nonsensical restrictions, affords one a curious insight
into the degree of knowledge possessed by farmers in bygone
days, for we may be assured that such restrictions were
made and received in perfect good faith as indispensable to
successful farming. Agriculture then was hardly regarded
as a science ; soils were treated just as though they were
animals requiring rest, and which it was attempted to afford
them by long fallows. A regular shift, whether four-course or
otherwise, was regarded as part and parcel of all good hus¬
bandry ; the soil must have a rest every four or five years, or
crops would fail, and farmers fail too. We have ere now
told how upon one of our farms — a small one of 125 acres — we
found 30 acres in fallow when it came upon our hands, but
this year not an acre of it will be suffered to be uncropped.
To be able to do this, however, a farmer must be on the
alert to turn every opportunity to account to render the soil
clean and fertile. Clean and fertile ! mark the words, reader ;
and mark, too, how frequently we use them. Is your soil in
a condition to justify your use of such an expression as
descriptive of it ? Is it clean in the full and most compre¬
hensive meaning of the term ? Clean by the absence of foul

38

[ January 13, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

weeds as well as of stagnant water ? Is it really fertile by
being stored with those manurial constituents required by
the crop which you intend next to sow or plant in it ?

To every manager of a farm we would put the important
question, What do you know about the soil of your farm, its
condition and requirements ? To go on ploughing and sow¬
ing year by year without a full knowledge of cause and effect
in relation to what we do is certainly a veritable groping in
the dark, yet it is done, and we have reason to fear will
continue to be done for some time to come yet. We recently
had occasion to address an assembly of farmers, eminently
respectable men, most of them holding large farms ; some of
them in the occupation of several farms, and so they might
be regarded as fairly representative of the class. We tried
to turn the opportunity to account by dwelling at some
length upon soil treatment, and upon the application of
manures. Very earnest attention was paid to our remarks —
so earnest that one slight inaccurate statement of results was
immediately detected and challenged to our great delight.
The manner in which our address was received was a revela¬
tion to us ; for, indeed, it is no light matter to attract and
hold the attention of earnest thoughtful men upon a matter of
such vital importance. It rendered us hopeful, and we hope
more earnest in our efforts to show both by example and
precept that something more is possible in farming results
than has been hitherto achieved.

“ Have we yet touched perfection in our practice as
farmers ? ” was one of the questions which we put to our
hearers upon the occasion referred to, and we repeat it here.
What do farmers generally know about the soil and its
requirements ? Now we do not by any means think that a
strictly scientific training is at all necessary for the ordinary
farmer, but we do assert most strongly that every farmer is
bound to ascertain if the soil of his farm is clean and fertile,
and if it is not to make it so at once. There is probably
none of the ordinary duties of mankind upon which waste¬
fulness and carelessness has laid a more fatal grasp than
upon those of farmers. Some return upon expenditure of
time and money was always possible before the depression.
If the crops were light prices were high, and though there
might be some waste in the use of farmyard manure, yet it
did some good. Such reasoning and the practice which led
to it was all very well for a while, but that it should sooner
or later lead to disaster was inevitable. Bad seasons came,
low prices followed, short crops and falling price were said
to have caused the failure of many a good man and true, and
they undoubtedly did so, but it was bad practice combined
with unfavourable seasons which brought about the ruin of
so many.

Again and again have we dwelt upon soil treatment, and
we purpose devoting a few papers now to a somewhat closer
and, if possible, more practical treatment of a subject fraught
with such vital importance. Once get the soil in really good
condition, and then it becomes as easy to keep it so as it does
to obtain full crops from it. Earnestly do we desire to assist
our readers to attain at least to such a standard of excel¬
lence.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Snow and frost have laid hold upon the land, and so thoroughly tha
ploughing has been impossible since writing our last note. We have seen
with regret the carting of much farmyard manure out upon the land, and
many a time and oft as we have driven past such fields have we wondered
what the per-centage of loss from such manure was. That it is consider¬
able there can be no doubt, yet there are the little heaps of manure
scattered all over the field ready for spreading before the plough when the
frost breaks. It is not improbable that this turning to so-called advantage
of frosty weather for carting manure may be thought brisk practice by
those who do it, but alas 1 for the waste of all those subtle gases which
constitute the quintessence of the manure heap. The snow covered the
land so thickly that frost was kept out, but though we had plenty of
trenching in hand we would not have the snow buried in the soil, and so
all the men were turned upon the land drains which could well be got on
with. Glad are we to do this, for we have so much trenching and tree¬
planting to do this season that we shall require every stroke to tell when
such work is again possible. Several of the horses have been employed

iu drawing timber off the land, the snow proving a help rather than a
hindrance for such heavy work. Despite all our care we have had one
valuable man injured at this work, and have lost his services for a week
or two. The amount of carelessness which prevails among men
thoroughly accustomed to timber work is surprising. We were recently
watching the cutting down of an Elm about which we had repeatedly
cautioned the workmen, for Elms are notoriously unsafe trees. The tree
in question was to all appearance sound, yet it fell without yarning
before they were half through the trunk, and the centre of which proved
rotten. Many ornamental trees in the park have sustained much injury
from the snow. Cedars and Scotch Firs have suffered more than any
other trees. The flat branches of the Cedars soon become laden with
snow, which, if thawing slightly, clings together, and so becomes heavy
enough to cause the branch to break off. It is probably owing to the
brittleness of the wood that so many branches of Scotch Firs have been
broken off. We hear of grand old Cedars upon other estates almost
denuded of branches by the snow.

REVIEW OF BOOKS.

Permanent and Temporary Pastures. By Martin J . Sotton. Second
edition. London : Hamilton, Adams & Co.

It is less than twelve months since we noticed the first issue of this
work, and already it is our privilege to announce the appearance of a
second edition. What we said commendatory of the first edition we can
repeat with certainty of that which is now before us. The way in which
the work is turned out is beyond all praise ; and the illustrations are
admirable. It is by far the best and most useful treatise on the subject
which has yet appeared, and we do not hesitate to express our conviction
that this second edition will have as rapid a sale as the first. We com¬
mend it very highly to the attention of all who are engaged in the culti¬
vation of the soil, or who are desirous of becoming acquainted with tha
forage plants of the country. It contains additional matter of great
interest by Dr. Voelcker and other scientific and eminent agricultural
authorities.

Eggs in Winter. — Referring to the correspondence in your column
concerning winter laying hens and pullets. I keep twenty-five cross-bred
Dorkings and Cochins. During the past month (December) these have
given me 104 eggs. They have a good grass run, and are fed with wheat
grain, and scraps. — Cochin.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Treatment of a Two-year Layer ((7. S.). — The soil of your field
which has been down two years in Clover and Rye grass, being so foul
with grubs, it would not answer for Potatoes this y ar. _ To pare and burn
now is not practicable, nor would it answer thoroughly if you could do it,
many of the grubs probably b ing so deeply buried in the soil that they
would escape destruction. You say you have a good plant of grass ; we
should therefore graze or mow the first crop of grass, and then at once pare
and burn as much of the surface as you can, only take especial care to let the
burning follow the paring at once in order that the larva of insects have
no time to escape or to burrow downwards. Follow the burning by deep
ploughing, then apply a dressing of quicklime fresh from the kiln, which
at once work well into the soil with a cultivator ; plough again, and then
the soil may be reasonably considered clean, and you have only to apply
manure to render it suitable for Potato culture.

Bare Necked Fowls (H. T. II.). — There is a feather-eater amongst
them. Find her out if you can, and get rid of her. Meanwhile give
some sulphur in their soft food and discontinue the maize.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

y a.m.

IN THE DAY.

Hygrome-

a .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1887.

ter.

5-2

§•*§

peratnre.

Temperature.

OS

In

On

m ”>

CQS a

Dry.

Wet.

So

p-f

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

df.pr

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday . 2

80.194

18.8

18.6

N.E.

35.0

33.2

14.5

33.3

11.0

0.098’

Monday . 3

29.7*7

37.3

36.8

s.

34.3

88.3

16.4

39.4

12.9

0.336

Tuesday . 4

29.308

30.8

30.6

N.E.

34.2

38 3

30.6

38.3

30.4

0.104

Wednesday .. 5

28.8 1 2

34.4

34.1

N.W.

34.6

39.8

27.9

51.7

22.7

0.019

Thursday .... 6

28.872

33.9

33.2

Calm

34 3

35.4

28.7

39.1

26.4

—

Friday . 7

29.018

33 3

32.6

Calm

34.3

39.4

29.9

47.2

28.0

0.126

Saturday .... 8

29.080

34.1

32.8

s.

34.3

37.2

33.0

47.1

31.8

0.028

29.304

31.8

31.2

34.4

87.4

25.9

42.3

23.3

0.708

REMARKS.

2nd. — Very cold, fog, Increasing towards noon, dense till 2 P H., then suddenly cleared.
Blight snow 9 to 9.15 P.M , and again later.

3rd.— Dull, drizzling, and thawing, rain, turning to snow at night.

4th. — Two or three inches of snow on ground, and snow almost continuously till 11 A.MH
afterwards fair.

5th. — Snow early, about an inch deep by 9 A.M., and at frequent intervals till 11 A.M.,
then fair and the afternoon bright.

6th. — Dull and foggy all day, a little sleet in morning, fine night, lunar halo.

7th. — Dull early sunshine for five minutes about 10.30 A.M., then dull and foggy with
Blight showers at intervals.

8th.— Rain in small hours, slightly foggy morning, fine after.

A very wintry week with a good deal of snow. Temperature rather more than a,
degree below that of the preceding week, and about 7° below the average.— G. J.
Symons.

January 20, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

39

COMING EVENTS

20

21

22

23

24

25

28

*

Linnean Soeiety at 8 P M.

Royal Botanio Society at 3.45 P.M.

3rd Sunday after EnrHANY.

Society of Arts at 8 P.M. Lecture on the Diseases of Plan's.

SITES FOR ORCHARDS.

XCELLENT articles on the cultivation of
hardy fruits have often appeared in the
Journal, but as every year produces fresh
readers and many fresh planters of fruit
trees, there can be no harm done in again
turning to a subject upon which so much de¬
pends. One can hardly help wondering
what will result from such an enormous
number of fruit trees that are annually sent from the
large nurseries. Owing to the depression in agriculture
the last few years, many have turned their thoughts to
fruit growing, and farmers have planted by the hundred
trees supplied them by the landowner with a view of
making their farms more remunerative. No doubt this
is a step in the right direction, and ought in the
future to be the means of limiting the importations of
foreign fruit into the English markets. But sometimes
our best endeavours are followed by disappointments.
There are many evils which beset the British fruit
grower. Among the worst which we can mention are the
late spiring frosts, which sometimes in one night do
damage to an enormous extent, and it should be the
object of planters to guard against this as much as
possible by selecting a site where the trees will, to a cer¬
tain extent, be proof against its influence.

In this neighbourhood, where fruit is grown very ex¬
tensively, a good opportunity is afforded of noting the
results from orchards under various circumstances and
conditions, and it is clearly seen that those whose
orchards are on high ground are much more fortunate
than their neighbours whose are situated in lower and
more damp positions. A convincing proof of this is often
witnessed in an orchard about 400 yards from where
these notes are written. Some fifteen years ago several
thousand trees of different kinds of fruit were well
planted at considerable expense, and ever since this have
received the greatest care from the same owner, but the
results have never been satisfactory; in fact, sometimes
two and three years in succession there has been next to
no return. I remember in May, 1885, looking down
upon the orchard in question from this higher ground ;
it had the appearance of being enveloped in a canopy of
snow, every tree was so laden with blossom, but, alas !
the next morning the appearance was very different.
What looked so bright and promising only a few hours
before was now black and distressing to witness. The
frost had done its work thoroughly, and the owner was
the loser of what ought to have turned into several thou¬
sand bushels of fruit, while here on the higher ground
fruit trees received no material injury ; not that there
was any difference in the temperature, but the atmosphere
No. 343. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

was very different in the two situations. Here we were
high and dry, but below the air was charged with moisture,
which is natural to most valleys, but more so in the case
under notice, as a small river ran round two sides of the
orchard, the dampness arising from which would greatly
help in the work of destruction.

This is only one case, but anyone travelling ihrough
a fruit district in the summer months can easily discover
where the frost has been most keenly felt, and it is nearly
always in low damp situations. Seeing, then, that the
frost has least destructive power on higher ground, it is
much the safer plan to choose such for growing fruit,
even if the soil is very poor in comparison to that ot a
valley, as the former may be enriched, but there is no
control over a bad situation.

As all fruit trees are benefited by protection of some
kind, especially from the north and east, care should be
taken in not going to the extreme by selecting an exposed
and bleak position ; but if possible choose a site where
the ground rises behind it, or is protected by a wood or
row of large trees. Failing either of these, money is well
spent in planting a row of Austrian Pines on the exposed
sides, these in a short time will form a capital break.

It is true that trees planted in a valley often make
more headway than those on the higher ground, but this
is no recommendation, as the many evils arising there¬
from often prove. Wha,t is the advantage of abundance
of wood that, unless the autumn is exceptionally fine,
which is rare, never ripens, and only produces wood buds
instead of smaller wood well ripened and set with blossom
buds ?

Other evils l think can fairly be traced to a low and
damp situation. Take a gross young Apple tree, which
in the autumn is almost as soft and green as a Leek, com¬
paratively speaking. What condition is it in to with¬
stand severe frosts such as we have experienced the last
month ? At times the sap under such a soft bark must
be a frozen mass, and if this can pass away without
leaving some evil trace, it seems against the natural rule
of things. Does it not induce canker, which is the dread
of all planters ? There is a diversity of opinions as to
the cause of this evil, but who can prove that the above
state of things may not largely account for its appear¬
ance ? Some writers hold that canker is found in very
high arid dry places ; true, but that is mostly on aged or
debilitated trees approaching natural decay ; but I have
always found it more prevalent in damp places.

Trees on high and warm land produce fruit of the
best flavour, a point that is not taken into consideration
nearly so much as it should be, and it is impossible to
obtain this great advantage unless both root and branch
are in a thoroughly healthy state.

Climate varies much, not only in different districts of
England, but often in localities in one county, that it is
of great importance that kthe planter take this into con¬
sideration, and also find out which varieties have proved
to yield good crops within his field of action. By so
doing much needless expense must be saved, and several
years' anxious waiting, followed by disappointment,
averted. I will not venture to give a list of varieties, but
while writing on spring frosts I am reminded of the
Court Pendu Plat Apple. This is truly called the Wise
Apple, as it is seldom seen in flower till after all danger
of frost is over ; but as early Apples are sought after as
much as late ones, several varieties must be planted ; and
though there always were losses and failures, and we
must expect some in store, we should try and profit by
No. 1999.— Vol. LXXVL, Old Series.

40

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Janniry 20, 1£87.

them and adopt such measures that conduce to their re¬
duction, one of these, and not the least important, being
the exercise of sound judgment :n choosing sites for
orchards. — R, Parker, Irnuney, Droitmch.

THE FLORIST TULIP.

( Continued from page 5 60, last vol.)

On the permanent way of a railroad, no train can travel safely if
there be an unnoticed obstacle on the line ; and so some readers of
these papers might never arrive satisfactorily at the terminus of
them, if I placed something on the line or left a rail up, in the sense
of using technical terms, without an explanation to convey an idea
or to carry a train of thought along without a breakdown.

It will be well, therefore, to state what variations in the florist
Tulip are signified by the special class names under which the
different combinations of colour are known. The flower is
divided by its colours into three great classes called Bizarres,
Byblcemens, and Roses. These are the broadest distinctions there
are. Rectified Tulips and breeders are only conditions under
these ; and a flamed or feathered style of marking is only a sub¬
division in one or another of these. One of the classes is composed
of such Tulips as have a ground colour of yellow, which varies
much in shade ; while in the remaining two classes the ground
colour is white, which ought to be, but is not always, of the utmost
whiteness.

The yellow-ground flowers are the Bizarres, (the odd one out).
This is a very powerful class in superiority both of numbers and in
qualities of excellence. The black and gold of such flowers as
Masterpiece and Commander, and the red and gold of those like
Orion and Dr. Hardy, have a very masterful effect upon a bed in
bloom ; so that as far as a balance of colour is concerned, (though
the florist makes no sacrifice for this sort of thing.) the Bizarres can
afford to be in a minority to either of the others. Rich and warm
and strong in colouring, they are the very sunshine of the bed, and
•a powerful medium of contrast between their sisters, light and
dark, of the white ground classes. Black is always a highly valued
colour for the markings on a Bizarre Tulip, but a great many are
feathered or flamed with shades of umber brown, or a sort of
mahogany red not easy to describe, of which old Royal Sovereign
(cumbered with several aliases bestowed on different breaks from
its breeder) may be taken as a type. The work of such raisers
as Thomas Storer, John Hepworth, and Luke Ashmole upon
Bizarres containing red in their markings has been so great, that to
.'their long patient labours we owe, if not the creation, yet the elevation
■of the scarlet Bizarre into a class worthy of a name of its own, and
as distinct from the Bizarres of black colours as are the violet
blacks and scarlets of the white ground Bybloemens and Roses
from each other. Coming now to these white ground classes, the
one which is termed Bybloemen includes all Tulips feathered or
flamed with shades of violet, light or dark, with blue-black or with
chocolate brown. In these flowers, any shade of red in the marking
is a weakness, as trenching upon the colour prerogative of the Roses.
The violet of the Bybloemen cannot be too blue or too deeply in¬
tensified with black ; shades of red in it, foiming an amiable red
■plum common in the Auricula, are an abomination in the
Bybloemen Tulip, and culminate in a half-way flower known and
not liked under the conglomerate name of Rosy Bybloemen.

The Bybloemens, familiarly shortened down to Bybs, or by a
-stretch of courtesy called Byblooms, are a most delightful class,
the most removed perhaps of any from the ordinary type of Tulip,
and they are also the most difficult class (a charm to the florist) in
which to obtain flowers of surpassing excellence. To paint a fancy
while the ice bears, the feathered Bybloemen is to me like the turn
from “ inside back to outside forwards,” the beauty and difficulty
of which, on any large scale, all good skaters can appreciate. The
Bybloemens possess a very marvellous and attractive style of
beauty, grave and cool and full of repose. When I think of Talis¬
man feathered — so rarely so seen — with long pencilled lashes of
blue black round the pure white petals, or Mrs. Cooper (Board-
man's No. 2) absolutely perfect with black coffee feathering round
her great white cup, I say there is no hardy bulb to excel the
florist’s Tulip, and no Tulip lovelier than the feathered Bybloemen.

The remaining class of white ground flowers have bright red
and scarlet markings, sometimes pinker in the beam of the flame, as
bluer in that of the Bybloemen, or as the claret in some of the
flamed Bizarres. This scarlet-and-white class bears the pretty
English name of Roses, in allusion it may be to the colours in
which they resemble the Queen Dowager of Flowers. (I may as
well admit that the prickly Rose is by no means my favourite
flower. I better love the graceful and grotesque in Orchids, to say
nothing of my earliest love, the Auricula.) The Rose Tulip is the

fairest of the fair, sprightly, brilliant, light, and graceful — the fairy
of the Tulip bed— as the Bizarre is the Royalty of it, and the
Bybloemen its solid strength. Rose Tulips generally bear some
feminine name, as if in recognizance of their gentle power, and no
Tulips are so winsome in the breeder form as many of the Roses,
than which no Rose bud ever blushed more exquisitely. Loveliest of
rose pink shades are the breeder forms of such as Lady Constance
G-rosvenor, Mabel, Mrs. Barlow, and Baroness Burdett Coutts ; while
in soft or glowing scarlets there are Annie McGregor and her sister
Lucretia, Mrs. Lea, and Industry. Most of these break into
brilliant feather and flame. Not all, as I said before, of lovely Rose
breeders. But I will not raise the curtain. Growers in front know
what is behind.

To love the Tulip at all is to love it in the entirety of the
triple alliance of Bybloemen, Rose, and Bizarre. We cannot say
which form we like the best, if by that we are to say we like the
others less. In this floral form of The Three Graces we cannot
dissociate, disentwine one without destroying the harmony and
beauty of the whole fair group. — F. D. Horner, Burton-in-
Lonsdale.

(T« be continued.)

FORCING RHUBARB.

Numerous methods are adopted for forcing Rhubarb, and it
really would be a difficult matter to single out the best. It is such
a simple operation to place the plants where they can have a little
heat to excite growth, that the merest novice need not be instructed,
and if anyone has a stock of roots, Rhubarb from December
onwards may easily be h id. We note the remark of “ W. T.,” who
advises that the roots should be out of the ground for some time
before placing them in warmth. This advice is sound. When the
plants are in course of preparation, plenty of room to develope the
foliage and admit light and air is of moment. Free exposure to
sun matures the roots in good time so that they become rested and
ready for early work. Two of the best for general purposes are
Prince Albert, for first supplies, and Victoria for succession. The
means by which the best early Rhubarb (in private places) has been
forced, according to my observation, was on the fermenting bed
used in the centre of a vinery newly started ; with little trouble
taken beyond syringing the Vines to moisten the rods, almost
enough water falling therefrom to keep the Rhubarb in growing
condition. The light and air admitted to the Vines were also shared
by the Rhubarb, and we think the produce is better grown under
such conditions than that which is kept close and dark. Some of
the other means of raising Rhubarb are in warm cellars, outhouses,
on the manure heap covered with pots and leaves, in Mushroom
houses, under stages of hothouses, near boilers, in engine rooms, or
similar positions. A good story has been told of a Scotch farmer
who lost his stock of cattle by rinderpest, but unwilling to let all
his buildings remain empty and unprofitable, carted in Rhubarb,
and by means of a portable stove for heat grew immense quantities
of fine Rhubarb. A baker within a mile of where I now write
grows early Rhubarb for sale and for use in pastry, &c., behind his
bakehouse, where there is plenty of heat for the purpose. I have
seen very fine stalks turned out of these primitive quarters, and no
doubt there is plenty of good produce at the present time.

The old system of placing pots over the crowns, then a coating
of warm manure or leaves to raise heat, is still practised, and where
the Rhubarb bed is close to the manure yard and the covering can
be performed by a minimum of labour, this old-established way is
nit to be despised. While we make the forcing of Rhubarb in
private gardens of so much importance, the whole work is insigni¬
ficant when balanced against that of the extensive market growers.
It is more particularly to the economy and ingenuity practised by
these cultivators I would now revert. The practice followed by
one who grew plants, fruits, and cut flowers on an extensive scale
for Covent Garden Market, and to meet the demands of a first-class
West-end shop, are very distinct in my recollection. I was employed
there, as a youth, and had to take a share of all kinds of work
(rough and smooth) in the establishment. The extent of glass was
enormous and well adapted for the purpose of market growing.
Large quantities of an early red variety of Rhubarb were grown
for the earliest supply. It was carted in from the fields during the
early part of November and placed by the sides of the hot-water
pipes under side stages where plants were forced for early cut
flowers or to be carted by hundreds to market. Watering the plants
met the wants of the Rhubarb by keeping the roots (which had
old tan packed round them) in a healthy moist state. Sometimes a
watering at a temperature from 80° to 90° was given to push
forward growth. In December the produce was plentiful. The
larger stalks were gathered each morning and placed in round
baskets evenly and with due care, keeping them upright and all
about the same size. The crimson stalks were very attractive in

January 20, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

41

the shop and commanded a very ready sale. In many other struc¬
tures, mostly under stages, of stoves, and intermediate houses, large
quantities of Yictoria roots were placed for succession and were
brought forward by the 100 for market. These roots were placed
close together, and often without any covering gave excellent
returns. The watering from the plants, which were mostly in small
pots crowded on the wide stages, supplied the moisture, so that no
labour, except gathering the Rhubarb and taking them in and out,
was expended. In vineries, Pine pits, Gardenia structures, or any
other space with a few vacant lights did duty for Rhubarb forcing,
and in the extensive manure yards (where great quantities of
stable manure was carted from the West-end mews) was a receptacle
for Rhubarb roots. A frame placed over them, where they were
merely pushed close together, and a covering of manure thrown
over, soon started the dormant crowns. To say which did
best under such rough and ready treatment was almost an
impossibility, but the earliest and deepest red in colour realised
the most remunerative prices, but all was good. After the forcing
was over the roots were carted back to the fields, where well-prepared
ground was ready to receive them. Many were reduced, and when
all were planted a good mulching was given and Lettuce or some
other quick-growing crop planted between the rows, enough space
being left clear of the litter for the early summer crops. The
same roots were not generally forced the following year.

That great establishment was long since cleared away and no
trace of the acres of glass now remains, and though I was a boy
when employed there, every contrivance to raise supplies (for
Co vent Garden) of the great variety of esculents and flowers
remain as distinctly on my memory now as then, and none more
than the vast quantity of Rhubarb forced, such as would give
abundance to hundreds of private establishments. — M. Temple,
Carronhouse.

THE BEST ROSES.

Before the critics swoop down upon me will you allow me to
correct a very great omission which has occurred in Mr. B. R. Cant’s
paper in the “ Rosarian’s Year Book.” How it occurred I cannot say.
1 cannot blame the printer, and so must bear the burden, and cry
Peccavi. The following ten Roses were omitted from the list 2,
Edouard Morren ; 5, Francois Michelon ; 3, Louis Van Houtte ; 3,
Marie Rady ; 5, Marie Baumann ; 3, Merveille de Lyon ; 1, Hippolyte
Flandrin ; 1, Madame Hippolyte Jamain ; 5, Marquise de Castellane ;
4, Innocente Pirola. The figures before each denote the number of
times they were shown by Mr. Cant in the five collections which gained
the champion trophy in the five years in which he won it. As I say, 1
cannot account for the omission of these names, and it was not dis¬
covered until after the book was printed. — D., Deal.

DEGENERATION OF THE CHAMPION POTATO.

“ The Champion,” or Scottish Champion, has been a blessing to
Ireland for several years past. When first introduced the growth was
prodigious — stalks 6 and 7 feet high, in not particularly rich soils,
and produce almost in proportion. During the partial distress in
several parts of the country in 1881 hardly any other variety would
be accepted by the authorities, but it was afterwards freely asserted
that contractors imposed worthless or worn-out varieties instead on the
ignorant. This gave this variety somewhat of a worse name than it
deserved ; but this year I am sorry to say, as a grower and close observer
myself, and acquainted directly or indirectly with most of the island,
the Champion has almost hopelessly degenerated. The crop in the
majority of cases would not pay for the labour and manure, and I shall
not plant it again, though only imported direct from Forfar, N.B., the
year previous.

I shall only now make a few references to two questions, but in
answering I hope some of your correspondents will amplify them. 1,
Why did the Champion degenerate so rapidly ? and 2, What variety do
your readers propose for a general field crop to take its place ? In
asking the views of others I am free to give my own. 1 , I presume the
“ degeneration ” referred to will not be questioned. Assuming this, I
think it has been very much owing to its precocity in this respect. It is
not an early variety, nor even a second early one ; yet I know no other,
not even the well-known Ashleaf or “ Eight Weeks,” that commenced
growth so 60on. Even to-day I have some pits out in the field, and
when the boulders of frozen clay are removed there are stalks several
inches long. Indoors it is not quite so bad, but the result generally is
that the first buds are always rubbed away, and it is only the second or
third growths (much less robust than the first) that growers can depend
on for the crop. I can understand an American variety raised in a
different climate, and not ripening sufficiently here, degenerating, but
this explanation will not suffice here, as this variety was raised in Great
Britain. 2, As to the best successor or substitute. I like Cosmopolitan,
but it is too early, and Magnum Bonum is not fit to use for general
purposes until after March. Reading Hero has not come up during the
past two years to expectations, but I will try it again. Beauty of Hebron
is a fine cropper but too early, like Cosmopolitan. Scottish Queen I
must tryiagain before deciding this year.— W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

PEAT FOR ORCHIDS.

I have always regarded peat that contains large quantities of the
rhizomes of bracken as rather wasteful, and to entail in addition consi¬
derable labour in pulling it to pieces to remove them. There can be no
question about the lasting properties of the fibre in these turves, for it
is certainly more durable and lasts in good condition longer than the
finer light fibre that is formed by grasses. I observe that it is recom¬
mended not to pull these sods to pieces to remove the rhizomes, but to
cut the turves, leaving portions of the bracken in. This is a question
of great importance, and I should much like to see the opinion of exten¬
sive Orchid growers on this matter. I have visited several Orchid¬
growing establishments, but do not remember ever observing peat being
used with these rhizomes left in it. For my own part, when turning
out Orchids and other plants, I have frequently noticed when it has
been left in — sometimes only very small pieces — that a small fungus
has been growing upon it, and in some instances it has spread through
a good portion of the soil surrounding it. Only last year, when potting
some Cattleyas, the soil about the roots of one plant was full of fungus,
and I could find no trace of anything likely to cause it, only a few
strong roots of bracken that had been placed in with lumps of peat
when potting the plants two years previously. The opinion of others
on this point will be both interesting and instructive. — Wm. Bardney.

CALANTHES.

According- to the notes which have appeared in the Journal recently
failures in Calanthe culture seem to be getting more prevalent, and I
think your Sheffield correspondent has done good service in bring¬
ing the subject forward that it may be ventilated, and perhaps
the cause found and a remedy applied. It seems it is not only in
gardens about Sheffield where failures have occurred, but in other
places. “ W. K. W.” tells us that in some gardens in that neighbour¬
hood they were a great success this season. I do not think that locality
has much to do with it. A few years ago I witnessed a complete failure
with a batch of well-grown pseudo-bulbs in a garden in this neighbour¬
hood, and where the gardener had a reputation for growing them well.
Whether it is a disease or not I cannot say, but I cannot help thinking
that- the primary cause of the failure is due to an excess of water
during, the latter period of growth. The black spot appeared on the
pseudo-bulbs on two plants out of a number that I have grown this
season. Just about the time they finished swelling, as soon as it was
detected, water was withheld, and very little was given after. The re¬
sult was that they produced their flower-spikes in due time. Had I
given them water enough to have kept the soil moist, my belief is that
the spot would have spread.

It is not, perhaps, generally known that Calanthes will grow and do
well in a soil consisting of little else but loam. The soil generally
used is a mixture of peat, loam, and cow manure, which I have used
myself previous to this season. Having an idea that they had a liking
for loam I decided to pot them in it, which I did, selecting the fibrous
part, adding a little silver sand, a few small pieces of charcoal, with a
little coarse wood ashes. The loam was of first-rate quality. During
the growing season I used a little fish potash manure two or three times
mixed with the water. The result was fine pseudo-bulbs and very fine
spikes of flowers. It is necessary to exercise great care in watering
when they are potted in such soil, as it retains the moisture
longer than a more porous compost. Having rather a large number of
C. vestita 1 have found the sprays extremely useful for cutting, and
when associated with scarlet flowers they are very pretty in the vases.

I have enclosed three spikes simply to show their vigour and the number
of flowers they bore when grown in the above-mentioned soil. I cannot
agree with the suggestion of Mr. F. Debnam (page 586, vol. xiii.) respect¬
ing the want of air at the roots, or failure would have been inevitable
with me this season, as mine were potted firmly and in heavy sod. Was
it not more likely that those in pots had more water than those in
baskets, or rather retained it longer, and thereby caused failure in
one case and success in the other? — R. M., Western County.

[The spikes sent measured respectively 3 feet 8 inches, 2 feet

II inches, and 2 feet 7 inches in length ; were extremely vigorous
samples with large flowers, and had evidently liked the treatment
accorded them.]

In answer to your correspondent, Mr. F. Debham, concerning his
smallest pseudo-bulbs of Calanthes in pots refusing to develope their
flowers under similar treatment to those grown in baskets, I cannot
accept his explanation of the failure as arising from the want of a free
circulation amongst the roots, by their being confined to the inside of
pots. We find it necessary to treat Calanthes as terrestrial Orchids
both in baskets and pots, and if pots are utilised a suitable compost will
counterbalance their confinement. Having experienced the unfortunate
results, my opinion leads me to think it is chiefly owing to excessive dry¬
ness at their roots during development. I have seen the two methods

42

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January SO, 1887.

practised, and have found the majority of advocates preferring the pot
system, in which every requisite application of stimulants and top-
dressings can be given with more discretion than to plants in baskets.
I have both seen and practised the pot system, producing spikes of
0. Veitchi over 4 feet in length, pseudo-bulbs from 12 to 15 inches in
length, C. vestita lutea from 3 to 4 feet long. I am competent in
stating the good results were obtained from clean pots and good
drainage, and a good fibry compost of loam, peat, cow manure, charcoal,
ami sand, a good strong heat and plenty of atmospheric moisture,
with the free use of the syringe. As growth strongly advances syringe
very lightly, to prevent it running into their growths.

One correspondent finds his Calanthes to be affected with black spots
both on the foliage and pseudo-bulbs. I am sorry to say we have the
same disease here. I am told the plants have of late been placed in the
conservatory when in flower for weeks, where with us the temperature
falls very low during the nights of winter. I attribute the evil to over-
watering, especially giving an excess of water to newly potted plants, and
every precaution should be taken to treat their fleshy roots accordingly.
— D. Phillips, Digsrvell Gardens.

ORCHID ENEMIES.

Where are we to look for our enemies ? Having been a cultivator
of Orchids for more than twenty years I thought I had become fairly

coloured forms of L. anceps that are so useful at this time of year this
variety appears to excellent advantage.

SOME GOOD VEGETABLES OF 1886.

(Continued from, page 577, last vol.J

There is a 'great likeness amongst many of the varieties of
Onions, and they differ in name only. No one who has grown
thirty or forty sorts can fail to be convinced of this, and to give
satisfaction well selected varieties should be grown. Webb’s Ban¬
bury for instance may resemble several types of the White Spanish
Onion, but it has been selected with such great care that we have
not found any summer Onion of its type to excel it in the quality
of its finely formed bulbs. It begins to bulb in May, attains a
good size by July, and becomes a huge Onion by September. We
use it from June until February, and then Bedfordshire Cham¬
pion aDd James’s Keeping come in, as these are still the best of
our keeping Onions. Rousham Park Hero is a fine Onion whe n
well grown, but unless under special culture no one could say it
was distinct from the ordinary White Spanish varieties. Giant
Zittau is a noble Onion, but it is rather slow in growth. If sown

Pig. 7. — L-ELIA anceps vibginalis.

, acquainted with all kinds of pests that infest plants and Orchid houses,
being puzzled a few weeks ago to account for two snails I found quietly
feeding on a plant of Oncidium Jonesianum on a block suspended from
a rafter of the house by a copper wire. I think the other day the
mystery was solved by observing suspended and descending from the
roof by a slender slimy attachment a snail about 2 inches long, of a
slaty grey colour, and about a foot from the glass. This to me is
' Vrrf6^ IlCw’ never before having seen or heard anything of the kind.
\\ ill some kind horticulturist or naturalist better acquainted with these
tormidable enemies to Orchid roots and flower spikes say if this method
ot attack is unknown or not ? I have long accustomed myself to hunt
at night by the aid of lamplight-amtmg the pots and moss, but never
thought it necessary to examine the roof.— S. Eyre, Leeli.

L .52 LI A ANCEPS VIRGIN ALIS.

The varieties of Laelia anceps are now very numerous, but that re-
Gently certificated at South Kensington under the above name is a hand-
some addition to those . already known. It was sent from Mr F A
Phil brick's choice collection of Orchids at Oldfield, Bickley, and is rc-
, markable for the great, size of the flowers, which are 5 inches across, the
petals being nearly 1^ inch across, of great substance, and pure white.
1 he lip is broad_ with a' yellow throat. In contrast^ with the richly

in spring with the others it will not gain maturity until late in
September, but if sown in the autumn and transplanted in spring it
will form bulbs by the following August of the greatest excellence.
It is one of our favourite varieties, and in our estimation is first-
rate. Trebons -was a fine Onion at one time, but it has become so
much mixed of late years that it has been very disappointing. We
have had seed from several quarters, and in each case the bulbs
were a mixture of colours, including red, white, and a pale yellow.
In consequence of this it has been given up in favour of Cranston’s
Excelsior, which is a conical Onion of the same form, very
handsome, and a fine straw colour. This is the best conical¬
shaped Onion we have grown. The Sandy Prize is a good
Onion of the Banbury type. The White Mammoth is useful
for a first crop. In the spring of 1886 a friend in Spain sent
a packet of Onion seed saved from bulbs which weighed
3 lbs., but although every attention was given to their culture
here the variety proved quite a failure, and is not included
amongst the good vegetables which come under this heading. The
New Queen is a very quick grower, and the Blood Red is the
strongest in flavour. Magnum Bonum is a form of Trebons, and

January 20, 1887. ]'

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

43

the Giant Rocca is the best of this section, but being flat in form
and very often mixed in colour we prefer Giant Zittau and the
Excelsior for autumn sowing. The general aim is to secure very
large Onions, but excepting for exhibition they are not so useful as
those of a medium or small size, and the latter are always the best
for keeping.

New varieties of Parsnips ave not plentiful, and no one appears
to attempt to produce fresh ones, and it is probably well known
that it would be a difficult matter to equal The Student and Hollow
Crown as standard varieties. The Turnip-rooted Parsnip is not so
much grown as it should be in shallow soils or in gardens where the
soils cannot be turned up to any great depth, and it is not so apt to
rust in late autumn or winter as the deep-rooting sorts. Good
garnishing Parsley is always in demand, and the most beautiful and
useful variety we have tried is Carter’s Fern-leaved. The old
variety known as Myatt’s is the next best.

In coming to Peas we reach one of the most important sections
of all summer vegetables. New ones are offered to the public in
large numbers, the majority of which are not improvements on
preceding sorts, but with so many new ones to select from there
are some of high merit, and amongst early varieties Carter’s
Lightning is the earliest by several days of any we have tried.
Sutton’s Royal Jubilee is another new one of the highest merit.
It is now being offered for the first time, but we had the pleasure
of trying an advance packet in 1886. It is an enormous cropper,
the pods are the largest of all, they fill freely, and the flavour is
first-rate. It has a constitution which resists drought and mildew
to a wonderful extent, and amongst a batch of twenty-four varie¬
ties it was the last to cease bearing. Wordsley Wonder is a prodi¬
gious cropper, excellent in quality, and a first-rate main crop
variety ; Yeitch’s Prodigy is another with distinct qualities of the
highest oi’der ; Messrs. Carter’s Telegraph, Telephone, Stratagem,
and Pride of the Market are not superseded as reliable main crop
sorts ; Duke of Albany is a wrinkled Telegraph, and Sutton’s
Latest of All is the best late variety ; Ne Plus Ultra is still grown
in some gardens and it is very good in quality ; Yeitch’s Perfection
is another old sort which has not been wholly discarded.

Wood’s Early Frame is our earliest Radish, and Carter’s new
Knickerbocker is the largest variety. It is a new one of promise and
would be a grand one for market purposes. The Holborn Crimson
Marble is excellent for summer and autumn use, and the China
Rose is the best of all for standing +he winter in the open air.

Savoys merit special attention, but they are often sown too
early, and many of them are over before the severe winter weather
sets in, which is a mistake, as they are a true hard- weather vegetable.
The Drumhead is too coarse ; Green Globe is better, and Webb’s
Little Wonder is better still, as it grows so compactly and is of
excellent quality. It is a decided improvement on Little Pixie,
Tom Thumb, or King Koffee, and for a gentleman’s table or an
amateur’s garden it is recommended. Saisafy and Scorzonera are
only represented by one variety in each section. The Round
Spinach for summer and the Prickly for winter are the only good
and leading sorts.

Turnips are being :mproved annually, and those which were
regarded as being the earliest a few years ago are now far behind.
The Extra Early Milan is the earliest of them, a fortnight before
any other sort. Then comes Sutton’s Early Snowball, tender,
juicy, and handsome, followed by Yeitch’s Red Globe, which may
still be grown as a valuable main crop sort ; Chirk Castle is ex¬
ceedingly hardy, and so is Orange J elly. The Swedish variety is
also most useful from now until April.

Of Tomatoes we have grown upwards of fifty sorts, and the
trial of them was one of the most interesting we ever conducted,
but the varieties we grow for profit are not numerous. Webb’s
Sensation is very fine. It is a most abundant bearer of large
finely formed fruit of superb quality. Hackwood Park is another
grand sort, and Sutton’s Reading Perfection is of the same type, all
being much in advance of any known a few years ago. The Chis¬
wick Red is much smaller in fruit, but exceedingly productive, and
Carter’s Greengage is not surpassed in flavour. We have given up
the Stamfordian as being a shy fruiter and unprofitable. President
Garfield is too coarse. Red Currant is only ornamental. Of
Vegetable Marrows we only grow one, and that is the free-fruiting,
high quality variety recently introduced under the appropriate
name of Pen-y-byd. — A Kitchen Gardener.

I*.S. — I am not surprised that the vendors of Cauliflower
Eclipse should have a good word to say for it. Veitch’s Autumn
Giant requires no defence, and I think King of the Cauliflowers
will hold its own when generally cultivated.— A. K. G.

TABLE PLANTS.

On page 587, last vol., Mr. C. Orchard contributes a useful article
under the above heading, and also gives a list of plants suitable for

table and room decoration. I do not think the list complete without a
few more which he has omitted, and which, with your permission, 1 will
mention.

In Crotons the two most handsome and best suited to the purpose
that I am acquainted with are C. Johannis and C. Warreni. The first
when well coloured is very graceful. I have plants of it as yellow as
gold, scarcely any green at all in them ; it is much brighter than either
C. angustifolius or Chelsoni. C. Warreni is larger and heavier, but
when placed on the centre of a large table it is very effective. Now is
a very good time to take the tops off such plants as are too tall, and
if placed in a strong bottom heat in the propagating case they* will
root quickly, and in a few months will make good plants again. Having
rather a large demand for table plants I take care of the old stumps, as
they soon break again and make two or three growths, which are taken
off when strong enough and rooted.

Dracaenas rank next to Crotons, and the narrow-leaved arc preferable
to the broad-leaved varieties. Those mentioned by your correspondent
are good, but I think D. Willsi stands unique. It has a splendid
arching habit, only the margins of the leaves being coloured but very,
bright ; it looks quite majestic. Nigra rubra is a good companion to it.
Ringing the stem with a knife and mossing it is the best means of pro¬
pagation. The stumps may be taken care of for the same purpose as
the Crotons. The stems when cut up are a long time making plants.
Palms cannot be despised for decorative purposes, and in addition to
those mentioned by Mr. Orchard, Phoenix rupicola and Daemonorops
fissus may be named. The former is a long time before its real beauty
is developed. To those part of whose duty it is to produce handsome
table plants I would say, Include the above-mentioned, and they will be
sure to please.

I may say that I have taken first honours several times in succes¬
sion at shows where the competition has been keen, and the above-
named have figured prominently amongst them. — R. M.

FORCING FRUIT.

The forcing season has now commenced, and the head gardeners’
anxiety has increased, therefore at the present time all young '
gardeners should try their utmost to do their work to the best of
their ability, for by so doing they will not only help their superior
greatly, but themselves in more ways than one, as I am sure any
head gardener would encourage his assistants when he sees they
are doing their utmost to help him at this critical time.

In the first place, ventilating is a very important point which
should be thorougly understood, for many a young gardener loses
the confidence which his chief would have placed in him otherwise
by not being able to keep the temperature of a house near the mark.
Anyone in charge of houses should always keep a sharp look out as
to the weather, for at this time of the year it is very changeable;
and many a bright day succeeds a dull cold morning, but as a rule '
it is easy to guess in the morning what the weather is to be for the
day, therefore the man in charge should employ fire accordingly.
Often when the temperature of a house is rather low in the morning
and the pipes not very warm, the young gardener raises the fires
quickly and gets the pipes very hot, taking no notice of the weather
outside as long as he raises the temperature inside, and then when
the sun appears he finds that he cannot keep the heat down unless
air is admitted very freely, which is detrimental to plants at
this time of the year. If the morning is frosty, followed by a
bright day, it is advisable not to have the pipes very hot, but have
them warm and wait for the sun to raise the temperature to the
required point ; it is advisable to admit air early in the morning
and not wait until the temperature is up. By so doing a steady
heat can be maintained through the day with only a little air until
the afternoon, when the house should be closed with good heat .
both by fire and sun for an hour or so, when slight ventilation may
be afforded.

Many gardeners do not believe in night ventilation, but I think
it is beneficial in all fruit houses, especially for Strawberries.
Speaking of Strawberries, perhaps a few remarks might be useful to
beginners and amateurs. In some cases where Strawberry forcing
is carried on to a large extent they have houses on purpose for them,
solwhen once in their places there is no shifting them about ; then
the house can be maintained at the right temperature with ease, but
in most places the Strawberries have to be forced on shelves at the
back of vineries and Peach houses. When first brought in from
their winter quarters they should have all decayed leaves removed
and their drainage looked to. The pots must be washed. Where
convenient it is greatly to the advantage of the plants to place saucers
filled with good loam with a dash of Beeson’s manure in it under
the pots, and it will be found the roots will soon find their way into
it ; but great care must be taken not to shift the plants from the
saucers when required to remove them to other quarters. Watering
is one of the chief points in Strawberry growing. The plants must
never suffer by want of water, but at the same time great care
may be taken not to make the soil sour.

At first the temperature should be 40° to 45° by night and 50° to

44

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20, 1887.

55° on dull days, raising it to 65° or 70° by sun heat, and syringe
overhead on all bright afternoons. When the trusses commence
appearing the temperature should be risen 5°. At this stage a sharp
look out must be kept for green fly, which is very troublesome. As
soon as detected the house must be fumigated for two or three
successive nights, taking care that the soil is perfectly dry before
commencing.

In some cases early forced Strawberries are bad to set, but I
have always succeeded in securing a good crop by carefully dusting
the blooms as they opened with a camel-hair pencil at midday and a
very slight syringing on very bright afternoons. As soon as suffi¬
cient fruit is set thin to about twelve good fruits to a plant, and
syringe on bright days until the fruits begin colouring. Some
varieties are very subject to mildew, especially that excellent
old vaiiety Black Prince, which is admirably adapted for early
forcing, being easy to set and of excellent flavour. As soon as the
first signs of mildew show, syringe with milk and sulphur, which
will soon cure the malady.

La Grosse Sucree is an excellent variety for early forcing,
splendid fruit for size and colour, but only second-rate for flavour.
Yicomtesse Hericart de Thury is another excellent variety with
splendid fruits of first-rate quality. But when forced early it is
very shy in throwing up its trusses. The flowers can scarcely be
seen above the foliage. Therefore, to allow the sun to get at them
it ia necessary to pick the middle lobe of each leaf out, and in some
cases the whole leaf may be taken out when young. President and
Sir Harry, two other well-known varieties of first-rate quality, are
well adapted for second early or late use.

If fruits are not required before March the plants need not be
placed in heat until the beginning of December, but if wanted
earlier they should be started accordingly. In concluding, I will
pass a few snore remarks about watering and give a little advice to
young gardeners who have charge of them. Examine the plants
very carefully every morning, watering only those that are dry, and
by no means water any plants that can go without until the next
morning. Liquid manure may be supplied, but if the plants are
placed on saucers filled with loam and Beeson’s manure as I have
advised, liquid manure is not necessary. I have grown equally as
good Strawberries when supplied with clear water as when liquid
manure was used. — E. Collins.

PRIMULAS AT READING.

The striking success achieved by Messrs. Sutton & Sons at the last
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in securing six first-class
certificates for as many varieties is sufficient justification for giving a
short description of their Primulas at home. Having recently had the
privilege of inspecting the plants at Reading I am not able to justly
characterise them otherwise than as magnificent, and I have no doubt
those who saw them in London will admit their commanding excellence
both in respect to variety and culture. The plants, which are grown in
a series of low span-roofed houses, are remarkable for their sturdiness,
symmetry, and vigour, each apparently a counterpart of the other, those
of the several varieties appearing as if cast in a mould. They are
grown in 5-inch pots, and it is very evident that from the moment of
germination till the present time they have not been permitted to
Sustain a check from any cause to arrest their growth, for if they had
been overcrowded when small, cramped at the roots in their early stages,
scorched in summer, or saturated in autumn, such plants could not have
been produced from seed sown in May and June. Those exhibited in
London were all raised from June-sown seeds, and no one who saw
them could question their excellence.

Turning to the varieties, Ruby King maintains its position as the
king of its own peculiar colour. The opening flowers were, it was
observed, somewhat pale, but as they attain maturity they assume a
richer hue. Many are 2 inches across, and they are borne with great
freedom, while the habit of the plant is perfection. Reading Scarlet is
a fine representative of the brilliant scarlet section, being most showy
hi colour and exceedingly free. These are a brace of very popular red
Primulas. They have a white companion that is well worthy of them
in Pearl, which has a large and beautiful flower. Two other exception¬
ally fine single forms may be noticed— namely, Reading Blue and Read¬
ing Pink. The former has the most distinct blue tint of any I have met
with, and is fairly floriferous ; while the latter is of a beautiful salmon-
pink hue and blooms most profusely. Several double varieties are par¬
ticularly noteworthy. Sutton’s Double White is very fine, having large,
pure white double and semi-double flowers that are borne in the
greatest profusion. The value of this Primula for cuttting should
render it much sought after. Double Scarlet, Double Rose, and Double
Carmine, the colours of all of which are indicated by their names, are
large and free-flowering forms, admirably representative of their class.
The last-named is exceptionally rich in colour. A novelty that should
attract much attention is a double blue, which has a somewhat similar
hue to the single blue, and bears large double and semi-double flowers.
These are great acquisitions. The Fern-leaved Primulas at Reading bear
the same stamp of excellence as the others mentioned, the most note¬
worthy of them being, perhaps, the variety named Snowdrift, whi?h

blooms in wonderful profusion throughout the winter. The flowers are
pure white, and the large head of bloom renders the name particularly
appropriate. Sutton’s White Fern-leaved is a fine selection of this
popular form. The singularly chaste flowers, which have large yellow
eyes, are 2 inches across, and the habit of the plant is perfection. Rosy
Queen is of a beautiful salmon rose hue and is wonderfully free. Two
novelties in this class are a single and a double blue variety, both of
good colour. The former blooms very freely, and both will doubtless be
much sought after when they are offered to the public. A beautiful
lilac variety has also yet to be introduced. It is one of the best
varieties grown. Messrs. Sutton have now added an ornamental foliage
section to their already large collection. One of these — Gipsy Queen —
is very distinct, having very dark foliage with purple stems, and bearing
white flowers, which, however, are spotted with pink as they develope.
Moss-curled White has bright green curled Parsley-like foliage and
white flowers, and Moss-curled Lilac resembles it in habit, but the
edges of its leaves have a bronzy hue, and the flowers are lilac. A leaf
and a flower of either of these varieties form a charming buttonhole.

The condition of all the plants at Reading evokes great admiration
The majority are specimens a foot across, with broad healthy foliage and
bold heads of bloom — such plants in fact as can only be produced by
skilled cultivators.

As may be imagined, the seed distribution departments of the firm
in its spacious warehouses are now working at high pressure, but the
magnitude of the trade that is now being carried on can be demon¬
strated only by ocular evidence. A courteous member of the firm,
whose business education at home has been ripened by a sojourn
amongst the immense flower, vegetable, and grass seed farms of
Germany and France, conducted me over the premises, and exposed the
colossal nature of the trade that is done by an important British seed
house. The buildings cover several acres of ground, and now, with the
order season just commencing, they are packed with seeds from floor to
ceiling, activity prevailing everywhere. The resources of this vast
establishment are really wonderful, and the manner in which it is con¬
ducted is a striking example of business aptitude and enterprise. —
A Visitor.

A PEA CONFERENCE.

While scanning almost every seed catalogue with more or less in¬
terest, the thought which has suggested itself to my mind the last
season or two is whether this important vegetable has not reached a
standard of merit and popularity sufficient to make it worthy of an
effort to have something in the shape of a Pea conference. We have
had fruit congresses, and surely in these times a special display of Peas
would not be out of place. It may be thought there is not now time to
prepare, but this should not prove a stumblingblock, as little or no seed
is yet sown. Others, however, far more competent, and also the trade,
may offer sound opinions, and whether its centre should be north or
south. — E. Burton, Kirkby Lonsdale.

STR \Y NOTES.

As all will, who have to do with horticultural hot water in a
natural and not figuratively unpleasant sense, I have been in¬
terested in the question of water in furnace ashpits. One of the
contributors to the discussion, Mr. Burton, is so near a neighbour
that I have had opportunities of seeing the water plan in action
under his supervision, and practically it works and has long worked
well. The fire bars, especially where the steam has caught them,
look particularly clean, and if not bright as a housemaid might
count brightness, they seem not only free from corrosion, but as
though hardened with a steely surface as if the vapour that passed
over them were charged with some antiseptic agent. The fire
burned clearly with an unimpeded draught, and the clinkers, as
they neared the bars, seemed to crumble and fall quietly away in¬
stead of forming a party of obstruction in the process of com¬
bustion.

I particularly noticed the freedom from ashdust and sulphurous
fumes, which is always pleasant, and I think safe in cases where the
furnace may be under the same roof as the potting shed, where
valuable compost material lies. Soil is so absorptive that I do not
think I would trust, say Orchid peat long stored, in an atmosphere
that pretty often smelt of sulphur ; nor would I care for a whiff
of these fumes to pass in with anyone who entered a range of
houses by a back door opening into the potting shed and boiler
house. A watery grave for ashes obviates all this, and it is better
to renew a few furnace bars, even if they were prematurely eaten
away, than to replace some valuable plants that might mysteriously
sicken or die. My own “ mileage ” of pipes is not great, and the
boiler that heats them is heated in turn hy a “ tortoise ” furnace.
Perhaps these larger sizes might be dignified as “ turtles.” Its
horticultural want is a small ashpit, but still I contrive that all
ashes when removed drop into water, and I have found the cultural
advantage in the stoppage of dust and fumes.

Sunflowers, all head and no body. I would note a very in¬
genious and effective arrangement by Mr. Burton of big Sun-

January 20, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

45

flowers, all size and no height to speak of. The effect of large
discs at from 12 to 18 inches from the ground was very striking.
They looked all head and no body, like the “ demons ” in a panto¬
mime, and I found that the plants had been raised in pots in a cool
house, and afterwards planted out in line. They were laid flat and
pegged down at their full length, along part of which further
roots were afterwards emitted. The main heads turned short up
and when these suns were set there was a long succession of moons
and stars from the side shoots. — F. D. Horner, Burton-in-Lonsdale.

MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING

Anything that can help to keep Muscat Grapes from shrivelling is
most important to all growers of that grand variety. I have seen a fine
■crop, beautifully coloured, wood well ripened, and foliage everything
that could be desired, begin to shrivel in October, and though they were
not allowed to hang long enough to shrivel seriously ; had they been
wanted to keep till February or March — as they can be kept when
all things are right — I fear they would have shrivelled considerably. In this
case I think the shrivelling was caused by stopping the application of
water both to the roots and about the paths, &c., too soon. The danger of
■damping has to be combated, and moisture should be withheld from
Muscats at the end of September and in October when the weather is
dull and damp, but in bright dry weather moisture should not be
entirely withheld. It is extremely disappointing to see Muscats which
are well finished in every way, and which are looked to to afford a supply
for the dessert table in February or March, begin to shrivel in autumn,
and in nine cases out of ten dryness is the cause.

Where Muscats are grown amongst other late varieties, and perhaps
not afforded that amount of light and heat that they need to bring
them to perfection, little surprise need be felt when they show early
signs of shrivelling ; but when all conditions have been favourable to
perfect ripening, it is felt that something else must be blamed when
they shrivel prematurely. Exposing the bunches to the full blaze of
the sun, though calculated to deepen the golden hue of the berries, is
also likely to assist in shrivelling them.

I prefer a fair amount of foliage retained as long as it will remain on,
and gradually removed when showing signs of decay, plenty of air, and
at the same time more moisture, both at the root and in the atmosphere,
than is commonly given. No other white Grape can compare with
Muscat of Alexandria when well grown and kept under conditions
favourable to it. When November is entered on it may, as a rule, be
said that all moisture should be withheld ; but even then, should the
house be a very dry one, the situation exposed, and the weather dry and
sunny — as we do sometimes have it even in dark November— I should be
inclined to give a little moisture, but great care would be required to be
exercised in so doing. — S.

At last the mystery is solved — at least, so we are informed by Mr,
W. Iggulden —and without fully committing myself to all he states, I
consider the thanks of Muscat growers should be recorded in his favour.
With my Grapes shrivelling did not take place where I should have
expected it — on the top shoulders of the bunches, but at the lower
portion of the bunch. 1 have a few of these bunches still in hand, and
though not so rash as to say that they are improved by keeping, I can
-say, after five weeks’ cutting, the deterioration is very slight, and I
shall now hope to find these few faulty bunches as good at the end of
another five weeks. In a previous article I called the attention of your
readers to the fact of my largest bunches, which bunches were produced
on young rods, as being the first to shrivel. I have now to record
another fact to support this theory — unripe wood. Last week I was
called in to look at a few Alicante Grapes hanging on the Vines. The
bunches, the smallest ones on old rods, were perfect, just right for
keeping ; on the same Vine on young rods, where the largest bunches
were hanging, not one of these was fit to keep, being shrivelled and
their beauty gone. This only tells us that it is the ripe wood that must
grow the keeping Grape.

Without doubt I shall keep Mr. Iggulden’s theory as to damping
well in mind another season, though I do not think this is the only
cause of shrivelling. For instance, at one end of my little Muscat
house some bunches growing over an open tank at the warmest end were
perfect and are so now. Then, again, at the opposite end over another
tank are bunches which very early gave signs of shrivelling. These two
examples do not agree. I cannot at this date speak positively, but as I
am always afraid of red spider, we damp freely, even using troughs, but
whether I reduced damp too soon I cannot now say.

As Lady Downe’s is one of the first to shrivel it is now an open
question as to the same cause producing this. I am positive my Muscats
had sufficient water at the roots. In the case, however, of Lady Downe’s,
I fancy they might have done with a little more. Unsettled, changeable,
and sunless days sometimes keep me from being too free with water, as
I do not like at colouring time to have a very moist atmosphere when
closing the house. To supply water and have a very damp atmosphere,
then for the sun to suddenly appear, is a certain cause of cracked
berries. With me both in span and lean-to’s my greatest damage
occurred at the middle of the rods. I am inclined to think that, other
conditions being favourable, the larger the house the less fear of
slirivelling. Then, again, the greater distance Vines are trained from
the glass the better.

I was very pleased to see that Mr. Pratt still so nobly upholds the
fame of the Longleat Vines. I shall never forget the sight myself. I
remember Muscats being grown in very narrow upright houses — houses
that get hot very quickly and cool quickly. Last summer to save the
foliage shading had to be resorted to, with the results that only a few
are fit for keeping. I can well understand at late autumn, when
looking more for ripening of both fruit and wood, that the water supply
or atmospheric damping being somewhat neglected, especially after our
very late summer. Some of my best Muscats were only cut last week
on account of foliage still hanging. This is contrary to the record of
Mr. Gibson. I have never yet found that early finished Muscats keep
so well as the later ones. At the date of writing the contrast is very
striking, highly coloured early fruit not comparing so favourably as the
later ripened ones. How they will stand in March I know not. —
Stephen Castle, I Vest Lynn.

THE ROYAL JUBILEE AND THE ROYAL

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

I wish to say, as a British gardener, how much I appreciate the
remarks on raising funds to provide a home for the Royal Horticultural
Society, under the above heading at page 25. The Society has become
entangled in difficulties through no fault of the Council or any of the
Fellows. I believe the suggested scheme may be practically worked out.
The sum of £10,000 may seem a large amount to collect in a few months,
but it is really not so when we consider the large area over which sub¬
scriptions would be spread — the whole of Great Britain and Ireland.
Every gardener with a spark of loyalty to his Sovereign and devotion to
his profession ought to subscribe something to provide suitable head¬
quarters for such a Society as this. In fact, it is borne in upon me that
the gardeners will do it if they are approached in the right way. They can
place a circular in the hands of their employers, urging at the same time
the importance of the work. They can subscribe themselves and collect
a few sixpences and shillings from the under gardeners. Further, there
are always some well-to-do amateurs who manage their own gardens in
the neighbourhood who come to the gardener for advice. These gentle¬
men “ pick the brains ” of the professionals unmercifully and gratui¬
tously. Here would be a golden opportunity for such to identify them¬
selves with a work that would be held in everlasting remembrance.

The subject having been opened in the pages of the Journal, let it
be discussed fairly as its merits deserve. I, for my part, would think .it
a great honour to have a share in such a work. “ We have all so many
calls upon us, especially at this season.” It is the old story, you know.
I remember some years ago taking the responsibility to find a sum of
money for a school, and amongst others called upon an old gentleman
who could well afford a guinea. He began, us usual, to enumerate all
and sundry calls upon his purse ; but my time was precious, so I had to
cut him short with, “Yes, yes; I know you have; but you must give
me £5 for this purpose, as I have so many calls to make.” That he
would not ; he would give a guinea, but not a farthing more. It was
all I wanted and as much as I expected. I am sure we will be called
upon, we gardeners, to collect for this building, and the above is given as
a hint to collectors. Give what you can afford yourself, and do not give
up with the first refusal.

Many gardeners could give to such a purpose as this if they were
more prudent. More than twenty-five years ago a most intelligent
gardener told me that his wages were £50 a year, and that he spent £20
of it on whiskey. I asked him if the whiskey did him any good. “ No,”
he said, “ it does me a great deal of harm ; but I like a dram, and I
dinna drink it a’ mysel’.” I would like to say here, if I may be allowed,
that half the young gardeners who started well with me have failed
through being too fond of the “ whusky.” I have not failed exactly,
having only had one head gardener’s place, and I have not tasted
“ whuskey ” for twenty-five years. If this fund is started I will sub¬
scribe my guinea to it and ask the young gardeners under me to help. —
F. R. H. S.

Would it not be ppssible for the Royal Horticultural Society to
join hands with Kew and hold the Scientific, Floral, and Fruit and
Vegetable Committees at the Royal Gardens, which are within easy
distance of London, and could no doubt find room for all the meetings,
the Fruit Committees being held at Chiswick from May to December ?
The Horticultural Society possesses an invaluable establishment at
Chiswick, and it seems almost in the natural fitness of things that the
two gardens should be associated. The Lindley Library would also be
well lodged at Kew.

Why should not all the metropolitan and provincial flower, fruit, and
vegetable shows be organised, regulated, and managed by an association
of nurserymen and seedsmen of the United Kingdom through a com¬
mittee ? London now offers buildings well adapted for the metropolitan
shows, and the provinces are well able to provide equal advantages. The
Royal Horticultural Society would then become purely scientific and
practical.— T. Francis Rivers.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.— FIRE BARS— COMBUSTION
The omissions which Mr. Burton notes in the articles of others aleo
characterise his own writings. Progress is his object ; it is also mine
and we may advance a step if he supplies us with information about the

46

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 29, 1887.

size of the boiler in which the fire bars have lasted for four years. To
arrive at a true estimate of the lasting properties of the bars over hot
vapour we must know how many feet of 4-inch piping the boiler is
capable of heating, and the number of feet actually attached to it. TheD,
again, it is important that we should know the temperature of the houses
that are heated by this particular boiler, or the special purposes for which
they are used ; then we shall be able to form a reliable opimon of the
intensity of the heat to which the fire bars have been subjected during
the time they have been in use, the size of the bar being also im¬
portant.

. On page 540, last vol., Mr. Burton proves nothing in reference to
oxidation by his illustration of polished iron, steel, or a new horseshoe.
But he confirms, in a very marked degree, the repulsion between iron and
water that I pointed out in your issue for December 9th, page 526. Red-
hot iron repels water completely. This repulsion has been proved to
exist, and therefore his heated piece of metal, dipped in water and re¬
turned to the fire, is not affected. I maintain that after the process of
dipping in water this piece of iron will not rust if it is kept in a certain
temperature, and the air surrounding it is perfectly dry ; but if stood in
a corner and allowed to become cooler than the atmosphere it will con¬
dense moisture, and thus oxidation will take place. Tbis is the reason
one rusts and the other does not. But inactivity and exposure will not
result in the destruction of cast iron half so quickly as can be accom¬
plished when in daily use. Take a cast-iron 4-inch pipe, perfectly new,
and lay it outside, place mains in a trench well built, and keep them hot
day and night, but allow the pipes to draw moisture in the form of
vapour from a tank or other source, and oxidation will be most rapid :
thus they will be rusted in one-third the time the one exposed to the
atmosphere.

hatever may be urged in favour of watertight ashpits and the pre-
servation of the bars by the vapour, or the reverse, the fact still remains
that tubular water bars are in the end the cheapest and most durable.
They can be fixed to most boilers, especially the saddle and its improved
forms, and if they are what they should be when erected they will last as
long as the boiler. They also add enormously to the power of the boiler.
I hose who had the pleasure of seeing the hollow bars working separately
in Sefton Park only a few years ago will know what they are capable of
domg. It I remember rightly “ Thinker ” alluded to them in his notes
some tune ago ; if so, and he saw them, he can bear out what I say.
Another advantage is, that any material can he burnt on these bars, for
they are so arranged much wider apart than ordinary bars, that a large
volume of air can be admitted to aid combustion. This reminds me of
Mr. Stephen Castle’s notes, which I was pleased to see, and in which
there is more than appears in a casual glance. Not only does he keep
the bars cool by the greater distance between them, but he insures more
perfect combusion.

An artificial blast of either hot or cold air applied to our furnaces is
impractical) e. It is well known that a blast of hot air is used with immense
advantage in the smelting of iron and other similar industries. For

urnaces m use in gardens air can only be admitted by a natural process,
and T reel convinced that in many instances not half sufficient is admitted
to aid or insure perfect combustion. This is largely borne out by the
iremarks of “ Albion,” page 387, which have been previously overlooked.
His fuel would not burn, and now that he has achieved that end he lays
the whole credit to the vapour that rises from the water in his ashpits.
Me has now the exact quantity of oxygen to insure combustion, and even
less is required, since he burns a mixture of coke and anthracite, than
would be needed to insure perfect combustion when the last was used
alone. I maintain that the same end would have been accomplished if
more air had been admitted to the furnace, it w®uld have supplied the
requisite quantity of oxygen.

I have tried anthracite for fuel, and found it very difficult to burn, for
when fresh supplies were thrown on to a hot fire it broke into small par¬
ticles owing to its slow conducting power. This quickly stops the

ra? i ,°irJrCTe?t8 tbe entrance °f sufficient air to insure combustion ;
no doubt this is the secret of “ Albion’s ” failure. To prevent this, vapour
ot water has been recommended, but from experiments tried in America
this process results in corrosion, due to the presence of muriate and
sulphate of ammonia. It would be interesting to know if this is the case
with all kmds of anthrawte coal, or whether the same effect takes place
when other kinds of coal are burned with the aid of moisture. Hood
states that the activity of these salts are increased by moisture, and that
he found coke burned with moisture also produced the same results. This
is an important matter that must he duly considered in estimating the
value of vapour in aiding combustion ; for although a double supply of
o ygen is afforded by its agency, and therefore less air is required to in-
sure combustion, if corrosion results with certain kinds of fuel, "or those
° jrora certam localities, then the vapour process as a’ general

principle falls to the ground. 6

.. aPro’?Ie® that y°.ur, scientific readers are perhaps able to solve ;

it will at least do for “ Thinker ” to think about When 1 asked his

an'oninffinh11 ^ ^ V' ^ water an ea9y way was selected of passing
an opimon by agreeing with somebody else. But he differed, neverthe¬
less, inasmuch as he preferred the hot rather than the cold water. If the
a „ an1t^!8 of hot japour were so great without corresponding disadvan-

o/ms1sin^in’trPfri8ed tbat thu system has not become more general instead
of passing into furnaces such enormous quantities of air-hot or cold, as

the case may be— by artificial means. There can be no doubt that a blast
rfn^ltIr rddS “at*na,1y ‘be intensity of the fire and increases the
[ap ,d t,y of combustion. When t is considered that the air must at the
least attain the boiling point of mercury before it supports combustion,

and by others considered to be 800° or 900° Fahr., it will readily he per¬
ceived that a blast of hot air would prove more beneficial than one of cold,
for by the blast it would lower the temperature of the solid matter of the
fuel and its gaseous products in being heated.

If I read rightly, Mr. Burton conveys the idea that a great saving in
fuel results from a blast of hot air, and therefore a strong point in favour
of hot vapour from watertight ashpits. As a b'ast of hot air cannot be
used in gardens, I shall dispense with it, for a very similar diff.-rence
would result from the burning of coal and coke in an ordinary furnace
such as we have in gardens. The accuracy of the statement I do not
question, but it may mislead some, for it lacks detail. Coal cannot be
burnt without an enormous loss, for when good average coal is carefully
coked the residue will produce as much heat as the original quantity of
coal would have done. When coal is carefully made into coke there is a
loss of 38 per cent. The loss in the burning of coal is enormous when
62 tons of coke will produce as much heat as 100 tons of coal. Gas or
retort coke is considered 12jf per cent, inferior to “ oven coke.” But in
spite of this it has proved to be the cheapest fuel that I have used. I
have tried here many kinds, and from the gas coke I can get the greatest
heat for the least money. It will thus be seen that, independent of the
blast of hot air, that much of the difference in Mr. Burton’s figures
between coal and coke is due to the great loss that takes place in the
burning of coal. It appears to me to be impossible to burn coal in our
garden furnaces without a very great loss ; in fact our methods of com¬
bustion are far from perfect, not only in gardens, but I think I am within
the mark when I say in all cases in which coal is used for fuel.

It seems to be claimed that less draught is required in the chimney
by the aid of the vapour than would be required without it. No hard-
and-fast line in this matter can be laid down, for the regulation of the
damper in the chimney must be guided largely by the material that is
used for fuel. For instance, supposing small coal was used in one case
(this is very general) and gas or oven-coke in another, would not the first
need greater attention, more draught in the chimney, and more air
admitted through the fire bars than would be required to insure combus¬
tion in the latter, the vapour being used in both instances ? Again, with
many flued saddles -a damper in the chimney is unnecessary, the draught
being entirely regulated by the ashpit and furnace doors. In burning
many kinds of fuel air must be passed over the material as well as
under it by the ashpit if waste is to be prevented as much as possible,
and thorough combustion insured. At the same time I do not believe in
admitting cold air to strike directly upon the boiler, and thus lower its
temperature. — Wm. BARDNEY.

P.S. — The above was written before the Journal appeared in which
“ Thinker” places a construction on the sentence to which he takes ex¬
ception that was never intended. What I mean is, that I shall not go to
the labour and expense of making the ashpits here watertight until the
advocates of this system prove more conclusively than they have yet done
that the preservation of the bars are insured by their hot vapour system.
Some trouble has beeD taken to prove that it aids combustion, which I
have not disputed ; but there are disadvantages even in this, and it is
questionable whether the advantages are greater than the evils that may
result therefrom. When the arguments are sufficiently strong to prove
that the bars are preserved by hot vapour, then I will construct one of
my ashpits to hold water, and test the matter by the side of thin bars
such as has been described. They will also be put further apart to admit
more air, by which means they can be kept cool. At present I have
more faith in the last than the hot vapour system. If I am not mistaken,
where blasts of hot air are employed some care is taken to prevent the
air from imbibing moisture. I will just ask “ Thinker ” to tell us why
a fire burns more brightly on a cold or a f roBty night than it does on a
dull, damp, or foggy night ? We may then move a step further in the
vapour theory. — W. B.

MAIZE AND PHYLLOXERA.

It is announced from Austria — and what a fortunate chance if it
should be true — that means have been found, at once economical and sure
of combating the phylloxera with success. Three large Vine-growers of
that country, in whose vineyards the phylloxera had commenced its
ravages, remarked that some Vines near which some Maize had been
planted had not been visited by the dreaded pest, although a little further
away some exactly similar Vines, growing in the same ground, perished
rapidly. The idea in consequence occurred to them to plant some Maize
in the contaminated portions, which was done, with the excellent result
that the phylloxera abandoned the neighbouring Vines. This fact is ex¬
plained, it appears, not by the disappearance of the offensive insect, but
by the marked preference which it accords to the Maize, owing to the
substance of the latter being more tender. The Maize, then, is an expiatory
victim, being eaten instead of the V me. The means indicated are, it is said,
to be applied to all parts of Croatia, a region where the Maize grows well,
and where the phylloxera is very destructive. It would seem that the
plan is worth trying by Vine-growers in all countries where the Ma'ze
will grow. — (Le Courrier de V Europe.)

RYTON MUSCAT AND GENERAL DE LA MARMORA

GRAPES.

The Ryton Muscat was given to my father many years since by Mr.
Devenish of Weymouth, an amateur Grape-grower of great skill and
experience. The gift was accompanied by the remark, “ Mr. Rivers

January JO, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

47

there is a fortune in this Grape.” My father was never very sanguine
in fortunes being made by fruits, more especially when the prediction
was made by an amateur, but he was enthusiastic about Grapes, and he
was very willing to test the merits of this particular variety. The
Ryton Muscat was planted in a vinery with the ordinary Muscat of
Alexandria. The excellence of the Grape consists, as pointed out by
Mr. Devenish, in its precocity. It will ripen much earlier than the
Muscat of Alexandria in the same temperature, and might bring its
fruit to perfection in a very hot summer without any artificial heat.
The fruit differs in no respect from the Muscat of Alexandria in appear¬
ance, but early maturity imparts a superiority in flavour often noticed
by those who have tasted the two Grapes at the same period of the year.
The absence of any notices of this Grape probably .arises from the fact
that many changes often take place in an establishment before a Grape
Vine bears fruit, and thus the distinctive name is lost. To an ordinary
observer there would be no apparent difference, and the precocity would
be attributed to the accident of soil or the position of the house. As far
as this nursery is concerned the advantage, if any, possessed by the
Ryton Muscat has been given to the public, as it has never been dis¬
tributed as a new Grape at a high price, the remarks in the catalogue
setting forth its true character for the benefit of those who are disposed
to believe in the description.

Mr. Devenish was one of the first discoverers of the superiority of the
Gros Colman as a late keeping Grape. My father looked upon this
as a large black fruit of indifferent flavour, and not any better than
the Barbarossa. Mr. Devenish advised him to keep it until April, and
sent him a bunch of large size and excellent quality in this month.
The great popularity which the Grape has since attained has fully
justified this opinion.

The General de la Marmora, received from M. Vibert of Angers, was
planted in a ground vinery, in which it grew and ripened its fruit for
some years, but by an unlucky mistake the “ accursed spade ” of a
labourer killed the Vine. The fruit so closely resembles Buckland
Sweetwater as to be almost identical ; the name, however, points to an
earlier introduction, as the great Italian General de la Marmora was
famous in 1849, and, if l remember rightly, the Buckland Sweetwater
was not brought into notice till some years after that date. Under the
ground vinery the fruit of the General de la Marmora did not attain the
bright amber of the Buckland Sweetwater when grown in a vinery, but
it was remarkable for its fertility, size, flavour, and hardiness, the differ¬
ence of colour arising possibly from the different conditions of growth. I
have not planted it in a vinery, for Grapes are marketable commodities,
and this variety, though valuable in a private garden, would not bring
a remunerative price in Covent Garden. The Grapes Gros Colman, Gros
Maroc, General de la Marmora, and Long Noir d'Espagne, or Trentham
Black, were all received from M. Vibert of Angers. The latter was sent
by my father to Mr. Fleming of Trentham Gardens, who thought so
highly of it that he proposed the substitution of Trentham Black for the
Long Noir d’Espagne as being easier to pronounce and more distinctive.

A “ Scot ” does not appear to believe the description which I have
given in a catalogue for which I am responsible, and I do not write the
above account to induce him to plant the Grapes, but simply to tell
what I know of them.— T. Francis Rivers.

NEW PLANTS OP 1886.

( Continued from page 28.)

Inti., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — 3., Hardy.
— 3.3., Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Alocasia Lindeni. (III. 3., pi. 603.) A handsome and distinct S.
Avoid, with ivory white petioles, and cordate acuminate 1., of a bright green,
with distinct yellowish midrib and primary veins. Peduncles 3 to 4 in.
long, ivory white. Spathe convolute, pale green. Spadix included, cylindric ;
ovaries, small, scattered, numerous, pale green, rest of spadix white.
Papua.

Alocasia sinuata. (G. C. xxiv., p. 678 ; Gfl. 1886, p. 157.) S. foliage
plant, with sagittate 1., having sinuate margins, the upper side of young
leaves is of a very dark green along the principal veins, with a lighter
cheerful green between them, older J. are dark green, the underside is
whitish-green. Peduncles about as long as the petioles or longer, light
green. Spathe 3 in. long, entirely light green. Spadix shorter than the
spathe, the reBt white. Philippines.

. Aloe heteracantha. (B. M., t. 6863.) Liliacese. G. A distinct Aloe,
with a rosette of lanceolate acuminate 1. 6 to 12 in. long, 1J to 2£ in. broad,
unarmed, or with a few teeth on the margins, and with 1 or 2 raised lines
down the face. Fl.-stom branching. Spike elongating, dense. Fl. lj in.
long, bright coral-red. Country unknown. Probably the same as A.
inermis.

Anemone Fanninii. (G. C xxv.,p. 432, f. 84.) Ranunculace®. G.per.
A very fine Anemone, with very large palmately lobed 1., and a tall 2 to
3-flowered stem bearing handsome white fl. 2} to 3 in. in diameter. Natal.

Anemone polyanthes. ( B . M., t. 6840.) H H. or H. per., very
attractive, and suitable for rockwork. L. on long petioles, 2 to 4 in. in diam.,
orbicular, lobed and toothed, cordate at the base. Peduncle stout, beanne
a branching many-flowered umbel of pretty white fl. li to 2 in. in diam°
surrounded at the base by a leafy involucre of broadly cuneate, lobed and
toothed, sessile 1. Himalayas.

Anemone trifolia. (B. M., t. 6846.) H. per herb, 6 to 10 in. high.
L. all trifoliolate, the radical ones on long stalks, those on the stems on

short stalks, in a whorl ; leaflets lanceolate acuminate serrate. Fl. solitary
erect, pedunculate, 1£ in. in diameter, white. Central and South Europe.

Angilecum apiculatum, var. Dormanianum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 456.)
Orchide®. A small-flowered var., with vermilion-flaked ovaries, and ver¬
milion tips to the sep.

Angr.ecum glomeratum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 678.) L. narrow, bi-lobed.
Fl. white, numerous, in a compact head, sweet scented, in structure like
those of A. clandestinum, but the lip is less open, and the spur straight and
parallel to the smooth white ovary.

Ansellia congoensis (III. 3. 1886, p. 143; Cat. G. G. d'3., p. 2.)
Orchideae. A handsome plant, very similar to that cultivated as A. africana,
but more floriferous. The fl. are produced in racemes, with erect, not
spreading, pedicels ; the sep. and pet. are similar, light greenish-yellow,
with dark purple-brown spots ; the lip has whitish si le lobes, veined with
purple and a narrow yellow front lobe; the two keels on the disk almost
vanish before reaching the middle of the front lobe. Congo.

Anthurium carneum (Gfl. 1886, p.246.) Aracese. 8. per. A hybrid
between A. Andreanum and A. nympheecefolium, with fine cordate spathes
of a bright red colour. It is probably the same as A. Heine des Beiges of
the III. II., t. 588. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium Chantrieri. (Gfl. 1886, p. 246.) S. A hybrid between
A. nympheecefolium and A. subsignitum, with large deltoid-cordate pointed L,
and large white cordate spathes, bit not very freely produced. Garden
hybrid.

Anthurium chelseiense. (G. C. xxiv., p. 650; Ball Cat., p. 7 and 5,
with fig. ; Gfl., 1886, p. 157.) S. hybrid between A. Veitchii and A. Andre¬
anum, of ornamental character. The 1. resemble those of A. Veitchii, but
are more ovate, and have fewer and less arched veins. The spathe is
broadly cordate, cuspidate at the apex 3J to 5 in. long, 2J to 3£ in. broad,
and of a rich crimson colour, smooth and glossy. Spadix yellowish at the
apex at first, base part white. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium cruentum. (B. P., 1886, p. 50;) S. A hybrid of the same
origin as A. Morlfontanense, and like that plant, but with bio )d-red spathes.
Syn. A. Andreanum, var. roseum. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium flavidum. (G. G. xxiv., p. 651 ; GI., 1886, p. 157.) S. ever¬
green. A tall growing species, with cordate-ovate, acuminate 1., 10 to 14 in.
long; scape 5 to 6 in. long ; spathe spreading, pale yellowish or yellowish-
green, oblong, abruptly cuspidate ; spadix 1 j to 3 in. long, sessile, pale
violet-pink. Columbia.

Anthurium Frcebelii. (Gfl. 1886, p. 52) A fine free-fliwering hybrid
between A. Andreanum and A. ornatum, with large cordate 1., and large
roundish-cordate spathes of bright deep carmine, with depressions as in
A. Andreanum. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium Mooreanum. G. C. xxvi., p. 230 and 497.) S. A hybrid
between A. crystallinum and A. suhsignatum, of no remarkable beauty.
L. sub-hastate, a ft. long, on petioles 18 in. long. Peduncle as long as the
petiole. Spathe 4 to 4£ in. long, lioear-oblong, acuminate, purplish-green.
Spadix 5 to 6 in. long, slightly tapering, olive-brown. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium mortfontanen.se. (B. 3. 1885, p. 282, and 1886, p. 50
and 156, with plate3.) S. An ornamental hybrid between -4. Andreanum
and A. Veitchii, with elongate, cordate-ovate 1., and large cordate crimson
spathes, with whitish spadices. A. leodiense is probably synonymous with
this. Garden hybrid.

Anthurium Schertzerianum, var. lacteum. (III. 3, pi. 607.) S. A
fine white-spathed form of this beautiful Aroid.

Anthurium subulatum. (G. G. xxvi., p. 230.) S. A distinct and rather
ornamental species, with a short caudex; dark gr:en, elongate, cordate-
ovate 1., cuspidate-acuminate at the apex ; a p ;duncle 9 to 12 in. long,
bearing a stout purp’e-red spadix, and a spreading oblong white spathb,
ending in a long subulate point. Columbia.

Anthurium Veitchii, var. acuminatum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 650 ; Gfl.
1886, p. 147.) S. A var. with ovate-lanceolate acuminat; 1. Columbia.

Aphelandra macedoiana. (III. H., t. 583; Cat. Comp. Gont. d'Bort.,
p. 6.) Acantbace®. S. per. A handsome foliage plant, very dwarf, with
horizontally spreading, elliptic-oblong, acute 1., of a dark green above, with
the nerves picked out in whitish green, violet-purple beneath. Brazil.

Aponogeton distachyon, var. roseus. (B. 3. 1885, p. 503.) N uadacese.
H.H. aquatic. A charming variety, with rosy tinted fl.

Aristolochia LONGrPOLLA. (B. M., t. 6884.) Aristolochiace® S. An
interesting species, with short woody rootstock, long climbing stems, long
linear-lanceolate acuminate 1., and good sized purple-brown fl., the tube
being yellowish, with dull purplish veins outside, and is abruptly bent upon
itself; the limb is roundish, about 2£ in. in diametr, and has tin 1 >wer part
bent up as if pinched in the middle. Hong Kong.

Aristolochia ridicula. (G. C. xxvi., p. 360 and 361, f. 73.) S. climber.
A very distinct and remarkable plant, with very odd-looking flowers. Stem,
petioles, pedicels, and outside of the fl. covered with long spreading hairs.
L. bright green, orbicular or orbicular-reniform, cordate at base, covered
with short hairs. Fl. 3£ to 4J in. long ; the tube bent upon itself, the basal
part inflated, dull whitish, with purplt-brown veins; the limb is shortly
revoluts, and prolonged from the upper part of the sides into two long
lobes, reminding one of donkey’s ears ; th‘ y are tawny (or perhaps cream
colour), covered with dark purple-brown dendritic markings, and sparsely
clothed with clavarte purple-brown hairs. Brazil.

Armeniaca. See Prunus.

Barkeria elegans, var. nobilior. ( G. C. xxv, p. 234.) Orchide®. A
fine, large-flowered variety, with a black-purple spot on the lip.

Barkeria Vanneriana. (G. G. xxiv., p. 678.) A fine plant, with
flowers equal to those of B. Lindleyana, of a fine rosy-purp’e colour, with
a small whitish disk on the rounded acute lip.

Begonia Amelle. (If. 3. 1885, p. 512, f. 89-99.) Begoniace®. G. A
hybrid between B. Bruanti and B. Boezli, of robust, compact, branching
habit. L. obliquely cordate-ovate, crenulate, shining green. Fl. bright
rose in terminal trichotomous cymes. Garden hybrid.

Begonla compta. (Bull Cat., p. 7.) S. A p -etty species, svith obliquely
ovate angular 1., of a satiny green, with a silvery tinge aloug .the course of
the midrib. Brazil.

Begonia decora. (Bull Gat., p. 7.) A shrubby decorat’vo variety, with
dark green obliquely lanceolate 1„ profusely dotted with silvery-grey, some¬
thing those of B. argyrostigma, but the spots more minute. Brazil.

48

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20, 1887.

Begonia Hoegeana. ( Gfl . 1886. p. 398 ) G. Something in the way of
B. nitida ; very glabrous, with a climbing stem, and broadly ovate 1.,
rounded at the base, and sca cely oblique. The white fl. are in axillary lax
cymes, and only half as large as those of B. nitida. Mexico.

Begonia Maktiana, var. racemifi.oka. (R. H. 1886, p. 202.) G. A
useful decorative variety, of bushy habit, with red stems, and darker fl. than
in B. Martiana. Garden variety.

Begonia sehperflorens, var. Sturzii. (Gfl., t. 1220.) G. A fine florl-
ferous variety, with cymose panicles of rose-pink fl., and having the 1.
spotted with whitish.

Billbergia andegavensis. (R. H. 1886, p. 309.) Bromeliace®. S.
A hybrid between B.thyrsoidea and B. Moreliana, with broad, obtuse, pale-
green 1., and a mealy-white arching fl.-slem, with bright red bracts. The
fl. have a spreading limb, with the tube and centre dark red, broadly
bordered with violaceous-indigo. Garden hybrid.

Billberia Cappei. (B. H. 1385, p. 192.) 8. A fine Bromeliad,

remarkable for its numerous 1., which are banded with white, and its
panioles of blue fl. subtended by large bracts of a delicate rosy colour.
Garden hybrid.

Billbergia Enderi. (Gfl., t. 1217.) S. L. 12 to 16 in. long, lj to 2 in.
broad, ascending. Fl.-stem larger than the 1., the sheaths and bracts bright
coral-rel. Spike short, few flowered, bracts bright coral-red, fl. f in. long,
blue. Brazil.

Billbergia Glazioviana. (Gfl., t. 1203.) S. Bromeliad, with a few
broad ascending 1., very concave on the face, and clasping each other at
the basal part, spiny on the margins, blackish-green, marked with silvery
zones beneath. Fl.-stem shorter than the 1., with a short dense ovate-
oblong spike of-red fl., with white floccose bracts and calyces. Brazil.

BillbergmAVindi. (B. H. 1885, p. 250.) A hybiid between B. nutans
and B. Baraquiniana, no description given. Garden hybrid.

Billbergia Worleana. ( B . H. 1885, p. 249) A graceful and orna¬
mental hybrid between B. nutans and B. Moreliana, having the outer 1.
narrow, as in B. nutans, and the inner ones broader, as in B. Moreliana.
The long, slender, arching fl.-stem is adorned with numerous rosy bracts,
and bears about a dozen dark blue fl., the calyx being rosy and blue.
Garden hybrid.

Biota pvramidalis, var. comp acta. (R. H. 1886, p. 34.) Conifer®.
H. A variety of compaot narrow conical growth. Garden variety.

Bismarckia nobilis. (Gfl., t. 1221.) Palm®. S. An ornamental
Palm, somewhat the aspect of a Pritchardia, the large 1. being digitately
divided into 8 to 10 long linear segments, and several drooping thread-like
ones. Madagascar.

Boronia heterophylla, var. brevipes. (B. M., t. 6845.) Rutace®.
A pretty G., shr. with variable opposite 1., sometimes simple and linear,
sometimes pinnate, with 1 to 2 pairs of linear acute leaflets. Fl. 2 to 4 in a
whorl, drooping, globose, bright red, J in. in diam., on pedicels about J in.
long (in the typical form they are much longer). S.W. Australia.

Brassia elegantula. (G. C. xxiv, p. 616.) An elegant small-flowered
species, with glaucous bulbs and leaves. Raceme 2 to 5-flowered ; sep.
spreading green, with brown bars. Lip oblong, apiculate, with two keels,
hairy inside, white, with purple-brown dots in front of the calli. Mexico.

Broprea grandiflora, var. Warei. (Gfl. 1886, p. 116.) Liliaoe®.
H.H. bulb. A beautiful variety, with lilac-rose fl. 3 in. long, and a fl.-stem
2 to ft. high. California.

Bulbophylltjm saurocephalum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 262.) Orchidese.
A curious and interesting species, with 4 to 5 angled, one-leaved bulbs,
and a thick, clavate, bright red rachis, loaded with odd-looking fl. Sep.
light ochreous, with brown nerves. Ptt. small, white, with reddish mid¬
line and borders. Lip ochreous, with a deep purple base. Philippine
Islands.

{To be continued.)

GEOS COLMAN GRAPE.

I AM Borry my remarks upon this Grape in the Journal of Jan. 6th
(page 18) were not plain enough to enable Mr. Goodacre to understand
them. With your leave I will endeavour to put the matter plainer this
time. You reported the bunch as having sixty -eight berries and weighing
7 lbs. I doubted the accuracy of this report, and asked if a mistake had
not occurred, either in weighing, or a printer’s error, which might easily
happen. I beg to ask Mr. Goodacre if he will kindly state if such was
the correct weight of the bunch, and if he means a pound of 16 ozs.

I have spoken to many gardeners well versed in the weight of Grapes
of this wonderful bunch, and all are of opinion that some mistake has
occurred about its weight, thinking it almost impossible for sixty-eight
berries of the size indicated to weigh 7 lbs. I think the same from my
own experience, for though I did not weigh the berries, I saw as large as
the Elvaston fruit, still I can humbly claim a little knowledge of the
weight of Grapes, as I have passed about 2000 bunches through my
hands in one day.

The few lines of your correspondent, Mr. Stephen Castle, on this
subject are rather interesting. The berry he measured, fully 4 inches
round, weighed only half an ounce. Granting Mr. Goodacre’s Gros
Colman an inch more in circumference, which would make fully 5 inches,
and give them double the weight of Mr. Castle's, we find his sixty-eight
berries would only weigh 4^ lbs., whereas, according to report, they
weighed 7 lbs. — D. B. '

Like your correspondent, “ D. B.,” I admired the samples of the
above Grape as shown by Mr. Goodacre in November last, as well as his
other varieties, but cannot yet understand a bunch containing sixty -eight
berries weighing J lbs. I have just weighed a small bunch containing
about fifty berries. It scarcely weighed 2 lbs., and yet there is not such
a wonderful difference in the size of those grown by myself and those
exhibited by Mr. Goodacre at York in November last, for I happen to be
tbe exhibitor referred to by Mr. Goodacre’s foreman, and he says that

ours approach nearest the Elvaston harries than any others he has seen ;
so here I must leave the matter for readers to judge for themselves.

What a pity that this grand-looking Grape is not of first-class flavour l
We should then soon see housefuls of it grown a' most everywhere. I
have it grafted on Lady Downe’s, on which stock it does very well, but the
character of the bunch is quite altered, and I think spoiled, being
shorter and thicker, and not so handsome as when grown upon Its own
roots. — Wm. Jenkins, Aldin Grange, Durham.

LONDON’S LESSER OPEN SPACES— THE [R TREES.
AND PLANTS.

NEW SERIES. — No. 1.

It is noteworthy that we may thank the lawyers for having kept
intact till now some large open spaces in or near the heart of London
city ; but to a great extent these have been, and yet are unfortunately,
reserved for the enjoyment of a few individuals. Granted that the-
public ha9 usually the privilege of contemplating their trees and shrubs
from the exterior of the ground, and this glimpse of greenery has, it
may be, refreshed many a weary heait ; but I trust some day soon the
Public Gardens Association will be able to throw open these precincts to
all persons who can behave decorously. Before the passing of a recent
Act there was danger that most of them might be seized upon by builders
sooner or later. Strangers to the metrop lis who pass along the busy
thoroughfare of Holborn could have no idea that within a bowshot there
is a place so suggestive of quietude, almost of rurality, as is Lincoln’s
Inn Fields, though what once was fields is converted into an enclosed
garden. A London space equalled by no other, exceeding even the
famed Temple Gardens, for its extent is twelve acres, there is a tale that
Inigo Jones planned it, making it just the s.zs of one of the pyramids
of Egypt ; but in fact he only built some houses on the west side, others
being gradually added. The central square was fields till 1735, a resort of
vagrants and horse-breakers. Trees were planted about that date, bat T
doubt if there are any now left ; yet it has an abundance of timber, per¬
haps overcrowded in some parts. Towards Holborn, north ef this space
was an ancient avenue of trees, referred to by Stuart writers, probably
Elms. A small number of these are to be seen in Lincoln’s Inn Fields,,
with a larger number of Limes and Planes and some Horse Chestnuts.
There are some fine specimens of the Asb, a tree that does well in London.
Of tbe Hawthorn there are a few fairly grown trees of the common
species, one with a rather singular trunk, and some Birches, a tree too
sddom planted about our gardens. Amongst the familiar shrubs the
Elder, so much a favourite fifty years ago, is conspicuous, and showing
leaves developed late in autumn. On the whole, this ground is rather
deficient in evergreens, the oldest being some Hollies much besmoked.
It would be an improvement to a square like this were a central mound,
or terrace formed.

A short distance to the east is the open space of Lincoln’s Inn proper.
This garden, much curtailed by the erection of the grand Hall and Library
in 1843, had its shady avenues of trees two centuries ago or more, where
the benchers and their friends sat or strolled. The centre is grass, and
the beds are arranged in a trim old-fashioned style, having a sprinkling of
shrubs, and with herbaceous species that will stand a London winter,
amongst which are placed during the summer some of the usual bedding
out plants, but annuals seldom succeed, as is the case in similar gardens.
Here are some young Poplars ; this is a tree that does well about London
where the subsoil is suitable and the Goat caterpillar leaves it alone-
Beyonl this space is another to the north, being the garden of New Inn y
here are some Elms and Planes, forming a sort of avenue, and along one
side a shrubbery screened by a high wall, where lopping would be advan¬
tageous. We are looking, it may be remembered, upon what was once a
rare place for fruit, these two spaces, with other land adjacent, being the
garden of Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in the reign of Edward I. and after. He
succeeded so well that he was able to sell his fruit to the citizens, the
quantity produced exceeding his own requirements most years. Apples,
Pears, Filberts, and Cherries are specified, and he also raised vegetables,
some of which are named ; for instance, Beans, Onions, and Garlic, for
our strong-stomached ancestors favoured the latter veg> table, and the old
journal states that he grew Roses, perhaps other flowers.

Time was when from the gardens of Gray’s Inn there was obtainable
an extensive view of the uplands at Hampstead and Highgate. There
seems to have been in the olden time a larger space than now with lees
restriction, since the walks of Gray’s Inn are repeatedly mentioned as a
common meeting place and promenade by old writers. “The plea¬
santest place about London,’’ says a writer of 1621, and the great Lord
Bacon is stated to have planted trees here, from which the present trees*
are, it may be, descendants. There are some good-sized Limes, Elms, and
Planes. In the topmost branches of several of these yet remain the nests
of a colony of rooks that for many years had their abode in Gray’s Inn.
The modern walks are skirted by grassy slope*’, which might be diversi¬
fied with advantage by occasional flower beds. In the circular enclosure
of Furnival’s Inn, close at hand, though the space is but small, it is made
pleasing by beds of varying shapes and sizes which surround a central
bed, these being filled with the usual flowers of summer during the season-
After their removal in autumn, the gap is prevented by the introduction of
evergreens of a particular size, which are taken up when the spring
allows of a brighter display. This would not be a bad plan for adoption
in other London spaces, the evergreens put in averaging about a foot in
height, and from four to six kinds being placed in each bed according to
size, the arrangement is matter of taste.

January SO, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

49

A narrow turning conducts us past a spot oddly called even yet
“ Jockey’s Fields,” though it has ceased to be a broad open space to Red
Lion Square, which is also all that is left of the old Red Lion Fields,
so named from a memorable Holborn tavern. It was a square long
neglected ; but it has recently been taken in hand and planted with
additional shrubs. To some people this small plot has an interest, be¬
cause a tradition exists that the body of Cromwell, after exposure, was
buried in its centre. But when we recollect the square, as it now exists,
was not formed till the beginning of the eighteenth century, this becomes
valueless, as in 1660 it was a larger and an irregular open space. The
square has one large and old tree, a Lime, not far from the middle, and
there are pairs of Elms of moderate size on the north and south sides.
The evergreens for the most part appear to be in an unhealthy state, even
such usually thriving cockneys as the Privet, the Holly, and the Box
languish. I wish to point out to the gardeners of these London spaces
one reason why some plants and shrubs do not get on. The ground is
often insufficiently dug from time to time, hence no proper drainage is
possible, and scarcely any water goes below a certain depth, because the
subsoil is bard and unabsorbent. I have several times watched the turn¬
ing over of ground in London gardens, where at various depths there was
a tough cake of a claylike substance, which neither rain nor roots pene¬
trated. At least once a year the ground should be deeply though care¬
fully dug. It is observable that in many London squares the soil con¬
tains but a small number of worms, which are so valuable as promoters
of drainage, if they are a nuisance when they get into flower-pots.

Almost opposite Gray’s Inn is Barnard’s Inn, on the south side of
Holborn, where the houses look into a central gravelled space of small
size, but which contains a cluster of Limes, which in the summer season
gives it the aspect of a little grove. When one of the occasional gleams
of sunshine appear, which even London may get on a winter’s day, hosts
of sparrows gather here to chatter perhaps over the hardness of the
times and the ferocity of the City cats. Far up some of the quaint old
houses climbs the Virginian Creeper, festooning windows with its tangled
stems, and, especially during autumn, giving a brightness to the dull
brickwork.

To the west of us, where Drury Lane winds its course between the
two great lines of thoroughfare, just as it did when a rural lane with two
or three houses, large adjacent gardens, and a vineyard (Vinegar -yard—
Vine-garden yard), and here the Public Gardens Association has done
what it can to make pleasant the old churchyard of h't. Martin’s. The
space is small, not a quarter of an acre ; but a vaiiety of shrubs have
been planted, and some well thrive. Trees have wisely not been at¬
tempted.

CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA FLORE PLENO.

I have had some correspondence with Mr. Lindsay, Curator, Edin¬
burgh Botanic Gardens, and Mr. Burbidge, Curator, Trinity College
Botanic Gardens, Dublin, and both say they never saw a double form of
Campanula rotundifolia, but the latter gentleman, through whose advice
I write these lines, says it is mentioned in “ Johnson’s Gardeners’
Dictionary,” on p. 166, under Flore alba — the white variety. Both the
single blue type and the white variety are therein set down as British,
but the blue double-flowered variety. is thus referred to : — “ Flore pleno
(double- flowered), J, blue, July, Gardens.”

It may be stated for the information of the readers of the Journal oj
Horticulture, that I found the above plant growing wild in Scotland a
good number of years ago, but it was not till 1883, when along with a
friend I began the study of botany, that I learned it was a rare plant,
and had it removed at the first convenient chance I had to the garden,
where it has been ever since, and made poor progress with the exception
of last year, when it produced half a dozen spikes of bloom, which I
procured some seed from.

I may add that the friend referred to was Mr. A. Honeyman, who
contributed to the Journal under the nom deplume of “Single-handed,”
and whose seemingly premature death was a great loss to horticulture,
for he was a most highly gifted man, and as Mr. Burbidge writes in one
of his letters to me — “ It seemed a thousand pities that one so young and
highly gifted should have gone to the Elysian Fields so soon.”

The flowers of this Campanula are what florists term hose-in-hose,
and are not all double ; on the same plant some with petaloid stamens,
which means that there is a chance of improving what Nature has begun
in the way of hybridisation. — John Thomson, Bonnybridge.

PINE APPLE CHARLOTTE ROTHSCHILD.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on December 7th,
1886, Mr. Coomber, The Ilendre ^Gardens, Monmouth, exhibited three
fine Pine Apples, two of Smooth Cayenne and one of Charlotte Roth¬
schild, a cultural commendation being awarded by the Fruit Committee
for them. The fruit of the last-named variety was a particularly hand¬
some one, beautifully proportioned, very even, 10 inches high and 6 inches
in diameter at the base, and capitally ripened. A reduced illustration is
given in fig. 8, and Mr. Coomber has obliged us with the following
particulars of his mode of culture.

“ Charlotte Rothschild Pine Apple is a valuable variety for autumn
and winter use, and possesses the excellent quality of keeping for a
considerable time after it is ripe, surpassing in this respect the Smooth
Cayenne, and for which it is a suitable companion, requiring the same
treatment and growing to a similar size. The fruit we exhibited with
two Smooth Cayennes at South Kensington on December 9th, and for

which the Royal Horticultural Society awarded us a cultural certificate ,
when gathered weighed 9 lbs. 4 ozs., but had lost weight at that date
through being kept.

“ Our mode of culture is simple, and we have nothing new to divulge.
I will give that of the fruit in question briefly as follows : — A batch of
sturdy suckers was taken from old stools and placed in 8-inch pots in
April, 1885. Being plunged in a brisk heat (a bed of decayed leaves
with pipes beneath) they readily filled their pots with roots, when they
were at once shifted into pots 12 inches in diameter, and firmly and
finally replunged into a bed with a temperature of 85°, accompanied
with the usual atmospheric conditions. After this they were sparingly
supplied with tepid clear water until their roots had well permeated the
fresh soil, from which time until they were rested (from the beginning
of November until March) they were more liberally treated. During
the resting period the atmospheric temperature varied, according to
external conditions, from 55° to 60° at night, with a rise of about 5°

during the day, while the bottom heat was maintained at 75°. In March
and April the heat was gradually raised until that in the bed reached
85°, and the atmosphere 70° at night, or a trifle more in mild weather,
with the usual increase in the day ; close attention forthwith at all
times being paid to the indispensable daily duties, ventilating, syringing,
shading, &c. A portion of the plants pushed up their fruits by the end of
April ; the remainder made growth previous to showing fruit, and these
produced the finest, those exhibited being some of them.

“ In potting we insure thorough drainage and ram the compost firmly,
and this is as simple as are the other divisions of culture. It consists of
light fibry loam incorporated with a moderate amount of soot. Crushed
bones or Standen’s manure are useful ingredients to mix in Pine soils,
but we have, so far, been satisfied with results obtainable without them.
Peruvian guano, dissolved in water and used regularly in a mild form
throughout the growing season and occasionally in winter, is the
stimulant we invariably depend upon to create vigorous growth.”

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page IS.)

To the young gardener fresh from England the free and easy charac¬
ter of a planter’s life, and the absence of all restraint has, without doubt,

50

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20, 1887.

very great attractions, and unless he be in possession of a well balanced
mind these attractions, in too many cases, become irresistible, and apt
to make him forget the main object of his sojourn in a country like
India. Time in plenty he is sure to have on his hands, and if part of
this he given to the study of Nature as she appears an her Indian guise
he will find in the planting districts of that country a field of labour in¬
exhaustible in extent and unrivalled in its attractiveness. Such a
country as that of Malabar cannot fail to have infinite charms for the
naturalist. The grandeur of the forest scenery, the numerous curious
forms of plant life, the tropical richness of leaf and flower, and, what is
perhaps more wonderful still, the rapidity of tropical growth, are all cal¬
culated to arrest attention.

Sir Monier Williams, in his “ Modem India,” speaking of the Civil
Service has the following : — “ I believe that in no part of the world is
so much work honestly and conscientiously done as by Her Majesty’s
servants in India. Even men of inferior energy and mental calibre, who
in England would effect nothing, are, by the circumstances of their
position, developed into vigorous officials and administrators.” The
truth of the above statement is apparent to all who have spent any time
in India, and what Sir Monier Williams says of the civil servants of
India would be equally true if applied to many Englishmen in India
occupying more humble positions.

The flora of the Wynaad, as may be imagined, is exceedingly varied
and interesting ; but, as it is out of the province of these papers to give
anything like a comprehensive description of it, I will content myself by
referring to a few examples only. Orchidaceous plants abound on trees
and rocks, numbers of which are uninteresting on account of their simple
and insignificant flowers ; but there exist also many species of such well
known genera as Dendrobium, Coelogyne, Saccolabium, Orchis, Anoecot-
chilus, &c. Palms, including Calamus Phcenix, or Wild Date as it is
called, and the young stem of which is edible and makes an excellent
salad ; Areca, Caryota ureas, &c. The latter, which is a very graceful
and beautiful Palm in a wild state, is invariably found growing in small
groups or colonies in the cooler parts of the jungle, and when in ripe
fruit presents a very remarkable and picturesque appearance, surrounded
by the deep green of the other forest trees. The young plants are
remarkably handsome, and deserve more attention in England. They
grow at an elevation of from 2500 to 3000 feet. The Cocoa-nut Palm
is only found in a cultivated state, and is seldom if ever productive ; in
consequence, as some maintain, of the absence of salt in the soil, but
more probably on account of too great an elevation. Amongst climbing
plants may be named Cissus discolor, several beautiful species of
Bignonia, Hoya, Asparagus, Jasminum, Pasfiflora, Gloriosa superha, and
others. The last-named climber is found very abundantly in the Bamboo
district, and seems to be very partial to the cultivated Coffee ground,
often climbing its way up to the top of the Coffee trees, adorning them
with its graceful stems ana handsome flowers. This plant would seem
to adapt itself to any elevation between sea level and 3000 feet. On the
hot and burning plans of Tinnivelly I once saw quite a field of it in full
flower, but it had abandoned its climbing or creeping form of growth,
and the upright stems were not more than a foot long and covered with
flowers. In Wynaad it blooms during the height of the south-west mon¬
soon. A wild species of Musa flourishes on moist rocks on the cool
Ghaut slopes, and i3 a very beautiful object. The ribs of the leaves are
red and the plant dwarf and graceful, and unlike the cultivated sorts it
seeds very freely. Several species of shrubby Begonias are found in
similar situations to the former plant. Tradescantias, Impatiens,
Amaryllis, and a host of other dwarf flowering plants are found in plenty
all over the district ; whilst a very pretty Ageratum is one of the worst
weeds the Coffee plant has to contend with.

The genus Ficus has many and some very curious representatives in
this portion of India, from the mighty Banyan down to small creeping
forms hiding their slender stems and clusters of fruit amongst the withered
leaves of the jungle. The Banyan, Ficus indica, although it seems to
thrive, never at this elevation throws down roots from its branches to any
great extent, nor forms such handsome specimens as is so often seen on
the plains. Ficus asperrima is a wonderful plant. Deciduous, and seldom
growing to a greater height than 15 to 20 feet, and producing leaves the
upper sides of which are of such a rough nature as to have gained for it
the name of the “ Sandpaper Tree," and it is quite a common thine to see
carpenters using the leaves as a substitute for the genuine sandpaper! Ficus
glomerata, also a deciduous tree of about the same height, produces
immense clusters of bright coloured and very tempting fruit all alon<* its
branches and stem about the size and shape of the ordinary Fig°but
unfortunately unfit to eat. Ficus religiosa, perhaps the most interesting
of the group, is also deciduous, but grows to a much greater height than
the last-named species. It is considered by the Hindoos to be the most
sacred tree of their country, and is planted close to almost every temple
and carefully tended. It partakes somewhat of a parasitical nature, and
is often seen growing out of the clefts and forks of large trees where little
or no soil is found. The leaves are very similar in shape to the Aspen,
and like it, are ever in motion. The legend is that the God Krishna, the
Preserver, was born amongst its branches, and since that time the leaves
quiver in adoration of the event. The bark of the tree is of a pale ashy
colour, and altogether it is a very beautiful object. Other species forming
trees of large girth and great height are also found in the district and
several of the F. elastica type.

The Cardamom plant, which is peculiar to the Ghaut forests of
Malabar, deserves passing notice from the singular method adopted by
the jungle tribes of natives in its cultivation and for other reasons It is
found only in open patches in the midst of the dense Ghaut jungles where

the rainfall is the heaviest and the climate coolest. Its cultivation by the
jungle tribes above alluded to is thus undertaken : At the height of thb
dry season, when all moisture has vanished from the forest and the in¬
tolerable myriads of land leeches with it, a few men advance, axe in
hand, into the forest until they come upon a suitable spot on the hillside
bearing a group of larger trees than is to be found in the surrounding
jungle. From threo to four of these giants are felled, which crush in
their fall a goodly number of other trees of smaller dimensions and
saplings. As the trees fall down hill their mighty heads of branches are
smashed and broken into innumerable fragments, rendering unnecessary
any act of cutting or lopping. The trees are then left on the ground to
decay. During the ensuing rainy season the seedling Cardamom plants
appear above the ground without any previous act of sowing or planting
on the part of the native cultivators whatever. The plants increase in
size till the end of the third year, by which time they have developed
into large clumps, frequently reaching a height of from 10 to 15 feet, when
they produce their first crop. These patches are visited periodically
during the growth of the plants, which are relieved from the encroach¬
ment of weeds and undergrowth, and this process comprises the sum total
of the cultivation of the Cardamom plant, if, indeed, sueh a term be
admissible. We can only fall back on the supposition that the seeds of
the plant have lain in a dormant state, perchance for ages, in the soil of
the darkened jungle, which the light of day but partially penetrates, await¬
ing the advent of the sun’s rays to call them into life. In no other way,
I think, can the appearance of the young plants under the circumstances
described be accounted for. This phenomenon is by no means confined
to this plant, nor to the moister and cooler portions of the district. Clear¬
ings for Coffee on Bamboo land are almost immediately after planting clad
with a veritable carpet of seedlings of a species of Ageratum over their
whole area, when not a single plant of the species can be found in a truly
wild state for miles around. This fact, considering the nature of the
climate and the annual jungle fires that sweep the country, is a very
startling one. The flowering spikes of the Candamom are produced
from the baso of the stems, and are totally hidden by decayed leaves and
other vegetable matter, and never appear on the surface from their first
period of growth till the ripening of the fruit, so that all the functions of
the reproductive organs of the plant are performed in the dark. The
operation of gathering the fruit begins about the beginning of October,
and is a matter of some trouble and difficulty owing to the innumerable
land leeches that infest the jungle at that time of year. Clothing is no
protection to the body, the leeches in their small and hungry state finding
their way to the body in a way which is frequently quite puzzling, and
even tapping the blood through the thickest garments. Tobacco j uice is
frequently used to rub the limbs with before entering the jungle, and a
pinch of gunpowder will at once make the leech leave its hold of the body.
But the best preventive of leech bites 1 ever tried was carbolic soap.
Rub this on the clothes or limbs, and no leech will venture an attack.
No matter how quickly one passes through the jungle in the rainy season,
he is sure to find hosts of these disgusting creatures clinging to his legs,
and how they got there on so short a notice was, for a long time, a puzzle
to me. I found on examination that the creatures are in countless
numbers standing upright on the fallen leaves and twigs of the jungle
ready waiting for their prey, so that when the feet come in contact with
them there is no escape, and to attempt to stop to pick them off is only to
make matters worse, as their place is at once supplied by hundreds more.
Their bites are very troublesome to some people, sometimes festering to
an alarming degree and producing fever.

After gathering, the Cardamoms require little further preparation
before shipping to England than simply drying in the shade and picking
from the stems and selecting, or, as it is called, garbling. If dried in the
sun the capsules are apt to split, causing the seeds to escape. The right
of gathering this condiment from the waste lands of Malabar is a Govern¬
ment monopoly, and the jungles are generally let out to responsible
native collectors by the Conservator of Forests in charge of the district.
In former times the right to collect any forest produce was common to all,
and it might have been quite as creditable to the Government had they
never interfered with this long-standing custom for the paltry annual sum
derivable from such a source to assist the revenue of the country. By
assuming this monopoly the Government deprived the poor and wretched
jungle tribes of a privilege which had been theirs for generations. Other
jungle produce in the shape of honey, wax, gums, tamarinds, myrabolams,
&c., are also monopolised by the Government, and their collection is
supervised by the forest officers, but the revenue from such sources
cannot be very great.

Of timber trees there are many of great value, and in some instances
of great dimensions, including the following : — Dalbergia latifolia, or the
Blackwood of India, growing abundantly on the Bamboo land and ruth¬
lessly burned in large quantities in clearing land for Coffee; Terminalia,
several species ; Artocarpus integrifoltu, yielding a close-grained and
beautiful yellow wood ; Mangifera indica, a tree of large size, growing
mostly on the banks of rivers, and when covered with ripe yellow fruit is
a very beautiful object. The fruit, unlike that of the cultivated Mango, is
not fit to be eaten. — Planter.

(To be continued).

EARLY FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
Competitors with these plants were rather at a disadvantage at the
Crystal Palace Show because we had to make a round group instead of
with one face or with a back to show against. It will perhaps be well
here to mention that for the future it will be very much better if we were

January JO, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

51

allowed to show in 16-size pots instead of being bound to 24’s. This is
likely to conduce to the welfare of the exhibition in seasons to come. At
the National Chrysanthemum Society’s early show there is no restriction,
though it may be taken for granted that larger than 16-size would not be
used. If these larger pots were had at the Crystal Palace some might
show there who contemplated showing at the National Society’s Show,
the same plants in some cases doing double service. There is one little
thing to mention in connection with this Crystal Palace Show, as I shall
not here mention the new sorts we were able to put up for the first time.
It was that on the second day of the exhibition Mr. Davis of Camberwell
brought one flower of the new American variety Mrs. J. R. Pitcher. This I
believe to have been the first flower shown in public in this country, and
I put it on record because I think it will in years to come prove one of
the grandest early Chrysanthemums ever grown. The next thing to
notice is the first early show of the National Chrysanthemum Society
at the Aquarium, Westminster, held on the 9th and 10th of September.
It has been said that this was a fortnight too early, but I should rather
say a week, or the middle of the month, not only for the season, but
supposing the Palace Show to be held when it is, it would allow more rest
for those concerned between the two shows, as well as be likely to permit
other plants to come to perfection for the purpose. The grand feature of
this show was the banks or groups of flowers, the first prize for which was
justly given to Mr. Davis of Lilford Road, Camberwell, and I believe this
was the finest bank of early flowering Chrysanthemums ever exhibited in
this country. It contained plants of the new red sport of Lyon, Alice
Butcher ; plants of Mrs. J. R. Pitcher, which latter were the first plants
shown in England. It also contained a plant in bloom of the new
crimson William Holmes. This attracted much attention owing to its
striking colour and large bloom. The second and third prizes went to
Mr. Stevens of Putney, and Mr. Wright, gardener to the Inner Temple,
both of whom put up grand banks of flowers, whose, only failing was
rather too much of Mauame Desgrange. We want more colour, and
should the new sort, William Holmes, prove early enough, it will till the
vacancy so obvious in the crimson line. It has again been repeated that
these early sorts are not wanted, and I can only say that people do not
generally buy what they do not want, and they buy these because they
will do what no other flowers or plants will. In the open ground alone
they will produce such masses of flowers with such little labour ; more¬
over, they last in water more than double the time of many cut blooms,
Dahlias, to wit, last no time thus ; besides, for town and suburban growing
I think they have no equals. It should be remembered, too, that such
plants as Gladioli, &c., produce only one spike of flowers and are done,
while the Chrysanthemum Flora will continue blooming for months.
Where, too, are their equals for harvest festivals ? All this some people
know and others do not, hence these remarks.

At this Aquarium show Class 6 was for collections of cut Chrysanthe
mum flowers, and both Mr. Davis and myself considered that the main
use of this class was to induce exhibitors to send as many varieties as
possible to represent the condition and advance of this culture, and he
exhibited by far the very best collection in this respect, showing twenty-
four varieties with their names, of which ten were new, in fine state.
I was able to show nineteen, of which nine were new. All these had
their names attached. Tbe first prize was given to a row of about one
dozen blooms of Madame Desgrange, with a few bunches without names

I will now try to do what I have done in former years — namely, to
point out the new sorts of this season, and say a word or two on those not
sufficiently developed of last season and of most merit. I am well aware
that though so much has been written, many in trade, as well as others,
do not really know the merits of the new varieties, or I should not receive
the catalogues I do from promising establishments in which the poor old
sorts figure where the new ones should have place instead. Last season’s
good opinion of Blushing Bride is fully borne out this. It is a fine thing.
Piercy’s Seedling is again iust as good as its first season. Roi des
Precoces is rather later, and on October 5th was not out. Jeanne Cousinifj
has surpassed itself. It is very good indeed, but not so robust as some.
It is tbe colour of Madame Piccol, but a better flower and earlier.
Toreador does not so much resemble Frederick Pel 6 as I thought last
time. It is a downright good red, in many respects the very best red
early Pompone ; it renders Pompone Toulousain unnecessary. I regard
it and my Mr. Piercy as the two best reds up to last season. I have come
to the conclusion th it Mignon is not Fibeita. It is better by not being
so tall, easier to propagate, and earlier. I may mention here, too. that
Salter’s Early Blush is coming much into favour for large quantities of
cut flowers, for where grown in the open garden in a rough way it does
admirably.

Mrs. J. R. Pitcher. — Amongst the discoveries of this season I put as
the first Mrs. J. R. Pitcher. This was sent to me last season by Mr.
Thorpe, of the firm of Hallock, Son, & Thorpe, of Queen’s, New York,
U.S.A., but being packed in wooden boxes, they came so dried
that they barely lived, and were a long time before they grew strongly,
which they did at last, but when the end of the season arrived and no
bloom appeared, I concluded they were late sorts, and gave them all away.
Among others part was given to Mr. Ware of Hale Farm Nurseries,
Tottenham, Essex, and upon a visit there on the 23rd of July it was in
bloom. These plants were said to be spring-struck cuttings, and if that
was so, then it is one of the early as well as best sorts. It grows about
3 or 4 feet high, with leaves a good like Madame Desgrange, of
which it appears to be a seedling. The flower is a slight blush in the
open, but a delicate white under glass. It is quite unlike Madame
Desgrange in appearance, and is slightly incurved ; very effective and

beautiful. Probably it will come to be as generally grown as Madame
Desgrange.

Alice Butcher.— The second find of importance is Alice Butcher.
This is a red sport, I call it, of Lyon, Mr. Davis, who brought it out,
calls it Bronze. Purchasers can decide for themselves. It is in every
respect like the original but the colour,

Pierre Verfiel is another new and capital bright red Pompone bloom¬
ing in September, the colour and flower much resembling Alice Butcher.
Grows 27 inches high; flowers 2 inches across; very profuse bloomer.
Will bo very good for cut flowers. Better to propagate than Lyon or its
sport.

Red Luxembourg . — This is a bright red sport of the old Mrs. Wood,
but as that is now better known by its new name through its new yellow
sport, we have given it the name as above for the purpose of its more
easy recognition. I think it is very likely this will become one of the
most favourite reds for florists’ purposes as the colour is good. It is rather
a deeper shade than Pierre Verfiel or Alice Butcher, and it is exceedingly
robust, and good for rough culture and rapid propagation.

Golden Luxemburg. — A sport of Mrs. Wood, now wrongly called
Luxemburg. Plant as good ; robust in every way, and dwarf as the
original, but having flowers of a bright yellow instead of dull bronze.
This stands wet and bad weather well, and is good to cut in a wet
state.

L'Ami Couderchet. — One of the most beautiful early Pompones ever
introduced. It is a very stout grower, about 20 inches high ; flowers of a
pale primrose colour, most profuse in quantity and good in quality ; size
2 to 2£ inches across. Excellent grower ; blooms in August.

Mdlle. Leoni Lassali, — A very fine new ivory white, large- flowered,
and particularly bushy plant; grows about 18 inches high. Will be
admirable for a bedder. Blooms about 3 inches across. Begins to flower
in July.

Blanch Columbe. — A very goad new dwarf white, growing 18 inches
to 2 feet high. The flowers are about 2\ inches across, wi h a very
straight petal standing out like a star; very robust. Blooms in
August.

Flvcon de Neige. — There are two others of this name. One of the
most beautiful and exquisitely white Pompones ever seeD. Grows about
18 inches high, and has flowers 1| to 2 inches across. Blcoms in July
and August.

Sussex. — An English seedling. A good stout robust-growing white
Pompone with a pale yellow centre. Blooms in September; 16 inches
high. Flowers 2 inches across ; handsome foliage.

Hemline. — A white small Pompone, very dwarf ; 1 foot to 16 inches
high ; flowers 1J to 2 inches across. Blooms in August.

Canari. — This is a very good and dwarf Pompone of a yellow colour,
like a canary bird. It very much resembles the new yellow sport of
Petite Marie, but is very good to propagate, while Petite Marie is bad for
that purpose. Canari has a flatter bloom, and is about 2 inches across.
The plant grows 1 foot high. It is a little beauty.

Petillant. — A stout-growing white Pompone. Grows 2 feet high, and
has flowers 2£ inches across with very stout thick petals ; ivory white.
Blooms in September.

L' Avenir. — A very good sort, growing 2 feet high, of very good
habit, bearing flowers 2£ inches across the colour of Madame Piccol,
thari which it is a better plant to propagate, and of stronger constitution.
Blooms in August.

Gentillesse.— This is a most profuse blooming Pompone of a pick
coleur, growing about 3 feet high, and having flowers 1^ inch across.
A good robust grower. Blooms in August. Old plants will bloom twice
in the season.

Precocite Japonaise. — A very strange quaint-looking flower about
2^ tr 3 inches across. The petals are a deep kind of pink at the base,
shading off at the ends to nearly white. It is a good out-of-doors plant,
about 3 feet high, and blooms in September.

Rose d'Ete. — A new pink Pompone with a small flower. Biooms in
September.

E. G. Henderson et Son. — A plant of a poor thin habit with a poor
thin flower. It is a yellow Japanese, and blooms at the end of September.

While I write to say what is good, I may a3 well speak of what to
avoid, This is, it should be remembered, such a very different thing to
the general idea and practice with Chrysanthemum growers that the
judgment would generally go against such plants as I grow. We want
for garden, decorative purposes, and masses of cut flowers, with branches
and plenty of leaves as well as flowers ; but we have to be often judged
by the minds formed from exhibition plants, tall, with a few fine flowers
at the tip, and from which most of the buds have been picked. A wrak
plant wdl often grow good flowers that way, but such treatment is quite
out of the question in the open garden, hence we want plants that are
strong enough to perfect a large number of flowers. I have grown many
plants commonly considered good, but when grown without disbudding,
were ve y poor indeed ; not properly robust enough to stand the open air,
far too tall to keep up, and not having the power to perfect all their buds
into fair flowers.

I may here mention a variety which, though perhaps it ought hardly
to be included in the early group, it may probably come eailier
another time, it is Mons. Cossart, a fine strong plant with good stout
flowers, large and very fall, a kind of orange yellow, seems to bloom at
the end of September, grows 3 to 4 feet high, blooms 3 to 4 inches acros-.
Precocity of Delaux. — This, too, is barely early, not blooming till the end
of September or beginning of October, but as this is its first season in
England it may come earlier next time. It is a stout dwarf Pompone, with

52

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jannary SO, 198T.

handsome foliage, growing about 3 feet high, and bearing a profusion of
very bright crimson flowers about 2 inches across. I think this will prove
very useful.

The following are early, but some of them are not, and some are old
with new names. A. Yillatte des Pruges and Madame Hoste, not early ;
W. E. Boyce, not so good as Isidore Feral, but much the same colour ;
G. Wrigley, Mons. Hoste, and Wm. Bealby, not early. Annita came out
as old Madame Duf >y, the Jardin des Plantes of Parker, Reine Blanch
is old La Vail 6?, Yellow Perfection is Flora, Madame Lebois is St. Mary
(Souvenir d’un Ami), Chilou Chilard is a poor tall straggler and shy
bloomer ; Comtesse de Morney (there are others of this name), is late Com¬
mandant Rives, is a poor weak plant ; Dame Blanch, not early, but a good
white large flower ; Gremillette is poor ; General Duret is the same as
Mons. Dufoy sent over last season with the new name Petit Mignon.

“We have this season had reports of two sports of Madame Desgrange,
The first from Brighton called Mrs Burrell. I have seen flowers of this
exhibited at the Crystal Palace and the Aquarium, Westminster, and a
fine one sent direct to me, and I think that it is not a sport. We must
bear in mind that the air of Brighton when not passed over the town, is
charged with ozone from the sea. This would naturally bleach flowers
and make them lighter as this is, and if at the same time we consider
that these fine flowers are finished under glass it will wholly account for
the primrose shade of this, and that if this should be grown inland and
in the open air it will probably show no difference from the original. I will
not pronounce for certain till next season, when I will try to grow it
beside the parent. The second claimed to be darker, and came from
Putney, but I can see no difference in it. — W. PlERCY, 89, West Boad,
Forest Hill, London , S.E.

We are desired to Btate that until another Secretary is appointed
to the United Horticultural Provident and Benefit Society
all communications affecting the Society may be sent to the Treasurer,
Mr. J. Hudson, The Gardens, Gunnersbury House, Acton, W. The
annual meeting will be held on February 14th, at the Caledonian
Hotel.

- The appreciation of Mr. L. Castle’s popular work on Orchids

is testified by the demand for a third edition. This excels all previous
issues, twenty pages of fresh matter being added, including chapters on
Orchid groups and specimens ; Orchids for bouquets and floral decora¬
tions ; pruning Orchids ; Orchid sales ; references given to works in
which nearly 800 Orchids are figured ; a directory of Orchid growers ;
and an interesting chapter on collecting Orchids by Mr. F. W. Burbidge.
The price remains the same as before. The work combines excellence
with cheapness, and is in every respect a creditable production, for which
a ready sale may be anticipated. It is published at the office of this
Journal.

- We are desired to state that at the meeting of the Chiswick

Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society on Friday evening,
February 18th, Mr. Alexander Dean will give a lecture on “ Character in
Gardeners.”

- A correspondent writes : — 11 On all sides we hear of great

destruction to choice trees, Conifers, and shrubs, this being
principally caused by the exceptionally heavy weight of snow that lodged
on them on the night of December 27th. Rain fell first, then came a
rapid fall of snow in large flakes, and these became frosted to the treest
rendering it impossible to shake it off with long poles. Where we tried
the experiment more harm than good resulted, and many a good tree was
disfigured in consequence cf being weighted down with snow and ice.
My object in writing, however, is to suggest that all limbs of trees badly
damaged should be neatly sawn off near to the trunk, have the edges of
the bark neatly rounded with a knife, and the wound then coated with
cart-grease. This excludes air and water, renders the wound less
tmsightly, and greatly facilitates the healing.”

- At the meeting of the Horticultural Club held last week at

the rooms, 1, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, the subject of conversation
was as to how the Club could best assist the Royal Horticultural Society
in the present crisis of its affairs, the crisis alluded to being the uncer¬
tainty of the tenure of the premises at South Kensington. There were

present the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen, Rev. H. H. D'Ombrain,
Rev. F. H. Gall, Dr. Masters, Dr. Hogg, Messrs. Harry J. Veitch,
T. Francis Rivers, George Paul, George Deal, H. Herbst, George Prince,
H. J. Pearson, Arnold Moss, A. H. Pearson, C. T. Druery, &c., See. The
opinion of the meeting was clearly that something ought to be done, and
no definite proposal being made a committee was appointed to consider
the matter, consisting of Mr. H. J. Veitch, Chairman ; Mr. H. J. Pearson,
Vice-Chairman ; Dr. Masters, Messrs. Deal, Moss, A. H. Pearson, Rivers,
Herbst, and Bull, with power to add to their number. We are informed
that it has been arranged for the Committee to meet Sir Trevor Lawrence,
the President of the Society on February 1st, some days prior to the annual
meeting of the Society.

- A correspondent states that “ Twickenham has lost an old

and respected inhabitant by the Death of Mr. R. Laing, florist, of
Richmond Road. The deceased tradesman had been a resident of the
town for many years, and was a member of the T wickenham Local Board
for a considerable period. He resigned his seat upon the Board about
eighteen months ago in consequence of failing health. He was a promi¬
nent committeeman of the Twickenham and Richmond Horticultural
Societies, and was also a warm supporter of the Gardeners’ Benevolent
Institution. Mr. Laing was in his seventy-seventh year.”

- Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, had a very

pleasing display of Primulas at the Westminster Aquarium last
week. They comprised a number of varieties, some of great merit, distinct
in colour and of good form. Very notable were the following : — New
Holborn Fern-leaf, with rich rosy flowers. In this variety, as in many of
the Holborn strain, Messrs. Carter are getting back to old fringed and
scalloped shaped flowers so much admired. Holborn Pearl is a delicately
tinted variety, and received a first-class certificate. It is a cross between
Holborn Blue and Holborn White, which in the first instance originated
that lovely ivory white variety known as Elaine, and the second season
the plants of Elaine threw the form designated in 1883 as Holborn Pearl.
The chief amongst the other varieties were Holborn Vermilion, with ver¬
milion red flowers of great beauty ; Holborn White, elegantly fimbriated
and pure white ; Holborn Magenta, deep magenta red, a lovely colour ;
Holborn Venus, prettily striped crimson and scarlet ; Holborn Purple,
Holborn Salmon, Holborn Rose, a very delicate shade.

- Messrs. H. Cannell & Son have sent us from Swanley a

representative collection of Primulas. The varieties are not named, but
are as good as if they were. The white and neutral-tinted flowers are
2J inches in diameter, and the darks, which are rich in colour, average
2 inches across. All of them, moreover, possess great substance, indicative
of superior cultivation.

- Gardening Appointment.— Mr. James Ullook, for the last

nine years general foreman in the gardens at Trafford Park, Patricrofti
Manchester, has been appointed head gardener to Sir Richard Bulkeley,
Bart, Baron Hill, Beaumaris, Anglesey.

- A Northern Amateur writes as follows on the Weather in

South and West Perthshire : — “ During the past week the frost,
ranging from 4° to 12®, has not been so intense as was previously regis¬
tered. Brief partial thaws have occurred, and some of the lower grounds
have been nearly cleared of snow. The roads in some districts have been
for the last fortnight literally one thick sheet of ice. Trees and shrubs
have been stripped of berries, and in many gardens Greens and other
vegetables have been devoured by wood pigeons and pheasants. Deer
have left the high grounds and are being fed by hand in the neighbour¬
hood of the village of Callander. A bitterly cold wind from the east, with
threatening snow, was blowing on the morning of 17th January.”

- The annual dinner of the Sheffield and West Riding

Chrysanthemum Society was held on Monday evening, January 10th,
at the Clarence Hotel, High Street, Sheffield, the number present being
about sixty. Mark Firth, Esq. (President of the Society), occupied the
chair, and the vice-chair wrs filled by C. E. Jeffcock, Esq. (one of the
Vice-Presidents). At the annual meeting and election of officers, held
prior to the dinner, it was unanimously decided that the Society’s next
Show be held in the Sheffield Corn Exchange, on Friday and Saturday,
November 18th and 19th. The proceedings at the dinner were through¬
out of a most enthusiastic and enjoyable character, some excellent songs
and music alternating with the speeches and toasts. The report and
balance sheet for the past year was read by the Hon. Sec. (Mr. W. K.
Woodcock), and the general tenour of the speeches referring to the Society

January 20, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

53

was to the effect that it was fast rising in the estimation of the people of
Sheffield, and has before it a very promising future. The President
(M. Firth, Esq.) and two Vice-Presidents (0. E. Jeffcock, Esq., and
A. Wilson, Esq.) each signified their intention of giving a sum of £5
to be awarded as the C jmmittee may determine for special prizes in
the schedule about to be prepared for the Society’s next Show. It was
also stated during the evening that the Committee intend offering a
challenge cup in addition to the money prizes in the open class for forty-
eight cut blooms, and that the Hon. Treasurer (Hr. H. Broomhead) has
already received promises of subscriptions to a considerable amount
towards the purchase of a cup.

- The annual dinner of the subscribers and committee to the

Portsmouth Chrysanthemum Society took place at the Albany
Hotel, Portsmouth, on Wednesday. The Mayor, W. D. King, Esq., took
the chair, and Mr. C mncillor F. Power, Hon. Sec., the vice-chair. About
sixty sat down to dinner. In proposing the toasts, the Mayor proposed the
“ Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Royal Family.’’ Mr. A. W .
White proposed the “ Mayor and Corporation,” and said the Town could
congratulate itself on having at the head of affairs a gentleman not only
of ability, but one who threw his whole heart into his duties. Mr.
Barnes proposed the “ Subscribers,” and said that he, Mr. Power, Mr.
Ellis, Mr. Fulljames, talked over the forming of such a Society three
years ago, and they collected £100 this last season. The funds were so
good they gave a prize cup value'£25, which Mr. E. Molyneux won the
first time. On behalf of the Committee he thanked the subscribers.
Alderman Baker replied, and spoke of the true pleasure flowers afforded
to all classes of the community, and of the pleasure the Committee bad
been the means of giving to both rich and poor. Mr. J. Moody pro¬
posed the “ Committee and Mr. F. Power.” He epoke'of the humble
origin of the flower shows, which were started by Mr. Power, and of
their grand growth, until they had arrived to their present success He
saw that this year they commenced with a balance of £42. Mr. Power re¬
plied, and said their great object next autumn was to’get more money and
t) offer more prizes, and make it a regular Jubilee Show, and they could
look forward to still greater success, especially as the horticultural papers
had helped them. Mr. Power urged that their success was due to charging
low prices, and they might depend upon it that by charging popular
prices they would get the best support. Alderman G. E. Kent proposed
the “ Exhibition and Prizewinners.” Mr. W. Drover of Fareham replied,
and was sorry not to have met Mr. Molyneux here to have replied. He
had been to most of the Chrysanthemum Shows this season, and if the
Portsmouth Show goes on as it has done this three years it will not be
second to any in the kingdom. The “ Health of the Mayor ” was pro¬
posed by Mr. Power. The Mayor responded, and wished every success
to the next Show.

- At a meeting of the Royal Botanic Society, held recently

at their gardens in Regent’s Park, Mr. J. P. Gassiott, Vice-President
in the chair, the Secretary spoke of the great damage done to the trees and
shrubs in the gardens by the heavy snow of December 26tb, many large
branches being wrenched completely off. Mr. G. J. Symons, F.R.S., said
that so great a weight of snow had not fallen at any time during the last
thirty years. The destruction caused by it he traced to its very great
•density, more approaching that of ice than snow, and to the fact of its
having thawed while falling, so that it stuck fast to the branches instead
of reaching the ground. A rapid thaw occurred early this week, and the
snow has now nearly disappeared.

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the following summary op me¬
teorological OBSERVATIONS AT HODSOCK PRIORY, WORKSOP, NOTTS,
for December, 1886 : — Mean te nperature of month, 34 9°. Maximum
on the 6th, 53-2° ; minimum on the 18th, l?1!0. Maximum in sun on the
41 h, 881® ; minimum on the grass on the 18th, 10 3°. Mean temperature
of the air at 9 A.M., 33-7°; mean temperature of the soil 1 foot deep, 37'3°.
Number of nights below 32° — in shade 16, on grass 30. Total duration of
sunshine in month sixty- me hours, or 26 per cent, of possible duration ;
six sunless days. Total rainfall 3-51 inches. Maximum fall in twenty-
four hours on the 14th, 0-85 inch. Rain fell on fourteen days. Wind
mostly from westerly points. Average velocity of wind 12\3 miles per
hour. Velocity exceeded 400 miles on eight days, and fell short of 100
miles on two days. The coldest December since 1870 ; rainfall about
the average ; sunshine more than in any of the previous five years. The
barometer minimum reading on the 8th, 27 861, was unprecedentedly low

in England, but a slightly lower reading was recorded in Scotland in
year 1884.

- The same correspondent gives the summary of the weather

for THE year 1886 as follows : — Mean temperature of the year, 46 8° ;
maximum on the 4th of July, 82-8° ; minimum on the 7ih of March, 8-4°.
Maximum in the sun on 4th cf July, 138-2 ; minimum on the grass on
7th of March — 5-4°. Mean temperature of air at 9 A.M., 46-9° ; mean
temperature of soil 1 foot deep, 48 0°. Number of nights below 32° — in
shade 88, on grass 152. Total duration of sunshine for year 1088 hours,
or 25 per cent, of possible duration. Maximum duration in one day, on
the 5th of July, 14-2 hours. We had ninety sunless days. Total rainfall
in year, 27-82 inches ; maximum fall in twenty-four hours on the 13th of
May, 2-02 inches. Rain fell on 191 days. Approximate averages for
the year : — Mean temperature, 48-2° ; rainfall, 2510 inches ; sunshine
(five years) 1274. Remarks ' The year may be described as very cold
and dull and of slightly more than average rainfall. The heavy snow¬
storm on March 1st, followed by a fortnight of intense cold. The
tremendous rains and heavy floods and absence of sunshine in May, a
general absence of severe gales and thunderstorms. The sunshine is less
than in any of the previous five year5. Vegetation was very late through¬
out the year. The fruit crop was generally a good one, except Apples,
which were very scarce. Plums were especially abundant. It has
been a good year for Roses, and also for all late-flowering plants. The
trees kept their leaves unusually late.

- We learn that an exploratory expedition to the island of Fer¬
nando Noronha will shortly be undertaken by Mr. H. N. Ridley of the
British Museum, the funds for which have been contributed by the Royal
Society. This island is situated a few degrees south of the equator, and
200 or 300 miles off Cabo de S. Roque in Brazil. The marine fauna and
flora were collected by the naturalists in the “ Challenger” Expedition, but
as Fernando Noronha is a Brazilian penal settlement, it does not appear that
any naturalist has until now had an opportunity of investigating the flora
of the island itself. The permission for Mr. Ridley’s expedition has been
obtained from the Emperor of Brazil by the trustees of the British
Museum, and the results are likely to be very interesting.

GRAPES WITHOUT HEiT FOR THE MILLION.

( Continued from page 8 .)

Training. — Upright training is the best, or if horizontal the
bearing growths must be taken up. It is no use seeking vigour by
depression. For a fair amount of light to reach the needful annual
growth the canes should be at least 3 feet apart. This allows
18 inches on each side for training in the annual growths. If we
have a low wall, the uprights must be multiplied and the Vine ex¬
tended sideways to make up for the deficiency of height. 1 con¬
sider two upright rods sufficient for a wall over 20 feet in height,
the Vines 6 feet apart ; for walls 12 feet high four upright rods,
the Vines being 12 feet apart ; for walls 8 feet high six to eight
upright rods, the Vines being 18 or 24 feet apart. It follows that
the Vines can be planted nearer or further apart. What I shall
insist on is, that the rods be not nearer for upright training than
3 feet, and if horizontal training is practised 18 inches. I am aware
that Vines, as generally seen against walls in this country, have the
rods much closer, sometimes not more than a foot apart, and the
bearing shoots or annual growths are often not 9 inches apart. The
consequence is the Vine is a perfect thicket of small weakly shoots,
not half of which carry fruit, and those that do have small insig¬
nificant bunches and berries, and being deprived of the sun’s warmth
and light so essential to the solidification of a well-developed
growth and ripening the fruit. By having the shoots further apart
we concentrate the strength on the fewer parts, get the four shoots
in one, and secure much finer bunches and berries, which swell and
ripen better ; indeed, they are more esteemed at table and bring
better prices from the fruiterer. With cultivation we could grow
finer Grapes in this country against walls than find their way from
foreign vineyards. With the spurs 18 inches apart we can train in
two shoots if the Vine does not grow sufficiently vigorous to cover
the space, and I find this an excellent plan for renewing the spurs,
as when close pruning is not satisfactory we have only to train in
another shoot from the base, and this from not carrying fruit plumps
the base eyes ; besides, I have practised the double-spur system with
manifest advantage. In this case we take two shoots from each
spur annually. One is allowed to fruit and the other not, and this
last forms very much finer buds than the fruiting one at the base,
and ripens the wood very much better. The fruited shoot is cut

54

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20, 1887.

out in each year so soon as the Grapes are cut, and the other shoot
is cut back to a couple of eyes. The Vines do all the better for
the extra foliage.

The Vine does not make such large foliage against a wall as it
does under glass. Under glass the rods should be 4 feet apart,
and if those in the house are given 4 feet 6 inches it will be an
advantage, therefore we must plant according to the variety we
want and time allowed for covering. A Vine with one rod will
give as fine Grapes as another with two rods. A large Vine neither
gives larger bunches nor larger berries than a small one. In the
case of the house, the lean-to of 6 feet in addition to the strong¬
growing sorts on the wall, we can train up a rod at every 8 feet of
Frontignans. The shade will not greatly prejudice the Vines on
the wall if they are kept within reasonable bounds and thinly
disposed in the spur shoots, besides which, a line of growth can be
taken all along the front just above the front boards, and this will
give some acceptable Grapes without injury to the other. In no
case must there be a “grabbing” system practised. The Vine
gives returns for proper treatment bounteously ; it resents bad
treatment in a remarkable manner, especially overcrowding and
overcropping.

When the eyes break and the shoots advance we rub off all but
those wanted. Secure the growths loosely, as the shoots thicken
fast and tightness may destroy many yards of growth. Stop the
laterals at the first leaf, pinch or cut off the tendrils, and if the
lead breaks into two reserve one and cut the other away. Let the
shoots have all the run they seek, and stop all side growths above
the joint as made. If unequal in growth, depress the strong or
raise the weak. If for training horizontally, take three shoots,
train all up, depress (if any) the centre one, get as much equal
vigour as possible into the two side ones. The foliage being off, we
have ripe wood with plump eyes at the base upward. Leave all that
is brown and hard. If a cane leave it 6 to 8 feet long ; if two, and
ripe to that extent, make both alike and cut away the laterals. The
■wood not being ripe so long cut back to where it is. Unripe wood
is useless. Bring down the canes, and if two are wanted take
u prights 18 inches on the side of the stem ; if more, take each to
4 feet G inches from the stem, then up if four uprights are wanted,
if more continue horizontal. The canes should be taken up with
a bend, not an angle.

Spring or warmth will bring up the sap, the eyes will swell
b efore that occurs in the upper part of the canes ; bring them down
h r izontally, even depress the ends below the base. It will cause
the base eyes to break evenly with the top and all along. The
cane being a single one, take a shoot as near the base as possible to
the right, and on the same side take another 18 inches or as near as it
can be above it, and so on. On the other side take a shoot 9 inches
higher than that on the opposite side, and then 18 inches asunder
upward, so that we have shoots 18 inches apart on opposite sides of
the cane or rod as it now is, and the uppermost shoot is trained as
leader, allowing it to grow unchecked, as the one it forms a con¬
tinuation of did in the previous year, and it is to be treated in
precisely the same manner, also succeeding ones, until the allotted
area is covered.

In the case of horizontal training, we have three shoots or
canes. The two side or lowest ones are trained horizontally about
1 foot from the soil and only have the unripe wood removed. The
centre one is cut back to 18 inches, and we take three growths from
it as in the previous year, and so on year by year. Along the
horizontal canes rub off all buds except those suitably situated at
18 inches apart, and train the terminal in as leader — that is, to be
subjected to the same course as its forerunner. In addition to those
modes of training there is the serpentine mode. It is a way to
have as much useless rod as possible, and is at best fanciful. There
is also the “ no-particular-system.” It is a good one, for it aims at
keeping the space well furnished with bearing wood, young growths
being trained in to replace old or those that are weakened by bearing,
and it answers capitally. The thing with it is to get the wood ripe,
and that can only be effected by the foliage having proper exposure
to light and air, so that it is done upon the soundest principles.
The spurs are trained similarly to the others, and when they are
enfeebled that part of the Vine is cut out and a young well-ripened
cane trained in its place. It is a matter of getting the space covered
with bearing wood and keeping it replenished. It is hardly possible
to train a Vine wrongly, only have young wood so disposed as to
form plump buds, short jointed, thoroughly solidified, and ripened ;
retaining none other for fruiting. Let a Vine go wild, and it soon
becomes a thicket of unfruitfulness.

Stopping. — The bearing shoots should be stopped one or two
joints beyond the show of fruit. If no fruit show, stop at the
sixth joint. Pinch out the point of the laterals below the bunch
at the first leaf, or rub them off, except from the two lowest leaves.
Above the bunch let the laterals extend if there is space. When

that is covered stop and keep them closely pinched afterwards to
one leaf as made, and if likely to crowd the principal leaves rub
them off. Never allow growth to get beyond the control of the
finger and thumb, and always retain intact the principal foliage,
especially that of the base buds, and the laterals are best retained
on these in vigorous Vines, lest by close stopping above they should
be forced into growth.

Cropping. — A bunch of Grapes may be taken off every shoot
at the distance indicated — viz., 18 inches, and this will be an allow¬
ance of 2j square feet. A pound is plenty for Vines to give year
after year in such a space, so if the bunches are large the Vines

Fig. 9.— Frioj verticilUta.

must be eased by reducing the number. The crop should also be
apportioned to the vigour of the Vines. Very vigorous Vines may
carry heavier crops than those moderately vigorous, and those again
may have more fruit taken than from weak Vines. It is matter
for rational consideration. If error is made it should be on the
safe side — under rather than over-cropping. Quality is everything
in Grapes.

Thinning. — The shoots will show, perhaps, more bunches than
are wanted. Only wait until the best can be distinguished, then
remove the others. To leave them until after flowering only
induces a bad set, for it is absurd to suppose two bunches will set
better than one, though one on a shoot is likely to set better
than two. When fairly swelling (the berries being the size of small
green Peas) commence thinning. Take out the small and stoneless
berries first, then thin so that the berries will have room for swelling
to their full size without wedging and forcing the berries out of
shape. Avoid, on the other hand, taking out so many that the
bunch will have a loose appearance and not keep itself in position
when cut and placed on the dessert dish. I should not like to
decide as to whether a bunch too little thinned or an over-thinned
bunch of Grapes is the most unsightly. It is difficult to tell how
to thin Grapes. Inexperienced persons should first cut out the
' small berries, wait a few days, and then thin out what seems super-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

55

January JO, 1887. ]

fluous, and a third examination may be made before the Grapes
commence colouring, and where the berries are too crowded remove
the worst. A little practice and close observation will soon make a
good Grape-thinner. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

WINTER-FLOWERING HEATHS.

There are probably very few winter-flowering plants increased and
sold annually to such an extent as winter-flowering Heaths ; that is, if we
may judge from the great trade sales which are held annually in the
neighbourhood of London, besides the scores of thousands which are sold
by nurserymen in the usual way of business. The majority of those sold
at these sales are bought up by florists, and are used for decorating, and
by the time they have finished flowering, or sometimes before, they are
dead, as they are often placed in positions where they cannot possibly be
watered. That winter-flowering Heaths when purchased just as they are
advancing into bloom can be grown successfully for several seasons we
have proved beyond doubt, and if attended to as we shall describe, any
readers who possess a greenhouse can succeed in growing them. It cannot
be expected that amateurs will succeed in propagating this class of plants,
as very few professional gardeners succeed, and they find it far more
profitable to purchase plants just before they come into bloom. The most
popular are Erica gracilis autumnalis, E. hyemalis, and E. Wilmoreana.
The former has rosy-purple flowers, and is just past its best ; E. hyemalis,
pink, tipped with white, and is now in full beauty ; and E. Wilmoreana
is similar to the preceding, but later ; E. verticillata, fig. 9, is less well
known, but very showy, with loog drooping, red flowers.

If plants are purchased in the autumn the most suitable position when
received will be on a front greenhouse stage, not too far from the glass,
and well exposed to light and air. Although Heaths delight in a free
circulation of fresh air, they must not be subjected to a cold draught, as
that would be fatal. Dryness at the root is also fatal, and probably
ninety-nine out of every hundred die through the soil being allowed to
become too dry. On the other hand, the plants must not be over-watered,
as both extremes are fatal. Water should be applied just as the soil is
becoming moderately dry, and it should then have a thorough supply, so as
to moistea the whole ball of soil, and do not water again until the same
condition is reached. After the plants have finished blooming the shoots
should be shortened to about 2 or 3 inches of the current season’s growth,
and be kept well exposed to light and air, as the growth becomes sturdy.
About the first week in March the plants will need placing into a size
larger pot.

The compost used should be rough peat, with a sixth part of sharp
silver sand and a little charcoal. The pots must be particularly well
drained, and the compost rammed firmly around the old ball with a blunt'
pointed stick. Keep the collar of the plant well up, as the stem must not
be buried. Afrer potting place the plants on a clo;e stage (ashes is suit¬
able for the stage to be surfaced with), and do not admit any side, air for
two or three weeks. About two days after repotting the plants should
receive a thorough watering, and be damped about the pots twice a day.

About the first week in May stand the plants out in a cold frame, and
a month afterwards place them out in the open air. Beyond attention in
watering, nothing further will be required until about the middle of Sep¬
tember, when the plants may be placed in the greenhouse. Rain water
shoull always be used. — A. Young.

WORK forthe WEEK.. O

typfj

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Heavy falls of snow and severe fr >sts have stopped much of the work
in this department, and it will be unwise in many instances to attempt
much in the way of pruning, nailing, planting, and other seasonable work
till the ground is in better condition. On no account should any planting be
done at present, so much depending upon this being properly performed,
and it is very certain the soil will not be in a fit state to receive the trees
for another month or more. In many instances the trees have been re¬
ceived and laid in by the heels, and those who may have their orders
executed at the present time should either store them in the bale just as
received in a cool dark cellar, or where no cold drying or frosty winds will
reach them, or if the weather permits lay them in singly, choosing a
sheltered spot for them. All trees thus laid in should also have same
loose straw or other litter thrown over them, this protecting them from
severe frost and parching winds. We also usually make a special request
to the nurserymen who supply the trees, that our consignment be packed
as soon as possible as they are lifted, too many trees and plants being
seriously injured in cold draughty packing sheds. It is to the nursery¬
man’s as much as the gardener’s credit that the newly bought trees do well ;
but if the roots, besides being much damaged in the lifting, are also unduly
exposed to all weathers, they are a long time in recovering from the check
administered, and the gardener gets the blame.

Orchard Trees. — These are too often neglected, this being especi- .

ally the case with the older trees. Many garden trees are too freely
pruned, while perhaps an orchard on the same place is never touched.
To be constantly hacking young orchards, these being principally standard
Apples on the Crab stock, is very unwise, a plentiful crop of strong
shoots and little or no fruit resulting. Till-such times as a well-balanced
head is secured a certain amount of free, pruning is necessary, after which
no shortening back should be resorted to unless any of the limbs [are
unduly ahead of the rest, when these should have their leaders hard
cut back to some of the less gross lateral growths. This fore-shortening,
as it is technically termed, is also necessary in the case of trees that
extend beyond the space allotted to each. Where the branches are at
all crowded, crossing each other in all directions, they require to be
freely thinned, a moderate number of regularly arranged limbs being best
calculated to eventually develope in a strong free-bearing tree. It is by
no means an uncommon occurrence to see whole fagots of wood cut out of
large Apple trees, but this practice cannot be too strongly condemned.
Freely thinned out they should be, but even if they are in a very bad
plight, such wholesale destruction should not be resorted to. All weakly
inner growth being valueless should be first removed, and a small hand¬
saw is the proper tool for thinning out the interlaced branches all over
the tree, trimming round the wounds with a knife. In some cases fore¬
shortening ought to be practised, but in no case should there be any
fagots. It takes some time to properly thin the branches of a large tree,
especially for the first time, but the following winters it will be very
light work. At the present time, unless a frost prevails, the men will do
more harm than good in the garden, but the orchards being usually
grassed down no harm will be done by trampling.

Removing Moss and Lichen from Fruit Trees. — This is not always
such a difficult matter as some imagine, and it is very certain its removal
has a most beneficial effect on the trees. These parasites are most plenti¬
ful where the soil or position is badly drained, and where the air is also
much excluded from the trees ; remedy this and the moss and lichen will
disappear. The ground might have been well drained at the outset, but
the roots of the trees gradually either disconnect or choke the pipes, and
stagnation is the consequence. The first proceeding then should be to
drain afresh, also thinning out the trees where necessary. If this fails
to effect a cure, or cannot be given a trial, much may be done towards
destroying the parasites with the aid of newly slaked lime, this being
shaken well among the limbs when damp, and abundantly dashed into
the rough stems. Some prefer to make thin limewash, and either syringe
the trees or apply it with brushes, and if the stems have been previously
scraped the lime will be still more effective. Others have used soapsuds
and weak brine with good results.

American Blight. — This is still more injurious to the trees and
harder to get rid of. Petroleum added to soapsuds at the rate of 1 pint
to the gallon of the suds, kept stirred as it is being forcibly syringed
against the affected parts will, if persevered in, destroy the pests without
injuring the tree. We prefer to brush in a mixture of gas tar and clayey
water in equal parts, and this never fails.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Forced Vines in Pots. — Allow the laterals beyond the
bunches to extend as far as space permits, as the more foliage a Vine has
fully exposed, the greater will be the root action, and the better nourished
will be the fruit. Supply liquid manure slightly warmer than the tem¬
perature of the house, and surface dress with rich compost. If the Vines
have the benefit of a bed of fermenting materials, place some turves
around the rim and so as to reach over on to the fermenting bed, filling
the space between the turves and s'em of the Vine with rotten manure,
keeping the turves and fermenting materials about the pots moist so as to
encourage the roots to extend beyond the pots. Turn, and add to the
fermenting materials as they settle down. Discontinue syringing after
the Vines commence flowering, as a somewhat drier atmosphere is desir¬
able at that time, but when the berries are set, keep the floors and walls
damp by sprinkling in the morning and early afternoon, and the evapo¬
ration troughs should be filled with liquid manure or guano water, 1 lb. to
20 gallons of water.

Early Houses. — Avoid a close atmosphere. Ventilate when the weather
is favourable, so as to give substance to the foliage, closing early, and .
allowing the temperature to rise to 80° or 85°, so as to utilise the sun heat
and secure as long a day’s growth as possible, or whilst there is light.
The temperature after the Vines are in leaf should be 60° to 65° at night,
and 70° to 75° by day artificially, keeping it through the day with sun
heat at 80° to 85°, with air more or less from between 70° and 75° according
to the state of the weather. Disbud as soon as the best can be selected,
and leave only one shoot to each spur, though where the Vines are weak
and the spurs a good distance apart, two shoots may be allowed, especially
where the space is not sufficient to allow a good extension. The extra
foliage, always providing it can be properly exposed to light, will do
much to encourage root action and secure well swelled berries.

Late Vines. — Late Grapes well ripened of the thick-skinned kinds
may be cut with as much wood as can be spared. Do not remove the
wood above the bunch, but retain it as far as practicable, as we find the
Grapes keep more plump with wood beyond the bunch than without
The lower ends should be placed in bottles of rain water about three parts
full, placing a piece of charcoal in each bottle. The botUei will require
to be placed in a slanting position, which needs no expensive contrivance,
but simply a rest for the bottles and a strong lath, to which they may be
secured with string in a leaning position. It is necessary that the bunches
do not touch each other. Scrutinise for and remove all decayed berries,
securing as near as possible an equable temperature of 45°.

56

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ January SO, 1887.

Pruning. — Let all Vines from which the Grapes have been cat be
pruned without delay. In performing that operation some are careful
omly to cut to a plump hud, from an idea that the largest eyes afford the
largest bunches, but except in the case of weakly or very luxuriant Vines
the practice is not desirable, as from eyes nearer the base the bunches will
be large enough for table purposes, and will be more symmetrical and
compact in form, and having larger and more even berries, attaining to a
more perfect finish than large loose bunches, which, as a rule, are uneven
in berry and finish badly. We consider it a safe rule to retain two eyes
in pruning, but if from overcropping or other cause the Vines do not
give sufficiently large bunches, or in the case of strong Vines the base
buds are small and pointed, and when a departure is made from it in
quest of large bunches, select a plump eye as near to the main rod as
possible. In the course of time the spurs by this plan become unsightly,
but that can be prevented by laying in young wood, and cutting away
that which has fruited, or fresh rods can be run up for displacing those
witn very lone spurs. The cuts, so soon as the pruning is finished, should
be dressed with styptic or knotting to prevent bleeding.

Dressing the Vines. — Remove the loose bark and wash the Vine rods
with soapy water, 4 ozs. to a gallon, and unless there has been an attack
of red spider or other insect pests this is all the dressing required ; but
if those and other pests have infested the Vines dress them with a com¬
position formed of 6 ozs. softsoap, half a gallon of tobacco juice, half a
gallon of water, a quarter of a pint spirits of turpentine, and as much
flowers of sulphur as will make a creamy mixture, applying it with a
brush, and rubbing it into every angle. This is fatal to every kind of
insect — red spider, thrips, scale, or mealy bug, and subdues mildew. The
border should have the mulching and loose surface soil removed to a
depth of 2 or 3 inches, and a top-dressing given of good loam with a
liboral addition, about a twentieth of crushed bones and a similar pro¬
portion of wood ashes. If the Vines have exhibited a tendency to soften¬
ing of wood apply a dressing of quicklime, a bushel per rod (30^ square
yards), and point it in lightiv wiih a fork, being careful of tne roots.
The house should be thoroughly cleansed and painted if required. Keep
it as cool as possible, so as to insure a few weeks’ complete rest.

Lifting Vines. — If the borders are not satisfactory no time need be
lost in lifting the roots and relaying them in fresh compost, making
sure that the drainage is complete, for the Vine requires abundance of
water during growth, and without thorough drainage the water causes a
state of the soil more disastrous than drought. If the Vines are planted
inside, and have the range of inside and outside borders, the renovation
may be effected without loss of crop, remaking the inside border one
year and the outside the year following.

Pines. — The plants which completed their growth early last autumu
and have been treated so as to fruit early in the year, will now be doing
so; if not, they must have extra care and attention, which will be fully
repaid by the fruit ripening at a time when it is most valuable. Take
every advantage, therefore, of favourable weather to afford increased ,heat
during the day. Allow the temperature to rise to 80° before giving air,
then allow it to further rise to 85° or 90°, closing at 85° ; the night tem¬
perature being raised to 70°, to 75° by day by artificial means, unless the
weather be dull and cold, when 5° less will he more suitable. Corre¬
sponding moisture will need to be maintained, not seeking it, however, by
syringing overhead or over the pipes when hot, but by damping unheated
surfaces two or more times a day. The heat should be kept steady at
the roots at 85° to 90° for Queens, other varieties 5° less. Examine the
plants once a week, watering such as require it with weak liquid manure
liberally at the same temperature as the roots.

Fruiting Plants. — These should have a night temperature of 60° to
65°, 65° by day in dull weather, 70° to 80° by day with sun, ventilating
a little at 75°, and closing so as to enclose a little sun heat, at which time
sprinkle paths, walks, and walls.

Succession Plants. — Keep these slowly advancing in a night tempera¬
ture of 55° to 60°, 60° to 65° dy day, with an advance from sun heat of
5° to 10°, and moderate ventilation, it being safer to err on the side of
moderate dryness with these plants for the present rather than afford too
much moisture at the roots or in the atmosphere.

Figs.— Early -forced Trees in Pots. — The trees started in November
to afford ripe fruit in late April or early May will be forming fresh roots
plentifully, the bottom heat being kept steady at 70° to 75°. Bring up
the fermenting materials to the rim of the pots if not already done, and
instead of allowing the roots to come over the rim of the pots unchecked
to ramble at will in the fermenting material, place pieces of turf (as
before advised) round the rims of the pots and extending over or down
the sides into the fermenting material, with a view of keeping the roots
near home and to induce a sturdier growth, as when the roots ramble
through the leaves in the early stages of growth the shoots partake more
cr less of the character of the roots ; besides, with the roots near home
the top-dressings are mote readily available as food for the trees. Main¬
tain a good moisture in the atmosphere by syringing twice a day and
damping as may be required in bright weather, taking advantage of
every gleam of sunshine for raising the temperature to 80°, admitting a
little air at 70°, increasing it with the temperature, closing at 75°, and so
as to raise the temperature from sun heat to 80°. See that there is no
lack of water at the roots. The drainage being good there is little to
dread from giving too much water, many crops being lost by their keeping
it too dry. The temperature by day in dull weather should be kept at
65°, 60° at night when the external air is cold, but 5° higher when the
weather is mild. Disbudding will need to be attended to as growth

advances, and gross shoots stopped at about the fifth or sixth joint ; hut
the finest Figs are borne upon extensions.

Early forced Planted-out Trees. — The trees in the house started early
in the month and planted in inside borders will, if the borders have had
repeated waterings at a temperature of 85°, so as to bring them into a
thoroughly moist condition, be starting into growth, and may have the
night temperature increased to 55°, 60° to 65° by day from fire heat, with
an advance from sun heat to 70° or 75°. Syringe twice a day as
before advised, and see that the borders are properly moistened. The
afternoon syringing should always be done so early as to allow the trees
to become fairly dry before night. If the trees are weak a thorough,
soaking with liquid manure, not too strong, at a temperature of 85° to
90°, will assist the growth.

Cherry House. — Beyond the necessary attention in watering trees
in pots and syringing the house, with attention to ventilation, there will
be little needed at present, the temperature being kept at 40° at night,.
45° to 50° by day by artificial means, ventilating at 50°, and allowing a
rise of 10°_to 15° from sun heat, with full ventilation, closing at 50°.

PLANT HOUSES.

Zonal Pelargoniums. — Those that were in the conservatory during
the autumn, and have since been kept perfectly dry at their roots, may be
cut back. Place them in a vinery or Peach house where a temperature
of 50° can be maintained until they break into growth. Syringe them
twice daily during favourable weather, but give no water at their roots
until growth commences. From amongst those that have more recently
discontinued flowering, some of the most compact may be selected for
flowering again, which they will do in a very short time if given a tempe¬
rature of 50° to 55°. These may be top-dressed or given a little artificial
manure on the surface of the soil after thoroughly watering them. The
remainder of this batch should be prepared for cutting back by keeping
them perfectly dry at their roots. Young stock of both single and
double varieties that have been wintered in 3-inch pots in a temperature
of 40° may now be transferred into 5-inch pots. Pot firmly in a compost
of fibry loam, one-seventh of manure, and a little sand. Place them
afterwards on a shelf close to the glass where a night temperature of 50°
can be maintained until they make a start, when 5° more may be given..
Water. carefully until they are rooting in the fresh soil.

Fuchsias. — Autumn struck cuttings that have been kept slowly
moving during the winter on a shelf close to the glass may now be placed
in 5-inch pots. These should be potted moderately firm, and about one-
third of leaf mould may he added for them to the compost advised above.
Each plant should be supplied with a small stake, and then grown on.
close to the glass in a temperature of 55°. These will make useful deco¬
rative plants in the pots named, and when they have filled them with
roots supply weak liquid manure or artificial manures applied to the
surface. A number of old plants that have been resting in a oool shed or
other position may now be pruned and introduced into a Peach house or
vinery. At first only syringe them twice daily until they are starting,
when the soil may be thoroughly soaked with tepid water. When they
have have broken into growth the whole or the greater portion of the old
soil should be shaken from their roots, and the plants placed in smaller
pots, to be afterwards transferred into a larger size when in active
growth.

Lantanas. — Plants that have been at rest may now be closely pruned
in and introduced into gentle heat until they commence growth. In this
stage they must be turned out of their pots and the old roots partially
reduced, and then repotted into the same or smaller pots as the case may
be. These plants do well in the compost advised for Fuchsias ; the leaf
soil encourages rapid growth, which is beneficial in their early stages.
When placing them in their largest pots use the compost advised for
Pelargoniums.

Cannas. — These are useful for conservatory and room decoration,
especially where groups of plants have to be maintained in dark comers,
which is often the case. Wnile these plants are at rest we invariably turn
them out of their pots — that is, if these are required for other purposes,
and store the roots in a shed or under the stage. If out of their pots,
place the roots on the surface of the Vine border and scatter some leaf
soil amongst them. When they have started into growth the stock can
be increased by division. The plants are most useful in from 5 to 7 inch
pots.

Rliynchospermum jasminoides. — This will do well in the greenhouse,,
but in such p jsitions is a long time before it attains any size, for its
growth is only short and sturdy. To increase the size of the plant
rapidly it should be started and given stove treatment after enjoying a
good rest in a cool place. In heat this plant makes growths several feet
in length in the course of a season, and quickly covers a good sized
trellis. By introducing a few plants at a time in a temperature of 50°,
increasing it to 60° as growth extends, a good succession of flowers can be
obtained. Cuttings of young wood strike freely in heat in sandy soil
under a bellglass, and beautiful decorative plants can be grown in 6 and
6 inch pots by this method in about two years that will be covered with
bloom. The growths should be trained upright at first, and then round
four or five stakes, from which lateral growths will be produced, and the
plants will assume the habit of bushes.

Mignonette. — The recent severe weather has compelled the use of more-
fire beat than is good for the well-being of these plants where large spikes
of bloom are required. Be careful to use no more fire heat than is really
necessary, only just exclude frost from them or they will grow weakly.

1 Any plants in this condition by too close treatment may be tied down

January JO, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

57

if on trellises ; if they are showing flowers pinch them, and if they are
kept oool and plenty of air given whenever favourable, they will, as the
days lengthen, increase in strength and vigour. To all plants with their
pots full of roots give a little artificial manure to the surface at intervals
of two or three week'. To maintain a succession of spikes for cutting it
is often necessary to keep the plants in a temperature of 45° to 50°, but
under these conditions the spikes will only be small. Be careful not to
overwater them, and on the other hand they must not be allowed to
suffer by an insufficient supply, or their shoots will become woody, and
only poor spikes will result.

Ericas. — Such Heaths as Erica hyemalis and others as they cease
•flowering should be cut down at once and placed where a night tem¬
perature of 45° is maintained. This is important if they are to flower
another year, for if their growths are late they cannot be expected to
become thoroughly ripe and set a good crop of fl owers. These plants
should be stood on a moist base such as gravel or ashes afford. Keep
young plants cool so as not to excite them into growth, for if they have
been properly managed those in 3-inch pots will have sturdy growths
about 1 inch long, which will grow rapidly after they are placed in
their largest pots. The object is to get old stock into the same condition
as the young ones as early as possible, then success can be insured. In the
northern parts of the country it cannot, unless every eff >rt is made to
encourage an early grow'h.

IMhF BEE-KEEPER.

£

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES — A NEW FOUL BROOD

—TUNISIAN BEES.

“ A Notts Bee-keeper ” (page 592, last vol.) wishes for my
experience of the Cyprian and Syrian bees. Of the first 1 never
succeeded in getting a live queen till the past autumn (I have two at
present), so cannot say anything ; but of Syrians I have had about
twenty, each one of which came from Mr. Benton per po3t from
Beyrout at different times between 1881-6, so I ought to know what
they are like. My experience is not yet as perfect as I should have
liked, because since 1883 my bees have been troubled with an in¬
fectious disease, closely allied to “ foul brood,” a disease pronounced
by Mr. Cheshire to be quite new to him ; it has at no time the slight¬
est smell, and as I thought that only foul brood was infectious, and
that it could not be mistaken on account of its strong smell, I suc¬
ceeded, through interchanging combs, to get it in every hive before
I realised its infectious nature. In the spring of 1885 I sent queens
and specimens to Mr. Cheshire, who described it as a new baccillus
disease, which lay in strings like links of sausages and not like
baccillus alnee, which is like pieces of sticks crossed anyhow. He
promised to cultivate it, and 1 took to trying to cure it with phenal,
but it proved a signal failure. In 1886 1 tried Woodbury’s starving
plan, otherwise called Jane’s, which has so far proved a success. It
will thus be seen that I have not had my apiary in a healthy condi¬
tion to reap large harvests of honey, but as I believe every stock I
have now is healthy and strong and shall know how to prevent
disease in future, I hope to fairly test all kinds of bees and their
crosses— viz., Cyprian, Syrian, Carniolian, and Tunisian bees, having
imported queens of all these races.

Of Syrians I find imported queens very tender the first winter
here, and what is worse they often “ go missing ” during the summer.
Even when introduced to young bees abroad I have found them
missing ten days after and queen cells well under way. “ A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper ’’ describes Syrians as being vicious during the
swarming fever, and much inclined to rob ; neither of these vices
have 1 noticed in the produce of imported queens, nor in pure home¬
bred ones, but I had one home-bred Syrian that mated to a hybrid
Italian drone, which was very vicious, though it showed no inclina¬
tion to rob. 1 have had two imported Palestine queens and want no
more. I should judge that his Syrians are Palestines crossed with
hybrid Italian drones, for if not imported direct they may be super¬
seded as a young laying daughter reigning instead within three weeks’
time, as I have several times experienced. Then again in America
and with some here the Palestines are called “ Syrian.” The editor
•of the American Bee Journal, on being requested to make a dis¬
tinction, said they were properly called “ Syrian,” as a reference to a
map of Asia (probably a political map) would show, and triumph¬
antly finished up his geographical knowledge by referring to Scot¬
land, describing it as “ one of the British islands.” I do not think
u A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ’’ is so confused, but I would just like to
know the history of his “ Syrians,” as his letters are freely copied in
the American papers, and i have not been able to corroborate his
observations on them. I do not doubt his honesty — this is above

doubt — but I do seriously doubt his having the true Syrians. That
these bees are not naturally vicious may be taken for granted when
we remember the natives sometimes have 500 hives piled one on the
top of the other, entrances facing the street, the said street only wide
emugh for two loaded mules to pass, and nearly all keep bees. How
would the naked children and half clad natives get on if bees at
swarming time had to be taken two miles from everywhere ?

Regarding the management of these bees, how many send for a
queen in May or June, give her to three or four frames of bees, and
as soon as nine or ten frames are full at the beginning of July, put on a
crate of sections, and just when they expect them to be full of honey
they find them full of brood and not a pound of honey in the whole
hive, instead of the thousand pounds they expected ? I do not
believe the foundation of success can be laid any spring with these
bees, but must be done during summer for the next season, and I
advise the following proceeding : — When you get your queen in the
spring give her to a good strong stock, keep taking out a frame of
eggs to rear other queens for hybrid stocks, and neither let your im-
ported queen be extra strong or weak in bees, about ten standard
frames well covered will do ; in the fall she should be given by
means of my direct “ Law ” to a black stock of bees to winter, these
will keep her in check, and the next season she will be acclimatised.
As soon as nine or ten frames are well covered add nine or ten more
frames under them — she will fill eighteen standard frames with
brood — and when the bottom set is full of brood and July has not
come in, piles of sections, supers, &c., can be gradually put on the
top ; in fact, they must be worked on the Stewarton system, whether
for comb or extracted honey. A third set of brood combs may be
given under the other two, but if the first two are not full of brood
by the end of July all hope of a harvest is past for that season, and the
best course to adopt is to give a third set under the other two and
feed all August to induce breeding, unless sent to the moors ; the
top set of combs must be full of food for winter, and if the middle
set is half full so much the better, pack them the first week in
September for winter — all three sets of comb, mind — and it matters
not whether the hive has a wire cloth bottom or stands a yard above
ground with no bottom at all, so long as they are dry and warm on
all the other five sides and there is plenty of ventilation below, the
bees will be sure to winter all right, and every bee hatched in August
will live to see June following, barring accidents. Thirty-five or
forty pounds of sealed stores will be required, and this stock the
following season, with a queen in her third year, will simply do
wonders if there is any honey to be had. I have a Syrian queen at
present, imported in 1884, that £5 would not buy.

Home-bred queens are ready for work the summer following their
birth, are well acclimatised and cross-mated, and are better honey
gatherers than the pure race ; but with these as with the pure, 35 lbs. or
40 lbs. of stores must be left with two sets of combs full of bees,
and a third set under to give space to prevent overcrowding ; with¬
out these conditions in the fall, you may just as well expect a quart
of peas out of a pint measure as an extra large crop of honey from
these bees. The management in spring consists in letting them
alone until the bottom set of combs shows signs of being full of bees
and brood, and if the top set are all full of honey sealed they may
be taken away for winter food and clean supers put on inetead, thus
two sets are full of brood, with a set in reserve to save the trouble
of feeding. If standard frames (14 inches by 8 inches) alone are
used, sixty will be needed for a stock, all on at once. The above is
what I consider the proper way to manage Syrians, founded on
close observation and experiment.

Tunisian Bees — Has anyone ever had these bees ? if so, will
they please give their experience ? Mr. Frank Benton sent me a
queen last spring (he tried in 1885, but only two workers arrived
alive) which I introduced to a healthy black stock. By the time bees
begun to hatch I found the stock diseased, and put queen and bees
to starve, and then gave them two dry clean combs, 14 inches by
lOf inches. End of June, honey being plentiful, they kept them¬
selves, but by the middle of July they had dwindled down to about a
wineglassful of bees, with a patch of brood in one comb (one side
only) the size of a penny, and as they seemed able to keep them¬
selves, and thinking they would require acclimatising, I decided to
let them alone. They thus remained till the 10th August, when I
found a larger patch of brood on both sides of one frame and one side
of the other, the bees much more numerous, the brood healthy, and
though plenty of eggs, not much honey ; so to save the trouble of
feeding and to keep them alive I gave them another frame which
contained about 2 lbs. of honey. I did not examine them again till the
end of the month, when I found two patches each about the size of
half a tea-saucer, being along the top bar close to the quilt. In Septem¬
ber 1 thought I would find them some work in storing syrup, so I
inverted a 2 lb. jam bottle full on, which slowly went ; then I put on a
8 lb. ditto, then I examined them about the end of September, and found

J.OURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20,1687.

the first two frames half full of brood, and a large patch in the third.
When I got my other bees from the moors I noticed they could
smell sweets anywhere, and though when once in possession they
kept all others at bay (English Syrians and Syrian hybrids) they
never attempted to take the offensive. About the middle of October I
gave a fourth frame, and went on feeding. November 1st I ex¬
amined again to be sure they were safe, and found two frames quite
full of brood and a third half full. I never felt more surprised in
my life, and the bees were so numerous that in a week’B time they
would be “ hagging ” out. I gave them a fifth frame half full of
comb, which contained ahout 1 lb. of Heather honey, and I inverted
four 3-lb. bottles of syrup on top of the frames. They took in all
about 16 lbs. I examined them on thte 23rd and found lots of sealed
brood, about equal to 2 lbs. of bees, apparently plenty of food at
last, the frame 1 gave on the first fully filled with comb to the bot¬
tom, and at least 5 lbs. of bees in the wing state Had I had another
comb I should have let them have it. I have not opened the hive
since. Before this I was very much struck with their ability to bring
in pollen on days when no other bees would stir out. On Novem¬
ber 1st they were bringing it in as if Apples were in bloom, and in
pollen stores at least they kept themselves very well supplied. At
the beginning of December we had a sharp frost ; on the 5th it
rained in the morning and froze as it fell, everything being covered
with ice ; at noon I just walked 'round the apiary, the mercury was
standing at exactly 32°, and though it was not raining it looked like
it, no sun to be discerned. Of course I never expected to see any
live bees about, but a Tunisian came out, marched round the flight
board, then took wing, flew round almost out of sight, turned, came
back, and marched into the hive. This surprised me, but being cold
and hungry, and dinner likely to be ready, I left them. Since very
cold weather set in, and knowing there must be very many young
bees that have never had a fly, I have watched them very closely.
They seem to be slightly dysenteric, but if the sun is out and the
mercury is not lower than 30°, they can take a cleansing flight and
safely reach their hive again, even if the ground is covered with
glittering snow, nor do they seem to fly into it like our native bees
do, so that now I have great hopes of having them strong in the
spring.

Their apparent hardiness has not only surprised, but favourably
impressed me. Coming from a tropical region I certainly did not
expect it — I thought they would be more tender than even the
Palestine bees — I should judge that unlike most bees they have
always been wild, inhabiting rocks in the mountains exposed to all
kinds of weather, and only those capable of being able to stand the
cold and wet seasons have survived. The Arabs are not much in¬
clined to follow any peaceful occupation, therefore they may get all
their honey from the rocks. Mr. Benton might give us much infor¬
mation, I think. He has given some, the principle being that they
are the blackest bees known, and that he thinks they reached Tunis
from Greece. I am inclined to doubt this. I would much prefer
thinking they may be the original type of our native bees ; in fact,
of all the black or brown bees. Anyhow they promise to be very
valuable for this climate. I certainly never saw or heard of a
wineglassful of bees in July getting strong enough to winter before.

The bees are ebony black, mind their own business, and only
need a slight smell of carbolic acid to quiet them. Queens are very
small, and whether the bees are longer lived than others, or being so
much more hardy and less liable to be chi’led before getting back to
hives or not, the quantity of brood was very small in comparison to
the bees. If this is a fixed trait, then we may expect more honey, as
more fielders and less nurses comparatively will be in each hive. — A
Hallamshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Thomas Davies & Co , Wavertree Nursery, Liverpool. — Catalogue of
Vegetable and Flower Seeds.

Gardno & Darling, 80, Union Street, Aberdeen. — Se’ect List of Vegetable
and Flower Seeds.

Ormiston & Renwick, Melrose. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower
Seeds.

®0®. All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.

Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never kend more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

Books (Weeldy Subscriber). — We do not know of any work specially
devoted to the culture of the fancy Pelargonium. Full cultural instructions
have appeared in this Journal, though not recently, and if you cannot pro¬
cure the information in the manner you desire, we can perhaps assist you
if you state your object and means for its attainment. (A Young Gar¬
dener). — There are many kinds of “ designs,” and you give no idea of your
object. If you cud procure a copy of the ‘'Landscape Gardener,” by
Joseph Newton, it may perhaps in some degree meet your requirements.
We do not know where it can be had now ; it was originally published by
Messrs. Hardwicke and Bogue, Piccadilly.

Autumn Pears ( W. J.). — We doubt if any variety will suit your pur¬
pose better than Wiliams1 Bon Chretien.

Odontoglossum ramosissimum (S. E.). — This Orchid succeeds best in
an intermediate house, but is rather difficult to establish, though when
healthy it flowers well and is worth growing. The sepals and petals are
narrow, white, purple at the base, the lip heart-shaped, purple in the centre.

Pillar Plants for Intermediate House (T. T.). — Besides those you name
Jasminum gracillimum, Plumbago rosea, Rondeletia speciosa major,
Clerodendron Balfourianum, Rhynchospermum jasminoides, and Begonia
fuchsioides would probably be suitable ; but much depends on the position
and height of the pillars. The temperature would be fully too high for the
Mandevilla, and though it would grow well might not flower freely.

Vine Shoots Fasciated ( Ashbourne ). — The chief cause is over-luxuri¬
ance. If the shoots showing the defect are leading ones we find it bett r
to cut the part away and train up a lateral from the joint next below, which
will make a good cane, only the growth is delayed a little. If the shoots
are laterals, take two from each spur, making cnoice of the best for exten¬
sion, cutting the other away, and by allowing growth to be made so far
as space admits the vigour will be subdued.

Prices of Digging, Bastard Trenching, and Trenching (J. J. S.). — The
prices vary in different localities and soils. For digging light soil a spit
deep, 3d..to 4d. ; heavy soil, 4d. to 5d. Bastard trenching in light soil, 8d.
to lOd. ; heavy soil, lOd. to Is. Trenching in light soil two spits deep, Is.
to Is. 2d. ; heavy soil, Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. per rod fSO-j square yards). The
wages of good day labourers, where those prices obtained, were 2s. 6d. per
day. A great deal depends upon the nature of the soil and the way the
work is done, The name of the plant that grows in Africa and is called the
Silver-leaf, is Leucadendron argenteum.

A Boiler Difficulty {Inquirer). — As you desire to have the use of the
horizontal flue you must try the effect of heightening the chimney ; this
can easily be done, temporarily, with a few lengths of piping. If that is not
practicable or does not answer you will have to abandon the horizontal flue
and conduct the smoke away direct from the boiler into a chimney in the
back wall. There was perhaps a greater rise from the old boiler into the
horizontal flue, or the boiler may have been different, or not set exactly
the same as the new. However that may be, the fault is in the flue now, if
your sketch is correct, and we should be much surprised if the arrange¬
ment proved even fairly satisfactory. If you can contrive to have a nearly
vertical rise from the boiler into the flue, and at the same time iiicrease the
height of the chimney, you may perhaps surmount the difficulty. It would
vanish, we think, with a chimney in the back wail.

Magnolia Unhealthy {L. It.). — If the tree was seriously injured by frost
it may not be possible to “ restore it to its original h- alth and vigour.” We
suspect from what you say the growths do not mature in the autumn, and
growth from unripened wood is never sa'isfactory. We should prune the
tree, cutting back weak or soft portions to good buds and firm wood, leaving
the best portions for disposing thinly over the surface. We should then
try the method of renovation detailed on page 568, our issue of December
23rd, 1886, for however good in style the soil may be, it must be more or
less exhausted by a tree that has been established in it for twenty-five
years.

Bones — Potatoes ( A Young Gardener). — Bones broken to the size of
hens’ eggs would be good for incorporating with the soil of a Vine border,
especially mechanically, but would be very slow in their manurial action.
The smaller bones are ground or crushed the more immediate are their
effects on Vines and plants. A bushel of half-inch bones to a cartload of
soil is a favourite mixture with many good Grape growers. We advise you
to smash the bones much smaller. We suspect the disease that attacks
your Potatoes internally is incurable, and you had better procure seed
tubers from a fresh source, and not place manure in the drills at the time
of planting. A sprinkling of superphosphate of lime would be preferable,
scattering in a large handful over a length of 8 or 9 yards.

Petroleum {F. J.). — The crystal oil to which you refer is probably highly
rectified petroleum, but on this point the vendors are obviously in a better
position to give you precise information than we are, a sample being
requisite for the purpose of a specific reply. This, however, is Dot neces¬
sary under the circumstances, since the cheaper kind, incorrectly called
paraffin, will answer your purpose oi destroying insects if rightly used.
Paraffin is a solid substance. Assuming that the crystal oil is purified

January 20, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

petroleum you may safely use it, if properly prepare!, for syringing fruit
trees. Amateurs should proceed cautiously and experimentally in usin^ this

lnsectioiie for the first time.

Pr,otectl“S F™it Trees ( Blackrock). — For the effectual preservation of
the blossom of fruit trees we prefer moveable canvas blinds, only drawing
them over the tre s during frosty nights, when sharp morning frosts are
imminent, or when the weather is such as to endanger the blossom if it
were exposed. If perm inent blinds are used they must be of lighter material
such as hexagon netting, too c’ose and thick constant coverings doing as
much harm as good, and often a great deal more. The price of the plants
to which you refer is governed entirely by the demand for them. When
vendors can dispose of all they have to sell at, say, Is. each, they will not
lower the price to Gd. We presume you can raise seedlings.

Varieties of Grapes (Ferndale). — We assume you wish to grow Grapes
for your own use and not for sale. This being so, we think you will find

Lady Downs s Seedling the best late late black Grape in cultivation. We

pnebldael'cr^dSi:Vrar0C qUm,e eq?al t0 Blaok Alicante in quality, butnot nearly
AiinLA? °° j Tbe, three valleties you name— Gros Maroc, Black

and L^-dy Downs s Seedling, ripen in the order named, and with a
™TrCi , J “umber ,of Vines a supply of Grapes can be maintained from them
6 0(1 °i m?e ”?oatlla’ f'om the end of August till the end of May.

ntheri f nr i wderstand 7® d? not re2ommeud them in preference to all
otiiers for that purpose, but simply answer your questions.

C"?tul'e„ ( G- TV.).— The Tuberose succeeds in a compost of

aharn find ’ tL* a rift,h ?! tborougbly decayed manure and a sixth of
; The fn°1!,shou.ld be moderately moist, and water not given
growth, then it should he given so as to keep the soil in a
mZ reeii di whl? -tbe Plants are in free growth afford it and liquid
S A, 13 “o advantage to plunge the pots in a bottom heat

trm ornwfP ’ T*ntl1 v be, ba[bs blve formed roots and commenced making
t,p g A?' *ey sbou d then be removed aud placed near the glass in a
“?8aeJ“a temperature of 60* to 65° at night, and 70° to 75° by day, with
into flower th m°le from,san beat- In this they may be kept until coming
flowers^ u1”0"! !? a cooler house> in which tbey will expand the
^ and be more durable. The plants mav be lightly

toharfowU,r°J,der keePdown red spider, and aphides may be destroyed by
iSerTn th. f fumigation, or a solution of softsoap, 2 ozs. to the gallon,
ater in the season Tuberoses do well in a greenhouse, or even outdoors.

ai!Rwerkhm-lt Ternd Water in Hothouse (Idem).— The proposed tank would
13 Inches f ?fd P uSteredim8lde with cement, having iron rods across
and onNthiri tbe depth from the top. Tbree-
sho.iM b» r^i da- Wdh large beads or Ganges outside would do, and they
bars h, r J /iValV!?d- y'?e'mch walls will be strong enough with the iron
thehnfi,fi.10Ut there ” danger of bulging. Ton need only cement around
is nn filr i P’iPeS S° am,t0 make watertight, and if this is done properly there
are slfte The best tanks, however, for the purpose you require

‘ wblcb *ake up less room, and are not more costly. The pipes

r d „r® ° particular packing to prevent leakage and cracking the tank.
Cement is as good as anything. v s

c°mlani Redder).— Yon can graft the Black Ham
Kunhnrd^ Muscat of Alexandria, and it would behest to cut the Black

rod of fli e\t I10fWA i ° a fT- fe?fc above where y°u wish t0 commence the
5°f °,f 1 Mn®cat of Alexandria, dressing the end with knotting. In spring

sc on LSm?°th °r r6n part of ,be rod of tbe Black Hamburgh, put on thf
sc on °-r to?gU? grafting, but leaving a sufficient length of the

fcbe Junction to reach into a bottle which should be filled with
sWiM hi a?d a s“a11, P’ece of charcoal, and the lower end of the scion
Had j Placed ln the water, securing the bottle in position with wire

; the neck and fastened t > the Vine rod. The scion should be cut

the\toot thr?e PaH3 through at the bottom of the junction with

cotton be.made t j fit tbe bark of the stock, binding securely with

as to exclude nd Coverlng tbe whole neatly with grafting wax so

scion ~d- Mlr- 0ne ®ye’ or at most two, will be sufficient on the
on tbe wood beI°w the junction. The scion will be
after the^c^7 ^at?r, tbe bottle until the sap rises in the stock, and
heWtPe • r aS start?d ltlto growth and the union is complete the part
■T °i“ ?ay be ?way' The Process i3 similar to inarching,

the clnwth hein t0Ck beyo?d tb® point of union is left to attract the sap,
to extend 4 g 3UPPressed for diverting it into the shoots that are desired
Vinp!* will* Hp fm cxceilent chapter on methods of grafting and inarching

Vines will be found m Barron’s “ Vine Culture.” 8

of v^«>Mematur^ F°rCed ((r «•)— What you term a “strange freak
allowing tv, v- m°St dlsastroui, consequent of too early pruning and not
V u« l? the Vines any rest. The weather is not to blame, for had the
middled <5 0VVe,d t0,,retal.n the foliage, or not been pruned until the
™!.e of September, the disaster would not have arisen. You can do

DerfectinT lb° th? evl!’ °.n,y continue the treatment necessary for

fpoYpd gt tb® crop, such as it is, subduing the mildew by dusting the in-
s.? Pbur> or sulphur fumes from the hot-water pipes ought
cause rusA ‘ ’-S U°!,a good remedy, as sulphur fumes are liable to

thflir=w!n;ad S° 1?]ur® the. tender skin of young Grapes as to prevent

Granes arcsine Vandy+K C°lfflnUi6 th5 treatment bitherto pursued until the
»r7r oP ’ d the,n afford a temperature of 60° by artificial means,

be continued heat wEb air freely above tbat- This will need to

“ becomes sufficiently warm for dispensing

through the t?and tbe house skou’d be freely, in fact fully, ventilated

rata exteiminn nf^h"’!0! °im ^ayi esoePt in cold weather. Allow a mode-
or the'le^1011 °f tbe laterals- but keep them away from the principal foliage

dirtand in«ecf=P1?0rtlng-theiaXll!ary buds> and tbey must b® kePfc free from
kept healthv indbL°?i aS v"al syri?1S111gs, it being essential that the leaves he
Bom. little ' Uted ? hS J’" 8 aS ,0ng a3 P03sib!e. If they disappear, allow
modern felt, lat®ral iT™wth,so as to attract the sap, and with this and a
months r inoist soil the Vines may be kept in a semi-dormant state for
forme i before tlfo hVe° *? haV? H''aPes ripe in April, should not be per-
y not W fS veglnn!?g of .September. With three Vines in a house
cr v v0t b , flult something is radically wrong. Probably the border
r taey have become weak by a long course of subjection to early forcing!

59

bo Stimulate ^ fbeS^'emed? is to encourage all the extension possible, so as
surf ace 'dressings aCTf°“f,and encourage surface roots by mulching and rich
suriace aressings. If the roots are deep, or the border unsatisfaetorv the

thfwTktV£wddbe t0°ar1?1,yf!ift th® Vines in -Wiguet, and by shading
once and tll„aely d?“e tben’,tbe foIlage causing fresh roots to be make at
of the Vin« e working m the fresh material insure a satisfactory growth

carefullT and ahr, ^eTfectl0\ °.f tbe crop. It, however, requires to be doee
caret uily and about six weeks m advance of pruning the Vines For Vines

v\n ^P,dl eal'ly Magy the iSing shonMbe

ft«®SSL.Thewethod °f m0ing t e work has been frequently
clescnbed in the Journal. We sympathise with you, and regret you should

mmfa^on<>!rrUi!S,-T!e names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
a-f CaS6S b® 1 enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
o the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
narnJd lCatl0n’ '““a sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
( r if//* °nvCe’ ,and 3^Plus fruit3 beyond that number cannot be preserved.
Bonum ^'NnV ?0t ka°W?' a,3’ Eibston PiPPin- 3. Roundway Magnum

Sr A. S^tASSTSS**"* (,r-

vari^u^f8! W Plauts~ W? only undertake to name species of plants, not
-have ongmated Horn seed and termed florists’ flowers.
sho„,edl ,!apeClmenS ac® neceSBary of dowering plants, and Fern fronds
b r BP°,?eS- SP0Clmens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
cotton „ 'y da“P m°330r soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(U. Ji.). Mormodes pardmum umcolor, also known as Catasetum citrinum.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — January 19th.

Market very dull, with no alteration in prices of ordinary goods. Best
samples of Grapes making better values. J 6

Apples . $ sieve 1

i, Nova Scotia and

Canada, per barrel 10

Cherries . | sieve 0

Cobs . 1001b. 60

Pigs . dozen 0

Grapes . . n>. o

Lemons . . case 10

FRUIT,
d. s. d.

6 to 4 0

13

0

70

0

3

15

Melon . each 0

Oranges . loo 6

Peaches.. .. .. perdoz. 0

Pears . dozen 1

Pine Apples English., lb. 1

Plnms . j sieve 1

St. Michael Pines ..each 2
Strawberries.. .. per lb. 0

d.

0 to 0

12 o

Artichokes .. dozen 1

Asparagus .. .. bundle 0

Beans, Kidney . . per lb 0

Beet, Red .. .. dozen 1

Broccoli . bundle 0

Brussels Sprouts .. J sieve 2

Cabbage . dozen 1

Capsicums .. .. 100 1

Carrots . bunch 0

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen 3

Celery . bundle 1

Coleworts doz. bunches 2
Cucumbers .. .. each 0
Endive •• .. .. dozen 1

Herbs . bunch 0

Leeks . bunch 0

VEGETABLES,
d. s. d

0 to 0
0 0

s. d.

s. d

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

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

Onions . bunch 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0 SO

Parsnips . dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 SO

,, Kidney .. cwi. 4 0 5 o

Rhubarb.. „ .. bundle 0 2 0 6

Salsafy . bundle 10 10

Scorzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Seakale .. .. per basket 16 2 o

Shallots . tb.OS 06

Spinach . bushel 8 0 4 o

Tomatoes . lb. 06 1 0

Turnips .. .. „ bunch 0 4 0 0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

,i (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 2i

0

41

0

Bedding Plants, var

doz.

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . ,

dozen

4

0

9

0

Chrysanthemum . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperns .

dozen

4

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis,

dozen 30

0

60

0

viridis ..

dozen 12

0

24

0

Erica, various

dozen

9

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Euonymus, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

24

0

Ferns ,in variety ..

dozen

4

0

18

0

Ficus elastica . . each 1
Fuchsia .. per dozen 0
Foliage Plants, var. each 2
Hyacinths .. per dozen 9
Hydrangea .. per dozen 0
Ivy Geraniums per dozen 0
Lilium anratum per doz. 0
Lobelias . . , . per dozen 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6
Mignonette . . per dozen 0
Musk .. .. per dozen 0

Myrtles . dozen 6

Palms, in var. . . each 2
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 6
Poinsettia .. per dozen 12
Primula sisensis per doz. 4
Solanums per doz. 9

d. b.
6 to 7
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0

a.
o
0 0
10 0
12 0
0 0

0
0
0
12
0
0

12 0
21 0
9 0
0 18
6 0
12 0

CUT FLOWERS.

a.

d.

8.

a.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0

to 4

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

5

0

8

0

Asters . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Camellias . .

12 blooms

3

0

4

0

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

»» • •

1 2 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 belies.

12

0

21

0

12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Dahlias , .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Epiphyllum ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Eucharis

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Gardenias , .

12 blooms

9

0

21

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

. . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

„ longiflorum,12blms.

0

0

0

0

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 spray3
Marguerites . . 12 bunches
Mignonette .. 12 bunches
Narciss, Paper-white, bunch
„ White, English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trasses
i, scarlet, 12 trusses
Roses . . 12 bunches

„ (indoor), per dozen

,, Tea . dozen

,, red (French) dozen
Parme Violets (French)
Poinsettia . . 12 blooni3

Primula (single) per bunch
(double) per bunch
Pyrethrum .. 12 hunches
Stocks, various 12 bunches
Tropteolam .. 12 bunches
Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

„ Czar, French, pe bunch

s. d.
1 0

2 6

s. d.
to 2 0
6 0
0 0
0 6
1 6
1 6
1 0
0 0
2 0
4 0

8 9
7 6

9 0
0 6

1 6

0 0
2 0

2 6

60

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 20,1887.

SOIL LESSONS.

Good mixed soil, as the term is generally used and applied
by farmers, may be taken as the best for ngricullural
purposes. It is, therefore, desirable to understand what such
is, and to strive and bring other soil into a similar condition,
ar as near to it as is possible. Such a soil may be described
as deep fertile loam, with enough small stones in every part
of it to render it thoroughly porous, so as to insure a free
passage for rain water as well as the free admission of air
into it. Depth of soil is probably the only difficulty which
may be thought insuperable in the way of an improver of
land deficient in such fine natural properties. Yet even in
this much may be effected by drainage and a regular use of a
steam cultivator, the subsoil then gradually loses much of its
crude harshness, it becomes sweet and mellow, top-dressings
of ashes, bone, lime, or burnt clay passing slowly but surely
downwards into it.

Drainage forms the basis of our work of improvement,
and we turn to it now for that reason, and also because the
present time is the most favourable of the whole year for such
work. The philosophy of drainage is not at all so well under¬
stood generally as it ought to be, and we may usefully
enumerate the reasons for and effects of this process once more.
First, let us call attention to the important fact that though,
as we have said, the mechanical division of the soil, either
by a natural admixture of small stones or an artificial one
of other hard substance, renders the soil porous, yet the
free passage of water and of air can only be insured by
drainage. If the soil is drained of superfluous water naturally
all is well, but we are bound to ascertain if that is so, and to
make good any natural deficiency by making enough drains
of a suitable size and depth for our purpose. It is impossible
to lay down rules for every case, local circumstances require
special consideration, and every farm has its peculiarities to
which due attention must be given. Soil lessons await us at
every turn, be it our aim to try and learn each one as it comes
under notice. We were recently driving through a few miles
of open country more or less under snow which had fallen a
week or two before the day of our drive. The appearance of
the snow afforded a curious indication of the nature of the
soil it covered. Upon clayey uplands, and alluvial deposits
in a wide valley, the snow lay thickly, having wasted but
little since it fell, thus showing that the soil was naturally
retentive of moisture, and that drainage might be applied
with advantage. But when we came to light, sandy, and
mixed soils, the snow had wasted away so much that much
of the soil was visible, and we had before us, like an open
book, a clear lesson of the benefit of porosity in conjunction
with drainage.

Not simply to draw off water do we make drains, but to
raise the temperature of the soil and in a very considerable
degree to counteract the baneful influence of drought. How
is it that we raise the temperature of the soil ? By prevent¬
ing the constant evaporation which lowers the temperature
of the surface so much. Warm air cannot enter soil
saturated with moisture. Water in a quiescent state might
almost be termed a non-conductor of heat, and it is not
difficult to understand how undrained retentive soil is so cold
even in summer ; nor is it difficult to realise fully how serious
an evil is that of water rising constantly to the surface of soil
by capillary attraction and passing into the air by evapora¬
tion. Half fill a saucer with water, place in it a lump of clay,
the upper part of which is several inches out of the water,
and you may see what we mean by capillary attraction as the
water gradually ascends till the whole of the clay is saturated.
This is an example in miniature of what is constantly taking

place, not only in undrained soil but also in badly drained
soil. The water in the saucer represents the water table
beneath the soil. To prevent excessive evaporation we must
have the water table low down in the subsoil, and the depth
which has been found to answer best generally is 4 feet.
Water always finds its own level by gravity, and, therefore,
when we practise comparatively shallow drainage we would
always introduce a certain number of deep drains to insure a
low water table.

Having cut off the water of attraction sufficiently by
drainage to render its action harmless, we have an action of
the drains strictly in proportion to the mechanical division of
the soil. While this is at all faulty we cannot raise the
temperature of the soil fully, hence the importance of doing
all we can to render the soil porous. Once achieve this and
then the air enters freely; and though it is a law of Nature
that heat always ascends, we may fairly claim that heat
descends, or rather that the warmth of the atmosphere is
carried down into open well-drained soil. A free entrance of
air into the soil following a free passage of water through it
does more than warm ; it enriches, and, therefore, helps to
render it fertile as well as sweet and mellow.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Severe weather still continues, and we have to make preparations for
the lambing with several inches of snow upon the land. We have had
extra care taken with the ewes during the cold weather, and have taken
care that no negligence in feeding shall mar the work of the whole year.
Use no frozen roots ; we have a splendid supply, well stored in clamps
secure from frost, and only enough are taken to sheep at a time for them
to consume at once. Most eager are they for the roots now that the grass-
is covered with snow and they are having so much dry food, so that a
calculation of the quantity required is easily made. In this and in all
other food fresh supplies at regular intervals answer best in every way.
The animals consume fresh food with more zest than when they have an
unlimited quantity to go to, and a proper check can also be best kept upon
consumption by stated quantities of food being taken regularly to the
flock. We like the racks to be kept well filled with pea straw, as the-
animal propensity to eat to repletion can lead to no harm when indulged
upon such fare. It is in such a winter as this that the value of large
sheds and enclosures is fully seen. That sheep live and thrive out in the
open is true enough, but they thrive much better under the enjoyment
of shelter in very inclement weather. Depend upon it shelter means
“money,” and that is a final result to which all our farm practice has to
submit. Give the sheep the option of lying upon cold wet land or outupon
the snow, or upon a dry hard floor inside a snug enclosure, and you will
see them take to the floor quickly enough, and moreover you will reap the
benefit of it too. No time must he lost now in the careful preparation
of a large fold with plenty of snug little pens fcr the lambing. We like
the fold to open upon good sound grass land, and to have it well sheltered
from cold north and north-east winds. Let the sides of the fold be thick
enough to exclude cold wind ; this is easily managed by making the
enclosure with parallel lines of hurdles 2 feet apart, filling the space
between the hurdles with straw. Pens and roofs, too, are also easily con¬
trived with hurdles thatched with straw, and for very large flocks it is
well either to have divisions made by setting thatched hurdles in the
ground, or to have a second lambing fold, so as not to have so big a fold that
there is a large open space in the middle over which the wind can sweep.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

L»t. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

0

i 0

X

1887.

January.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and 8ea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

deg.

39.4

45.7

42 7

44.7

34.8

38.8

85.8

On

gra«^

Sunday . 9

Monday . 10

Tuesday . 11

Wednesday . 12
Thursday ... 13

Friday . 14

Saturday .... 16

Inches.

29.298

29.790

29.906

30.249

30.443

30.320

30.300

deg.

34.3
81.5

37.3

38.4

31.2

29.2

32.4

deg.

33.9

31.0

35.4

37.8
31.2

28.8
31.1

s.

N.W.

S.E.

N.E.

Calm

Calm

E.

deg.

34.8

34.7
34.5
34 A

34.8

34.7

34.8

deg.

35.3

37.4

40.4
40.1
32.8
34.6
332

deg

32.4

31.2

30.3
36.9

30.4
28.1
28.7

deg

29.7

28.8

23.2

33.6
25.1

28.7

28.8

28.3

In.

0.075

0.124

0.0L2

30.044

33.5

32.7

34.7

36.3

31.1

30.3

0.212

REMARKS.

9th.— Very gloomy day, with fog till about noon. Snow in evening.

10th.— Bright fine day ; fog in evening,
llth.— Overcast, with showers.

12th.— Wet early, gradually cleared ; fine afternoon, clear night.

13th. — Damp white fog all day, turning to yellow in evening.

14th.— Dali, with slight fog ail day.

15th.— Dull all day, slight shower of sleet at noon.

Temperature several degrees below the average, and remarkably eqnable on the 13th,.
the highest and lowest differed by only 2.4°, and on the 9th by only 2 9°, and the average
daily range for the week was onh 5.2°, being less than in any week for beveral years p ist.
The extreme range during the week was also very small, only 12.4°.— G. J. SYMONS.

Jannary 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE ANT) COTTAGE GARDENER.

61

27

Tn

R^yal Society at 4.80 p m.

28

P

Quekett Cinb at 8 P.M.

29

s

E*<sfx Field Club Annual Meeting.

30

SUN

4th Sunday after Epiphany.

31

M

.National Chr; eanthemum Society’s Annual Meit!ng.

1

Tc

2

w

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS OF 1886.

OVELTIES of extraordinary merit have not
been quite so numerous in the past year as in
some preceding seasons, but ample evidence has
been afforded of the untiring energy of im¬
porters and home growers in adding to the
lists of cultivated plants. At the metropolitan
exhibitions or meetings alone a total of about
300 certificates have been awarded for plants
that have made their appearance in Britain for the first
time, for others that have resulted from the skill of the
hybridist, and for a few former favourites which have
been rescued from the obscurity of neglect and again
placed in the front rank. The Floral Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society, the Judges at the Royal
Botanic Society’s and the Crystal Palace Shows, with the
Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society
have been chiefly entrusted with the duty of passing
judgment upon the numerous claimants for honours. The
task lias been an arduous one, for the additions annually
made to the more popular genera of plants are so abun¬
dant that much care is required to avoid mistakes, and it
is satisfactory that so few are made. As a rule the
award of a certificate by any of these metropolitan
bodies carries considerable weight, as the members of the
Committees have opportunities that few others possess of
seeing the majority of home and foreign novelties, and of
testing their merits with large collections, the only way
that an accurate judgment can be formed in the matter.
It is customary at some provincial shows to award certifi¬
cates for p’ants of a novel or striking character, but their
value is usually lessened by the fact that, instead of con¬
fining this honour to new varieties or introductions, it is
conferred in an indiscriminate manner simply as a com -
plimentai’y recognition of non-competing exhibits. At
the leading provincial shows, like Manchester, Liverpool,
and York, where the Judges selected are men of con¬
siderable experience, the award of certificates is conducted
rather more strictly. Too great a liberality in the
bestowal of such honours is unwise and really injurious
to horticulture, for the more careful and critical are the
judges the greater weight will their decrees possess. This
is being duly recognised now, and the tendency is rather
to decrease the number of certificates than otherwise
A glance at the lists of plants distinguished in 1886
will show the relat ve popularity of the various genera or
families, and again we have to place the Orchids at the
head, over sixty having been certificated in the year.
More than half of these are Cattleyas and Odonto-
glossums, and these, too, arc nearly all varieties, distinct
forms of well-known species, indicating the demand that
exists for improvements in species, the merits of which
No. 344. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

are determined, and which possess a capacity for varia¬
tion. Cattleyas Mossise and Trianse, with Odonto-
glossums crispum, Pescatorei, and vexillarium, for
example, supplied the majority of the varieties last
year, perhaps the most remarkable of all being the
yellow (). Pescatorei, denominated Knox's variety. This
plant was shown at South Kensington on April 13th
by Mr. Brownlow D. Knox, Caversham, Reading,
and it was then regarded as a probable hybrid between
0. Pescatorei and another unknown species. The
flowers were nearly 3 inches in diameter, with broad
rounded sepals, and petals of bright clear yellow spotted
at the base with crimson, the lip being rather lighter in
colour, but similarly spotted. It can be readily imagined
what a charming companion this would make for the
purple-spotted 0. Pescatorei Veitchi, and it is not sur¬
prising that when put up for sale at Mr. Stevens’ rooms
on the following day it realised £165. Cattleya Law-
renciana has been awarded several certificates in the past
year, and fresh introductions have placed so many plants
in the market that it is becoming quite a moderate-priced
Orchid. It is undoubtedly a useful one, being very flori-
ferous, of good habit, and easily grown — recommendations
of some importance. An illustration of this Cattleya
appeared in this Journal, page 295, April 15th, 1886,
and shows the general character of the flowers very faith¬
fully. The species varies considerably in size and colour
of the flowers, but the sepals and petals are usually of a
soft purplish crimson tint, the lip almost tubular, in¬
tensely rich crimson at the tip and lighter in the throat.
It has been not inaptly compared to C. Skinneri in its
floriferous habit.

In the Cypripediums, the most noteworthy is C.
Sanderianum. which has long, broad, drooping petals, and
is very distinct in its reddish brown colour ; but of all
the Orchids brought nto notice during the year, one of
the most striking was Catasetum Bungerothi, which, how¬
ever, was not certificated, as it flowered too late for
the December meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society.
This also has been illustrated in this Journal (p. 563,
December 23rd), and as the description appeared so
recently it is not necessary to repeat it, beyond remark¬
ing that the plant is one of the few Catasetums that
possess any horticultural value, and the price of
50 guineas paid for the largest specimen by a firm of
nurserymen will indicate the appreciation in which it was
held.

Next in numbers to the Orchids come the Dahlias,
but there is a great difference in the totals — namely,
twenty-six of the latter compared with sixty of the
former; but this number shows that the Dahlia is very
popular, especially the decorative, Pompon, and single
varieties, for it is in these sections that the certificates
were chiefly awarded. Amaryllises follow with fifteen
varieties, great advances having been made in these. The
size and shape of the flowers have been improved, the
colours enriched and varied, and they have taken a pro¬
minent place amongst the best of ornamental plants.
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons have contributed most of these,
but Mr. B S. Williams has also added to the list some
beautiful varieties, especially in the autumn-flowering
section, of which we recently figured a group (page 433,
November 11th).

Paeonies came to the front in unusual numbers last
year, about fourteen varieties being certificated, many of
them forms of Paeonia Moutan, the Tree Paeony. They
can now be had in such varied tints, so fragrant and
No. 2003. — Yoi,. LXXYL, Oi.d Series.

62

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t January J7, 1887.

liandsome, tliat they are fast becoming favourite garden
plants and there seems to be a future of considerable
popularity before them. Gladioli still keep up their re¬
putation, and ten were certificated, some of these being of
the G. Lemoinei section. Very interesting were the
varieties of Hollyhocks which made their appearance, and
they re -awakened hopes that the Hollyhock might once
more be seen in gardens healthy and handsome. Green¬
house Rhododendrons, numerous as they now are, have
increased by eight beautiful forms, the flowers of good
size and clear distinct colours. They were Yeitchian
hybrids chiefly, and it is not surprising that these plants
are steadily advancing in favour.

The Chrysanthemums and Roses of the year have
been previously referred to at some length, but in num¬
bers the former are increasing at an almost alarming rate,
and we hear rumours of a flood of novelties to be poured
into this country from the Continent during the present
year. No doubt, however, these will be subjected to a
rigid examination, and it will be necessary. Tuberous
Begonias are well represented in the lists, but the great
improvements that have been effected in the strains of
seed render it unnecessary to name any but the most
distinct, as from a packet of good seed varieties are ob¬
tained that a few years ago would have been unhesi¬
tatingly certificated.

Amongst other plants there is scarcely anything to
note of special merit. It is curious that so few Ferns
have secured honours, and ornamental-foliage plants
generally were much less numerous than in previous
years.

APPEARANCE v. FLAVOUR IN GRAPES.

This is a question which I think claims the attention of
gardeners at the present time, especially those whose duty it is to
supply their employers’ table with first-class Grapes all the year
round. Mr. Taylor’s note of warning in a recent issue of the
Journal is none too soon, for assuredly appearance without flavour
is rapidly gaining ground. Why this should be when both can be
had together is rather difficult to understand. Our best black
Grape, the Black Hamburgh, is being sadly neglected, in fact
•driven out of cultivation by showy bad flavoured varieties.

A few years ago the Black Hamburgh class at exhibitions was
by far the strongest one, and the smallest societies had a separate
class for it in their schedules ; but so much has size and appearance
gained in favour with gardeners and judges, that I question if good
Black Hamburghs shown in a mixed collection of Grapes now would
not be passed for something more showy and imposing. It is rare
now to hear of a really good dish of Black Hamburghs at any show,
or to see a good house of it noticed in any of the horticultural
papers. Yet it is not difficult to cultivate ; it certainly requires
more than ordinary care in some places, but, generally speaking, it
is one of the earliest of Grapes to grow. In my opinion over¬
cropping is the cause of failure and ruin of the majority of Black
Hamburgh Yines. Gardeners are not always to blame in this case,
as many owners of Yines like to see a large crop and do not under¬
stand so well as the gardener the injury it does to the Vines,
although it is not apparent at the time, so, to please, more bunches
are left on than should be, and in a few years the Grapes commence
shanking or refuse to colour. Black Hamburgh very soon suffers
from overcropping, but with care and moderate cropping it will
last as long as any.

Madresfield Court comes next, and, like the Black Hamburgh,
possesses both appearance and flavour in their highest order. It is
truly a grand Grape, and I am pleased to see its cultivation is being
extended ; some have found a few difficulties in growing it, but I
think they are easily overcome.

These two varieties can be had in good condition from May to
the end of October, or longer if required. Muscat of Alexandria is
in prime condition at the end of September. This is essentially the
Grape for the festive season, and will last well into the new year.
About February Lady Downe’s attains its proper flavour, and can
be kept in good condition until the end of May. Here, then, are
four varieties of first-rate flavour and appearance, which every
gardener with the means at his disposal should be able to grow

successfully, and which can be relied upon to give a supply of
Grapes all the year round. .

There are many other Grapes for which room can be found in
large gardens that are pleasing and useful for variety, but they are
all far behind the above-named. Buckland Sweetwater is worthy
of more extended cultivation. When well grown and of a clear
amber colour it is a handsome Grape and of good flavour. Why
really good dishes of this Grape should be passed for dull-looking
Foster’s Seedling or little lumps of Duke of Buccleuch requires, I
think, some explanation.

Mrs. Pince is a good variety and comes in very useful at Christ¬
mas if well coloured. Of the four showy black varieties (Alicante,
Alnwick Seedling, Gros Maroc, and Gros Colman), which are now
first favourites, Alicante is the best flavoured and Gros Colman is
the worst. I once sent some fine Gros Colman on the table for a
special luncheon. They were much admired and praised for their
appearance, but when it came to tasting they were very disappoint¬
ing. My employer asked me a few days after what variety it was,
and when I told him Gros Colman he said, It was a “ gross impostor.
However admirers of this Grape may try to make up for its want
of flavour by pointing to its grand appearance and cropping quali¬
ties, the fact remains the same, it is not fit to eat. One of the
greatest temptations to grow these large-berried varieties is to keep
up to one’s neighbour whose Grapes perhaps are pronounced by
visitors to the gardens as finer than yours, and no amount of ex¬
planation that it is a larger-growing variety will convince them
that this is the cause of the difference in size.

I am not discussing this question from the market growers
point of view, for they must study that which brings them most
profit ; but to gardeners who have to maintain a daily supply of
Grapes I would say, Consider well before you plant these inferior
varieties extensively. One or two Yines of each variety are quite
enough in a large place. They may be fashionable now, but in the
long run the best flavoured kinds will find most favour. — A.
Barker, Hindlip.

A few lines by way of response or supplement to the article of
Mr. Taylor, page 559, may not be out of place. As it is possible
that to some readers these remarks may appear somewhat antagon¬
istic to Mr. Taylor, let me here add that, having seen his excellent
Grapes, partaken of his hospitality, and enjoyed his private corre¬
spondence, I hope he will pardon me for stating my ideas even if they
do not quite agree with his. With regard to Black Hamburgh and
Alicante in July, there cannot be two opinions if sweetness is to be
the test, the first-named having a thin-skinned sweet berry and iff
ready for eating first. Yet even at that date well-grown Alicante
will be preferred by some. Black Hamburgh is very well at first,
but what have you in this Grape, no matter how well grown, beyond
sweetness ? In Alicante, though I am well aware it has watery pulp,
yet even in July there is more real flavour. With regard to the
selling price of the two varieties correctly quoted, I have no hesi¬
tation in saying that Black Hamburgh at Is. per lb. will require
very careful handling by the shopkeeper to make a fair profit. This
is a very wasteful Grape, as it must be sold quickly ; even then too
often many berries are damaged or decayed. In private families
the same remarks apply if they have to go a long journey. In
Alicante under the same conditions I do not say they are improved
by keeping, but I do say they can be kept as long again after being
cut; there are in both a better saleable condition, and also better for
eating.

Indigestion and acidity. If fruit is sound I should not be
afraid of the former, and it is this very acidity which to my palate
improves the flavour. I am, of course, dealing with fruit that is
sound of both varieties, not shanked berries. Tastes differ, but to
compare them in February, or rather to have Black Hamburgh in
the list at all, that to my mind is ridiculous. I must have (without
any pretension to a special palate) more than “ bags of sugar,” and
this is what Black Hamburgh is, even at .Christmas, with September-
ripened fruit.

Alnwick Seedling when grown in a late house — that is, Yines
started gently in March, and the Grapes ripened for October, is
then far ahead of any Black Hamburgh I have ever tasted, and cer¬
tainly better in appearance. I question very much if its equal is
to be found at this date. I admire it much, though here again its
acidity — -not sourness — comes to the front, and there is also such
body in it. I was particularly pleased when at Chiswick the first
week in December to see it in such good condition. Mr. Barron
spoke very highly of it for flavour. I cannot just now place Gros
Maroc in the front ; but for a change, and if Black Hamburgh is
presented daily on the table without a change it will not be appre¬
ciated, Gros Maroc will come in, though I admit it is a coarse
somewhat rough-flavoured Grape. This variety grafted on Black
Hamburgh is very much improved in all respects, including flavour.

January 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

G3

I dare next September, all being well, put a sample of Alicante
grafted on Black Hamburgh, and also the same grafted on Buckland
Sweetwater, with every confidence, by the side of Mr. Taylor’s
Black Hamburgh ripened at the same time, sending them on to you,
Mr. Editor, and leave not only the Grapes but also the results in
your hands.

As my late Alicante on their own roots are started late, these
are not in the field for flavour until after Christmas, and the nearer
Lady Day the bettei . Experienced growers have during the last
few days confessed they never knew such flavour to be developed in
Alicante and Gros Maroc. Alicante on Buckland Sweetwater for
its very sweetness at this date would not suit me, but in September
it was prime. A few weeks ago I saw a very large number of
Alicante being grown, nothing else being done. The Vines were
forced, and the Grapes sold in July, for the simple reason that they
pay so much better than Black Hamburgh, and as the grower ex¬
pressed it, if flavour was not there they could not hold their own in
the open market so long. I tasted Alicante from its own roots, well
grown, and ripened at the end of September, and these were good,
just right for using the last week in November. Here again the later
ripened fruit of the same variety in other houses for keeping was
not useable if flavour is the question.

Gros Colman I have left till now for a few lines. This can be
had with fair if not good flavour in September, if ripened and
coloured well, but cannot be at its best until February, March, or
April. Perhaps some will say then it has no flavour. Without
putting up a very high standard in this respect for the variety, I can
only say that the better this Grape is grown the better the flavour.
In March I prefer it to Alicante. At the present date Gros Colman
on Muscats is very good indeed ; this, too, with being late ripened.
Here is a hint for private growers, who, desiring fine fruit, yet wish
for flavour, and this is one of the best for packing. Being very
much interested in the flavour of Grapes, I would like to know
from some of our scientific friends the composition of Grape skins.
I cannot think that the one analysis would agree for all varieties.
J ust now I am inclined to believe that Alicante skin would contain
more flavour and nutriment than any, unless it is Alnwick Seedling.
Then, again, a red or badly coloured berry surely cannot compare
with a black berry. The “ red ” Grape, provided it is not shanked,
is always much the sweetest, and again, this red berry is not fit for
keeping.

I now come to Muscat of Alexandria, and here the less I say the
better. I have never before seen it stated in print that it is culti¬
vated for its appearance. I should suppose the flavour is of the
first importance. Comparing the selling prices of Golden Queen
and Muscat sent to market at the same date, I may remark that the
first-named was very fine in berry and of good colour, the latter
about the worst I ever cut ; they would not have been cut had they
been in good condition, yet these poor Muscats realised double the
price of the Golden Queen. In this case it must have been flavour,
and this was good I know. In 1886 Muscats were as good as Black
Hamburghs were faulty. How is this ? I cannot suppose for a
moment that as a body of intelligent progressing men. that we are
losing our skill ; if so, the sooner we wake up the better.

I shall only be too pleased to see others record their opinions on
these matters. No doubt in different localities varieties will differ,
but a balance can be drawn, and much instruction gained. It has
just occurred to me that no doubt the flavour of any Grape is
influenced by the amount of potash contained in the skin, and
possibly iron ; lime cannot count here, I think, or phosphoric acid.
—Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 10.)

PREPARATION OF THE SOIL.

The first thing to be considered in any attempt at Rose-growing
is the preparation of the soil. Roses do best in a heavy deep loam,
or loam resting on clay ; they do worst on a poor dry sandy soil
resting on rock or shingle.

Let us suppose we have a heavy clay soil, unchained, where the
water lodges in pools, and where after a day’s rain you drag a con
siderable portion of the property after you attached to your boots.
Provided your air is pure, and you get a fair amount of sunshine,
on this land you should grow splendid Roses. All the land wants
is draining, trenching, and manuring. If you intend making de¬
tached beds on a lawn to plant your Roses in, you may dig out the
soil about 3 feet deep and put in about a foot of stones and broken
bricks, laid edgeways, with very small stones on the top, laying on
the top of this sods face downwards, or small branches and twigs
to prevent the fine soil from washing down and choking the drain-
age. Then replace the soil, working in at the same time lots of
good old manure and old turf.

But Roses are best grown in rows as in the nurseries, and in
this case the best way is to thoroughly drain the whole of the land
with stone or pipe drains, put in 20 or 30 feet apart, and from
2 feet 6 to 3 feet deep, and laid out so as to get as much fall as
possible. If the piece of land be extensive it will be found
cheaper to engage a professional drainer for the work. Presuming
you make the detached beds and throw out the soil as advised, no
further trenching would be necessary before planting, but it would
not be advisable to replace the original soil if anything better could
be obtained. But if it be decided to plant the whole piece of
land as suggested, it will require to be trenched or dug very deep,
and the manure worked in as the work proceeds. If the land be
very heavy, perhaps about a foot of loam, and below that dense
yellow or blue clay, sand, road scrapings, charcoal, wool, hair, refuse
from tan yards (some people recommend ashes, I do not) or any¬
thing of a like nature that will make the land lighter or more
porous should be added if they can be obtained. There is one
other thing which acts more energetically, and is of more value on
heavy land than any other material — in fact it comes next in im¬
portance to draining — and that is lime. It is such an important
factor in Rose-growing that I propose to devote a short section to
the consideration of it. The action of quicklime on heavy land is
to make it more open, more friable, and consequently easier to
work, and you cannot well have too much of it.

Although the grandest results, I believe, are got from heavy
land, there is no doubt more difficulty in preparing the same, and to>
do tbe thing well some little time would be required. First, the
draining would have to be done, and dry weather in the early
autumn would be the best time to begin it ; at the same time a
good dressing of hot lime might be strewn on the surface with
advantage. After the draining was completed the land might be
trenched, plenty of quicklime being worked in in the process. It
would be, no doubt, very advantageous to mix in the manure as the
work proceeded, but this is not advisable, as the hot lime coming
in contact with the manure would decompose it too quickly, while
on the other hand, if mild lime were used, it would not produce the
mechanical effect required. It would be better therefore to hold
back the manure until the time of planting, or even until after¬
wards, if the manure be fresh and hot. In this case the best plan
would be then to strew it on the land, and the winter rains would
make it fit for digging in in the spring.

I said early autumn would be a good time to begin this work,
but if possession of the land be had in the spring, I should prefer
to crop it with Potatoes or other vegetables, when the knocking
about the land would get would be very beneficial, and it would be
in grand condition in autumn for planting the Roses.

On a light soil draining in rarely requisite, except the land lies
low or is very flat. Here all our efforts must be directed to making
the soil heavier, and retaining as much moisture as possible. If
detached beds are proposed on a light soil it would be necessary to
dig out the soil to a depth of about 3 feet, and put in at the bottom
about a foot of clay, refilling the bed with the best soil obtainable,,
in which may be thoroughly mixed a fair amount, say one-third of
the whole, of well pulverised clay, together with some good old
manure and chopped turf. In preparing a piece of light soil, it
should be trenched 2 feet deep if the undersoil is good enough,
but it would be no use burying good soil for the purpose of bringing
a lot of rubbish or shingle to the surface. If the land is too shallow
for trenching we must be content to dig as deep as we can and be
as liberal as possible with our manure. On this soil cow manure is
better than any other, as it holds the water longer, but care must
be taken not to allow it to come into contact with the roots of
the Roses while it is in a green state or it will rot them. If the
land is deficient in lime it may be added in a mild state at any time.
It is not advisable to use quicklime on any light soil.

Nothing answers better on a light soil than clay, th» difficulty
being to get it worked in well and thoroughly mixed with the
natural soil. The only plan is to keep the surface of the soil
strewed with it summer and winter, and when it is well pul
verised, to dig it in. Buried in great lumps here and there it
will be of little use. Keep on doing this, and trenching or digging
deep occasionally, and the land will soon show signs of improve¬
ment. It is very difficult to get old cow manure fit for digging in
with Roses at the time of planting, so one has to be content gene¬
rally with it in a fresh or green state. On a light soil all manure is
best added in the spring time, as otherwise winter rains and snow
wash so much of its virtue away. A good plan is to lay the green
manure thickly on the surface after planting (not allowing it to
touch the stems of the plants). The winter will mellow it, and it
may be safely dug in in the spring.

On heavy soils winter manuring may be practised, these soils
being more retentive, and consequently not so easily deprived of
their contents ; horse manure, too, being most suitable, and decaying
much more quickly (because of its heating so readily) may generally

64

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Janutry 27, 1687.

be obtained in a state which will not damage the roots of the Roses
)f it should come in immediate contact with them.

It is not easy, on any land, to make the soil too rich for Roses.
There are some happy individuals who are so situated that it is only
necessary for them to plant their Roses in the original soil, and
without any manure being added, to reap a rich harvest of flowers.
But this can only be possible on a virgin soil, and for a short period,
for no matter how well filled a purse may be, it only requires time
to empty it, and the same remark applies to land from which crops
of any kind, te they Roses, or Turnips, or anything else, are
removed year by year, without anything in the shape of manure or
plant food being added or returned to it.

If the soil on which it is intended to plant Roses be good old
pasture — that is, virgin soil, for the first season nothing will be
necessary beyond a dressing of farmyard manure ; but when exhi¬
bition is intended, or where the very best results are looked for,
some more concentrated stimulants will probably be required.
These, and the usual methods of applying them, w'ill be referred to
later on.

It happens sometimes that a piece of heavy land, from its
Situation, cannot be drained, and in tins case the only way to get
over the difficulty is by growing the Roses on raised beds. These
should be constructed to have not less than 2 feet of soil. The
walls or sides may be made of brick or stone, or turves (sods), or
larch poles driven in side by side, and if the beds were large, drains
would have to be put in above the level. If the beds were small,
(5 or 9 inches of broken bricks or stones would be sufficient, these to
be spread over the bed, or space intended for the bed, as a founda¬
tion, before the soil was put in. Holes would require to be left in
the walls at intervals along the base if mortar were used, otherwise
in winter the bed might become little better than a dam or reservoir,
in which the roots of the plants would perish.

While I was writing these remarks, I was asked, “What is
loam ? ” and as I am writing for beginners, I will endeavour to
explain the term. Loam, then, is the top spit of a pasture ; for
choice, a pasture which rests on clay. Johnston, in his work on
agricultural chemistry says, “ A mixture of sand and clay with a
little lime I would call a loam, and if much lime were present I
would call it a calcareous loam.” Loam, if good, is generally of a
rich brown colour, sometimes yellow, soft and silky to the touch,
and should be full of fibre, the dead and living roots of the grasses,
&c., winch formed the pasture.

I spoke of replacing the original soil in detached beds with
something better. It will not be out of place here to give my
idea of what a Rose soil should be.

One load of top spit from clay pasture,

Half a load of old farmyard manure,

One barrowful of old slaked lime,

One barrowful of small charcoal or wood ashes,

One barrow ful of half-inch bones.

— D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

GROS COLMAN BERRIES.

Discussions are beneficial so long as they remain reasonable and do
not drift away from the original subject. I have made some careful
measurements of Grape berries, which I send to show the absurdity of
the comparisons some of your correspondents make in connection with
the Gros Col man berry, fig. 84, lastvol. To illustrate the matter plainly
1 will take first a berry of Mrs. Pearson, 1 inch in diameter, 3 inches
circumference, seven-eighths of an inch cube. Secondly, Lady Downe’s,
berry 1 inch in diameter, 4 inches in circumference, and exactly 1 inch
cube. Thirdly, the Gros Colman, fig. 84, If inch diameter, 5 inches
three-sixteenths circumference, 1 inch three-eighths cube. Now we
find it will take exactly two Mrs. Pearsons to make one Lady Downe’s,
and a fraction more than two and a half Lady Downe’s berries to make
one of our Gros Colman. Or to make it plainer still, it would take fifty-
two 3-inch berries to make tv'enty-six 4-inch berries, and a fraction more
than twenty-six 4-inch berries to make ten of our Gros Colman berries ;
yet, according to some of your correspondents, these ten would only
make 13 ozs. ; but it is pretty generally known that Grapes lose weight
after the fall of the leaf, especially where much fire is used, or when
the Grapes are cut and bottled ; but if cut in November, as was our
Gros Colman, they would not be far short of" the 10 ozs., as before
stated.

One good turn deserves another, and as I have taken some consider¬
able trouble for the sake of this discussion, I hope “ D. B.” will say
where berries the size of fig. 84 can be found. Gros Colman does re¬
markably well hereabouts, and I quoted Mr. El phinstone’s success simply
in corroboration of my statement, but if there are finer Grapes somewhere
else I shall be glad of the opportunity of seeing them. “ D. B.” does
well to keep his name in the shade, as some' of the unemployed wou’d
ask him to be satisfied with the handling of 1000 bunches per da", as he
must sadly monopolise the handling of Grapes in this country at the
rate of 2000 bunches per day. — J. F. Goodacue, Etvaston.

PEAT FOR ORCHIDS.

Noticing your correspondent, Mr. Bardney, in last week’s paper
(page 41) questioning the value of the tough old rhizomes in Orchid
peat, wrill you permit us to express the conviction that these are really
detrimental to the quality of the peat, and also injurious to the roots of
the Orchids when in contact with them. We are able to give two
reasons for holding the above opinion, and both extend over a range of
twenty years’ experience in handling large quantities of Orchid peat. In
the first place it is not difficult to observe that the old rhizomes are
hollow or partly so, as the pithy cells shrink when dying and leave a
vacuum within the outer bark of the rhizomes. These hollow spaces
with the decaying pith act in the same way as pieces of sponge, the
materials themselves being slow to decompose, and the quantity of water
they absorb stagnates in them. Hence it is a sure source of fungoid
growths, besides being otherwise an obstacle to active and healthy root-
action. In the second place the demand from experienced grow'ers of
Orchids for bracken peat, “ tough as a mat, but free from old root-
stalks,” and the fact that we have never yet had a complaint regarding
such peat, are sufficient reasons for forming a conviction that the old
rhizomes are not liked by Orchid growers. Orchid peat must, we take
it, be full of fine tough fibre, free from earthy and peaty soil, light and
porous, and free from old tough roots. Peat moss similar to the peat
moss litter has been tried for Orchids, but users of it have found that it
held too much stagnant moisture, and therefore prevented the necessary
action of the air. The value of high-class peat depends on two things —
freedom from old rhizomes and toughness of the fibre. — W. Wood and
Son.

VARIETIES OF LAI LI A ANCEP3.

One of the best of the winter flowering Orchids is Laelia anceps, and
now so many beautiful varieties are in cultivation it is easy to make up
a charming group with them. The long scapes appear very graceful
arching over other Orchids and Ferns, and a most pleasing effect can be
produced in a house by a tasteful arrangement of this kind. Baron
Schroder has an admirable collection of varieties, and the flowers he
recently exhibited at South Kensington indicated how vigorously and
w'ell the plants are growm at The Dell. At the sale rooms during the
past few weeks numerous plants of good varieties have been noted, and
those with large well-formed flowers command substantial prices.
L. anceps Dawsoni still keeps the lead for beauty of form, the breadth
of the petals and the general substance of the flowers being remarkable.
The pure white L. anceps alba will rank next in the estimation of many
growers. L. anceps Williamsi has beautifully proportioned flowers,
white, veined with red in the throat of the lip ; and L. anceps Percival-
liana, which is tinted with purple, is another notable variety. Two of
these at Kensington were selected for special honours — namely, L. anceps
.Stella and Sanderiana. The principal distinguishing marks of the
former are, the broad Dawsoni-like petals, the lip veined with crimson,
having a yellow ridge in the centre and tipped with crimson. L. anceps
Sanderiana is somewhat of the same type, having very large flowers, the
sepals and petals broad, the lip veined with Ted, yellow in the centre and
tipped with red. There are many intermediate unnamed- forms, besides
the rich crimson or purple-coloured varieties, and it is not surprising that
they are all such favourites.

ORCHID SALES.

The rooms in Cheapside and King Street, Covent Garden, arc
crowded at almost every sale, and it is evident that the number of those
who take an interest in Orchids, either as cultivators or purchasers, are
still increasing. At one sale last week there were between seventy and
eighty persons present, and a large proportion of these were purchasers.
It was thought a year or two back that the popularity of Orchids was
declining ; this however is very far from being the case, as they are
continually gaining fresh patrons and losing very few. Orchids are now
recognised as useful as well as ornamental plants, and the florists are
beginning to find their flowers almost indispensable.

GLAZED POTS FOR ORCHIDS.

These have been praised by some cultivators and condemned by
others, and the old saw about “ doctors differing ” may be applied here.
As far as my experience goes glazed pots are advantageous both to the culti¬
vator and the plants. Stove plants, greenhouse plants, and Orchids, have
often been seen thrivingin glazed pots, and the labour saved in pot-washing
in such cases is considerable. Rtcently visiting a gardening establishment
where there was a large collection of stove and greenhouse plants and
many Orchids, I asked what assistance the gardener had, and on being
told, remarked that surely it was too little for such a quantity of glass
and so many plants. “ Oh,” replied the gardener, “ I could not manage
if the pots required washing, but you see they' are all glazed and give us
no trouble.”

Less labour is expended in watering plants in glazed pots. Then,
what is uglier tl an a dirty pot ? and unless washed at least oiice a fort-

January 57, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

65

night unglazed pots become unsightly. In many places pots are all
washed once a week, and it may be said that in spite of the most careful
handling on the part of the washers) the plants are often none the
better of the washing day. In the case of many Orchids that root
down the outsides of the pots it is impossible that pot-washing can be
carried out without some injury being done.

Some people may urge that glazed pots are dearer than unglazed
ones, and so they are, but the saving effected in labour, and the
cleanliness always associated with them, also the saving of much pulling
about to the plants, and in the case of Orchids entire avoidance of
root-bruising or breaking, more than compensate for any extra ex¬
pense at first, in connection with glazed pots. — S.

MUSHROOMS IN BOXES.

I have pleasure in giving my experience in Mushroom culture. Let
me preface my account by crediting that excellent treatise “ Mushrooms
for the Million,” as the sole medium of my knowledge attained in the
art of growing Mushrooms. My experience has been twofold, both of
which have been under circumstances when one would have almost
expected failure on account of the really miniature trials, and yet in both
cases I can but believe I have been almost more than successful.

My first attempt was in the open, on the north side of a hedge and
really beneath the same. There I made up (after a few turnings only)
a very small ridge in August, comprising perhaps not more than four
wheelbarrows full of horse droppings. This ridge speedily rose in heat
to 120° and upon declining to 80° an inch below the surface. I spawn all
as directed and did the et-ceteras, following closely the instructions in the
manual. In due time Mushrooms were pushing through in all directions,
and I have gathered from time to time, even to the present, what I
consider from size of bed a fairly good crop ; indeed, but for the trouble
of slugs the product would have been excellent.

My second effort lay in the direction of boxes kept in my
cellar, the sizes of which are scarce 2 feet long and 1 foot in

Fig. 10.— Growing Mushrooms in boxes.

width. These (three in number) were filled with fresh droppings,
without any preparation, beaten down firmly, and duly spawned
at the above quoted temperature. They have been in bearing
over two months, and some hundred fine and perfect Mushrooms
have been gathered from the same, some of which have weighed 4 ozs.
At the time of writing, with the thermometer at 42° in my cellar, one
of the said boxes is quite a picture ; indeed, bunches of a dozen fine
Mushrooms have gladdened the eyes of the amateur grower as the product
of these tiny hotbeds. As a covering to these I have used oat husks, and
the Mushrooms have in consequence been most beautifully clean with
bright salmon-coloured gills, milky white exterior, and of delicious flavour.
I have another large box, which I have spawned,- and at the surface of
which I have kept the temperature for three weeks at 60° to 70°, and in
regard to which I have no doubt as to the issue. I should certainly,
from the experience I have gained, be adverse to more than a few
turnings, when the bulk of material is small. .With given opportunities
1 hope to make further trials in this culture, and have little doubt of
failure if I faithfully adhere, almost to the letter, to the instructions in
the manual above quoted. — T. Fowlek, 5, Brighton Road, Cheltenham.

We send by this post a photograph of Mushrooms grown fiom our
spawn by Mr. Frank Ford, gardener, at the Frindesbury Brewery, Strood.
T ou will see the form they are grown in, and they may be grown by
almost anyone in any cellar. These boxes are made up about every
month, and. they afford a regular supply of Mushrooms, except in the
very hot weather, when of course they do not succeed very well. We
were at a place the other day in the midland counties, and to our surprise
a man asked whether Mushrooms could be grown in a room, and we
replied that we thought it would be a very peculiar place to grow them ;
but he showed us in his dining-room under the table a box quite as well
done as shown in the enclosed photograph, and there was no unpleasant
smell from the manure. As they can be grown so easily, everyone
should try and produce them.— William Cutbush and Son.

[A similar instance of growing Mushrooms “ under the table ” in a

dwelling, as well as in a cupboard in the room, is recorded on page 101
Of “ Mushrooms for the Million,”' the crops being quite as good as those
engraved from the Brewery photograph. Good spawn is essential to
success, and in both the cases alluded to it was undoubtedly good,
though obtained from different sources. It is only right to say that no
particular brand is specially adapted to this or any method of culture,
and the best of spawn fails to produce satisfactory crops in the absence
of good manure and management.]

ROOT-PRUNING.

In the Journal of December 23rd the following question is asked
by an “ Old Soldier,” Has root-pruning done the moBt good or the
most harm to the fruit supply of this country? No doubt the
question is important and suggestive, as well as interesting, to all
fruit growers. Of the value of root-pruning in order to check the
too-luxuriant growth of trees and induce fruitfulness there is no
doubt, as myself and others have oft m proved ; but I am not awore
of any direct or reliable evidence whereby we can decide the main
part of the question. If I state my opinion upon the wide view of
the question, it is that root-pruning has not as yet substantially and
generally improved our fruit supply, for two reasons. The large
plantations and orchards of this country from which our large
supplies come have not as a rule been subjected to that treatment,
because it would not pay ; the plan adopted, and which is considered
more economical and safe is, when a tree proves barren or partially
so that cannot be relied upon, it is soon taken out and another one
planted, the grower's aim being to have large, well-developed trees,
so as to produce both quantity and quality, and to root-prune large
trees would be in his case a waste of time and labour, with a doubt! ul
result. Cutting off the top and grafting would be considered a more
practical and speedy operation. I am, therefore, of opinion that in
their case, if root-pruning is practised, it has not proved of any
practical and profitable advantage. I should be pleased, however, to
hear that my opinion is not well founded.

I now come to professional gardeners, amateurs, and other small
growers, and I believe it is to them we must look for a more decisive,
answer to the question. Probably they have studied the system care¬
fully and carried it out practical'y according to the reciprocity of
action between root and branch, the result being an increased supply
and an improvement in quility according to soil and situation. But
the amateur and small grower are placed at a disadvantage ; their
knowledge of how, why, and when root-pruning should be done
is as yet imperfect ; these questions will be solved by time and close
observation.

It has been too much a custom for many among them to root-
prune trees off-hand, whether they wanted it or not, and in such a
clumsy, impracticable way, that the operation is an abuse of the
system instead of a benefit to the tree. This, I am glad to say, is
more exceptional than general, but when a more practical knowledge
of root-pruning and its advantages become generally known and
carried out, we may then be able to get at some reliable statistics as
to the influence root-pruning has upon our fruit supply, and I venture
to prophesy it would be decidedly in its favour. — Thomas Record.

THE ROYAL JUBILEE AND THE ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Nearly every class of the community are doubtless anxious to mark
in some form the Jubilee of Her Majesty. Many suggestions have been
mooted to hold exhibitions and raise institutions that shall stand out as
monuments of loyalty to the Queen who has won affections of her sub¬
jects. Horticulturists are no less loyal than any other portion of the
community, and I do not doubt that they too would be pleased to carry
out some project that would prove of benefit, not only to the present,
but future generations.

Many ideas have been discussed to commemorate the year of Jubilee
in the provinces by gardeners and associations to which they are con¬
nected, but nothing definite has been settled on a large scale. Neither
do I think it possible that anything worthy can be accomplished by in¬
dependent action in any one district. This is the case in the provinces,
but it may be different in and about the metropolis. London seems to
be the heart of horticulture, and something substantial might there be
achieved without the aid of those who dwell in the provinces. But this
is neither wise nor desirable, for efforts to produce any work or carry out
a scheme of magnitude would be more or less paralysed and narrowed by
limitation ; but with the united effort, energy, and perseverance of
horticulturists throughout the country a great undertaking may be ac¬
complished, and one that could be pointed to writh pride in years to
come.

Horticulturists as a rule are slow of action, but when they see clearly
the object before them they rise to the occasion and respond with energy
and will. There is unmistakeably a kind of freemasonry amongst gardeners,
for they are always willing to lend a helping hand to any good work,
whether to assist a needy member of the craft or a widow that has been

66

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 27, 1887.

leftdestitutc, or the establishment of institutions that have for their ob¬
ject the advancement of the profession to which they belong. I have
not the least doubt that on the present occasion, when the object to be
attained is set forth, and a plan of action decided upon, plenty of willing
workers will be found, and the spirit that has characterised other efEorts
in the past will not be wanting. The leading article in the Journal
(Jan. 13th) gives the first suggestion of a national character — namely,
as to the institution of a “ home ” for the Royal Horticultural Society.
It is ably advocated, and if carried out might be the means of rein¬
stating that Society in the honourable and useful position it was de¬
signed to fill. Of late years its usefulness has been fettered by
uncertainty and liability. Fortunately it is now freed from the latter,
and fresh quarters will have to be found soon. If the Council approve
of the scheme brought forward in the Journal the question arises
whether such a project would meet with general approval. I do not
question the ability or foresight of the Council to decide such matters,
but I think it would be better decided by them in conjunction with a
representative assembly of horticulturists from the provinces as well as
the metropolis. There might be a difficulty in getting them together to
discuss the matter, but their views on the subject could be ascertained.
1 think this is requisite if the scheme contemplated is carried out, for
the fact cannot be overlooked that the “ Royal ” is by no means
popular in the provinces. For some years past it has been losing
the position that it undoubtedly held when in a more prosperous
condition.

The work and doings of the “ Royal ” are by no means generally
known, even amongst gardeners, as they only have such information as
from time to time appears in the Journal and other gardening periodi¬
cals. The reports that have been issued of late find their way only
into the hands of the few, and thousands do not know from whom they
can be obtained. The various conferences were worthy of that institu¬
tion, and would if continued quickly bring it again into popularity.
However flourishing the Society may be, it will always iprove most
profitable to those who reside within easy distance of London and can
attend its meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. But independent of
this, I think the “ Royal ” might have been raised to a more prosperous
condition of it had widened its methods of procedure and management.
From time to time the best and most successful institutions need re¬
organising if they are to do real service and keep pace with the times.
If the Society is to be a great success in the future reorganisation is
necessary on such a basis that horticulturists generally can aid in
carrying out its work.

If it is decided to carry out the proposed scheme I think the Council
would welcome suggestions and opinions, and therefore I think it just
to say that I do not believe the foundation of a “ home ” will be
favourably received in the provinces without a system for remodelling
the Society as well or setting forth clearly its aims and intentions if
restored to prosperity. I do not reflect the slightest discredit on the
existing Council of gentlemen ; on the contrary, I think they have
clung to the Society in its enfeebled condition in a highly praiseworthy
manner. The Council should be subject to re-election on some popular
system the same as is the case with all other societies and institutions.
The members might be greatly increased by lowering the fee, or by
creating associates, say upon payment of one guinea annually, and
members by payment of half the amount. The fellowship could remain
as it is now. Some such scheme would add largely to the annual in¬
come, and if worked on economical principles and in harmony with
every society in the provinces it could not fail to become a most useful
and popular institution. — W. B.

In reference to the proposition of a “home” for the “Royal,” no
doubt it is a pressing necessity, but whether it is the most important
“ public want ” is an open question. However necessary a “ home ” for
the “ Royal ” may be, there are matters of even wider importance that
are worthy of consideration. The first of these— -and its importance will
not be questioned -is how to provide employment for our surplus stock
of gardeners. There are hundreds of able, intelligent, and willing men
who need work with a fair wage until the approach of better times,
when something more lucrative might turn up for them. Could not
some experimental garden be established, or some establishment formed
for the culture of fruit, flowers, and vegetables, the produce to be sent
' to market ? Land could be rented or bought in a suitable locality at a
moderately cheap rate. The money only would be wanting, and if any
such scheme was advanced that would be forthcoming, an appeal for
such a worthy object could not well be resisted.

When the article of the Journal was shown to a prominent horticul¬
turist he remarked, “ A home for the ‘ Royal 1’ Far better raise a home
for old and disabled gardeners in poor circumstances.” This is by no
means a bad idea, for if endowed many an unfortunate man might be
sheltered aud cared for. If £20,000 or a larger sum was raised, and
worked in connection with the Royal Gardeners’ Benevolent Institu¬
tion, with or without the “ home,” a large amount of distress amongst
-aged gardeners might be prevented that the Society in its present con¬
dition is unable to cope with. If this could be realised it would be a
worthy monument of Her Majesty’s Jubilee, and one that could be
pointed to with pride and admiration by all horticulturists. — One in
the Provinces.

If there is one proverb more than another which had need to be
applied to the Royal Horticultural Society it is “ Let bygones be
bygones,” for in truth its history of recent years has been a sad and

humiliating one ; in fact, ever since the day it became associated with
the South Kensington scheme, for it is as useless to talk about what
might have been the case as to ask what might have been the course of
events had Cleopatra’s nose been half an inch longer. When one
considers the money that has been spent, the bickerings that have
taken place, the utter disregard of public feeling and of the interests
of horticulture that have been too often displayed in past years, we
might well wish that all could be forgotten. It is of no use calling
these things to mind save to point to this, that from one cause or another
the Society, in this the Jubilee Year of Her Gracious Majesty, is in a
most critical condition, and one that calls upon all true horticulturists
to ask themselves, Can anything be done ? and I, for one, cannot but feel
thankful that the honoured Editor of the Journal has broached the
subject in so true and loyal a manner as in a recent Journal. If anyone
has a right to speak and write upon it he has, for we cannot forget that
when everything was at sixes and sevens some years ago, he, with great
self denial, undertook, in the midst of his manifold engagements, the
duties of the Honorary Secretary, and so infused into the horticultural
world, who fully confided in him, an amount of confidence in the
Society that it sorely needed at the time, and which up to that time it
had not enjoyed.

It is, I think, undeniable that one great cause of the Society’s diffi¬
culties has been the presence in it of two conflicting elements ; these
were the Horticultural element and what may be called the South
Kensington element. The former of these desired to regard it as simply
for the benefit of horticulture, grudged very much the expenditure
on making the gardens into a place for lawn tennis, and a sort of
square into which nurses and babies might be turned. Then the South
Kensington element regarded it as especially designed for those who
lived round about, to whom it might be a fashionable lounge, or a safe
place for their nursemaids and children, free from contact with the out- t
side world. The Council in adjudicating between these two opposing
parties had a difficult task to play, and no wonder that failure was too
often the result. It would seem that this latter element is rapidly dis¬
appearing, the greater part of the gardens will most probably be appro¬
priated by the proposed Institute to commemorate Her Majesty’s
Jubilee, and so the South Kensington subscribers are rapidly withdraw¬
ing, and with them go, of course, a large portion of the funds.

It is stated that a proposition is to be made by the Royal Albert Hall
Corporation to acquire the Conservatory and the upper part of the gardens,
and open both as a place of amusement, and the idea has been enter¬
tained of somehow connecting the Royal Horticultural Society with
this scheme, but surely anyone can see what a miserable and undigni¬
fied position this would be. The scheme is for many reasons considered
by the best judges doomed to failure commercially, and with the new
place of recreation what promises to be a success at Olympia this would
be quite unnecessary, and we must only hope that some better plan
may be devised if the Society is to be still connected with South
Kensington.

The question is asked in the leading article of the Journal, on page
25, whether something may not be done in this the Jubilee Year of Her
Majesty, and whether organisation should undertake it. There is one
body which, although its numbers are not great, is yet most thoroughly
representative — I mean the Horticultural Club, and I am happy to say
that it has already taken the matter up. A large and influential
meeting was held on Tuesday, the 8th inst., at which were present
persons so well known in the horticultural world as the Hon. and Rev.
J. T. Boscawen, Drs. Hogg and Masters, Messrs. Veitch, Rivers, Deal,
Pearson, Druery, &c. The subject was most thoroughly considered. It
was stated by the Secretary that the President of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society was ready to meet the members of the Club and to hear
their views, and arrangements were made for that purpose. After a
long discussion it was determined to appoint a sub-Committee of the
Club to consider the whole matter, so as to be prepared to lay their
views before the President of the Royal Horticultural Society, and thus
the utility of the Club has beeniabundantly justified. I have always
felt that a time would probably i come when it would form a very useful
rallying point for all who were desirous of promoting the interests of
the cause we have at heart. I shall not be betraying confidence when I
say that the project which “ our Doctor ” has brought forward in the
Journal was mooted by him at the meeting and met with a most favour¬
able reception. Nor shall I be wrong in mentioning the direction in
which the ideas of many present ran, and which will be brought under
the consideration of the Committee. It was felt that the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society ought to be put upon a more modern and popular basis.
The charge of exclusiveness has always somehow or other clung to it,
and has been deserved I fear — at some times, at any rate. For this pur¬
pose it was suggested that the Council should be enlarged and reformed
more on the lines of the Royal Agricultural Society, and that represen¬
tatives of the business element in horticulture, in the persons of two or
three leading inurserymen, should be placed upon it ; that attempts
should be made to connect all Societies throughout the kingdom with
it, and that in so doing it should be acknowledged that the benefits of
such connection should be mutual. This is natural, for it would tend
to a better understanding and much mutual help. I know a good deal
about Horticultural Societies throughout the kingdom, and I may say
with confidence that I know of none to whom the Royal Horticultural
Society is anything more than an empty name, or name synonymous to
them (whether right or wrong), with wasteful expenditure, aristocratic
reserve, and continuous blundering, and to whom the extension of the
Society would mean nothing whatever, I may be pardoned if I say

January 27, 1837. ]

' JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

67

how different to this is the position of the National Rose Society. All
the Rose Societies throughout the kingdom are associated with it, and
the mutual benefits are freely and fully acknowledged. The Society
considers itself as under obligations to them, while they look up to it as
a helper to them in any difficulties, and a counsellor to whom they may
always with confidence refer, and whose decisions are to them as law.
Their Secretaries are cx officio members of the Committee.

When any such plans are proposed it is immediately said, “ But there
is the charter !" I believe the general opinion of the meeting was, if
so, let the Society be unchartered. What is the use of having a mill¬
stone about one’s neck when freer action is required ? It is a very
voluminous production, and seems specially designed to keep the Society
in swaddling clothes.

Another point was very clearly brought out, that the Society does
not require big shows ; the day for them is gone by as far as it is con¬
cerned. The Crystal Palace and Royal Botanic shows sufficiently in this
respect cater for the public in the metropolis, and formerly these Shows
were confined to London, now every town in the kingdom has them.
Manchester exceeds in extent any that are held in London, then York,
Leeds, Bristol, Bath, Taunton, and a host of others hold shows at various
seasons, where collections as fine as any that are held in London are
brought together ; but while these were condemned, an equally unani¬
mous and decided opinion was held that the fortnightly meetings ought
to be continued and everything done to increase their interest. It was
felt that they were the very backbone of the Society.

Such are some of the ideas that were freely put forth at the meeting
of the Horticultural Club on the 8th inst. The Sub-Committee
appointed will meet on the 1st of February, and afterwards their
decision will be placed before the President of the Royal Horticultural
Society, who has consented to meet them, and I think all lovers of
horticulture and well-wishers of the Society will rejoice that these steps
have been taken. — D., Deal.

Among the many projects spoken of for celebrating the Jubilee of
Her Most Gracious Majesty, the one mentioned on page 25 is by no means
insignificant, and my opinion is that the gardeners of Great Britain, and
every person interested in horticulture generally, will do well to com¬
bine and carry out the scheme mentioned in a manner worthy of the
reputation we hold. I say this advisedly, because no other country can
compete with us in the way of horticulture.

We have also, as a class, many advantages which will assist in carry¬
ing out the above object, for as a rule gardeners are very loyal and
law-abiding men. They have also, necessarily, a good education and
intelligence ; also they are easily communicated with by means of their
own papers. But the question is now, Will the Royal Horticultural
Society take up the subject, and carry out the organisation necessary
for this object ? Judging from what they have done in times past I feel
doubtful on this point, unless the consideration of getting out of their
only trouble at present by having a home provided for them by the
horticulturists of Great Britain will induce them to undertake
the work. If the Royal Horticultural Societv will not move in
the matter, would it not be possible that all the editors of the horticul¬
tural press to meet and choose a central Committee of Management in
London, and then appoint a working committee that would cover the
whole kingdom ? The scheme cannot be successfully carried out with¬
out the co-operation of the horticultural press. When once we have
that we are sure of every intelligent gardener and horticulturist in the
kingdom being communicated with on the subject, and I am persuaded
success would be certain.

I think the proposed building should not be handed over entirely to
the Royal Horticultural Society, but (while affording accommodation
to them when they required it) should, as a truly national institution,
be under the management of independent trustees, and available, when
not required by the Royal Horticultural Society, for all horticultural
meetings, shows, &c., such as those of the National Rose, Chrysanthe¬
mum, Carnation, and similar societies ; also for meetings connected with
botany, horticultural trade, and other objects of a like nature ; and if a
home is provided for the Royal Horticultural Society, could not a
guarantee be obtained from them that they would further the interests
of horticulture in a more national manner than at present, and a stipu¬
lation be made that at least 75 per cent, of the officers and Council
should be persons practically interested in horticulture — such as gar¬
deners, nurserymen, and distinguished amateurs ?

If the Imperial Institute is carried out as proposed it will contain
much that is interesting to horticulturists. Would it not be advisable,
and for the mutual interests of both1 if the National Institute of Horti¬
culture was located in proximity to the permanent exhibition of the pro¬
duce of the empire ? I am ready to do all in my power to further the
above object - that may be only like a drop in a bucket, but if everyone
else interested will do all in their power we shall be certain of success. —
W. H. Divers, Kctton Hall, Stamford.

In your articles on the Royal Jubilee you mention that the Royal
Horticultural Society needs a permanent home. I think if a Jubilee
home is built it would be a good thing to have an hotel or club in con¬
nection with it for gardeners going to the London shows. Many young
gardeners visit London yearly, and I feel sure if there was a place of the
kind and a reasonable price charged for board and lodging, See., it
would prove very convenient to them and would support itself. It is
very inconvenient for gardeners coming up with fruit, &c., and not
knowing where to stay the night until the show ground is opened. I

hope something may be done in the manner suggested for the sake of the
many gardeners that come up from the country. — H. Pewtress.

LOSS OF HEAT FROM HOT- WATER MAINS.

If your correspondent, Mr. A. Scott, will try hair-felt for covering his
hot-water mains we feel sure he will find a great saving of heat. The
hair-felt is usually sold in sheets, so that there is little or no difficulty in
binding it round the pipes— that is to say, if there is sufficient room in
the cavity to tie it with string. We should prefer tarred string for the
purpose, which is more lasting. If the covering of the cavity is not
watertight we should advise covering the hairfelt with roof-felt, which is
not very expensive, or if plenty of good dry sawdust is at hand it might
answer the purpose ; but in our opinion nothing will answer better than
the hairfelt, which we have used largely for all underground mains, and
also mains from water tanks. We take the precaution to have our feed
pipes from tanks to hot-water boilers cased with the same material. We
have experienced eases where these supply pipes have been frozen and
consequently split. Considering the exceptionally severe weather it will
be advisable to see to such matters where any doubt exists. — A. 0. W.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION.

[The following papar, contributed by Mr. H. Shoesmith, gardener to
Rev. Canon Hodgson, Saltwood, Hythe, was read before the members of the
Lee, Blaokheath, and Lewisham Horticultural Society, at their last monthly
meeting held in the Working Men’s Institute, Old Road, Lee.]

Tiie subject of this paper needs no introduction, for we now
see the Chrysanthemum at the height of its popularity. There is
scarcely a town of importance but what has its show, and to some
of the exhibitions people go in thousands. I shall not attempt to
tell the past history of our favourite flower, but shall confine my
remarks to the culture of the three chief classes — incurved, J apanese,
and reflexed.

In taking the cuttings, preference should be given to those
strong suckers which throw up away from the main stem. After
trying various ways of propagating them I find nothing to equal
the plan I adopt, which is as follows : — Prepare a frame by filling
it to about 1 foot from the glass with ashes or any rough rubbish
at hand ; on that place 6 inches of finely sifted leaf soil and sand ;
press the same to make it firm and neat, and then dibble the cuttings
in as you would bedding Calceolarias. Keep the frame close and
sprinkle on fine days, and try to prevent the cuttings flagging at
any time. How long they will take to strike will greatly depend
on the weather, but I do not trouble if mine are fit to pot off early
in February. In severe weather the frame must be well coyered
up, and it is possible the cuttings may not see the light for some
days together ; however, no harm will come to them if care is taken
to gradually inure them to it when the weather permits.

In February, then, the cuttings should be potted into small
60-sized pots, using light soil consisting of loam, leaf soil, and sand
in equal quantities, afterwards placing the plants in a cold frame.
Keep the latter closed for a few days, after which they should have
plenty of air on all favourable occasions, so as to assist Nature in
bringing them up hardy and short-jointed from their earliest
stage.

As soon as the plants get well established in the small pots,
which if all has gone on well will be about the second week in
March, they may be shifted into 5-inch and 6-inch pots ; the strongest
growers in the latter size and the weaker growing sorts in the former.
The soil I use for this shift is mixed in the following manner : — To
two bushels of good yellow loam add half a bushel of leaf soil, a
small quantity of finely broken charcoal, and about a peck of coarse
sand. In potting, ram the soil firmly into the pots with a potting
stick, replace them in the cold frame, and keep close for a few days ;
then, as before mentioned, give all the air that is possible consistent
with safety from frost and cold cutting winds, till the second or
third week in April, when they can be stood out of doors.
It is well, though, to place them in a way that odd lights or anything
used for the purpose can be put over them at night if there is
danger of spring frosts.

Being in favour of getting the plants early into their flowering
pots I commence about the second week in May, and as this is the
most important shift I will recommend a good but simple compost.
To three bushels of fibry loam, not too old, add half a bushel of
charcoal and mortar rubbish in equal quantities, and three pounds
of dissolved bones ; mix well together and use in a state not too
wet nor too dry. In potting, put an inch or so of quarter-inch
bones over the crocks and ram in the soil as you would in potting
an Azalea or an Erica ; also place the ball low down into the pot
to allow room for top-dressing. Nine-inch pots are quite large
enough for the most vigorous ; I would, however, strongly advise
the use of smaller pots than those we commonly see used, 24’s or
8-inch being the size for those plants in the 5-inch, and the larger
size for those in pots of 6 inches diameter.

68

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ January 27, 1887.

It may be of some use if I name a few very fine varieties that
are weaker in growth and seem to require extra care in their suc¬
cessful cultivation. These are as follows : — Incurved — Barbara,
Cherub, Lady Hardinge, Mrs. W. Shipman, Mr. Bunn, and Princess
Beatrice. Among the Japanese — Criterion, Golden Dragon, J.
Delaux, Marguerite Marrouch, Japonaise, M. Ardene, and Triomphe
du Nord. I intend to try next year some of the most robust
incurved varieties in pots of the smaller size, believing one can,
with proper feeding, get the blooms large enough with the necessary
broad petal and a more compact smoother flower.

We must now stand our plants in their summer quarters, which
should be open on all sides, where the sun can have full play
from its rising to its setting. Do not plunge the pots, which should
be placed a good distance apart on a sound bottom of ashes or
boards, so that the growth may be firm and short- jointed, with leaves
like leather. It will be necessary to firmly stake each plant, and
with a dew-like syringing morning and night all ought to go on well
to the first bud, which will show from the end of May to July
according to the variety. Allow each to break naturally, and select
three shoots, cutting all others away from the main stem. Tie the
shoots securely to the stakes as they grow, and from this time give
the plants something stronger than pure water. There is much
difference of opinion as to what should be given, but I think the
simplest manures are by far the best. Soot water is the best of all ;
that made from cow or sheep manure good. Either of these, with
a watering of clear limewater once a fortnight will give better
results than all the chemicals in the world.

There should be nothing to impede the growth of the selected
shoots till they show the next, which is termed the crown bud, and
this must be eagerly watched for. This is the bud which, from
most varieties, produces the finest flowers ; but if any show before
August — with one exception, and that is the universal favourite
Elaine, which with me cannot be had full and deep from any but
the crown bud, and if it shows its crown at the end of July I would
secure it — I would not retain them, but select the best shoots from
this break ; still clinging to the faithful three. There are several
varieties buds of which should be taken early in August. These
are J. Delaux, Boule d’Or, Grandiflorum, Golden Dragon, and Meg
Merrilies, also the incurved Lady Carey. I would not take buds of
Fair Maid of Guernsey, Hiver Fleuri, M. Ardene, M. Tarin, or
Peter the Great even in August, or you may be rewarded with
those ugly hen-and-chicken-like flowers, or mop-headed monsters
which refuse to open kindly.

A few words on watering. This being, perhaps, the most im¬
portant of all operations, requires at all times thoughtfulness and
constant attention. Many think because the Chrysanthemum is a
gross, free-growing plant too much water cannot be given, but I
would advise great care even in the hottest weather. Given the
best of soils, the position good, the potting performed in a proper
manner, and everything favourable to good growth ; sour the soil
or kill the roots with too much water and progress is stopped. On
the other hand, the plants must not be allowed on any account to
become dry at the root, or progress again will be arrested. The
happy medium is wanted, and to acquire it the plants must in
summer time be looked over three or four times a day. Tap each
pot, give water if wanted, and, if not, pass by till the next visit ;
this takes more trouble than time, but the former is not thought of
by an enthusiastic cultivator.

(To be continued.)

CUTTING EXHIBITION FRUIT.

In spite of many rather forcible protests the custom of cutting fruit
at flower shows still finds favour among a few judges in this part of the
country. There is something to be said for and against the practice,
but when such men as Messrs. Coleman and Challis unhesitatingly
denounce the partial disfigurement of a dish of fruit as being altogether
uncalled for, the advocates of this method of arriving at a just decision
had perhaps better modify their opposition. Although I must side with
the well-known gardeners just named, I cannot refrain from pointing
out that our Bath friends have one good argument in favour of their
theory — viz., it is time-honoured. Early in the present century a German
prince made a tour through England, Ireland, and France, and his
letters published in 1832 have greatly interested me. With very few
exceptions he has given a most impartial, and not always flattering,
description of the manners and customs of the inhabitants of this country,
and much that he wrote about Ireland and England, and Wales too,
might well be republished at the present time. His description of
different parts of this country I can safely assert is remarkably truthful,
and altogether I am constrained to believe there must be some truth in
his remark anent judging at a great flower show held in Dublin. He
writes — “ In the midst of the flowers, which formed a sort of temple,
there was an enclosed space railed round for the fruits, which twelve
judges ate with great gravity and apparent satisfaction. They must have

been a long time in coming to a decision, for rinds of Melons, Pears, land
Apples, fragments of Pines, stones of Plums, Apricots, and Peaches, lay
in mountains on the table underneath, and although the flowers were
all gradually removed by the proprietors, I did not see that any fruits
found their way out of this temple of Pomona.”

I laughed heartily when I read this, and was obliged to conclude
how very moderate, after all, were the four judges who awarded the
fruit prizes at the summer show of a local society. These also, like their
prototypes, appeared to thoroughly enjoy their employment, but if I
remember rightly were not so grave as they might have been. It must
not be thought I am writing this from any wish to disparage their
ability to form a just opinion of the merits of the fruit in competition,
as I have much respect for all them ; neither am I a discontented ex¬
hibitor, as on two occasions where fruit was cut I unexpectedly won a
first prize ; nor do I wish to stir up a controversy on the subject, but
take the present opportunity of hinting that our friend Mr. Challis
might be expected to have more regard for time-honoured customs.

Next, to show how very impartial as well as inconsistent I can be
occasionally, I may mention what happened at two autumn shows. At
Bath prizes were offered for a single dish of Pears, any variety fit for
the table, the judges being empowered to cut them. This the two good
judges did not care to do, and out of a very great variety, or probably
fifty exhibits, selected two dishes of Marie Louise. Some of the advo¬
cates of cutting the fruit when j udging thought this a wrong decision on the
grounds that the second prize Pears were over-ripe and gone at the core,
one fruit also being thought to be of another variety. I was obliged to
point out this was staged by me, and naturally had no fault to find
with the decision. Two days later the same dish of fruit was shown
at Exeter in a similar class, and in this instance the fruits were cut,_ with
the result of proving my Marie Louise were quite sound and superior to
all the rest. Query, ought I to grumble or not 1 Perhaps if the Pears
had been cut at Bath I should have taken the first prize there also' in¬
stead of the second, for they were good, as my Exeter friends could
corroborate if need be. Exhibitors are hard to please. — W. Iggulden.

THE GARDENERS’ ROYAL BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION.

The following statement of the receipts and payments of this Institu¬
tion (of which Mr. H. J. Veitch is now Treasurer) for the year ending
December 31st, 1886, has been sent to us for publication : —

Debtor. £ s. d.

To Balance, 1885 . 387 5 9

Annual Subscriptions ...

...

1311

2

0

Donations at and in consequence

of Annual

Dinner .

...

...

I486

16

10

2797

18

10

Advertisements .

49

13

0

Collecting Cards .

185

15

9

235

8

9

3033

7

7

Dividends on Stock .

633

0

0

Interests on Deposits .

22

17

3

655

17

3

Stock in 3 per Cent. Consols, £21,000.
Creditor.

By Pensions . .

, Secretary’s Salary .

, Rent of Office .

, Furniture, Fittings, &c .

, Printing .

, Advertising . .

, Stationery .

, Book of Cheques .

, Expense of Annual Dinner

, Postages, Travelling Expenses, and Sundry Petty Ex
penses .

, Amount placed on Deposit .

Balances : —

At Bankers ...
With S.cretary

Audited 10th January, 1887.

368 12

11 11

3689 4 10
£4076 10 7

£ s

1950 0 0
160 0 0
43 15 0
26 14 6
130 0 0
3 19 0
21 12 7
3 9 2
60 14 8

96 1 10

2496 6 9
1200 0 0

3696 6 9

380 3 10
£4076 10 7

John Lee,

J. F. Meston,
Jesse Willard.

“VEITCHS PARAGON” BRUSSELS SPROUTS.

I should like to say a few words in favour of the above variety of
Brussels Sprouts. We have grown it for several years in preference to
any other variety. It is of sturdy even growth ; the sprouts, which are

January 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

69

thickly produced on the stems, are of medium size, very firm, and of
delicious flavour when cooked. As this is the most useful green vegetable
for winter use, it is important that a reliable variety should be grown,
and those who give Paragon a trial will, I think, be quite satisfied with
the result. Our quarter for Sprouts is always planted with Parly
Kidney Potatoes, 3 feet apart. The plants of Brussels Sprouts are raised
in a cold pit, and afterwards pricked out in a sheltered place in the
frame ground. When large enough they are transplanted between the
rows of Potatoes, after these have been earthed up. The protection here
afforded helps to establish them quickly. When the Potatoes are lifted
the soil is worked round the stems, which keeps them firm against wind.
— Arthur Basket, Kindlip.

AN OLD LECTURE ON POTATOES.

By Mr. Robert Fenn.

{Continued, from page 5 80, last v el.')

Potatoes have been raised in England, from seed tubers received
from New Zealand, for the purpose of testing an opinion that the
produce from seed raised in those islands where the Potato disease is
unknown might be free from its attack in this country. Experience,
however, proved the contrary, as in three experiments the produce
was as much affected as was that from English-raised seed.

It is difficult to prove a constitutional weakness in any given
variety of Potato, its existence can only be implied by the fact of
its failure ; but the longer the cultivation of any variety of Potato is
persevered in, the more certainly may we expect to see its vigour
impaired. Hence the propriety of propagating fresh varieties from
seed. The method of doing so is to gather the berries when fully
ripe, and store them in tolerably dry soil, either whole or bruised ;
keep them in the earth secure from frost, and in March or April
mix the mould and seeds in which they have been kept, and sow
all together, then cover with light soil about a quarter of an inch deep.
New varieties with small tubers will be the result in due time, and
these preserved and planted the second year will prove if they are
desirable new kinds or not.

As a point to bo insisted on, always procure seed tubers for plant¬
ing from soil of a nature directly in opposition to that of your own.
If your land is a loam procure them from a gravelly soil ; if clay get
them from light ground, and so on. The quantity of seed required
for a rood of land will vary according to distance of the sets and
rows ; when the sets are placed from 8 to 12 inches apart in rows at
2 feet intervals, about 5 bushels of small whole Potatoes will suffice,
but when the bad practice of cut sets is resorted to, 6 bushels at
least will be required.

Having thus spoken of seed I will return to the soil and planting.
On the supposition that the trenching has been carried out, and when
the ridges are in a frozen state about the beginning of February,
break them up, fork it over again on the first dry and favourable
opportunity that occurs towards the end of the month, preparaiory
for planting in March. In planting I adopt the Shropshire method
— namely, stretch a line, and cast out the soil about 4 inches deep,
with the back of the spade bearing against the line ; the sets are then
placed in the drill about a foot a^-art, the line for the site of the
next row is then placed there, the spade applied, and the soil removed
cast over to fill up the previous drill, and so on. It is a very ex¬
peditious plan. As regards the width the drills should be from each
other, this must depend in a great measure on the nature of the soil.
If poor land plant closer ; if rich allow more room. I am a decided
advocate for pure air, and manage to let it circulate as freely as
possible amongst animals and vegetables under my charge. I allow
30 inches between the rows for main crops of Potatoes, but the soil
is in very good heart.

According to my judgment, the custom of applying raw manure
in the drills at planting time is wrong. When in a poor soil, manure
is used to “ make the most of it,” in the rows only. The young
plants grow very freely at first, because they then find abundant
nourishment, and their roots extend rapidly, but they do so into a
barren surrounding soil ; and when the formation of the young
Potatoes, and the advancing stage of the growth of the plants require
an extra supply of nourishment, little is to be found. Manure is
incapable of sustaining vegetable life unless decomposed and incor¬
porated with the soil, and everyone knows that roots spread in quest
of this nourishment ; but when in its raw state it is merely laid in
narrow strips along the centre of the drills, where it is least wanted,
and away from the roots ; is it to be wondered at that a poor orop is
so often the result ? In opposition to this practice, however, stands a
worse, and that is where the land is altogether too rich, such as we
often find in gardens attached to dwelling-houses in and near towns.
The Potato there runs to tops and roots with a vengeance, but it is at
the expense of tubers ; and how often do we see good-intentioned
people go on adding more manure as a means for the end. For such
gardens I recomend quicklime.

The preparation and use of lime was known to the Israelites some
2500 years ago, for we read in the 38rd chapter of Isaiah, “ And
the people shall be as the burnings of lime.” Cato and Pliny, ancient
Roman writers, also speak of the same process, and of the use made
of lime as a manure. The use of lime as a fertiliser is not so much
used I think as it should be ; I know there is either ignorance, or
prejudice, or perhaps both, against it. Light land requires it less in
proportion than heavy soil, but all lands do require it, for there is not
a fruit, flower, or pot-herb but contains a considerable amount of
lime in its composition. Stiff clay land is rendered more friable by
lime, and light soils are rendered more compact, in consequence of
lime attracting moisture powerfully from the air. It is also very
caustic, and when mixed with soil not only destroys insects but
speedily reduces fragments of previous crops with which it may come
in contact to mould. Besides, it acts on the inorganic ingredients of
a soil, so as to render soluble many of the salts of the earth adapted
for the nutriment of plants. Lime should never be mixed with
dungs of any kind, as it promotes the escape from them of their
most valuable property, ammonia. Most people will smell out what
that means the next time they pass an uncovered dung heap.

Land and plants, as well as mortals, however, can have too much
of a good thing, and I know a farmer in Shropshire who went on
burning and applying lime to such excess that it caused some of his
ground to become caked like a brick, and threw it for a year or two,
1 may almost say, out of cultivation. I know from practice, on
moderate loams, that 50 to 70 bushels of lime fresh from the kiln,
and worked into the surface just before planting time, will prove far
more productive in generating those gases which are congenial to the
Potato than the most bountiful application of manure that could be
applied.

Where lime would be unsuitable to the soil, soot and salt mixed
in the proportion of 40 bushels of soot and 20 bushels of salt per
acre, and applied in the same manner as lime, is a worthy substitute ;
in fact, it could not be misapplied on any soil, but it should be done
in moist weather, while lime should always be applied in a dry time.
Lime rubbish, such as old mortar and plaster obtained when brick
buildings are pulled down, is an excellent manure for Potatoes,
abounding as it does with the salts of potash and lime. It should be
reduced to powder, then spread and harrowed into the surface similar
to lime.

(To be continued.)

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

Mr. Riddell has been kind enough to admit a failing in his system
at Duncombe Park which may to some extent account for the oxidation
which takes place upon his bars. Being a daily occurrence, I estimate
that it must be very small indeed, as computation must prove that a
daily wasting sufficient to free the clinker from the bars at the least
three times each day would mean speedy ruin. Agreeing, as we do,
entirely as to principle, 1 would dwell a little more on details. Mr.
Riddell may, I fear, convey to some a wrong impression with regard to
the rapid evaporation from his ashpits, and one that Mr. Bardney at
first entertained, partly causing him to recommend a flow in and out.
When Mr. Riddell says all the water is evaporated long before morning.
I cannot but think leakage must play an important part because from very
close observation we find the quantity evaporated to be comparatively
little, and this can be regulated with the greatest nicety by the amount
of cold air admitted through the bottom doors, yet with open doors
ours is far from been exhausted.

I feel greatly obliged to your correspondent for his able support of
the vapour theory generally. I hardly see how the subject can be
further and usefully discussed outside the theory and nature of metals,
nor do I think any space would be wasted by extending it on this point.
What Mr. Riddell has found pleasure and evident use in studying would
perhaps stimulate others, for surely a gardener with a special subject
has more than ordinary concern in connection therewith. Chemical
affinity is so clearly defined that forces or compounds of the most de¬
structive nature may be so united as to become preservative. We know
that though oxygen is so abundantly present in the form of vapour, its
destructive effects is increased or lessened according to the intensity of
heat or manner of application. Steam acting upon cold metal or iron
causes rapid oxidation, but I think no one who has knowledge of chemical
science would for a moment suppose that a fire burning over water
would attract by its heat more vapour than it was able to absorb.

Mr. Riddell says I seem to doubt that red hot iron is oxidised by
water and steam. A glance at my article will show that I never men¬
tioned the words “ red hot.” If Mr. Riddell infers that oxide produced by
the various scientific appliances which are presented throughout every
work of note on chemistry and often aided by acids is natural theory, I
do not understand him, as, for instance, steam passing through a retort-
like tube filled with iron borings. Such processes are to all intents and
purposes artificial and represent the whole difference between natural
and compulsory unity. It is at this point we must take our stand,
because the primary aim in having water is in order to preserve the bars
from becoming heated beyond a certain degree if possible, and this is
wh it was meant in my first notes on the subject. I must confess to

70

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 27, 1887.

being somewhat disappointed that the more scientific features have
received so little attention. Certain it is that nothing directly bearing
upon the subject is to be found in the most detailed works on chemistry,
yet all are clear that within certain limits iron under the influence of
heat is repulsive to oxygen. I observe, so far, that none have attributed
any hardening effect produced upon the bars by the absorption of car¬
bonised vapours ; at any rate, I can attribute the brightness of our bars
to no other property.

I hardly think Mr. Riddell will find a majority of stokeholes so per¬
fectly dry that an idle boiler would rapidly yield to the powerful
influences of oxygen in a cool state. — E Burton.

TUBEROUS BEGONIAS FOB BEDDING.

That Tuberous Begonias are capital plants for beautifying the
flower beds in summer is an undisputed fact. Those persons not
having yet tried them for this purpose should procure a stock of
plants, treat them well, and they will soon wish to increase the
stock rather than otherwise. Now their cultivation is better under¬
stood no wonder they increase in numbers. What could be more
lovely than the fine collection of Messrs. J. Laing & Son during
the month of September or even October, where they grow in
masses out of doors, of all shades of colour, forms, and habits ?
Amateurs would do well to take this plant in hand for the deco¬
ration of their beds or borders in a small way, as it is particularly
well adapted to them. Its chief point with them is the small
amount of space required for storing in the winter compared with
that required for Pelargoniums. Many people fail to obtain good
results with them as bedding plants owing to the way in which the
plants are treated. The greatest mistake which can be made is that
of growing the plants in the spring as large as possible in heat, with
the idea that they will fill the beds more quickly. Nothing
could be more directly in opposition to what is required than such a
method of preparing the plants. Treated thus, the plants are tall,
soft in growth, and unable to bear either wind or sun, and after
receiving such a check they never make any progress, but the leaves
fall off until nothing but the bare stems remain. The cry is then,
“ Oh ! Begonias will not do in this locality for bedding, the climate
does not suit them,” whereas it is entirely, in many instances, owing
to the treatment they receive that failure occurs. Having used
them as bedding plants during the last four seasons with good
results, I will detail my practice in their culture, with the hope
that it may be suggestive to others.

These Begonias are equally good for planting on rockeries as for
the ordinary beds, particularly if those plants with a drooping habit
be selected for this purpose. The warm nooks and corners to be
found in rockeries suits them admirably, and a fine show they make
in such positions.

A stock of plants can readily be procured by raising seedlings.
This, to many persons, is the most interesting manner, as the novelty
of raising seedlings and watching for new varieties is most in¬
teresting, but where immediate effect is required in the decoration
of the flower garden, one-year-old plants are the best to start with.
These can easily be procured at a reasonable rate from any grower
of this class of plant for sale. Such plants should be obtained any
time during February or early in March. Place them at once in
shallow boxes about 3 inches deep, having holes at the bottom for
the outlet of moisture. At the bottom of the box place some
rough leaves, then a layer of the following compost — two parts
fibry loam, one part decayed leaves, a free admixture of sharp silver
sand, and alight sprinkling of finely ground bones. On this lay the
tubers, about 2 inches apart, covering them lightly with the same
soil. Do not give any water, as the soil should be sufficiently moist
for the tubers to keep plump and cause fresh roots to form. Place
the box in a vinery or a Peach house just started, or any such
structure where the temperature is kept at about 50° during the
night with a rise of 10° during the day. As soon as roots form see
that the plants do not suffer owing to the soil becoming excessively
dry, but give water as required. When growth has commenced
remove the plants to a cooler structure than those will be by the
time the tubers have started into growth. The best position for
them then and onwards is a cold frame, placing the box so that the
plants will be close to the glass, which will prevent their becoming
drawn. Ventilate gradually at first, taking care that cold draughts
do not affect them, or a check will take place in the steady growth
so desirable. Care of course will be taken to protect them from
frost, and gradually inure them to tlie air, that the lights can be
altogether removed during the day, and at night also they may
remain off during the latter part of May when there is no fear
of frost.

Towards the end of April, if all has gone well, the tubers will
be furnished freely with roots, and several strong growths will have
started from each plant, that more room will be required for both
the roots and tops, also as before, time to plant them in the beds.

They will be matted together, which causes a check when the plants
are transferred to their summer quarters. Some people pot the
plants for the purpose of planting them out in the beds. This is a
great mistake, as the roots often reach the sides of the pot, take an
inward direction, and at times become root-bound ; in consequence
they do not take kindly to the soil when they are planted in the
beds. Transfer them to similar boxes, giving more space between
the plants, using the same soil, except that a few more bones may
be added. Grown in boxes thus the roots are not cramped in any
way, but all have an outward tendency, and can be lifted with a
good ball of soil attached to each. In such a manner no check is
caused by transplanting to the beds. After the removal of the
plants to other boxes, return them to the frames, which should be
kept rather close for a few days until new growth commences, when
air may be freely admitted as before, and water regularly given to
the roots. Plants so treated cannot fail to produce satisfactory
results.

From now until the first week in February is the best time for
sowing the seed, which should be done in pans, well drained, and
filled with sandy soil in which plenty of decayed leaves are incor¬
porated. On a fine surface sow the seed carefully, and cover it
lightly with sand, having previously soaked the soil in the pan by
placing it in water up to the rim ; the water coming through the
drainage gradually soaks the whole mass. Cover the pan with a
square of glass. Over this place a layer of moss, which assists in
retaining the moisture in the soil, thus lessening to a minimum the
water applied to the soil until after the seedlings appear. Place the
pan where it will have a gentle bottom heat, a hotbed or propagating
house answers capitally. If kept shaded and moist the seeds will
quickly germinate. As the seedlings appear above the soil re¬
move the moss from the glass, giving air gradually by tilting the
glass on one side. When the plants make two leaves place the pan
on a shelf close to the glass in a Cucumber or Melon house, or other
structure where a temperature of from 65° to 75° is maintained.
As soon as the plants are large enough to handle prick them off into
pans, using soil composed mainly of decayed leaves, sand, and a
small portion of loam. Return them to their former position near
the glass, water carefully. When growth is being freely made
remove them gradually to cooler quarters until they are in the cold
frames, when they may be transferred to boxes, using the same sort
of soil as advised previously for the older plants. At this stage no
shading will be required, previously a little would be necessary in
the case of the tender seedlings. — E. Molyneux.

(To be continued.)

SABAL BLACKBURNrANA.

Fan-leaved Palms are general favourites with cultivators, and for
large conservatories or winter gardens they make grand specimens. The
genus Sabal includes several species that are especially valued for this
purpose, and some handsome examples may be seen in the leading
botanic and private gardens both in Britain and on the Continent.
S. umbraculifera is one of the best known ; S. Adansoni is also occa¬
sionally seen, while a third favourite, S. Blackburniana, is represented
by noble plants in several collections. That shown in our illustration
(fig. 11) is a specimen of S. Blackburniana grown in a corner of the
great conservatory at Chatsworth, where it has for many years formed
an object of much beauty. It is 20 feet high and nearly as much in
diameter, with abundant healthy well developed leaves, deeply cut into
sharp and regularly spreading segments. Rising above the Ferns and
miscellaneous plants grouped in the bed it has quite a majestic appear¬
ance.

S. Blackburniana is a native of tropical regions, but like most of its
genus it has a good constitution, thriving with moderate attention and
enduring a lower temperature than many Palms. Small plants can be
grown in pots, employing a substantial loam, but the larger specimens
are better either in tubs or planted out.

ADIANTUM FARLEYENSE.

This Fern is one of the most beautiful of the whole genus, yet we
frequently find it in anything but good condition, and is pronounced by
some growers to be rather more particular as to its requirements. That
statement I agree with, for I have seen it in a very unsatisfactory con¬
dition where "most other plants have been well understood, and its
stubbornness in refusing to grow satisfactorily could not be accounted
for. When its requirements are sufficiently understood, and it receives
the right treatment, it grows vigorously. It appears to thrive best
when treated rather differently from the majority of Ferns. It particu¬
larly objects to overpotting if it is not in a good condition. I have
taken plants in hand which have previously refused to do well, and as

-Tannery 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

71

Fig. 11.— SABAL BLACKBURNIANA AT CHATSWOSTH.

72

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jaimtry 27,1887.

soon as they have hail a change of treatment they have grown as well
as could be wished. In dealing with an unhealthy plant I commence
by turning it out of the pot and shaking away the soil, placing it in a
smaller pot with good damage. The soil I use is strong loam with about a
sixth part of old manure, with a liberal quantity of sand. This is
pressed down quite firmly in the pots ; in fact, a stick should be used to
ram it with. Water is given very sparingly until new growth is being
made. February is a good month to take them in hand, as they then
get a long season to make their growth. If the plants are old crowns
they should be divided, and the older portions of the crowns cut away,
as they are invariably weak, and produce but small fronds. When it is
seen that the roots are taking to the new soil give more water, and
when they commence throwing up their new fronds, and a few of them
are fully developed, they may be shifted into larger pots, carefully
drained and have them clean, using the same kind of soil as before,
being careful not to damage the young roots in the potting. They
succeed in an ordinary stove temperature, but I find they succeed best
in a much lighter position than they usually have. I like to have them
as near the glass as possible, with no more shade in summer than
ordinary stove plants require, and I am careful not to syringe them too
much ; but if they are near the glass with plenty of heat and light they
rarely damp, especially if the fronds are opened out with a few neat
sticks, but they should be so placed as not to interfere with the natural
habit. When they are well rooted, I find they are much benefited by
being watered with liquid manure. By this treatment I have no difficulty
in inducing them to grow in a most satisfactory manner. They succeed
much better without peat, growing much more strongly without it,
Great care in watering unhealthy specimens is necessary, but when they
are thriving they are not so likely to have too much. — W. Simpson.
Prescot.

We regret to have to record the death of the Earl of Chester¬
field, better known, perhaps, as Sir Henry Scudamore Stanhope,
Bart., of Holme Lacy, Hereford. His Lordship, who had for .a long
time been in failing health, expired at St. Leonards, in the sixty-seventh
year of his age. Lord Chesterfield was an earnest horticulturist, and
had a fine collection of fruit, and his beautiful gardens, which have been
fully described in this Journal, were opened to the public weekly during
the summer.

- It has been announced that the inhabitants of Sheffield have

decided to commemorate the jubilee of the Queen by enlarging the
Botanic Garden, and purchasing adjoining land as a public recrea¬
tion ground.

- Mr. X. Davis of the Chrysanthemum Nurseries, Lilford Road,

Camberwell, has been joined by Mr. H. J. Jones of the Hope Nurseries,
Lewisham, and in future the business will be carried on under the name
of Davis & Jones.

- Clydesdale Fruit Growers.— A correspondent writes that,

“ The fruit farmers upon the Clyde, have, like many others for a long
time past suffered from the effects of foreign competition, the boilers
of fruit using fruit unfit for consumption in making jam, to which
glucose and other ingredients are added, thereby lowering the value of
home-grown fruit. The fruit growers have for some time past been
discussing the question how to better their condition, and place before
the public a genuine and wholesome article of food free from adultera¬
tion, and have now resolved to form a limited liability company, and in
the future manufacture their own fruit into jams and other confec¬
tionery, and place themselves beyond the influences of merchants and
boilers.”

- Messrs. Webb & Sons’ Staff. — On Saturday last - Messrs.

Webb & Sons’ clerks, numbering about fifty, had their annual dinner
at the Mitre Hotel, Stourbridge, and, after full justice had been done
to the excellent dinner provided, Mr. J. P. Hitchings took the chair,
and a varied programme of vocal and instrumental music was carried
out in a very creditable manner. The toast of the evening, proposed
by Mr. Berrington, was Success to Messrs. Webb & Sons,” and the
enthusiasm with which it was honoured testified to the good feeling
existing between Messrs. Webb and their staff. Mr. Hitchings
responded on behalf of the firm.

- Some time since it was hinted that an official publication from

the Royal Gardens, Kew, giving particulars respecting the work carried
on in that important national institution, would be useful. The matter
has been carefully considered, and as a result the first number of the
Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information has just been issued. In
the introductory notice Mr. W. T. Thiselton Dyer observes “ It is
proposed to issue from time to time, as an occasional publication, notes
too detailed for the annual report on economic products and plants, to
which the attention of the staff of the Royal Gardens has been drawn in
the course of ordinary correspondence, or which have been made the
subject of particular study at Kew. It is hoped that while these notes
will serve the purpose of an expeditious mode of communication to the
numerous correspondents of Kew in distant parts of the empire, they
may also be of service to members of the general public interested in
planting or agricultural business in India and the Colonies.”

- The first part of the “ Bulletin ” contains several letters con¬
cerning an Abyssinian Cereal, Teff, Eragrostis abyssinica, which is
said to be very useful for cultivation at high elevations, and seed has
been collected for distribution to botanic gardens in India and the
Colonies. The following extract is given from Bruce’s Travels ” as
illustrating the quality of the cereal “ This grain is commonly sown
all over Abyssinia, where it seems to thrive equally on every sort of
ground ; from it is made the bread which is commonly used throughout
Abyssinia. The Abyssinians, indeed, have plenty of Wheat, and some of
it of an excellent quality. They likewise make as fine Wheat bread as
any in the world, both for colour and for taste ; but the use of Wheat
bread is chiefly confined to people of the first rank. On the other hand,
Teff is used by all sorts of people, from the king downwards, and there
are kinds of it which are esteemed fully as much as the Wheat. The
best of these is as white as flour, exceedingly light, and easily digested.
There are others of a browner colour, and some nearly black ; this last
is the food of soldiers and servants. The cause of this variation of
colour is manifold ; the Teff that grows on light ground having a mode¬
rate degree of moisture, but never dry ; the lighter the earth is in which
it grows the better and whiter the Teff will be , the husk, too, is
thinner. The Teff, too, that ripens before the heavy rains is usually
whiter and finer, and a great deal depends upon sifting the husk from it
after it is reduced to flour by bruising or breaking it in a stone mill.
This is repeated several times with great care in the finest kind of bread,
which is found in the houses of all people of rank or substance. The
fruit or seed is oblong, and is not so large as the head of the smallest
pin, yet it is very prolific and produces these seeds in such quantity as
to yield a very abundant crop in the quantity of meal.” Some particu¬
lars respecting the Oil of Ben obtained from the seeds of Moringa
pterygosperma are also given. We anticipate that this publication will
be welcomed by many persons who are interested in the useful work
performed at Kew.

- M. Bruant of Poitiers announces as a novelty SOLANUM

ALBIDUM Poortmani, a distinct variety found by M. Ed. Andre in
South America. It is said to grow in the Andes at an altitude of about
6000 feet, and is described as forming little trees 12 feet high. It is
very vigorous, with large irregularly lobed leaves of a distinct green hue,
tinted with metallic blue in some places. For sub-tropical gardens and
parks it seems likely to be extremely well suited.

- The annual dinner of the Ancient Society of York

Florists was held on the 19th inst. at the White Horse Hotel, Copper-
gate, and a large number of members and friends responded to the
following quaint invitation : — " Brother, — You are desired to meet the
Fraternity of the most Antient Art of Gardening at the annual Feast
of the Royal Society of Gardiners and Lovers of a Garden within the
City and County of York : kept this Year at Mrs. Marshall’s House, in
Coppergate, the 19th Day of January, to dirfe with them, at Six a Clock :
where you will be earnestly expected and kindly received by, Yor.
humble Servts, T. E. Abbey, G. Cowper, G. Lamb, Stewards.” The
letterpress was surmounted by the national arms, flanked by the
Gardeners’ Arms and the York Arms, and was a fac-simile (with the
exception of names) of an ancient plate presented to the York Florists
Society by Mr. Henry Mills, late President, the 19th February, 1829,
and renewed and presented by J. H. Carr, Secretary, 1874. The Lord
Mayor presided, and a number of city officials were present. The usual
toasts were proposed and responded to, and it was stated that the Society
has a balance of over £100 to its credit. Upon another page is given a

January 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

73

transcript of an interesting document relating to the formation of this
Society. . i. . >

- Gardening Appointments. — Mr. E. G. Wheeler, for the lhst

two years foreman at Birr Castle, Parsonstown, Ireland, has been
appointed to succeed the late Mr. McElroy, as head gardener to A. J.
Lewis, Esq., Moray Lodge, Kensington. Mr. Thomas Chalk, for the
last three years fruit foreman at Welbeck, has been appointed head
gardener to John Rhodes, Esq., Potternewton House, Leeds. Mr. George
Pritchard, who for the last four years was plant foreman at Welbeck,
has been appointed head gardener to Mrs. Miles, Kingsweston House,
Bristol.

- A well known American pomologist, Marshall Pinckney

Wilder, died at Dorchester, near Boston, December 16th last, at the
age of eighty-eight years. He devoted many years to the improvement
of fruit and their cultivation, was President of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society from 1840 to 1848, and one of the founders of the
American Pomological Society, of which he has been President ever
since, with the exception of one year. Mr. Wilder was connected with
several other societies, and was greatly respected.

- New Books. — We have received from Messrs Swan, Sonnen-

schein, Lowrey, & Co., “ An Elementary Text-book of British Fungi,”
illustrated by William Delisle Hay, F.R.G.S., and Strasburger’s “Hand¬
book of Practical Botany,” edited by W. Hillhouse, M.A., F.L.S. Also
from Messrs. Cassell, Petter, & Galpin, “ The Encyclopedic Dictionary,”
part 36 ; Boulger’s “ Familiar Trees,” part 18, and Hibberd’s “ Familiar
Garden Flowers,” part 94. From W. Day, 21a, Berners Street, “Album
of Indian Ferns,” by C. E. Baynes.

- A course of three lectures on the Diseases of Plants was

commenced at the rooms of the Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi,
on Monday, January 24th, by Dr. J. L. W. Thudichum, as one of the
Cantor series for the present session. The second and third lectures
will be held January 31st and February 7th. The introductory lecture
dealt chiefly with a review of the lower forms of vegetation which
exist as parasites upon more highly developed plants, causing many of
the diseases that are so troublesome to cultivators. The minute forms
of fungi are the principal enemies, as rust, smut, mildew, and moulds
of innumerable kinds, which, as endophytes or epiphytes respectively,
live in the substance or upon the surface of their hosts, obtaining their
nourishment from them, and in doing so break up the cells, inducing
decay and often death. Examples of the mode of action were drawn
from the microscopic fungi found to infest the simplest forms of
Algae, as in the higher vegetation the process is a similar one. The
Potato disease was described and illustrated by diagrams, the lecturer
stating that when the peronospora had commenced the work of destruc¬
tion it was materially assisted by bacteria and other organisms. The
consideration of this fungus led to some remarks upon the Potato
itself, in which Dr. Thudichum expressed his opinion that this vegetable
has been greatly overrated as an article of food, and that any race of
people who relied mainly upon it for sustenance would certainly
become defective mentally and physically, and consequently discon¬
tented. He stated that to supply what was considered the necessary
nutriment for the due support of a man’s body for twenty-four hours
upon a diet of Potatoes alone it would be necessary to consume about
12 lbs., and the superabundance of starch thus conveyed into the
system would be injurious in other ways.

- The annual meeting of the Hull and East Riding Chrys¬
anthemum Society was held on the 24th inst. at the Station Hotel,
Mr. G. Bohn, C.E. (Chairman), presiding. The Committee submitted
the annual report and balance-sheet, the former of which spoke hope¬
fully of the present condition and future prospects of the Society. The
annual Show, held on November 18th and 19th last, was attended by
nearly 10,000 visitors, being an increase of 3000 on the previous year.
The report also drew attention to the crowded state of the rooms on the
second evening of the Show, which necessitated the closing of the doors
shortly after eight o’clock, and expressed the hope that the next show
might be held in the proposed public hall of the town. The balance-
sheet also showed a satisfactory state of affairs, and, after a short dis¬
cussion, both were unanimously adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded
the auditors, Messrs-. T. S. Milner and James Abercromby, and those
who had facilitated the sale of tickets. The Joint-Secretaries (Messrs.
R. F. Jameson and W. Hawkesworth) having been requested to leave the

room for a few minutes, it was resolved to present each of them with ten
guineas in any shape or form they desired, in recognition of their past
valuable services. The meeting then proceeded to the election of
officers, Mr. Bohn having stated his intention of retiring from the
Chairmanship, Mr. R. F. Jameson, who had resigned his position of
Secretary, was unanimously selected to succeed him. The Vice-Chair¬
man, Major Brodrick and Mr. A. W. Stanley, were re-elected, with the
addition of Mr. Bohn. Mr." Hawkesworth having expressed a strong
desire to resign his Secretaryship, ' Messrs. R. Collison and E. Harland
were elected joint Honorary Secretaries. Mr. C. Judge and Mr. R.
Judge (Vice Mr. Cogan resigned) were appointed Treasurers, and the
following Committee were elected : — Messrs. T. Y. Torr, F. W. Jameson,
John Hornsey, J. H. Fisher, W. S. Brodrick, James Dixon, E. Goddard,
E. T. Sharp, W. W. Cogan, W. Hawkesworth, W. Roper, and W •
Wheatley. Votes of thanks to the Chairmen (Messrs. G. Bohn and
R. F. Jameson) brought the meeting to a termination.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 48.)

Inti., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.

— H.H., Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —

Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —

Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Calamus regis. (Cat. Comp. Cont. d'Hort., p. 8.) Palmas. S. An
elegant and graceful Palm, with shining green 1., and a mealy petiole.
Papua.

Calamus Spectabilis. ( Williams' Cat., p. 23.) S. A small growing
somewhat spiny species, of graceful habit, with slender pinnate 1. A charm¬
ing plant for table decoration in a young state.

Calanthe Langei. (G. C. xxiv., p. 679.) Orchidese. S. A handsome
Bpecies, with elongate lanceolate 1. growing to 2 ft. long and 2£ in. broad.
Scape shorter than the 1., raceme 3-4 in. long, fl. numerous, crowded, deep
yellow, dorsal sep. ovate acute, lateral sep. lanceolate, pet. ovate acute, lip
spathulate-obovate, apiculate, with minute deltoid side lobes, and two slight
elevations at the base. New Caledonia.

Calanthe natalensis. (G. C. xxiv., p. 78 and 136 ; B. M. t. 6844.) S.
terrestrial Orchid. A fine and handsome plant, with broad lanceolate acute
plicate 1., and a tall scape with a lax many flowered raceme of pile lilac fl.,
the lip changing to salmon-colour. Sep. and pet. ovate lanceolate acute.
Lip with spreading oblong side lobes, aud an obcordate front lobe; spur an
in. long cuived. Natal.

Calanthe sanguinaria. (G. C. xxv., p. 331.) A handsome form, with
hexagonal bulbs, and a hairy raceme of dazzling blood-red fl., the sep. and
lip being lighter with blood-red markings, outside pale purple. Sep.
acuminate ; pet. broader ; lip 3-lobed, the middle lobe cuneate, dilated,
bi-lobed. Seedling form.

Calanthe vestita, var. oculata-gigantea. (W. O. A., pi. 211.) A
grand and beautiful plant, with large ovoid, obtusely angular pseudo-bulbs,
broad lanceolate acute 1., and a hairy raceme of handsome white fl., marked
with a fiery -red blotch on the base of the lip, the under side of the base of the
lip and the much-curved spur orange coloured. The fl. measure about 3 in.
in diam. Borneo.

Calanthe Williamsi. ( Williams' Cat., p. 23 and p. 18, with fig.) S.
This is the plant described in Y. B. for 1884, p. 81, as C. vestita, Tar.
WilliamBi

Callirhoe pedata, var. compacta. (Gfl., 1. 1224.) Ma’vace®. H. per.
A form of dwarf compact habit, very floriferous, and much superior to the
type. Garden variety.

Calochortus venustus, var. roseus. (Gfl. 1886, p. 116.) Liliaceae.
H.H. A variety with short bluish-green 1., and the fl. are white inside, with
a distinct red spot on each segment, and purple-rose outside. California.

CalophaCa grandiflora. (Gfl. 1886, t. 1231.) Leguminos®. H. shr.
free flowering and ornamental. L. imparipinnate with 10-13 pairs of
elliptic-oblong puberulous leaflets. Peduncles axillary, 6-8 in. long, laxly
racemose and glandular hairy in the upper half, fl. about an a. long, bright
yellow, calyx deeply 5-lobed, the lobe3 lanceolate acute. Eastern Bochara.

Campanula Grosseckii. (Gfl. 1886, p. 476 and 477, f. 55.) Campanu-
lacete. H. per. A large and handsome plant, with leafy stems 2£ ft. high,
branching at the base, and ending in a long raceme of large bell-shaped
violet fl. The large 1. are cordate-lanceolate acuminate with coarsely
toothed margins. Eastern Europe.

Campanula persicifolia, var. coronata. ( Gfl. 1885, p. 370.) H. per.
An ornamental variety with double white fl. Garden variety.

Caraguata Andreana. (B. H. 1886, p. 276, with plate.) Bromeliaceae.
S. A handsome Bromeliad, with a lax rosette of arching green 1., 2 ft. long
by 2 in. broad, and a rather lax spike-like panicle longer than the 1., with
the stem and bracts carmine-rose, and the calyx and corolla bright yellow.
The numerous fl. are about 2 in. loner. Andes of Pasto.

Caraguata Osyana. (B. H. 1885, p. 254, pi. 26-27.) S. A fine Brome¬
liad, with numerous, spreading, unarmed, gr en 1., 18 in. long by 2 in.
broad, and a large, dense, subsessile central bead of yellow fl. subtended by
bright salmon-rose, lanceolate, acute bracts, with spreading tips. Ecuador.

Caraguata Peaoocki. (B. H. 1885, p. 82.) S. A very ornamental
Bpecies, with an ample rosette of 1., of a rose-purple colour beneath, bronzy-
purple above. Fl.-stem covered with brighter purple bracts, the upper ones
rolled round the white fl.

Carpenteria californica. (G. C. xxvi., p. 103, f. 22.) Saxifragace®.
H.H. shr. of ornamental character, or perhapt H. in the south. L. opposite,
lanceolate, finely serrulate, white tomentose beneath, 2 to 4 in. long, f to
1 in. broad. F'. very showy in terminal cymes, white, 2 to 2£ in. in diam. ;

74

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January £7, 1887.

pet. broadly obovate, overlapping, and very spreading or reflexed ; stamens
numerous j ovary flask-shaped. A very handsome and desirable shrub.
California.

Caryota plumosa. ( Cat. Comp. Cont. d'Ho f., p. 8.) Palmae. S. Stated
to be a beautiful Palm, but no description given.

Castanea vesca, vars. foliis ai.bo-marginatis and aureo-mar-
ginatis. (R. H. 1886, p. 398.) Cupuliferae. H. trees. These ornamental
vars. have the leaves respectively bordered with creamy-white and yellow.
Garden varieties.

Catasetum Bungerothi. (L. pi. 57.) Orchidese. A very distinct and
striking species, with a fine raceme of white fl. 2j in. in diam. Sep. and
pet. lanceolate acute, stellately spreading ; lip very large, transversely
oblong, deeply concave, gibbous behind. Trop. America.

Catasetum glaucoglossum. (G: C. xxiv., p. 552.) A fine and curious
species, with a stout several flowered deflexed raceme of large fl. Sep.
ligulate acute, brown. Pet. much larger, oblong, acute, glaucous with
brown spots. Lip with a depressed rounded sac and a triangular mouth,
■quite glaucous with brown spots inside. Mexico.

Catasetum Lehmanni. (GJi. 1. 1223, f. a. g.) An interesting but un¬
attractive species, with fusiform bulbs 6 in. long, narrow-lanceolate 1.
16-18 in. long, and a long peduncle, bearing a few fl. about an in. in diam.
Sep. connivent in a globose form, green ; lip deeply saccate, subhemispheri-
cal, with the apex projecting in an obtuse point, dull orange-yellow.
Columbia.

Catasetum macrocarpum, var. bellum. ( G. C. xxv., p. 74.) A variety
with brown-purple pet., and a large purple-brown blotch on each side the
lip. Brazil.

Catasetum tabulare, var. serrulatum. ((?/?., 1. 1223, f. h. m.) A good
variety, with the dorsal sep. and pet. greenish yellow, the pet. dotted with
red, the long lateral sep. greenish, and the lip green, with the very thick
central crest white, and the margin finely serrulate. Andes Columbia.

(To be continued.)

THE THAMATOPHORE.

Just on the eve of going to press we have received from Mr. B. S.
Williams of Upper Holloway, blocks illustrating a new fumigator, which

has been carefully tried in his nursery and found very satisfactory in
all respects. We can only give one of the illustrations now, and a few
words of explanation, but as we have seen the fumigator in operation
and can testify to its utility we shall have occasion to refer to it again.
It is a French invention, and has been tried extensively in France,
where M. Boizard, gardener to the Baronne de Rothschild, has success¬
fully demonstrated the efficacy of the steam of tobacco juice as an
insect destroyer. It is upon this principle that the machine is con¬
structed, the lower portion (A) containing the fire, above this is a
boiler (c) filled with tobacco juice, the steam from which is forced
through the pipe (d) into the house. The steam has been found to be
most rapid in its action, but while so effectively destroying the insects
it has not injured the flowers of the most delicate Orchids. It is con¬
structed in three sizes, No. 1, heated with a spirit lamp, suitable for
small houses and frames ; No. 2, rather larger (shown in fig. 12), and
No. 3, a still larger size, employed in large conservatories.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

I HAVE not had much time for thinking lately, and less for putting
my thoughts on paper, but I perceive Mr. Bardney has “cornered” me,
and I must try and extricate myself. But a few other topics may be first
disposed of, and in the meantime sufficient mental strength may perhaps
be gained for the great effort of telling our incredulous friend why fires
burn brighter on clear frosty nights than in dull and damp weather.

I think Mr. W. J. Murphy has on page 41 set a more difficult puzzle
than that, and on a subject of far greater importance. Many will regret
the collapse of the Scotch Champion Potato in Ireland. There is no
wonder at the degeneracy of the variety under the circumstances indi¬
cated. No variety of Potato can long retain its vigour when the first
and strongest growths are rubbed off the tubers, and the second and third
weakened issues are depended on for the production of crops. The
growth of tubers, including those of the Champion, can be retarded when
there is space for storing them in a light, dry, cool, yet frost-proof place ;
but I know from experience how difficult it is to prevent tons of tubers
starting prematurely. It is unfortunate that Magnum Bonum is not good
in Ireland till February. In extensive culture in England, to which I
am not a total stranger, Magnum Bonum is still the most reliable and
profitable f r market where most sorts are tried and hundreds of acres
grown. A very widespread desire exists now amongst all classes and
creeds for the improvement of Ireland and its population, though there
are differences as to method ; a practical way of doing good would be for
persons who have strong-growing varieties of Potatoes that they think
likely to be adap'ed to the Irish soil and climate to. send samples to Mr.
Murphy, and let him test them. He is, I think, very competent to do so,
ani has the means of carrying out experiments of this nature at Clonmel.

I HAVE been rather glad to see that the large flat Onions that I
ventured to suggest had been over-honoured at shows have found few
champions. It is not Onions of that type that can successfully compete
with the foreigners, as Mr. Murray has said in his able article ; and, like
that expert cultivator, I believe we have ourselves to blame for much of
the foreign competition that presses so hardly on home cultivators. If
Onions 2 lb3. in weight can be grown in Scotland, surely bulbs can be
produced in England equal to tons that are imported. To sell well
Onions must be large, bright in colour, and round. For home use small
bulbs are as good as large, and possibly keep better, but they do not
“take” with greengrocers and their customers ; nor do flat Onions, as,
however large these may be, buyers will hardly look at them if the huge
round foreigners are in sight. It is a question if more Onions, ordinary
summer Onions, ought not to be sown in the autumn and transplanted
the same as the Tripolis are. In some soils, where the Onion maggot is
so destructive, that is the best plan for evading it, and finer, earlier, and
belter ripened bulbs are produced than by the orthodox plan of sowing
in spring.

Mr. Ollerhead does not often favour the public with his views and
experience, but when he does write he invariably says something worth
reading. He appears to raise Gladioli as easily as he raises Onions, and
there ought soon to be no lack of spikes of these beautiful flowers for
cutting during the late summer and au'umn months. Your correspondent,
I think, deserves a vote of thanks for his valuable communications.

Speaking of “votes of thanks” naturally carrie s the mind to the
Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society, who distribute these and
other marks of recognition ; well meriled, no doubt ; but I cannot help
thinking that many a man does more good with his pen in this and other
Journa's, and in books, for the cause of horticulture, than do those who
happen to find Primroses a little different from ordinary forms, and get a
card for them, or who buy plants that others raise and fur these obtain
certificates ; yet it is rare that workers in the press, however able and
diligent, are accorded any official recognition, and posthumous praise
appears to be their only reward. I am free to allude to this subject, as
the nature of these erratic jottings obviously places the author of them
beyond the pale of the solid workers to whom the remarks apply. This is
one of those peculiar matters in which these who do the most can say
the least, and those who do the least can say the most ; hence my oppor¬
tunity. I think, for instance, such books as Hogg’s “ Fruit Manual,”
Masters’ “ Plant Life,” Robinson’s “ Flower Garden,” Barron’s “ Vine
Culture,” Veitch’s “ Coniferse,” Thomson's “Fruit Culture Under Glass,”
Wright’s “Mushrooms for the Million,” Molyneux’s “ Chrysanthemums,”
Williams’ “ Stove and Greenhouse Plants,” Castle's “ Orchids,” with such
useful works as have been produced by Messrs. Hibberd, Paul, Rivers,
and others, are as well deserving of official recognition as are a good
many plants and cut flowers to which medals are awarded. But it is all
“show ” nowadays. No matter whether you grow, borrow, or buy a few
plants, flowers, or vegetables, so long as you “ show ” them that is enough,
and generous societies and memorial trustees will shower honours on
your calculating heads. If you “do” little but “show” much you will soon
be somebody ; but if you do much but “ stage ” nothing, nobody will
know yon out of your own little corner. Perhaps the Royal Horticultural
Society will get out of the “show” groove some day, and may possibly
attend to these other little matters suggested some time during the next
century.

We have had some delightfully written ar.icles in the Journal of late,
like dessert with the so'id literary fare. Read Mr. John Edmunds’

January 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

75

“ Pleasures of a Garden ” in the first number of the year, and you can
almost taste the Strawberries and hear the singing of the birds ; and
read Mr. Horner’s “ Word Painting ” in the last issue, and you can see
the colour flashes of the Tulips under the rays of the morning sun. Yet
as a “Young Gardener’’ wrote a short time ago, there is no attempt at
fine ” writing in these articles. Their beauty consists in the easy freedom,
naturalness, and elegant combination of simple words. Whoever our
“ Young Gardener ” may be, I think he carries an oldish head ; and
whoever Mr. Edmunds may be, we shall look out for those other premised
pleasures — “ Observations on Art in the Garden ; Science in the Garden ;
and ever so much more.” As to Mr. Horner, there is a line at the bottom
of his article on page 40, that all must be glad to see — “To be continued.”
Of all florists’ flowers I think Tulips the grandest, and I live in the hope
of some day having the privilege of seeing Mr. Horner’s brilliant group.

“ A Scot,” on page 29, refers to the great loss of heat from pipes in
mains, and asks for a remedy. The loss of heat, and consequently needless
consumption of fuel, is very great in many gardens, through pipes being
conducted in channels to the structures that have to be heated. The
remedy is the more general use of fire-proof non-conducting coverings.
Felt is used by some gardeners ; but asbestos and such heat-proof cover¬
ings as are employed by engineers for boilers and steam pipes are more
effectual, and though I have seen these coverings used in gardens satisfac¬
torily in preventing the escape of heat from boilers and pipes I do not
know how far the heat thereby economised justifies the cost of preventing
its escape. Can anyone enlighten on this subject ?

The subject of joints for hot-water pipes has been under discussion,
and the relative superiority of iron filings and indiarubber rings alleged
and denied. Perhaps they both have their advantages under certain
circumstances. An instance of the advantage of rings may be recorded.
The pipes in a glass structure were connected with them. Tbis structure
was not heated duriDg the late severe weather, nor was the water drawn
from the pipes, as it should have been, but was converted into ice. The
pipes must inevitably have burst had the joints been of an unyielding
nature ; but instead of that, the rings were simply pushed out of the
sockets and the pipes remain sound. The pressure must have been
immense, as the pipes had been fixed for many years. The displacement
of the rings proves also the fallacy of the notion that lingers in the minds
of some persons, that the swelling of the water which ruptures pipes
occurs in consequence of the slight increase in temperature that melts
the ice. They think it is the expansion of the water through the ice
thawing that causes the evil ; but it is not. It is the expansion that
occurs in freezing, and the forced-out indiarubber rings may possibly
impress the fact on the minds of those few readers who are still in doubt
on the subject. The rings saved the pipes, and there was no leakage for
a fortnight after they were driven out.

But I must not forget Mr. Bardney. I am obliged to your corre¬
spondent for telling us he said what he did not mean in a sentence to
which I referred on a former occasion. It is clear an explanation was
needed. He now, on page 46, informs us what he intended to convey.
Mr. Bardney evidently believes, if he has any belief at all on the subject,
that if water is of any benefit in ashpits cold is better than warm water
there. I am doubtful on the point, even in the case of solid bars ; while
if the bars contain water, and thus form part of the boiler, I fail to fee
the advantage of “ cooling ” them if we want heat. There is no doubt,
in my opinion, as to the value of such bars, and I am inclined to suspect
that they add immensely to the heating power of a boiler. In the case
of a saddle boiler it is conceivable they may increase its power by a
fourth, and consequently save a corresponding quantity of fuel.
But apari from such water-way foundation for the fire ^to
rest on, I am not quite able to follow your correspondent
in his bar-cooliog theory. I think I see what he means, but do not
recognise the advantages of a stream of cold water passing beneath
the fire. I suspect economy will be found in having the water warm,
because the oxygen and hydrogen conveyed in the vapour renders less air
necessary for feeding the flame. I think we want all the heat we can get
in a furnace from the least expenditure in fuel, not a prevention of hiat
for “ cooling ” the bars. It is not to this cooling, I think, that the
beneficial results of wider spaces between the bars in Mr. S. Castle’s case
is due, but to the more direct action of oxygen on the fire, which the
closer bars impeded.

Now to the problem. Mr. Bardney asks me if I can explain why a
fire burns brighter on a cold clear frosty night than in dull mild weather.
I think I know the cause, but am not sure it can be made intelligible in a
few words, and if it can it will not, I think, strengthen our friend very
much in the somewhat shadowy views he appears to entertain, for he
would have found out long ago if he had tried the plan, that warm water
under the furnace does not prevent that in ense glow on cold nights.
When the weather is clear and frosty the barometrical pressure increases,
more oxygen being comprised as it were into a given volume of
air, and this causes the intenser glow of fires. Again, in the
question of heat Nature is ever seeking an equilibrium, and if the air
is heated in one place it becomes rarified, rises upwards, and the sur¬
rounding air rushes in to occupy its place, and the colder this is the
greater is the rush. This it is that on a small scale causes the glow of a
fire under those conditions, and on a larger, the land and sea breezes in
the tropics and the equinoctial gales. Perhaps your correspondent would

like a homely illustration. Had he been near a recent conflagration in
Liverpool, and the night calm, he might have noticed that where the heat
was most intense the wind blew from every quarter to the fire ; if there
were streets converging to it from every point of the compass, the cold
air would rush down them all to fill the vacuum caused by the upward
rush ©f the heated air, and it would not be checked in its course by the
steam engines playing on the fire, nor will the vapour rising from water
in ashpits prevent the glow of the fire above it on cold clear nights.

I think most persons will be glad to see the unanimous election of
Mr. D’Ombrain to the office of Chairman of the National Auricula,
Primula, Carnation, and Picotee Societies, as the successor of the late
Mr. Thomas Moore. Only a very experienced and ardent florist could
fittingly follow so good a man, and Mr. D'Ombrain’s experience is perhaps
unique, and his fidelity to the cause of flirists’ flowers has stood the test
of many long years. I trust we will soon have the pleasure of seeing the
debt of the Carnation Society wiped off. I am thinking of giving 5s.
for that purpose, and trying to collect a few more in this way. “ The
smallest donations thankfully received” by — A Thinkek ( care of the
Editor, 171, Fleet Street, London ).

CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA FLORE-PLENO AND
OTHER DOUBLE FLOWERS.

On page 49 of the present volume of the Journal of Horticulture
I read with some surprise that the double variety of the Scotch Blue¬
bell is considered a rare plant in gardens. I have had it in cultivation
for about ten years, and as it produces seed abundantly, and a fair
proportion of the seedlings produce double flowers, I have had such
a surfeit of it as to neglect it, and perhaps now it hardly survives
here. At one time I collected, not only in Britain but from several
parts of Europe, all the varieties I could get of that remarkably
variable species, C. rotundifolia ; but I found the seedlings so
insinuating and so difficult to eradicate amongst the stones of the
rockeries that now I cn'y allow a few varieties to grow in privileged
corners. The double variety, of which the commonest form, as in
several other species of Campanula, has two corollas, one fitted inside
the other, is often sold as C. soldanellee flora ; but from the same lot
of seed plants are produced in which the corolla is repeated so as
quite to fill the bell, though the doubling varies according to soil and
cultivation. A curious form is often produced from the seed of the
double flowers, in which the corolla is cleft quite to the base of the
calyx, and consists of fine very narrow linear petals. This form is
known to botanists. I have never seen a double of the white-
flowered variety, though I have heard of it.

Mr. Thomson is quite right in thinking the double form rare as a
wild plant. I never heard of it being found wild before. The
British plants which produce double flowers as wild plants are few ;
I know only of three or four, but perhaps some of the readers of
this Journal can add to the number. The plant which does so most
commonly is Cardamine pratensis, which 1 have found growing
double perfectly wild in two or three different counties. One spot is
near Edge, in Cheshire, and the double plant ranges over a space of
about half a mile square. The single form grows with it, and varies
in shades of lilac, but the double flowers are all of one shade, making
it probable that they are all the increase of one accidental sport.
They increase freely by shedding the lobes of the leaves at a certain
stage of maturity, which root and become plants. They do not ripen
seed.

Another plant is Saponaria officinalis, which I have occasionally
found double on the banks of the Dee and the Clwyd in North
Wales, where the single form abounds. A third is Ranunculus repens,
which my friend, Mr. Brockbank, found growing in a meadow not
far from Manchester. There were only a few double flowers, and he
judged it to be a sport rather than a seedling, but it has continued
true in cultivation ever since. The last I have to mention is the
Daffodil (Narcissus pseudo-Narcissus), the dwarf wild form of which
occasionally produces double flowers in seven or eight English and
Welsh counties.

The question of Daffodils doubling under certain conditions of
soil and climate has frequently been discussed, as well as that of the
large double garden Daffodil with the small wild Daffodil. 1 am not
wishing to reopen the discussion here, but merely say that after
paying great attention to the subject 1 find it impossible to draw a
line between the double of the wild Daffodil and what is generally
called the large garden Daffodil. — C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall,
Halpas.

NAMES OF AURICULAS AND THEIR RAISERS.

Auricula Campbell’s Green Edge. — The variety grown under
this name was not raised by Mr. Peter Campbell of Falkirk. Having
omitted to make careful inquiry — the first duty of a historian — your
correspondent, on page 679 last vol., establishes the correctness of my
conjecture as to this being Cunningham's unnamed flower. The " true

76

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 27, 1887.

history ” there given is true in all but the point at issue. The plant from
which a pip, and subsequently an offset, was sent was brought by Mr.
Campbell along with others for the late Mr. Jeffreys and himself from the
stock of Mr. Cunningham, when, after his death, his collection was being
sold under the direction of Mr. Waterston of Paisley. The tally bore
“ Seedling, Green-edge,” and Mr. Campbell has always acknowledged the
flower to be Cunningham’s. Whether such an avowal was made or not
when the plant was sent to your correspondent, it is clearly right that
an addendum to the history should follow. The writer of it would possibly
bear with equanimity the distribution of an avowedly *• third-rate” flower
under his name without his sanction — probably not.

Growers of Auriculas take a pride in having their collections correctly
named as to both the varieties and their raisers. You may therefore
admit the following correction and remarks. In the Auricula election
(Journal of July 2nd last year) among the white-edged varieties will be
found Mrs. Campbell (Campbell). This is wrong. The Auricula of that
name was raised by Cunningham, again on the best authority. “ A de¬
scriptive catalogue of 280 show Auriculas,” in a cotemporary magazine
nearly five years ago will be well known. I have spent not a few spare
half hours over it. Old fogeys may be likely to agree that the descriptions
are well nigh as misleading as reliable. Were they correct the old standard
sorts should ere now have been utterly routed by the numerous lauded
novelties. Have they ? Is there yet any likelihood of the grand old
fellows striking their flag ? Not that I am aware of, and I have bloomed
a good number of the later additions, and have seen, I may say, the very
latest obtainable sorts. Of these perhaps more by-and-by. Meantime,
in that list Bradshaw’s Tidy appears as a white-edge. Unless that be a
mistake (if so, a correction may have been given that I have not seen),
others as well as I who have it as a self are wrong. I have tried without
success to get a trace of Lightbody’a Sir Colin Campbell, one of .the 280.
If there be such a variety, is it known in the land of its reputed raiser ?
A solution of the difficulty has been offered, that, like the hero himself
this and Lord Clyde are one; but the dates and descriptions appended
indicate different flowers. Information would be welcome.

The following occurs in the same contemporary of date May 15th, in the
past year : — “ Sophie Dumaresque, probably raised by Chapman, but Mr.
Me klejohn could not say for certain who raised it.” It is surprising that
Mr. Meiklejohn was ever in doubt on this point, but even his latest cata¬
logues were incorrect, this variety being given as “ Lady Sophia,” with
Dumaresque as the raiser. He knew that this was an error, a good many
years before his death at any rate, but neglected to have it corrected.
Lady Sophia (not Sophie) Dumaresque was raised by Lightbody, and is
generally given correctly in catalogues. Such “faults” as that in the
above name may be trifles, but what is the use of originating and perpetu¬
ating even these ? I again ask for information. Did Chapman name his
plants “ Marie ” and “ Sophie ” ? If so, well 1 If not, what next ?
“ C mservateur,” and “Sylvie,” and “Monsieur le Docteur Kidd ” ? — A
Northern Amateur.

WQKK.foi(theWEEK..

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Manures. — First-rate vegetables cannot be grown in any garden
without a liberal supply of mannre. Whem the soil is new, or before it
has produced any great crops, it will often do very well without manure,
and we have often had the finest of Potato crops from newly broken up
ground, but Cabboges, Cauliflowers, Sivoys, Onions, and Celery soon rob
the soil, and successional crops can only be obtained by adding manure
before sowing or planting. The best of all kitchen garden manure for
crops generally is that from cow sheds, and the next is stable manure.
A mixture of leaves and light materials are well enough for producing
roots, but they do not possess the power of developing and maturing a
high class crop. Market gardeners always take good care to deal largely
in manure, and private gardeners would like, as a rule, to follow their
example in this respect, but many garden owners seem to think that they
should receive the most remunerative crops from their gardens with the
smallest possible expenditure for manure, and we would say briefly that
no man can accomplish this. We do not approve of that commonly
recommended article, “ well decayed manure,” as a great deal of the
virtue has passed away from such material, but manure only slightly
decayed is what we use and recommend.

Tilling the Soil. — Many of the quarters are now becoming
vacant. Those dug roughly in the autumn have been pulverised to ad¬
vantage by recent frosts, and as other pieces may still come under the
same influence no time should be lost in digging and trenching them.
This is one of the greatest aids to good results and economical labour, as
ground that has been well frosted is always more friable and easier
worked than that which is not exposed to the frost.

Asparagus. — Forcing this is becoming more easy weekly, and the
roots when placed in the bed of the Cucumber pit, or on a hotbed, pro¬
duce heads for the table in ten or twelve days. A constant supply will
not fail to give satisfaction to all. In mild springs it is astonishing how

early the heads in the open beds begin to grow, and it is a great advan¬
tage always to top-dress them before growth begins, and the present is a
good time to do so. We are greatly in favour of early dressing, and
practise it with good results. Where there are a quantity of young one
or two year old roots they may also be dressed, as they will absorb the
manure, and it will strengthen them for a good beginning, whether they
are transplanted further on or not.

Seakale. — Hitherto we have been lifting these roots for forcing, but
this is stopped, and forcing will now only be done on the ground where
the roots are growing. They are now easily managed in this way, and
the produce will be superior to that from the lifted roots.

Spring Cabbage. — These look promising, and as they will now be
one of the first crops to gain maturity in the open all possible help should
be given them. When the ground is free from frost and snow fill any blanks
which may have occurred, sprinkle a little soot or a small quantity of
guano round each plant, and earth up slightly.

Winter Spinach. — The frost has dealt so severely with this that it
has almost disappeared, and the other day when an old man, who has
been thirty-five years in the garden, was digging close by he was very
anxious to extend his operations over the Spinach piece ; but this should
not be allowed, as, although the plants do not appear serviceable at the
present time, the roots are all right, and when the spring comes they will
afford a good supply of letves long before the plants raised from spring-
sown seed are ready, and we always find the winter Spinach roots most
useful in April and May.

Stored Roots. — These must'not be neglected, and it is just about
this time that many of them begin growing again or decay. Where fresh
growths are springing out from the crowns of Carrots, Beetroot, &c.,
break the whole of them off, and in turning them over to do this remove
any root that shows signs of decay. A thorough overhaul now will keep
them right until spring, whereas neglect at this time may cause many to
decay prematurely. Our Salsafy and Parships are still in the ground and
keeping well, and none of them will be lifted and stored so long as they
remain sound and do not grow too much. We turned all our Potatoes in
November and again this week, but it will be necessary to go over them
oftener now that the spring months will be in favour of their growing.
To allow cooking Potatoes to form long shoots spoils them as much as it
does the seed tubers, as sprouted Potatoes soon deteriorate in flavour.

Early Leeks. — Where it is desired to have Leeks of a very large
size by August, or for the autumn shows, the seed should be sown at
once, and our favourite variety is Sutton’s Prizetaker. This is a
grand Leek. A few scores of plants will be sufficient for the early
batch, and if a little seed is sown in a 6-inch or 8-inch pot the
plants may be raised in this way. The soil in which the seed is
sown should be rich and firm, and not more than a quarier of an
inch of soil should be spread over the seed. It will germinate in a
temperature of 60° or 65°, and as soon as the plants can be handled
they must be transplanted to shallow boxes, giving them good soil and
placing them 2 or 3 inches apart. They may be kept in these until
they are planted out in April or May, and if liberally treated they will
be specimens 3 lbs. or more in weight by the middle of August.

Raising Peas under Glass. — In backward localities, where un-
genial springs are common, the open air Peas do not always grow freely at
first, and it is a good plan to raise the early batch under glass. We have
tried all ways of sowing the seed, and only practise and recommend one
now. This is to take a number of 3-inch pots, place a few leaves in the
bottom of each, three-parts fill them with good soil, place a number
of Peas in each, and cover firmly. They are then stood in any pit or
house where there is a temperature of 60°, or a little more, and the young
plants appear in a week. By keeping them rather cool and near the
glass they grow robustly, and if sown now the plants would be in excel¬
lent order for planting out by the 1st of April. A few hundred pots of
Peas will make several good rows when planted out.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest House. — Disbudding is a
process that requires to be done cautiously, especially with early forced
trees. Commence by taking a few forerigtit shoots first, then proceed in
a similar manner with the others. Care must be taken to leave a shoot at
the base of the present bearing shoot, to supply its place next season, and
another must be left on a level with or above the fruit to draw the sap to
the fruit ; the upper shoot should have its point pinched out at the third
leaf, unless it be necessary for the extension of the trees, when it should
be trained in its full length. If the irees are not full-sized, the shoots
necessary for the formation of the trees must be trained 12 to 15 inches
apart. Instead of disbudding extensions — shoots not required for laying in
to f >rm the bearing wood of next year — pinch the superfluous shoots at
the third leaf, and to one afterwards, and they will form spurs. The
bearing shoots on extensions must be 15 to 18 inches apart, it being of
primary importance in the cultivation of the Peach and Nectarine that
the shoots be trained so as to admit of the foliage being fully exposed to
light and air ; theref ore avoid overcrowding, and the questionable practice
of leaving shoots that must be removed at a more advanced stage of
growth. When the fruits are Bet and swelling, give an occasional syring¬
ing in the early part of fine afternoons ; but avoid heavy syringings at
this stage, as the foliage is tender and evaporation not great. Sufficient
moisture should be maintained in the atmosphere by damping the pith
and border in the morning and afternoon. When the fruits swell and are
too thickly placed, remove a few of the smallest and those on the under
side of the branches, but do not thin them too severely — thinning, like
disbudding, should be done gradually. If fermenting materials have been

Janaary 57, 1587. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

77

used inside the house, still continue to turn and add fresh but properly
sweetened, as rank manure will give ammonia too powerfully, and the
foliage and young f uit will be injured. Where there are evaporation
troughs, charging them with liquid manure will be useful not only in pre¬
venting the atmosphere becoming too dry in the immediate vicinity of the
pipes, but in giving oil ammonia. Where there are not fermenting ma¬
terials or evaporation troughs damp the house in the afternoon after the
foliage becomes dry with liquid manure — the drainings of the stables
diluted with six times the bulk of water. If aphides appear fumigate
moderately on two or three consecutive evenings, but very carefully, as an
overdose is fatal to the foliage and tender fruit ; or syringe with a solution
of 2 cz. softsoap, and 1 p nt tobacco juice to a gallon of water, straining
it through tiffany or muslin before use. It is good against aphides, red
spider, and mildew. If the latter appear dust promptly with sulphur, and
keep the house rather drier and more freely ventilated ; but this must he
done carefully, as cold draughts give a check which may cause the fruits to
fall. In clear frosty weather it is safer to allow the temperature to rise a
little higher than to open the ventilators too much. In watering inside
borders liquid manure will assist weakly trees to swell their fiuit in the
first stage, and always apply it or water slightly in advance of the tempera¬
ture of the house.

Trees Started Early in the Year. — When the trees started early in
the month are swelling their buds and showing colour, the night tempera¬
ture may be advanced to 45° to 50°, and 50° to 55° in the daytime by
artificial means, and 60° to 65° from sun heat, ventilating freely above
55°, and leave a little constantly at the top of the house. Cease syringing
the trees, but damp the border occasionally so as to maintain a genial
condition of the atmosphere.

Trees to Afford Ripe Fruit Early in July. — The house must now be
closed, syringing the trees two or three times a day, turning on the heat
in the morning for an hour or two or to raise the temperature to and keep
it at 50° through the day, above which ventilate freely, not allowing an
advance to 65° without full ventilation, and at night fire heat should only
be used to prevent the temperature falling below 40°. Syringe the trees
twice a day. The inside border must be well watered, if need be
repeatedly, to insure it thorough moisture throughout.

Later Houses. — The buds of the trees in these, notwithstanding the
severe weather, are swelling fast, therefore ventilate freely in bright
weather, so as to retard them as much as possible, not omitting to water
inside borders if they show the least indication of dryness.

Cucumbers. — Seedlings from the sowing made at the beginning of
the year should be earthed up in preference to potting, about which there
must not be any hurry, and keep them near the glass so as to have short
stems, maintaining the temperature at 70 ’ to 75°. If the seeds were sown
in frames, linings to the beds will be necessary with mats over the lights at
night. If, however, the material for making up the bed for the seedlings
is only now in a fit state, choose a site for a bed with a southern aspect
having shelter from the north, as that of a hedge or wall. If the ground
be rather higher than the surrounding level it will be an advantage, and
if not place some peasticks so as to keep the materials from being
saturated by the wet of hollows. Beat the dung and leaves well down
with a fork as the work proceeds, making the bed about 5 feet high
at the back and 4 feet 6 inches in front, which will allow for settling,
as it will do about a third. A few peasticks placed across and along
the bed at intervals not only prevent overheating but admit of the
heat from the lining being conveyed to the interior of the bed. For
early work we have frames with double sides, formed by placing
inside a lining of half- inch boards, less in depth by 9 inches
at the back and 6 inches in front, than the frame, kept an inch from the
box by nailing narrow strips of board upright on the inside of the box,
so as to form an inch cavity all round the inside, and thus top heat is
furnished by means of linings against the sides of the box. The bed
should be but a few inches larger than the box, so as to admit of linings
from the bottom of the bed. Trie frame should be put on, which will
raise the heat in about a week; Level the surface of the bed, replace the
frame, and put in sufficient manure 10 raise the inside to within 4 inches of the
top of the inner frame or cavity, placing sawdust or dry leaf soil, or spent
tan, on the dung for plunging the pots in. For raising the plants 3-inch
pots are half filled with soil — 1 ght, rich, and moist — placing one seed in
the centre of each pot, and covering lightly about half an inch with fine
soil. Space is left by this plan for top-dressing the plants, which is
Preferable to potting them. A square of glass may be placed on each,
which will hasten the germination, but it must be removed as soon as the
plants appear. The plants from a sowing made early in February in
the manner described will be ready for planting in March, and will afford
a supply of fruit nearly as early as those from seed sown early in Januarv.
Seed having been sown early, the plants will be fit to place out soon, and
u , “8 should be prepared for their reception, forming it as
above described for the seedlings, only using manure for levelling the
surface of the bed, and forming a r dge or hillock of soil in the centre of
each light, about 10 inches deep, and a flattened top of about that width
across, the surface of the bed being covered lightly with soil. The best
soil for Cucumber, is undoubte tly fibrous loam inclined to be light
rather than heavy, to which is added a fourth in equal proportions of old
mortar rubbish and charcoal thoroughly incorporated. The loam must
be laid up so as to reduce the turf to the extent of killing ihe grass ; but
we find it better to use the turf fresh, and subject it to a temperature of

j more, which not only kills the roots of the grass and

weeds, but destroys worms, and is one of the best preventives of disease.
Manure is best given as a mulch, and in liquid form.

WT

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

A little more than a year ago the attention of bee¬
keepers was specially drawn to the necessity for practising
strict economy in the apiary. This can only be done by
keeping accounts of income and expenditure in a methodical
and systematical way. The best of memories is apt occa¬
sionally to mislead, and few bee-keepers at the end of the
year can calculate all the expenses attendant upon the man¬
agement of the apiary unless they have put down on paper
all those trifling sums which are continually being expended
during the busy season. It is useless for anyone to attempt
to discourse upon the profit of keeping bees if he cannot draw
a balance correctly and be able to show the exact amount of
his income and expenditure. How often is a man who
attempts to persuade his neighbours that he gains a profit
from his bees met with the reply, “ Ah ! yes ; but how about
the expenses ? ” Now, if in answer to such a query a balance
sheet can be produced showing clearly all capital and current
expenses and income, a great point is gained with very little
trouble.

Talking of the pleasure and profit to be derived from bee¬
keeping a few weeks ago to a clergyman who was evidently
somewhat sceptical, I was informed that a certain lady was
most anxious for every labourer to keep a cow. So great
were the profits derived from one she herself had kept, to
prove her success she would show gold and silver that had
been paid to her for the milk and butter. A truly grand
profit ! But on inquiry being made it was found that her
husband supplied the cow, the food, and labour ; the wife
received the profit. Is this not sometimes the case with
bee-keepers ? Are their profits always actual profits ? Do
these so-called profits actually represent the sum remaining
when interest on the capital, all current expenses, including
those of maintaining the stocks in the condition in which they
were found in the preceding autumn have been disbursed ?
or are these the result of mere haphazard calculations, liable
to mislead and to give a false idea of the benefits likely to
arise from keeping bees ? There are stocks to be seen in
most localities which never yield a profit; the bees work
well and produce much honey, but the owner does not keep
down his expenses sufficiently to reap the result of his bees’
labour. Now, it is the simplest thing in the world to some
people to keep an account ; to others apparently it is most
difficult. But, surely, everyone can take a book with three
blank pages in it, head the first page “ capital account,” the
second, “ current expenses;” the third, “income.” Some
may say, What is capital aocount ? It is the money origin¬
ally expended when purchasing a hive, bees, section racks,
and all other appliances in the apiary which are not sold
with the honey. So section racks form part of the capital ;
sections of the current expenses. Again, under “ current
expenses” must be set down all such essentials as foundation,
sections, supers of all descriptions if sold with the honey ; and
under “ income ” the proceeds of all honey, wax, and bees
sold during the season. If rent is paid it must be put down
under the “ current expenses,” and also interest for the
money employed as capital. Before declaring a true profit,
rent, and interest — say at 5 per cent. — should always be de¬
ducted from the gross income.

To make my meaning quite clear I will suppose that in
the past year my account stood thus : —

“ Capital Account.” “ Current Expenses." “ Income.”

(Including rent and interest)

£10 £5 £10

My profit [is £5. But this is only a true profit provided my
stock and appliances are in a condition to realise £10 if sold;
if they are not in such condition a further sum must be
deducted from my profit in order to bring up the stock to it3

78

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January, 27, 1887.

proper level. If all bee-keepers will try to keep such an
account they will realise still greater pleasure in the future
than they have done in the past from the management of
their bees. They will discover at what price honey can be
sold, leaving a fair profit to the producer ; they will be able
to satisfy the sceptical that a bee-keeper is a practical man
who understands his business and does all he can to derive
profit from the sale of his produce. Men will recognise the
production of honey as a new industry worthy of support, an
industry which may do something to lighten the labour of
life, whioh may do something to educate the mind, to improve
the morals, and to make the agricultural labourer find
pleasure in gaining profit by a simple, instructive, and en¬
trancing study of bees, their habits and management. —
Felix.

NOTES ON BEES.

On Wednesday, January 19th, the temperature rose suddenly to
48° and a drizzling rain (no sunshine), which rapidly melted the ice
and rendered the ground damp and uncomfortable, especially for
bees. Some of mine had an airing on the 11th with a temperature
of 37° only, but the ground being dry no bees were lost, neither were
any lost on the 19th, because they did not fly, although the tempera¬
ture was much higher than on the 11th. But with my neighbour’s
over the hedge it was very different ; although raining, they availed
themselves of the mild day and flew out in great numbers. In conse¬
quence of the coldness of the ground many were chilled, and all of
them would have been lost had their owner not lifted them and
resuscitated them by gentle heating while in paper bags Now here
are two apiaries situated close together, while one suffered nothing
from the treacherous day, the other suffered greatly. What is the
reason of so distinct behaviour of the bees in the two apiaries ? My
neighbour is a great advocate for keeping bees warm, so am I, but,
as is well known, I give my bees large air space in addition to keeping
them snug and dry. I have at the present moment four or five
nuclei, and at the beginning of October a common tumbler would
have held the bees of the largest swarm, one of these is a Syrian.
These nuclei are located in hives equal to twenty standard frames,
and while I write I have not as yet seen a dead bee at any one of
them. I have one nucleus located in a Stewarton hive of two boxes,
the upper one filled with comb and two-thirds with bees, while the
under box is empty, the space beneath it and the ventilating floor
being 6 inches ; 12 inches altogether of space, and the sides of the
hives are covered with one thickness of inodorous felt tied loosely,
and 4 or 5 inches of straw above, and over that a sheet of iron. It is
perfectly dry. The bees are breeding and humming, three dead
bees being all that I have discovered since December.

Had it not been that my neighbour lifted many of the chilled
bees some of his hives would certainly have succumbed before March
was passed. The difference of his hives from mine is, while 1 give
air space he contracts his hives to the smallest possible space, in fact
he uses smaller hives at all times than I do, has solid floors, and
covers his hives excessively, consequently when a sudden rise of the
temperature takes place outside it is more 6udden in a stifled hive,
which the bees cannot endure without becoming active. But there is
another thing, and probably of more importance than covering. It is
a well known fact that bees suffer more from long confinement than
from cold, however low the temperature may be. Protracted seasons
terrify us bee-keepers, not low temperatures. To reduce tho risk of
losing bees through long confinement I have for many years made a
practice of giving all my hives a feed as late in the year as possible,
so as not to unnecessarily disturb the bees too much. This past fall
I observed my bees flew at least a month later than those of my
neighbour, hence their restlessness on the opening of the season .

Landing Stages. — Owing to the landing board or stages being
wet during the first flight of the bees, they are easily chilled and
many bees are lost thereby. To obviate this I have used wire cloth,
wickerwork, netting, &c.. but as my alighting stages are, as a rule,
not exposed, it is seldom any precaution is necessary. If the snow
should lie upon and wet any stages, and these not dry when the bees
begin theii flight, I cover the landing with either comb foundation or
thin cork.

Turning Frame Hives Upside Down. — Notwithstanding the
facilities frame hives afford for inspection by handling frames singly,
there are still some bee-keepers prefer to examine their hives from
beneath, just as they used to do with their straw ones. Some ten or
twelve years ago several persons said that if it was not for the frames
falling out when turned up they would have some. To meet their
wants I undertook to make some for them. I suspended the frames
in the middle, similarly to what I described in a late number, the

frames of the reversible ones • and to prevent them falling out when
turned upside down I put a sliding fillet of wood above the
suspenders, and which could be wrought from the outside of the hive,
so that they had only to be drawn back when the frames were to be
removed. I exhibited this hive along with another one of peculiar
construction at the Caledonian Apiarian Society Show in 1877. The
novelty of this hive consisted of an arrangement for having the ends
of the frames close or open — i.e., the space between the frame and
side of hive close or open. A key wrought the arrangement from
the outside, which instantly closed the space when desired. I never
was in favour of close-ended frames, and do not advise them.

Small Sections. — The following year Mr. D. Wood, Kilmuir,
exhibited a variety of sections, from about 2 ozs. and upwards. His
motive for small sections was to have honeycomb in a presentable
form without cutting for the table. When I visited that gentleman
later in the year he showed me these small open-ended sections being
filled in the hive. Again we have had in Scotland a decade back,
what the Canadians have so captivated the members of the B.B.K.A.
with in 1886. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications,
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac-
ticaUy filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue. For this reason we are compelled to hold over some that we-
would have readUy inserted this week had they reached us a day
or two sooner.

Weather Records (Stormy). — If you write to G. J. Symons, Esq., 62,
Camden Square, London, N.W., stating your requirements, and enclosing a.
stamped directed envelope for reply, we think you will be favoured with
the information you seek.

Odontoglossum and Dendrobium (A. E. IF.). — We should think that
the growths have not been sufficiently matured, and they would have been
benefited by a slightly drier position with free exposure to light. They
would not have succeeded in the greenhouse, but a suitable situation could
no doubt have been found for them in the stove. It is not sufficient to
obtain apparently vigorous growths ; these must be well matured, or they
seldom flower freely.

Romneya Coulteri (E. D.). — The plant you inquire about is a perennial
allied to the Poppies, but is only hardy in warm southern districts, else¬
where it would need protection during winter. It is not usually very free
flowering, but grows satisfactorily in a rather moist soil, the large white-
flowers being very handsome. When in good condition it attains the height
of 4 feet, forming bushes nearly as much in diameter. Petroleum has been,
known to injure the young wood of fruit trees, but if you make a mixture
of softsoap in water and petroleum in e jual quantities, it can be safely ap¬
plied and will destroy the insect*.

Chrysanthemum Critique (A Grower). — Mr. Garnett’s critique on Mr.
Molyneux’s work is “ not forgotten,” nor is it likely to long remain
unpublished. It is an able production, and though not in conformity with
Mr. Molyneux’s teaching in every particular, it will be calculated to promote
the sale of his work ; and as that work has been for some time reprinting,
we were reluctant to cause disappointment to an increased number of
applicants who could not be promptly supplied with copies. The first edi¬
tion was not half large enough.

Sal-Ammoniac for Pipe Joints (Novice). — We have never weighed1
either the filings or sal-ammoniac. This is not necessary, for with a little
practice the right quantity of the last named will be readily arrived at. If
you take sufficient iron filings for, say, half a dozen joints, a pi- ce of sal-
ammoniac as large as a Cobnut, broken fine and mixed with the filings, will
prove ample. You had better err on the side of using too little than go to
the other extreme. Too much sal-ammoniac will result in the destruction
of the metal, and finally the bursting of the joints. With the filings mix
. also about one-seventh of red lead in a dry state, then sufficient water to

January 27, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

79

moisten the wh >le. This, if well hammered up, will make safe and sound
joints.

Vine for Cool House ( Inquirer , Dublin). — As you exclude Black Ham-
burghs there is no quest'on of Madresfield Court being the finest black Grape
for a cool house. It is large in bunch, berry, and of superior quality, doing
excellently in a cool or moderately heated house. In an unheated house
the sun heat must be carefully husbanded, and then ripening is assured in
some seasons and districts. Madresfield Couit Grape is liable to crack, but
this can be prevented by free ventilation, and not giving water at the roots
after the Grapes commence ripening. When they change colour for ripening
give the border a thorough soaking with water or liquid manure, put on a
covering of manure about 2 inches thick, and then 1 to 6 inches thickness
of dry material of a rougher description — the finest at the bottom and the
roughest at the top, and the Vine will not require any further supply of
water for the season. The mulching with the dry material prevents the
rising of moisture, and with judicious ventilation this grand Grape will
not only not crack, but keep for some considerable time, or until the end
of November or later ; this, however, can only be effected in a heated house
ao as to maintain a temperature of 45° to 50°, and for txpelling damp.
In an unheated house it will not keep nearly so long ; indeed, Grapes will
not keep long in a cold hou-e after they are ripe, but a great deal depends
upon the weather. If you cannot give the special treatment advised, Black
Champion would probably suit you, o~, if you require a white Grape,
Poster’s Seedling.

Nectarine {Idem). — You do not say whether you require an early, mid¬
season, or late variety. The beBt early Nectarine is Lord Napier ; mid¬
season, Pine Apple ; and late, Victoria. They were raised by Mr. Rivers.
If you require but one, and are not particular as to season, have Victoria,
which not a few good gardeners consider the best Nectarine in existence.

Manuring Vine Border ( Aliquis ). — Half-decayed manure is best applied
to the surface, and allowed to remain so as to keep the soil moist, attracting
the roots to and keeping them near the surface. The manurial matter will
be washed down by watering or rain. A heavy covering iB not desirable,
especially on outside borders, as it deprives the soil of the benefit of warmth
from the sun in spring, and wholesome atmospheric influences. A
thin mulching of rather lumpy material is best, adding to it from time to
time as it becomes reduced, not having it deeper than 2 or 3 inches. In
winter it will require to be deeper, so as to afford the necessary protection
to the roots of the Vines in outside borders, and should then be of a littery
natui e. If the roots are so deep as to allow of the soil being removed to
admit a dressing of manure, they are too de p, and it would be advisable to
remove the soil over the roots so as to leave them co ered not more than
3 inches with Boil, and then apply a dressing of good manure to the surfac \
Comparatively fresh manure is preferable to old and much-decayed for
mulching, whether it be stable or farmyard, the strawy or littery portions
being removed.

Peach Buds Falling (A Fifteen-years Header). — The cause of the buds
falling is not due to the dressing with the insecticide, for at the strength
named we have used it repeatedly without any injurious effects; but the
most general cause of the evil is dryness in the late stages of growth, which
causes the spread of red spider, and the premature ripening and fall of the
foliage. Keeping the trees too dry at the roots after the leaves fall or
during the n sting period is a very general cause of the buds dropping. To
one of those causes or both we attribute the falling of the buds in you • case
rather than to the insecticide named, assuming it has been applied judi¬
ciously. We use a composition formed of 6 ozs. softsoap, dissolved in half a
gallon of hot water, adding half a gallon of tobacco juice, a quarter of a pint
of spirits of turpentine, and as much sulphur as will form a thin cream. It
is kept well mixed, and is fatal to every kind of aphis, red spider, thrips,
scale, mealy bug, and good against mildew. It is applied with a brush,
being careful not to dislocate the buds. Any of the advertised insecticides
are safe, only follow the printed directions carefully, and as we have tried
all we can vouch for their efficacy and usefulness.

Lygodium scandens {Idem). — Fresh growths are not produced from
the old fronds ; but the young growths spring directly from the root, and
as they advance the old fronds become sere and die. The plan you have
hitherto practised is the proper one.

Carnation Leaves Spotted (JR. B.). — If there are faint signs of spot or
mildew on the “ grass ” when layered, the evil is almost sure to spread after
the plants are rooted, potted, and stored inflames. Even when the growths
are clean we have found them more liable to spot when potted late than
when established in pots earlier, so as to insure aclive root action in the
autumn. Great cars in watering the plants and ventilating the frames is
necessary in the winter, anything approaching a stagnant atmosphere being
injur. ous. It does not follow that “ plenty of air” should be given “day
and night constantly,” regardless of the weather, as on some very damp
foggy .days we have found it best to keep the frames closed. Lifting
the lights and forcing them down rather sharply is often a better method
of changing the air than propping them up when the air apparently is
motionless. Not a drop of water should be spilled on the foliage or between
the pots, a supply being only given to the plants that need it on the morn¬
ings of dry days. All the worst leaves should be removed from your
plants, the earth in the pots stirred, a layer of dry ashes spread for the pots
to stand on, and sulphur dusted on the leaves of plants that are slightly
affected ; then with greater care in watering and ventilating the plants may
improve, or at least such of than that are not beyond recovery.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
{H. E.). — London or 5-crowned Pippin. {P Green). — Yerulam.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name sp-cies of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry

cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{G. S.). — Ccelogyne ocellata, the other specimen was not received.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 26th.

No alteration, with supplies quite equal to the demand. Market quiet.

FRUIT.

8.

d. s. d.

8.

d.

B.

d

Apples .. ..

i

6

to 4 0

Melon . .

a

0

to 0

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Oranges

6

0

12

0

Canada

per barrel 10

0

13 0

Peaches . .

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0 0

Pears . . . .

1

0

2

0

Gobs .

. 100 lb. 60

0

70 0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1

6

a

0

Figs .

. dozen

0

0

0 0

Plums . .

1

0

2

0

Grapes .

9

6

3 0

St. Michael Pines ..each

a

0

5

0

Lemons .. ..

0

15 0

Strawberries

*. •• per ft.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s. d

a.

d.

8.

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0 to 0 0

Lettuce ..

i

0

to 1

6

Asparagus . .

.. bundle

0

0

0 0

Mushrooms

.. ..punaet

0

8

l

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

1 0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2 0

Ouions ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0 0

Parsley ..

dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. i sieve

s

0

2 6

Parsnips ..

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0 0

Potatoes . .

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

100

1

«

2 0

,, Kidney .. cwt.

4

0

8

0

Carrots .. ..

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb ..

.. .. bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

s

0

4 0

Salsafy ..

1

0

1

0

Celery .. ..

1

6

2 0

Scorzonera

.. .. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

s

0

4 0

Soakale . .

.. per basket

1

6

3

0

Cucumbers . .

• . each

0

8

0 4

Shallots ..

0

3

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

2 0

Spinach ..

3

0

4

0

Herbs . . , .

0

2

0 0

Tomatoes

0

6

1

U

Leeks . . , .

0

8

0 4

Turnips ..

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

0.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastics .. each

1

6 to 7

0

Arbor vitro (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fachsia .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

86

0

Hyacinths . . per dozen

6

9

10

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Palms, in var. . . each
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

2

6

21

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

6

0

9

0

„ gracilis per dozen

0

0

0

0

Poinsettia . . per dozen 12

0

0

18

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

Ferns, in variety .. dozen

4

0

18

0

Tulips .. . .per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

a

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

<

Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites.. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

i

0

i

6

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

6

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

i

0

Narciss. Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

„ White, English, bunch

1

3

1

6

Carnations .. 12 blooms

i

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

„ .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

12

0

21

0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

l

0

a

0

Cornflower .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea . dozen

a

0

4

9

Dahlias .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

8

6

Epiphyllam .. doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Parmo Violets (French)

6

0

7

0

Eucharis .. per dozen

4

0

8

0

Poinsettia .. 12 blooms

4

0

9

<

Gardenias .. 12 blooms 12

0

21

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

(double) per bunch

1

0

i

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 spray3

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches
Tropaeolum .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

, .... 12 sprays

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

6

0

9

0

1

6

2

0

2

0

4

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Lapngeria, red ..12 blooms

1

0

a

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

9

i

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

6

2

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

2

0

2

6

SOIL LESSONS.

We bave before us upon our writing table a ball of clay
that is so hard as to require a knife to scrape any of it into
powder, it being hardly possible to make any impression
upon it with a thumb nail. We made this ball recently
while watching the process of draining some heavy land on
a clay farm, the soil of which is more retentive of moisture
than any we have met with hitherto. The drains are only
15 feet apart and 22 inches deep, at which depth the chalk
is found, and into which a few deep drains will be introduced.
The clay burns well, and we burn as much as we can every
year, our object being to gradually give the entire farm a
thorough dressing of burnt clay, but it is a heavy and expen-

80

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 27, If 87.

sive business, for there are between BOO and 400 acres of it.
Last summer the difference in ths crops upon drained and
undrained land was so great as to afford ample encourage¬
ment for us to persevere in what is really an arduous under¬
taking. Every year of progress will lighten our labour, not
simply because there will be less to be done, but rather that
the increasing area of improved soil will afford better crops
and a higher return upon our outlay.

This example of our own practice is given to show how
impossible it is to lay down rules for general guidance in such
work. We must treat every case upon its merits, and take
especial care to avoid line-and rule practice. One general
rule we may certainly insist upon, and that is that every kind
of soil must be relieved of superfluous water by such means
as appears most suitable for each case after close examina¬
tion and careful thought. It matters not what crop may be
upon the land, it cannot thrive without the soil is sound and
fertile.

We have said that drainage tends in a very considerable
degree to counteract the baneful influence of drought. This
fact often proves a stumblingblock to beginners, yet it is not
difficult to understand. Soil that is saturated with water is
crude and sour, and when acted upon by drought, excessive
evaporation takes place, the soil shrinks, cracks, and the
drought occurs in a way which it never can do in soft,
mellow, well-drained soil. The undrained soil soon settles
down into a compact mass, for besides being wet it is generally
deficient in mechanical division ; the drained soil that is
porous and open cannot do this, and under thorough cultiva¬
tion it continues moist near the surface even in the driest
seasons.

Let it be clearly understood that drains at 15 feet apart
are only required for heavy land that is ver) retentive of
moisture. It is even necessary to avoid any misunderstanding
about the term heavy land, which is applied indiscriminately
by farmers to all soil containing much clay. To be quite
safe we should say that such close drainage is for very heavy
land containing a large proportion of clay — so much, in point
of fact, as to be almost suitable for brick-making. For all
other land the drains may be farther apart up to a distance
of 30 feet. Upon another farm of mixed soil we are now
makmg drains 27 feet apart, and the expense is propor¬
tionately lighter. It will thus be seen that each farm has
special treatment, according to its peculiar requirements,
“ wet ” fields being taken one by one till the entire under
drainage is in sound order.

This all-important matter once set right, we are then able
to proceed with our work of cleaning and enriching the soil
with fertilisers with confidence, and a feeling of certainty
that good results will follow such as it would be impossible
to achieve without such preliminary care.

We have heard doubts expressed with that confident tone
which is so commonly the accompaniment of ignorance, that
it is impossible to raise the temperature of the soil by drain¬
age. If our readers have followed us with ordinary intelli¬
gence they, at any rate, will be able to explain why undrained
soil must be cold, why drained soil must be warm, and why,
too, the atmosphere near the soil must be affected by its con¬
dition. For some fifteen years we lived close by a wild
uncultivated waste many square miles in extent, and we
always found a considerable difference in temperature of the
atmosphere when we went from farm land out upon that
which lay waste. Much of it was clothed with herbage, upon
which cattle and sheep grazed in summer, but it was always
late in spring before new growth began, and then the growth
was very slow. It fell to our lot to reclaim some of this
virgin soil, and it was an interesting and instructive sight to
see the marvellous change which drainage and ordinary care
wrought in the course of a season or two. Many a useful
soil lesson did we learn while engaged in this work, and we
were certainly able to make two blades of grass and a few
more grow where only one blade had grown before.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Mach of the threshing of corn and s’eds has been done while snow
lay thick upon the land. Barley, Oats, and Clover seed were all threshed
in readiness for the spring a iwings as well as for sale. Our Red Clover
seed is a fine clean sample that will command the highest market price,
but the White Clovers are not so good, the seed being deficient both in
size and colour. We were only able to save good seed at two of our
farms, but even that is worth about £200, and such a sum is not to be
despised in these hard times, when we have so severe a struggle to pay
our way. The price of Wheat was so much afEected by the changes of
weather that we refrained from threshing our last stacks till tve weather
cleared. We do not object to threshing Wheat in frosty weather if it can
be disposed of at once; but after such a long spell of frost and snow as
we have had recently, Wheat is go much affected by the humid atmosphere
which accompanies a thaw that the grain becomes softened and swollen,
and then down goes the price. We have begun selling Wheat straw from
the last harvest, our highest price being 45s. a ton. The price of straw
is much affected by locality, simply because it is such a bulky article that
the cist of carriage must always prove an insurmountable obstacle to
selling advantageously at a long distance from a farm. This fact accounts
for the boast of some dealers that they have been able to purchase good
straw at 30s. a ton. There are, however, many things to lemember in
such transactions ; some will purchase s'raw loose from the stack, others
require it made into trusses of a special size and weight ; some dealers
insist upon sending their own men to truss the straw ; then, too, there is
the question of carting, all which things affect pi ices. Dealers are
especially fond of buying straw and hay by the stack and not by weight,
but we prefer to send each waggonl ad upon a weighbridge, for no
matter how carefully the measurement and computation of the weight of
a stack is done, there is usually a dispu'e about figures. Glad are we to
have the ploughs going again, for there are heavy arrears of work upon
hand owing to the long frost, and we shall have to push on the work
briskly to be ready for the spring sowings The advantage of having land
sound and well drained is now apparent, for such land bears the horses
upon it as soon as frost and snow are gone ; but wet land remains tender
and sodden so long afterwards that the work of cultivation is much
retarded. Satisfactory progress is being made with the drainage now in
hand, owing to the snow having kept the soil soft enough to enable the
men to go on with the work all through the hard weather.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Rent of Farm ( W . M). — If the land is as good in staple as we apprehend
it to be, we think the present rent fair and reasonable, and fail to perceive
adequate grounds for a further redrrction.

Tenants’ Valuation (P. S.). — In the absence of information as to the
conditions of tenancy it is quits impossible for us to advise you even in
general terms, and under no circumstances can we act as valuers in such
cases as yours. It is a business matter to be settled by competent men
acting for both sides, with, if necessary, a reference to settle any differences
between them.

Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture (H. E.). — As your land is
clean plough it at once, and let it remain till March. Then when it is dry
enough let it be well broken up and separated by means of a cultivator,
borse hoe, or duck’s foot harrow, and rolled and harrowed with ordinary
harrows till you get a fine seed bed. Then sow the O its, follow with the
grass seed, and harrow the whole of the seed well in eo that it is well
covered with fine soil. Before the last turn or two of the harrows sow
broadcast upon the soil 4 cwt. of fish guano, which quantity is sufficient for
your three-quarters of an acre of land. You will require 4J bushels of Oats,
and for the permanent pasture the following mixture Foxtail, 7J lbs. ;
Cocksfoot, 3| lbs. ; Catstail, 24 lbs. ; Meadow Fescue, 3g lbs.; Tall Fescue,
24 lbs.; Crested Dogstail, 14 lb.; Rough Meadow Crass, 1 lb.; Hard
Fescue, 1 lb. ; Sheep’s Fescue, 1 lb. ; Yarrow, three-quarters of a lb. ; Peren¬
nial Red Clover, three-quarters of a lb. ; Cow Grass, three-quarters of a lb. ;
Alsike Clover, three-quarters of a lb. : Dutch Clover, three-quarters of a lb.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

• or

©N c3_

Hygrome-

p .

0*2 ;

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1887.

is® 5

ter.

is

perature.

Temperature

a ;

January.

& £ d”3

££

©CO — .

In

On

03 S c3

Dry.

Wet.

-3 0

Max

Min.

snn.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

di*.ur

deg.

deg

In.

Sunday .

29 996

30.0

29.3

N.E.

348

33 2

29 7

33.5

28.6

O.010

Monday .

30.070

22.1

21.7

Calm

34.6

36.6

ls.9

41.8

14.8

0.158

Tuesday .

29 9(54

38.3

37.9

E.

34.4

40.9

20.4

46.3

18.3

0.02 1

Wednesday

.19

30.097

47.2

46.4

Var’ble

34 3

52.2

87.8

61.3

34.7

0.152

Thursday ..

20

30.403

37.6

35.3

N.

36.8

43 9

36.6

67.6

31.1

—

Friday .

.21

30.661

84.9

34.2

S W.

36.2

41 8

318

51.2

25.2

—

Saturday ..

.22

30.540

41.1

39.1

N.

36.2

42.8

34.6

47.5

31.7

—

30.247

35.9

3 4.8

35.3

41.6

30.0

49 9

26.3

0.342

REMARKS.

16th.— Slight snow in early morning, and again in the afternoon ; gloomy early, clear at
night.

17th.— Dull and foggy early, sunshine at midday, then dull and foggy again.

18th.— Very foggy all day, so dense iu afternoon as to necessitate gas by 3 P.M.

19th —Fine, with a fair amount of sunshine, and very warm ; heavy rain at night.

20th. — Bright, floe, and cool.

21st.— Bright and pleasant.

22nd.— Cloudy, hut dry and pleasant.

A variable week, with considerable range of temperature, but the mean only about 2°
above that of the preceding week, and still below the average. -G. J. SYMONS.

Fjbrnary 3,1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

81

3

th

Linnean Society at 8 P M.

4

F

5

9

6

SUN

SeTTDAOESS'MA.

7

M

Society of Arts, CaLtor Leo'ure at 8 p.m.

Royal Hoit. Soc ety, Committee Meetings at 11 A.M. Annual General

ft

Tu

9

W

[Meeting at 3 p.m.

THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM.

ET it at the outset be explained that the above
heading is borrowed from a newspaper, and
has reference to the subject of hardy fruit
culture. About a fortnight ago a paragraph
went the round of the press relative to the
grubbing up of some orchards in Kent. This
was evidently regarded as the death knell of
hardy fruit culture in this country ; and the
cause of death was what? a “ plethora of fruit.” That
and the high prices charged for fruit in shops formed the
subject of a leading article in the Daily Neivs recently.
This was followed by so many letters that the Editor had
to close his columns in three days against further
correspondence No better evidence could be adduced of
the great public interest that attaches to the question of
fruit. It proved too great even for a great newspaper,
and was dismissed with a few significant remarks, some
of which I will cite. “The reason ” (of fruit being dear
when in such great abundance) “is, we are told by the
fruiterers, because the middlemen absorb all the profit.
The suggestion that producers should themselves take the
distribution in hand comes with a curious persistence,
and no one seems to have a kindly word for the middle¬
man. He has not thought proper to plead in his own
defence, and we are reluctantly compelled to regard his
silence as a sign of conscious guilt.” In respect to market
salesmen one correspondent pointed out that their prac¬
tice in Covent Garden is to charge, not on a per-centage
of the amount realised, but fid. per sieve (a bushel) and
3d. per half sieve whether the sales are of Greengages at
18s. in a year of scarcity, or of Apples at Is. in a year of
plenty. The production of fruit is referred to as
follows: — “One of our correspondents gives a humili¬
ating picture of the old half sapless Apple trees that
abound in so many of our orchards, and tells us we can¬
not do better than go on ‘grubbing’ till they all disap¬
pear. Yet it was the grubbing or rooting out that, when
we first heard of it, excited our liveliest apprehensions.
We are rejoiced to learn that grubbing is the beginning
of wisdom.” As I happen to be the correspondent above
alluded to I may as well say over again here what I said
in the newspaper, for there must be a vast number of
“ Journal ” readers who did not happen to see the ori¬
ginal discussion. My object in writing will be apparent
— namely, to encourage the uprooting of profitless trees and
the raising of thrifty orchards by planting better varieties
in good soil, as undoubtedly the remarks that had ap¬
peared were calculated to discourage planting, and thus
to play into the hands of foreign competitors in supplying
our markets with hardy fruit. I wrote : —

The necessity for the destruction of orchards in Kent may be
No. 345;— Yol. XIV., Third Series.

locally inconvenient, but if we take a broad glance over a great
subject the circumstances are not to be seriously deplored — at
least so far as the “ grubbing ” is concerned, the method of dis¬
posing of fruit being quite another matter.

Kent is famed for its orchards, and undoubtedly some of them
yield fine fruit, but not all ; and those trees that bear good crops of
superior fruit will not be destroyed. This orchard grubbing, that
may a,t the first sight appear unfortunate, is a hopeful sign, in¬
dicating, as it does, the recognition of an important fact — namely,
that low grade or inferior fruit can no longer be profitably grown
in this country. It may be asserted, with the greatest confidence in
the accuracy of the statement, that there are thousands of trees,
even hundreds of acres of orchards in Great Britain, that simply
encumber the ground ; and it is the trashy character of their pro¬
duce that lowers the average quality of home-grown fruit so
seriously as to afford such a splendid opportunity for American
growers to compete successfully in our markets.

Far more deplorable than the grubbing of a few orchards in
Kent is that enterprising Transatlantic cultivators practically “ hold
the field ” in the market supply in this country of the most
serviceable of all fruit — Apples. Not last year only, when the
English Apple crop was light, but every year barrels of American
Apples abound in London and all large cities and towns ; and more
than this, and more significant, they have precedence in country
towns and villages, where there is land all around that would grow
equally good fruit if young orchards of the best varieties alone
were established. The fruit trees in many English orchards and
gardens are gaunt, gnarled, canker-eaten, lichen-laden specties —
picturesque no doubt, but not capable of affording fine, juicy, well-
fed fruit, even if the varieties were good, and it is quite a matter of
chance whether they are or not, the inferior usually predominating.
Our successful competitors “ over the water saw the coming
collapse of the British fruit supply. They perceived the deteriorating
orchards, observed the negligence in planting the best market sorts
extensively and systematically, and made provision for supplying
the deficiency in their own distant land. They have done the work
well, and now have extensive orchards of thrifty trees in the zenith
of vigour, of sorts that command attention by their size, symmetry,
and appearance ; and they can afford to pay higher rates for wages
than prevail in this country for the labour requisite in cultivating,
gathering, and packing the crops ; then, further, afford to send
them 3000 or 4000 miles to market profitably, while tons of a
British fruit grown on British soil cannot be disposed of at any¬
thing approaching a remunerative price.

As to “ soft ” fruit — Plums, Strawberries, Gooseberries,
Currants, and Raspberries — that which is converted into jam,
should be preserved, so to say, “on the spot.” The wraste and loss
incurred in sending thousands of tons of raw fruit to London and
other populous centres to be boiled down and “ mixed ” must be
enormous. The next time Mr. Gladstone raises his powerful voice
on the jam question it is to be hoped he will be able to show that it
is better to take bags of imperishable sugir to the fruit than to
convey perishable fruit to the sugar.

Lord Sudeley’s fruit is converted into jam “ on the premises.”
His lordship is not. I think, grubbing up orchards and diminishing
his fruit supply, but i ather increasing it ; and I should not be sur¬
prised if his “ takings ” for raw fruit during the past year were
nearer £10,000 than £5000. There is no reason to “ fear the
foreigner ” in tho production of hardy fruit if we make the best of
our resources at home.

Many letters followed. An Essex cultivator stated
that his Apples sent to Covent Garden last year realised
8s. to 9s. a bushel, his crops of Golden Noble, Cox’s
Orange Pippin, Ecklinville, &c., netting him Y500. He
describes fruit growing well carried out as profitable and
laughs at American competition. Mr. William Paul, of
Waltham Cross, gave a good hint, founded on experience,
in the advocacy of growing early and late varieties mainly
when foreign consignments are not arriving. We were
told also by Mr. G. Looseley that Messrs Lane & Son, of
Berkhampstead, preserved their Plums “on the spot”
last year or the crop would have been lost, and lately
made a welcome distribution of jam to their men. Mr.
F. J. Smith, of Covent Garden, recommends the higher
culture of the best varieties, packed to arrive in the mar¬
kets in the best condition, then will home-grown fruit be
profitable, but he does not quite see who is to buy “ any¬
body and everybody’s home-made j*m.”

No. 2001. — Von. LXXVI., Old Series. -

82

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 3, 1687.

A few semi despairing letters appeared, but the
majority disjilay a consciousness of the ability of home
growers to supply our markets with produce that by its
excellence would command a ready sale. It is rare in¬
deed that there is a plethora of tirst-class fruit; it is the
inferior that drugs the market and gives satisfaction to no
one, for if the public will not buy, obviously the grower
must lose. There are vast quantities of fruit sent to
market which, instead of being tempting, is repulsive.
The best sells readily enough, and the sturdiest of pro¬
tectionists, and most exacting of fair traders, will not pur¬
chase comparatively inferior English fruit if they can
obtain superior foreign produce at the same or a lower
price. Raise the standard of quality of home grown fruit,
and increase the quantity of that high quality, and a
“ taste ” for fruit as a “regular article of diet” would
soon be created ; then, as Mr. William Paul suggests, the
increased sales of retail dealers would allow them to sell
at smaller profits than when the demand is fitful and
limited. When it is remembered that healthy trees of
superior varieties occupy no more space than enfeebled
trees do of inferior sorts, it follows that the best only
should be grown and the worst uprooted, and the more
quickly aud extensively that system is carried out the
better will it be for all.

Mr. Smith combated, I think through misapprehen¬
sion, the method that is in operation, and which I sug¬
gested should be more extensively adopted — namely, the
conversion of much of the plethora of soft fruit into jam
“ on the spot.” When Lord Vernon established his butter
factory he did not choose London for its site, but planted
it, so to say, amongst the cows. It has proved a great
success, the butter averaging 2d. a pound more than the
produce of individual makers. In respect to fruit, hun¬
dreds of tons are sent scores of miles to market, and after¬
wards sent on another journey to be boiled down. The
waste in transit and through fermentation in hot weather
is enormous, and such injured fruit cannot be made into
jam equal in quality to that made from fruit fresh from
the trees. Very large manufacturers contract for fresh
fruit, yet, nevertheless, more jam factories in the fruit¬
growing districts, to which growers could send their crops
quickly and cheaply, could scarcely fail to be of advantage
to producers and consumers.

The following letter, which lias been sent to me, may
possibly be worthy of insertion and comment : —

“ I have read your letter in the Daily Neivs , and am desirous
of confirming what you say as to so many of our Kent orchards
having far too large a proportion of useless trees in them — i.e.,
trees cankered, trees barren, or trees producing poor low quality
fruit. Upon seeing my trade card you may say, What does a
plumber and painter know about gardening ? Well, upon the
principle that ‘ a looker-on sees most of the game,’ I think I am
likely to know, because my trade takes me into very many gardens
in East Kent ; some of them are attached to cottages, some to
mansions, and some are simply market gardens carried on for
business.

“ Why does not the Kent market gardener grub up half- worn-
out trees and plant young trees of good quality, and then wait
years for a crop like the American grower does ? Because the man
in Kent pays yearly about £6 per acre for rent and tithe, whereas
the man in America pays less than that amount for the freehold ;
therefore the man in Kent, having to pay a yearly rent, tries to get
a yearly crop, even if a poor one, and even if he has capital, and
can afford to wait a few years, being only a yearly tenant, he has
no security, and very little inducement to make improvements.
The only planting or improvements he dares venture on are such
as produce quick returns, say Currant and Gooseberry bushes, or
Cherry trees. An alteration of our land laws, giving the tenant
some kind of transferable and saleable tenant-right, must soon be
made, or else we shall find our fruit markets still more supplied
from abroad.

“ Next you will ask, Why does not the cottager, or the small
country householder, or the gentleman's professional gardener, plant
better trees ? I reply, because they know very little about fruit
trees, and the ‘ professional ’ is too much devoted to ‘ incurved
Chrysanthemums,’ or ‘carpet-bedding’ and ‘ribbon borders’ to
learn.

“ Will you recommend four or six sorts of Apple trees most
suitable for East Kent ? When we ask fruiterers or gardeners why
we can buy so few Ribston Pippins or King Pippins, we are gravely
assured that they have died out — that the old trees are cankered,
and that newly planted young Ribston trees would soon become
diseased.

“ I feel certain that many persons in the suburbs of Canterbury
would gladly plant Apple trees in the gardens attached to their
houses if they knew what trees were most likely to succeed.

“ Thinking that you may perhaps publish the whole or a part
of this letter in the Journal of Horticulture , I enclose my name, &c.
— INVICTA.”

My first observation on that letter is this — if a yeai’ly
tenant can afford to pay £6 an acre, the case is proved
that iruit culture is profitable in England, though it
does not necessarily follow that all tenants get a satis¬
factory share of the profits. Every case on that matter
must he judged on its merits.

As regards the cheapness of land in America, the
absence of tithe and the lightness of taxes there is the
ti’iple set off- of (1) a greatly higher wage rate; (2) an
enormously greater distance from market (English),
necessitating great care and considerable outlay in pack¬
ing; and (3) the dearness of money. Numbers of
American cultivators are rich, but it may not be generally
known that many more, and probably the majority, work
largely with borrowed money, for which they pay interest
at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum. That this is so in
one of the western States I have evidence that places the
matter beyond a doubt. Under those circumstances, in
the work of hardy fruit cultxxre for our home consumption,
I think “ Britons ” should “ hold their own.”

Extensive fruit culture can only be satisfactoi’ily con¬
ducted under reasonably long leases on an equitable
basis, though prudent landowners do not hastily disturb
good yeaidy tenants now-a-days. Tithes are doomed, at
least in their present incidence.

Compensation for unexhausted improvements granted
to tenants by the last A gricxxltural Holdings Act applies,
I think, to fruit trees, provided the trees are planted with
the written consent of the landlord, not otherwise ; but on
this ixnportant point I anx open to correction.

As regards gardeners, they vary in capacity the saixxe
as plumbers do. As a matter of fact, some of the best
growers of Chi-ysanthemums are also the best cultivators
of fruit, and take leading prizes for both ; and one of the
most skilled flower gaixleners in the kingdom is the author
of an excellent work on fruit culture. “Invicta” has
perhaps scarcely seen enough of the “ game ” to enable
lxinx to judge accurately on this matter.

There remains the question of varieties that I am i*e-
quested to consider. It is not easy to choose “ four or
six” varieties satisfactorily withoxxt knowing whether
dessert or culinary Apples are preferred. As four only I
venture to l'ecommend Lord Suffield, a well-known early
bearing and productive variety ; Duchess of Oldenbui’g, a
beautiful dessei’t or culinary Apple, in use in August and
September; Lane’s Prince Albert, a great and almost
certain bearer of good and attractive fruit ; Eeklinville, a
valuable Apple, and the tree a good grower and free
bearer, the fruit “ taking ” well in the market. To make up
half a dozen add Cox’s Orange Pippin, October- January,
the best dessert Apple in cultivation ; and Warner’s King,
a very large, late, cook ng Apple. Those named are free
and early bearers, especially on the Paradise stock, Blen-

February 3, 1337. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

83

heim Orange being omitted because it is the reverse of
precocious ; but it could not be excluded from a dozen.
Early Apples are as a rule more profitable than mid¬
season if not than late sorts, and the first four named are
ready for market before the “ Americans ” can arrive,
though two of them are fairly good keepers, and these
with those making up the half dozen can hold their own
against competitors come from whence they may.

If the best varieties are plentifully grown in their best
condition in this country, American fruit will only be
wanted when our home crops fail.

The discussion above referred to was summed up in
the following words : —

“ Our general conclusion from the inquiry is that a certain want
of adaptability to new conditions, which is rapidly becoming a
national trait, is at the root of the whole mischief. Fruit is devr
because, in the first place, it is foolishly grown ; because, in the
next, it is foolishly brought to market ; and, in the third, because,
when it is at market, it is foolishly sold. We want technical
education, in fact, in the orchard, in the commission shed, and in
the preserving room. These are the conclusions of those who ought
to know, and we think that, among them, they contain the solution
of the problem with which we set out. That there is something
wrong is unquestionable when so few eat fruit, so many would like
to eat it, and when there is so much fruit to eat.”

From those deductions not many persons will dissent,
and an important step in improving our home fruit supply
is in the uprooting of practically worthless orchards, and
planting young trees of better varieties. — J. Wright.

THE EUCHARIS MITE.

(EHIZOGLYPHUS ECHINOPUS.)

For some time I regarded the Eucharis disease as the result of
defective cultivation, for of late years a system has been adopted that
deprived this plant of its season of rest, which alone was sufficient to
bring about a degenerate state of the bulbs. But when plants were
attacked that had been subjected to periods of rest after the comple¬
tion of growth, other sources of the disease had to be looked for, and
upon a close examination of the plants the “mite” was discovered.
In spite of the overwhelming evidence that the “ mite ” is the cause,
there are many who still cling to the theory that the method of
culture is faulty, and that they could restore diseased plants to their
former health and vigour. It is a pity that such knowledge, if it
really exists, should be hidden from the majority of cultivators whose
plants are suffering from this terrible pest.

Disease and death may result from the varied conditions to which
these or any plants are subjected, but I do not believe that the
Eucharis mite is the result of a defective system of culture. Those
who still believe that disease is due to the plant being deprived of a
season of repose or the admission of too much light may at once
dispel such theories from their minds ; for plants that have been
rested and given dense shade have fallen victims. Anyone can prove
to their own satisfaction that insects are the the cause of the disease,
and their thorough eradication is the only method by which the plants
can be restored to their former healthy condition. Any such informa¬
tion will be generally welcomed. 'I believe that the appearance of
these insects in gardens in such vast numbers during the past few
years is entirely due to the importation of bulbous plants to our stoves
and greenhouses. For not only does it commit its ravages on the
Eucharis, but on Pancratiums, Vallotae, Amaryllises, Hyacinths, Nar¬
cissi, and other similar plants. The insect that attacks these plants
may be of the same species, but a slightly different variety, yet
to the practical eye with only a moderate magnifying glass they
appear to be exactly the same in each case. What is the Hyacinth
disease if it is not the ravages of this mite ? I have said that this
mite was imported into gardens with other bulbs, and many to whom
I have talked about this matter coincide with this view. The im¬
ported bulbs of Eucharis Candida and E. Sanderiana are in a large
measure responsible for the production of this disease in many a
garden. It would be interesting as well as instructive if we only
knew how many of these imported plants when they began to grow
displayed symptoms of this disease, and, through it, failed to do
satisfactorily. A very small number are to be found in private
gardens in comparison with the numbers that were purchased. Many
of those who secured these varieties were also rewarded with the
Eucharis mite ; while those, and several are known to me, who did
not buy them, now have their Eucharises free from the disease and

in perfect heahh. I have also imported the same insect on Amaryllis
Johnsoni, which carried ruin to the whole stock of these plants.

Repeated experiments convince me that those who have announced
methods of cleaning their plants — freeing them from the disease —
have been premature in their conclusions. Those who have followed
this course are credited with thorough honesty, the desire to assist
those in the same unfortunate position to overcome difficulties and
failure having led them astray. 1 have no doubt whatever that the
plants, after being washed and dipped in insecticides or treated to
some of the various receipts that have been given, have grown with
renewed vigour and were to all appearance perfectly clean for a time.
Such has been my own experience, as well as that of others who have
refrained from unfolding their methods of procedure until it could
he said with certainty that such a course would free the plants from
disease, and finally death, which if left alone is inevitable. For a
time the bulbs can be cleaned by washing away every particle of
soil, the removal of the roots and decaying scales of the bulb, and then
steeping them in some strong insecticide yet not to injure the bulbs.
This clears away a great number of the insects, in fact all that it
comes in contact with : the plants grow vigorously and flower freely
after a good growth has been made, until the insects have increased
in sufficient numbers again. It may be for six, twelve, or even
eighteen months before the full effects of the disease are visible,
the length of time depending upon the manner in which the cleaning
was done and the strength of the insecticide used. Up to the present
time I believe that this is the full extent of eradication that has been
effected or can be promised.

I may be wrong, and sincerely hope that I am, but my experience
points to the conclusion that the only certain method of stamping
out the disease from our gardens is the destruction of all infested
plants, and a fresh start with clean stock from some reliable source.
This is an extreme measure, but as far as I can see there is no chance
of getting at the whole of the insects without destroying the bulbs.
The insects are easily enough destroyed when they can be found, but
they penetrate so far into the bulbs that they cannot be reached by
insecticides. In many instances they follow the roots to the base-
where they spring from, and often further, even into the heart of the
bulb. The last experiment that we are trying is to cut off the base
of the bulb, so that two or three scales can be removed — in some
cases more, in others less — and then cut them out if they extend
towards the interior. This reduces the bulbs very much in size, and
we doubt whether they will again emit roots from the base. If they
will, the bulbs can be cleaned by this method, but they must be first
dried and ripened somewhat, and after the operation thoroughly
washed in a strong insecticide.

In our case they are scarcely worth this trouble, for while we are
experimenting we are losing time, and a clean stock would with good
treatment quickly make a return that would more than cover the first
cost. But I am anxious to find out a method of cleaning the plants
for the benefit of those who cannot afford to destroy their 3tock, in
fact all who are in less fortunate positions ; if this can be done we
shall be abundantly repaid for our loss. — Wm. Bardney.

PEAS -OLD AND NEW.

To grow these well requires more attention and care than are usually
bestowed upon them, or we should not hear so many complaints about
their not turning out as we see them portrayed in the seed catalogues.
Being in the habit of trying a few new ones each year, I am more than
satisfied with the results, and think it quite possible to produce them as
■ they are represented.

The treatment I find to answer the best is either to sow the seed on
an old Celery ridge or to prepare a trench the same as for Celery — that
is, a" good depth of soil and manure, and sow the seed the first week in
April rather above the ground line than below it. I know mfi'ny
gaxdeners recommend the seed to be sown below. I never have found
them to do so well below a6 when sown above the level of the ground.
They do not grow so tall and are not so liable to mildew. What they
appear to want is a good depth of moist soil to grow in, but not
stagnant. I always coat the Peas before sowing with red lead to prevent
mice taking them. I have tried petroleum, tar, & c., but I find after all
red led is the safest and best. If the Peas are good I only use from six
to nine Peas to a foot, mostly in a broad drill and planted in three rows,
either 3, 4, or 6 inches apart, and of some strong-growing ones two and
three are quite enough to a foot.

I have sown seed before April, but find it a risk, as they often decay
in the ground ; but if sown about the first week in April they appear to
come at once, and have always done the best. One thing I find, they
nearly always grow taller than is stated in the catalogues, but if the
sticks are a little over the height stated so much the better. I find
stopping them a good plan — that is, after the first three or four or five or
six pairs of blooms are set nip out the centre. They fill up and also
ripen the pods much better and quicker than when not stopped. This is
an old-fashioned way of treating early Peas, but I am surprised it is
not more practised than it is at the present time. I remember seeing it
. nearly forty years ago in Kent for the first time. When the Peas are

84

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Febmary 3, '687.

stopped is the time to give them liquid manure water if the weather is
at all dry. We often hear gardeners say there is no better Pea than the
old Ne Plus Ultra, and I say it may have some to equal it, but not many
to surpass it when we consider colour, flavour, and general produce.
This is the class of Pea that pleases all ; large pods are only for show.

Carter’s Stratagem is a fine Pea for colour and flavour, but I never
can get it to crop well ; but they are always good. Telephone and
Telegraph are two good ones and bear well. Culverwell’s Giant Marrow
always does well ; but a very tall one, nearly 8 feet high, but a fine
cropper, Sir W. Lawson ; and G. F. Wilson, a good flavoured Pea, and
not too tall, from 3 to 4 feet. Pride of the Market, a first-class
cropper, and about the same height. John Bull and Sharpe’s Triumph
are two good full-podded Peas and about 3 to 4 feet high, good flavour
and colour. Among the older ones that I have found to do well and are
well worth growing for keeping a good supply are Reading Giant, Lax-
ton’s Supreme, Conquering Marrow, Laxton’s Evolution, old Ne Plus
Ultra, British Queen, old Champion of England, Progress for later on.
Most of these require tall sticks, but are good croppers, and well repay
for the little extra trouble bestowed upon them. — Geo. Clement,
Hareley Manor, near 'Warwick.

THE ROYAL JUBILEE AND THE ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

On page 45 your correspondent, “F. R. H. S.,” appears extremely
anxious to raise funds for providing a home for the Royal Horticultural
Society in commemoration of the Royal Jubilee. Your correspondent
Is perfectly right in saying “ that every gardener with the slightest
loyalty for his Sovereign ” ought to subscribe to such a cause. But
surely if £10,000 could be raised by gardeners’ subscription, might it not
be put to a more charitable purpose than erecting a building for the
Royal Horticultural Society ?

Allow me through the medium of your paper, and as a young
British gardener, to suggest that a Society be founded in commemoration
of the Royal Jubilee to help gardeners when out of employment or when
in the nurseries. While visiting some of the leading nurseries a week
or so ago I was greatly struck by the large number of men waiting for
places and by the condition of a great majority of them. During this
last severe weather there have been hundreds of gardeners out of employ¬
ment, for as it is well known many of the nurserymen cannot find
work for one-half of the men during frost and snow. One individual
came to me for help, he was in a most pitiable condition ; he said he
had been “ frozen out ” for five weeks, and had not been able to earn a
penny, and had a wife and child to keep, which, on making inquiries,
I found to be perfectly true, and no doubt there are hundreds of such
cases throughout the country. Therefore, if any loyal gardener wishes
to commemorate the Jubilee could it not be possible to form a Royal
Jubilee Friendly Society, to be kept up by small monthly subscriptions
after the capital required is subscribed, and to be carried on after this
principle — viz., That a small sum of money be allowed per week to each
subscriber during the time he is out of employment provided he has
at least one year’s good character from his last employer. If such a
society could be formed I would readily do my utmost towards it, and it
would, I am sure, have many supporters.

Your correspondent seems to think there is too much whisky drunk
by young gardeners, and there is no doubt but what he is right on that
subject, but probably he forgets that more than half of the young
gardeners are taught to get fond of their whisky through the comfort¬
less state of their abode. Many of the so-called bothies are quite
destitute of comfort ; therefore when such is the case, and the young
gardener cannot find comfort at home after his day’s work is done, he
has to seek it elsewhere, which, too often, is in the public house.

Therefore, if head gardeners would pay more attention to the comfort
of the young men under them, there would be less money spent on
whisky, and more to spare for better causes. But if something was
started in the way I have suggested I would, as I have said, do my utmost
towards it, and readily subscribe my guinea, although I have tasted
whisky since “F. R. H. S.,” and am as yet a young gardener. —
C. Collins, Hawick,

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 64.)

BUYING THE PLANTS.

Do not buy rubbish. If you know of anyone in your neigh¬
bourhood who grows Roses well, when they are in bloom go and
ask him to allow7 you to inspect them. You need not fear a
refusal. Rose growers are always glad to show their Roses and to
give advice on the subject to anybody. I dare venture to go to any
Hose grower and be sure of a welcome, and I am not gifted with
more than the usual amount of cheek. Many people, beginners
especially, would not like to do this ; then the next best wray is to
go to the nearest nursery, note-book in hand, and take down the
names of those varieties you ad.aire. If your soil is light and dry
give preference to the white, pink, and lighter shades ; if heavy
and binding, then you may have an equal number of the darker
varieties as well. In selecting the sorts, choose only those which are
good strong vigorous growers, avoiding little stumpy things about
8 inches high, which rarely give satisfaction to beginners. About

the middle of October send your list to some respectable nnrsery-
man, describing the soil and situation, and the sort of plants you
want, standards or dwarfs — if dwarfs, say if they are to be on the
Briar or Manetti stock. My experience is that both give good
results. I have had grand Roses on the Manetti, but its wreak point
is that it perishes so often in the winter. Where the soil is light
and poor, and where the Briar fails, the Manetti is well worth a
trial. My advice to those about to order standards is most em¬
phatically, “ Don’t, or you’ll regret it.’’ If you must have standards,
let them be all G-loire de Dijon, for this grand old Rose seems to
flourish and live grown so as no other Rose does. Standards are no
good for show blooms, as you w7ill see before you are very long in
the business, supposing you buy them, and further, they do not live
very long. In mild warm climates on good soil and in sheltered
situations, standards, no doubt, do well and live to a great age, but
I am writing for the million, and I am sure of this, that wherever
a standard does well a dwarf will do better.

HOW TO PLANT ROSES.

Having prepared your ground, get your plants from the nursery
about November 1st, and let it be so arranged that the whole
business, from the digging up of the plants in the nursery to their
being safely planted in your own garden, shall be done as quickly
as possible. Please note, that experience has taught me that quick
transplanting and careful planting have much to do with the success
or failure of the first year’s blooms, and also of the permanent well¬
being of the plants. Some people, not beginners either, but those
who ought to know better, seem to think that so long as a plant or
shrub is only half killed in the process of transplanting, that there
is no harm done. These people, it is needless to say, will never be
gardeners. Let there be no “ heeling in,” this being a process by
which half the shrubs in the country are destroyed. It is generally
carried out as follows — dig a hole in the ground, place the roots of
the plants therein, throw a little loose soil over them, stamping it
down slightly, and the thing is done, and I cannot help saying that
the plants are very often “ done ” too. Now through very wet
weather or other unavoidable circumstances it may be necessary to
hold over your plants for some days before planting, and in that
case, “ heeling in,” I prefer to say temporary planting, will have to
be resorted to, but it must be done as carefully as planting. Let a
trench be dug sufficiently wide and long to take in all the plants.
These must on no account be placed in the ground in bundles, but
divided and put in two or three at a time, strewing fine soil over
the roots and making all as firm as possible. If on opening the
bundle on arrival it is found that the roots are dry, these should be
dipped into a bucket of water before being put into the ground.
Laid in carefully like this, Roses will take no harm for a month ;
but in wet weather fine soil in such a state that it will fall and fit
closely round the roots as it should do is not easy to find. The
only way is to get it from under trees or walls, or wherever it may
be obtainable, but get it if possible. Again, what is to be done
when the Roses arrive in frost or snow ? With a shovel if there is
snow, or a pick or strong fork if the bare ground be hard frozen,
remove the surface, and get down to the soft moist undersoil, when
the ground will generally be found fit for laying in Roses or any
other shrubs in the manner just described.

Let us suppose that your Roses have arrived at the proper time,
and that the weather is fine, the soil falling clean and finely divided
from the spade, not binding together in wet lumps. Have your
plants by you, and do not expose them to the sun or drying wind ;
rather place them in shade and shelter while the holes are prepared to
receive them. If at all dry plunge the roots into a bucket of water
as before directed. These holes should be about 10 inches deep,
and from 12 to 18 inches wide, according to the roots of the plants.
They should have a layer of old manure in the bottom, on which
should be strewed just enough soil to keep the roots from touching
the manure, otherwise the roots may rot, and manure so applied
will be rather a curse than a blessing— err on the safe side, put in
too much soil rather than too little. A few half-inch bones will be
a lasting benefit to the plants, and are very desirable if the planting
is likely to be permanent. When roots are in a dormant state, as
those of Roses are when planted and for some time after, it is
better, in my opinion, that no manure, be it bones, or farmyard, or
anything else, should be in direct contact with them ; it will be
quite sufficient, and safer, if the manure be close to them but not
touching. Before placing the plants in position examine the roots.

“ Don’t prune the roots when planting,” says one authority. He
might as well have said, “ do not prune them at all,” for it would
be difficult to perform the operation at any other time. I count
the plants I have put in by thousands, and most of them were
benefited by having their roots pruned in my humble opinion. The
aim of the Rose-grower should be to produce a lot of small hair or
thread-like roots, and the best way to do this is to prune back all
large fleshy roots, tap-roots they are generally called, making a clean

Febmary 3, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

85

cut, from which in a short time issue quite a tuft or fringe of the
small roots so much to be desired. Another reason why pruning is
desirable, is that the roots are kept close round about the plant, so
that when you apply the manure you have a tolerably good idea
that your plant is getting the benefit of it. Therefore cut back all
roots anything thicker than a little finger to about 5 or 6 inches
long. Remove all bruised roots also, but preserve as many fibrous
or hair-like roots as possible. Round about the collar of the plant,
which may best be described as being where the roots end and the
trunk begins, may generally be found some dormant eyes, little red
lumps or round swellings in the bark, much as if a small pea were
inserted under it. These must be cut clean away, or they will
quickly develope into branches, or suckers as they are called.
Caution. — Be sure before cutting away the eyes that they are not
part of the bud which has been inserted in the plant.

As each plant is prepared, place the roots in the hole, spreading
them out as much as possible, cover them with a little of the finest
soil, then throw on the coarser. When the hole is nearly full the
earth must be made very firm, and I always use for this purpose an
iron rammer, such as the gas and water people use for making good
the roads after repairs, and I go round every plant with this until
the soil is rammed down solid. A writer I noticed recently in the
Gardeners' Chronicle advocated planting without stamping or
ramming down the soil at all ; he left it to time and the winter
weather to settle the soil round the roots. Well, all I can say to
that is, th at Nature makes the soil firm, and I shall continue to
imitate Nature until I can find a better teacher. The great objec¬
tion to a b ole full of loose soil is that water will most certainly
collect there, and the roots will have a bad time of it. Anybody
who doubts that the roots standing in water is not prejudicial, if
there be anybody who does doubt it, may very easily resolve his
doubts by placing the roots of a Rose tree in a tub of water for a
few days, he will find that the ends of the roots turn back and
decay. In planting, care must be taken not to plant too deep ; the
nearer the surface the nearer the sun and the nearer the air. Canon
Hole I think it is wrho says, “ deep planting means disease, debility,
and death,” and I believe he is quite right. In planting standards
or half-standards let the roots be as near the surface as possible. On
a light sandy soil, where the heat of the sun penetrates and dries the
soil to a considerable depth, Roses may be planted deeper than on
cold heavy clays ; but even on a light soil 1 should prefer shallow
planting, and should endeavour to protect the roots from becoming
too dry by means of mulching [see mulching] . In planting dwarfs
or plants budded on or below the ground line, plant them so that
the union of the stock and scion shall be just below the surface,
say 1 or 2 inches. This applies to all ground-worked plants, either
on the Manetti, seedling Briar, cutting Briar, or Grefferie. Standards
and half-standards will require to be firmly staked and tied as soon
as planted, for plants rocked to and fro in the wind do no good.
Stakes cost a lot of money, especially long ones — another reason why
we should grow dwarfs, stakes for which cost very little. All
plants may have the shoots cut back to about 18 inches long when
planted, which very much reduces the power of the wind over them
and in the case of dwarfs obviates the necessity of stakes altogether
at planting time, except in very exposed situations. Speaking of
stakes, I find that ordinary thatch pegs, which may be purchased at
any ironmonger’s for about Is. fid. per hundred, make capital stakes
for dwarfs ; they look neat, are durable, pack close together when
put away, and so take up very little room.

When the planting is finished a good dressing of manure spread
over the surface above the roots will benefit them, keeping off the
frost, while the snow and rain will wash the nourishing substances
through the soil down to where the roots are. Avoid having holes
or inequalities in the ground, as the water will collect there and do
the plants no good.

If the weather should be very dry after planting, and the soil
apparently so, do not go by the appearance of the surface, but dig
a hole, and if it be really dry, it will be better to water the newly
planted Roses. Give them a good soaking ; slight dewings are no
use at any time, and always appear to me to be something like
giving a hungry man a small basin of thin soup and a toothpick,
in place of a couple of pounds of rump steak and suitable
accompaniments.

WHEN TO PLANT ROSES.

Roses may be safely planted any time between October and
March, the earlier in the season after October the better, as they
make roots, or at any rate prepare for doing so during the winter.
If the operation be postponed until spring the plants have no time
to establish themselves before they begin to grow, and if the season
be dry after planting they will suffer much more than those planted
in autumn. Another very great reason why plants should be
obtained early is that the purchaser gets better plants, nurserymen
naturally selecting the best plants for the first comers. Buyesr in

the late spring time, sometimes in return for the same money that
would in the autumn have brought them fine plants, receive what
may be termed a fair sample of the “riddlins o’ creation,” together
with a letter of apology, regretting “ that the plants are rather
small,” and going on to say that “ all the best plants were sold
before we had your kind order, &c.” — D. GilmOOR, JUN.

(To be continued.)

A WORD FOR PENZANCE BROCCOLI.

In your issue of the Journal for December 23rd, page 557, a review
of vegetables appeared from “ A Kitchen Gardener,” in which he states
‘ that he never saw any good Broccoli connected with the name of
Penzance.” That is rather a sweeping assertion to make in the face of
the many hundreds of acres that are grown in this neighbourhood, and
although “ A Kitchen Gardener ” may not have seen any, it does not
follow that there are no good Broccoli to be seen. I can assure him
there are plenty, a sample of which I forward for your inspection
•(Penzance Early). Perhaps you will be kind enough to convey to
“ A Kitchen Gardener ” your opinion as to their merits. I have seen
better ; the cold weather and the terrific gales we have had have not
improved them.

The season of Penzance earlies commence in December, and are
succeeded by the second earlies and lates, which keep up an unbroken
supply until May, and better Broccoli I never wish to see ; in fact 1 do
not think it possible to see better than what I have seen here. A
Kitchen Gardener” may not have hail the best strain, I do not suppose
he had, but that would hardly justify his statement. Again, a different
climate might make the change. I think that that might be a probable,
if not the chief reason of his failure. I know from my own experiem e
that many good Broccoli that I have seen do well in other parts of the
country are here next to worthless ; so much so, that I now rely entirely
upon the Penzance varieties to succeed Yeitch’s Autumn Broccoli to
keep an unbroken supply, and which, I am happy to say, they do admir¬
ably. I find that the second early varieties give the best and hand¬
somest heads, but these are always good in all varieties, and if " A
Kitchen Gardener” has still doubts on the subject, I should have
pleasure in sending him a sample of our Broccoli for his inspection.
Hy. Mount, Kingwainton, Penzance.

[The Broccoli heads received are very good indeed ; close, firm, and
well protected by incurving leaves. We have not seen better samples
this year.]

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I MUST imitate Mr. Bardney in adding to former notes. Mr. Bardney
complains of my omissions. So far, however, I have not attemped to over¬
run discussion ; I anticipated it would be a loDg one, and I am content
to proceed step by step. Until Mr. Bardney is more inclined to give
the principle a trial I think so many details regarding our temperatures
piping, &c., would be of no service generally.

The note kindly forwarded by Mr. Horner will, I feel, sure, go far
to satisfy all, as regards preservation at any rate. Nothing is proved
against my theory by showing that red hot iron repels water. If the
water is completely thrown off of course none remains to cause oxidation ;
as hot iron also repels oxygen, no oxidation can occur. This point, then,
is cleared up in my favour. Mr. Bardney, like Mr. Riddell, is very
careful to mention a perfectly dry place in cooling, but water .must not
be confounded with steam or vapour, which occupies space 1694 times
greater than water itself, and is not so easily subject to repulsion by
reason of a continuous supply, as none escapes at the bottom doors until
draught is checked by opening the two furnace doors.

It is not for me to deal in detail with pi’oblems intended for
“Thinker,” but I think Mr. Bardney has not advanced far in
his later note. With regard to labour and expense in constructing his
ashpits to hold water, I may briefly give the items. of our first, which is
very satisfactory. Coating of cement, bottom, sides, and end, level
with ashpit doors, 4s. 6d., labour 2s., total 6s. 6d.

The laws and force of atmospheric pressure must be left out of M r.
Bardney’s calculations, who ought, with the same reason, to ask why
more accidents occur in mines during such weather, seeing the average
height of the clouds during winter is from 1 300 to 1500 yards, and from
3300 to 4400, and even more ; thus on a clear frosty night, as spoken of
by Mr. Bardney, may assume we are atmospherically on equal terms
w’ith a clear summer’s evening, the smoke ascending in an upright

column. , .

I trespass thus far for the purpose of pointing out two entirely
opposite theories intended to agree. Mr. Riddell, in his last communi¬
cation, would have us believe that a boiler set and not in use would not
oxidise rapidly enough, because it was in a perfectly dry place or free
from the natural effects of oxygen attracted by damp, while Mr.
Bardney goes so far as to suggest that the amount of aqueous vapour
finding its way into the stokehole might be sufficient to impede
draught.

Regarding the danger of hot air

imbibing moisture, I will beg to
“ Engineer and Mechanic’s Ency-
521, being one of several experi-

quote the following extract from the

clopaedia,” hy Mr. Luke Hebert, page ™--a — - - A-

ments to extinguish fires, some extensive and well conducted ex¬
periments recently performed by Mr. \V aterhouse at. 1 leston in anca^
shire have shown that steam will speedily extinguish moderately small

8G

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 3, 1887.

bodies of flume, but does not possess the power of preventing a low
charing combustion, and that steam impelled against a large fire
increases the violence of the combustion in a remarkable degree. —
E. Burton.

influence the draught. These are the reasons why fires burn brighter in
cold frosty weather than they do when dull and foggy.

Now, if Mr. Bardney has any more “fogs” floating about the
furnaces at Norris Green, perhaps he will favour us with then- nature
and finish this matter.

Although it may appear to the eye that water is “ completely re¬
pulsed by red-hot iron,” and which Mr. Bardney “ maintains,” the gases
evolved prove conclusively that such is not the case, and that actual
contact does take place. The intense heat imparted to water by
plunging a piece of red-hot iron into it will rapidly convert the particles
immediately surrounding the iron into steam, and at the same time
dissipate a portion of the air and other gases which have been dissolved
in the water. Part of the steam acting upon the iron is decomposed
and the iron oxidised, and thereby liberating the hydrogen, which is
found in a free state amongst the gases and vapour evolved.

This means of oxidising iron is an accomplished fact whatever Mr.
Bardney and others may “ maintain,” and by way of verifying this
statement I give you the following quotation from “ Wilson’s Inorganic
Chemistry,” page 179, par. 466 : — “ Iron cannot decompose water at
ordinary temperatures, but if heated red hot it acts like sodium, with
this difference, however, that all the hydrogen is evolved from the
water, none remaining in combination with the metal.” (When sodium
is put into water only half the hydrogen is evolved, the other half, with
the oxygen, combining with the metal.) “ This property of water is
generally illustrated by sending steam through an iron tube like a gun
barrel placed across a small furnace, when the iron unites with the
oxygen of the water (steam), and the hydrogen is set free ; but so com¬
plicated and troublesome an apparatus is not necessary for the purpose,
if a bar of iron be raised to a full red heat it will be found to decom¬
pose water when plunged below its surface. To prove this, all that is
needed is to thrust the red-hot bar below the mouth of a gas jar filled
with water, when bubbles, apparently of ah', will be seen to rise from
the iron and collect in the upper end of the jar. These bubbles consist of
hydrogen gas mixed with a little air.” I may also add that the above is
verified by Buckmaster and Brown.

But it is not with water we have to deal, but its gaseous form when
treating it as a supporter of combustion ; and because some of the
results effected by its use for this purpose are antagonistic to the ex¬
pressed opinions of some, they avail themselves of every plausible argu¬
ment likely to afford their cause support, while the object for which
they profess to be contending is allowed to dwindle into a myth. No. 2
of Mr. Bardney’s questions comes next. He wants to know what effect
moisture will have upon anthracite coal, coke, and ordinary coal, and
also upon salts obtained from sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. Anthra¬
cite coal is almost entirely composed of carbon, some kinds are wholly so ;
and the effect upon it I have stated in another article, also the results
when employed as a supporter of combustion when coal and coke are
used as fuel. Nevertheless, I may add that coal, being of organic
origin, contains sulphur, phosphorus, and chlorine, which will be con¬
verted into acids when burned with hydro-carbon ; yet they will be
carried away by the draught, or,! at least, most of them. That
portion which is left will form the salts mentioned by Mr. Bardney.
But these salts are harmless so far as the bars are concerned, and
although a deal could be written regarding compounds of this sort
formed and changes effected, it would have no direct bearing upon the
subject either pro or con. ; but at the same time it is well to bear in
mind that water is one of the products of combustion, therefore steam
would have no effect upon any of the compounds obtained from the
burning fuel.

With No. 3 question Mr. Bardney finishes his literary thunderbolt,
and this he has hurled at the head of “ Thinker.” He asks, “ Why
does a fire burn more brightly on a cold frosty night than it does on
one dull, damp, and foggy ? ” Gases are elastic fluids, and are far more
susceptible of changes of temperature and pressure than either liquids
or bodies. The normal pressure of the atmosphere is 760 millimetres,
and which is equal to almost 30 inches of mercury, and this is equal to
about 15 lbs. to the square inch, so we cannot err far in stating that for
every inch of variation of the mercury in a barometer there is a diffe¬
rence of half a pound of pressure upon the square inch when we know
that a column of mercury is supported by the atmosphere almost
50 inches m height. This alteration of barometric pressure is not with¬
out its influence upon our fires, for on a cold frosty night this pressure
is greater than during dull foggy weather ; therefore the gases are
more compressed, more oxygen being contained in a given measure of
air tnan when the pressure is less. Again, temperature materially affects
the expansion and c ontraction of gases. One volume at 0° Centigrade
would become 1 '00366 for every 1° of rise of temperature. But if I put
i is way I may be better understood. 273 volumes of gas at the
normal temperature (0 ) and pressure (760 millimetres) will become
“If V°iUmeS at,1-’ 27& volumes at 2°, and so on, increasing a volume for
every degree of rise of temperature, and vice versa. Now, we know that
t hp thfe nigbt the greater will be the barometric pressure, and also

th? contraction of the gaseous envelope which surrounds
the globe ; and these combined will enable our furnaces to obtain more
n i.f an<1 much m°re too— from a given measure of air than they
in btam fr0n? the sanie measure when the temperature was high

between fUPe leSS‘ ®"tbesalcs thcse- the differences in temperature
oetween the furnace and the external atmosphere will be oTeater during

than ^en foggy, and this ^itself mS to caTs!
•a material difference in the burning of the fuel, as it] will very sensibly

Your correspondent, Mr. Burton, in your issue of the 27th inst.,
asserts that I admit a “failing in my system, which may to some
extent account for the rusting of the bars.” ' What this “ failing ” is he
does not tell your readers — at least, I cannot grasp it, and am of opinion
that it must be looked for in another quarter. He then endeavours to
make us believe that only a small quantity of water is evaporated by a
furnace. Had he stated the conditions — i.e., the size of the fire and its
proximity to the water — all would have been right, but as this is not
done the statement has a tendency to mislead those unacquainted with
the facts.

The furnace and ashpit with which I am about to deal were specially
constructed for the purpose of supplying steam as a supporter of com¬
bustion, and better adapted for this purpose than those under the
supervision of Mr. Burton, to judge them by his statement. The ashpit
is a cast iron trough 4 feet 9 inches long, 1 foot wide, and 10 inches
deep, but instead of this trough being entirely under the furnace,
15 inches extends beyond the? front of it into the stokehole, and with
the floor of which it is level. When this trough is full of water there
is only a space of 1^ inch between the water and the fire bars. Now,
as it is absolutely necessary to maintain a very high temperature in
this furnace, and the amount of water evaporated by its influence is
much at variance with what Mr. Burton says. In one hour the water
in this ashpit was lowered 2 inches by evaporation, and had all the
water been immediately under the furnace the quantity evaporated
would most certainly have been very much greater. And all must
know that the quantity of water dissipated by heat in a stated period
depends wholly upon the amount of heat acting upon it.

Mr. Burton is also a little “at sea” regarding the amount of vapour
which a fire would “ attract.” The fire does not attract any vapour nor
anything else, but the draught occasioned by the fire carries with it all
gases and vapours within its neighbourhood, and those that are not
utilised by the burning fuel pass unchanged through the fire and
chimney to the external atmosphere.

If Mr. Burton’s primary object in having water in his ashpits is to
preserve the bars I regret to say that his efforts in that direction are
entirely futile, as his theory is antagonistic to the natural laws observed
in chemistry. And even although carbonised vapour may have
the property of converting iron into steel, yet the steel is as susceptible
of oxidation as it was before its conversion.

But supposing for a moment that we laid aside these facts, which
are all based on a sound chemical foundation, and accepted Mr. Burton’s
idea that the main object of having water in ashpits was to keep the
bars cool, we can easily see that he is in error, for it is at once apparent
that the cooling of the bars would abstract a large amount of caloric
power from the coal, and detract from instead of adding to the heating
power of the furnace, thereby proving the false economical grounds
upon which his ideas are based. — J. Riddell, Duncombe Park.

[We have two other practical letters on this subject for which we
regret our inability to find space this week. It will avoid confusion if
correspondents await the appearance of those letters before sending
further communications.]

GRAPES SHANKING— ITS CAUSES AND REMEDY.

Twelve years ago I took charge of a vinery planted with Black
Hamburghs and Muscat of Alexandria, which looked very well at the
time. The first thing I did was to thin and clip them, give them a
thorough good watering, and wait for the result. When they began
colouring I was very anxious, watching every day for the shanked
berries, and I think I had to cut nearly half the berries out. After the
Grapes werecut I examined the border, and at last I founda fewroots about
18 inches long, so I took out all the exhausted soil from the inside of the
house and put in fresh soil. The Vines were about forty years old ; a
few roots ran into the outside border. Some of my gardening friends
persuaded me to pull up the old Vines and plant young ones, but I was
not my own master, and wanted a crop the next year, so I carefully laid
out what few roots there were into the fresh soil and waited for the re¬
sult. Of course the Grapes shanked badly the next year, and my
employer thought he had spent the money for no good purpose, but I
desired him to wait till the next year. I carefully examined the Vine
border, and found the roots 3 or 4 feet long in the new border. In the
next year I found a great improvement in the Grapes, and gave copious
supplies of water. I could see the roots working in the fresh border
very fast, and I had but few shanked berries to clip out. The Vines
began to improve very fast, and from that time I had very few shanked
berries. I was induced by the account Mr. Taylor gave of his Vines to
try the extension system on my Muscat, and the third rod which was
taken up showed four bunches on every lateral, and ever since then has
not seemed to have any vigour in it. This year I have determined to cu-
it out. I have had some good bunches on the old rod. I cannot undert
stand why the new rods do not grow as strongly as the first one. Accord¬
ing to Mr. Taylor the further they run the stronger they would be, but
it is quite the reverse here. Black Hamburghs in the past showed signs
oeakness, for I found several shanked berries to clip out that l o ok as

February 8, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

87

though they want some more fresh loam. I have come to the conclu¬
sion that the real cause of shanking was deficient root-action, and the
remedy is to turn out the old soil and supply some new. I also believe
that many Vines do not have half enough water. The last few years
I have taken several first prizes with Grapes out of the old house with no
shanked berries. — A Grape Lover.

CHRYSANTHEMUM MDLLE. ELISE DORDAN.

Pompon varieties of Chrysanthemums do not increase so fast as
some of the other sections, anil novelties of exceptional merit are com¬
paratively scarce. That illustrated in fig. 13, Mdlle. Elise Dordan, was
exhibited at most of the leading metropolitan shows in November, and
has been awarded several certificates, several of the nurserymen who
make a specialty of Chrysanthemums having exhibited capital examples
of it. The blooms are very symmetrically formed like the well known
Model of Perfection, but larger, of a clear bright rosy tint. The plant

Fig. IS. — Chrysanthemum Mdlle. Elise Dordan.

is of good habit and very free, rendering it especially useful for
decorative purposes.

SCOTCH CHAMPION POTATO.

In the Journal recently (p. 41) Mr. Murphy, Clonmel, wrrites about the
degeneration of the Scotch Champion Potato, and wishes correspondents to
name the most likely sort to take its place as a field crop. Allow me to
call attention to White Fortyfold for this purpose. This Potato was
raised or selected by Mr. John Clark of Brodie Castle, Morayshire, N.B.
It was afterwards exhibited at some of the London shows some years
ago by Mr. Robert Farquhar of Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, who, I
believe, was awarded a certificate for it, and I think the stock of it was
subsequently placed in the hands of an Aberdeen seedsman. Some three
or four years ago I was favoured with a few tubers from the raiser, and
have grown a few under rather unfavourable circumstances as a garden
crop. Last year it turned out better in a fresh position, and I have saved
the whole stock to give it a fair trial this year as a field crop, with the
object of its taking the place of the Champion. It is certainly of superior
quality, being less coarse and with much wrhiter flesh than the Champion.
— R. INGLIS.

First allow me to thank •• Thinker ” for his kindly observation, which
I am hopeful echoes that of thousands and thousands of Englishmen and
Scotchmen. “ A very widespread desire exists now amongst all classes

and creeds for the improvement of Ireland . A practical

way of doing good would be for persons who have strong-growing
varieties of Potatoes that they think are adapted to the Irish soil and
climate, to send samples to Mr. Murphy and let him test them.” I have
no objection honestly to carry out this view, and have already received

a few selections of varieties, one being from Messrs. Carter — new
varieties. But it is not merely new varieties we want ; we wish to know
of strong-growing robust kinds, tolerably free from blight, and of good
quality, that will be fit for use from September to February. The
Magnum Bonum is good after that time. Correspondents in other parts
of Ireland might do the same. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

TUBEROUS BEGONIAS FOR BEDDING.

( Continved from page 70.)

The position which the plants are to occupy during the summer
is the next consideration. An open one is the best where the full
benefit of the sun’s rays can be had, still protected, so that east or
south-westerly wind cannot injure them. The former interferes
with their early growth, whde the latter often causes injury to the
plants in the autumn by breaking the branches and quite spoiling
some plants. The preparation of the soil in the bed is the next
consideration. If possible, this should be wholly new, and where a
few plants only are used there is no reason why this cannot be done,
as a little extra labour is amply repaid by the results which are
attained. The mixture best suited is as follows — strong fibry loam
chopped roughly two parts, one of leaf soil, one of the materials
from a spent Mushroom bed, with a small quantity of finely ground
bones and soot. Place this on to the depth of 1 foot. Below the
soil should be well broken up 1 to 2 feet deep. Where the soil is
heavy this admits of heavy rains passing quickly away, for although
Begonias like plenty of moisture when actively growing, they are
adverse to stagnant moisture. Under the prepared soil a layer of
well-decayed farmyard manure or old hotbed materials may be placed.
Into this the roots will penetrate and derive much benefit, but
where a large number of plants have to be accommodated much
more simple means have to be adopted. The soil should be broken
up to a good depth, and if at all strong in character a dressing of
horse manure and leaves will be an advantage, but where sandy soil
predominates cow manure will be best. To both sorts of soil add
some bones and soot, and with the heavy soil some leaf mould will
much assist the plants at starting time.

The year-old plants may be placed 1 foot apart each way,
except where they are small, then 10 inches will do. It is a mistake
to overcrowd them, as they grow weakly and cannot show theii
flowers to advantage when huddled together. They do not flower
so freely, and they are more liable to injury by winds in the autumn
owing to the soft growth. The soil in the boxes being well soaked
previous to planting, good balls of soil will adhere to each, thus
avoiding a check in transferring them to the beds. Plant deeply
enough to cover the old soil about the plant. The seedlings may
be placed closer together according to their size and habit of growth,
as this can be determined by this time whether they be upright or
drooping in character.

The time for planting must be determined by the locality. In
the south of England the last week in May will be soon enough,
while in more northern counties the middle of June will be preferable.
No matter where, it is wise to take precautions to protect them
from frost by covering the bed each night after planting for a time
with some tiffany, which can be easily placed over at night and
removed in the morning. Even if the weather be hot and dry this
is beneficial as shade for a few days until the roots have started
into the new soil. If the soil be dry at planting time give a good
soaking with water afterwards to settle the soil firmly about the
plants.

Some people will perhaps say by planting so wide apart a large
space of bare soil is seen in the beds until the plants touch each
other, and that will not be until the autumn. I cover the space
between the plants with some dwarf-growing carpet plant, and for
more reasons than this. The moisture is retained in the soil so
much better, while the blooms are not splashed by the soil from
the beds during heavy rains, and if suitable colours are used the
beauty of the flowers is much enhanced by the groundwork. For
instance, how much better a bright scarlet will appear above a
setting of Sedum glaucum, and so on. Any extra time spent in
arranging these carpet plants is occupied to much advantage.
Whatever class of plant is used it should be planted at the time the
Begonias are placed in. The following are all suitable — Sedums
glaucum and Lydium, Herniaria glabra, Veronica repens, Antennaria
tomentosa, Poa trivialis variegata, red Alternantheras, or golden
Lysimachia. Sedum glaucum and Veronica repens are two of the
most effective with all shades of colour in the Begonia. When the
plants are growing freely, should the weather be dry and the
sun hot, a good soaking of liquid manure occasionally will be of
great advantage. Apply this in the evening, and if any doubts
occur that the foliage may be stained by the liquid, water the
plants at once with clear water, which will cleanse the leaves. A
small stake placed neatly to some of the tallest growing varieties
will prevent their being broken by wind or heavy rains, as they

88

[ February 3, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

sometimes are when standing without any support. As soon as the
plants commence growing freely, blooms will appear, after which
they will never be without flowers. No matter what the weather
be, nothing seems to affect them. They flower quite as well in wet
as dry weather, and late in the autumn, when Pelargoniums are
long past their best, continuing in flower until the end of October,
provided a severe frost does not injure them. — E. Molyneux.

GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

Referring to the correspondence in your Journal concerning the
shrivelling of Grapes this season. My view of the shrivelling process
has been that it is an effort of the plant to concentrate the juices of the
Grape to the density necessary for its preservation and keeping, and
that the deficiency of density in the contents of the berry may arise
from varied causes. In the past season continued moisture acting on
the roots and foliage during the rainy and damp weather in August and
part of September caused the berries to he filled with a less concen¬
trated solution of the salts, which are ultimately converted into cane
sugar. Unless this solution were sufficiently concentrated fermentation
would be set up and the berries decay rapidly. This is stopped by lessen¬
ing the amount of water in the berries, probably by setting up a minor
fermentation, which causes an elimination or absorption of part of the
water, which is stopped as soon as the proper concentration is arrived at.

As regards a cure for such, no one can foresee a damp and moist
season at the particular time the berries are about swelling to their
full size. It can only be dealt with when it arrives by immediately
covering the border with galvanised iron sheets, withholding almost all
moisture inside the house, and raising and keeping constantly raised the
temperature by your hot-water pipes, and giving plenty of air. This
must be done early before the berries are saturated with excess of
moisture. I can see other varied causes that will produce the same diluted
state of the juices of the berries, from which, I think, the shrivelling
proceeds. Those causes are as follows, any of which, or two or more
jointly operating, may cause it — viz., deficiency of sunlight after the
berries are fully swelled — ergo, insufficient formation of the salts from
which the cane sugar is ultimately formed, likewise deficient foliage to
properly transform the salts. A border deficient in the necessary salts,
this latter often results in the development of only such fruit as the
debilitated state of the plant can finish, the compensating law in Nature
thus preventing the result. Any sudden check to the plant after the
berries fully swelled. I shall not trouble you with other causes. I con¬
sider the means of cure, or rather prevention, must be as varied as the
causes. — F, J.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION.

(Mr. H. Shoesmith’s piper. — Continued from page 67.)

As soon as the bloom buds are set and swelling, the plants wil 1
require top-dressing, and for this I find nothing better than fibry
loam, adding to half a bushel of the same a 5-inch potful of Clay’s
Fertiliser. I give an occasional watering with weak soot water till
the buds “ burst,” and afterwards my plants receive no manure of
any kind. Here let me express my belief that the principal cause of
the flowers damping is overfeeding with stimulants, for whilst we
hear on all sides this year growers complaining of “damp "I have
lost but one bloom — a Val d’Andorre — which had caught the “ drip.”
House the plants before the buds show colour, keep plenty of air on
at all times, and use tire heat only after watering, or on damp sun¬
less days ; placing them so that the blooms may develope as near as
possible to the glass. As they appear treat green fly, mildew, and
earwigs as your deadliest foes. Many are the not unpleasant even¬
ing hours I have spent with a tight catching the latter enemy, an I
giving them a squeeze between thumb and finger.

At the end of this short paper I have named a selection of varieties
which are all good, and in passing would remark that it is very easy
to grow too many varieties, especially of the Japanese. There is
much difference in people’s taste as to form and colour. My own
favours those close yet graceful forms, as in Mdlle. Lacroix, Belle
Paule, and M. Astorg, rather than the more spreading Fair Maid of
Guernsey, Meg Merrilies, and Baronne de Prailly ; still, these latter
sorts hold a high position as exhibition flowers. Madame Clemence
Audiguier everybody likes, and hard indeed would he be to please
who found fault with a good specimen of Boule d’Or ; Marguerite
Marrouch, one of the most effective ; Jeanne Delaux, Val d’Andorre ;
the long-named one, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets ; Mons. Ardene ;
the fantastic Golden Dragon ; Thunberg, Triomphe du Nord, and
bronzy Japonaise ; Criterion, and the delicately coloured Madame
J. Laing, with the noble Comte de Germiny. These are flowers
among the Japanese that memory calls to mind when the flowering
season is over. That noble family of “ Empresses,” Princess of
Wales, Mrs. Heale, Hero of Stoke Newington, Princess of Teck,
John Salter, Prince Alfred, and Lord Wolseley. What would in¬
curved stands be like without these ? Improvement seems slow in
the reflexed class, but still it can boast of the richest coloured Chrys¬
anthemum in cultivation, Cullingfordi.

There is no royal road to success in Chrysanthemum growing, and

to get flowers worthy of the position of “ first prize,” one must give
the plants constant, aye loving care ; must study closely the peculiari¬
ties of individual varieties, for many of the best forms are capricious
beauties ; must think for himself. We have frequently heard persons
speaking of some successful grower such remarks as — “ He ought to
be able to do it. See what splendid loam he can command ! ” or
“ If I had his houses and his help I could do it,” and so on. Again,
many growers who are not particularly successful with the flower
imagine that their more favoured brethren have some patent medicine
— I mean manure — and with a mysterious air keep the secret locked
up in their own breasts. Nothing of the kind. The secret is, hard
work. Do not be one of these demure ones, but go in with a deter¬
mination to excel ; persevere till all the details are mastered ; and if
you do not possess facilities for growing a thousand plants grow a
hundred and be satisfied with the smaller classes, for just as good
blooms are wanted — indeed, competition is often the most keen — to
win the twelves and sixes as in the classes for forty-eight,

I shall be well pleased if in this short paper I have conveyed to
some one among you a little of my own enthusiasm ; for be assured
that, although books and papers will greatly assist you in your work,
if you follow them to the letter, without thinking for yourself,
or being guided by seasons and circumstances, in my humble opinion
the goal will not be reached. With this saving clause I should like
to strongly recommend a work on our favourite, lately published by
that skilful grower Mr. E. Molyneux, Bishop’s Waltham, Hants ; a
book full of detail, and treating on all modes of cultivation, which
for its cheapness as well as for the soundness of its teaching should
be in the hands of every cultivator of the autumn queen.

As I am speaking to “ brothers of the craft,” I should like to
mention, in concluding, an important element towards success —
employers’ sympathy. Should they be against exhibiting, grow your
plants in a style that will meet their wishes. My own, I am pleased
to add, is a gentleman well known for his love of flowers, and of
whom it may well be said, “ Age cannot wither, nor custom stale ”
his intense fondness for horticulture.

TWENTY-FOUR INCURVED.

Alfred Salter

Barbara

Baron Beast

Cherub

Emily Dale

Empress of India

Golden Empress

Hero of Stoke Newington

Jardin des Plantes

Jeanne d’Arc

John Salter

Lady Hardinge

Lady Carey

Lord Alcester

Lord Wolseley

Mr. Bunn

Mrs. Heale

Mrs. W. Shipman

Nil Desperandum

Prince Alfred

Princess of Teck

Princes? of Wales J

Queen of England

Refulgence

TWELVE

Christine, Go’den
Christine, Peach
Christine, Pink
Christine, White
Chevalier Domage
Cloth of Gold

REFLEX ED.

Cullingfordi
Dr. Sharpe
Distinction
Mdlle. M. Tezier
King of the Crimsons
Phidias

THIRTY-SIX JAPANESE.

Album Plenum
Baronne de Prailly
Boule d’Or
Bde Paule
Comte de Germiny
Criterion

Duchess of Albany (Jackson)
Elaine

Fair Maid of Guernsey
Fernand Feral
Flamme de Punch
Golden Dragon
Grandiflorum
Japonaise
Jeanne Delaux
L’ Adorable
La Triomphante
Maiden’s Blush

Marguerite Marrouch
Meg Merrilies
Madame C. Audiguier
Madame de Sevin
Madame J. Laing
Mdlle. Lacroix
Mons. Ardene
Mons. Astorg
Mons. Burnet
Mons. J. Laing
Mon?. N. Davis
Mons. Turin
Peter the Great
Soliel Levant
Thunherg

Triomphe de la Rue des
Triomphe du Nord [Chalets
Val d’Andorre

At the close of the reading of the above paper, which was per¬
formed by deputy, Mr. Shoesmith being unable to be present, a
discussion took place among the mem' ers on several of the cultural
points named therein. Mr. J. Pavey, in the course of a few able
remarks, expressed his opinion that the increasing tendency to grow
exceptionally large blooms led to the employment of costly manures
and the frequent production of an undesirable coarseness in
the shape and character of the flowers. He thought that societies
did wrong in offering prizes to encourage this state of things ; that a
gardener who grew a dozen blooms of fair size and quality on one
plant, really merited much greater distinction as a skilful cultivator
than another who grew one or two large and coarse blooms by the
same means ; and finally, that the chief and true aim of horticultural

February S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

89

exhibitors should be to induce growers and exhibitors to fix their
standard of excellence at quantity and quality, rather than quantity
as distinguished by abnormal grossness. Other members, including
Messrs. Reece, Jeffery, Howes, and Rhoden, took part in discussing
the author’d practice in the application of manure to the soil and
after stimulants. Some thought that a little stable manure was
indispensable for mixing with the potting soil, and expressed their
surprise that the author’s plants grew so strongly and produced such
fine blooms as he had exhibited without manure or stimulants being
applied until growth and buds were so far advanced. In the end,
however, all became convinced of the wisdom of the author’s practice
in first building up a powerful vigorous structure by means of the
wood and fibre-producing agencies of phosphates, and then when this
is completed feeding liberally with nitrogenous manures for a time.
Ultimately a hearty vote of thanks to author and reader was unani¬
mously awarded by all present.

We regret to have to announce the death of Ms. J. F. West, late of
Lynmouth Lodge, Reigate, who has been for many years a Fellow and
Auditor of the accounts of the Royal Horticultural Society. Up till the
27th of January, when Mr. West with his coadjutors signed the balance-
sheet of the Society, "he jwas in his usual state of health, and he died sud¬
denly on the 30th ult. at the residence of his son-in-law at Northaller¬
ton, Yorkshire, aged sixty -four years.

- The List of Seeds issued by M. Maxime Coenu fbom

the Jabdin des Plantes, Paris, under the title of “ Index seminum
in hortis Musaei Parisiensis,” is just to hand, containing the names of the
species of which seeds were collected in 1886. Over 6000 names are
given, the species being arranged in their natural orders and classes,
commencing with the Cryptogam® and concluding with the Gymno-
spermae. All the large families of plants are well represented and the
nomenclature is accurate.

- We learn from the financial account of the Sheffield Floeal

and Hobticultubal Society that their affaiis are in a prosperous
condition, the result of the past season’s proceedings being a balance of
£38 14s. 4d. in the Society’s favour.

- Me. John Bennett, who has been for several years the able

gardener at Feldheim, Wimbledon, desires us to state that he has left
there owing to the death of his employer and the consequent breaking
up of the establishment.

- We are requested to note that the annual Wieeal Rose

Show will be held in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, on Wednesday,

20th July, 1887.

- — - a special meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society
was held last week to discuss the most desirable method of celebrating
the Queen’s jubilee. There was a large attendance of members, the
majority of whom were in favour of forming a public park, and at a
meeting of tradesmen in the same town a similar resolution was carried.
In many other towns there seems to be a similar feeling in favour of
establishing public parks and gardens in celebration of the year.

- A weli known floral decorator and bouquetist, Me. J. R

Ohaed, formerly of Clapham, has removed to Stoke Newington, N.,
where he is now established in the Brunswick Nursery, High Street.
During the years 1884, 5, and 6, Mr. Chard had an exceptionally
fortunate career as an exhibitor of floral decorations, bouquets, button¬
holes, &c., having gained seventy first prizes, foity-two second prizes,
twenty-two third prizes, eleven extra prizes, and our first-class certifi¬
cates. Most frequenters of exhibitions are familiar with the tasteful
style adopted by Mr. Chard and his wife, the simple elegance of their
contributions having won them many prizes in competition with more
elaborate and florid designs.

- A coeeespondent writing about Eably Peas, advises that

■ If not already sown it should be done as soon as the weather permits.

William the First and Kentish Invicta, if true to name, can be de¬
pended upon for first crop. Years ago we used to sow the first crop of
Peas and Broad Beans on or near November 5th, and have now and then
gathered on the third week in May ; but now we seldom gather until
the third week in June unless the Peas are forwarded in some way.
Early Kenilworth and Day’s Early Sunrise are second earlies, with Dr.
Maclean and Prince of Wales. These will carry on the season till the
April sowing of the wrinkled Peas. All should be coated with red lead
to prevent rats, mice, and birds taking them, and should be covered
more deeply with soil than the later varieties.”

- Messes. Wood & Son, Wood Green, London, N., send us a

copy of their “ Little Booke foe ye Gaeden,” which comprises
forty-eight closely printed pages of matter mostly devoted to short
chapters on gardening subjects, such as the following : — “ Vines in
Pots,” “ Open Air Tomatoes,” “ Potato Culture,” “ Mushroom Growing
in the Open Air,” Chrysanthemums for Exhibition,” “ Budding Roses,”
“Miniature Fruit Trees,” and “Orchid Culture.” The articles appear
to be practical and reliable, and amateurs may derive some useful
instruction from their perusal.

- Peesentation to Me. Lock. — On the evening of Tuesday,

January 25th, Mr. George Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq.,
Crediton, well known as a most successful plant exhibitor, was the
recipient of a handsome testimonial subscribed for by various admirers
in the neighbourhood as well as from a distance. It consisted of a gold
watch and chain, an illuminated address, and a handsome drawing-room
clock for Mrs. Lock. The presentation was made by Mr. James Searle,
who bore witness to the good work done by Mr. Lock in his own town
as well as in the surrounding neighbourhood, and to his uniformly
obliging and courteous manner. In the course of his remarks it
transpired that Mr. Lock has, in eight years, won 499 prizes — 359 firsts,
116 seconds, and twenty-four thirds, including twelve silver cups. Mr.
Lock made a suitable reply, not inaptly mentioning that his success in a
great measure was due to Mr. Cleave, “ for if he did not find the coke
he (Mr. Lock) could not do the stoking.”

- “ J. W. ” writes : “ Until this season I have always had a cer¬
tain amount of trouble with the coveeing used on cold fbames,
either from the wind blowing it off or from the snow and rain making
it very wet. This season I ordered some tar sheets with the usual brass
eyelet holes, and these are fastened down on the mats, Ac., and they are
always quite dry. The tar sheets are not at all heavy, and they can
be folded in a small compass. They have answered remarkably well.”

- Mb. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, sends some flowers of

Cinebaeias, large and varied in colours, seifs and tricolors, the latter
having the centre ring of colour narrow or deep, the inner white circle
pure, and the other tints rich. Evidently a carefully selected strain
they being bold and showy.

- The monthly meeting of the members of the Livebpool

Hobticultubal Association was held on Saturday night the 22nd
inst., in the lecture room of the Free Public Library, William Brown
Street, a very large number of members being present to hear the
papers read by Mr. A. R. Cox, Elm Hall, Wavertree, on the “ Cultivation
of the Ixora,” and Mr. Ranger, Aigburth Nursery, on the “ Clematis.”
It is well known that Mr. Cox is a master in the cultivation of the Ixora,
and it is indeed questionable if ever this class of stove plants were ever
staged in such admirable condition as those brought before the public by
this able exhibitor during the past few years. The plants staged by him
at the Royal Horticultural Society’s provincial show cannot easily be
forgotten by those who had the pleasure of seeing them. The principal
discussion on this paper took place on plunging versus growing the plants
without, in which Messrs. Bardney, R. W. Ker, and others took partj
but this matter was cut short to leave time for Mr. Ranger’s paper,
which also was an excellent one, as was expected from such an able
cultivator. Time was limited for discussion, but several useful and
interesting remarks were made by several members. The Vice-President
of the Association, Mr. White, occupied the chair, and the usual vote of
thanks brought the evening’s proceedings to a close. The excellent
pa per by Mr. Cox has been forwarded to us for publication, and will
appear in an early issue of this Journal.

- Gabdening Appointment. — Mr. Thomas Simpson, for the

last five years foreman at Lambton Gardens, has been appointed head
gardener to H. Bramwell, Esq., Crown East Court, Worcester.

90

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ Ftbruiiy 8 1P87.

- The fifty-ninth annual meeting of the proprietors of the

Royal Botanical Gardens, Manchester, was held recently at the
Town Hall, the Mayor (Mr. Alderman Curtis) presiding. It was stated
that the debt had been somewhat increased owing to the expenditure of
£2000 in the erection of a Palm house, but all agreed that the Council
had acted wisely in this matter. There had also been a slight falling
off in the receipts at the Exhibition owing to the had weather. In the
past twelve years about £8000 have been expended in the Gardens, and
they are now in a most satisfactory condition. After some discussion
with regard to tickets for the Jubilee Exhibition, votes of thanks were
accorded to the retiring Council, and the officers were elected for the
year.

- Chrysanthemum growers will be interested to know that

amongst other Jubilee prizes Messrs. W. Wood & Son of Wood Green will
offer at the National Chrysanthemum Society’s principal Show a series
of prizes — silver cup value 5 guineas, one of their Jubilee Memorial
silver medals value 30s., and cash prizes — for the best specimen plant
of a white Chrysanthemum. Any variety, any size pot, any shape, and
any kind of stimulants are permitted, there being no restrictions what
ever. This should incite a good contest, and bring up country grower,
to compete with the Central Society’s usual exhibitors. It will also
help to show what variety in whites is most esteemed.

- A Good Late Chrysanthemum. — “ J. H.” writes : — “ Victoria

Chrysanthemum is one of the very best that could be grown where a
supply of white flowers is in request at this time of year. Being a
strong grower of dwarf habit, about 3 feet high, with large dark green
foliage and pure white flowers, it is especially well adapted to fill the
stages after the majority of Chrysanthemums are over. I find it best
not to disbud this variety, as it produces a lot of solid buds around the
terminal like the one enclosed. They are very suitable for bouquets or
crosses, wreaths and buttonholes. I also enclose a flower of a sport I
have on one plant of Victoria, and if I am fortunate in fixing it I am
sure the colour would lie an acquisition for January and February.”
Both the flowers are very pretty, the sport being of a rosy purple tinge,
rather deeper at the margin, like Belle Paule.

- Mr. Robert Owen, Maidenhead, sends us specimen blooms of

Primula sinensis varieties, all of great substance, diverse in
colours, some very bright and rich, others of delicate tints, 'spotted or
pure white. The strain is a very good one.

- Mr. J. Horsefield, The Gardens, Heytesbury, Wilts, writes :

— “ I send the enclosed berries of Mrs. Pearson Grape as a proof of
its keeping qualities. The bunch from which they were taken has been
cut and bottled for five months, and as you will observe at the present
time the footstalks are perfectly green, berries plump and of good
flavour. I regard it as superior to the Muscat of Alexandria at this
season, and decidedly the best late-keeping white Grape in cultivation.”
[The paper box was smashed and the Grapes, too ; and all we can say
is the footstalks are quite green and the skins smooth, indicating that
the berries were firm when placed in the box.]

- A paper entitled Orchid Lore by Mr. Lewis Castle was

read at the monthly meeting of the Lee, Lewisham, and Blackheath
Horticultural Society on Friday, January 28th, when there was a good
attendance of members. It was followed by a long and interesting dis-
cussioM, a unanimous vote of thanks being accorded for the contri¬
bution.

- The annual general meeting of the Liverpool Horticul¬
tural Association was held in the large lecture room of the Free
Public Library, William Brown Street, on Saturday evening, the 29th
inst., eighty members being present. The report and balance-sheet
•showed that the Society was still in a prosperous condition. The mem¬
bership has increased, as no less than 1280 honorary and ordinary
members contribute to the funds of the Association. The amount sub¬
scribed amounts to £591 4s. The gain on the year’s working is
£41 15s. 8d., which, added to the balance in the bank, amounts to the
sum of £549 16s. 4d., a very handsome sum with which to commence
operations for another year. The special prizes offered at the three
exhibitions to be held during the present year are more numerous than
has ever been the case before. Fletcher Rogers, Esq., Woodend, Grassen-
dale, was again elected Hon. Treasurer, and Mr. Blackmore Sub- Treasurer
in the place of Mr. William Marshall, who had held the office most

creditably for four years, but had been compelled to resign
through failing health. Messrs. J. Peers, Aigburth, and J. Kelly were
again elected Auditors, and Mr. Edward Bridge Secretary, whose exertions
cannot be too highly commended. It was proposed by Mr. R. W. Ker
that the sum of £5 as a donation be granted annually to the Gardeners’
Royal Benevolent Institution, but it was considered better to make the
grant from time to time at the annual meeting according to the pro¬
sperity of the Association. This was adopted and the Committee
empowered to pay the money, the Chairman and Committee to have the
power of voting on behalf of pensioners. It was suggested by Mr. F.
Mee that a like sum be paid to Mr. Marshall, the late Sub-Treasurer,
the Committee being finally empowered to forward £10. It was sug¬
gested by Mr. Bardney for consideration that a gardeners’ library be
started in connection with the Association. Votes of thanks to the
Committee, officers of the Association, and gentlemen who had promised
special prizes, and to the Vice-President, Mr. White, for presiding, brought
the meeting to a close.

t*el)id3

CALANTHES FAILING.

“ R. M.” does not seem to agree with my views of insufficient air
among the roots. I had forgotten to mention that the pseudo-bulbs in
question were grown in pots on a slate slab about a yard from the glass,
and after watering and syringing twice daily I have seen the water¬
standing between the slate slab and the pot. It is the practice of some
Orchid growers to raise the pots from slabs or stagings, so that the water
can run throngh and get clear away, also as a guard against pests ; but
in this case it was the reverse, and I can partly agree with “ R. M.”
that they receive more moisture through the source I have mentioned in
continuing to wet the slab, so that the two evils together, no doubt,
wrought the failure. Not, as Mr. D. Philips thinks it was due to ex¬
cessive dryness at the root during development, but having to look after
them myself I am certain it was not so. — F. Debnam, Buttcxhangcr.

CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.

Amongst the really useful Orchids this Coelogyne deserves a promi¬
nent place, a fact with which most growers are now well acquainted.
It amply repays for all the attention it requires, and its demands are
not very extensive. A beautiful example of what can be accomplished
with Coelogyne cristata by good cultivation is to be seen in the garden
of Mrs. Evans, Witley, Surrey, where a plant has now thirty spikes
bearing four or five flowers each. The plant is in excellent health. —
A. B.

CYPRIPEDIUM BOISSIERIANUM.

In the choice collection of Orchids at Studley House, Hammersmith,
Mr. J. F. Tautz makes a specialty of the genus Cypripedium, and has
collected a large number of the most valuable hybrids, species, and
varieties that can be obtained. Several distinguished amateurs have
paid considerable attention to these distinct Orchids, both in England,
on the Continent, and in America, some of the handsome Chelsea
hybrids, like C. Morgan®, ranking amongst the most valuable Orchids of
the present time. When paying a visit recently to this interesting col¬
lection a plant of a very distinct Cypripedium bearing the name of
Boissierianum was in flower, a sketch of which is given in fig. 14. It is
related to the South American Selenipediums, and is remarkable for the
very long twisted and undulated petals ; and though the prevailing
colour is a light green, these give the flower a curious and most striking
appearance. There is a slight veining with rose of crimson, and the
narrow light margin to the petals and dorsal sepal is distinctly marked.
Like most of the section it is easily grown, of vigorous habit, with long
graceful narrow arching leaves. At Studley House Mr. Cowley has it in
the warm house, and like the other plants under his charge it is very
healthy.

CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERANUM.

I strongly advise all who are anxious to possess easily grown and
beautiful flowering Orchids to secure this Lady’s Slipper. It is one of
the easiest of all Orchids to grow, and in my opinion one of the prettiest
of the Cypripediums. Three years ago, while in Messrs. Veitch’s nursery
at Chelsea, I secured a little plant of it, which had eight or ten
leaves, and this plant is now 18 inches in diameter, well furnished with
healthy foliage, and has lately produced some dozens of blooms. In
fact, it was in bloom in October, and the blossoms are still fresh. Our
house accommodation for Orchids is not the best, and this is why I infer
it is easily cultivated. Like all the Cypripediums, it requires abundance
of drainage, and the soil we grow it in is composed of fibrous turf, peat,
and oyster shells, which are gathered on the shore not far from here and
broken into small pieces. We find these better than sand for keeping the
soil open, and for drainage we prefer them to broken pots.

Febraarj 3, 18S7. ]

JOURNAL OF HO ”"’ICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

91

While the Cypripedium in question is making its growth in April
and May it delights in rather a strong heat and abundance of water.
From 65° to 75° is very suitable for it, and as these temperatures generally
occur in Cucumber and Melon pits or vineries at this season it is an easy
matter to place it in growing quarters, while later on in the summer it
will grow anywhere under glass, and it does not require more heat until
the end of September, when the flower buds appear, and require a heat
of 65° or so to bring them out freely. When in flower it should be kept
in a temperature of 55° or thereabouts, and the atmosphere should be
rather dry, as the flowers remain much longer perfect in a dry at¬
mosphere than where there is much damp. It is admirably adapted
for placing in rooms or on staircases, and in such positions it will retain
all its attractions for many weeks. After flowering it should be kept in
a cool house and almost dry at the root, that it may have a thorough
rest, and when placed in heat again it will develope crowns and leaves in
a most satisfactory manner. We have found April the best time to repot
it. — J. Muir.

GROS COLMAN GRAPES.

I AM sorry to trouble you again upon this subject, yet I crave your
indulgence this time. On page 64 of Journal of January 27th my
worthy opponent began his brief note with the following noble senti-

moment think that the position I have taken up in this discussion is
actuated by any motives of disparagement to the fruit he so ably grows.
Far from it. Though I had not the honour of seeing Mr. Goodacre’s
Gros Colmans last season, what I have heard of them indicates they must
have been very fine, probably as good as any ever grown in this or any
other country ; but at the same time I think they could have been so
without approaching the weight reported. I should have thought that
the honour attached to growing and exhibiting such fruit would be
sufficient in itself to satisfy the most ambitious amongst us without
attempting to “ cap ” the achievement with so weighty and staggering
an assertion that sixty-eight berries weighed 7 lbs.

I feel not a little flattered at the evident anxiety of Mr. Goodacre to
know my name, especially when such anxiety is associated with so
charitable an object as the relief of the unemployed. I compliment
him on the interest he takes in so worthy an object, and beg to inform
him that he may depend, not only upon my support and sympathy, but
the desired information will be forthcoming when I know a little more
of his “ rules of procedure,” and of course the present controversy
is settled. In the meantime, however, I cannot see how it could assist
him in his present difficulty to satisfy his curiosity on this point, but 1
may be wrong. If I thought for a moment that the information would
in any way assist him to give a straight answer to a straight question I
would not only gladly give him my name and address, but full particu-

Fig. 11. — Cypkipedium Boissiekiaxum.

ment : — “ Discussions are beneficial so long as they remain reasonable
and do not drift away from the original subject.” I endorse every word
of this sentence, but “ why not practise what you preach ?” If Mr. Good-
acre had done this he would have saved trouble, and certainly have
given satisfaction to more persons than myself. I always thought that
'• beating about the bush ” would be a tiresome and laborious under¬
taking, and the admission of my friend has confirmed my opinion.

What is the original subject and point in dispute of discussion ? I
will state it again for the information of my opponent. A bunch of Gros
Colman Grapes was reported 7 lbs. in weight and having only sixty-eight
lierries. I questioned the accuracy of this report, and asked Mr. Good-
acre to state if it was correct. He has since replied to my inquiries,
carefully avoiding each time the point questioned for reasons best
known to himself. I now give him another opportunity, and for the
third time ask him to state if 7 lbs. was the weight of his sixty-eight-
terried bunch or not. This is the root of the whole matter. Surely it
does not require an elaborate exposition of the sizes of different
varieties of Grapes to answer so simple a question ; though from Mr.
Goodacre’s latest contribution to the subject one would think it did, or
that it was the size of the terries that was disputed and not their
weight, upon which, by-the-by, he had nothing to say. What a pity he
did not weigh them as accurately as he measured them.

I am asked to state where finer Gros Colmans than Mr. Goodacre’s
are to be found. I never said I had seen finer. I said I had seen
bunches with berries as large, and if Mr. Goodacre turns to the first con¬
tribution I sent to this discussion he will get all the information I can
give him on that point. I trust my worthy opponent does not for a

laps of my history from the hour of my birth to the present day. How¬
ever, it may allay his feaijs to know that it is not a “ big gun,” but a
very humble individual that has him in a corner this time.

I now take leave of the subject, and leave Mr. Goodacre and his
wonderful bunch in the hstnds of your readers. With every good wish
for the success and prosperity of my opponent, and may he long con¬
tinue one of or* foremost Grape-growers, and may the year we have just
enteral upon prove more prosperous to him as an exhibitor than the one
we have just left behind. These are still the feelings and the wish
of— D. B.

Having cut several bunches of Gros Coknan the first week in
December and weighed them, I tried a few bunches again to-day, with
the result that in three cases out of five I find no loss. Then,
again, bunches cut later on account of foliage being on, show the
same result, I contend that unless the berries shrivel their
weight is as well in March as December. When decayed berries occur
this is a loss, but Grapes in good condition do not lose by keeping-
Why should they, I should like to know ? A very large grower once
tried to persuade me they lost considerably, but I found this loss was
due to bad berries, and he eventually admitted it was so. Sixty-eight
berries 7 lbs., weight of single berry 1 eleven-seventeenths ounce. My
berry at 1 fdiameter 3f in circumference weighs half an ounce. This
weight, compared with a terry If diameter 5 three-sixteenths circum¬
ference, would make the large terry 1 *3 7 ounce, or rather more than
1 one-third ounce. Now, to make 7 lbs. I must have eighty-four
terries at lone-third ounce ; ten berries at i one-tMrd ounce would

92

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 8, 1887.

weigh 13 one-third ounces. 1 found threei good ’shaped berries to-daj to
weigh half an ounce each, in diameter, 3f in circumference. —
Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

CHRYSANTHEMUM RALPH BROCKLEBANK.

A few weeks ago I paid a visit to Childwell Hall, where the beauti¬
ful yellow sport from Meg Merrilies originated last year. The plant had
been preserved, and was bearing numerous flowers of the parent and its
sport, the latter all originating from breaks on the stem which last year
showed one yellow flower. Mr. Winkworth tells me that every cutting
taken from that stem produced yellow flowers, and that every cutting
taken from other parts of the plant produced white ones. Fortunately
there were three tiny breaks between the flower and the junction with
main stem or the variety would have been lost, as none of the plants
obtained from cuttings between that junction were of the sport ; all
shoots except this were removed. I believe Mr. Winkworth has had
eight first-class certificates for this variety, which he has named after
his employer Mr. Ralph Brocklebank. With your remarks in the report
of the Kingston Show, “ that it will make its mark in the future,” I
fully agree, and Mr. Winkworth is to be congratulated on having fixed
such a grand variety. 1 may also mention in passing that Chrysan¬
themums are particularly well grown at Childwall Hall, and the general
condition of the garden reflects great credit on the gardener and those
who assist him.— Thos. Hitchman.

EAST LOTHIAN STOCKS.

These do very well sown at this time — the beginning of
February — though some growers sow them in autumn and have plants
which begin to flower earlier than do those sown now. However,
seeds sown at this time produce plants which, if properly managed,
begin to flower in July, and continue to yield their delightfully
fragrant trusses until stopped by bad weather. It may be noted
that these Stocks sometimes assume a bushy perennial habit, and in
East Lothian, near the coast, I have seen them of large dimensions
in cottage gardens. In gentlemen’s gardens where they are culti¬
vated in rich soil, they are more susceptible to frost aDd damp in
winter, and do not, as a rule, live over the first year. In the south
of England, however, I should imagine they would, in dry positions,
live for years.

There are now several varieties in cultivation, and as a matter
of course there is also much difference in the quality of the strains,
some being of taller growth than others, not so branching, and
colours not so pure or rich. The white, purple, and crimson are
perhaps the best for ordinary purposes, the last-named having rosy
crimson flowers, and of good dwarf habit. The variety known as
“ scarlet ” is of a washed-out shade of rose, aud is really not now
worth growing. The white wall-leaved is also very good, the leafage
being distinct and slightly glaucous in hue.

The seedlings are very easy to raise. We employ ordinary pro¬
pagating boxes for the purpose, using as soil a light open compost,
merely covering the seeds. A mean temperature of 55° suits them
very well for starting the seeds, a covering of paper, if the surface
is exposed to sunshine, serving to prevent the soil drying. If water
is required, much the best plan of giving it is to partly immerse
each box in a tank, taking care in doing so that the surface is not
wetted, the seedlings being exceedingly liable to damp off at the
surface of the soil if much water is given, and especially if the
structure in which they are growing be kept moist and close. I
have found it best to transfer the seedlings to a cool well aired
structure as soon as the seed leaves are developed. This helps to
render them much less liable to damp. Another means of avoiding
losses from this cause is to prick off the seedlings into other boxes,
the check received in the process rendering the little plants less
susceptible to the bad effects of moisture. My own method of
treatment at this stage is to remove the seedlings in their boxes to
cold brick frames, where they are kept close, and in the course of a
week or ten days after removal the seedlings are pricked out into a
bed of soil laid in the bottom of the frame. For a while — longer
or shorter in time according to the state of the weather — the sashes
are kept close, but in fine warm weather they receive plenty of
air.

We transplant into flowering quarters in April, and as a rule,
° v .11° P.ts benefited by planting thus early. These stocks have
a bad habit of making tap roots, and the longer these are allowed
to grow the more vigorous is the top growth, and the greatei the
check to the plant when removal take* place. By transplanting
early, to a very extent this check is removed, and by covering the
plants with flower pots, one inserted over each, the harmful effects
of frosts and hot sunshine are averted. In some years the damage
effected by slugs is very great. The quickest and most effectual
cure is to handpick the plants for a few evenings. For hot and dry
positions East Lothian Stocks are very good. Their growth is of
course somewhat stunted, but the plants flower exceedingly well

and continuously, and are less liable to damage from early winter
or late autumn frosts. However, it is necessary to plant in good
ground in order to have really fine plants, which produce long spikes
of their highly scented flowers. In cases where only double flowers
are wanted, the young plants should be set out about 9 inches apart,
in order that the single varieties may be eliminated in time to allow
the double ones to fill up. For my own part I do not object to the
single flowers, as they are very pretty, and withal useful, so that
we set out at about 18 inches, plant from plant, and leave them to
flower.

East Lothian Stocks are very serviceable for pot culture, and
are occasionally lifted from the ground in autumn and potted for
flowering in spring ; but as a rule, these lift very badly, and much
the best plan is to grow in pots all through. The main particulars
to bear in mind are these. Employ rich open soil. Do not pot too
firmly, and in repotting save all the roots. Give liberal shifts when
repotting, and in the matter of water see that there is no stint or
irregularity. Some plants grow in a way with an occasional drying.
These Stocks resent the treatment so much, that unless the watering
be regular there is no use trying to grow them. — B.

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.

At the last monthly m 'eting of this Society the following papers were
read : —

(1) “On the Identity of Cloud Forms all over the World; and on the
General Principles by which their Indications must be Read,” by the Hon.
R. Abercrombie, F.R.Met.Soc. The author illustrated the fact of the iden¬
tity of cloud forms by exhibiting thirty-seven photographs of different
kinds of clouds which he had taken in various longitudes, and in latitudes
ranging from 72° N. to 55° S., including some actually on the Equator.
Cumulus was shown to be the commonest cloud in the tropics, cumulo-
stratns and cirro-stratus in the temperate zone, and stratus and fog in the
Arctic regions. The author considers that ninety per cent, of the skies
all over the world might be described by the seven well-known typ s of
cloud : — cumulus, stratus, cirrus, cirro-stratus, cirro-cumulus, cumulo-
stratus, and nimbus, if by cirro-cumulus fleecy-looking clouds are denoted.
Although the forms are alike the prognostic value of the same shape of
cloud is not identical everywhere, for while woolly clouds indicate fine
weather in England they denote rain in Italy. The author showed that
the form alone of clouds is equivocal, and that the indications of coming
weather must be drawn not only from the form but also from the surround¬
ings of a cloud, just as the meaning of many words can only be judged by
the context. This paper was rendered midst interesting by the photo¬
graphs being thrown on the screen by Mr. B. C. Wainwright, F.R.Met.Soc.,
from a limelight lantern.

(2) “ On the Cloud to which the name 1 Roll-Cumulus ’ has been Ap¬
plied,” by the Hon. R. Abercromby, F.R.Met.Soc. The author thinks that
this cloud should be reported as “ stratus ” or “ cumulo-stratus,” according
as the component masses partdee more or less of the character of one or
other of these clouds.

After the reading of these papers the annual general meeting was held,
when the report of the Council was read by Dr. Tripe, which showed
the Society to be in a satisfactory condition. The number of Fellows was
524. The President, Mr. W. Ellis, in his address drew attention to the
remarks made by Mr. Hawksley at the meeting of the Royal Meteorological
Society on June 16th last, in which, after acknowledging the indebtedness
of engineers to meteorologists for the information collected by them concern¬
ing floods and rainfall, without which, as he said, it would not be possible for
engineers to carry on their work efficiently, proceeded to urge on meteoro¬
logists the need of more investigation into the causes of the various pheno¬
mena connected with their science. The President suggested that this is
just what meteorologist were always endeavouring to do, pointing out how
great an amount of labour had already been thus expended, if not always
wisely, at any rate with every desire to trace out connections and causes,
any want of success being due rather to the difficulties of meteorological
inquiry than to any other cause. Referring, then, to the connection of the
physical sciences, and especially those of astronomy, terrestrial magnetism,
and meteorology, he drew attention to various contrasts and relations
existing between them, mentioning how in astronomy strict mathematical
processes may be employed, whilst in meteorology tentative methods have to
a great extent to be relied on ; a state of development through which
a tronomy itself had in earlier ages also to pass, giving hope that in the
confessedly difficult subject of meteorology we may in time pass from
present systems to others more logical. There has already been progress ;
the preparation of a daily synoptic weather chart made practicable by the
aid of the electric telegraph, would have been impossible not so very many
years ago. Again, in astronomy the power of assimilating observations, as
it were, is mostly in advance of tbe observational power, rendering ever
greater instrumental means desirable. Not so in meteorology, for the pur¬
poses of which instruments can be constructed with accuracy beyond the
power of adequately employing them, of which the difficulty of ascer¬
taining the true temperature of the air is an illustration. Tnis, indeed,
troubles also the astronomer, the element of air temperature being one that
enters into the calculation of astronomical refraction, besides which he has
in various other ways to reckon with temperature effects. After refeiring
to some popular notions on weather changes so related to the sun and
moon, as well as to more systematic endeavours made to discover relations,
in general insignificant, between position and periods of the moon
and different meteorological elements, the President remarked that the
modern meteorologist had happily found a wider sphere of work, for trou¬
bling himself less about cycles and periods he has seen the necessity of
studying, by the aid of synoptic charts, the complex and broad phenomena
of the atmosphere in all their varied relations. Passing on to consider
some relations between meteorology and terrestrial magnetism, he men-

February 3, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

93

tioned some analogies existing between the meteorological element of tem¬
perature and the motion of the magnetic needle as regards their diurnal
and yearly variations. Proceeding then to diBcuss to some extent the rela¬
tion between solar spots, terrestrial magnetism, and meteorology, pointing
out that whilst in certain broad features the relation with magnetism was
very striking, that with meteorology, so far as we are able to interpret the
results obtained, is comparatively uncertain. Some allusion was made
also to earth currents as related to magnetic phenomena. Before concluding,
the President, viewing the present outlook as regards meteorology, spoke
of the new and higher meteorology that in spite of the difficulties of the
subject, is now springing up, and referring to the various international
congresses as having promoted uniformity of action and division of labour,
said that meteorology now, perhaps more than ever, stood in need of com¬
bined action among its workers ; and alluding to the idea of federation, of
which of late (0 much had been heard, suggested that a permanent federa¬
tion of the meteorologists of different countries might regulate meteoro¬
logical action and inquiry throughout the world, and so promote the bttter
elucidation of meteorological laws, whilst also accumulating materials for
the future discussion, not only of the meteorology of the earth as a whole,
but also of any periodical or secular changes, however produced, that might
be proceeding thereon.

The following were elected the officers and council for [the ensuing
year : —

President : William Ellis, F.R.A.S. Vice-Presidents : Georg; Chatter-
tan, M.A., M.Inst.C.E. ; Charles Harding ; Cuthbert Edgar Peek, M.A.,
F.R.A.S , F.R.G.S. ; George Mathews Whipple, B Sc., F.R.A.S. Treasurer :
Henry Perigal, F.RA.S., F.R.M.S. Trustees: Hon. Francis Albert Rollo
Russell, M.A.; Stephen William Silver, F.R.G.S. Secretaries: George
James Symons, F.R.S. ; John William Tripe, M.D., M.R.C.P.Ed. Foreign
Secretary : Robert Henry Scott, M.A., F.R.S. , F.G.S. Council : Hon. Ralph
Abercromby ; Edmund Douglas Archibald, M.A. ; Francis Campbell
Biyard, LL.M. ; William Morris Beaufort, F.R.A.S.. F.R.G.S. ; Arthur
Brewin ; Frederic William Cory, M.R.C.S ; Henry Storks Eaton, M.A. ;
Richard Inwards, F.R.A.S. ; Baldwin Latham, M.Inst.C.E., F.G.S. ; William
Marcet, M.D., F.R.S., F.C.S. ; Edward Mawley, F.R.H.S. ; Charles Theodore
Williams, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 74.)

Inti., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FI.. Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— B.B., Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes .

Cattleya Bowringiana. {Veitch Cat., p. 9 and 3, with fig.) Orchide®.
A charming autumn-flowering species, allied to C. Skinneri. It bears a
corymbose raceme of 5 to 10 fl., about 2 j in. in diam., of a rich rosy purple,
the front of the lip is deep purple, with a transverse maroon band, behind
which the tube is whitish. Central America.

Cattleya cbocata. ( G . G. xxvi., p. 360.) Something in the way of
C. Eldorado, with large white 9., having a 4-lobed lip, with a deep orange
mid-line, expanding on the disk into a large blotch, with teeth in front.

Cattleya guttata, var. immaculata. ( G . G. xxvi., p. 326.) A fine and
distinct variety, with the sep. and pet. of a mauve-brown colour without
spots. The lip is white, with the front lobe purple.

Cattleya guttata, var. Leopardina. {L. pi. 19.) A fine variety, with
elongate bulbs, and large racemes of numerous handsome fl., the sep. and
pet. are thickly spotted with dark brown, the side lobts of the lip are white,
and the broad bi-lobed front lobe is rich purple-red.

Cattleya Hardyana. (G. G. xxiv., p. 206; W. O. A. pi. 231.) A mag¬
nificent plant, with fl. measuring 6-8 in. in expanse. Sep. and pet. of a rich
rosy mauve, the sep. lanceolate, the pet. elliptic and wavy. Lip very large,
deeply bilobed and frilled, deep crimson-magenta, beautifully veined on the
disk with yellow and with a large yellow spot on each side. Columbia.

Cattleya. labiata, var. Schiuederiana. (G. G. xxv., p. 554.) Avery
fine variety, with large white fl., the lip being marked with broken mauve-
purple lines and having an orange median line.

Cattleya Lawrenceana, var. concolor. (G. G. xxv., p. 585.) A
variety having the whole fl. of a light purple colour.

Cattleya Lucieniana. (G. G. xxiv., p. 456; Gfl. 1886, p. 156.) A beau¬
tiful plant, with L aod bulbs of C. Harrisoniana, and a fl. like that of C.
Isabellas, but darker and richer. Sep. and pet. brown, with a wash of
purple. Lip trifid rich purple, with pale yellow side lobes, and red veins
and keels.

Cattleya Mendeli, var. bella. (IF. 0. A., pi. 225.) This handsome
form is the same as C. labiata, var. bella, noted in the Y. B. for 1883, p. 87.

Cattleya Percivaliana, var. Reichenbachi. {L. pi. 39.) This is a
handsome form of C. labiata, with rich mauve-purple sep. and pet., and the
front lobe of the lip rich deep purple, the purple running out into a point
behind, on each side of which the lip is rich yellow with red venation.

Cattleya porphyrophlebia. (G. C. xxiv., p. 552; GJl. 1886, p. 156.)
A fine hybrid between C. intermedia and C. superba, with fl. 4 in. in ex¬
panse. Sep. na;row oblong, pet. falcate-elliptic, an in. broad, all of an
uniform and very delicate pale mauve, as well as the base of the lip, the
front lobe of the lip is darker, with deep mauve veins, which are continued
up the middle of the disk to the base, the front part of the side lobes are
very pale yellowish with light mauve at the wavy edge. Garden hybrid.

Cattleya scita. (G. O', xxiv., p. 489; Gfl. 1886, p. 156.) A tine form
allied to C. guttata. The sep. and broad waxy pet. are pale ochre, with
light purple blotches and shades. Lip purple, with pale sulphur side lobe3,
having purple edges, and a white disk with purple lines.

Cattleya speciosissima, var. Malouana. ( L . pi. 47.) A very fine
form, with large fl. of a rich rose-purple, the lip veined with darker, and
whitish around the mouth of the tube.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Ann*. (L. pi. 31.) A handsome form, with
light rosy-purple sep. and pet., and a dark purple lip, having the inside of
the tube whitish, with a two-lobed yellow blotch in front.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Formosa. (G. C. xxv., p. 266.) A form having
a larger amount of yellow on the lip than usual.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Massangeana. ( IV. O. .4., pi. 242). This is
the same as C. labiata, var. Massangeana, noted in the Y. B. for 1884, p. 87.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Russelt.iana. (IF. 0. A., pi. 219; G. G.
xxv., p. 266.) A very handsome form, with delicate pale mauve sep. and
pet., and the frint lobe of the large lip of a deep magenta-purple, with a
bi-lobed yellow blotch at its base. Columbia.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Schrcederiana. (G. C. xxv., p. 266.) A fine
form, with unusually long pet., and a green blotch at the base of the
column.

Cattleya Trian.e, var. Vanneriana. (G. G. xxv., p. 311.) A fine
variety, with a broad orange central stripe on the lateral sep. Lip with a
fine purple apex, orange disk, and light rose side lobes.

Cham.ecyparis Lawsoniana, var. Rosenthalii {Gfl. 1886, p. 86.) Coni¬
fer®. H. A variety differing from the type in its pyramidal growth, and
the branchlets do not droop. Garden variety.

Cham.edorea Arenbergiana. (B. M., t. 6838.) Palme®. S. Asm ill
graceful Palm, with a distantly ringed stem, 5 to 6 ft. high. L. 6 to 7 ft.
long, with a slenier petiole, and 10-15 pair of lanceolate acuminate leaflets
12 to 18 in. long. Spathes forming a sheathing tube, concealing the peduncle
of the spadix, which is umbellately branched in the male, simple in the
emale, densely covered with yellowish fl. Guatemala,
f Chevalliera crocophylla. (B. B. 1885, p. 81.) Bromeliace®. S. A
fine la- ge species, with clear green 1., spotted and marbled with dark green,
and a robust fl.-stem 3 ft. or more high, bearing a compact spherical head of
small green fl., with spiny edged bracts. During the flowering the outer 1.
of the plant assume a beautiful rose colour, whilst the inner 1. retain their
ordinary colour, making the plant a very ornamental one. Brazil.

Chionoboxa sardensis. {Gfl. 1885, p. 277.) Lfiiace®. H. bulb. A
beautiful spring-flowering plant, resembling C. Lucili®, but differing by its
smaller, flatter, and darker blue fl., with a white eye.

Chondrorrhtncha Lendyana. (G. G. xxvi., p. 103.) Orohide®. A
handsome Orchid, with light whitish-yellow fl., the lip being darker.
Lateral sep. reverse and retrorse ; pet. very large ; lip large, elliptical, with
a central bidentate callus.

Cirrhopetalum pulchrum. {III. 3., t. 608.) Orchide®. An elegant
and large-flow. rel species, with short, distant, 4-angled bulbs; stalked,
oblong, obtus^, emarginate 1. ; and scapes 4 to 5 in. long, bearing about 7 fl.
in an umbel. Dosal sep. roundish, abruptly running out into a hair-like
point i in. long, purplish, dotted with darker ; lateral sep. connate into a
convex oblong blade in. long, yellow, mottled with purple. Halmahera.

Clerodendron Minahass*. {Bull Cat., p. 7.) Yerbenace®. S. A fine
ornamental shr , with square stems, opposite obovate serrate 1., and broad
terminal cymose panicles of yellowish-white fl. 4 in. long, with exserted
purple anthers. In fruit it is very ornamental, as the calyx grows out so as
to resemble a fl. 3 in. across, of a red colour, with a round blue berry in the
centre. Celebes.

Cocculus carolinianus. {Gfl. 1886, p. 404.) Menispermace®. H. orna¬
mental climber. L. very variable, roundish, broadly ovate, or with 2-4 short,
obtuse basal lobes, and a longer middle lobe, obtuse, rarely acute. Fl. in
raceme-like axillary panicles, white, the female fl. succeeded by bright
scarlet berries. As the plant is dioecious, both sexes are necessary to obtain
fr. N. America.

Ccelogyne oristata, var. maxima. (G. C. xxv., p. 398 ; B., p. 13, t. 6.)
Orchids®. A large flower d variety, with unusually broad sep. and pet.,
and shallow side lobes to the lip.

Cielogyne ForiSTERMANNl. ( G. C. xxvi., p. 262 ) A grand and beautiful
species, with a stout rhizome ; thick, curved, ribbed, cylindric, two-leaved
bulbs ; and peduncles 2 ft. long, bearing 20 or more white fl., marked with
yellowish-brown on the lip. Sep. and pet. oblong acute. Lip trifid, side
lobes half rounded, mid-lobe elliptic acute, with plicate keels. Sunda Isles.

Ccelogyne stellaris. (G. G. xxv., p. 8.) Something in the way of
C. testacea, with tetragonous bulbs, oblong acute 1., and green fl., with a
white lip, having brown lines on the side lobes. Borneo.

Colensoa physaloides. (B. M , t. 6864.) Lobeliace®. G. or H.H.
An ornamental bushy herb, 2 to 3 ft. high. L. petiolate elliptic-ovate, acute,
serrate, 4 to 6 in. long. Racemes lax, few-flowered. Fl. 1£ in. long, very
pale bluish, 2-lipped, the upper lip divided into two linear lobes. Fr.
inflated, berry-like, violet, crowned by the linear green calyx teeth. New
Zealand.

Colocasia Devansayana. {Til. 3., pi. 601.) Araoe®. S. Aroid, with
purple-brown petioles, and erect cordate-sagittate acute 1. of a bright dark
green colour, paler beneath, with purple-brown midrib, and primary veins.
Papua.

Corynocarpus l.evigatus, var. AUREO-M ARGINATU8. {Williams’ Cat.,
p. 241, and p. 19, with fig.) Anacardiace®. G. shr. A very ornamental
variety, of compact habit, having the large 1. broadly bordered with golden
yellow. New Zealand.

Cotoneaster Fontanesii. {Bull Cat., p. 7.) Rosace®. N. shr. of
compact habit, with pubescent branches, orbicular dark green 1., and small
corymbs of white fl., succeeded by large round bright red berries.

Crassula Schmidti. {Gfl., t. 1225.) Crassulace®. This is a synonym
of the plant described as C. impressa, see Y. B., 1885. It is a dwarf
tufted plant, with linear-lanceolate ciliaffi 1.. impressed-dotted above ; and
cymes of pretty deep pink fl. S. Africa. — N. E. Brown.

Crat.egus oxyacantha, foliis tricoloribus. {B. 3. 1886, p. 398 )
Rosace®. H. An ornamental variety, having the foliage variegated with
different shades of dark red, carmine, and rose. Gard n variety.

Crat.egus oxyacantha, var. semperflorens. {Gfl. 1886, p. 426.) H.
A remarkable form of dwarf bushy habit, covered with fl. and fr. throughout
the greater part of the year. Garden variety. .

Crocus aerius. {B. M, t. 6852, f. B.) Iridace®. H. Allied to C.
biflorus. Conn with brown cartilaginous tunics. L. narrow linear, short
when in fl. Fl. 2 in. in diam., pale lilac, with a yellow throat. Anthers
yellow. Stigmas entire, orange-red. Asia Minor.

Crocus karduchurum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 404.) H. Something in the
way of C. zonatus, but the fl. are smaller, blue veined to about half way up
with fine purple lines, and the segments marked above the throat with two
small orange spots.

94

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 8, 1887.

Crocus Korolkowi. (B. M., t. 6852, f. A.) H. Something in the way
of the common yellow Dutch Crocus, but distinguished by the narrower
segments of its yellow fl., the 3 outer ones of which are brownish outside.
Stigmas entire, orange-red. Central Asia.

Croton. The plants described under this name are not true Crotons,
but belong to the genus Codiseum.

Croton Phillipsii. (Williams' Cat., p. 24.) Euphorbiaceae. S. shr.
A pretty variety, with linear-lanceolate 1., 8 to 10 in. long, by 5 in. broad,
the base of the 1. rich golden yellow, extending half way through, and
contouring along the centre neariy the whole length.

Croton Wigmannii. (Williams’ Cat., p. 24.) S. shr. A good table
decorative plant, with 1. 8 to 10 in. long by £ in. broad, irregular in form,
rich green, blotched with yellow.

Cycas Bellefokti. (III. E., t. 586; Cat. Comp. Cont. d'Eort., p. 9.)
Cycadeae. S. per. An elegant Cycad, with a crown of ascending and grace¬
fully arching pinnate 1., 5 to 5£ ft. long ; leaflets very numerous, linear-
lanceolate acuminate, entire. Tonkin.

(To be continued.)

THE HORTICULTURAL CLUB AND THE ROYAL

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual dinner of the Club took place on Tuesday last, when there
was a large attendance of members to meet Sir Trevor Lawrence, the
President of the Royal Horticultural Society. Amongst those present
were Mr. John Lee (Chairman), the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen,
Dr. Hogg, the Rev. W. Wilks, Messrs. Geo. Maw, Harry J. Veitch’
Philip Crowley, H. J. S. Pearson, C. J. Pearson, Arnold Moss, Geo. Paul,
Geo. Bunyard, A. H. Pearson, T. Francis Rivers, J. Laing, Harry Turner,
J. S. Cousins, T. W. Girdlestone, the Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain, Hon
Sec., &c.

The meeting received additional importance from the fact that a
sub-Committee of the Club had been appointed to consider the position
of the Royal Horticultural Society, and to place some suggestions before
the President of the Society, as embodying the opinions and views of
the outside public on the position and affairs of the Society.

The Chairman, after proposing the health of “ The Queen,” then
gave what he said might be called the toast of the evening, “ The
Prosperity of the Royal Horticultural Society,” coupled with the name
of their esteemed President, Sir Trevor Lawrence, and in an admirable
speech traced the history of the Royal Horticultural Society, and said
that although its present position seemed to be so precarious, he was
sure the horticulturists of England would rally to it if it could procure
a home of its own without connection with or interference with any
other body.

Sir Trevor Lawrence replied, and thanked the Club for the kind
interest it had taken in the Society, and spoke hopefully of its future.
He quite agreed with the desirableness of the Society having a home of
its own, and thanked the sub-Committee for their suggestions, which he
would lay before the Council.

Messrs. Veitch, Pearson, Paul, and others took part in the conversa¬
tion that followed, all dwelling on the necessity of the Society having
an independent footing.

The Chairman proposed the “ Prosperity of the Club,” coupling with
it the name of the Secretary, who briefly replied. Dr, Hogg proposed
in a feeling speech the “ Health of their Beloved Chairman,” who briefly,
responded, and the meeting broke up after having spent a most agree¬
able evening. The tables were kindly decorated by Mr. T. A. Dickson of
Covent Garden, and Mr. G. Bunyard kindly supplied some beautiful
fruit for dessert.

The following ar. the suggestions submitted to the President of the
Royal Horticultural Society by the sub-Committee of the Club

1, It is suggested whether it might not be advisable to enlarge the
number of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, with the
view especially of giving a larger representation to horticulturists in
the provinces.

2, It is suggested whether it would not be possible to create a form
of membership for one guinea annually.

3, It is suggested that it would be very undesirable to fetter the
Society by any permanent or binding contract with the Royal Albert
Hall Corporation or any other similar body. It is hoped that a suitable
position and necessary building may before long be provided by the
Society itself for its own sole use and accommodation.

4, It is suggested that it would be very desirable to alter the date of
the annual general meeting to some period of the year (say May or
June) when there is better opportunity for the attendance of Fellows.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING— January 31st.

The annual general meeting of this Society was held at the Old Fo
Swans, Bishopsgate Street, on Monday evening the 31st ult., the ch
being taken at 7 p m., by the Vice-President, R. Ballantine, Esq., in t
absence of the President, E. Sanderson, Esq., who is travelling in cent
France for the benefit of his health. There was a large attendance
members over fifty being present, and the business was not disposed
until a late hour. This was chiefly owing to the length of time occupi
in the election of the General Committee, but changes in the meth
adopted will facilitate matters considerably on another occasion

The business commenced by the Hon. Secietary reading the circa
calling the meeting, which was followed by the appended report a
balance-she t. K

REPORT, 1886.

The Committee in presenting the balance-sheet for the season, 1886-7,
have the pleasure of recording that it has been an era of unqualified success
in the annals of the Society.

For the first time three shows have been held, and each in its way has
fully justified this new departure. The September show was a source of
great interest, not only to growers of Chrysanthemums, who thus had an
opportunity for the first time of comparing the merits of the best of the early
flowering varieties, but also on account of the excellent show of Dahlias
and Gladioli, both of which were exceptionally fine, and the Committee hope
that in 1887 this show will assume still larger proportions. Of the November
fete it is only needful to state that it excelled that of any previous year
both as to number and quality of the exhibits. The January show, in spite
of the severity of the season, brought visitors and exhibits from all parts of
England, and it was a generally expressed opinion that in promoting this
exhibition the Society was doing a most useful work, as it clearly proved
that the season for Chrysanthemums could be satisfactorily prolonged during
midwinter.

During the year a new catalogue has been issued, which has been well
spoken of in all quarters, and the best thanks of the Society were accorded
to Messrs. Addison, Davis, Payne, and Springhett for the time and care they
had devoted to its preparation.

The Floral Committee have met regularly, and no less than 287 varieties
were submitted at the several meetings, and forty-four certificates awarded.

The financial position of the Society remains good, and the year closes
with a balance in hand of £7 4s. Id., irrespective of the reserve fund.

Arrangements have been made with the Royal Aquarium Company for
again holding three shows. This entails a severe strain upon the resources
of the Society, and the Committee trust to the liberality of all lovers of the
Chrysanthemum to subscribe to tbe prize fund or to become members, as it
is only by continued and united effort that the usefulness of the Society
can be maintained.

The annual dinner was held December 13th, when 113 members and
friends of the Society were present, and one of the most pleasing incidents
of the year was the presentation to Mr. William Holmes, the Honorary
Secretary, of a testimonial, consisting of an address on vellum and a set of
epergnes, subscribed for by over 100 members and friends, as a mark of
their high esteem and regard for the great services he had rendered to the
Society.

The Committee desire to tender their grateful thanks to the donors of
special prizes for the past season, and especially to W. H. Cullingfoid, Esq.,
for the liberal support he has so kindly accorded to the midwinter show.

BALANCE-SHEET, 1886-87.

Receipts.

Trustees of Reserve Fund ..

Arrears of 1885 .

Subscriptions .

Donations, Speeial Prizes, Ac.

Entry Fees .

Aquarium Company .

Mr. W. Holmes’ Special Donation
Medals, Certificates, &o.

Affiliation Fees .

Advertisements .

Sale of Admission Tickets . .

Sale of Catalogue .

Medals on hand .

Tickets on hand .

Expenditcke.

Deficit on 1885 Aocount . . .

Prizes (three exhibitions) .

Breakfasts, Judges and Committee (three ixhibitions)

Hire of Fine-foliage Plants .

Advertisements .

Printing, General Account .

Printing Catalogue .

Sundry Expenses— Exhibitions and Meetings of Floral

Committee .

Commissionaires .

Tubes and Baize Floral Committee .

Hire of Booms for Meetings .

Jndges’Fees . . .

Medals .

Postages, Postal Orders, and Cheque Books .

Stationery and Sundries .

Clerk at Exhibitions .

Badges .

Admission Tickets .

Bill Posting .

Collector of arrears .

Annual Dinner Expenses ..

Cartage and Labour (three exhibitions) .

Balanoe in hand .

£ s.

d.

14 11

1

2 6

0

132 15

0

56 9

0

22 18

0

251 15

1

10 0

0

28 9

0

9 19

6

16 5

0

51 18

0

11 15

2

2 2

6

8 16

0

£594 19

4

£ 8.

d.

14 11

1

327 18

«

20 9

10

18 6

0

16 10

0

34 5

3

14 18

6

11 8

8

1 17

6

1 17

i

8 12

0

4 4

0

32 6

0

24 1

7

6 4

8

5 5

6

3 10

0

30 0

0

6 5

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1 0

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3 15

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5 15

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£594 19

4

In moving the adoption of the report Mr. BaRantine remarked that £100
more prizes had been given in 1886 than in the preceding year, and the
subscriptions had increased by nearly £40, showing that the Sooiety was
making steady progress, although the balance was not a large one. Mr. R.
Dean seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. A proposal by
Mr. Holmes that the balance of £7 4s. Id. be transferred to the reserve
fund was also adopted, and the Treasurer (J. Starling, Esq.) obseived that
he would like to see the r serve fund substantially increased ; even if the
members only contributed Is. each it would increase the total materially.
A list of the names of members in arrears with subscriptions was then
read, and as the persons had been repeatedly applied to it was decided to
erase their names from the Society’s books. Votes of tbank3 having been
passed to the Auditors (Mr. Drain, jun., and Mr. Crane), fourteen new mem¬
bers elected, and the names of four societies desirous of becoming affiliated

February S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

95

•with the National having been read, the meeting next proceeded to the
election of officers. The following were unanimously re-elected : — President
E. Sanderson, Esq. ; Vice President, R. Ballantine, Esq. ; Treasurer,
J. Starling, Esq. ; Hon. Secretary and Superintendent of Exhibitions,
Mr. William Holmes ; Auditors, Messrs. Drain and Crane.

The election of the General Committee next occupied the attention of the
meeting, and it was decided that it should consist of thirty-six members as
before, forty-nine nominations being received. This necessitated taking
the votes for each member proposed, which took considerable time, the
following being those finally elected : — Messrs. G. S. Addison, T. Bevan,
W. Blake, W. E. Boyce, H. Cannell, Lewis Castle, R. Dean, N. Davis,
G. Drain, jun., H. Drake, H. Figgures, Gifford, S. Gilbey, G. Gordon,
C. Gibson, E. C. Jukes, Jones, J. P. Kendall, E. Kemp, F. J. Long, G. Lang-
don, H. Mardlin, Nicholls, Newton, Owen, C. Harman Payne, R. Payne,

G. Prickett, W. Reeve, G. Stevens, R. Swift, J. Springbett, J. Wright,
J. Williams, and B. Wynne.

The Secretary stated that the Royal Aquarium Company had decided to
offer the same terms for the November and January Shows as before, but
the amount at the September Show must be reduc d to £50. The special
prizes contributed by various friends of the Society were then noted,
including Mr. Cullingford’s £10, those offered by Messrs. Wood & Son,
Wood Green, the Veitch Memorial prizes, consisting of medals and money
prizes in five classes. Messrs. Webb & Sons’ prizes for vegetables have been
increased, and Messrs. Sutton & Sons repeat their former offers. Messrs.

H. Cannell it Sons offer £20 in prizes for new varitties; Messrs. Delaux of
France, and Colchester of Ipswich, a'so offering prizes. The preparation of
the schedule was then referred to a sub-Committee, and after the transac¬
tion of some general business the meeting terminated with the usual votes
of thanks to the Chairman and officers.

THE THANATOPHORE.

Last week we gave an illustration of one form of this new steam
fumigator, supplied by Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, and we
now give two others, both constructed on the same principle. No. 1
{fig. 15), is an extremely useful size, and as it is readily heated with a
spirit lamp, it is especially adapted for frames or small houses, and
amateurs will find it very serviceable. Like the others it is furnished
with a reservoir, which is filled with tobacco juice, then carefully
inverted with the thumb or finger over the mouth of the pipe and

Fig. 15.

inserted into the boiler. Methylated spirit is used in the lamp, and it
can be safely placed inside a house (not too near any plants), and is
large enough for one with a cubical contents of 40 yards.

The intermediate size has already been noticed, and the third size,
which is the largest, is shown in fig. 16. The chief difference in this is
that the reservoir is furnished with a gauge, a funnel, and stop-cocks, so
that it can be readily refilled with removal, and it can be seen at a
-g!ance when the supply of tobacco juice is becoming exhausted. This is
said to be suitable for houses of 300 cubic yards. All these fumigators
are remarkably well constructed of copper, and with ordinary care
should be very durable.

AURICULA. NAMES.

correspondent “Northern Amateur” seems as keen ion this
subjecti as the northern air. However, he is wrong again, as the plant
grown in the south as Campbell’s Green Edge was sent to me long
before poor old Cunningham died. It could not, therefore, have been
1;>y Mr. Campbell or anyone else to Falkirk after his death,
rrobably the plant alluded to by your correspondent and the one grown
here are not the same. That is the only solution I can offer. If your
correspondent gives me his address I will send him a plant, as he seems
anxious about it. It is quite right that the names of plants and their

raisers should be correctly given. Mr. Campbell doubtless remembers
sending me a box of blooms in April, 1875, and the correspondence we
had thereon. He sent me an offset of the Green Edge subsequently,
and if it was a seedling of Cunningham’s he can say so. I do not
agree with your correspondent about the value of the “grand old
varieties.” Pizarro (Campbell) is a good self, but it is nowhere against
the new ones. Prince of Gems (Trail) is comparatively new, but if that
variety is left out, what other grand old flowers are there in the class ?
George Lightbody (Headly) is a very fine variety in the grey class,

and Smiling Beauty (Heap) is a really good white-edge. Will your
correspondent name three in each class of what he considers the old
standard sorts 1

I well remember having a conversation with my old friend Mr.
Meiklejohn about Lady Sophia Dumaresque. He told me he did not
know who raised it ; but he added, “ From its general resemblance to
Maria and Sophia I should say it is probably a seedling of Chapman’s.”
That is as near as I can recollect the words of Mr. Meiklejohn. It is a
much more vigorous grower than either, but that is nothing when we
consider the rampant growth and robust constitution of Marquis of
Lome (Campbell) and the miserable growth of its brother Duke of
Argyle by the same raiser. I would like to add that I am not conscious
of having done any wrong in giving away plants of the Auricula in
question, as it was given to me without any conditions fourteen years
ago. As to incorrect spelling of Auricula names or that of their raisers,
editors of papers and their correspondents may err in this, and are
doubtless glad to be corrected. — J. Douglas, Ilford.

THE CULTURE OF SHOW AND FANCY PELARGONIUMS.

i These can be seen remarkably well grown in some gardens, and are
some of the most useful flowering plants for the decoration of the con¬
servatory and greenhouse during several months of the year, but they
will not pay the cultivator for the slightest neglect, being subject to
aphides, which soon spoil both foliage and flowers, and to damp if the
plants are placed in too moist and close an atmosphere. If it is neces¬
sary to increase the stock of plants, cuttings may be struck at once
singly in small pots and placed on shelves near the glass in any
house where the temperature ranges about 50°. These, when well rooted,
will require one or two shifts into larger pots, and will bloom during

96

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

["February 3, 1887.

the summer. The old plants after flowering should be placed out of
doors in a sunny position to ripen the wood of the current year’s growth,
water being gradually withheld so that the plants get a thorough rest
for about two months, but they should be examined occasionally and
not allowed to become withered. Cuttings ought to be taken soon after
the plants are placed out ; some of them may be grown in an intermediate
house as near the glass as possible, and they can be had in flower early
in the following spring. The old plants should be pruned to within
2 inches or so from the old wood, and then well watered, which will
cause them to break into new growth. At this stage turn the plants
out of the pots, shake the soil away from the roots, and cut a few of the
largest off, especially any that are entwined together. Repot into the
same sized pots, or smaller if the roots will allow it, as the plants will be
benefited by so doing, a quantity of sour soil being very injurious to
them during the winter months.

The compost suitable for Pelargoniums I find is three parts good fibry
loam, one part leaf mould and sand, with a liberal sprinkling of char¬
coal, and a 6-inch potful of soot to every barrowful of compost. I prefer
to give manure in a liquid form during the spring months ; soot water
given once a week will prove beneficial. Repot as the plants require
it. The longest growths may be pinched once or twice to give symmetry
to the plant, and will also obviate the necessity of using too many
stakes, which always spoils the appearance of any plant, whether it is
grown for exhibition or home use. Better plants will be produced if
grown in a cool house, and on the first appearance of green fly fumigate
twice or thrice in succession with tobacco paper. It is of great import¬
ance to have the plants free from insects before the flowers open, other¬
wise the bloom will be ruined if fumigation is used. There arc at pre¬
sent many varieties in cultivation ; I will only name a few which are
good ones — viz., Dr. Masters, Beauty of Oxton, Queen Victoria, Claribel,
Sappho, Volontfi Nationale album, Devastation, Queen of Whites, Lord
of the Isles, Decision, Sylvia, and Duchess of Lancaster, this is a very
good variety, white, with two deep red blotches on upper petals, and
beautifully fringed. — G. Garner, Amberrvood Gardens, Hants.

THE ANCIENT SOCIETY OF YORK FLORISTS.

There is little doubt that the Ancient Society of York Florists has a
strong claim to the distinction of being one of the oldest societies of the kind
that is now in existence in the country. Though its origin is involved in
obscurity, it is a well authenticated fact that in the years long past a com¬
pany of gentlemen who had conducted an exhibition of flowers formed
themselves into a society which was named the York Society of Florists.
The anniversary of the Society was held recently, and in connection
with it the following particulars will be read with great interest. They
are taken from a book published in York in 1813, entitled “ Rules and Re¬
gulations of the York Society of Florists, tog- 1 her with an abstract of the
properties of the flowers shown in the Society, and a brief analysis of the
manner of cultivating them as adapted to the climate of the city of
York.”

The preamble is as follows — “ Happiness being the ultimate end pro¬
posed by society, it is necessary that all proper, lawful, and effectual means
be made use of to procure it. Two points appear essentially necessary to
the constituting and supporting of every meeting founded on 6ueh a plan —
the first showing the pleasure and advantages to be reaped — the second the
evils to be avoided. First, the pleasure that the cultivation of flowers affords
sufficiently appears from their being the taste of the curious of all ages and
countries, not only from their beautiful forms, lively tints, and grateful
odours, wherewith they so highly regale the senses, but also from their real
use. Flowers so forcibly strike the eye that they never fail to inspire us
with a certain joy, and when we have sufficiently examined the fairest we
are sensible they are designed to refresh tbe sight, the prospect they afford
is pleasing, and we experience their power to be so effectual that the
greatest number of those arts which are ambitious to please appear most
successful when they borrow their assistance. Sculpture imitates them in
its softest ornaments. Architecture bestows the embellishment of leaves
and flowers on those columns and fronts that would otherwise be too naked.
The richest embroideries are little more than foliage and flowers. The
most magnificent silks are almost covered with these charming forms, and
are thought beautiful in proportion as they resemble the lively tinge of
natural flowers. For these reasons great numbers both at home and abroad
have employed their leisure hours in the delightful and healthful employ¬
ment of propagating them with the greatest diligence. And as the taste
for flowers and the pleasure of disclosing them to the view of others are
almost inseparable, we consider their cultivators as an agreeable band or
society who communicate to each other the observations their experience
has enabled them to make. With these intentions a Society assembled at
York on Wednesday the 20th of April, 1708, and afterwards at a general
revision of the rules on Monday the 8th of February, 1813, which brings us
to the second part — namely, the evils to be avoided.

“ In all companies that have been formed to encourage any art or science
it has been found absolutely necessary to frame certain orders or rules for
the better conducting thereof, and also for the preventing disputes, parti¬
cular opinions, and self interest ; evils that have always utterly destroyed
and brought into confusion the best designs, unless prevented by some
speedy remedy. We, the present members of this Society, having seriously
considered these matters, and being truly desirous and, to the best of our
power, willing to promote the cultivation of flowers, have, from experience,
been sufficiently enabled to draw up, and likely clearly demonstrate, the
necessity and utility of the following rules.” Then follow the rules rela¬
tive to the election of officers, the concluding one of which states that
“ Any member refusing to take upon him >he office of President, Steward;
Secretary, or Judge shall forfeit the sum of 2s. 6d., and the next in rotation
shall be taken, or a new list shall be made if necessary.” Proceeding, the
rules set forth that any gentleman desirous of becoming a member must
be supported by two-thirds of the members present, and “ he shall, after
signing his name to these regulations, and paying 2s. 6d. unto the stock, be

deemed a member, and have a copy of these rules delivered ; unto him.”
“ The admission money, or fine, paid by every member is Is. on the Auri¬
cula, and 6d. on every other day of the show. The sum of 6d. must be paid
by the owner of every flower shown for a prize unto the receiving Steward
at the time it is entered. There shall be annually five shows. . . . Each

member to be allowed to show one flower in evtry class in each show, and
no more, and to weigh one Gooseberry in each colour.”

Detailed directions to exhibitors are then given, and in regard to the
judging it is stated “ every flower shown to be privately numbered by the
receiving steward at each show, and a sealed paper containing the numbers
and owner’s name of each flower to be delive ed by him unto the President,
who sba'l, after all the flowers are adjudged, open it and declare the prizes.
Any member claiming a prize, or naming the owner of any flower shown
before the President has declared all the prizes, shall be fined two shillings
and sixpence, to be immediately paid. The Secretary, under the direction of
the President, shall nominate six persons at each show, and the members
showing flowers shall choose three of them for judges.” Following this
are several rules for protecting the Society against offences, such as “any
person presuming to find fault,” of a winning prize being “ fraudulently
made up,” or of “cutting or clipping any part of a flower shown for a
prize,” the penalty in such cast s being fines of one shilling, two shillings
and sixpence, or deprivation from the privilege of showing a flower for
twelve cal ndar months ; while for the more se ious offence of “any mem¬
ber using false pods or petals, putting the interior in place of the exterior
pi tals of Tulips, or practising any similar fraud in making up or dressing a
flower for show ” he should te immediately expelled the Society. A nota
bene states : “ The evil consequences of political or religious disputes
being self-evident, it is earnestly desired, and indeed presumed, that no
member will introduce them, as such a dispute would compel the President
to be peremptory in enforcing the above regulation ” — i.e., in the event cf a
dispute to impose a fine of a shilling, or to expel the parties from the room.
Then follow instructions to the judges. These stipulate conditions as to
pots and phials wherein flowers are shown, and state that “All flowers,
which the judges are convinced contain clipped or cut petals, must be
delivered unto the President, and the cause stated. Should any flower
ever come under the inspection of the judges which is artificially made up
as being pasted or glued, or containing false leaves or petals, bells, pips,
pods, or any part thereof, or Tulips with the leaves transposed, or which
they are convinced are in any respect fraudulent, such must also be delivered
unto the President, and the reason why explained unto him publicly. As
it very seldom happens that any flowers are shown which can be considered
perfect, the judges will have to decide which approach the nearest unto that
state, and will no doubt examine strictly, first the form of such as are
under their inspection, and secondly the colouring, and they will, it is pre¬
sumed, always decide that those flowers are the best which, along with the
best formation, carry the highest and purest colour, and the best distributed
according to the nature of the respective flowers they have to decide upon.”
Detailed descriptions are given of the properties of the Auricula, the Poly¬
anthus, the double Hyacinth, the Tulip, the Anemone, the Ranunculus, the
Pink, the Carnation, the Picotee, and instructions are added for the culti¬
vation of most of the above named flowers. The directors of the Society
in 1813 were “Mr. Henry Smith, President; Mr. Geo. Brown, Senior
Steward; Mr. Geo. Tireman, Second Steward; Geo. Healey, Esq., Junior
Steward ; Mr. John Rippon, Secretary and Treasurer.” Mr. Charles Meynell,
who became a member in 1768, was Senior Florist, next to whom in
seniority were John Telford, Esq. (1768), George Telford, Esq. (1771), Mr.
William Tate (1781), Mr. William Blanchard (1786), Mr. Thomas Harper
(1795), Mr. William Ardington (1795), the last of whom in 1829, when con¬
siderable alterations were made in the rules, occupied the position of Senior
Florist. — ( York Herald).

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

A WELCOME change in the weather has rendered it possible in m >st
gardens to make good progress with seasonable work among the fruit
trees. Nor for various reasons should it be delayed more than can pos¬
sibly be avoided. Pruning, nailing, and manuring old trees and the
planting of young trees yet remains to be completed in many instances,
and a few brief hints bearing upon these important details arc appended.

ArRlCOTS. — These are the first to bloom, and ought at once to be
attended to. The fruit is borne principally upon the short spurs formed
on two-year-old wood, and also in some instances on the last season’s
well-ripened growths. The latter, if sturdy, may be laid in to its full
lengih wherever there are vacant spaces yet to fill, but if it is at all
weakly or badly ripened it should be shortened considerably. All long
lateral growth to be cut back to within about 2 inches of the old wood,
and round these will eventually be formed a cluster of blossom buds.
Long spurs, or say about 6 inches and upwards from the walls, are
objectionable, and where these prevail a number of them may well bi
freely shortened, cutting where possible to a back growth or spur. It is
almost useless to p'ant Apricots on cold badly drained land. In such
cases rather high planting will preserve them for a time, but good drain¬
age is preferable. Old trees, especially those under copings, ought to
receive good dressings of partially decayed manure, but on no account
should a rich compost be given to young trees, this encouraging a very
rank growth, to be followed by gumming and otl er evils at : n early date.
Turkey, Moorpark, and Hemskirk are all desirable varieties.

February S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

97

Plums. — These may be pruned and trained in every respect similarly
to the Apricot, a too free use of the knife, in the case of young trees
especially, being injurious to both. The main branches may usually be
laid in to their full length just as received from the nurseries, plenty of
lateral growth as well as leaders being forthcoming according as the tree
gains in strength or recovers from the severe check given when trans¬
planted. If these strong young shoots are cut back in any way, laterals
are formed at the extremities only, and probably no fruit spurs for a long
time, whereas if unpruned there is every probability that fruit spurs will
be formed throughout their full length. In this manner a fruitful tree
will be most quickly obtained, though even in this case a winter root-
pruning may eventually be needed in order to keep the roots near the
surface, and also to check extra strong growth. Standard trees may have
their branches cut when there are insufficient to form a well-balanced head,
and those well established are most profitable when freely thinned out,
plenty of light and air being most conducive to the formation of good
fruitful growth. Plums are by no means fastidious as to position, as we
have some on walls in all aspects. Morocco is a good early sort, better
as regards size and flavour than the more heavy cropping Rivers’ Prolific.
Other good culinary sorts are Victoria, Pond’s Seedling, Dove Bank,
Early Orleans, Orleans, Prince of Wales, and Washington ; and for
dessert purposes Angelina Burdett, Kirke’s, Jefferson, Green Gage, Oullins
Golden, Transparent Gage, Coe’s Golden Drop, and Imperatrice. The
common Damson is the best in point of quality, but the Crittenden or
Cluster is much the most prolific.

PEARS. — We commence pruning and re-nailing the wall trees of these
early in the winter, and continue the work whenever the weather permits.
Supposing all lateral growth on well-established trees were only lightly
shortened at their summer pruning, they will now require to be cut back
with all secondary growth attached to within about 2 inches of the main
stems, and the weaker shoots still closer. These closely pruned shoots
will eventually become surrounded by fruiting spurs, the time taken up
varying according to the vigour of the trees, the rankest growers being
the longest in arriving at a fruitful stage. All leading growths to be laid
in to their full length, and unless the trees are growing very strongly
many fruit buds may develope on them during the year. The lower
branches of espaliers or horizontally trained ought for the first three years
at least to be trained somewhat obliquely, or otherwise they are unable
to keep pace with the higher and more favourably situated branches, these
attracting the greater amount of sap. Pyramidal, bush-shaped, and
standard trees ought not to be neglected, nor, on the other hand, is it wise
in many instances to be too free with the knife. Where the trees are
frequently lifted very little lateral growth and plenty of fruit buds is the
usual consequence, no harm being done by cutting out the greater portion
of the young shoot*. But the more strong vigorous trees are cut the
greater the amount of gross unfruitful growth resulting, and if root-
pruning is not resorted to a different style of pruning must be adopted.
If the lateral growth is freely thinned out and all the best placed reserved
to its full length, these in many instances will be clothed with fruit buds
next winter and the whole character of the tree be changed. No topping
these growths should be resorted to, or the experiment will end in failure.
A good assortment of Pears for walls and as garden trees consists
of Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon ChiStien, Beurre d'Amanlis, Beurrd Superfin,
Beurr<; Hardy, Louise Bonmi of Jersey, Marie Louise, Doyenne- du Comice,
Mardchal de Cour, Pitmaston Duchess, Thompson’s, Van Mons Leon
Leclerc, Huyshe’s Prince Consort, Hacon’s Incomparable, Beurr6 Bache-
lier, Beurrdd’Aremberg, Glon Monjeau, Josephine de Malines, Bergamotte
Esperen, Easter Beurrd, Jeaa de Witte, Olivier de Serres, and Madame
Millet.

Cherries.— Much that was advised in the matter of pruning Plums
is also applicable to Cherries. They bear fruit principally on the spurs
of pruned trees and on the young wood formed the preceding year. All
the strong growers are kept closely spurred back, the main branches
only requiring to be re-nailed occasionally. In the case of Mnrellos,
these shculd be treated more like Peaches, having their main
branches rather thinly trained to allow good space for laying in
the young shoots that are to bear fruit this season. The
pruning merely consists of cutting out as much of the old bearing
wood as possible, replacing this by the young wood formed during last
summer, all of which may be laid in to its full length. All the fasten¬
ings of wall trees of all descriptions ought to be frequently examined,
much injury being done by both the shreds and nails when these interfere
with the free swelling of the stems. We do not cut back newly planted
trees, and as they are given plenty of fresh loamy soil to root in, a small
crop taken from them the second year after planting does not materially
check the desirable free growth. S andard and pyramids pay for thinning
out, but it is not advisable to practise spur-pruning. Early Rivers, Black
Tartarian, Elton, Bigarreau, Mary, Morelia, and Florence, are good sorts
for walls, and these, with the exception of the last named, as well as
May Duke, Late Duke, and Kentish, are also suitable for pyramids and
standards.

FRUIT FORCING.

Figs. — Earliest-forced Trees in Pots. — These are now in full growth,
the points of the shoots must be pinched out when they have made a
growth of about 5 inches. Continue a temperature of 55° to 60° at night
and 66° by day, advancing to 75° with sun heat, closing early and allowing
an advance to 80° or 85°. In dull weather give a little extra fire heat in
the early part of the day, so as to allow of ventilation if only for an hour
or two to give a change of atmosphere. The bottom heat should be
kept steady at 75°, introducing fresh leaves as necessary. Syringe fre¬
quently to keep red spider in check, and always sufficiently early in the

afternoon to allow of the foliage becoming dry before night. Regularly
supply water and liquid manure to the roots cf the trees.

Early-forced Planted-out Trees. — When the trees have commenced
growth the temperature should be slightly raised both at night and by
day, 55° being a suitable night temperature and 60° to 65° by day, with a
rise of 5° to 10° from sun heat. Syringe twice a day on fine days, but on
dull days morning syringing, or when very dull damping available surfaces
about the house will be sufficient, ventilating on all favourable occasions,
as a drawn and weakly growth cannot afterwards be rectified, therefore
seek a sturdy short- jointed growth from the commencement. The
surface of the border should be mulched with partially decayed manure,
and in a lumpy state, to as to allow the roots to have the benefit of the
air. Through the mulching waterings in a tepid state should be given as
necessary.

Second Early-forced Trees. — Where there is more than one Fig house
a second may now be started. The trees will have had the strong old
growths cut out so as to leave the terminals for furnishing the first
crop, and been dresee 1 with an insecticide ; if not, those matters must be
attended to without delay. The border should be brought into a thoroughly
moist state by repeated watering if necessary with tepid water, or in the
case of restricted borders with liquid manure at 80°. Syringe the trees
occasionally, also keep all available surfaces damped twice a day. A
temperature of 50° at night and 55° by day is sufficient to commence with,
advancing to 65° from sun heat.

Melons. — Add a little soil as a top-dressing as the plants grow
keeping them near the glass to prevent drawing, but do not allow the
plants to become stunted for want of pot room, shifting those intended
for trelliswork into larger pots as they require it, training with a single
stem, putting a stake to each, to which the plants should be secured as they
advance, removing all laterals as goon as visible up to the height of stem
required to reach the trellis, as also all tendrils. Those intended to run
over the surface of the bed in pits, &c., should have the lead pinched at
the second rough leaf, and instead of shifting into larger pots they may
be planted out in their permanent quarters, either before or after stopping.
Keep a sharp look out for slugs. A ring of soot or lime placed round the
plants will generally preserve them, but baits should be laid for them so
as to entrap the pests. Brewers’ grains or scalded bran covered over with
Lettuce or Cabbage leaves form an excellent bait for both slugs and
woodlice.

Pines — Continue the treatment advised in our last calendar under
that head to those plants recently started into fruit. The plants if in good
condition at the roots will produce strong suckers. When the suckers
are large enough to handle, all, except one to each plant, should have the
growth checked by taking out the centres of those not wanted.

To supplement the autumn-potted plants solect others which have been .
wintered in 7 or 8-inch pots, choosing the most vigorous plants. The
remainder of such plants should be reserved until the general spring
potting, when they should be shaken out and treated similarly to suckers.
Good fibrous loam wi'.h the turf reduced, or if used fr69h it should be
placed where it will be heated so as to kill the grass and any larvae it may
contain, and torn up in a suitable compost, adding about a quart of soot
to every bushel, and a similar quantity of some approved fertiliser. If
the turf has been laid up it must be had under cover to become dried.
Drain the pots moderately but efficiently, dusting with wood ashes or soot
over them so as to exclude worms, and, keeping the plants well down in
the pots, ram the soil firmly round the plants, leaving sufficient space to
admit of copious supplies of water being given when necessary. For
Queens 10-inch, and 11 or 12-inch pots are suitable for those of stronger
or more robust growth. A temperature of 60° to 65° will be sufficient for
these plants, also for those potted last autumn, and 80° to 85° at the roots.

Plants in beds about to be started into fruit must not have the heat at
the base of the pots over 90° or 95°, or their roots will be injured. If
sufficient fiuit be started to meet the requirements, later successional
plants that have not been subjected to a high temperature may be advanced
slowly, they with autumn-potted suckers requiring careful watering,
especially where the heat at the roots is supplied by fermenting materials.

Cherry House. — Of all fruit trees the Cherry is the most impatient
of heat in the early stage of growth, especially when the ventilation is
indifferent. Commence ventilating at 50°, allowing an increase of 15°,
with proportionately increased ventilation, closing the house at 50°,
45° being sufficient by day artificially, and 40° at night. See that Ihere
is no deficiency in the border, giving a thorough supply of water when
necessary. Those in pots will require more frequent attention. Syr nge
only on fine days and early, and damp the surface of the borders when¬
ever they become dry, covering it with partially decayed manure about a
couple of inches thick and lumpy. Kerp a sharp look out for aphides,
and fumigate directly the pest appears.

Strawberries in Pots. — Notwithstanding the adverse weather,
the early plants have thrown up the trusses strongly, especially Vicom-
tesse Hericart de Thury and La Grosse Sucree, the earliest having set
freely and, being well thinned, advance rapidly in swelling. Although a
moderate temperature is adv s ib’e until the fruit is set an i commencing
to swell, a brisk and moderately moist best is essential to the satisfactory
swelling of the fru t, hence 60° to 65° or 70° should be afforded artificially,
with 10° to 15° advicco from sun heat, and when the fruit commences
ripening a diier atmosphere will improve the colour and flavour of the
fruit. Plants advancing to the flowering stage m ist not be hurried ; 50° to
55° is ample by artificial means, and 60° to 65° with sun htat and free venti¬
lation. Another batch shou’d be started without delay, introducing along
with President, James Veitch, Sir Charles Napier, &c., some of the early
varieties, such as Sir Harry, La Gmsse Suci6s, & \, so as to secure the succrs-

98

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 8, 1887.

sion unbroken. Let there be ft close scrutiny of the plants for aphides in
all stages preceding flowering, and upon its first appearance fumigate, it
being very essential that the plants be always clean, but particularly so
when coming into flower.

Vines. — Early-forcecL Vines. — In the earliest house attention will be
necessary in tying the shoots and stopping them to one or two joints above
the show of fruit where space is limited, the auxiliary growths below the
bunch being removed, except those from the two lowest joints, which,
with those above the fruit, should be stopped at the first leaf and subse¬
quently as made. It is of the utmost importance that the principal foliage
be fully exposed to light and air, overcrowding and overcropping being
highly prejudicial ; at the same time, very close stopping is not to be
recommended where there is room for extension, as the extension of the
foliage promotes corresponding root-action, therefore preserve all the
foliage consistent with its full exposure to light and air. Houses where
the Grapes are in flower should have a night temperature of 65°, and 5°
more for Muscats. Muscats, Sweetwater, and others that do not set freely
should have the points of the bunches drawn to the light, assisting fertili¬
sation by shaking the Vines every day, or dusting the bunches with a
camel’s-hair brush. Varieties that do not afford pollen freely should
have it taken from other sorts, and this dusted over the stigmas. A
constant circulation of rather dry warm air will be found highly advan¬
tageous. Commence thinning when the berries are about the size of small
Peas. Vines in pots will require copious supplies of liquid manure,
thinning the bunches somewhat freely so as to induce large berries, not,
however, going to the extreme of making the bunches loose, though that
is better than clusters of small berries. The temperature when the Grapes
are swelling should be maintained at 65° at night, falling 5° on cold
mornings ; 65° to 70° on cold days, increasing the ventilation — \ little
being admitted at 70° — with the sun heat to 80° or 85°, at which keep
through the day from that source, closing at 80°, and damp all available
surfaces. Damping is also necessary in the early part of the day. Great
care is needed in ventilating at this season. During such weather as
lately prevailed afford air in moderate quantity — a little at a time, so as
not to reduce the temperature, only to prevent its rising too suddenly and
too high. Inside borders should have a thorough watering with tepid
liquid manure — 1 lb. guano to 20 gallons of water, applying it at a
temperature of 80° to 90°.

Vines Started with the New Year. — These are breaking strongly.
Syringe the Vines or rods three times a day until the bunches are formed,
when syringing must be discontinued ; but maintain atmospheric mois¬
ture by damping available surfaces three times a day. Avoid damping
the hot- water pipes when they are highly heated, the steam arising there¬
from being very different from that given off by cooler surfaces. Keep
up a supply of ammonia by turning the fermenting materials, adding fresh
horse droppings (a little at a time) ; but where fermenting materials
have not been used, the house may be sprinkled with liquid manure in
the afternoon, the evaporation troughs, if any, being filled with the same.
Ammonia vapour is good for the foliage, and it is useful against red
spider. The temperature should be increased to 55° at night, and 60° to
65° by day, with an advance to 75° from sun heat, ventilation being given
carefully, and in accordance with the state of the external air.

Houses to Afford Ripe drapes in July. — These should now be started.
There is no need to cover the border with fermenting materials, but out¬
side borders should be covered with leaves or litter to prevent frost or
snow chilling the roots. A bed of fermenting materials within the house
conduces greatly to a free and regular break. Syringe the rods three
times a day, maintaining a temperature of 50° at night and 65° by day
from sun heat. Water the inside borders with liquid manure at 90°, and
repeatedly if necessary, so as to bring the soil into a thoroughly moist
state.

Late Grapes. — Gros Colman and Gros Guillaume, requiring more
time to ripen than Lady Downe’s and similar sorts, should be started by
the middle or latest end of the month, so as to afford time for their
thorough ripening. When well ripened, wood as Well as fruit, these are
the noblest black Grapes in existence. Avoid fire heat as much as pos¬
sible to Grapes in the store room, affording air to prevent an accumula¬
tion of moiatnre, replenishing the bottles with clear soft water as required.
An equable temperature of 45° is most suitable.

^ Eyes. — These may now be inserted, using pots, pans, or square pieces
of turf. Select firm well ripened Wood, filling the pots or pans with rich
friable soil, inserting the buds with a pinch of silver sand and half an
inch beneath the surface, plunging the pots, &c., in a bottom heat
of 80°.

Cut-hacks. — Vines raised from eyes last spring, and which are not of
a strength for fruiting or planting, should be cut back to an eye or two
as near the surface of the soil as possible. When they have made
2 inches of growth shake them out and repot in turfy loam rather rough,
with a sprinkling of bones ; 6 to 9-inch pots will be large enough. A
slight bottom heat is an advantage for these Vines, but it is not essential,
maintaining atmospheric moisture by sprinkling the house two or three
times a day,

PLANT HOUSES,

C alanthes. — As these cease flowering the pseudo-bulbs may be removed
from amongst the soil in which they have been growing. They can be
stored in boxes or pans amongst sand closely together, and then placed in
a shed or house where they can be kept dry, in a temperature of 50°, en¬
joying a complete rest for some weeks. A lengthened season of rest is the
secret of strong vigorous growth afterwards. Give no water to those still
in flower.

Phaius grandifolius.—li a portion of the stock is introduced into a

temperature of 60° to 65° the plants will quickly throw up their imposing
flower spikes ; the remainder will form a capital succession if they remain
in a temperature from 6° to 10° lower. Be careful not to overwater these
plants; give them no more than just sufficient to keep them fresh and
plump. The syringe must also be kept from the foliage. When the earliest
plants come into flower remove them to the conservatory or other structure
kept at 46° to 50°. Under this treatment the plants rest thoroughly, and
the flowers last fully double the length of time they would do in a moist
warm structure. During the time they are in flower, in a moderately cool
place, they will need little or no water at their roots.

Thunias. — Many of these plants fail to flower because they are started
into growth too late in the season and then grown under too moist and too
shady conditions. Such treatment results in lengthy soft growths that
will not flower, and often damp off in the winter. A good batch may be
started at once in a temperature of 60°. Very little water should be given
until they show signs of growth, when the supply must be gradually in¬
creased. Liberal supplies can be given them when rooting and growing
freely. When these plants are well started the whole of the old soil may
be shaken from their roots, and the plants repotted in either a mixture of
peat and loam in equal proportions, with a good dash of sand added, and a
little decayed manure, or in peat and spagnum moss. They appear to
thrive well in almost any soil, and W6 have grown them well in fibry loam,
manure, and sand, with a little charcoal added, but prefer the more open
compost advised above.

Cypripediums. — Such species as C. villosum and C. venustum will be
benefited by removal to a temperature of 45° or 50° while in bloom.
They grow afterwards with increased vigour, for they will rest thoroughly
under such treatment. Although these plants have no pseudo-bulbs and
cannot be kept so dry during their resting season as many O.chids, they
nevertheless must have a period of rest, which can only be induoed by a
lower temperature and slightly drier conditions. Wnile in a cool house
very little water should be given, and when this becomes necessary that
supplied to them must be several degrees warmer than the house. The
plants of C. insigne, so useful for various forms of decoration, that have
flowered may be top-iressed with peat and sphagnum moss, removing as
much of the old material as possible. If the plants are much root-
bound a little cow manure in a moderately dry state may with advantage
be applied to the surface. Any plants that it may be deemed advisable
to repot should have the pans or pots broken in which they are growing,
and any portions to which the roots firmly cling must be left attached.
The whole of the old compost should be carefully washed with tepid
water from amongst their roots. Allow them to drain thoroughly, and
then repot them ia the same or larger pans. The pots may be at the
least one-third full of drainage, and the compost — peat and charcoal — in
good-sized lumps should be carefully worked amongst the roots. Sphag¬
num moss may also be used, but this must be worked in near the surface,
for it becomes thoroughly decomposed in one season, and can then be
easily removed. Tnese plants will do in a vinery or Peach house, no
better place could be accorded them. They well repay for gentle moist
heat to start them, and during their season of growth.

Cattleyas. — Remove the plants of C. Trianae to the warmest end of the
house or a portion of the most forward, where they will quickly unfold
their flowers. A little more moisture may be given these plants as well
as C. Moss ire, both in the atmosphere and about the roots of the plants,
This must not be overdone, or else the roots will decay instead of starting
presently into vigorous growth. Any plants of the former may be top-
dressed, which will give them a neater appearance during the time they
are in bloom. Remove from the surface dead moss and supply with fresh.
If the plants have been repotted recently the peat qn the surface need
not be disturbed. Any plants that require larger pots or pans may be left
until they have flowered. Plants of C. Mossise that do not need potting
may also be top-dressed.

6 celogyne cristata. — Plants introduced into heat a few weeks ago will
now be in flower. Give these liberal supplies of water at their roots tn
prevent the shrivelling of the pseudo-bulos, but be careful that moisture
does not fall upon their pure white delicate flowers, for they are quickljr
spotted and destroyed. More plants may be introduced into a temperature
of 60° to form a succession. The remainder may for the present be kept
cool.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Replanting Roses. — After Roses h ive been for some time p'anted the
soil naturally becomes exhausted of much that is necessary for the well¬
being of the plant. In soma positio is they need not be disturbed for
several years, but directly they give signs of failing vigour, which not un-
frequently happens in the course of three or four years, renovating
measures must be taken or they will soon become comparatively useless.
Liberal spring mulchings of fresh manure, that from a pig yard being
most suitable, will serve to keep some soils in a fertile s'ate, but in many
instances nothing short of lifting and replanting will much benefit the-
Roses. As a rule they will succeed better if replanted in quite a fresh
site, the soil being deeply dug and well enriched with some kind of solid
manure. Failing this a quantity of fresh loamy soil and abundance of
good manure ought to be well incorporated with the worn-out old soil.
When lifting the Roses as many roots should be preserved as possible,
which must not be allowed to become very dry prior to replant ng, but
all should be lightly shortened with a sharp kaife and be well surrounded
with good fresh soil. Standards to be staked up at once, or the wind will
greatly disturb the roots, and some of the very strongest of the dwarfs
also may be staked. Where the dwarfs are strongly rooted above the

February 8, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

99

point of union with the stocks they may frequently be split into two or
more plants with advantage, this being one of the best methods of in¬
creasing own-rcot Roses.

Climbing Roses. — These usually occupy the most prominent positions,
yet strange to relate, are the most neglected. In many instances they are
plantel against sunny walls, perhaps quite close to more vigorous
climbers or shrubs, and here they seldom get half enough moisture and
very little assistance in the shape of manure or fresh compost. No wonder
they soon become shabby and an eyesore rather than an ornament. If
not actually lifted and replanted they ought at least to be occasionally
partially lifted, much of the old soil being removed and a fresh compost
supplied consisting of two parts of loam or good garden soil to one of
partially decayed stable or farmyard manure. This coupled with a fairly
free use of the knife and liberal supplies of water at the roots early in the
summer or before they have become very dry will put new life into the
*fees- , We prefer Teas and Noieettes for all but the coldest positions,
these blooming almost constantly throughout the Rose season. Such
as Slarechal Niel, Gloire de Dijon, Celine Forestier, William Allen
Richardson, Jaune Desprez, Bouquet d’Or, Cheshunt Hybrid, Heine
Mane Henriette, Safrano, Catherine Mermet, Alba rosea, Climbing
Devoniensis, Madame Lambard, and Souvenir d’Elise are the best for
sunny walls and pillars. For exposed positions the ol 1 China Ros s are
suitable ; these, better known as “ Monthly Roses,” flowering nearly all
the year round. The Hybrid China and Hybrid Bourbon varieties are also
hardy and free, suitable alike for cold walls, pillars, or fronts of shrub¬
beries. The best of the Bourbon Roses is Souvenir de la Malmaison, and
this will flower abundantly and almost coastantly against all but north
aspects. Acidalie grows to a much greater height and is very free flower¬
ing, but the blooms are not so serviceable as those of the Souvenir. The
wh’teand yellow Banksians are very suitable for sunny walls and pillars,
but these, it mu-t be remembered, are only summer flowering, and there¬
fore not' so serviceable as Teas. For high and cold walls and other
positions the Ayrshire Roses, such as Dundee Rambler, Splendens, and
Alice Gray, and also the Boursault Amadis, and the evergreen Felicite
Perpetuelle, Rampante, Bankneflora, and Leopoldine d’Orleans are all
suitable. Any respectable nurseryman will supply any or all of the fore-
§oinF> which are often kept in pot*, and they may be planted at once.

Herbaeeovs Borders. — Some of the most vigorous herbaceous plants
•re gross feeders, and unless very frequently lilted, divided, and replanted
ln so'b they soon present a starved miserable appearance. Not only

the old stools push up far too many weakly growths, but if a long spell
of hot and dry weather is experienced they flag badly and flower but little,
inis is especially the case with the Phloxes, of which there are many
beautiful varieties, strong clumps of these as well as Asters or Michaelmas
Daisies, Pyrethrum uliginosum, Pyrethruro roseum in variety, Spiraeas
of sorts, Geum coccineum, Hemerocallis flavs, Flag Irises, Achilleas,
't*0™8*'' and Potentillas, all pay for transplanting. If all the bulb jus-
rooted p'ants are properly labelled or marked in some way, the work of
lifting the above named need not be delayed till late spring, at which
time there is much other impoitant work to attend to. If it is neces¬
sary to completely renovate and replant an herbaceous border it may be
safely done in open weather at this time of year.

IS

he bee keeper

^ (a

AAA-/ Uli/i-V i.VL/Ju/X 1/Xv.

THE APIARY.

Nothing conduces more to successful manipulation than
a well-ordered and convenient apiary. Every bee-keeper of
experience will agree that a little extra trouble bestowed at
the commencement will materially lessen many difficulties
which are sure to beset even a practical and experienced
bee-keeper when he least expects them, and is therefore but
little prepared for such emergencies, although he may have
been warned that such difficulties are certain to arise occa¬
sionally, even when every possible precaution has been taken
to prevent the unexpected happening. It is a sure in¬
sight into the general character of a bee-keeper to see his
apiary overgrown with grass and tall rank weeds. Neatness
and order cost little, but experience will teach many that
slovenliness and carelessness bring endless trouble, certain
loss, and continual annoyance.

It is necessary always to have a space immediately below
the floorboard perfectly clear, so that a dead bee or any
unusual debris ejected from the hive may at once be detected.
Grass may be allowed to grow if care is tsken to keep it
short, but it is far preferable, unless there some special
local objection, to have a space in front of each stock quite
bare of herbage and kept clear of all accumulation of rubbish.
For a small collection of hives — and for my own part I am
not at all sure that the same method might not be pursued

with advantage and profit even in a large apiary — it is better
to make a place for the stocks before they are placed in
position. There are several ways in which this may be done
with good results, but no method is simpler or gives greater
satisfaction than turning over the sods, thus burying the
grass or other herbage, placing on the top of these upturned
sods about 2 inches of cinders from the furnace, clinkers at
the bottom and the smaller asheB at the top, treading these
firm, then placing an inch of sand on this foundation and
again treading firm, leaving the whole for a few days until
the sand has been to some extent washed down, when after
another treading it will be found that a good surface has
been obtained, which with a little occasional care bestowed
upon it will look neat, will enable the bee-keeper at once to
detect anything thrown out of the hive, will afford a warm
bed for bees failing to reach the alighting board at the first
attempt, and will, lastly, be a very convenient place for the
bee-keeper when manipulating to use for temporarily
depositing a smoker or other article which he may be using.

Such a surface may bo prepared not only in front of the
hives but also between, under, and behind them ; but it is
most important to have such a surface in front of the hive,
even if on the other sides the grass is still allowed to remain.
It is far wiser to devote the apiary to the bees and the garden
to flowers, and not to attempt to grow flowers around and
about the hives, as I have so often seen those who have had
little experience in bee-keeping begin to do when planning
an apiary. No shrub or tree must be allowed to grow imme¬
diately in front of the hive, but at the back a hedge is a very
great protection, especially if it shields the hives from the
cold north-east winds which, blowing for weeks together in
early spring, are the cause of destruction to many of the
hardest workers, driving them away from the hive, which,
after several attempts, they are often unable to .regain if the
hives are so placed that these cold blasts can blow with full
force upon them. Trees and shrubs at some little distance
from the stocks are useful, but if the trees are very tall some
swarms may be lost unless means are taken to enable the
bee-keeper to reach the bees when they have swarmed near
the top. As a rule, however, unless a swarm is disturbed it
will settle in a low bush not far removed from the hive ; but
when a swarm has been once hived and gone forth again, or
when the cluster has been disturbed, the second “ knit ” is
not infrequently in a place somewhat more difficult of access.
Hives must not be placed too near a hedge or wall. Suffi¬
cient room must be left between such hedge or wall and the
hives to allow free passage between, and also to prevent the
drippings from falling on to the hives, and so creating damp.
All places where mice or toads might harbour should be
filled up, and care be taken that stands for the hives should
afford no protection to any bee enemies. The whole apiary
should be kept neat and free from everything which ought
not to be there. The hives should look as if there was an
intelligent owner not far distant who knows that “ a stitch
in time saves Dine.” There should be no tinsel ornament or
ostentatious attempt to please the eye at the expense of
usefulness and profit. No prim tidiness, but simply a forcible
determined effort to show the soundness of the old saying
which most of us have heard, “There’s a place for every¬
thing, let everything be in its place.” — Felix.

SYRIAN BEES.

I HAVE read with great pleasure the very interesting article at pages
57 and 58 by “ A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.” The Tunisian bees he men¬
tions I have had no experience with, but I am sure his ultimate success
and experience with these bees will be interesting to all bee-keepers,
and we will hail with delight anything he can tell us about them. His
third paragraph is to the point. Let those bee-keepers who have
hitherto failed with these foreign and prolific bees peruse the paragraph
well, and compare it with the mode of management they have hitherto
been advised to (and failed in) by those who teach a different mode of
management. Then they may perhaps find out the reason why their
foreign bees “ cannot do it.”

About forty years since a minister was ordained and installed into
office here. On a rustic being asked what he thought of the new minister

100

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t February 3, 1887.

his reply was, “ A real glide and decent kind o’ body, but his prayers did
nae gude, nor did his swearing dae onv ill.” This is and has been the
position of many of our writers on bee matters at the present time, with
this difference, however, some have assumed to be qualified teachers of
bee husbandry, and being interested in the sale of appliances their
letters have done much harm.

When writing upon any subject that I am not thoroughly acquainted
with, I state exactly my experiences and what I have observed, nothing
more. After I repeat an experiment and find the results by ocular
demonstration in accordance with my previous opinions, I think the
matter out thoroughly if possible, to find whether anything has not
misled me in my observations which may have caused me to form false
conclusions. Finding all satisfactory and in accordance with Nature
and reason, I set down the matter, whatever it may be, as a foregone
conclusion.

This course is just what I have been pursuing with my eastern bees,
therefore readily comply with the requests of “ A Hallamsliire Bee¬
keeper ” and give him the history of my Syrian bees. I am inclined
to think they are pure ; unlike my first Ligurian as well as my last ones.
The former, which I had from Mr. Swan of Dunse at a cost of 5 guineas,
had scarcely a trace of Liguarian blood in them, and the latter were
decidedly crossed with Cyprians, which I detected at once, owing to my
previous experience with Cyprians, but without which I could not have
detected it. Coupled with that and the disease I termed chloric dropsical
fever, I abandoned the Ligurian entirely, but while I did so retailers of
Italian queens were holding them up to the public and setting them
forth as a superior and prettier strain than previously imported ones. W ith
the exception of these spurious ones mentioned, I must say that nearly all
Italian queens I had were pure. On several occasions I had queens as
Ligurian, but entirely void of yellow markings. I never learned whether
these bees were a different variety or simply a freak of Nature. They
much resembled the Carniolian bee. But how did I know these Italians
to be pure ? Only from what Herman said about them and described at
first, and after I had bred a number there could be no question that they
were a fixed race of bees. After the Ligurian came the Egyptian. The
difference in these two races was very decided. When I became possessed
of the Cyprians I observed at once the difference in that race from any
other variety I had seen, and when Mr. Frank Benton seut over his first
consignment I procured two. I believed they were pure, and queens
subsequently obtained proved them a distinct breed, not only in the
uniformity of markings on the bees, but in their whole character.

The first Syrian I had from Mr. A. Neighbour was killed in the cage.
The bees accompanying it were saved, and I recognised in them a
distinct difference from what the Cyprians were, both in colour, shape,
and movements. The cause of the death of the queen was, there had
been two queens regnant in the hive at the same time. A second queen
was sent me, but it was unfertilised, and was of no use. A third one
came late in the autumn ; it bred greatly, and being unable to attend to
them it died.

My next one was had from Mr. A. Neighbour in 1884. It was sent
him direct from Syria by Mr. Frank Benton, as the others were, and its
progeny were similar in every respect to its predecessors, and are dis¬
tinctly a fixed variety. That is all I can say about them, and as Mr. F.
Benton has not, so far as I have experienced or heard, broken faith with
any bee-keeper in this country, we may, I think, without fear, take it
for granted they are pure Syrian bees. My imported queen is dead, but
as I explained in a previous article, I had a number of queens fertilised
in October by the Syrian drones. The progeny are prettily marked, and
seemingly a little darker in colour, I suppose from the effects of the
climate, and whether it be from the same cause or not, have wintered
as well as any other, notwithstanding the fact they have bred the whole
winter. In past winters many Syrian bees died. True, although the
frost has been protracted, 7° was the lowest temperature this season, but
I observed in previous winters many died at as low a temperature. A
very strong swarm that belonged to my original queen, old bees, have
wintered well. If spared in health I will do my utmost to obtain a
few generations of them and see if I can acclimatise them to this
country.

As to their temper, I stated exactly their behaviour without giving
my opinions, further thau saying, if manipulated in a high temperature
they would probably be no worse than other bees ; and at page 308, in
number for September 30th, 1886, I say, “ Spiteful and vicious they are
at times, but they have this quality, and, unlike the common blacks
they do not attack without provocation, while their crosses have proved
superior to anything I have ever witnessed.” I trust “ A Hallamshire
Bee-keeper ” will observe I do not set them down as “ truculent
pests,” as some do, neither do I think I shall have occasion to alter my
opinion of them as good honey gatherers, when the Cyprian and Syrian
races were the only ones that gave me honey in 1886, and are promising
now that they will not lag behind in 1887. I have faith in them, but
will provide them with room, and not prevent their swarming if they
are inclined. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES.

I thank “ Lanarkshire ” and “ Hallamshire Bee-keepers ” for their
kindness in replying to my question as to average of honey yield from
foreign bees. I must' say, though, that I am in as much of a fog as
ever, for neither gives any idea as to their takings, but praise the
foreigners. “ H. B. K.” we must excuse, as he has had his apiary out of
order for years through disease. I have had some of that in mine so

know what lit is. Tam not satisfied with “ L. B. K.’s” explanation,
but should like to know, as he takes no averages, what was the most he
took from a foreign stock last season, a bad one ; and what is the most
he has ever taken from a foreign stock in a good season. I do not sup¬
pose that he knows to an odd pound, but he must know near about the
quantity. I have kept bees for a number of years, and do not consider
myself a novice : I have spent much time and money on them, have
read a good deal and practised more, but cannot get on with these
foreigners. I have had one stock of Syrians : they were as quiet as flies
until they swarmed, and then they were worse than savage. I have
had in all about a dozen stocks of Italians, but no Cyprians, and from
the lot I have only had about 40 lbs. of honey. One season I had seven
strong stocks of Italians which did not contain as many pounds of
honey, while my English stocks had gathered close on 60 lbs. each. It
has been said that 1000 lbs. of honey have been taken from a stock of
Syrians, but it was in America I believe ; we must not, therefore, be
surprised, for they do such “ tall ” things there ; we must not expect
to approach it in our fickle climate anyway. During past season I have
not been able to see any difference in the breeding powers of Italians
and English. Stocks of each contained about twenty-five frames of
brood at one time, but when honey harvest came the Italians were
quickly ahead in numbers, but gathered very little honey, while the
English stood still in numbers but gathered plenty of honey. I should
like to get at some honey facts. — Notts Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset. — Manual for 1887.

John R. Box, Croydon. — Catalogue of Flower and Vegetable A eds.

Lucombe, Pince & Co., Exeter. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds,
1887.

James Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower
Seeds, 1887.

Thyne & Paton, 18 and 20, Union Street, Dundee. — Catalogue of Vege¬
table and Flower Seeds.

J. Burrell & Co., Cambridge. — List of Hybrid Gladioli.

James Vick, Rochester, New York. — Monthly Magazine and Floral
Guide ( illustrated ).

W. M. Beale, Neath. — Catalogue of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds.

Samuel Yates, 16 and 18, Old Millgate, Manchester. — Catalogue of Vege¬
table and Flower Seeds.

W. E. Boyce, Archway Road, Highgate. — Catalogue of Chrysanthemums .

Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, London. — Seed Catalogue , Spring, 1887.

James L. Boyson, Caen, France. — L:st of New Roses , 1886-87.

Bruant, Poitiers (Vienne), Franc”. — List t f New Plants.

Fisher, Son & Sibray, Market Street, Sheffi Id. — Catalogue of Ki chert
Garden and Flower Seeds.

Vilmorin, Andrieux & Cie., 4, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris. — General
Catalogue of Seeds, 1887.

Edmondson Brothers, 10, Dame Street, Dublin. — Sp ing Catalogue of
Vegetable and Flower Seeds.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue. For this reason we are compelled to hold over some that we
would have readily inserted this week had they reached us a day
or two sooner.

Making a Vine Border (G. E., South Wales). — Answers on all subjects
of gardening on which information is required are readily given without
charge to regular subscriters to this Journal.

Campanula persicifolia coronata (Antrim). — We believe the variety is
very similar to, if not identical with, the old double variety. The list
referred to includes the names of plants that are specially figured and
described during the year, but which are not always strictly new.

February 3, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

101

The Royal Jubilee (F. It. H. S.). — We would publish your letter if we
thought there was the slightest chance of its doing good. You, perhaps
did not think at the moment of writing that your proposition is outside the
range of practical projects ; and. moreover, if the letter appeared we should
be inundated with replies for which it would be quite impossible to find
space in this Journal.

the hypothesis that tubers which ripen early in the south start growing in
the winter and the first growths have to be rubbed off, the succeeding
growths being consequently weakened ; whereas tubers ripening late in the
north may not grow so soon, and their who’e strength be conserved till
planting. Possibly some of our readers may have a little to say on this
subject.

American Blight {Bray). — If you dissolve 4 ozs. of softsoap and half
an ounce of soda in a gallon of boiling rain water, and while still hot stir
very briskly in a pint of petroleum, and brush this well into the crevices of
the bark of your Apple trees, it will destroy all the insects it reaches without
injuring the tree* when in a dormant state. We have known pure
petroleum, tint you call paraffin, do considerable damage to young fruit
trees.

Planting Trees and Asparagus (Af. H.). — Autumn is a better time for
planting than spring, but we have planted thousands of trees in February
successfully. The conditions of success are small trees well rooted, and
those roots kept moist when out of the ground. Large trees with few roots,
and these dried, are almost certain to fail. Very much also depends on the
weather in March as to whether spring-planted trees grow freely, merely
exist, or die. See reply to another correspondent on this subject. The
roots of Asparagut should not be shortened, and must not be dried in transit.
In planting a round saddle-like ridge should be formed, the plants being
firmly set on it, and the roots spread out their full length on both sides.

Boilers {It. C.). — We have nothing toadltothe exhaustive notes on
different kinds of boilers that appeared in our columns during August and
September of last year from Air. W. Birdney. There are several boilers
that would he it your range of houses efficiently if well set and well
managed, and we cannot say which is the “ best ” for a position we have not
seen, and thus imp’y that all others are inferior. There iB not a boiler that
has lately been' advertised in our columns that we could not work satis¬
factorily.

Gooseberries ( Pershore ). — You give no indication as to the number you
require for your own use for dessert. We name two each of red, yellow,
green, and white varieties that are of good flavour, but the fruit of some of
them is small : — Red Champagne and Rough Red ; Early Sulphur and Yellow
Champagne; Glent m Green and Pitmaston Green Gage; Snowdrop and
Whitesmith. The following are extensively grown for market Crown
Bob, Lancashire Lad, Keens’ S.edling, Whinham’s Industry, Red Warring¬
ton, and Whitesmith.

Shifting Marechal Niel Rose ( W. E.). — The Rose would grow quite as
well in a large pot rs in a barrel. A pot 18 inches in diameter wou’d
support a very large plant, whi 'h by annual top-dressings, removing some
of the old and adding fresh soil and manure, might be kept healthy for
several years. The worst of barrels is they decay at an inconvenient time,
and pots do not ; these, however, should be shaded from the sun in hot
weather. Roses that require more root room may be shifted now, taking
care not to overwater afterwards, as if the new soil is rendered sour roots
will not enter it freely. As your Rose has grown so well you will know
what kind of soil to use, and we observe you ask no question on that
point.

Protecting Raspberries (Kitiie)i — We presume you purpose having a
skeleton framework over your Raspberry bed, and desire to cover it with
wire, the erection to remain permanently. One-inch-mesh galvanised wire
would answer, and it may be light, medium, or strong, this being mainly a
question of outlay, but governed also by the distance of the battens for
support'ng the wire ; netting of medium strength lasts for many years. It
is much cheaper to cover the framework with strong tarred fish netting,
securing it to battens placed on the ground from post to post round the bed.
This plan answers admirab'y, and if the netting be store i quite dry in a dry
place it may be used for sevtral seasons. It should be high enough for a
person to walk under comfortably for gathering the fruit. Of course, wire
netting is the most durable.

Water in Unheated Plant Houses ( G . C.). — It would be interesting to
know on what grounds your informant bases his statement that “ an op -n
pan of water placed among plants in an unheated conservatory helps to
protect them from frost.” In reference to your question as to “ how that
statement agrees with the fact that plants outdoors suffer more from frost
in a damp position than a dry one,” our reply is that we fail to perceive any
agreement between the two propositions. Heat is, no doubt, evolved in the
freezing of water, though in the case of a “ pan ” of it, it is infinitessimal
and inappreciable. But what after the water is frozen ? You will then
agree, we think, that the plants will be frozen, too, if the temperature
continues falling.

Transplanting Fruit Trees (W-). — Trees of the age and size you name
are best moved as early in autumn as is saf?, which is when the leaves are
generally falling and part readily from the trees. The ground is warmer
then than in spring, and the soil in better working order ; besides, the
weath r is moist, so that the trees do not experience any great loss from
evaporation. When planting is done in February or in early March the
ground is cold and often wet, and March very often proves dry, in which
case the trees have their vitality impaired through the loss consequent on
evaporation, and make late and weak growths. With large and valuable
trees every care should be taken in their removal, choosing the best time
of year, which unquestionally is autumn, and that we strongly advise in
your case. Young and small trees may safely be transplanted in spring,
but all are best moved as sood aft r the leaves fall as practicable. We have
had some unpleasant experience in moving large trees late in the season
through a dry and windy March following. By autumn planting the soil
gets well settled about the roots, and with the swelling buds in spring fresh
roots are produced freely.

Seeds (/?.). — You may safely purchase seeds from a warmer climate than
your own. The better the soil for sustaining healthy growth, and the finer
the summer for maturing it, the better are seeds both for the farm and the
garden. Potatoes are not seeds, but tubers, seed being gathered from the
berries of the plant. We do not know why Scotch Potatoes should be
regarded as better than south of England Potatoes for planting, except on

Tennis Court ( S . F.). — As the ground is very poor you could not do
better than pare off the turf as you propose, mixing manure liberally with
the top spit of soil. If you could stir the ground two spits deep it would be
an advantage. Do not, however, bringany bad soilti the surface, but merely
loosen it, and enrich the surface soi1. If the soil be heavy you may mix a
3-inch thickness of old mortar rubbish with the top spit, which would not
only make it drier but improve the texture of the grass. The ashes may be
mixed with the bottom spit, which, by making it porous, would be advan¬
tageous in respect of keeping the ground drier and encouraging the deeper
rooting of the grass. It will not answer to place a layer of ashes and other
rough stuff near the surface with a view to raising and keeping it dry, for
it would “ burn ” in summer, and frustrate the endeavour to form a close,
velvety, elastic lawn. To insure a lawn fit to play upon by June by all
means relay the turf if it be ccod. Whi st the turf is off be careful to
remove from it the roots of such plants as Daisies, Plantain, &c. Be careful
also to stir the groundto an uniform depth so as to insure its settling evenly,
a little extra pains in preparing the ground, and laying the turf being well
rewarded. Top-dress with well decayed manure as soon as the turf is laid
and beat it down. The earlier it is done after this the better. If the grass
be thin sow with grass seeds early in April after the manure has been
brushed in, raking over lightly after sowing, then rolling the whole well.
The lawn mower should not be used early and set low so as to shave the
lawn closely at first. It is better to let the grass from seed grow somewhat
freely, and first 11 run it over ” with a very sharp scythe.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — February 2nd.

Market quiet. Grapes making better prices, as also good samples of
home grown Apples.

FRUIT,
s. d. 8. d.

Apples . J sieve 2

„ Nova Scotia and

0 to 5 0

Cobs

Figs

Canada, per barrel

10

0

IS

0

0

0

0

0

. 100 lb.

60

0

70

0

0

0

0

0

1

a

3

6

10

0

15

0

Melon . each

Oranges . 100

Peaches . perdoz .

Pears . dozen

Pine Apples English .. tb.

Plums . i sieve

8t. Michael Pines ..each
Strawberries.. .. per lb.

s. d. s.
0 0 to 0
0 12

VEGETABLES.

s. d.

s. d

s. d.

8.

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

1 0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

1 0 to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0 0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0 6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0 6

1

0

Mustard and Cre3S punnet

0 2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1 0

2

0

Ouioas .. ..

0 3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0 0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2 0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

2 0

2

6

Parsnips .. ..

1 0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1 6

0

0

Potatoes .. ..

4 0

5

0

Capsicums

.. 100

1 6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4 9

5

0

Carrots .. ..

0 4

0

0

Rhubarb ..

.. bundle

0 2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3 0

4

0

Salsafy .. . .

1 0

1

0

Celery . , , •

1 6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1 6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2 0

4

0

Seakale .. ..

per basket

1 6

2

0

Cucumbers . .

. . each

0 3

0

4

Shallots . . ..

0 3

0

6

Endive •• ••

1 0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

3 0

4

0

Herbs . . . .

0 2

0

0

Tomatoes ..

0 6

1

0

Leeks • • • •

0 3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

0 4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s. d.

8.

d.

b. d.

8.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi

. . dozen

9 0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1 6 to

7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6 0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0 0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6 0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2 0

10

0

Azalea . . . .

per dozen 24 0

86

0

Hyacinths

per dozen

6 9

9

0

Beidlng Plants,

var. doz.

0 0

0

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Begonias

. . dozen

4 0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Cineraria

per dozen

9 0

12

0

Lilium anratum

per doz.

0 0

0

0

Cyclamen

.. dozen 12 0

24

0

Lilies V alley . .

.. dozen 18 0

24

0

Cvuerui . . . .

4 0

12

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30 0

60

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6 0

12

0

„ viridis

.. dozen 12 0

24

0

Myrtles . . . .

6 0

12

0

Erica, various

. . dozen

9 0

12

0

Narciss (various)

. . dozen 12 0

15

0

„ hyemalis

per dozen 12 0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2 6

21

0

gracilis

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6 0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6 0

18

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4 0

6

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6 0

24

0

Solan <4 ns

per doz.

9 0

12

0

Ferns, in variety

.. dozen

4 0

18

0

Tulips .. . .per doz. pots

6 0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s. d.

s.

a.

s. d.

8.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

Azalea .. .. 12 sprays

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias . . 12 blooms

Carnations • . 12 blooms

„ .. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

,, 12 blooms

Cornflower

Cyclamen

Dahlias

Epiphyllum

Eucharis

Gardenias

12 bunches
12 blooms
12 bunches
doz. blooms
per dozen
12 blooms 12
1

0 to 4

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 spray3

. 12 sprays 4

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms 2
Lapageria, red ..12 blooms 1
„ longiflorum,12blms. 0
Lilac (white), French, buneh 6

0 0
0 0

0 0
0 0
0 9
0 0
0 0
6 0
21
1

0
6
0
0
2 0
0 0
8 0

Lily ol the Valley, 12 spray3
Marguerites .. 12 bunches

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch
„ White, English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Boses .. 12 bunches

„ (indoor), per dozen

„ Tea . dozen

„ red (French) dozen
Parme Violets (French)
Poinsettia . . 12 bloomi

Primula (single) per bunch
„ (double) per bnnch
Stocks, various 12 bunches
Tropaeolnm . . 12 bunches

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms

Tulips . . . . doz. blooms

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

„ Czar, French, per bunoh

0 9 to 1 6

6 0
6 0

1 6
0 0
2 6
4 9

102

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ February 8, 1887.

SOIL LESSONS.

Very wide is the difference of opinion of farmers in what
we may aptly term the old and new schools upon many
matters affecting their calling, but there is very little differ¬
ence of opinion concerning drainage. All sensible men
acknowledge its importance, but the manner of doing it is
but too often a matter of mere opinion and not an outcome
of mature experience. It is for this reason that we have
touched upon the most important points of ordinary drainage,
and have striven to explain why we drain. Four feet deep
and 80 feet apart was at one time insisted upon by our lead¬
ing authorities as the only safe depth and distance apart for
land drains. But experience has shown that we may modify
these figures with advantage, and that in certain cases 2 to
3 feet deep and from 15 to 20 feet apart answers best. There
can be no doubt that when new drains act well the soil shrinks
and cracks — not in the same way as from drought, but
generally in so microscopic a manner as to be invisible to the
naked eye. There, however, are the cracks, and we may
therefore be assured that air enters the soil sooner or later
after the drains are made, tha6 a change for the better follows,
but the change will be very slow indeed if porosity is not
promoted by other means,

Before draining is taken in hand at all, each field or plot
of land should be carefully examined, and due thought given
to its special requirements. It is impossible to lay down
rules for general guidance, rather would we in is t upon the
importance of relieving the land of superfluous water and
explain why it should be done. We have done so, and have
given one or two examples of our own practice, which has
been somewhat extensive. Results have invariably proved
satisfactory when the work was well done, but we cannot
claim to have been so fortunate as to have avoided faulty
work altogether. Just as the strength of a chain is affected
by a weak link, so is the action of a drain by a badly laid
pipe. It is for this reason that we like to test each drain
with water before the trench is refilled, and it is quite worth
while doing so if we have to cart water to the upper end of
the drains. For all ordinary work 2-inch pipes are large
enough. Elaborate calculations have been made as to the
size of pipes, but if we have to treat very wet land we still
keep to 2-inch pipes for all branch drains, only we take care
to make enough drains to carry off the water quickly and
well.

Practical knowledge and common sense enable the
ordinary farmer to dispense with scientific calculations in
this matter, and it is our aim to enable him to do so. By
all means let science play its part, but let it be science in
conjunction with practice, and very much so say we. Depend
upon it the stirring active man is not wont to take things for
granted, he wants to know and will know the reason why
his land requires drains, and when he is convinced of the
necessity of drainage, be very sure it will be done in a
thorough manner. He may know nothing of science, but
anything that applies to his understanding will arrest his
attention, and be well “ thought out ” before he has done
with it. We have recently purchased a farm of 100 acres to
add to what we may term the home estate. The late owner,
as he acknowledged, at one time had plenty of money, but he
was naturally ofa somewhat easy-going disposition and gave no
thought to making a provision for the proverbial rainy day,
which under the depression eventually fell upon him with
such scathing power that he, in common with many other
farmers of the old school, became bankrupt. He was a good
master, a good neighbour, highly respectable, and undoubtedly

an honest man. But he was not energetic, he could no» rise
to an emergency at once, and though a great reader he was no
a deep thinker, and so when bad times fell upon him he
failed to realise the gravity of his position, and, like so many
more, he struggled on hoping for better times — and eventually
was ruined. Now the soil of his farm was of such excellent
staple, and the situation was so advantageous for the disposa
of farm produce, that we actually had six applicants for is
farm immediately after it became known that _we *
purchased it. We have let if to a man who already holds
two farms upon the same estate, and he has already hi® ■ ®
his mark upon the land. Energetic action has wort 1 ?
replaced drowsy sluggishness, the soil is being cultiva ®
thoroughly at last, and we have no fear but that he will do
something more than pay his way. We have found him a
remarkably “keen hand;” nothing at all calculated to pro-
mote his interest is overlooked, the covenants of his new
agreement have had to undergo the scrutiny of a shrew ,
able man, and we have willingly made one or two alterations
in them, for he is precisely one of those men who have
intelligence, energy, and ability to rise to an emergency,
grave even as that which is upon us, to grapple with
difficulties arising out of it, and to overcome them.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Ploughing is now being pushed on briskly, and the crumbling
furrows show how deeply the long frost laid its icy grasp upon the land.
Glad should we have been had it been possible to finish our ploughing
before winter, but that was impossible, simply because we have so much
of it. No doubt many an energetic man holding a farm well within ms
means was able to clean and plough his stubbles immediately after
harvest, but our difficulties with poor foul land are so heavy that we
cannot always get through our work so soon as we wish to do. ine
appearance of winter corn is satisfactory, and our prospects for food toi
the flock are excellent. We have the ewe flocks on grass reserved
specially for them, and there is such an abundance of it that they refuse
to touch the hay. Crushed corn and roots are eaten greedily, but they
are by no means eager after chaff. Our shepherd upon the home farm
has recently lost four ewes ; two of them died from causes which we
knew were unavoidable, but the other two were said to be owing to
inflammation, and the carcases were disposed of to a dealer before we
were told of our loss. We at once insisted upon being told at once ot
any sickness among the sheep, and that none of them should be sent
away till we had seen them. A ewe heavy in lamb is liable to become
cast— ?>., to roll over upon its back and be unable to get up. It left in
this position for an hour it may die, and in point of fact does die.
We found one in such a position lately ; it was struggling hard
yet could not get up. The shepherd was not there, and had
we not pushed the sheep over upon its legs it would soon,
have been dead, and we should probably have heard of another loss from
“inflammation.” We at once found the shepherd, and had to insist
upon close and constant attention to his charge, nor would we listen to
any attempt at excuse of his but too evident negligence. The loss ot
every pregnant ewe is equivalent to a money value of £3, and we shall
certainly be much among the sheep till the lambing is over. At the
time of writing this note the weather is soft and spring-like, and is
r'prtn.inlv most favourable for both lambs and sheep.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THB DAT.

Rain

1887.

January.

Barome¬
ter at 328
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Boll at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

30.515

40.0

37.9

N.

37.2

40 8

39.8

43.7

37.4

—

30.286

35.7

34.6

S.E.

37.8

38.3

35.1

34.8

—

30.221

39.2

38.6

S.E.

37.3

489

35.4

b5.4

83.3

—

..26

30.321

39.9

38.7

E.

37 7

49 7

35.1

«$■%

27.8

—

. 27

30.386

36.5

36.3

Calm

37.2

412

32.4

42 i

28.1

—

80.381

42.6

42.1

S W.

37-2

491

324

56.

29.0

—

Saturday . .

..29

30.496

47.6

46.6

S.W.

38.7

48.7

41.9

53.1

37.9

—

30.372

40.2

39.3

37.6

45.2

36.0

53.1

32.6

—

REMARKS.

23rd.— Overcast morning, clear afternoon.

24th.— Slight fog in morning, cloudy all day.

25th.— Cloudy early, fair day, with a moderate amount of sunshine.

26th.— Dull eany, tine pleasant day.

27th,— Dense fog all the morning and evening, clearing a little in afternoon.

28th.— Fog early, fine day.

2 9th.— Fair throughout, but dull.

A rainless week, with very little sunshine and much fog. Temperature 5P above tha
of the preceding week, and nearly 3" above the average.— G. J. SYMOKS.

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

103

10

TH

11

F

12

S

13

SUN

14

M

15

Tu

IS

w

Royal Society at 4.80 p si.

Queaett Club at 8 I\M.

nyal Romanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

Sexagesima.

Hlortu uitural B.nefit Society, Annual Meeting Caledonian Hotel.
Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

‘^S^FTER the unfortunate failure of the Society’s
provincial Show at Liverpool and the financial
loss sustained thereby, a cheering balance
sheet was out of the question. It was not,
however, perhaps generally anticipated that
the deficit on the year’s transactions would
amount to nearly A 1 600. Yet such is the
fact, as is clearly stated in the auditors’ report
that is published in another column. The only pleasant
sentence in that report is the meed of praise accorded to
Mr. Dick for the “perfect manner ” in which he has kept
the accounts of the Society. That is very high praise
indeed, and if it were not merited it would not have been
accorded by the experienced scrutineers whose names are
appended to the document. Mr. Dick is an old and ex¬
perienced official, and we are pleased to see his diligence
and care so emphatically acknowledged, for, having the
Society’s interests deeply at heart, his task must have
been the reverse of exhihrating.

It seems that the most formidable item in reducing
the revenue of the year is the £850 as representing the
subscriptions of the large number of Fellows who re¬
signed because their tickets, which admitted to the Indian
and Colonial Exhibition, were made non-transferable.
This was done entirely by the Royal Commissioners, as
landlords of the property, the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society having no voice in the matter. In
this respect the Society has been the victim of an alliance
that, however, in some other respects might have been ad¬
vantageous. Whether the Exhibition Committee or Com¬
missioners were substantially benefited by the withdrawal
of the privilege is perhaps a moot question; but it is quite
certain the Society was injured, and that during a signally
unfortunate season.

Still we would not unduly magnify the importance of
those resignations for it must be conceded, we think,
that persons who withdrew their support from the Society
because they could not lend their tickets to friends and
servants for visiting the Colonial, &c., Exhibition, could
not be in very deep sympathy with the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society and its work At best they were not sup¬
porters to be depended on, and if they had not resigned
last year they would probably have taken their departure
this in the absence of any great sensation in the gardens
to which they could have access. “Fellows” of that
kind are not such as can be relied on for the steady sus¬
tenance of the Society, and it is a question if “ local
support ” in the past has not been purchased at too high
a price.

It has been the alliance of the Royal Horticultural
Society with the world of fashion, which it has had to
share in feeding, that has crippled its power for pro-

No. 346.— Vol. XIY., Third Series.

moting its legitimate work, and has thereby alienated
those who ought to be its natural supporters — horticul¬
turists of various grades all over the country. It is free
from all binding alliances now, having just had an escape
that not a few persons who are interested in its welfare
will deem fortunate rather than otherwise, and this brings
us to consider the genera1, report ol the Council, apart
from the auditors’ report above noticed.

The report opens with the recital of a scheme for
joining hands, so to speak, with the Corporation of the
Royal Albert Hall on the basis indicated on another page.
The “ preliminary negotiations ” referred to had for their
object, no doubt, the securing for the Society on easy
terms the necessary structural conveniences for the
transaction of its business, and it was not unnaturally
thought that there was nothing particularly incongruous
in the association of music and flowers ; indeed, this
association is formally established in Belgium, and we
believe in several instances both Horticultural and Har¬
monic Societies have been strengthened by the amalgama¬
tion. The proposition in question was therefore not quite
visionary in its inception ; but we are not able to with¬
hold the expression ot our opinion that the embodiment
of the scheme in the report was not called for under
existing circumstances. We have reason to believe that
the negotiations entered into between the Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society and that of the Royal Albert
Hall Corporation fell through, in consequence of the latter
having failed to get powers to enable them to obtain pos¬
session of the Conservatory and the upper part of the
garden It would have been better to have promptly
expunged all the matter relating to the scheme, as its
publication without comment or explanation tends to
mislead. Instead of the paragraphs on that subject being
“ taken as read,” they should have been taken as wiped out.

It is gratifying to find that in many respects the work
of the Society is regarded as satisfactory, and we have
not a doubt correctly so. As worthy of particular
mention are the special committees and conferences, the
Chiswick trials, the fortnightly meetings, the special
shows, and the winning of a second prize for an essay by
one of the under gardeners, xvhose name, however, is
withheld. The distribution of ordinary seeds and plants
is to be discontinued, and not, we think, before time, as
numbers of packets could be purchased for a few pence
from seedsmen, the distribution of what is rare and not
readily obtainable being more in consonance with the
Society’s functions.

We are told in the report that 230 first-class certifi¬
cates to plants and flowers were submitted for adjudication
during the year ; but if, as we are informed, those mem¬
bers of the committees who refrain from voting are not
counted as negatives, we do not hesitate saying that a
different method of procedure is urgently needed, as it is
evident that by the policy of individual self-effacement of
members plants may be officially stamped as superior by
a minority of votes. Possibly more may be heard on this
subject, for if the practice indicated is common the credit
of the Society and the value of its certificates must bo
seriously impaired sooner or later.

The future of the Society is not easy to forecast.
That it has a future there can be no doubt. It will sur¬
mount present difficulties. A home of its own on its own
freehold is the great desideratum. Until this is forth¬
coming its head-quarters can probably continue at South
Kensington on the easy terms of freedom from payment
of rent. The difficulty is the acquirement of a perma-
, No. 2002.— Von. LXXVI., Old Series.

104

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10,1887.

nent site. Is it too much to hope that the Commissioners,
who hold the land for public purposes, will grant a
Jubilee gift to the Society that has done so much on the
estate and for the property adjoining? A grant was
made for the School of Music and the Royal Albert Hall.
Perhaps the turn of the Royal Horticultural Society may
come next, and, a site assured, a building would follow.

But cannot something be done this year to reduce the
financial deficit ? If those who have the power have the
will to represent the horticultural industry by a great
honorary commemorative Jubilee Exhibition in the con¬
servatory and arcades, it would be a practical method of
displaying sympathy with the Society, esteem for the
Sovereign, and would bring the resources of cultivation
effectively before the public. Then there remain for con¬
sideration special exhibitions or congresses — say of
Rhododendrons, Palms and Ferns, Roses, Grapes, with
other things that will suggest themselves if any such pro¬
gramme should be entertained by the authorities and by
the great body of cultivators who could so well carry it
out.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 85.)

TRANSPLANTING ROSES.

This operation, which, if we wish to grow blooms up to exhibi¬
tion standard, will require to be done every three or four years,
may be carried out in a similar way to ordinary planting in the first
instance, except that there will be more old thick roots to cut back
than in the case of the young, or maiden plants as they are called.
The soil should be loosened and the plants raised out of the ground
with a fork ; a spade should not be used, as it cuts away and so
destroys the fibrous roots, which are to be preserved as much as
possible. Large tap roots should be boldly cut back short, and
when the soil has been renovated and improved the plants may be
replanted as before. I expect some Rose growers will object to
moving the plants every three years, and in cases where the natural
soil is good, and one desires large trees, a longer interval might be
allowed ; but I would remind those who wish to object that I spoke
of exhibition blooms, which cannot be cut from plants whose roots
have been allowed to wander out of the reach of the stimulants and
manure we wish to apply to them.

In planting or transplanting remember that the roots of plants
naturally are always in the moist ground ; their office is to draw up
water and convey it into the branches. This action is always going
on, summer and winter, so it is easy to see that if you dry the
roots at all you interfere, for the time, with the life of the plants.
Remember, therefore, in planting, always to keep the roots moist,
and you will never get far wrong.

DISTANCE APART TO PLANT.

Where the wind and sun have free access, dwarf plants may
be planted 1 foot apart in beds ; in rows the same distance from
plant to plant, but about 2 feet between the rows ; near houses or
large trees or plantations more room must be allowed. Standards
and the larger growers among the dwarfs should not be placed quite
so close together. Indeed standards in places where they grow
luxuriantly should be at least 3 feet apart. In any case Roses do no
good crowded, air and sun being necessary to ripen the wood.

WINTER TREATMENT.

All Roses, planted in the open are very much benefited by having
a good mulching or layer of manure spread over the surface of the
ground, which serves to protect the roots from severe frosts, sup¬
posing these occur, during the season. Their shoots should be
firmly staked and tied, so that the winter storms shall not loosen the
roots m the ground. Often have I seen Rose trees rocked to and
fro in the wind until quite a hole was worked round the base of
the stems. In wet weather this hole soon becomes filled with water
tind in retentive soils will not benefit the roots. A s before men-
tioned, all Rose trees, newly planted or otherwise, may have their
shoots cut back to about 18 inches in the late autumn, which gives
the wind less power over them.

In very exposed places dwarf Roses may be earthed up like
Potatoes in the autumn, and though the frosts may kill the stems
down to the soil, the fine plump buds round the base will burst
forth in the spring and carry blooms that will astonish the beginner
with their quality and size. Tea Roses in the open ground should

always be treated in this way, in addition to having their branches
covered with dried fern or hay tied loosely round with bast or
string. Even then these branches often perish in this neighbourhood,
one reason being that the wood of Tea Roses rarely is ripe ; in this,
as in the former case, the earthing up gives the plant a double chance
of surviving.

WHERE TO PLANT ROSES.

I remember at a flower show admiring a box of Roses I had staged
earlier in the day. Here let me pause to warn beginners and others
from expressing their opinions on the merits or otherwise — especially
otherwise — of boxes of Roses they see at shows too freely while
they are in close proximity to the aforesaid boxes, for the ex¬
hibitor as a rule hangs about and hovers round his exhibit much as
a murderer is said to haunt the scene of his crime. As I stood
there my attention was drawn to a lady and gentleman who were
admiring the flowers. The lady was particularly loud and
enthusiastic in her praises — “ What loves ! How superb ! How
lovely !” &c. When she had gone on like this for some time her
husband spoke to me and addressed me by name. The lady
immediately burst out with “ Oh, Mr. G., however do you grow
such lovely Roses ? I would give anything if we could have them
as fine as these. However do you do it ?” Of course I told her.
I explained that it was done mainly by means of manure, pruning
knives, attention, and sunshine. She was much impressed, and
finally it was agreed that I should go and inspect their Roses and
say what was to be done. I went. Along the drive appioaching
the house were planted at intervals in the grass a lot of wretched
sickly-looking standards with here and there on their poor puny
branches an odd bloom about the size of a walnut, all round among
the mixed borders, stuck in anywhere to live or die or drag out a
miserable existence in ground literally filled with a network com-

Eosed of the roots of large trees and small shrubs, Aucubas, Yews,
aurels, and many others were the Roses. “ Planted last year,” the
lady said, “ and dying ever since,” said I to myself. “We got
them from so and so, but they have not been at all satisfactory ;
we shall not go there for any more.” How often does this happen !
An unfortunate nurseryman supplies good plants with the best in¬
tentions, and, then, in consequence of the neglect or ignorance of
the very first principles of Rose-growing on the part of the buyer,
he gets blamed without any reason. I say most emphatically that
if the beginner intends to plant Roses in this way and in these
situations he might just as well plant them in the coal hole or make
a bonfire of them at once.

After that I was led away to what was called the rosery proper,
a large square in the kitchen garden, where about a hundred trees
were planted in rows. This looked more like business. “We
planted these some years ago, when we first came to the house,” the
lady explained. “ You have lived here a long, long time ” thought I.

“ They are all very good varieties, but they do not seem to bloom
very freely, and when they do bloom the flowers are so small.
Now here is one plant, there are several of the same sort,” in¬
dicating a very fine old plant, or, more properly, tree of the
Manetti stock. “ This never blooms. Can you tell me why ? ’ I
hastened to explain to her that the Manetti rarely bloomed in this
country, and I further showed her how the inserted bud had long
since perished, and that what was growing was only the stock, but
I could see that she was rather dubious about it.

These Manettis appeared to be about the finest and most
vigorous plants in the whole collection, the others were more or
less debilitated, and required replacing badly. The Manetti
flourishing in this way proves to me, that however short-lived it
may be as a stock on which to grow other Roses — that it is short¬
lived I have proved over and over again to my own satisfaction — it
lives and flourishes rarely as a bush on its own account. To return
to the lady’s garden. It appeared they rarely applied manure to
these Roses or to those in the borders I spoke of — never. No
wonder they did no good.

From this garden what a pleasure to pass to another not far
away from it, where not the least pleasing thing to the eye of a
gardener is a goodly heap of manure ; where the standard Roses,
placed singly in round beds on the lawn — not planted in the grass,
where the roots must be starved — are the picture of health ; where
grand old trees of Gloire de Dijon are trained over wire arches, their
shoots in many cases 12 feet long or more ; where the dwarf Roses
are planted in sunny positions in dozens, in beds, each variety to
itself, properly pruned and manured, and attended to, and giving
to the possessor of them, as I know they do, a very great deal of
pleasure.

I am afraid I have wandered a little, but I thought a sketch of
these two gardens would be instructive, and convey my meaning
perhaps better than a more severe view of the subject. To sum up
in a few words — light and air are absolutely necessary. Plant your
Roses, therefore, where they will get as much sun and wind as

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

105

possible ; where there is no wind there you will find the cater¬
pillar, the green fly, mildew, and kindred abominations. Wind will
do the Roses no harm, but in very exposed places shrubs should be
planted so as to break the full force of the gales. Plant your
Roses where the roots of trees cannot come to rob the soil of the
manure you put in. They are best in beds by themselves. When¬
ever I see a Rose planted under trees or in a close place I always
think I can imagine it, by its habit of growing under these circum¬
stances, crying out as plainly as possible, “ Give me air, give
sunshine, or I die ! ” — D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

GRAPES WITHOUT HEAT FOR THE MILLION.

( Continued from page 55.)

Pruning. — It is best done shortly after the leaves have fallen.
Some defer it until spring, alleging the frost acts disastrously on the
cuts. That I have not observed, but when pruning is deferred until
late spring there is danger of bleeding. It is certainly not wise to
delay pruning until late, and it should not be done in frosty weather.
The spur shoots may be cut to two eyes or buds, or, if they are
plump, to one. Longer pruning will give larger bunches, but they
will be looser, and have a larger per-centage of stoneless small
berries. If compact bunches cannot be obtained by close pruning
practise long ; but then we must take a shoot from near the base as
well as the fruiting one, so as to displace the long shoot after the
fruit is cut. It is a very excellent plan of rejuvenating the spurs —
i.t., when they get elongated and become enfeebled, but a better
plan is to train in a young cane from the base, and when it has
grown sufficiently cut out the old rod. This is easy ; only select a
shoot near the base of the rod to be displaced, train it up, cut it
back to as many feet as it makes of ripened wood, and cut away
the spurs to that length on the old rod. Continue this year by year
until the young cane reaches the extent of the space with ripe wood,
then cut the old rod away. The spur under good treatment will
remain fruitful for many years. The other systems of training are
pruned on the same lines. The spurs or shoots not being extensions
are cut back to one or two buds ; young canes or leaders to firm
ripe wood with well developed eyes, they may be only a few joints
long or they may be several feet. There is limit only as the ripe
wood determines ; but if wo leave a cane 6 feet long and take eight
hunches of fruit upon it we weaken the Yine as much again as if
we only left 3 feet and took four bunches of Grapes. The con¬
sequence may be that we get double the weight of fruit one year
at the expense of the next, as the eight shoots will be less strong
and not have such plump eyes at their base as in the case of four
shoots. The pruning may therefore be too long for the production
of strong side shoots, yet that is also dependent on their cropping.
An over-burdened Yine or shoot will never have well-developed
base shoots.

Disbudding. — A number of eyes and shoots appear on Yines
besides those we want, particularly on outdoor Yines. All not
wanted are rubbed off when young. There is no fear of the Vines
bleeding after they push the buds. Latent or other buds coming
where not wanted cannot be rubbed off too soon, those on the spurs
or extensions may he allowed to grow until the fruitful and best
shows can be seen, then those growths not wanted can be rubbed
off, and it should be persisted in right along, but very few growths
make headway after the principal ones are well on their way.

Tying. — Thi3 requires care. The young shoots are brittle. If
brought down or tied too short they will snap and the bunch of
fruit be lost. Too hasty handling of the shoots will disturb them
at the base. They want humouring. Tie them so as to insure an
even spread of foliage, and allow plenty of space in the ties for the
swelling of the shoots. This attended to from time to time is all
that is required, as the less ties the better if only the growth is
secured in proper position and the fruit made safe.

Watering. — In March house and case Vines should have a
thorough soaking of water, repeated if necessary so as to bring the
borders into a thoroughly moist state. If tepid and coloured with
manurial matter all the better. Those against walls with projecting
copings or eaves may need a thorough soaking of water or the
liquid. This can easily be ascertained by examination. If dry
give a good soaking, and some tepid liquid will do no harm, only it
must not be too strong. This will suffice until about the time of
disbudding or after. When the Vines are in full leaf covered
borders will need a thorough soaking every fortnight right up to
colouring time. In dull weather it may be required less frequently,
and in bright hot weather at shorter intervals. With the soil porous
and the drainage good, it can hardly be overdone in the broiling hot
days of June, July, and August. A fall of 2 inches of thunder
rain in a day does more good than the same quantity falling in
showers over a month. Soakings are wanted, not driblets. Make

sure that the soil is in a thoroughly moist condition when the
Grapes are colouring, and no further supply will be required. There
must not, however, be any doubt, if there is give a soaking. Some
people are so afraid of water that the Vines have to finish the
Grapes in a Sahara-like soil. The Grapes shrivel even before they
are matured, and no watering afterwards will ever restore their
plumpness.

Feeding. — When in full leafage the amount of water evaporated
is enormous. It may seem fanciful, but I have an idea that the
more food ascends with the water the more the Yines store up — i.e.,
in bright weather as compared with simple waterings. With water
only I have seen the foliage remain thin and get paler ; with
liquid manure I have noticed others get firmer and assume a
darker hue, the wood and buds must be improved in structure and
development, to say nothing of the benefit to the present crop.
Weak supplies of liquid manure are invariably advised. Safety is
everything, as an overdose would be injurious if not fatal. I find,
however, that manuring is like watering. Pinches on the surface
and often are not equal to one good mulching, and the same amount
of manure in liquid form given at half a dozen times is not as
valuable as when it is given all at once. The contents of the liquid
manure tank poured on the border thick, and followed at once with
a thorough soaking of water, is more potent than when the liquid is
diluted with six times the water before applying it. The liquid is
the drainings of dungyards. The cesspools that take urine only, or
the slops from laundries are not safe. Three good soakings of
liquid manure may be given — viz., after the fruit is of thinning
size, midway of the swelling, and when it is about to change colour.
No liquid is so good as the drainings of the dungyard.

Mulching. — Two inches in thickness of short loose manure kept
moist is a great attraction to the roots, and if they work in it add
a little fresh from time to time as it is reduced or washed iD. It
need only be used during growth, and when the last watering is
given mulch with a few inches thickness of dry short litter. It
keeps the moisture in the soil, prevents it cracking, and it is not
wanted in the atmosphere. Outside and inside borders should in
winter be covered with a few inches thickness of dry material as a
protection to the roots from frost. With the roots safe the part
above ground takes no harm in the most severe weather.

Surface Dressings. — Mulchings of manure are outside the
question in some places ; besides, it is usual to give a winter sur¬
facing. The loose surface being cleared away, an inch or two of fresh
loam, containing about a twentieth of bonemeal, is given. It is
excellent. There is soot about most places, also bones which can
be dissolved with sulphuric acid, and clippings of hedges or other
pruning which can be converted by burning into wood ashes. The
last dry can be mixed with the pasty dissolved bones, and the soot
added, making an artificial manure fit for anything, especially the
Yine. The soot, dissolved bones, and wood ashes should be used in¬
equal proportions by bulk. It may be applied at the rate of a peck
per rod (3*0| square yards) at the winter dressing to enrich the soil,
and again when the Grapes are fairly swelling after thinning.

Syringing. — We want stout short-jointed wood and thick
leathery foliage, which are not to be had in a close moist atmosphere
and with foliage regularly syringed. In our case and house a well-
moistened soil, damping the borders and all other surfaces except
the Yine foliage in the morning and closing time, suffices from the
Yines swelling their buds until flowering, when it is discontinued.
Afterwards it is had recourse to until the Grapes are somewhat
advanced in ripening. The house and case are sprinkled each evening
with weak liquid manure. If care is taken to keep down dust an
occasional washing is not necessary. If it be, use clear rain water
only ; and for cleansing, if anything of a parasitical nature needs a
destroying agent, use clear rain water. If hard water is used it is
sure to leave a sediment, and nothing disfigures Grapes so much.
When the Grapes are advanced in ripening the syringe must be laid
aside. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

HARD WATER v. BOILERS.

I DID not overlook the remarks on this subject by “ A. W." (page 524
in last volume), but various causes have delayed my reply. Advice of
any kind ought to be acceptable to me, especially seeing bow fond I am
of advising others, but I do object to my mentors taking it for granted
that I am unacquainted with the most elementary rules of any science
or practice upon which I happen to touch. Take the following for in¬
stance : — “ It does not appear to him (meaning poor me) that the more
hard water he allows to enter his boiler the greater the sediment or in¬
crustation that become firmly attached to the inner surface.” “ A. \V .”
further adds : — “ When this deposit of saline matter occurs in a boiler it
is very much injured by the increased heat of the surface exposed to the
fire, and considerably more fuel will be consumed, in raising the
requisite heat to be transmitted to the various houses in order to keep
up the desired temperature. Not only is there a waste in fuel, but in-

106

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

jury to the boiler, for the metal is certain to burn where the sediment is
deposited, which results in the many failures and patches that Mr.
Iggulden has to attach to the boilers under his charge.” Now, I ask
who should know more about this than those who have spent so many
weary hours trying to rectify the breakdowns ? It was a good oppor¬
tunity for airing a little superficial knowledge, but I should have
thanked him for some more practical hints. We well knew what
caused the incrustation, &c ; how to avoid it is the difficulty we have
to master. “ Thinker’s ” suggestions that, failing soft water tanks,
petroleum barrels be substituted for storing a convenient supply of soft
water, no doubt would answer very well in a small way, but unless our
whole system were overhauled and thoroughly put into sound order we
should require a most imposing row of these same barrels.

In nearly every instance that a breakdown has occurred or repairs
have been needed nearly the whole of the pipes had to be emptied, and
as nearly 3000 gallons of water are needed to fill them, it will be readily
understood why I consoled myself for having a good convenient supply
of hard water at hand. Any method of storing soft water we might
adopt would necessitate hand labour by pumps or otherwise in refilling
the pipes, but the hard water reservoir is higher than the supply tank
of the boiler, and being filled by horsepower manual labour is dispensed
with. Our case is, I hope, an isolated one, and I mentioned it in the first
instance to illustrate what it falls to the lot of some few to have to con¬
tend with, as well as to confirm what has been previously advanced as
to the possibility of patching some kinds of boilers. The next boiler I
have put in here will have some provision made for frequent flushings,
as it is only by this means shall we be long safe from breakdowns. Not
only is our spring water very hard, but rain water stored in tanks soon
becomes nearly as bad. Further, I ask, Is there no sediment in connec¬
tion with soft water ? I am of opinion there is ; I could have proved it
last winter in fact, but it certainly does not so rapidly injuriously affect
a boiler. In this case much depends upon the circulation in the pipes,
or whether the rise and fall is rapid or otherwise.

“ A. W.” justly concludes I am not much in favour of joints in hot-
water pipes being packed with iron filings, and asks what I would sub¬
stitute for the same, especially underground. He evidently considers
he has asked an awkward question, but it ought to have occurred to him
that if I did not believe in the rust joints above ground, owing to their
liability to burst, I should still more dislike burying them in the mains,
where they would be practically inaccessible at all times. Three or
four different hot- water engineers have contributed to the work of heat¬
ing our houses, and we have three distinct kinds of jointing. Some are
packed with rope and rusted iron filings, others with roping and Vulcan
cement, and the rest are what is known as expansion-jointed, indiarubber
rings playing a prominent part in the latter. Every season several of
the joints packed with iron filings burst, and that, too, in some where
only put together about nine years. Tarred roping (for cheapness, I
presume) being used with the Vulcan cement, this failed to set properly,
the heat of the pipes mixing the tar with the cement, and “ a weeping ”
joint follows. If new roping had been used the case might have been
different ; but as I have been told in confidence that the cement also
varies considerably in quality, this packing will not be recommended by
me. The remainder jointed with indiarubber rings has not given any
trouble whatever, and that, too, during a period of close upon twenty
years. These expansion-jointed pipes are rather cheaper, I believe, than
the ordinary pipes, are very much more expeditiously put together, any
ordinary labourer being competent to do most of the work, "and should
there be a leakage or crack there is no necessity to employ a mechanic
and labourer for nearly half a dav (or longer if you do not sharpen them
up a bit) in cutting out, putting on a collar, and remaking the three
joints incidental to each repair. These rings are not suitable for con¬
necting near the boiler, and here the mixture of red lead, iron filings,
and sal-ammoniac, as well as socket joints, is necessary. Not only
should the mains be laid in chambers, so as not to come into contact
with the surrounding soil or other material used for filling the
trenches, but they should also be enclosed in' loose felt. Unless this is
done the radiation is unchecked, and the loss of heat complained of by
A bcot, on page 29, is the consequence. A few of our main pipes
are unavoidably exposed somewhat, and these, besides being felted over,
have an outer covering of old canvas sacking, a stiff coat of paint tend-
ing to preserve this. Thus enclosed, there is no loss of heat whatever.
Adversity is a good if not always an agreeable schoolmaster, and during
the past six years I have gained a good many wrinkles that would not
nave been possible if in a situation where everything went so beauti¬
fully smooth as it appears to do with some of my critical contempo¬
raries.— W. IGGULDEN. L

THE HOLLYHOCK.

rr ^ho ar® 1 °ld enough to remember the great popularity of the

Hollyhock from the year 18.>0 onwards for some years, and the great
perfection of the spikes and individual blooms of those days, must often
.unk with regret that the almost total extermination of that flower
from the exhibition table as well as gardens was rW tn " AT , i „
which attackeil the Hollyhock generally and drove it out of cSIivatlom
I well remembei the surprise and admiration evoked bv those grand
varieties, White Globe (to which a first-class certificate was awardlfby
•he National Floncultural Society in September, 1852), Glory of Chos^
nint, Beauty of Cheshunt, and Lizzie, all of which received f.c c ’s

Truli im fUfU?fc’ 1853‘ Thcse were exhibited by Messrs.

-- 1 ’ Cheshunt, but were, I believe, raised by the late Mr.

Parsons ; and this marked advance on existing varieties in size and
quality, as well as in form and substance, and enlargement of the guard
petals, were recognised with great satisfaction by Hollyhock growers.
Mr. Parsons was a gentleman’s gardener at Welwyn in Hertfordshire,
and had taken the Hollyhock in hand ; and Mr. William Paul, now the
senior partner in the Waltham Cross nurseries, was then the junior
partner in the old Cheshunt firm of A. Paul & Sons, saw these
grand varieties and bought the stock. But the demand for first-class
Hollyhocks, even at 7s. 6d. and 10s. fid. per plant, was far in advance of
the supply, and hard propagation, generally in heat, was resorted to,
and this was going on from one generation of plants to the other. A
disease, as insidious and universal as the Potato disease, caused the col¬
lapse of many a collection, and the Hollyhock was given up by many
as a plant which could not further be managed.

In the summer of 1850 I became strongly impressed with a con¬
viction that something should be done to check the very rapid introduc¬
tion of worthless new varieties of the various classes of florist flowers, &c.,
annually introduced, and proposed the formation of a National Flori-
cultural Society, before whose monthly or more frequent tribunals all
seedlings should be sent. Such a society was soon felt to be a great
want, and a strong Committee, of which Messrs. Turner, Keynes, G. W.
Hoyle, C. J. Perry, W. Paul, John Salter, James Veitch, Richard
Headly, E. Beck, and many others, with the late Mr. John Edwards as
Hon. Secretary, and all the leading florists of the kingdom accepted the
Society as a tribunal to be relied upon. The judges were the most
eminent practical florists of the day, and the good work done by the
Society was enormous, and it only ceased to exist when the same work
was taken up by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society.

The late John Edwards was an amateur florist, and a thoroughly
practical cultivator, a great personal friend of such men as Charles
Turner, Richard Headly, and our old florists, and energetic in his
work as Secretary of the National Floricultural Society ; and although
the late George Glenny had published an annual garden almanac for
some years, Mr. Edwards felt that there was ample room for another,
and in December, 1852, his first “National Garden Almanac” was pub¬
lished, and I am now refreshing my memory by looking through the
old National Almanac in order to be as accurate as I can in what I
may further write.

Referring to Edwards’ Garden Almanac for 1853, in an article on
the Hollyhock, seventy-six varieties are described, so far as being
tabled under columns, and in that year the late Mr. W. R. Bragg of
Slough introduced Cream of the Valley and National at 10s. fid. each ;
Charles Lidgard, Crimson King, and four others at 7s. fid. each ; and
four others at 5*. each. The late Mr. R. B. Bircham, Hedenham Rosery,
Bungay, a celebrated grower, advertised thirty of the very finest sorts
in cultivation, including Parsons’ Joan of Arc, Bircham’s Pourprd de
Tyre, Chafer’s Sulphur Queen, and Bircham’s Yellow Model, all at 10s. fid.
each. This was a great year for the exhibition of new seedling Holly¬
hocks, thirty-seven new kinds receiving either first-class certificates or
certificates of merit, or labels of commendation from the National
Floricultural and other societies. Amongst these were those very fine
varieties Beauty of Cheshunt, Charles Lidgard, Cream of the Valley,
Glory, Isaac Walton. Lizzie, Model of Perfection, Pearl, Pillar of Beauty,
l’ourprd de Tyre, Safranot, Swansdown, Triumphant, and White Globe.
Many old Hollyhock growers will remember those grand varieties,
especially those sent out from Cheshunt. Mr. William Paul, who is
happily still amongst us, published a little book about that time, 1853,

“ An Hour with the Hollyhock,” which was then a Hollyhock grower’s
companion. In the National Almanac for 1856, in a paper on the
Hollyhock, the Editor wrote — “ Long may we be permitted to feast our
eyes and revive our spirits by the contemplation of such a blaze of
beauty as was gathered together into one bright constellation at the
meeting of the Royal South London Floricultural Society held at the
Cremorne Gardens, August 30th, 1855. The like was never seen or heard
of before, no, not even in the memory of the “ oldest inhabitant.” As
regards the Hollyhock, that meeting was certainly without a parallel.
Ninety spikes and 1000 cut flowers were staged for competition. Then
follows the names and descriptions of nineteen new varieties raised by
Messrs. Chater, Paul, Parsons, Roake, and Bircham, all raisers, the only
one now living being Mr. William Paul. One hundred and twenty-
three other varieties are also described, comprising the finest varieties
then known, and in the Almanac for 1856 the late Mr. Bircham adver¬
tises fifty-nine selected varieties, including Mr. Paul’s grand varieties —
viz., Beauty of Cheshunt, Glory of Cheshunt, Lizzie, and White Globe.
In the “ National Garden Almanac ” for 1857, in an editorial article
on the new flowers of the past year, we quote “ A few words on the
Hollyhock, a flower which has advanced in the estimation of the public
almost unprecedented. An exhibition of the Hollyhock must now
become an annual institution.”

In the 1857 Almanack fourteen new varieties are described, nine of
them being the late Mr. Chater’s seedlings, including Beauty of Walden
and Walden Masterpiece, two remarkably fine varieties which were
grown for years ; and at the National Floricultural Society in this year
twenty-three new varieties raised by Paul, Bircham, and Ward (the late
Mr. Ward had then become a partner), Chater, Bowler, and Fellowes
received certificates ; and that seventy new varieties are described for
the first time, including Paul’s El Dorado, then a grand variety. At this
time the Hollyhock and Dahlia were indeed p pillar flowers, the latter
still a popular autumn exhibition flower, and coming to the front again.
Let us hope that the glories of the Hollyhock may again revive, for it

February 10, 1887. ]

107

JO URNAL OF HO T'"'IOULTUR

wants only careful crossing of any existing best varieties to get line ex¬
hibition Hollyhocks again.

My old friend, Mr. John Downie, will recollect one in particular of
the famous Bishop Auckland Exhibition, August, 1863, where he and I
were often judges together, when the late Mr. Harry May of Bedale
took the first prize for twenty-four splendid cut blooms, the winner of
the second prize being the Rev. E. Hawke, afterwards Lord Hawke, well
known also afterwards at the northern exhibitions by the latter title ;
Mr. May also taking the first prize for nine spikes. It was a wonderful
display of Hollyhocks, and the competition was very keen indeed.
Bishop Auckland, for a number of years, was a celebrated cut flower
exhibitions, and Hollyhocks were in great favour until the fatal disease
stamped them nearly out. There are hopeful signs of the Hollyhock
being taken in hand again, for there are growers in the north of England
who have already taken the flower up and exhibited good stands last
autumn. The Scotch florists many years ago, from 1850 to a later
period, grew the Hollyhock extensively and fully as well in every way
as the English growers, and a few fine seedlings were raised, especially
by Mr. John Laing, formerly of Dysart, and now of Forest Hill,
London, and he could write a great deal about the Hollyhock if he liked,
but the climate of the south of England was much more favourable for
the ripening of seed than the more humid atmosphere of Scotland.

The Hollyhock is easily cultivated from seed sown this spring, and
strong plants can be had for blooming the following year, but the
plants should be wintered in a sheltered place. Purchased plants
should be planted out in April in well dug and well manured soil,
loamy soil suiting best, and mulching liberally through the summer with
decayed manure and watering freely. I hope that growers of this plant
may be tempted through your columns to give a list of any good
named sorts now in cultivation, and any information which may lead to
renewed interest in this fine old garden plant. — W. D.

LARGE GROS COLMAN GRAPES.

The object of the original report was to ascertain whether any
Grapes as large as that represented in Fig. 84 (December 23rd, 1886),
had been seen before, and I should have been the reverse of sorry if
even larger berries had been forthcoming. “ D. B.,” apparently without
seeing my Gros Colman, takes upon himself to say that uhe has this
season seen many hundred bunches quite as large in berry,” but raises
his staff to knock mine down to the level of ordinary productions.
Able judges have pronounced ours the finest on record, and it is only
reasonable to suppose better samples would have been seen at Kingston
had they been so plentiful as “ D. B.” would have us believe. I am
aware that I have been somewhat brief in my replies, because the
sound of one’s own trumpet is not very sweet music. I have made the
only admission required by confirming the original report. Our Gros
Colmans are no myth, but realities. They have been before the public
and appreciated, and I am thoroughly satisfied. The Vine is in perfect
health, and quite as likely to produce as fine Grapes another season.
I have taken the trouble to ascertain the number of 4-inch berries it
would take to weigh .16 ozs., but cannot say how long it will take
Mr. Stephen Castle to grow them. — J. H. Goodacre.

[Mr. Goodacre is quite right in his statement that the berry was
figured with the object of ascertaining if any larger l ad been grown,
though he did not ask us to figure it. It is quite evident that further
discussion now can have no substantial result, and it will be better
to wait till next year, when the largest berries that can be sent to us
by our correspondents shall be tested with the same weights and
soales.]

TWO GOOD LATE-BLOOMING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

As good varieties of Chrysanthemums which produce late flowers
are not over-plentiful, when such are found they should receive every
encouragement. Happily the variety Golden Gem sent out and exhi¬
bited by Mr. R. Owen of Maidenhead was considered so good that first-
class certificates were awarded to it both at South Kensington and at
the midwinter show held by the National Chrysanthemum Society. It
is difficult to define to which section it belongs, the Japanese or the
reflexed. It seems to be a cross between the two. However, that is of
small importance ; the quality of the variety as a late bloomer is the
important point. It blooms very profusely, as its habit of growth is
branching. The colour is a rich yellow, which deepens towards the
centre, assuming an apricot tinge. Another good quality is it flowers
freely in small pots under good cultivation. The other variety to which
I refer is called Zephyr. It was sent to me under that name, but
whether it is correct or not I cannot say. The National Societies’
Catalogue describes Zephyr as an incurved variety, salmon red and
yellow in colour, while the one we have under that name is a Japanese
variety of medium size, having long thread-like petals of the palest
sulphur, so remarkable in colour that I have not seen anything ap¬
proaching it. In a natural manner the plant grows tall and blooms
freely, but like many other good varieties does not produce shoots for
cuttings plentifully, in fact it is very shy in this respect. At the
present time, February 1st, it has blooms upon it which are very fair in
quality. This speaks volumes for the variety here in the south of
England so far. — E. Molyneux,

E AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.

I CAN i fully endorse all that “A. B.” has advanced in his short note
on the above. Ten years ago my employer brought a few pseudo-bulbs
(not more than a dozen) from the north of England, small pieces torn
from the sides of a large plant, without any soil and very few roots, but
they made a very good start, flowering the following year, and each
succeeding year has found them larger in size and with more flower
spikes. The plant now fills an 18-inch flower pan, the pseudo-bulbs
hanging over and nearly hiding the pan. This year there are fifty -one
spikes, with an average of four flowers to a spike, and the foliage is very
healthy. Six years ago my employer was so pleased with the progress
it had made that he sent for the plant it was taken from, a large mass
18 inches by 12, which had not been divided for years, and was growing
in a basket made of wire netting, from which we had to disengage the
plant with a pair of pliers. This we divided into six divisions, the largest
now filling an 18-inch pan and has twenty-six spikes, three more in
12-inch pans have forty spikes, and two smaller plants have eleven
spikes — 128 spikes in all, which, with an average of four flowers to a
spike, gives over 500 flowers.

The plants are growing in an intermediate house, amongst other
plants which one expects to find in a mixed stove. The temperature
has been very low during the winter months, falling to 50° nearly every
night, and some nights during very severe weather it has reached as low
as 45° ; in fact, during the rainy weather which we experienced in
November and December, I was almost at my wit's end to know what to
do with them. I knew they wanted water, but was afraid to give it to
them for fear the flower spikes should decay. I lost over twenty from
drip, the house being very flat, and the rain beat under the laps, but
there are plenty left to make a good display. The sun scarcely shines on
the house for three months in the year, so they have not had the most
favourable position to grow in. They are potted in a compost of fibry
peat with the earthy particle ; sifted out, a third of sphagnum, and
nearly as much charcoal, with plenty of drainage at the bottom of the
pans. They require an unlimited supply of water, with an occasional
dose of weak liquid manure during the growing season, less as the
pseudo-bulbs arrive at maturity, but they never ought to get dry at any
time. Plenty of warmth in the summer with a liberal use of the syringe
will do them no harm. — A. Whibley, Osborne House, Eastbourne.

ODONTOGLOS3UH CERYANTESI.

This useful little Orchid is a great favourite with us, and we have a
dozen plants now flowering profusely. Amongst these are several dis-

Fig. 17.— Odontoglossnna Ceivantesi decorum.

tinct varieties, but one of the best closely resembles O. Cervantesi
decorum (fig. 17). It is very symmetrical in form, the concentric
brownish bars on the sepals and petals being clearly marked and con¬
trasting well with the pure white ground. The cool house suits this
plant admirably, and we find that they thrive best in small shallow
pans, such as are frequently employed now for Orchids that do not re¬
quire great root space. — O. R. S.

CALAN THES DEGENERATING.

The L dure of Calanthes during the past few years has not been
confine go the inexperienced. I have observed that when extr
stren n has been developed and the pseudo-bulbs have attained an
inc-i. ense size they almost certainly fail as rapidly as they had been de-
V ..oped. Many reasons have been advanced for the failure ; in some

108

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

instances it has been attributed to too much water in their early stages
of growth, by others to imperfect maturation the previous season, and by
others to disease. All of these causes are capable of bringing about un¬
satisfactory results ; but it seems to be overlooked that these plants are
as liable to degenerate as any others. It may be argued that they renew
themselves annually like Potatoes, and that a degenerate state is impos¬
sible ; but the latter under certain conditions will most assuredly
decrease in both size and vigour, and the same remarks apply with equal
force to Calanthes. In the culture of Calanthes, as well as many other
plants, we often overlook the main issue in our attempt to outrival
other practitioners in the development of large pseudo-bulbs and long
spikes of bloom. For the time being we seem to forget — in fact,
scarcely ever realise what the result may be, until failure overtakes the
plants and they refuse to grow with the same vigour as formerly.
Stimulants are very useful in their place as long as the plant can utilise
them ; but they become dangerous when they are supplied too strong or
in too large quantities. Weak stimulants supplied every time the plant
needs water may result for the time being in rapid development, but
such treatment frequently ends in upsetting the energies of the plant,
and decay, and in some instances death, follow. We have observed, that
large pseudo-bulbs produced by such express systems of culture are very
bad to keep in good condition during the resting season.

Another certain cause of degeneration in these plants is failure to
thoroughly ripen and mature them. They may be grown practically
without stimulants, but if they are overshaded during the season of
growth they lack that solidity essential to health and vigour the follow¬
ing season. In their latter stages of growth especially they must have
abundance of light if firm well ripened pseudo-bulbs are required. This
can be accomplished without subjecting them to the strong rays of the
sun. That these plants will gradually decrease in size if they are not
well ripened can be proved by anyone that will go to the trouble of re¬
tarding a batch as long as possible, so that they will flower late in the
season after most of the plants are over. Grown for such a purpose most
•of the ripening process has to be done after or from the beginning of
November. These plants will flower through January and well into the
month of February, but they show in a very marked manner that they
not only degenerate in size and vigour, but the colours of their flowers
are very pale in comparison to those grown and ripened earlier in the
.season. The colour of the flowers betoken that they are a poor variety,
which alone is the result of imperfect maturation.

Too much water in their early stages will result disastrously, and I
am inclined to believe that a similar state of things may be brought
about by too much in their later stages of growth. Degeneration may
•also be brought about by keeping the pseudo-bulbs in too low a
temperature after they have flowered. Rather than run the risk of
failure by injudicious methods of culture, it is wiser to be content with
smaller but more solid well-matured pseudo-bulbs, which often result as
satisfactorily, if not more so as regards -flowers, than is the case with
those whose energies have been destroyed by an unnatural system of
forcing. — C. V. R.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I AM not in possession of the copies of the Journal in which the dis¬
cussion of the above first takes place, but in reading Mr. Bardney’s
article, page 45, he appears to ignore the system of having water under
the bars of a furnace for the preservation of the bars. I thought it was
generally understood that where a furnace was subjected to a very
strong heat that the water system was adopted principally for the pre¬
servation of the bars and to prevent them twisting, which they will
often do when getting heated to a very high degree. If Mr. Bardney
requires ocular proof of the system he can obtain it at the nearest gas
works, and I have no doubt will be convinced of the practical import¬
ance of a water pit under the bars of a furnace. In gas furnaces the
heat that the bars are subjected to is far stronger than is required in a
horticultural boiler, and the water under the bars are considered to be
necessary for their preservation, but I have no knowledge of its being
there to aid combustion. If I remember rightly it is one of the printed
rules for the guidance of the men in charge for the ashpits to be kept
supplied with water. It is generally known that heated iron is put
into water to harden it, after it has been subjected to the influence of a
strong heat for the purpose of working it into the shape required, and
in a similar manner does the vapour arising from the water in the
ashpit help to keep the bars hardened.

With regard to tubular bars, I quite agree with Mr. Bardney that
they are in all ways the most suitable for boilers that are used for the
circulation of hot water. Scientific men tell us that combustion is more
pei feet when solid bars are in use. Yes ; but we want something more
than perfect combustion, we want something to convey in the most econo¬
mical manner the effect of combustion to the places it is required, and I
maintain that tubular bars are a great auxiliary to a boiler in the assist¬
ance of absorbing the heat given off from the fuel. We are told by
some hot-water engineers that the tubular bars being so cold deaden the
hxe ; that I admit, but the cause of this is that the bars have absorbed
all the heat in contact with them, coi sequently the fire becomes dull
until more live fuel is supplied. Solid bars are no doubt the best for
steam boilers which are regularly attended and have only a small quantity
ot water to heat, but I am not quite confident on that point. I agree
with Mr. Bardney and Mr. Stephen Castle in having the solid bars placed
wider apart than is usually the practice. Since having charge of heating

apparatuses I have, when a change of boiler has been necessary, always
had (with one exeption) tubular bars attached, and when the boiler with
solid bars was put down I had one of the bars kept out. I well remember
once having charge of a fire that was detestable. To get the necessary
amount of heat in the one structure that it was attached to was an im¬
possibility, and my bothy companions informed me in very frosty
weather it was necessary to sit up half the night to attend this fire and
keep the frost out of the house. When I was so informed I replied,
“Nonsense,” as the boiler (a plain saddle) was quite large enough to do
the work that was allotted to it ; but when frost set in I found it was no
nonsense, and I was not long in seeking a remedy. I made a close
inspection of how the boiler was set, and found that seemed all right ;
but the bars were very thin and placed very close together. This I
thought was the fault, and proceeded to the head gardener. Knowing
that he was in great anxiety about this fire in bad weather, I thought
he would not object in making some alterations. I suggested a new set
of thicker bars placed further apart, a suggestion he at once agreed to.
They were put in the next day, and he was delighted the same night
when entering the conservatory to find the temperature at 55°, while it
was 10Q of frost outside. The first night after the new bars were in the
fire was made up at ten o’clock, and at seven the next morning there
was clear fire and the temperature of the conservatory nearly 50°, while
the thermometer had registered 14° of frost outside. The gardener was
highly pleased with the change, but not more than myself and others
who had to take a share in the stoking. I may add that less fuel was
consumed and a great deal less labour was necessary in the management
of the fire when more air was admitted through the bars. I consider it
a great mistake in having the bars toe close, for the draught can easily
be regulated by the means of a good fitting ashpit door and damper in
the flue.

When a boiler is set (especially the saddle form), if the bars do not
extend pretty close to the door of the furnace there should be a space of
an inch or more between the dead plate and the furnace door, which will
admit (when the ashpit door is opened) a current of air to pass over the
fuel as well as through it, which will materially aid combustion and
lessen the escape of smoke. When the furnace door is opened it admits
the cold air directly on the boiler in too great a volume, which would
lower the temperature too much for combustion properly. We have an
illustration with oil lamps when the chimneys are off and the flame is
surrounded with air how it will give off smoke, but when the chimney
is placed on and admits of a small portion of air around the flame how
much more clear it burns. — W. Simpson, Knomsley Cottage.

Mr. Bardney was good enough (page 46) to refer to my remarks on
the above subject, and maintains that had more air been admitted to the
furnace the same end would have been accomplished, as the requisite
quantity of oxygen would have been supplied. This I cannot agree to.
Our usual practice has been to have ashpits that could not hold water,
without intention on our part, but as we found them. Since having
watertight ashpits we can now have more heat, the fire burns brightly
with less trouble on our part, and the temperature is more easily main¬
tained than before. We have also had no trouble with burnt and twisted
bars since we applied water in the ashpits. I am not chemist enough to
understand in what way vapour will affect hot iron. I know when cold
it condenses moisture and rust forms that would soon destroy it. But
what effect the oxygen has on the hot bars I am not competent to say.
Our bars are as sound to all appearance as when put in, and without
water in the ashpit we should have had them removed possibly two or
three times. At the gashouse here, water under the bars has long been
understood to be a great saving to the bars, and to insure better combus¬
tion of the fuel. Iron troughs to hold water are fitted into the ashpit.
Over two years ago I had to supply bars for one of the furnaces. It
seems the man in charge had allowed his ashpit to get dry and neglected
to fill it with water. The results were the bars got burnt and twisted
in all shapes ; from inquiries made at the time they could not say when
new bars had been put in, those already there had been for years.
Elsewhere I inquired into the subject, and now we adopt the system
with most satisfactory results.

With reference to anthracite coal, if permissible here, I concur with
Mr. Bardney that it breaks up into small pieces when getting heated,
and also rather slow in the early part of the day when temperatures are
wanted to be raised quickly. A little mixture of coke reduces this fault
to a minimum, and the advantages are no clinkering on the bars, a long
lasting steady heat, less attention to adding fuel. We can now have 10°
higher temperature in our Palm house towards morning in sharp weather
than we could have, with no further call upon the man on duty than his
usual hour (ten o’clock) to make up, and oftentimes was twelve to one
o’clock before it was safe to do so. — Albion.

BUCKLAND SWEETWATER GRAPE.

Mr. Barker, page 62, asks why good dishes of this Grape are passed
over for dull-looking Foster’s Seedling or little lumps of Duke of
Buccleuch. My answer is that Buckland Sweetwater at its best is only
very poor in flavour and begins to lose what little it has immediately it
is ripe. One of our oldest exhibitors and best growers remarked that
last year at one of our shows what a poor-flavoured Grape it was, and
that it was scarcely worth growing. Some of the finest bunches of this
variety I ever saw I had the opportunity of tasting at different times
last season, and I can only say that they were very moderate indeed.
On the other hand, as I have previously said, although Foster’s is smaller

Fobruary 10, lo87. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

109

in berry, and, as Mr. Barker says, dull-looking, it has an agreeable and
refreshing flavour, which decidedly improves with keeping. It is a
first-class doer, and on the whole a most useful companion to the
Hamburgh and Madresfield Court. Duke of Buccleuch, although it may
have its failings, when it can be placed on the board in presentable
form surely should be placed before Buckland Sweetwater, for when
well ripened it has a flavour, I believe, peculiarly its own, and though
it may not suit all palates, is to my taste much superior to Buckland
Sweetwater, fine in bunch and general appearance though the latter
may be. What a pity that Mrs. Pince does not colour quite perfectly,
otherwise I have long thought that it must eventually prove one of
our very best late Grapes, for in flavour and keeping qualities it is cer¬
tainly first-rate ; but when even at Longleat it does not quite colour I have
not much hopes of seeing it generally finished elsewhere. Mr. Taylor,
I think, expressed a strong hope that it would regain its vigour, which
he believed had been impaired by excessive propagation ; but we do not
see very much signs of this at present. Possibly colour may be gained
by grafting, but then flavour may be partially lost. — Wm. Jenkins.

The twenty-ninth Annual Exhibition of the Gkeat Yoek Gaea
and Horticultural Society takes place in June next, when more
than £G00 is to be given in prizes. The schedule is a most liberal one,
and we notice that in addition to the Society’s ordinary Orchid prizes,
further special prizes of £21, £15 15s., £10 10s., and £5 5s. are offered
for sixteen Orchids. The trustees of the Veitch Memorial Fund give
their Yeitch Memorial Medal and £5 as a first prize for six varieties
of fruit, and the Gala Society add good second, third, and fourth prizes.
The Lord Mayor of York is the Chairman of the Committee, and Mr.
John Wilson, 13, New Street, York, is the Secretary.

- A MEETING of Auricula growers and others interested in the

formation of a Scottish Auricula and Primula Society will be
held in the Bible Society’s Rooms, 5, St. Andrew’s Square, Edin¬
burgh, at two o’clock on Saturday the 12th February, 1887, to take into
consideration the desirability of holding an Auricula Exhibition. As a con¬
siderable number of gentlemen have intimated their intention, if it
should be resolved to hold an exhibition, of sending plants either for
competition or exhibition, and some for both, while others who cannot
exhibit have offered subscriptions towards a guarantee fund, it is hoped
there will be as large a gathering as possible. It is also desired those
who cannot attend would send their opinions as to the most suitable
date for holding the Exhibition to Mr. Wm. Straton, Annfield, Broughty
Ferry.

- At a meeting of the Linnean Society on Thursday,

February 3rd, Dr. J. E. T. Aitchison read a most interesting paper
on the Flora and Fauna of Northern Affghanistan, where he accom¬
panied the Delimitation Survey Expedition in the capacity of naturalist.
Large numliers of plants were collected, about 10,000 admirably pre¬
served specimens having been brought to England, representing over
300 species, of which it is said that about 100 are new to science. Some
important investigations were also made respecting the Asafoetida)
Galbanum, and other plants employed in medicine. Dr. Aitchison’s ob¬
servations and discoveries were too numerous to be dealt with satisfactorily
in one paper, as the botanical portion alone would have more than
sufficed for the evening. There was a large attendance of Fellows, and
in the discussion which followed, Sir Joseph Hooker, Mr. W. T. Thiselton
Dyer, Mr. J. G. Baker, and others took part, all highly complimenting
Dr. Aitchison on the results of his expedition.

- Mr. Owen has sent us from Maidenhead a truss containing

four blooms of his Golden Gem Chrysanthemum. The colour is as
bright and clear, rich yellow, as we have at any time seen in a Chrysan¬
themum, and the stem is clothed with deep green foliage, as fresh as wc
usually see in November. We are informed the plant from which the
truss was cut was, with others, raised from a cutting in April, the plants
having been thrice topped, the last time during the first week in July,
and grown and flowered in 48 and 32-size pots. Judging from the
specimen before us this variety must be pronounced a great acquisition

for winter and early spring decoration. In character it appears inter¬
mediate between a rettexed and Japanese bloom, the florets being
slightly recurved but not twisted. It was well shown at the National
Chrysanthemum Society’s January Exhibition this year.

- Flowers of Williams’ Magenta Queen Primula have

been sent for our inspection from the Holloway Nurseries. They- are
very fine indeed — large, well formed, of good substance ; and the colour,
rich magenta, showing as well under artificial light as in the day,
renders this excellent Primula equally valuable for conservatory and
for room decoration.

- A New Foe of the Pear.— Last June Mr. Inchbald, F.L.S..

received from a Sussex grower a sample of Pears that had been in¬
juriously affected by the maggots of the small fly Cecidomyia nigra.
These are yellowish white and legless ; they lurk at the core of the
young Pear, from which they throw off tunnels leading to the surface,
Marie Louise was the variety chiefly attacked. When the fruit falls
immature they enter the soil to appear as flies in the spring, at what
date is unknown as yet.

- We have received the following announcement : — “Died, on

December 24th, 1886, at Clunes, Melbourne, Australia, where he had
gone for the benefit of his health, Archibald Sinclair, aged forty-
nine, for many years with Messrs. James Yeitch & Sons, the Royal
Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, and formerly at Patterdale Hall, Westmore¬
land.” Mr. Sinclair was well known by many horticulturists, and was
much respected.

- Mr. J. Douglas writes in reference to Auriculas as

follows : — “ I have taken a little trouble to find correct references.
The Scotch green-edge and my variety must be different. I now
refer “Northern Amateur” to Journal of Horticulture, vol. xxviii.,
new series (1875) page 403, where it is described by me with the
other seedlings sent by Campbell. I had the plant sent in the autumn
of that year. John Cunningham, Brookfield Cottage, Kilbarchan, died
at Paisley, March 28th, 1878, aged eighty. Three years subsequently
Mr. Campbell gave me a small plant in exchange for something else,
and made no conditions.”

- A lamentable occurrence took place at Trentham on Friday

last, by which the widow of the late Mr. Z. Stevens lost her life. Mrs.
Stevens had been suffering from a complaint which required external
application as well as internal remedies, and in the night she wished to
be served with the draught. Her daughter, who occupied the same room
with her and was in attendance upon her, unfortunately administered
the contents of the wrong bottle, which it appears was of a poisonous
nature, and Mrs. Stevens shortly afterwards died.

- Mr. Quintin Read, late of Thornbury, Sheffield, has been

appointed gardener to J. Craven, Esq., Whilton Lodge Daventry ; and
Mr. G. Abbey, late of Paxton Park, St. Neots, is now gardener to
J. H. Sanders, Esq., Porter’s Park, Shenley, Herts.

- A correspondent sends us flowering specimens of Pitto-

SPORUM undulatum, and. remarks that “ It is a very free-flowering
plant, its value being considerably enhanced by the blossoms being pro¬
duced without forcing at a season of the year when flowers are most
welcome. These are white, bell-shaped, prettily reflexed, and are borne
in bunches on the terminal shoots. They are, moreover, slightly
fragrant, and the leaves of the plant, too, when bruised emit a distinctly
balsamic odour.” The plant is an old inhabitant of our greenhouses,
and in some districts out of doors. There is also a rather pretty varie¬
gated form. The genus Pittosporum is especially interesting for its
geographical distribution, spaces being found in Australia, Cape of Good
Hope, Mauritius, China and Japan ; P. Tobira from the last-named
country being familiar to many gardeners.

_ Mr. C. Prinsep, Hammerwick, sends the following note on

the Bulb Mite — “Time will not allow me to write all I can on
the above pest, but I hasten to warn growers against the use of bones
in the compost. The creature is similar in structure to the cheese mite,
with this difference, it is larger and more sluggish when taken from
bulbs. Recently I found them of all ages and sizes on the Vallota, and
I shall more fully write next week.”

_ We are requested to state that a paper on the Florists Tulip

and its Characteristics, illu trated by diagrams, will be read at the

no

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

Chiswick Mutual Improvement Society, on March 4th, by Mr. Richard
Dean.

- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society, to be held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wed¬
nesday, the I6th inst., at 7 P.M., the discussion on the Hon. R. Aber-
cromby’s paper, “ On the Identity of Cloud Forms all over the World ;
and on the General Principles by which their Indications must be Read,”
will be resumed, after which the following papers will be read : —
“ Remarks concerning the Nomenclature of Clouds for ordinary use,”
by Dr. H. H. Hildebrandsson, Hon. Mem. R.Met.Soc. ; “ Suggestions for
an International Nomenclature of Clouds,” by the Hon. Ralph Aber-,
cromby, F. R.Met.Soc. ; “ The Influence of Weather on the Proportion of
Car bonic Acid in the Air of Plain sand Mountains,” by W. Marcet, M.D.
F.R.S., F. R.Met.Soc., and A. Landriset. These papers will be in type
before the meeting. Any Fellow wishing to take part in the discussion
can obtain a copy on application to the Assistant Secretary.

- There was a good attendance of the members of the Wake

field Paxton Society at their usual weekly meeting at Councillor
Lupton’s recently. Mr. H. Oxley presided, and Councillor Howden
was in the vice-chair. Mr. Alfred Wraith of St. John’s was nominated
as a member of the Society, which numbers about 200 members. The
essayist was Mr. W. J. Ireland, head gardener to Baron St. Oswald of
Nostell Priory, and his subject was British Orchids. The large
tables in the room were ornamented by an extensive and very beautiful
display of exotic Orchids, and the quaint forms and varied tints of the
lovely flowers were much admired both by professional and amateur
gardeners. Messrs. L. Twigge & Son of the Northgate Nursery also exhibi¬
ted a large box full of Lilies of the Valley. Mr. Oxley, in introducing Mr
Ireland, remarked that some of the Paxtonians had a very pleasant re¬
collection of their last visit to the gardens and grounds at Nostell, and
they hoped on some future occasion they would again have the pleasure
of visiting the grounds. Mr. Ireland read a long, very interesting, and
thoroughly practical paper, in which he stated that there are about 3500
species of British Orchids. Their cultivation is becoming better known,
and they can be grown in a cold frame in summer and in a greenhouse
in winter. He minutely described about forty, and fully explained how
to propagate and treat them. Mr. Preston, St. John’s Nursery, re-
gretted that Mr. Ireland s essay had not been upon exotic Orchids, as
they had such a magnificent collection of them on the table, and Mr.
Iieland promised to give a paper on exotic Orchids on some future
occasion. On the motion of Councillor Howden, seconded by Mr. Alan
Willis, and supported by Mr. Oxley, the Chairman, a hearty vote of
thanks was accorded to Mr. Ireland, who responded.

At the fortnightly meeting of The Birmingham Gardeners
Society, held on February 2nd, a handsome gold watch was presented
to Mr. J. Hughes, the Secretary, in recognition of his having personally
to a great extent collected about £80 towards a library fund, and the
presentation was made by Mr. W. B. Latham on behalf of the sub¬
scribers. . The preliminary meeting to consider the desirability oJ
establishing such a Society was held on the 4th February, 1886, in the
Theatre of the Midland Institute, the Mayor of Birmingham presiding
when 174 gardeners and nurserymen and amateur horticulturists
attended, and the Society was formed, and now numbers close upon 30(
membeis. A series of papers has already been read, followed by discus¬
sion, and some lectures have been delivered-viz., “ The Mutual Relatioi
of Plants and Insects;” “The Scientific Value of a Gardener’*
5 * Leaves and Roots in tReir Relation to Air and Soils ; ’

« Pilftyi p6ar,S °f Horticulture> a Retrospect ; ” “ Practice with Science ;’

lant Food, especially m reference to Artificial Manures ; ” “ Mush
room Growing;” “Carnivorous Plants;” “The Culture of the
Cattleya, The Chrysanthemum and Its Culture;” “Contrast anc
Harmony in Special Reference to Flowers ; ” and “ The Grape Vine, It,
History and Cultivation.” The library is very poputo with the
membeis, and already contains 145 volumes, besides magazines anc
gardening papers. During the first six months there were seventy-twc
orrowers, the most sought-after works being those by Baines anc
Williamson Stove and Greenhouse Plants;” Williams and Castle oi
nf ,f ^ ?dge °n “ The Chr^anthemiim ;” Burbidge’s “ Gardei

C i S™’ ,Wi“ICh 18 much sought affcer; Wright’s “Mushroon

non Z; tl T? “Vine CultUre’” the latter bein£ especially
P P . ere is a balance of £6 7s. 7d. in hand on the general fund fo:

the year, and about £20 more in hand to be expended on books.
Mr. Hughes, the Seeretary, read a full report of the rise and history of
the Society, embodying the above-named facts, and new members join
at every meeting.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

February 8th.

The meetings of the Committees in the morning, and the general
annual meeting in the afternoon, induced a number of Fellows to attend,
and the East Crush Room of the Royal Albert Hall was somewhat incon¬
veniently crowded. There was a good display of plants and flowers,
Primulas being especia'ly well represented, but the exhibits could not be
seen to such advantage as in the conservatory.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. G. B myxrd, James Smith. W. Warren, W. Denning, J. Burnett,
G. Norman, A. H. Pearson, J. Lee, S. Ford, C. Ross, T. J. Saltmarsh, T. B.
Haywood, Joseph Fitt. Harry J. Veitch, J. Woodbridge, R. D. Blackmore,
Philhp Crowley, and Dr. Robert Hogg.

Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, SawbridgeworSh, sent a collection of dessert-
Apples, including some fine samples, for which a vo e of thanks was
accorded. Mr. W. Taylor, Osborne Nursery, Hampton, showed several
fruit trees in pots. Mr. W. Troughton, Church Street, Preslon, exhibited
fruits of a Cucumber named Troughton’s Prolific, of moderate size, but even
in shape and somewhat like Rollisson’s Telegraph. Mr. C. Ross, We'ford
Park Gardens, had some fruits of his seedling Apple named Alice Eyre.
Messrs. Saltmarsh & Co., Romford, showed samples of Apple Lord of the
Manor, which are to be reserved until the m eting with the Bosom Apple.
The fruits were conical, yellow, ant solid. The Permanent Enamel Com¬
pany, Pelly Road, Plaistow, Essex, exhibited their enamel labels, some with
white letters on black, others white on blue. In the opinion of the Com¬
mittee the labels are an improvement on those already in use of a similar
make.

Floral Committee. — Present : — G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. W. Wilkes, G. Maw, H. Bennett. Amos Perry, J. Walker, B. Wynne,
R. Dean, W. Holme% H. Herbst, W. H. Lowe, A. J. L»ndy, J. Fraser, J.
Dominy, C. Noble, H. M. Pollett, C. Pilcher, G. Paul, T. Baines, G. Duffield,
J. O’Biien, and H. Ballantine.

Primulas, Daffodils, and Orchids were the chief features of the display,
and comprised amongst them some handsome novelties or improved
varieties.

Baron Schtoder, The Dell, Egham (gardener, Mr. Ballantine), sent Borne
very beautiful Orchid flowers, which excited much att-ndon. They in¬
cluded spikes of the lovely varieties of Lselia anceps recently not ced,
the superbly spotted Odontoglossum Ballantineanum, the shining yellow
Oncidium coronarium, and a most distinct variety of Vanda teres named
Aurora, the flowers large, the sepals nearly white, the petals having a faint
blush tinge and curiously placed, so that they appeared nearly perpendicular
to the axis of the flower. F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.O , Bickley (gardener,
Mr. Heims), exhibited plants of the charming and pecuhar Saccolabium
bellinum (figured in this Journal, vol. x. page 147) with six flowers; it i* one of
the largest examples of the species in the coum ry. A gran i variety of Phalae-
nopsis Stuartiana was also shown, having a large panicle of fl >wers densely
spotted with crimson at the lower part of the petals. Phalmnopsis Casta with
extremely symmetrical flowers, the sepals and petals white, the lip veined
in the centre, was ano her good plant, and the vote of thanks award d was
amply merited. F. G. Tautz, Esq, Studley Hous •, Hammersmiih (gar¬
dener, Mr. Cowley) sent a variety of Cypripedium Boxalli named atratum,
in which the dorsal sepal was extremely darkly coloured. W. Yanner,Esq.,
Chisl burst (gardener, Mr. Robins), showed a plant of D ndrohium Van-
nerianum, which some have thought to he a hybrid between D. monili-
forme and D. Fatconeri. It has very slender pseudo-bulbs, and narrow
tapering sepals and petals tipped with crimson, the lip similar in shape and
also tipped with crimson. H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley, sent a plant of
Odontoglossum Marriottianum (vote of thanks), which has white sppals and
petals with a few small reddish dots on the former. Mr. B. S. Williams,
Upper Holloway, had a plant of the new Dendrobium Eyichianum roseum,
which has the flowers distinctly tinted with a soft rosy hue. Mr. W. Bull,
Chelsea, contributed an effective group of Orchids and Palms, the varieties
of Cattleya Trianae, especially a delicately tinted one named Vesta, being
very beautiful ; Cattleya amethystoglossa marmorata, the yellow Dendro¬
bium speciosum Coelogyne cristata and Lemoiniana, Masdeva'lias, the soft
yellow Dendrobium luteolum, and several good foims of Odontoglossum
Rossi majus completed the group. Messrs. Misureel, Bros., Ghent, s nt a
collection of Odontoglossum flowers, and R. J. Measures, Ejq., Camberwell
(gardener, Mr. Simpkins), had a little group of Orchids (vot9 of thanks),
chiefly Cypripediums, such as C. insigne grandis, C. chloroneuron, and C.
Sallieri, with a well-grown plant of Odontoglossum maculatum Donianum,
bearing nine spikes of four or five flowers each.

A large and choice collection of Daffodils and other hardy flowers
secured for Mr. T. S. Ware of Tottenham a silver-gilt Banksian medal.
The Daffodils comprised a selection of the most distinct varieties, a number
of the bright red Lachenalia pendula, the fragrant Freesia refracta alba, the
brightly coloured scarlet Anemone fulgens, several varieties of tbe early
Iris reticulata, the bright blue Chionodoxa Luciliae, and several Primulas,
of which the yellow P. floribnnda and the mauve P. poculiformis were the
most noticeable. A silver Banksian medal was also awarded to Messrs.
Barr & Son, King Street, Co vent Girden, for an interest ng collection of
Daffodils, with Lachenalias, Freesias, and several oth>-r flowers. The
Daffodils compiised both double and single varieties, s ich as obvallaris,
odorus, papyraceus, Telamonius plenus, pallidas praecox, and the beautiful
poeticus ornatus. A similar award was gained by Messrs. Collins Bros, and
Gabriel, Waterloo Bridge Road, for a group of Daffodils, Snowdrops
(Galanthu3 Elwesi), Freesias, and other flowers. A vote of thanks was
accrded to Mr. James, Farnham Royal, Slough, for fine blooms of Cinerarias,
and some good Primulas, two of which were certificated. Messrs. J. Veitch

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Ill

and Sons, Chelsea, showed extremely large flowers of Cyclamen giganteum
and the handsome pure white Primula Snowflake (certificated). Mr.
B. S. Williams had a richly coloured single Primula, named Magenta
Quern, with large flowers. Messrs. Paul & Son, Che3hunt, sent a plant of
Iris Histrio with precty flowers veined with blue on the whitish falls ; and
Mr. W. B. Hartland, Cork, was awarded a vote of thanks for a large
trumpet Daffodil, named Irish King. A cultural commendation and vote of
thanks were adjudged to Mr. W. Allan, gardener to Lord Suffield, Gunton
Park, Norwich, for two baskets of double white and blue Violets, fine
healthy plants, with large clear tinted flowers. Mr. W. Gordon, Twicken¬
ham. sent two Camellias, red and salmon coloured varieties.

A silver Banksian medal was awarded to Messrs. Carter & Co., High
Holbo'n, for an extensive and meritorious display of PrimulaB, over 500
plants being staged, representing nineteen varieties of mo3t diverse colours.
Very noticeable were the following : — Fern-leaf White, single, fine flowers ;
Prince of Wales, double, salmon pink; Holborn Blush, single; Fern-leaf
Vermilion, single, very bright; White Improved, single, large white flower;
Double Carmine, bright and free ; Holborn Pearl, a de'ieate soft tint ; Fern-
leaf Elaine, white flowers, dark stems and leafstalks ; Holborn Blue, Holborn
Salmon, Holborn Carmine, and numbers of others, all sho wing the quality
of the strain.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Odontoglossum crispum leopardinum (H. M. Pollett, Esq.). — A distinct
variety, thought to partake of the Hystrix type, the petals deeply notched,
and with the sepals densely spotted and blotched with rich reddish brown
on a white ground, the lip having a yellow central crest.

Pachystoma Thomsonianum ( W. Vanner, Esq.). — This Orchid has now
been in cultivation some time, and we have seen better plants and varieties
than the one certificated. The sepals and petals are narrow, white, the lip
with a long central tapering lobe of a crimson purple hue.

Primula sinensis Purity (J. James, Slough). — A single Fern-leaf variety,
with exceedingly large, substantial, and handsome pure white flowers.

Primula sinensis Brightness (J. James, Slough). — A double variety, with
large, full, bright rich red flowers.

Primula sinensis Cannell's White Perfection (H. Cannell & Sons). — A
superb single white variety, with very large flowers, and dark leaves of the
Fern-leaf type, the dark stalks of which contrasted with the pure white
flowers.

Primula sinensis SnowJlaJce (J. Veitch & Sons). — A Fern-leaf variety
with pure white single flowers of great substance. Very notable for its
purity and good bebit.

Lycaste plana Measuresiana (B. S. Williams). — A variety with uniform
brown sepals, the petals white dotted with crimson, and the lip similar.

THE JUBILEE— A GARDENER’S ORPHANAGE.

While all classes of society are meditating the above, and looking
about for some tangible mode of memorialising our beloved Queen, the
question comes to our community — What can we gardeners do ?
After hearing and reading many suggestions on the subject, it occurs
to me that a home for the orphans of gardeners is very badly wanted
in our country. Almost every other craft is represented by some such
institution, but we have none. And when one sees earnest, hard¬
working gardeners struck down in the very hey-day of life, leaving
their children totally unprovided for, it seems time that some such
scheme should be set on foot.

A hearty united, effort must be made by all if this is to be effected.
No difference of opinion, either religious or otherwise, must be suffered
to break in and mar the harmony of the whole, but all should work
together in one great effort to make it a success. In my opinion an
orphanage, with a good piece of land attached for cultivation, a school,
&c., to hold fifty boys and girls or more, as the funds might permit,
could be started if every gardener in the United Kingdom Would con¬
tribute 5s., and every journeyman 2s. 6d. now, and continue the same
yearly. If any of the fraternity can improve on my suggestion, I shall
be most happy to fall in with their views ; but I trust the matter may
have due consideration.— C. Penny, The Gardens. Sandringham.

AN HOUR IN A SEED WAREHOUSE.

It has been frequently remarked that one of the peculiar features
of our great metropolis is the vast amount of business conducted in a
quiet manner in offices and warehouses that strangers might pass un¬
noticed. In some of the most important commercial thoroughfares there
is comparatively little to indicate the enormous industries they contain,
the employment they furnish to hundreds, or even thousands of persons,
and the world-wide importance of their productions or special wares.
Examples of this could be cited by scores in numerous trades, but as a
horticulturist we recently had a most striking instance brought pro¬
minently. before our notice. When passing down the continuation of
Oxford Street known as High Holborn, one of the main arteries of
London, an invitation of long standing to visit Messrs. J. Carter & Co.’s
seed offices and warehouses was remembered. The opportunity seemed
a favourable one for a visitor who wished to form an idea of the mode
in which such businesses are conducted, though it is also one in which
the managers and their assistants have the least time to devote to
visitors. Happily, however, we found that Mr. C. H. Sharman, the
courteous Manager, had an hour to spare, and under his guidance a
hurried but most interesting survey of a great establishment was quickly
commenced,

The offices at 237 and 238, High Holborn, are chiefly occupied with
the retail department of the business, but on one of the floors a museum
of seeds, dried grasses, Tobaccos, models of vegetables, &c., has been
formed, constituting a kind of conspectus of the products with which

the firm is concerned. Samples of the different new and leading
varieties of garden vegetables can there be seen, mostly preserved by a
patent process, showing accurately their distinctive forms and colours,
and in several respects much preferable to models. In the case of Peas
and Beans, the most minute differences being exactly indicated.
Numerous illustrations with dried plants of the Tobaccos so successfully
cultivated during the past season form another feature of interest.
Various forms of Flax are included, showing the respective merits in
quantity and quality of fibre from different districts, and the Hybrid
Wheats, which are now being carefully fixed, have a case appropriated
to them, in which the parents and progeny are seen side by side. All
these and much more might occupy attention for some time, but the
chief object of our visit — the warehouses — had yet to be seen.

The office occupies the same site as that taken by Mr. J. Carter when
removing to Holborn exactly fifty years ago, but the warehouses arc a
few hundred yards farther east, and have not a frontage to the main
road, so that strangers might pass quite near without the remotest
knowledge of their existence. A huge building six or seven storeys
high is there devoted to the storing and dispatch of seeds, several other
detached buildings being similarly occupied, one which originally formed
the sole warehouse of the firm now barely sufficing as a storehouse for
Radish seed alone. The main building contains a series of offices and
rooms almost bewildering in their number, and while the countless sacks
of seeds occupying every available space would seem, to a person un¬
acquainted with the trade, sufficient to supply the civilised world for a
considerable period, yet the storing space does not suffice ; and though
some hundreds of tons are dispatched weekly, considerable quantities
are always in store at the docks or elsewhere awaiting transferrence to
head-quarters.

To give a detailed description of the various departments would
occupy too much space, nor would it be possible from such a cursory
glance as time permitted to do justice to them. Perhaps one of the
most striking features is the floor where Peas are cleaned and sorted,
especially as it affords a good example of several other departments.
Great care is exercised with this important crop, the seeds as received
being first placed in a machine that removes all waste, small and foreign
seeds ; then they are submitted to the sorters or pickers — women and
girls — of which about 150 are employed in the height of the season.
The Peas are placed on long benches, something like potting benches,
with divisions at intervals. The women sit at these, and the seeds are
passed singly but rapidly under their examination, every broken,
damaged, or imperfect seed being cast on one side. The labour and
expense necessitated by such a process as this can be readily imagined,
but the object at which the firm aims — namely, providing a pure sample
— amply repays the cost in many ways. Beans are dealt with similarly,
as also are all crops that will admit of or which require such treatment.
Machines of the most approved kinds are provided on the different floors
for sifting or blowing, and some of these can be adapted to different
seeds by employing sifters or trays with meshes proportioned to the
size of the seeds to be cleaned, and it is surprising to see with what
accuracy the work is performed. Much improvement has been effected
in this way in recent years, and seed purchasers have now many advan¬
tages they did not formerly possess, though chiefly at the cost of the
vendors.

Passing several floors filled with Grass and Clover seeds, threading
our way along narrow passages left between the piles of sacks repre¬
senting so many tons of seeds, we glance successively at the flower seed,
wholesale, and dispatch offices, where busy scenes are presented to view.
The whole building seems, indeed, like a vast hive, and that the “ bees ”
are busy can be judged from the fact that they are now working until
9 p.m. each night. In the general office employment is also plentiful,
for letters and orders received each morning vary from 800 to 1200, and
as the majority of these require immediate attention, promptitude and
a well arranged system are absolutely necessary to ensure the satisfactory
despatch of such business. The post office on one of the floors is
another important institution now the Parcel Post is in operation, and
the “ post mistress,” scarcely visible amongst the heaps of neat packages,
cannot have much unoccupied time. For larger journeys packing
cases of all kinds are seen up to the great metal tanks employed in the
shipment of large seed orders to the tropics or the antipodes.

The analyst’s office merits a word of notice, for there work of a most
important character is performed. Every sample of seeds sent to the
firm is there subjected to the examination of an expert, who reports
upon their respective merits and the proportion of other seeds they con¬
tain. If this first report is considered satisfactory, a sample taken from
the bulk is next examined, and usually a third report is necessary before
the seeds are passed to the storehouse. By the aid of a microscope and
a most delicate balance the smallest and lightest seeds can be thus
tested, but the work requires considerable care.

Miscellaneous garden and farm seeds have much space devoted to
them. A floor at the base is appropriated to Potatoes, where the same
system of sorting, already noted, is followed, and below this still are
“ the vaults ” for the safe, the books and the files of orders for a year
past, arranged most systematically, and under the charge of an ancient
custodian, who gives his whole time to this employment. But sufficient
has been said to indicate the character of a modern seed warehouse, and
it need only be added that we bid our genial guide farewell with a mixed
feeling of surprise at the extent of the business, and admiration of the
methodical manner in which it is conducted. For the first time we in¬
spected a London seed warehouse, and it astonished — A ^y^ANGEE.

112

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10,1887.

HYBRID TEA ROSE?.

When the first announcement was made of the “ Pedigree Roses,”
so called, I was requested by the Editor of the Journal to visit them and
give my report. That report was, on the whole, I think rather too
favourable a one. I expressed my doubt as to their value as exhibition
flowers, and thought the raiser was in too great a hurry to send them
out ; but I at the same time expressed my opinion of his work. “ He is
on the right track, and I am sure such an intelligent method of proce¬
dure must produce good results, and I think rosarians will wish him
success in his painstaking endeavours to impart novelty to our Rose
lists.” Of this first batch of seedlings not one has proved to be an
exhibition Rose, and even in gardens where Roses of all kinds are to be
found, it is vain to look for any of them.

Before this time we had one Hybrid Tea Rose— “ Cheshunt Hybrid,”
a Rose, which as a garden flower, had become most popular, and still
retains its popularity in all parts of the world. A writer in the
“ Rosarian’s Year Book for 1887,” writes enthusiastically of the esteem in
which it is held in the Antipodes. Since then other Roses have been
brought out claiming a similar parentage, and in the case of La France,
a Rose which had been long regarded as a H.P., was by its raiser,
M. Guillot, taken out of that class and placed as a Hybrid Tea. It is
evident, too. that an infusion of Tea blood had taken place in other Roses,
and as most of the French growers did not artificially hybridise, it was
extremely difficult to say what their parentage was ; but no one can see
blooms of Captain Christy, Jules Finger, and others, without feeling
that they have a good admixture of Tea blood in them.

I think there are two things to he borne in mind with regard to
artificial hybridising in order to modify our assent to the statement of
the parentage of certain flowers. One is that where a number of flowers
are so treated it requires more than ordinary care, not only in the prin¬
cipal but in all employed, that complete accuracy is observed. The
hybridiser may be very certain as to what flowers he uses in his experi¬
ments, but it is not quite so certain that his assistants will afterwards
be so accurate in taking care of the progeny as he has been in originat¬
ing it ; and the second, careful as he may have been, there may have
been a hybridiser in the field before him, a bee or a moth may have
upset all his plans, and while he is carefully nursing up his supposed
progeny he may be really taking care of the babies which owe their
origin to Plusia gamma, or a bumble or hive bee. Many a time we have
seen this in flowers which have been brought before the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society. They are stated to have been hybrids
bet ween certain varieties, but no trace of the parentage is present. In
many instances, too, the pollen is dropped without any intervention, and
in the case of species it is reproduced, and in the case of varieties the
tendency to variation may produce varieties which are in no way due
to the hybridiser, but to the inherent tendency of the flowers to vary ;
and, therefore, when the parentage of certain Roses is questioned it is
not necessary to impugn the good faith or veracity of the raiser, but to
suppose that there has been a mistake or interference somewhere, and
we are not bound to assume that a Rose is of necessity what a raiser
states it to be.

When this question of Hybrid Teas was brought before the Com¬
mittee of the National Rose Society two courses were strenuously advo¬
cated ; one was to include them amongst the Teas and allow them to be
so exhibited. This was very strenuously resisted, and ultimately it was
decided that they were not to be so exhibited. Every year, I think,
proves the wisdom of this resolution, for how utterly would our lovely
stands of Teas have been spoiled by their introduction. Fancy the
fresh Paul Neyron-like bloom of Her Majesty overshadowing such
flowers as Rubens, Souvenir d’Elise, or Marie Van Houtte. The other
idea was to make a separate class for them. This was also resisted. It
was pointed out that it would be most difficult to define which were
Hybrid Teas and which were not. It was asked whether we were to
take the word of the raiser or go by the character of the plant and
flowers ; and, if so, who was to decide ? Was, for instance, Captain
Christy to be included amongst them as well as Reine Marie Henriette ;
and ultimately the idea was abandoned, and thus another source of con¬
fusion was avoided. After a time another question arose, As these Roses
were said to be hybrid between an H.P. and a Tea, if they were not to be
allowed to be exhibited amongst Teas, what was their proper place ? In
the case of Lady Mary Fitzwilliam it will be remembered that confusion
arose from their double parentage. In a class for H.P.’sat Cardiff a stand
was disqualified for containing it, as it was alleged it was not an H.P.,
while a few days afterwards two experienced judges awarded it the
prize at Manchester for the best H.P. in the show. The Committee of
the National Rose Society had again to consider the matter, and it was
decided that all Hybrid Teas were to be shown amongst Hybrid Per-
petuals, and no other conclusion seems possible.

We were startled the year before last by being informed that Mons.
Guillot had raised a yellow Hybrid Perpetual. It proved to be one of
those troublesome Hybrid Teas, and it might just as well have been so
styled ; but now we are confronted with another puzzle. The raiser of
Lady Mary Fitzwilliam is not pleased because she is not scheduled
amongst Teas, and her right to that position disputed. He has himself
to blame in the first place, for in his published announcement for 1882
he advertises three distinct classes of Roses 1, Teas : Princess of
Wales ; then 2, Hybrid Teas, amongst which he places Lady Mary Fitz¬
william ; and 3, Hybrid Perpetuals. After this I think it shows a con¬
siderable amount of fortitude to declare that the Rose he himself
announced as a Hybrid Tea does not belong to the class, unless he

means to assert that all Hybrid Teas are Teas, and would swamp that
beautiful and refined class with a lot of Roses, some doubtless very
beautiful, but others coarse. And now see how this holds with re¬
gard to a Rose which has been more cleverly introduced than any
flower of recent years — Her Majesty. It was very finely exhibited by
the raiser, it obtained the gold medal of the National Rose Society, and
then retired from public gaze. The name itself was a taking one, and
for a couple of years the constant question was, When would Her
Majesty be let out 1 At last it was rumoured that it had been bought
in its entirety by an American nurseryman, and that it was not to be:
had in England ; then afterwards we heard that a very eminent firm of
Rose growers in England had been appointed sole agents all this time.
I am justified in saying that everyone’s belief, although some were
startled at the character of its growth, was that it was a Hybrid Per¬
petual. When it was announced here it was as an H.P., but the firm
who sent it out gave its parentage — a hybrid between Canari and Mabel
Morrison ! I have no doubt the raiser thinks this is its parentage, but
others will be equally certain that the hybridisations have been inter¬
fered with. The announcements by other growers gave it the character
of a Hybrid Perpetual, but did not designate its parentage, and so it
has come to be generally accepted that it is a Hybrid Perpetual.

What, then, is the conclusion of the whole matter l I do not think
that we shall admit the claim of such Roses as Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Cheshunt Hybrid, Reine Marie Henriette, Her Majesty, to be considered
Teas, for if the first of these be a Tea the others must be ; this is a
claim which will never be allowed. They may, according to the wishes
of the raisers, be placed either amongst Hybrid Perpetuals or amongst
Hybrid Teas. To my mind it would be better to do away altogether
with the classes of Hybrid Teas in the catalogues, and group all such
Roses under the Hybrid Perpetuals ; but then wc must be sure of our
ground. Such Roses as Miss Ingram, which was for many years consi¬
dered a Hybrid Perpetual, should not be admitted amongst them, as it
is essentially a summer Rose ; nor, again, such as Madame Isaac Pereire,
to all intents and purposes a Bourbon ; nor again should Duchess of
Edinburgh be classed amongst Teas, for it is nothing but a China. This
is a class for which, I confess, I am very jealous. I should like it kept
select, admitting only into it those which are of “ pur sang.”

These observations are only given for the purpose of trying to avoid
the confusion which, I fear, looms ahead in the classification of our
Roses. — D., Deal.

THE CULTURE OF ACHIMENES IN HANGING

BASKETS.

The baskets we prefer are 20 inches in diameter by 12 inches
deep. They are strongly made of quarter-inch iron rods, as per ac-
accompanying sketch (fig. 18). They will lasta lifetime if attended to
in cleaning and painting every autumn as soon as the season is over.

Fig. 18.

The tubers, which are preserved in dry sand in pots in winter in
pits with a temperature of from 45° to 50°, are placed in pans or
boxes towards the end of February, and are then placed in mode¬
rate heat ; a vinery about to be started will answer the purpose
admirably. The object to attain to should be to get a sturdy
growth, hence the importance of starting slowly. When the
plants have made about 2 inches of growth they are ready for
planting.

The first operation in connection with this work is to have the
baskets suspended in the position where the plants are to bloom.
Afterwards have in readiness a sufficient quantity of tough, light,
peat sods, 2 inches thick. Cut these with a knife in long strips about
2 inches wide, and commence planting the baskets by laying pieces
of this peat strips in coils on the bottom of the baskets, with
spaces between wide enough to take a row of young plants head
downwards, about half an inch between plant and plant in the row.
The space between the sods must not admit the rather fine soil
in which they are planted to escape through. The same operation
is repeated for planting the sides — namely, build up layer after
layer of the strips of peat with a row of plants between each, as
directed for the bottom, filling the body of the basket as th

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

113

work proceeds with the soil in which the plants are to grow.
The top when finished should be slightly rounded.

The compost they thrive best in is loam, peat, and leaf soil in
equal proportions, with sand enough to insure perfect drainage.
The compost should be moderately moist at the time of planting,
and the baskets should not be watered until the plants have fairly
started into growth, which they usually do in the case of ten days
or a fortnight. They should be frequently syringed at this stage,
and if possible slightly shaded for a week or so, afterwards they
should receive all the light and sunshine possible. While in active
growth, up to the time they commence flowering, they should be
syringed twice daily during bright weather if grown in light airy
houses, but if grown in houses partially shaded and damp the
syringing is not necessary, but they must have abundance of water
at the roots. When the plants are in bloom the atmosphere of the
house must be kept dry, airy, and fairly warm ; indeed the air of
an ordinary conservatory will suit them well at this stage. Damp¬
ness at this time is the greatest danger. If this can be kept away
the baskets should continue in great beauty for two or three months.

Fig1* 19.— A basket of Achimenee.

Our largest baskets (fig. 19) when at their best, are from 4 to 6 feet
through, and one mass of bloom. It is often difficult to see even
a leaf for the great abundance of the flowers.

As to varieties, most growers will have their own fancies, but
I may remark that shy weak-growing varieties are no use at all for
their purpose. The following are our standard sorts for bas kets : —

Ambroise Verschaffelt. — A well known and popular sort. This
makes a grand light-coloured basket.

Carl Woolfarth. — A strong grower ; makes a magnificent basket
of enormous size. Colour, purplish crimson ; flowers large.

Harry Williams. — This does not make a large basket, but one
of medium size and compact form. It is of a most pleasing colour,
bright cerise with yellow eye and spotted with maroon, the lower
part of the eye pale mauve. This makes a very telling basket.

Longiflora major and the old longiflnra. — Both make beautiful
baskets. The former has larger flowers, but the old variety, to my
mind, produces quite as pleasing an effect.

Dazzle. — Bright scarlet, a shy grower compared with some of the

others, but if planted thickly makes an effective basket, the colour
being so bright.

Margaretta. — A pure white variety, a good grower, and the best
of its colour for basket work.

Many other varieties are grown here, but the above are sorts
which can be depended on, and will give an interesting diversity of
colours.

Achimenes may be grown in various ways, and when well grown
are always interesting. We have them in pans, the finest growing
varieties often 3 feet through. We also plant them freely on a
rockery among Ferns, and also on carpets of Moss (Selaginella
Kraussiana), where they have a very pleasing and refreshing
appearance ; but the method of growing them in suspended baskets
is incomparably superior to any other ; indeed I will go so far as to
say that there is not another plant to be found which will surpass
the Achimenes (for the summer months) in beauty and interest,
when they are grown in this way.

The success in managing this plant will be in proportion to the
care and intelligence exercised in handling the tender plants at
planting time, and placing them in position without unnecessary
damage to the roots or soft stems, and to the methodical and
timely attention to all the details of culture above described.
— 0. T.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

February 8th.

The annual general meeting of this Society was held in the East Crush
Room of the Royal Albert Hall, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the 7th inat., the
President, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., in the ebair. There was an
unusually good attendance of Fellows, and the following members of the
Council were present : — Baron Schroder, Major Mason, Dr. Robert Hogg,
W. T. Thiselton Dyer, G. F. Wilson, Michael T. Foster, E. G. Loder,
Colonel Beddome, S. Courtauld, William Haughton (Treasurer), William.
Lee (Secretary), and Captain Bax (Assistant Secretary).

The proceedings were commenced by the Secretary reading the notioe
calling the meeting and the minutes of the last annual general meeting.
Sir Trevor Lawrence then proceeded to make a few comments upon the
annual report and to explain the position of the Society. A question had
already been asked as to whether the time at which the notices of alterations
in the constitution of the Council was in accordance with the bye-laws, and
the following explanation of the departure from the usual course was then
furnished. The Council met on December 7th, 188G, when there was so
much bn siness to be tran sacted that some had to be postponed until January
11th. Then there would have been time to issue the notices by the 15th ult.
had not some difficulty occurred as to whether the gentlemen proposed to
fill the vacancies on the Counoil would accept the position, and before this
could be determined the requisite time had laps a. They therefore could
not proceed with any election until the due notice had been given before
another meeting is held, the Council and officers remaining in the meantime
as before. The President observed that the Council had to regret the death
of Mr. West, who had rendered the Society most valuable services as
auditor, and they wished to express their hearty condolence with his family.

Referring more particularly to the leport, Sir Trevor Lawrence regretted
that he was unable to give a definite statement as to their prospects. The
negotiations with the Albert Hall Corporation had fallen through because
the terms proposed by the Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition to the
latter were of such a nature that they declined them unanimously. The
position now is that the Commissioners would place alternative terms
before the Albert Hall Corporation, and in the event of these being unac¬
cepted they would be prepared to enter into direct negotiations with the
Royal Horticultural Society. He could not conceal that the position of the
Society is very unsatisfactory, but it could not establish itself in an inde¬
pendent position without considerable expense. It was very desirable that
the Society should have a home of its own if a way could be seen to
obtaining the necessary funds. He thought it was desirable if possible to
make an arrangement to the mutual advantage of South Kensington
Fellows and horticulturists generally, but they could not sacrifice the
interests of the Society to the former element. Their recent position had
not been creditable to them, but their grateful acknowledgments were due
to the Commissioners for their terms of occupation. They had permission
to use the offices they now occupy by accepting all liability as to rates and
taxes, but the use of the conservatory for shows and meetings had been
declined unless some arrangement could be effected with the parochial
authorities by agreeing to pay a stipulated sum for rates each time it might
be employed for that purpose. This, it was thought, might be accom¬
plished, and the matter would be decided as quickly as possible.

As regards the Liverpool Show, upon which the accounts show a con¬
siderable loss, he wished the Fellows to understand that the matter was
fully considered before it was undertaken. The Mayor of Liverpool and
other local authorities were consulted, who represented it as an exception¬
ally favourable opportunity, and in matters of this kind they were neces¬
sarily chiefly dependant upon local information. Happily, however, the
Show was a great success horticultu ally, and they must a'so express their
acknowledgments to the guarantors for the promptness with which this
fund was paid. The work at Chiswick had been carried on in the usual way,
but they hoped during the year to make more use of the Gardens than
before, as much space and time had been occupied during the past season
with the plants for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. Sir Trevor Law¬
rence referred to the meeting of the Horticultural Club recently (noticed on
age 94 last week), and stated what a strong feeling existed that the
ociety should establish itself in a home of its own. He could not believe
that a Society which has done so much good work as this would appeal in
vain for support if they could see a clear course. Mr. H. Turner was
nominated as auditor in the place of the late Mr. West.

114

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

Annual Report for 1886.

The usual accounts and balance sheet are submitted to the Fellows.

The Council have been for a long time anxiously considering the arrange-
m°nts which have now to be entered into, in order to enable the Society to
carry on the useful work on which it has been engaged during nearly the
whole of the present century. While they cannot conceal from themselves
that the Society’s connection with the recent Exhibitions, and indeed with
South Kensington generally, has been gravely disadvantageous to it in the
prosecution of its legitimate work — the promotion of scientific and practical
horticulture — it is obvious that the Society could not establish itself in a
new home adequate to its requirements without undertaking a very serious
expenditure, for which funds would have to be provided. The Council have
therefore entered into preliminary negotiations with the Royal Albert
Hall Corporation, and they are prepared to recommend to the Fellows that
they should be empowered to enter into an agreement with that body on the
following terms — terms which the Council believe will leave the Society prac¬
tically independent, while providing sufficient accommodation for its wants.

The Royal Albert Hall Corporation agree to give the Royal Horticultural
Society : —

(a) The UBe of the Conservatory for fortnightly and other shows.

( b ) Accommodation for the LindDy Library and the meetings of the

Scientific, Fruit, Floral, and other Committees.

(c) Accommodation for the Society’s office and staff.

( d ) Admission to the Royal Horticultural Gardens every day, and to

the Royal Albert Hall (unreserved seats) whenever open to the
public.

The Royal Horticultural Society undertake the horticultural (but not
the structural) maintenance of the Conservatory, and of such limited
portions of the Gardens as may be occupied by the Royal Albert Hall
Corporation, and to contribute an amount to be agreed upon towards the
heating of the Conservatory. It is distinctly understood that the Royal
Horticultural Society will enter into any agreement it may make as an
independent body, and that the Society will have no connection whatever
with the musical or other entertainments contemplated by the Royal Albert
Hall Corporation. The latter body have intimated that at present they are
not prepared to give the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society trans¬
ferable tickets.

It will be observed that there is a considerable deficit on account of the
Provincial Show held at Liverpool in the summer, the small attendance at
which was due, in part, to the General Election which took place at the
same time. It was also found that the counter attraction of the Liverpool
International Shipping Exhibition affected the attendance very prejudicially
— many people labouring under the impression that the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Show formed part of that Exhibition. In point of merit the
Society’s Show surpassed any of those previously held in the provinces.
Many of the collections were models of successful cultivation, and finer
Orchids, Crotons, Dracaenas, miscellaneous stove, greenhouse, and hardy
plants have rarely, if ever, been seen. The cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables
were remarkably good, and the exhibition of glass structures and heating
apparatus attracted great interest, especially in the boiler competition.
The Royal Horticultural Society desires to acknowledge its obligation to
the large and enthusiastic body of exhibitors who filled every class at this
Exhibition.

The Council cannot pass from this subject without expressing their sense
of the readiness and promptitude with which the sum guaranteed by Liver¬
pool towards the expenses of the Show has been paid.

At the commencement of the year the Society laboured under the great
disadvantage of being deprived by the Royal Commissioners of the Col nial
and Indian Exhibition of the transferable, tickets issued to the Fellows, in con¬
sequence of which many notices of resignation were received by the Council.

The Narcissus Committee, in continuation of its previous work, held
during the past year three meetings, at which a large number of very
interesting specimens of Naroissi, from various parts of the United Kingdom
and from abroad, were submitted for critical examination. Several
interesting discussions took place, and some progress was made in the diffi¬
cult task of Narcissus nomenclature.

The Primula Exhibition and Conference held in April last, under the
presidency of J. T. D. Llewelyn, Esq., was organised in connection with the
exhibition of the National Auricula Society. A representative display of
41 Florists’ Flowers ” was thus secured, and, in connection with it, a general
exhibition of species and varieties of the genus Primula. The Council is
under great obligations to the directors of the Royal Gardens, Kew, and
other botanic gardens in England, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as to
numerous amateurs and nurserymen, for the means of carrying to a success¬
ful issue an exhibition of a unique and most interesting character. The
Society is also indebted to those botanists on the Continent, in Canada, and
in India, who, by the transmission of seeds, living plants, illustrations, and
documents of various kinds, contributed to the success of the Exhibition
and Conference.

The Conference itself was well attended, the interest evoked sufficing to
bring several visitors even from Scotland and Ireland. The papers read
were at once comprehensive and suggestive, and the discussion upon them
was particularly instructive. A report of the Exhibition and of the Con¬
ference, including the text of the papers, a complete list of species (drawn
up by Mr. Dewar, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, and revised by Mr. G. C.
Churchill), and various documents relating to the natural history and mode
of cultivation of the species of Primula, has been recently published and
circulated among the Fellows.

During the week of the provincial show at Liverpool a conference on
Orchid nomenclature was held. This was attended by M. Charles Joly on
behalf of France, and by Messrs. Pynaert and Van Volxem on that of
Belgium. The proceedings have been published in the Journal of the
Soc-ety and circulated among the Fellows and others interested.

At the same time a series of prizes for essays on the “Structure and
Function of Roots,” given by the Gardeners’ Chronicle, were distributed by
the President, the second prize being gained by one of the Society’s gar¬
deners at Chiswick. J 6

The practical work at Chiswick has been carried out during the past
year in the tisual manner, and the garden maintained in a state of efficiency.

The special trials by the various committees, although not so varied as

in some previous years, have yielded good results. The Fruit Committee
trials consisted of Potatoes, Peas, Strawberries, and Tomatoes grown at Chis¬
wick, in each class several certificates were awarded.

A collection of the smaller and hardier high-flavoured Grapes, together
with a number of American varieties, planted in an unheated house two
years ago, have fruited during the past season, and some interesting notes
have been obtained.

The trials of the Floral Committee were also conducted at the Chiswick
Gardens. Collections of Fuchsias, Ivv-leaved Pelargoniums. Carnations,
Hollyhocks, and Dahlias were received and grown on in the houses and
open borders for the inspection and adjudication of the Committee.

Steps were taken during the early part of the year to carry out at Chis¬
wick extensive experiments for the Government in the cultivation of
Tobacco, seeds being obtained and plants raised of nearly every known
variety. Owing, however, to the difficulties raised by the Excise authorities
these had to be abandoned.

At the request of the Royal Commissioners of the Colonial and Indian
Exhibition, the Society last year took charge of the plants sent home by
the various colonies, and prepared them for the Exhibition. This impor¬
tant and burdensome work was carried out with complete success. The
whole of the plants were placed in the Exhibition in perfect heolth, and
maintained in a vigorous condition during the Exhibition, under the care
of the Society. This work necessarily occupied a considerable amount of
room, and interfered with the general work of the Chiswick Gardens.

A correspondence was entered into with the Commissioners of the
Colonial and Indian Exhibition with a view of organising in connection
with it special collections of tropical and other economic plants, as well as
special groups illustrative of the characteristic vegeta ion of the several
colonies. It was also suggested that an organised effort might be made to
introdace on a commercial scale tropical and other colonial fruits, little
known to fruit consumers in England. The Commissions s were unable to
accept the proposals of the Council, as it was found desirable that the
separate Executive Commissions should arrange their own exhibitions. As
regards fruit, however, the Council believe that in consequence of their
suggestion, energetic efforts were made by the colonies to send their fruits
to the Exhibition. At many of the Society’s shows they formed a very
striking feature, and the importation of colonial fruits now bids fair to
become a permanent commercial enterprise.

Applications from Fellows for plants, seeds, &c., continue to be received.
During the past year 825 Fellows have been supplied with 18,280 plants,
42,000 packets of seeds, and 4500 cuttings of Vines and other fruit trees.
The Council have come to the conclusion that the present system of seed
and plant distribution is not satisfactory. Of late years a number of parcels
of ordinary flower and vegetable seeds, such as are procurable from the
trade, have been prepared and distributed. The Council hope to arrange
in future for the distribution of plants and Eeeds of a rarer and more valu¬
able character. They are glad to announce that, in addition to those they
will be able to grow at Chiswick, they have received promises of plants and
seeds for distribution from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Mr. William Lee, Baron
Henry Schroder, Frofessor Michael Foster, Mr. S. Courtauld, Royal Gardens,
Kew (through Mr. W. Thiselton Dyer), Colonel Beddome, Hon. and Rev.
J. T. Boscawen, Mr. G. F. Wilson, Colonel R. Trevor Clarke, and Major
Mason. As the quantities of some of the plants available must necessarily
be limited, sp -cial arrangements will have to be made for their distribution.

The crops of Grapes and Pears have been of a good average character,
other fruits rather scarce. It is satisfactory to note that the Fellows now
exercise their privileges of purchasing, at wholesale prices, the fruits grown
at the Society’s gardens to a greater extent than heretofore.

Donations of plants and seeds have been received from — Messrs.
Barr <fc Son, collection of bulbs, <fcc.; Colonel R. Trevor Clarke, eighteen
species of rare Croci, <fco. ; Mr. J. A. Gammie, Orchids; Mrs. Lee (Gunners-
bury), five largj Ohanders ; Royal Botanic Gard ns, Kew, collection of
Salvias, Palms, and other seeds; Mr. G. Stevens, Chrysanthemums ; Duke
of Marlborough, Phoenix capitata ; Mr. G. Prince, Tea Roses ; Mr. John
Fraser, Apricots and Peaches; Messrs. Paul & Son, Strawoeiries ; Mr. C.
Turner, Strawberries; Messrs. James Veitch it Sons, Strawberries ; the
Countess of Dartrey, seeds, Rhododendron; Botanic Gardens, Biisbane,
seets, Araucaria; Sir George Macleay, seeds, Palm, die. ; Baron Von Miiller,
F.R.S., seeds, New Holland plants; Dr. Schomburgk, seeds, New Holland
plants ; Herr Ernst Benary, seeds, flower and vegetable : Messrs. James
Carter & Co., seeds, flower and vegetable; Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux and
Co., seeds, flower and vegetable ; Messrs. Daniels Biotheis, Potatoes. To
these and other donors the thanks of the. Society are due.

The frost report on the winters 1879-80 and 1880-81, by the Rev. G.
Henslow, and the report of the Pear Conference, held at Chiswick in O' tober,
1884, prepared by Mr. Barron in the same style as the Apple Congress Report,
will shoitly be issued.

The Scientific, Fruit, and Floral Committees at South Kensington have
carried on their labours as usual during the year, and to them the thanks of
the Society are due. A great variety of extremely interesting new plants
and flowers have been submitted for adjudication. The number of first-
class certificates awarded has been 230.

The exhibitions held in the conservatory during the past year have been
throughout of a very high character, forming a great attraction to the
visitors to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition. The National Rose Society’s
Show in July, that of Cottagers’ Produce in August, of Grapes in September,
of Hardy Fruits and Vegetables in October, may be spscially mentioned.
A varied, extensive, and continuous display of Lilies, Gladioli, herbaceous
and other hardy plants, was furnished by several nurserymen, and attracte
much interest.

A novel featu-e in 1880 was the collection of Orchids in fl wer, shown by
Mr. Sander of St. Albans, under the auspices of the Society, in a plant
house specially constructed for the purpose. The plants were continually
changed, and an effective display was maintained without a break until
late in the summer. This collection, as wellas those referred to above, created
great interest, so much so that it was frequently difficult to get near them.

The Council desire to point out that the fortnightly meetings of the
Society are becoming more and more the recognised occasions for the in¬
troduction of new plants to the public. They believe that for many years
the finest and most beautiful as well as the most curious, horticultural

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

115

novelties, whether of natural or artificial origin, have been first seen publicly
at these meetings.

The thank** of the Society are due to Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs.
Cart *r & Co., Mr. H. Deverill, Messrs. Webb & Sons, and Mr. C. Fidler for
their donations of special prizes.

The Council desire to convey the thanks of the Society to the Auditors,
Messrs. John Lee, James F. West, and W. Richards, for their continued
gratuitous services in auditing the accounts.

Numerous additions have been made to the Lindley Library during the
past year, and a handbook of every colony represented at the late Colonial
and Indian Exhibition has been secured.

During the year twenty-nine Life Fellows and thirty-two Annual
Fellows died, 200 Fellows retired from the Society, and seventy new
Fellows were elected.

Auditors’ Report.

To the President and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Gentlemsn, — We have audited the accounts of the Society for the past
year, and have gone through every item with the vouchers and find them
perfectly correct. It is very gratifying that the books of the Society are
kept by Mr. Dick in a very clear and perfect manner.

We much regret that two great disturbing influences have had a serious
and depressing effect on the finances of the Society in 1886 ; the first being
the taking away the privilege of transferable tickets of admission, and
making them personal, which resulted in the resignation of a large number
of Fellows, causing a reduction in the receipts of this most important part
of the revenues to the amount of £850. Secondly, the failure of the Liver¬
pool Exhibition, which shows a deficiency over the receipts of £740, and,
added to the loss from subscriptions, makes a total loss under these two
heads of £1590, against which there is the asset of £300 for overdue
subscriptions.

We have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient Servants,

John Lee, "1

Jas. F. West, > Auditors.

January 26th, 1887. W. Richards, J

ANNUAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 3LST DECEMBER, 188G.

To Establishment Expenses:— £ s. d.

Salaries . 500 1 8

Wasres . 73 Q 8

Printing and Stationery. . .. ICO 17 11

Postage . 90 4 9

Gas . 17 9 3

Miscellaneous . 101 19 2

it Special Expenses in Relation to Horticulture:—
Plant and ^eed Distribution .. ' '

Fruit and Floral Committees ..

Grants in Aid .

National Apple Congress Report

Frost Repo ts .

Orchid Conference .

Primula 'Conference
Pear Conference .

)> Chiswick Garden Expenses:—

Rents, Rates, Taxes, and In- j

surance . i

Labour . 718 18

Implements, Manure, &c.

Coal and Coke

Repairs . 78

Trees/Plants, Seeds. &c. ..

Superintendent’s Salary . .

Water . 15 19 10

Miscellaneous

it Kensington Garden Expenses:—

Superintendent’s Salary. . .. _

Labour . 517

Repairs . 15

Coal and Coke
Miscellaneous .. ..

m Exhibitions

Advertising .

Prices and Medals ..

Ditto Col. & lud. Exhibition .

Bands . .

Superintendent of Flower Shows 25

Lab jur . .

Judges’ Fees .

Police . 12

Schedules .

Miscellaneous

» Provincial Show —

Liverpool .

EXPENDITURE.

Cash paid. Debts payable.

£ s. d.

7 13 10
30 0 6

£

500

73

116

98

25

131

s. d

Totals.

Jt s. d.

iculture :—

236 4

4

31 13

1

75 14

0

28 18

9

116 0

0

2 3

0

12 12

0

68 9

0

14 6

8

11 5

0

198 6 11

58 4

8

718 18

9

110 17

4

4 0

0

151 1

8

44 16 11

78 3

0

82 16

2

150 0

0

15 19 10

3 13

6

68 9 11

48 15

5

100 0

0

517 1

8

15 2

4

11 9

8

52 18

9

17 19

9

3 0

0

87 9

6

23 13

5

49 15

0

454 12

3

50 10

0

25 0

0

\ 25 0

0

94 9

8

26 5

0

12 0

0

40 9

0

18 19

5

67 19 11

2863 16

8

560 16

0

945 14 8

267

104

110

2

12

68

14

11

17 5
12 9
0 O
8 0
12 0
9 0
6 8
5 0

256 5 7

591 5 10

718

114

195

160

37

150

19

117

18 9

17 4

18 2

19 2
10 10

0 0
13 4
5 4

100

517

26

70

3

37

78

565

25

25
94

26
12
40
85

0 0
1 8
12 9
18 6
0 0

9 6

8 5
2 8

0 0
0 O

9 6
5 0
0 O
9 0

19 4

1771 8 6

717 12 2

-2

£7232 7 6 1149 8 11

931 3 0
3424 12 3

£8381 16 5

INCOME.

Cash received. Debts receivable. Totals.

» Promenade Shows .

it Colonial Indian Exhibition Maintenance
» i* ii Prizes and Medals..

m National Apple Congress Report
n Salaries Account, Amounts Guaranteed! ..

i, Garden Produce .

n Plants **old, Chiswick .

u Orchid Conference .

ii Schedule Advertisements'! .

n Dividends, Davis Request and Parry Legacy

„ Victoria Com nission . *.

» Ceylon ditto .

ii South Australian Commission .

Antigua oil to . o

» Provincial Show, Liverpool . 2.581

£ 6.

d.

£ s. d.

£ s.

d.

. 2431 3

0

333 18 0

2815 1

0

33 0

0

33 0

0

i 600 0

0

600 0

0

505 2

3

505 2

3

4 6 5

4 6

5

75 0

0

17.5 0 0

250 0

0

411 10

9

55 13 4

467 4

1

12 15

0

12 15

0

48 17

0

48 17

0

33 10

9

33 10

9

1 18

5

0 10 19

2 9

3

35 19

0

35 19

0

61 11

O

61 11

0

11 17

2

21 0 0

32 17

2

7 18

7

7 18

7

1 5

7

1 5

7

8 7

5

8 7

5

2.581 2

5

100 0 0

2681 2

5

£6910 18

4

£690 8 r

£7601 6

11

h Balance to Qentval Revenue Account

780 9 6
£“381 16 5

We have examined the Accounts with the Books and Vouchers, and wc find the same
correct.

27th January, 1887.

JOHN LEE, )

J AS . F . W EST, [ Audi tors .
W. RICHARDS, J

balance sheet, 31st December, 1886.

To Sundry Creditors

„ General Revenue Account— Balance of that account ’1

£ s. d.
1172 6
1882 5

£:054 12 2

CR.

By Debtors, viz. :—

. £ s. d. £ s. d.

Annual Subscriptions outstanding . 833 18 0

National Apple Congress Report . 4 « 5

Salaries Account due by Guarantors’! .. : .. 175 0 0

Garden Produce, 1885 . 0 12 6

_ »• 1886 . 55 13 4

Orchid Conference . 0 10 10

Victorian Commission . 21 0 0

Provincial Show, Liverpool Guarantors .. .. 100 0 0

New South Wales Commission . 1 12 8

1, Investments— 3 per cent. Consols ..
„ Cash at London and County Bank
„ Petty Cash in Hand .

£ s. d

692 13 9
1,892 11 3
417 5 4
52 1 10

£3,054 12 2

We have examined the above Accounts with the Books and Vouchers, and we find the
same correct— JOHN LEE, \

_ JA.S. F. WEST, \ Auditors.

27th January, 1887. W. RICHARDS, J

GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT, 31ST DECEMBER, 1885.

DR. £ s.d

To Annual Revenue Account, Balance for the year 1886 780 9 6

i, Balance earned forward . 1882 5 9>

£2662 15 3

CR. £ s. d

By Balance of Revenue Account brought forward 1st January, 1886 . . . . 2662 15 3

£2662 1 5 3

We have examined the above Accounts with the Books and Vouchers, and we find
the same correct.

27th! January, 1886.

JOHN LEE, )

JAS. F. WEST, [ Auditors .
W. RICHARDS, j

In moving the adoption of the report some discussion ensued. Mr,
Guedalla thought the time had arrived when a plan should be elaborated by
which the Society could be established on a more satisfactory footing.
Mr. Llewelyn wished to know, with regard to the shows of the special socie¬
ties which had be-n arranged to be held in the Conservatory, whether the
earliest possible intimation as to any change would be given, as th schedules
are now beiDg printed. Sir Trevor Lawrence said, in reply, that in the
event of any difficulty occurring, the Royal Horticultural Society would feel
itself bound to provide some oilier suitable place. S veral oiherFelows
took part in the discussion at this stag1. One thought the accounts were in
a very unfortunate state ; he wished to know what advantages could now be
offered to Fellows in return for a 4-guinea subscription. An^t'er considered
the finances were getting worse and worse, and that they should make every
effort to obtain an independent position. A 40-guinea life Fellow regretted
the difficulties in which the Society was placed, but thought the life Fellows
had been badly used in rendering their tickets non-transferable. He wished
to know whether the life subscriptions had been capitalised, or what had
been done with the debentures. The President staged in rep’y, that the
life subscriptions had been spent, and between £900 and £1000 had been ex¬
pended in supporting the rights of the debenture holders.

Mr. Harry J. Veitch said some valuable suggestions had been made, and
he believed that they might by united efforts remove the S ciety from its
present difficult position. They had an excellent Council, and the ol>serva-
tions he was about to make were not offered in an antagonistic spirit, but
he thought the report might have be^n more business-like. For some years
the Societv had been knocked about from pillar to po«t — since, indeed, they
lost their President, the Prince Consort. He believed the Quern was then
desired to nominate a President, and he thought if Her Majesty was applied
to now more progress might be made in the settl*. ment of their affairs.
Land had b^en found at South Kensington f _>r several societies, who now
had permanent positions, and he could not see why the Royal Hort cultural
Society should not be treated in a similar way. If land could be so ob¬
tained there would be no difficulty in procuring funds. He therefore pro¬
posed that a Committee of five persons be appointed to conf r with the
Council to determine what course the Society should adopt, and, if possible,
to procure land as a site for permanent offices.

Mr. Elwes had much pleasure in supporting Mr. Yeitch’s proposal, but
it seemed to him that the great difficulties would be removed by the em¬
ployment of an efficient paid Secretary, as some of the most successful
societies owed their prosperity in a large measure to their secretaries, who
are really the managers. He thought the continued existence of the Society
was mainly due to Mr. Dick and Mr. Barron. He mentioned that tho
report of the severe winters six or seven years ago was not jet issued. Mr.
A. H. Smee thought that the Soci* ty would never do any good until it was-
clear of South Kensington. If it would give up there and make its home
at Chiswick he felt sure any amount could be raised. He would willingly
head a subscription list with 100 guineas to assist in establishing the
Society away from South Kensington. After some few explanatory re¬
marks by Sir Trevor Lawrence, the report was then formally seconded and
adopted.

Mr. Shirley Hibberd thought it was disadvantageous that the Council are
self-elected, and that the Fellows should be required to nominate members
of the Council a month in advance. He complained th-*t no list of the>
Fellows had been issued for ten years and he believed it would be better if
the annual general meeting was held in May instead of February.

Mr. Yeitch’s proposition as to the formation of a sub-committee was then
adopted, five Fellows being nominated, Messrs. Maw, Elwes, Yeitcb,

116

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

Pollett, and Major Lendy, “ To consider the future of the Society and report
thereon at their eariiest convenience.”

On the motion of Dr. Masters a unanimous vote of thanks to the
President was then passed, and the meeting terminated.

ORCHID LORE.

JA. paper by Mr. Lewis Cattle, read at the meeting of the Lee. Lewisham, and
Blackheath Horticultural Society, January 28th, 1887.]

Obchids have gained such a large share of popularity in recent
years, their commercial value has become so great, and the total amount
of capital now invested in them, both by nurserymen and amateurs,
is so astonishing, that the question may well be asked, Why has such
general favour been extended to these plants l Why do we find wealthy
amateurs with a dozen houses stocked with plants that in some cases
are literally worth their weight in gold, town gardens with their houses
of cool Orchids, the nurseryman with a score of structures devoted to
them, and the sale rooms crowded with eager purchasers every week ?
A brief search for answers to these queries may occupy our attention
for a few minutes, and may serve to introduce other matters of some
interest.

It has been related that at one of the London Horticultural Society’s
exhibitions many years ago a plant of the Butterfly Orchid, Oncidium
Papilio, was shown, and attracted much attention from the visitors pre¬
sent, who were not so accustomed to the peculiar floral forms of Orchids
then as they are now, though even at shows of the present time that
species always creates some surprise. But amongst those who viewed
with astonishment the extraordinary resemblance the flower bears to
some gaudy tropical butterfly, was one whose interest was so deeply
excited in the vegetable wonder that he determined to form a collec¬
tion of the plants to which it was related. Many will remember that
this was a former Duke of Devonshire, who became the most distin¬
guished patron of the family, and at great expense dispatched collec¬
tors to various regions to secure the treasures in quantity. One of the
first consignments was received just fifty years ago, and the stoves at
Chatsworth were soon stocked with thousands of choice Orchids, many
of which were introduced for the first time. This gave the greatest
impetus to Orchid culture which it had received up to that time, and
since then the progress has been steady, the number of those remarkable
for the unusual forms of their flowers being greatly increased. Scarcely
any, however, have been obtained more striking in their mimicry than
the Butterfly Oncidium, and no thoughtful person can fail to be
impressed with the singularity of its form.

Attention being once drawn in a prominent manner to the Orchids it
was soon discovered that a large number of them, quite apart from
structural peculiarities, possessed no mean horticultural value, having
flowers of varied forms and colours, rich brilliant and soft tints being
represented, a diversity of odours, many exceedingly sweet, and a dura¬
tion of floral beauty that in some cases is quite unequalled in any other
family of plants. These qualities were sufficient to induce wealthy
cultivators to regard Orchids favourably, to extend their numbers, and
to extol their beauty. But another cause began to operate in the same
direction, as botanists had for some time been studying the character of
the family as displayed in the rapidly increasing introductions, and it
may be said that these observations culminated in the experiments and
researches of Mr. Charles Darwin, which were embodied in his work on
the fertilisation of Orchids. This might be termed the “ Romance of
Botany,” for in it is related a marvellous history, possessing, moreover,
the advantage of being a record of facts. Thousands of readers then
learnt for the first time that there was a secret history connected with
Orchids, of which they had never dreamed ; the strange floral forms that
had excited so much surprise were found to bear a relation to the plant’s
existence and increase, which could have been scarcely believed if it had
been less conclusively proved, and their beauty was only rivalled by the
mystery of their destiny. Proceeding on the assumption that there
must be a reason for the strongly marked peculiarities of the Orchids
and their unique character amongst other related vegetation, Mr. Dar¬
win examined a great number of flowers of different species, conducted
his experiments with the exactness of a practised scientist, and drew his
conclusions with logical accuracy. The result was, he proved indis¬
putably, in a large number of instances, that the strange formations of
Orchid flowers were so many elaborate adaptations to entice insects of
various kinds and to render them the agents whereby the cross-fertilisa¬
tion of the plants should be insured. This explanation not only served
to elucidate the structure of Orchids, but it also furnished a reason for
the apparently endless variations continually being found, and for the
difficulty which existed in clearly defining the limits of many species.

Mr. Darwin’s work became very popular, and naturally attracted still
more attention to the plants on which it treated. They became the
favourite objects of study of the learned and wealthy throughout Europe,
and were firmly established in an almost unrivalled popularity that is
still increasing. In brief, it will thus be seen that Orchids have ob¬
tained their present high position, not merely because they are beauti¬
ful, but because, in addition to an exceptional natural gracefulness, they
are extremely interesting structurally, and besides furnishing the
pleasure derived from the contemplation of charming flowers, they
supply a mer.tal pleasure in their study that few others can equal and
none exceed.

This is said without the slightest disparagement to our numerous
delightful garden flowers, the Rose, the Violet, the Chrysanthemum, the
Primrose, the Daffodil, and innumerable others which excite our admi¬

ration, and the true gardener, whether amateur or professional, will
love them all, though he may have a special liking for one or more of
them.

Most of those present are, no doubt, familiar with Orchids, but a
few words of explanation may serve to render their structure more
clear to others. Little need be here said concerning the vegetative
organs of these plants. The chief differences in this respect are found
in the two groups termed respectively epiphytal and terrestrial. The
epiphytal Orchids are those best known to cultivators as natives of
tropical countries, and usually possess fleshy cylindrical roots, or
curiously flattened as in Phalsenopsis, with or without a rhizome bear¬
ing swollen ovoid stem-like bodies termed pseudo-bulbs, as in the
Odontoglossums, or true stems as in the Vandas. The pseudo-bulb is
an important organ, serving as a store-house of nutriment, and one of
the chief objects of cultivators who wish their plants to flower satis¬
factorily is to insure the development and maturation of the pseudo¬
bulbs. Another cultural point is, that the non-pseudo-bulbous Orchids
can never be rested or dried as some others are, and consequently are
more difficult to import. This is seen in Phalmnopsis and Cypri-
pediums.

The terrestrial Orchids comprise the natives of temperate climates,
such as those found in our own country and in North America. These
plants are commonly furnished with tubers that perform a similar
function underground to the office of the pseudo-bulbs in the epiphytes.
The terrestrial species are generally deciduous or herbaceous — that is,
the stems die each autumn, the plant hybernates as it were, and fresh
stems are produced the following spring like the well-known beautiful
Cypripedium spectabile.

With a few exceptions the leaves are not remarkable in either of
the two groups named, and it has been said that Orchids out of flower
are amongst the most unattractive of plants. The Cypripediums with
beautiful marbled or mottled foliage, and those exquisite little gems the
Anoectochili, must, however, be excepted from this sweeping denun¬
ciation. The leaves of the latter show the most delicately chaste
tracery and venation of silver and gold that can be found in the whole
vegetable kingdom, and it is regretable that they prove so difficult to
manage satisfactorily, though a successful cultivator is well repaid for
his trouble.

Most of the cultivated Orchids are of moderate dimensions, the
Vandas and the Vanilla attaining the greatest size as regards height,
while some of the Masdevallias or Pleurothallises are the smallest seen
in our houses ; but these do not represent the extremes of growth
variation in the family, for there are both giants and dwarfs of a far
more remarkable character. In Australia and some of the tropical
islands to the north of “ the great southern land,” are found species of
a genus named Galeola, that ramble and scramble up trees to a great
height, producing stems 30 to 100 feet or more in length, trailing about
with true tropical luxuriance. On the other hand, minute forms of
Bulbophyllum have been discovered, of which a little colony of plants
can be comfortably placed on a shilling.

(To be continued.)

TABLE DECORATING.

In some respects there is much less artificiality of treatment in
decorating dining tables than was the case a few years ago, though
it must be said that the gardener has a more varied and a greater
demand made upon him for material than in those times. The
risk of overstepping the boundaries of fashion is moreover much
less now — perhaps as much on account of the individuality of
flowers being recognised, though maybe unconsciously, to a greater
extent than in former years. Plants are being gradually displaced
by flowers, though it would be a retrograde step to dispense with
the former, their value in adding to the effect of the decora¬
tions on large tables being very good. In the case of small parties,
especially when the tables are lighted with candles set in massive
candelabra, they generally detract from that lightness of appear¬
ance which should be aimed at, and that without yielding any
compensating advantages. With large tables the case is somewhat
different, and good plants are the means of imparting a massiveness
of appearance which is not out of place. It is not necessary to
adhere to any one method of setting-up plants. Where there are
vessels of gold or silver good plants may be very effectively placed
in these without any further dressing, or by the addition of a
trailing plant or two, such as the variegated Panicum, the vessel
may be veiled with leafage. Massive fruit and floral centrepieces,
which are generally heavy in appearance, may be made by the com¬
bination of plants, fruit, and flowers, rather graceful than other¬
wise. One such was treated as follows : — In the upper tray a
centre plant of Curculigo recurvata was placed, and along with this
a healthy plant of Asparagus plumosus, the feathery leafage of
which was so arranged as to impart the needed lightness of apj eir-
ance. Yellow and black Grapes were heaped over the roots of
these plants, and hung over the edges of the receptacle. In the
lowe’- tray three good plants of Panicum not only veiled the heavy
stem and pedestal, but served for a setting to well-coloured Apples,
Oranges, and Pears. Cocos Weddelliana, Roman Hyacinths, and

February 10,1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

117

Maidenhair Ferns were also sparingly placed among the fruit. Of
course, a large dining table is required to justify the use of so
striking a centrepiece.

A very handsome centre arrangement for a large table may be
set up in the following way. Select a good plant about 4 feet in
height. Place this in the centre of a good-sized ordinary oval
serving tray. At each side of this plant put an Asparagus plumosus,
and round the outer edge of the tray a few foliage plants, such as
Dracaenas, Crotons, or Palms, though it may be noted here that
none is better for all purposes than green-leaved plants, and this
more particularly when flowers are used to any great extent. After
the various plants are set in position fill in between the balls with
moist well-worked clay. If flowers are scarce the clay may be
covered with the common Selaginella, and have a few graceful
flowers over its surface. When the tray is set on the table finish
off the edge. Seedling Adiantums laid on the cloth in a slanting
position are best for this purpose, and a few of these may be intro¬
duced among the Selaginellas with good effect. If there are plenty
of flowers, however, instead of using the moss the entire surface
may be dotted with some particular kind, as, for instance, white
Chrysanthemums, white Azaleas, Paper-white Narcissus, or double
white Primulas, and among these place wired sprays of Lily of the
Valley, white Tulips, Roman Hyacinths, Calanthe vestita, or white
Odontoglossums. Richardias and Eucharises are also very good,
but these should be kept low. Coelogyne cristata is capital for
finishing off the edges. Among white flowers sprays of the common
variegated Panicum add greatly to the effect, and if it is considered
necessary to add more green than that afforded by the plants a few
trailing sprays of Ficus repens or Myrsiphyllum asparagoides are
preferable to Ferns.

Coming now to flowers, it may first of all be noted that nothing
surpasses pure white flowers for table decoration. For breakfast or
lunch the addition of yellow adds to the effect without in any way
destroying the chasteness of the white. However, by candlelight
yellow and white appear very much alike, and orange and brown
shades or soft rose may be employed to give colour. An occasional
richness of tone may be attempted, crimson Tulips being very
good. Amaryllises are also good. Clematis Jackmanni affords a
very effective hue. When plushes are employed it will be found
much better to harmonise the flower used with these. Thus, a
yellow plush may have all the flowers white or greenish yellow, as
Cypripedium insigne ; or soft rose, when Chinese Primulas, Pelar¬
goniums, or Tulips may be used ; or orange-browns are admissible.
A deep lilac, like Aster bessarabicus, is also good.

There is no better medium for setting-up flowers than common
globe-shaped glasses. In these one good bloom or truss may be
placed, or a large number of flowers and foliage may be arranged with
good effect. These glasses have the primary advantage of showing
the flowers themselves, which ought to be (but unfortunately is
not) the end of floral decorating. Tall glasses in any shape are out
■of place for table work. Crystal shapes of trough shape are in
occasional use. When well done these are pretty, but they are
extremely wasteful of material. There is some difficulty in getting
foliage and flowers to remain in position in these receptacles, and
various methods are employed to secure this end. Nothing, how-
over, does better than small sprays of common Box put in thickly
among the water, the stalks of the legitimate occupants being held
tightly among these. Much the same remark applies to the “ fairy
lamps,’ which are apt to give trouble through the flowers falling
out of place. Box, as above indicated, makes a perfectly secure
medium to hold the flowers in position. As it is necessary to veil
the shades with foliage, the heat from the lights causes great waste
of material, Ferns being completely spoilt in one night. Sprays of
Thuias gigantea, Wareana, or Elwangeriana stand better than any-
thing, and are fairly good for the purpose in other respects. The
prettiest of all the shades are, I think, the yellow ones. With the
glasses filled with white flowers and foliage only these are soft and
pleasing in effect. For breakfast the lampstands may be utilised
by putting small globe dishes filled with flowers in the place of the
lights and shades. A very pretty method of using flowers is to
stand them on the tablecloth am mg foliage. During summer good
blooms of Roses wired are set un among their own foliage. Lapa-
gerias, Eucharises, Michaelmas Daisies, Marguerites, Chrysanthe¬
mums, Tulips, &c., are suitable for this purpose.

I or single blooms a strong ordinary bouquet wire is bent so as
to stand quite firmly on the cloth and support thi flower, which is
tied to the upright portion of the wire, the portion on the cloth
eing hidden among foliage. With longer and stronger wires large
arrangements are set up. All the flowers are of course wired, and
are tied to the central one. Flowers are also extensively used for
ajing on the cloth, either with or without any method of
arrangement. Good Orchids are most suitable for this purpose
■and m any case only the best of flowers should be used. Of foliage

that is suitable for table work are various Ferns, Ivy, Ivy-leaf
Pelargoniums, Chrysanthemums, Carrots, the autumn-tinted foliage
of various trees, Virginian Creepers, Coleuses, Roses, &c.

The decorator of tables will do well to bear in mind that his
help is called in as accessory, and not by any means as of primary
importance. The lights and necessary appointments of the table
must always hold the first place, and no matter what form the
disposal of flowers may take, they must always be held as subordinate
to these. Working with these limits defined in his mind there is
more likelihood of producing effective arrangements than by taking
a view which places flowers first, and everything else in the second
place. — B.

CHRYSANTHEMUM CULTURE.

I HAVE read with interest Mr. Shoesmith’s paper on “ Chrysanthe¬
mums for Exhibition,” and he has produced wonderful stands of blooms,
so that his advice is worth following. He mentions that there is an
idea among some who are not successful that their more favoured
brethren have some patent medicine wherewith they obtain such grand
results, but I should say that idea generally is exploded. I remember
when living at Emsworth, Hants, visiting a very successful grower of
Chrysanthemums, and as it was dark we were shown them by candle
light. We were a small party, and determined to find out what was
used to produce such fine flowers, so one of our party felt the soil very
carefully whilst we held the gardener in conversation ; but judge of our
mirth when coming to the light find the detective’s [face more like a
nigger’s than anything else. The grower had only been using a
sprinkling of soot. — Sydney White.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 94.)

Ind., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — JET., Hardy.
— H.H., Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — 3., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Cycas Duivenbodei. (Cat. Comp. Cont. d’Hort., p. 9.) S. A fine
Cycad, having a spiny trunk, covered with blackish brown scales, and pin¬
nate 1. 3-3J ft. long, with crowded acuminate leaflets an in. broad.
Moluccas.

Cymbidium eburneum, var. Philbrickianum. (G. C. iiv,, p. 585.)
Orchideas. A white variety resembling C. Panshii in growth, with rather
narrow sep. and pet., and. the side lobes of the lip well apart from the nar¬
rower middle lobe ; the callus is narrow, with a most obscure mid-keel.

Cypripedium apiculatum. (G. C. xxv., p. 617.) A hybrid between C.
barbatum and C. Boxalli, with rather broad obscurely reticulated 1. FI.
Bhining inside. Dorsal sep. cuneate oblong acute, reddish brown, with
black -purple veins, and an ochieous margin ; lower sep. oblong, acute,
green with reddish-brown veins. Pet. somewhat spathulate, ciliate on the
inner margin, light brown-purple, the lower half yel'owish from middle to
base, and there spotted with purple-b ack. L!p nearly like C. Boxalli in
form, brown in front, greenish-ochre with small brown spots at the base.
Staminode transversely oblong, apiculate, with a deep green knob in front.
Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium Barteti and[C. Laforcadei. (G.C.xxv., p. 532 ; R. E.
1886, p. 84.) Two [hybrids between C. barbatum and C. Cbantini, raised
from the same seed pod. The two are much alike, but Barteti is the better
of the two, having a broad dorsal sep. with a green ground flushed with
rose, blackish-purple nerves, and bordered with white ; pet. narrow yellow¬
ish, striped with reddish-brown, shining, conspicuously veined. Both are
figured in the “ Orchidophile.” Garden hybrids.

Cypripedium callosum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 326.) Something in the way
of C. A'gus, with a very large, transversely elliptic, acute dorsal sep. of a
white colour washed with purple and having numerous green nerves.
Lower sep. half as long as the lip, ligulate acute. Pet. ligulate, pendulous,
green, purple on the top, ciliate, and marked with black shining warts on
the margins and disk. Lip like that of C. superbiens. Staminode reddish,
marbled with green.n Siam.

Cypripedium concolor, var. chlorophyllum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 294.) A
variety having the 1. free from any marbling, and the fl. full of small spots.

Cypripedium concolor, var. Re ynieri. (G. C. xxv., p. 362.) A fine
variety, with large well marbled 1., and yellow fl. ; with a purple blotch on
the outside of the sep. ; the staminode is ochre clotted with purple, and his
a white margin in front. Cambodia.

Cypripedium Geuminyanum. (G. C. xxv., p. 200.) A hybrid between
C. villosum and C. hirsutissimum, resembling the latter in the fl. The
dorsal eep. is oblong, undulate, green with a shining brown disk ; pet.
iigulate-oblong, spreading, green, and spotted with brown at the base, the
broaderjfront part purple ; lip greenish-yellow, brown in front, Garden
hybrid.

Cypripedium insigne, var. albo marginatum. (W. 0. A. pi. 232.) A
distinct variety, having the dorsal sep. yellowish green with a very broad
white margin, spotted on the green part with brown; the pit. are tawny
yellow with darker .veins ; and the lip is pale brownish, yellow iDside.
India.

Cypripedium Io. (G. C. xxv., p. 488.) A fine hybrid between C.
Argus and C. Lawrenceanum, with 1. like those of the latter, and fl. resem¬
bling that of C. Argus. The broad dorsal sep. has the median nerves
green, and the side ones purple ; lower sep. small, green nerved ; pet. brown
at the tips. Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, var. Hyeanum. (L. pi. 42 ; G. C. xxv.,
p. 680.) A distinct form, having the veins of the large white dorsal sep.

118

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

green, end ciliated pet., and the lip entirely green.. Syn. C. Hyeanum.
Borneo.

CrPRiPEDiuM Leeanum. ( W . 0. A., pi. 223.) A fine hybrid between
C. Spiceriauum and C. iusigne, var. Maulei, very dwarf in habit. Dorsal
sep. white, with a green basal area, and rows of purple dots on the nerves
to about the middle ; lower sep. light green, the nerves spotted with purple.
Pet. oblong obtuse, wavy on the upper margin, light tawny brown, with
. darker veins, and a yellowish-green border. Lip brownish-purple outside,
yellowish inside, with purplish veins. Garden hybrid.

(To be continued.)

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The busy season in the vegetable department is now beginning.
The state of the soil is against many operations being carried out with
satisfaction, but we always prefer being too early rather than too late
with our crops, and we never allow the slightest opportunity to pass
without trying to advance as many crops and operations as possible.
The general expression of “ there is time enough to do this and that ”
does not find much favour with us, as we find all early vegetables so
acceptable a,nd valuable that they can never be pushed on too early,
and although some failures occur with early crops there are many
successes with them. We grow our early crops to begin with the
London season in April ; excuses then will never do, and we must have
them in “ by hook or by crook.”

Radishes. — Early Radishes are very acceptable on the table in the
months of March and April, and they are very remunerative in the
market at that season. Their early culture always pays, and as they
are easily grown and sure of return their culture should be very general.
A shallow gentle hotbed, with any rough frame and a glass light over
them, will soon induce them to gain maturity, and a firm moderately
rich soil suits them best. They should be near the glass, as it spoils
them either to be drawn in a shady place or by being too much crowded.
They ai-e sometimes grown between other crops, and when not smothered
succeed very well, but a small frame of them proves satisfactory.

Parsnips. — Many are in the habit of sowing their Parsnips early in
February, and we have rarely known them fail when sown at this time ;
but they will do later, and the best way is to make two sowings, one now,
and another six weeks hence. The soil in all cases should only be
moderately rich, neither too heavy nor too light, and not less than
18 inches in depth. Turn it and break it well before sowing. Allow
18 inches from row to row, sow thinly 3 inches deep, and a good
crop is sure to be the result. The soil at this time is generally so
damp that it cannot be rolled, but if the surface becomes dry before the
plants appear a good rolling to make it firm will benefit the roots,
as they form best in a firm soil.

Tomatoes. — These are becoming more and more popular. If grown
to fruit in April and May they are greatly appreciated, and where a few
plants can be fruited early under glass they form an excellent addition
to other vegetables. Where the young plants are a few inches high in
the seed pots lift them all out and place singly in 3-inch pots. Give
them a substantial rich soil, avoiding too much sand. Keep them in a
temperature of 65° or 70° and near the glass. Sow a good quantity of
seed to produce plants for culture in the open ah. To succeed well with
these they should be 1 foot or 18 inches in height at the time of planting
out in May. Some scores of them may be raised in a shallow box. The
seed germinates freely in any genial atmosphere, and the plants bear
transplanting freely at all times. Spring-fruiting plants should be
repotted as is necessary until they are in 10-inch pots, then stop potting.
Restrict them to one or two main growths at most, and do not
let any water fall on the flowers when they are open. There are so
many plants requiring house room in spring that a house cannot often
be given to Tomatoes alone, but a pot of them placed here and there in
a vinery, Cucumber pit, or any other house will produce a crop without
any special expense.

Carrots. — The early sown ones are now through the soil. They
will not bear much exposure as yet, but a little air should be admitted
to them on fine days, always tilting the lights on the sheltered side of
the frame. As soon as the plants can be handled begin to thin them ;
premature crowding is ruinous. Cover them when it is frosty, but do
not pamper them, as Carrots cannot be forced in this way. Make
another hotbed and sow more seed. A two-light frame of young Carrots
will last for many days in the kitchen, and unless for market they need
hot. be grown in very large quantities under glass. Only the Horn
varieties should be grown under glass. The soil should be rather rich,
sandy, and firm, and always a little deeper than the roots are likely to
penetrate. They will grow very freely now with the aid of a gentle
hotbed, and a few should be grown in this way in every garden. Old
Carrots become distasteful as the spring advances, but the young ones
are tender and sweet.

Cauliflowers. — Plants which have been wintered in frames and
under handglasses should now be freely exposed to the weather on every
favourable opportunity, as they will have to be planted in the open in
a few weeks hence, arid it is well to have them well hardened before

turning them out altogether. When they require water give them liquid
manure, as this induces them to root freely quite close to the stem. Sow
a quantity of seed of some early kind. We generally use shallow boxes
for this purpose, and the young plants are taken from these and dibbled
into frames in March and planted out in April. A batch of a main crop
sort may also be raised in this way, as young Cauliflowers do not come
away very fast if sowrn in the open ground until April, and then it is
too late for a midseason supply.

Lettuces. — Where young plants are growing in sheltered positions
from seed sown last autumn stir the surface of the soil between them
and remove any dead leaves. Sprinkle a little soot or artificial manure
amongst them, to be washed in by the rain ; shelter them from severe
frost, and prevent them from being checked now. Where no plants of
this kind exist sow seed at once. If the plan of sowing Cauliflower
now is followed capital young Lettuce plants will be at disposal before
long. Lettuces are exceedingly useful in spring and early summer, and
a few scores of them should be grown as an early batch in all gardens.
Early Paris Market is the earliest of all. It will surpass all others by a
fortnight in its time of gaining maturity.

Kidney Beans.— Do not neglect those in the early stages of then-
growth. If stunted when young they will never fruit well when older.
Those sown in the early part of January should now be put into their
fruiting pots. Our young plants are in little clumps in 3-inch pots, and
three of these are transferred to a 9-inch pot for fruiting. They are
not crammed into the centre, but are put as far as possible from each
other round the sides, and the balls of roots are not broken. Rich soil
should be used in potting them, and they may be potted very firmly.
Keep them in a temperature of 65° or 70°, and give them plenty of
water as soon as they begin to root freely. A large quantity of seed
may now be sown in small pots, as by the time the plants from this
are fruiting the days will be long and mild, and heavy crops will be
produced. The seed for Easter Kidney Beans should be sown at once,
and the plants will require to be grown rapidly to gain maturity by that
time.

FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — Of primary importance in the cultivation of early Melons
is a brisk bottom heat, and whether obtained from hot-water pipes alone
or in combination with fermenting materials, or with the latter only, it
should be lasting. Hot-water pipes are unquestionably the best, as they
afford a regular and lasting heat, yet a very successful result can be had
by the aid of fermenting materials alone if due regard be paid to their
preparation. Stable litter and an equal proportion of Oak or Beech
leaves are the best. They should be taken in hand about a fortnight
before it is desired to make the bed, and thoroughly incorporated by
throwing them into a heap, and if dry they should be moistened. In a
few days it will be seen whether there is sufficient moisture to produce
fermentation ; if so, turn the materials before violent heat is produced,
and damp and dry material ; but in case the material is not heated
quickly it must be turned after a few days and receive water as required.
In making hotbeds always employ a good layer of faggots for the
foundation, especially if the site be low and damp, and t ike care to
provide a bed large enough for the season ; 5 feet high at the back and
1 feet in front, with the material well beaten down, will not be too high.
The frame or frames should then be placed on, and in four days or so
level the bed if necessary, and place in the centre of each light about a
barrowful of soil in the form of a flattened cone, the top about 1 foot
from the glass. When the heat in the soil does not exceed 85° to 90°,
place out a plant in the centre of each mound, unless the frame be
large, when two plants may be placed under each light. Press the soil
firmly around the plants, taking care, however, not to injure the stem,
and place a little dry soot and quicklime around each plant to preserve
them from slugs. The day temperature should be 70°, and 10° to 15°
more from sun heat, losing no opportunity of admitting air to allow of
the escape of rank steam or accumulated moisture ; but in no case must
the air be admitted so as to lower the temperature below 70°. The night
temperature should be 65° to 70°. Instead of planting-out too soon shift
into larger pots as required — a couple of sizes larger, plunging them in
a bottom heat of 80° and near the glass, securing the stems to small
stakes as the plants advance in growth. Plants for pits or frames should
be stopped as before advised at the third leaf, whilst those for trellises
should not be stopped, but the laterals must be removed up to the
bottom of the trellis.

Cucumbers. — A favourable change in the weather has greatly
assisted in the progress of Cucumbers. A little more moisture, both
at the roots and in the atmosphere, may be allowed, and the evaporation
troughs may be regularly filled in bright weather. A slight increase of
the day temperature may also be permitted. Be careful in the ad¬
mission of air, avoiding cold currents. Encourage free root action by
the introduction of fresh compost from time to time. Pits and frames
must now be thoroughly cleaned, after which bring in the fermenting
materials. The treatment of Cucumbers and Melons is so similar as
to temperature that what is stated of one will answer for the other.

Peaches and Nectarines. — In the earliest house syringing will
be required morning and afternoon to keep red spider in check. See
that the outside border is well protected against the cold, and water the
inside border with liquid manure, which will much assist the fruit in
swelling, especially weakly trees long subjected to forcing. Vigorous
trees will not require any stimulants, excessive vigour being unfavour¬
able to the fruit safely passing the stoning process. When the fruit is
the size of small marbles thinning may be commenced, but remove a
few fruits only at a time, removing first those that are badly placed.
Disbudding may be followed up, taking care to leave a shoot at the base

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

119

of each bearing shoot, and another at its extremity, or at a level with
the fruit. The shoots retained for supporting the fruit should be
stopped at the second or third leaf, but the basal shoots must be trained
to take the place of those now bearing fruit. Shoots upon extensions
must be left at 12 to 15 inches apart to form the bearing shoots of the
future. The night temperature may now range from 55° to 00°, and
t>0° to 65° by day artificially, with an advance to 70° or 75° from sun
heat.

The trees in the next succession house — i.e., that started early in the
year, will require attention in disbudding, which should begin as soon
as the shoots can be rubbed off or removed with the finger and thumb.
Continue to impregnate the blossoms, and when the fruit is all set a
gentle syringing in the morning and at closing time will assist in re¬
moving the remnants of the blossom. See that there is no deficiency of
moisture in the inside borders. Where the fruit is too thickly -set re¬
move the smallest first, especially on the under side of the shoots.

In the house started early in the month syringing must cease when
the blossoms show colour. Maintain, however, a good moisture by
damping every available surface two or three times a day as the weather
may dictate, avoiding a close stagnant atmosphere. If the blossoms are
too thickly placed thin them by running the hand downwards on the
under side of the shoots, which will strengthen the remainder, enabling
them to set better.

Admit air freely to late houses, so as to retard "the blossoming to a
late period, especially in the case of unheated houses, which are liable
to have the blossom injured by severe spring frosts ; the later the trees
blossom in such houses the better. See that the borders have water if
needed, applying liquid manure to weakly trees.

PLANT HOUSES.

Alocasias — The whole stock of these plants may be repotted and
top-dressed without delay. Young plants, or those that were potted late
in the year, will for the present only need the removal of the surface
soil. This should be with fibry peat, lumps of charcoal, and a surfacing
of living sphagnum moss. The compost should be packed well to the
collar, which will induce the formation of surface roots. Those that
were potted last spring must be turned out and the soil worked carefully
from amongst their roots, and if in a very decomposed state they should
be washed in tepid water. The pots or pans used must be liberally drained
and the plants repotted in lumps of peat, charcoal, and coarse sand,
avoid using sphagnum moss in the compost, for it decays so rapidly. Do
not allow the collar of the plants to be too high above the rim of the
pots, but leave ample room for a liberal top-dressing. After potting
sponge the foliage, and be careful that no red spider becomes established
upon them, for if neglected it will soon destroy the beautiful foliage of
these plants. If possible, plunge them in slight bottom heat until they
recommence growing and rooting. They should be kept in a close moist
atmosphere, liberally syringed, but carefully watered until they are in
active growth, when liberal supplies must be given them.

Anthurinmg. — Such species as A. crystallinum, A. Andreanum,
A. ferrierense, A. ornatum, A. Warocqueanum, A. Veitchi, and others of
the same class dislike decomposed material about their roots. These may
be top dressed or repotted as individual cases may demand. The soil and
treatment advised for Alocasias will suit these well. After potting they
become established again quicker by the aid of gentle bottom heat, but
this is not essential, for they will do admirably in a temperature at night
of 65°, with a rise of 5° by day. If done at once they will become
established before the sun renders shading necessary, and will therefore
have a long season before them in which to develope their large striking
foliage.

Marantas. — If potting is delayed until the Sun has gained consider¬
able power they flag severely unless dense shade is employed, and are a
long time before they are established again. Any plants that are to be
increased may be divided with safety. The soil must be kept sweet and
healthy about the roots, for although they require abundance of water
during the season of growth, they cannot endure stagnation about their
roots. Turn out those that do not need division and remove the old
compost from amongst their roots, repotting them in a mixture of fibry
peat, one-third good loam, charcoal, and a liberal quantity of coarse
silver sand. The pots used should be liberally drained and the plants
not raised above the rim, but plenty of room left for watering. Gentle
bottom heat is a great advantage to them until they commence activity,
and a warm moist atmosphere must be given them. The opposite treat¬
ment is ruinous to them. Be careful not to over-water these plants
until they are rooting freely, when too much cannot well be given
them.

Eucharis ammonica. — Plants that have matured the foliage thrown
up with the flower spikes may now be repotted if this course is deemed
necessary. These plants will succeed in the same pots for several years.
The whole of our plants are grown in small pots, and are therefore
annually shaken out after flowering and repotted. They are invariably
done in batches, the largest bulbs selected and potted alone, while a few
of the smaller are potted every season. By dispensing with a few of the
oldest bulbs and growing on a few young ones, the stock is kept from
degenerating. About four flowering bulbs are placed in a 5-inch pot,
while double the number are placed in a 7-inch pot. A few crocks only
need be placed at the base when grown in small pots, but where large
ones are employed they may be filled fully one-third full, for the Eucharis
is not a deep-rooting plant. They will do in almost any compost provided
it is rich ; we always use fibry loam, one-seventh of decayed manure,
one 6-inch potful of soot to each barrowful of soil, a little charcoal,

and a liberal dash of sand. After repotting, give a good watering and
syringe the foliage two or three times daily. If given moist warm
conditions the plants will be rooting freely in a fortnight.

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

When a bee-keeper has once begun to keep a strict and
true account of his income and expenditure a very elementary
lesson in the practice of economy in the management of the
apiary has been learnt. It seems to be thought by some
eminent bee-keepers that there is no special necessity for
economy in bee-keeping, but that by an indefinite multiplica¬
tion of appliances and an imaginary and delusive increase in
the yield of honey by the use of such appliances the industry
may be rescued from the danger of falling to pieces on the
breakers of cheapness and competition. My desire is to
teach that for every shilling misspent no return ought to be
expected ; that each bee-keeper should think more than once
before he makes large purchases of expensive hives and
appliances ; that every novice should at least begin with
cheap hives and such necessary appliances only, as his
common sense must tell him, after he has read the various
papers on the subject, are most suitable for one in his posi¬
tion. A cheap hive is not a bad hive ; far otherwise. When
speaking of a cheap hive, I mean a hive so simple and free
from complicated arrangements for the assistance of the
bee-keeper and his bees, that it can be produced at a com¬
paratively small cost. Such a hive is one containing
ordinary frames and division boards, floorboard and a
spacious roof — some 30 inches deep — in sectional parts. No
arrangements for reversing, or working sections in the body
of the hive, no elaborate section racks, no expensive feeders,
but a simple hive of the most approved size and of good sound
timber. A hive of this description ought certainly not to
cost more than from 10s. to 15s., and no higher price must
ever be given for any hive, if the aim of the purchaser is
profit.

A straw skep of large dimensions is a most profitable hive,
and when properly managed and well stocked with bees gives
grand results. But a skep is now despised, and why ?
Mainly because it is cheaper in itself and does not require so
many aids to management as the favourite bar-frame hive.
It is the interest — the life’s work almost— of the dealer and
his friends to multiply appliances. It is our duty to warn
those who are willing to take advice against making lavish
purchases of appliances, which will never secure honey in
more abundance or of better quality than could be, and has
been, and is obtained without their aid. The increased yield
of honey which we all desire must be produced by increased
care and intelligence in management ; by judicious selection
of queens and drones ; by sound autumn preparation ; by
giving up such fatal manipulations as “ spreading brood,”
and by having every stock ready at the proper time to take
advantage of the honey flow. When once the honey flow sets
in every fine day lost before bees begin to gather surplus is a
lessening of profit ; every hour wasted in the height of the
season means destruction to our hopes; here is the secret of
success and failure. Those who have their bees ready to take
advantage of the first and every following day of the great
periodical honey flow insure success ; ihose whose bees are
not ready to work in supers lose every day a part of the yield
which ought to reward them for their trouble.

To double a hive is but poor practice, but in some very
late districts with an early honey flow it may be necessary.
The real practical bee-keeper will in the autumn prepare his
bees in a judicious manner, strengthening and feeding the
weak, and in all ways attending to their wants ; he will then
await the result with confidence that if honey can be gathered
during the first week of May in quantity his bees will gather
it, and so on through the summer. He needs not to remove

120

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887,

his queen and ruin his prospects for another year to gain this
season’s profit ; but by simply adopting an easy practical
management during the autumn of the preceding year, he
makes his own success in the following season. Yes ! after
all a bee-keeper does “make his own success!” The bees
work, but the bee-keeper directs their efforts. He feeds, pro¬
tects, and robs them ; but when he has despoiled them of
their sweets, gathered by generations of short-lived bees, he
returns to them a sufficiency of good and wholesome food,
protects them from their enemies, and insures them a queen
to take the place of their weak and enfeebled summer
monarch.

By such a management not only is the yield of honey
increased, but the cost of producing this increased weight of
honey is less than the expense incurred in producing the
lesser weight by other means. Again, it cannot too often be
pointed out that he who produces honey by the aid of expen¬
sive appliances, even if he sells his honey at a less cost than
he incurred in producing it, is doing a material injury to
those who look after their own interests, and not kind enough
to make the consumer a present every time he uses a pound
of their honey. If no honey came into the English market
at less than cost price there would be a rapid rise in value,
and those who produce now cheaply enough to combat the
present low prices, would have a great benefit, but as long as
tons of honey are thrown upon the market, and sold at less
than cost price, the market will be glutted. Those whose
honey costs, say, lOd. a lb. to produce, and who sell it at 9 J.,
derive no benefit from its production, rather the reverse ; but
if all the honey sold under such conditions was withdrawn
from the market, say next year, there would, in all proba¬
bility, be a rapid rise in value. But how can we keep this
honey from the market ? It cannot be done, and therefore
we must attempt to increase production, and, at the same,
to raise the greater yield in future at a less cost than we have
raised the smaller yield in the past. This can be done ; and
all ought by every means in their power to do their utmost to
assist each other. How to do it must be reserved for a future
issue, but if by discussing the subject thus broadly, even
a dozen bee-keepers have been led to reconsider their position,
the effort has not been made in vain. — Felix.

MR. S. SIMMINS v. MR. J. HEWITT AND “ A HALLAM-

SHIRE BEE-KEEPER.”

It seems, according to the British Bee Journal, page 597, No. 743,
that Mr. Simmins presumes because I did not take on myself to castigate
him for his article on September 23rd, page 285, that I am gagged, and
that he can go on saying and doing anything he likes. It is a pity this
is so, for there is room for everyone, and plenty for everyone to discover or
find out ; but when a writer makes all his discoveries after someone else
has published the same thing, and by dint of advertising, writing, puffing,
and putting his own name to it, he places himself in an unenviable
position, and a writer who labours for the advancement of knowledge
and not his own personal profit, ought to be excused from answering
such writers, particularly when articles based on careful experiments
and much work disproving the claims he puts forth are quietly dropped
in the waste paper basket by the Editor of the paper he writes in, with
not even a word of excuse in the column devoted to “ Answers to Corre¬
spondents.” But as some are misjudging me, and drawing wrong con¬
clusions, I will once more reply to Mr. Simmins, and unless he gives
credit to the writers for the original discoveries he redresses, or tries to
bury truth by mistatements, I shall not in future consider him worth a
moment’s thought. However, to the point of answering him.

Direct Queen Introduction. — Here he first of all called uniting
bees, brood, queen, and combs — a process well known and described by
every author under the name of uniting — Simmins’ Method of Direct
Introduction, and by dint of persistent advertising all novices who did
or do not know better, thought he discovered the plan. For three years
this was what he claimed, and after it had been questioned by various
authorities, both on the question of novelty and cfliciency, he re¬
dresses Mr. Pond’s system, and calls it “ Simmins’ (No. 1) Method of
Direct Queen Introduction.” Already after twelve months’ advertising
many bee-keepers think it is the same as he has always been writing
about, and after I have let a little light in he has practised the plan for
the past five years, and refers to page 8 of his original pamphlet. I have
the said pamphlet before me, and nothing is stated on page 8 about letting
queens “ run in alone,” and had he found it such a reliable process in
1882 I think all intellgent persons will agree with me that he would have
published it before 1886, and certainly all will agree that it would

have been more candid of him at least to have called it his “new”
system, but now, he prefers to call it his “No. 2,” and, therefore, I
submit it is quite fair to charge him with attempting to foist on bee¬
keepers a system of recent birth in place of one registered in 1882.

I maintain it is no argument to assert that his system is preferred by
bee-keepers to mine. Whether such is the fact or not does not concern me
in the least ; but if it is, allow me to point out that business men well
know the value of continuous advertisements, and quack doctors know
full well that any stuff will sell if only well advertised. My law is of
more importance in the science of natural history than a dozen systems
of queen introduction, as all intelligent persons will admit when we
remember that all authorities, Mr. Simmins included, have always laid
it down as an axiom that old bees, or those that have long been queen-
less, will not under any circumstances readily accept another. This
teaching was believed by nearly all bee-keepers the world over twelve
months ago ; and what have I done to teach them the truth ? Well, a.
short letter in the Bee Journal for 1883, page 83, where I first published
the “ Law.” Since then I have sent others, also to the American Bee
Journal, all of which appear to have been considered by the Editors as
heresy, which, like perpetual motion and the philosopher’s stone, was not
to appear ; and not until the Journal of Horticulture published it did I
succeed in laying it clearly before the public, only to be ridiculed. As
to whether I never let queens in from the top in accordance with the:
“ Law ” until after Simmins’ last pamphlet was published or not, can be
answered by some of the Editors looking through their rejected contri¬
butions, particularly one sent to the American Bee Journal in the fall
of 1885. I have mostly let queens run in at the entrance when warm
enough day or night, and when chilly I always drop them in from the
top day or night.

The “ Law ” is to be tested, I see, next season by such a reliable
authority as the Rev. Geo. Raynor, and no doubt others will do the
same. I have not a penny to gain by it any way, not even as an adver¬
tisement, having been obliged to adopt a nom Ae plume, because the
public classed me with Mr. Simmins and thought I must have something
to sell, and seemed determined to kn >w what it was. All I have to gain
is a good word, and he who would rob me of this enriches not himself,
but would make me poor indeed.

Feeding Dry Sugar. — Mr. Simmins, in the Journal for September,
adapts his usual style of misstating facts, and then demolishing them.
Here is a sample. “ Mr. Hewitt knows as well as I can tell him that it
was not until after his theory had been advanced that I made any
mention of the subject, and my letter will be found in the British Bee
Journal , vol. xi., p. 195.” Please note the above extract well, and turn
to page 98 of the same Journal and volume, from which I make the
following extract, signed John Hewitt : — “ Mr. S. Simmins condemns
* candy ’ for bees. I hope bee-masters will give this article careful
study. I am of opinion it will prove in the future more valuable than
foundation. I have not had much experience with it so far, but I may
say what little I have has opened my eyes very wide indeed.” Mr.
Simmins’ letter condemning candy or hard dry sugar will be found on
page 66, and all the rest of the correspondence was on these lines,
simply giving all the information I could ; none of which would
probably have been given had not Mr. Simmins first condemned such food,
though he says the converse is the fact ; anyhow, readers can see for
themselves. Then he says, “ Mr. Hewitt conveniently forgets that no-
letter of his, in defence of his theory, appeared in the British Bee
Journal after my own condemning the same was inserted.” But there
is though, which is to be found on page 197, his last letter being on
pp. 195-6. This may be put down as a quibble on my part, but mind he
says no letter of mine appeared after his own, and at the end of my
letter, on page 197, is an intimation by the Editor “that the corre¬
spondence on the subject should now be brought to a close.” Very
honourable this of Mr. Simmins, when he knew I could not make;
further reply. In this article I do honestly and candidly give credit-
for what belongs to others ; what I claimed and what I still claim is-
the fact (which I settled by experiment, guided by scientific knowledge)
that bees can eat hard crystallised sugar without any water, providing
the crystals were sufficiently small ; and to get them thus I reboiled
and recrystallised the sugar to get the crystals small enough. Mr.
Simmins talks big about “ uncooked ” sugar ; perhaps he does not know
that sugar can no more be “ cooked ” or altered under the boiling point-
than sand can. You may alter its form, turn it into syrup, crystals or
toffy, and from any one of these into any of the other ; it obeys all the
laws of crysta lisation. Remove its water to 50 per cent. ; on cooling it
sets into a clear ice-like substance, corresponding in fact to ice ; aerate
it, and it crystallises, corresponding to snow ; pour this out in a semi¬
fluid state, and we have “ candy,” and he perhaps also does not know
that if a small bit is broken off any crystal and placed in a saturated
solution of its own substance, it will always first replace the bit broken
off before growing larger ; and, again, no crystal will dissolve on only
one part of its surface, or quicker than on another side. The knowledge
of these facts has led to the success in queen mailing, and if for no-
other reason I can with pride point to that controversy in 1883 on dry
sugar as food for bees ; for dry as sugar looks, the dryest is just one-half
water, and after being assimilated in the body of the bee, is thrown off
in perspiration, saliva, &c.

He also insinuates that I did not succeed in wintering my bees on
hard sugar. Well, for one difficulty, I found my bees had gone to the
moors, nearly seven miles away, and filled their combs with honey,
which I could not extract ; and if he had turned to page 52 for-
February, 1884, he would have seen I had my hives blown over on

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

121

January 12th, and in same bees were all chilled, and though only one
hive withstood the gale, which blew 6,000 trees down in one park near,
I wintered three on candy and two on honey stores, the rest never
getting over the gale, which were mostly on honey stores, being impos¬
sible to provide empty combs for all. But in issue for May 15th,
page 169, yol. xii., is a letter signed “ Honey Bee,” stating how he got
some driven bees in November and packed them up on candy made
according to my directions, and six sheets of foundation, and how well
they wintered. At the end of the year I received a letter from a
clergyman, who said he was the writer, and he said they had given him
40 lbs. of honey, having done better than any of the others, and that he
always alluded to it as “ Hewitt’s stock.”

On June 1st Mr. S. Simmins, under the heading “ Another Point
Gained,” page 188, says, “ For some years past I have striven to solve
the problem of feeding dry sugar to bees, and at last 1 am pleased to be
able to record that I have a system of stimulative feeding which
enables me to give the sugar in such a manner that there is not the

slightest waste . The Porto Rico sugar is to be used only in

spring and for producing young bees in autumn, but for winter stores
the best grade of Demerara will an.twer admirably.” Let all compare
this with his consistent declaration as follows : — “ I wish it to be dis¬
tinctly understood that I have on no occasion advised my plan for
winter feeding, neither do I recommend feeding in winter in any way.”
If this is so, why did he mention “ winter,” and actually the very kind
of sugar that I had directed candy to be made from? a sugar quite
different to the Porto Rico to be used in spring and autumn, thus
taking for granted that they lived on honey in summer we have the
whole year provided for ; also compare the extracts with what is pub¬
lished on June 15th and October 1st previously, particularly the latter,
and I venture to think his years of experiment, autumn and spring ex¬
periences will be considered by every person with the least intelligence
as so much “ humbug,” and had not “ Honey Bee ” published his success
with my plan we should not have heard anything from him about feed¬
ing dry loose sugar. He says “ that there is not the slightest waste.”
It so happened that I had gone over the ground of loose sugar in my ex¬
periments, and I found that bees would carry every grain of sugar out
of the hive “ to grass ” if it was not small enough for them to dissolve,
and that whether they had water, moisture, or vapour they could not
use “ the best grades of Demerara sugar.” I wrote an article to the
Editor of the British Bee Journal, setting forth these facts, and pointing
out if one would fix a sheet of glass in front of the hives, slanting
towards the hive, with a trough under, so that the bees would hump
against it and drop in the trough, they would find that they were
carrying out a large proportion, if not the whole of it ; also that it was
only a very wasteful imitation of my plan. Such letter, I regret to say,
was never published. It is surprising to what extent bee-keepers have
been led to believe that because the sugar went the bees were surely
eating it.

Here let me state that I now believe that no system of feeding will
pay unless done to save your bees from dying, and that I am convinced
as much as ever I was of the value of candy as bee food ; in fact when
properly done it is the cheapest and best way of feeding bees, but since
1883 I have always sent my bees to the moors, where they get their
winter stores for nothing ; but I still keep experimenting, and when I
am satisfied that I can depend on receiving due credit for my work I
may publish the results. As to his assertion that no practical bee¬
keeper was surprised at no result being published, is about equal to the
rest of his statement. Can I be blamed if the Editors will not publish
my letters on the subject ? Whether to oblige Mr. Simmins or not I
neither know nor care, the fact remains, however, but still he will find a
letter of mine very much “ cut ” in the British Bee Journal in the
autumn of 1885, which at least disposes of his “ silence ” pleai ; in fact, it
was because my letters were suppressed on this very subject that I
dropped writing on other subjects in the British Bee Journal.

Mr. Simmins as a Trader. — He says, “ Mr. Hewitt is fully aware
that I have not advertised my feeders for sale, and that he should say
that I have done so cannot be wondered at, considering the heedless
expressions of which he seems capable.” Oh ! he has never advertised
them, nor the rest of the “ Simmins ” appliances either has he ? Who was
at the expense of engraving the blocks which illustrated the feeders,
&c., in the British Bee Journal ? Who paid for registering the different
things in Mr. Simmins’ name ? What is the meaning of several hive
manufacturers advertising “ By authority — makers of Simmins’ hives,
crates, sections, feeders, &c. ? ” Does he mean to imply that he gets no
profit from such advertisements, either in the shape of appliances or
cash ? I assert that m consideration of his influence in sending trade
to these people he gets well paid by them, and I challenge him to prove
otherwise, and this he does while pretending that all he does is for the
good of others.

We have seen how Mr. Simmins honours (?) me. Now I will just
■show how he treats others. Let us turn to B. B. J., page 83, for
March 1st, 1885, where we find an article signed, F. Lyon, and
headed, “ Making a Solution of Sugar without Boiling.” The writer
neither claims or implies to be the discoverer, but seems to have used it,
or known of it for some time. The information he gives is clear and
concise, and in my opinion nothing more is needed ; but for April 1st,
Mr. S. Simmins, page 115, has a long article, headed “A New Syrup
Feeder, which Dispenses with Syrup Making,” where he claims all the
credit of discovering this particular principle of making syrup, which is
suspending the sugar in a very porous holder in the water, and describes
three feeders which he says he has invented, which he says can be

obtained from certain people whom he names, and which he implies are
necessary to success. He has directed much attention to this system,
and has added a number of other feeders designed on the same principle,
some of which I note are registered, and I do not suppose one in a
hundred of the readers of the B. B. J. have any idea that he was not the
first to describe the principle.

In the issue of the B. B. J. for May 15th, 1885, page 174, a querist,
signed “ B.,” wants to know if the sugar and water cannot be mixed in
any vessel (say an extractor or wash tub) and then poured into any
syrup feeder. That is according to Mr. Lyon’s plan, for as he gave it,
all that was necessary was to hang the sugar in a coarse bag in
any vessel put in the water, and next morning or so fill the feeders
with the syrup, thus no extra appliance is required. This corre¬
spondent grasps the principle, and wants to know why the necessity
of Mr. Simmins’ “ latest feeders ” in carrying it out ; but Mr. Simmins
in reply quietly ignores what he asks, and with the greatest audacity
implies that his new feeders are absolutely necessary, saying, “ Besides
no other vessel or feeder can possibly act in the same manner.” Can
any transatlantic friend match this assertion ?

In most of the cases I have quoted we find that Mr. Simmins has
been anticipated two or four weeks. These I have given from British
publications, so that less difficulty will be experienced by most who
read this in referring ; but I can give a number from the American
bee papers anticipating him in his so-called discoveries. No doubt he
will say that he discovered all independently, and that they are only
illustrations of two separate parties each discovering one thing. He
may do so if he likes. I, for one, do not believe in so many contempo¬
raneous discoveries, nor will anyone else quite do so I think ; but if he
wished to honour those who had preceded him in publication, he would
have mentioned them, giving them credit for what they had done.
Such writers ought to be treated as they deserve by every editor. There
is no means of proving what they say except by inference, and every
honest worker after truth is deterred from publishing what he discovers,
because it will be put in fresh clothes and palmed off as another persons’
labour, and the original discoverer robbed of all the credit.

I have written at some length in the hopes of being able to improve
the morals of the “ miners ” in apicultural knowledge. — A HALLAM-
shire Bee-keeper.

PUNIC OR TUNISIAN BEES.

It will be remembered that I had not opened the hive of these bees
since November 23rd on account of the cold frosty weather. January
17th here was the coldest day, so far, this winter. On the 19th the
mercury went up to 55° with a bright sun — result : bees swarmed out
from every hive except the Punic stock. I was again surprised at this,
and so went and turned up each four corners of the quilt, to find every
seam full of bees ; thus it will be surmised that having flew just when
they required to there was no necessity to fly for nothing.

On the 28th ult., being again very warm, snow all gone, sun brightly
shining and no wind, I opened them once more. I found they had
decreased in numbers from November 23rd, but were still very strong,
there being a good cluster of bees in each of the five combs, including
the front and back seam next hive walls ; not a dead bee to be seen, nor
a speck of excreta. One frame was three parts full of eggs and larvae
about two days old, but no sealed brood, and they had also ample stores.
Comparing them with the other stocks I am more than satisfied. I have
now settled it that they can stand 10° Fahr. more cold than our native
bees. This will be found an ernormous advantage, as it will give them
the power to take a cleansing flight almost any day in our winters, and
breeding with immunity in cold weather will give strong stocks in time
for the earliest flowers. Judging so far, I think they will be ready to
swarm at the end of March. I will keep reporting their doings from
time to time. — A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

122

[ February 10, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

TO CONTRI BUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by Bonding tholr articles as
soon aftor thoy rocoivo tlxo Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically flllod on Monday, and only articles that aro “ oxpoctod,” and
which arrive on Tuosday, can, as a rulo, bo inserted in tho current
issue.

Books ( G . IF. Q.). — Wc doubt if the o is any book published such as you
appear to require, and a work so comprehensive and yot so full as your letter
suggests could not be produced at what yon might consider a ‘ moderate”
price. Sound details for the culture of all the most important crops of fruit
and vegetables, also ohiof fl >wers and plants, are given in tho “ Cottage
Qardenor’s Dictionary,” which can be had from this office, price 7s. Gd., post
free 8s. 8d. (D E. ti.). — Copies of tho Becond edition of Mr. Molyneux’s
work o an now bo had. Mr. Iggulden’s manual on tho “Tomato” is not
out of print, but on sale at this office.

Copyright in Engravings (E. if.). — The statutes 8 Geo. II. c. 18, and
7 Geo. III. o.DH, vest the sole right and liberty of printing historical and
other prints in the persons who invent and design them, or cause them to
bo designed and engraved from their own works and inventions ; and
impose penalties upon all persons who In any manner copy or sell in tho
whole or in part from such prints or designs, without the written consent
of tho proprietor attested as therein mentioned. Tho copying of prints and
engravings by photography, or by any other process, is an offence within
the statute ; and so also is tho selling of a copy with oolouvable variations.
Tho author of any original painting, drawing, or photograph has sole and
oxclusive right of copying, ongraving, reproducing, and multiplying such
drawing and the designs and negative thereof, by any means and of any size,
for tho to, m of tho natural life of such author, and seven yoars aftor his
death. But on tho author selling any such drawing, ho is not to retain the
copyright unless expressly reserved to him by agreement in writing (25 and
2G Viet. c. G8).

Fancy Pelargoniums (A Weekly Subscriber). — Mr. Garner’s notes on
page 95, last week, which had not appeared when you sent your inquiry,
will bo of servioe to you. The varieties there named are not, however, true
“fancies,” but fanciful or decorative forms of the stronger growing show
section. Rather lighter soil is better for tho small or real Fancy Pelar¬
goniums, especially in their early stages of growth. Further notes on
culture will probably appear in an ourly issuo.

Lato Grapes (.1 Constant Subscriber). — It would havo been better if you
had stated your object more definitely. Gros Coltnan, Lady Downs's, and
Mrs. Pince will keep more than a mouth after Christmas. So will Black
Alicanto, which if crop and colour are esteemed of more importance than
quality, would bo preferred by many to Mrs. Pince. Muscat of Alexandria
is often kept fresh till tin presont time, so is Mrs. Pearson and White Tokay.
Not knowing your conveniences for growing Grapes, nor whether for homo
use or market, wo name a few caoli of black and white varieties from which
you oan ohoose.

Disa Rrancliflora (G. S.). — A great point in tho culture of this handsome
terrestrial Orchid is to keep the plants steadily growing through the winter.
The most successful cultivators, therefore, divide and repot when the plants
aro pushing up freBli growths after llowcring as in early autumn. As you
have not done so you had better carry out your proposition, but it would
probably be hotter to plaoe three tubers in a G-iuch than one each in smaller
ots, aB the larger mass could be kept more uniformly moist. Nearly half
11 tho pots with drainage, and in very fibrous poat with nil loose soil par¬
ticles sliak n out, brokou charcoal, and sand, l’aok this carefully round the
roots, and finish hr rounding the material off a liftlo above the rims of tho
pots, giving a stnlaoing of pure sand. This Disa is a swamp plant., and
must also have plenty of air, avoiding sharp currents, and though regular
moisture is essential, tho roots will not work freely in a sour medium, henoo
tho desirability of liberal drainage. Light without diroot sun in summer is
also essential, and tho pots should stand on a damp base, and be frequently
syringod in dry weather. They suooced in greenhouse temperature.

Rliododondrons (II. It. IF.). — These shrubs grow very woll in strong
loamy soil if it does not contain lime. We have soen them luxuriate in tho
heaviest of loam, approaching clay, but in planting in such land it is most
dcsirablo to colloot some lighter soil, including leaf mould, for plaoing in
contaot with tho roots. They do not grow well where the subsoil is dry ;
neither must it be saturated and sour. If this is the condition of yours by
the sido of tho pool it must be drained to tho depth of 3 feet. We should
not paro off the turf, but have it woll dug in, chopping it up and keeping it
from G to 18 inches below tho surface. Leaf mould, docayod vegetable
refuse, old tan, or sawdust would be better than rich manure for such land,
and you cannot very well apply too much of those ingrodien s. Wo know
of Rhododendrons growing in the most satisfactory manntr in a mixture of
half clav and half sawdust. A few hardy Azaleas look very well amongst
Rhododendrons, but the association is purely a question of taste. Tho
ground should be kept free from weods by hoeing poriodicilly to prevent
their gr >wng, that!) iug much better than waiting till thoy become obtru-
sivo, then having to spend rauoh time in subduing them j and it is injurious
to both Rhododendrons and Azatoas to dig do' ply amongst them.

Monly Bug on Vinos (Homo). — If, as we unders'and from your remark
of cutting the crop “ ripo and unripe,” you cut baok the laterals in a green
state, or when the sap was still active, that alone would weakon tho Vinos, and
the strong insecticides applied at tho same time could scarcely fail to injure
them, though the dressings would have done no harm ti rods in a dormant
state, or afeer the Vines had been pruned oarly in winter. There has been
a great lack of observation in allowing tho Vines to be so seriously infested
before the adoption of remedial measures. We do not nooept tho “ sudden
arrival tho >ry ” of tho plague of iusects. Thero were somo in the
house long before you saw them ; nor do we even remember hearing of tho
adoption of such a policy of recklessness as your letter discloses. The Vines
are probably ruined, first by negleot, then by violeut aotion. Had tho
winter cleansing been as thorough as you represent, and the rods dressed
with a mixture of tar and pounded clay, the Vines would not bo so infested
os they now are. You oaunot apply strong insooticides after tho Vines

AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

start into growth, and all you can do is to have recourse to frequent and
heavy syringings to subdue tho pest as well as you can. Mere light
syringings will be of no use, but thorough drenchings will do good just in
proportion to the manner in which the work is done. We are sorry you did
not write to us before on this subject.

Doprossing Vino Rods (E. J.). — It is not “ always” necessary to depress
Vino rods to secure an oven break. We have Vines, not forced, that have
not been “ depressed ” for twenty years, and the rods in the great vinery at
Chiswick remain trained up the roof constantly. When Vines are forced
into growth early they generally break more regularly when trained hori¬
zontally for a time. The sap has a natural tendency to move directly
upwards, hence the disposition of the buds near the top of a Vine to start
first, and this is further induced by the house in which they are trained being
warmer at the top than at the base of tho rafters in the absence of special
oare in ventilation. The branches of trees on walls are more or less depressed
oxcepi in the case of vertical cordons, and these, ns a rule, are not so
well furnished with healthy spurs at the bnso as nearer the top, the growth
of diagonal cordons being more uniform from base to summit because of the
d presston. The buds at the base of your Raspberry canes that are trained
upright to stakes do not push so quickly, grow so strongly, nor bear suoh
fine fruit ns those near the top of the canes ; and similarly, if your Roses
male ■ strong shoots, 4 I ot or more long in the summer, and these are neither
depressed nor shortened, many of the lower buds will remain dormant ; but
if you peg the long Gmots down the bursting of the buds will bo far more
uniform. If your Viues break regularly without bending down the rods
let them alone ; but if they start at tho top first the lower buds remaining
dormant, you will find the advantage of depression.

Tho Gardonors’ Royal Benevolent Institution (IF. S.). — Your letter
we have read with pleisuro, but not quite pleasure unalloyed. It is the
letter of a thoughtful, prudont gardener, who by frugality has boon enabled
to bring up and fairly educate a large family, and also savo a “ few pounds,’
but notneuily sufficient to provide the plain necessaries of life in the event
of inability to labiur for a f iw years in the evontidr of life. Tuere aro
numbors of men similarly circumstanoei. Though they h ave striven to the
utmoR, their small means, and tho great domands on them, have prevented
anything like a satisfactory accumulation of savings to p'ao > them in a
position to regard the future cheerfully. It is for such men that the excel¬
lent institution referred to was established, and many aged gardeners
and tho widows of gardeners aro now sharing in the substantial benefits
it has dispensed. These benefits would bo greater, or shared in by
a groater number of necessitous persons, if gardeners generally who
could save “a few pounds” subscribed a guinea a year to its funds,
or paid ten guineas as a life donation. You are one of those who
have failed to adopt either method, and now ask if, by a payment
of ten guineas, a “ guarantee ” could bogivenyouby Mr, Cutler that you
or your wifo might “ roly ” on b ling placed on th • pen ion list, if in want.
Obviously no offioial of the Society could give any such guarantee, no indi¬
vidual having the power to do so. The Committee alonetiecide on the merits
of the cates that ate p’ao.’d ba’ore them. App icants who have subscribed
to the funds have, and wo tliiuk rightly so. favourable considorat on ; this,
too, appoars to be your vow, as you sty, “Unless I did som'thing for the
Institution I could not, expect to receive from it.” The caso, therefore, re¬
solves itself to this— If you do not subscribe th re is very remoto chance
indeed of your obtainir g a pension, in fact, no chance against an applicant
equally needy who has, as you say, “don; something” for himstlf. Wo
can only say that tho payment of the sum named would entitle i ou or
your wife to the benefits at disposal, in the absence of more pressing
claims from other subscribing candidates ; but we can give you no assuranoe
of obtaining a pension whenever you may apply for one : and the more
subscribers thero are to the funds tho greater the power and the pleasure of
tho Committee in increasing the number of pensioners.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addressos of senders of fruit to be n trued
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent bv post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at onoe, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
( Philomolos). — 1, Veru!am,an excellent stowing Fear. 2, Knight’s Monarch.
Tho Worcester Pearmain Apples are remarkably fine, and wo agree with
you that this variety is something more than a cooking Apple. These of
yours are the tint at we have seen, and are quite tie for the dessert. Grown
to that condition they would be a formidable rival to the Americans. We
should be glad to have remarks on your experience of grafting Pears ou the
Hawthorn.

Numos of Plants. — Wo only umlertako to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from soed and tormod florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should boar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp mays or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
co'ton wool tho worst. Not moro than six specimens can be named at once.
(Constant Rader). — 1, Habrothumnua fasoicularis. 2, Eupatorium riparium.
(J. E. If.). — Coelogync ocellata. (F. H. A.). — Alonsoa Warsoewiozii.

Boos Dying (IF. S.). — A btock such as you describe is not fit for winter¬
ing. With three frames of sealed honey at the end of October, and only four
frames in tho hive, it was surely not necessary to feed. In suoh a stock
thore could have been but few beos, and although theso small stocks do
occasionally come safely through the winter, they are never so profitable as
those which have been properly prepared in due season. You say that “ up
till last Wednosd ly they appeared safe, for a quantity of them appeared
abovo tho carpet covering, the bottle being half full of syrup;” but you
surely do not, mean to say that there was an opon space at the top of the
hive through which the bees could pass ? If th' re was suoh a space the oause
of death is sufficiently clear. To so small a stock a night’s exposure in
“ rough wet ” weather, owing to the roof of the hive being blown off, would
also most certainly prove fatal unless great care was at once bestowed upon
hives and bees, and even th' n they would quite prob ibly sucoumb. How
many' dead bees thero were when you first discovered that tho stock was

February 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTAGE GARDENER .

123

dead you do not say ; nor do you tell us whether the comb was damp and
mouldy or in good condition. You do not say if the honey left for wintering
was in a liquid state or granulated, and you also forgot to mention whether
the syrup was in a fit condition for bees to eat at the time the stock died.
In the absence of these particulars we presume that the loss of the stock
was due to draught and exposure, which, by reason of its small population,
it was less able to withstand than a stock strong in numbers would have
done.

COVBNT GARDEN MARKET. — February 9th.

Market quiet. Grapes making better prices, as also good samples of
home grown Apples.

FUUIT.

e.

d. 8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d

Apples .. ..

2

0

to 5

0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

„ Nova

Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

9

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs . . . .

60

0

70

0

Fine Apples English.. Ib.

1

8

2

0

Figs . . . .

0

0

0

0

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

Grapes .. ..

1

0

s

8

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Lemons .. ••

0

IS

0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

H.

d.

B.

d

8.

d.

s.

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

1

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0

8

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

l

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Ouiou8 .

bunoh

0

s

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

t

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. i sieve

2

0

2

6

Parsnips .

dozen

l

0

2

0

Cabbage . . . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

owt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums .. .. 100 1

Carrots . bunch 0

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen 3

Celery . bundle 1

Coleworts doz. bunches 2
Cucumbers .. .. each 0
Endive . dozen

Herns

Leeks

bunch

bunch

Abutilons .. 12bnnches
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias . . 12 blooms

Carnations .. 12 blooms

„ .. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

12 blooms

Cornflower

Cyclamen

Dahlias

Bplphyllum

Eucharis

Gardenias

12 bunches
12 blooms
12 bunches
doz. blooms
per dozen
12 blooms 12
1

,, Kidney .. owt. 4
Rhubarb.. .. bundle 0

Salsafy . bundle 1

Scorzonera .. .. bundle 1
Soakale .. .. per basket 1

Shallots . lb. 0

Spinach . bushel 8

Tomatoes . lb. 0

Turnips .. .. bunch 0

6 0
0 6

CUT FLOWERS
d. s. d.

0 to 4 0
0 6

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays
., .. .. 12 sprays 4

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms 2
Lapageria, red .. 12 blooms 1
„ longiflorum, 12 blms. 0
Lilac (white), French, bunch 6

1
1
4
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6 0
21 0
1 6
6 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays
Marguerites .. 12 bunches

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

Narciss. Paper-white bunch
„ White English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Roses .. 12 bunches

„ (iadoor), per dozen

„ Tea . dozen

„ red (French) dozen
Parmo Violets (French)
Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

Primula (single) per bunch
(double) per bunch
Stocks, various 12 bunches
Tropseolum .. 12 bunches
Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

„ Czar, French, per bunch

b. d. s. d.

0 9 to 1 6

0 6 0

Aralia Sieboldi . .
Arbor vitre (golden)
" » (common)
Azalea .. .. per

Begonias .. ..

Cineraria . . per

Cyclamen . . , .

Dracaena torminalis,
„ viridis . .
Erica, various
Guonymus, in var.
Evergreens, in var.

dozen 9 0 to
dozen 6 0
dozen 6 0
dozen 24 0
dozen 4 0
dozen 9 0
dozen 12 0
dozen 30 0
dozen 12 0
dozen 9 0
dozen 6

PLANTS IN POTS,

d.

s. d.
18 0
9 0

24 0

dozen 6 0

i. d.
0

6 0
0 8

1
1
1
0
2
4

8 6
7 0
6 0
0 6

1 6

0 0
2 0

4 0

1 0
3 6
2 8

r. a.
18 0
7 0
10 0

Ferns, in variety .. dozen 4

Ficus elastica .. each 1 8 to

Foliage Plants, var. each 2 0

Hyacinths . . per dozen 6 9 9 0

Lilies Valley.. .. dozen 18 0 24 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0 12 0

Myrtles . dozen 6 0 12 0

Narciss (various). . dozen 12 0 15 0

Palms, in var. . . each 2 6 21 0

Primula sisensis per doz. 4 0 6 0

Solan ■ ms per doz. 9 0 12 0

Tulips .. . .per doz. pots 6 0 9 0

SOIL LESSONS.

A request by “Perplexed” for information about landdrain-
■age and tbe tools used in doing it, is a not unpleasant reminder
of the fact that the circulation of the Journal is constantly
increasing, and that our new readers may value many a
practical hint with which older subscribers are perfectly
familiar. We purpose, therefore, in this paper to explain
the details of a process which, however simple and easy to
comprehend, may present difficulties to a beginner which we
earnestly hope our hints may enable him to overcome.

A land drain in its best form consists of a single row of

unglazed clay pipes tempered, dried, and burnt in a kiln just
as bricks are. The pipes have no sockets, but are quite
plain and uniform in size, and are laid end to end throughout
the entire length of the drain. For all branch or tributory
drains the pipes are 2 inches in diameter, and we may
mention here that when the diameter of a drain pipe is given
the measurement is taken inside the pipe. Tributary drains
are made from the highest to the lowest sides of a field, and
either empty into a ditch or are connected with a main drain
of 4 to G inches in diameter, which in turn empties into the
nearest accessible outfall. The tributary or branch drains
are therefore those into which the superfluous water of the
soil first enters to be conveyed to the main drain or ditch,
whence the water flows to a pond or watercourse in a valley.

The best form of drain is so excavated that the bottom of
the trench is just wide enough to receive the pipe. Especial
care is also taken that the bottom has an even clean slope
from end to end of the drain, be it tributary or main. This
point is the most important of all, for if the bottom is uneven
how can the pipes be well and truly laid ? And, moreover,
if the pipes do not form one practically continuous tube
gently sloping from the highest to the lowest end without

obstruction of any kind, how can the water flow quickly and
constantly away from the soil? Will “Perplexed” and
other beginners try and grasp this fully ? for if they only do
so they will have done much towards a full comprehension
of the manner in which the work should be done.

Upon grass land the drain is staked and lined and marked
out with an ordinary garden spade, by means of which the
turf and top spit of soil is also removed. But on arable land
the line of each drain is marked out by means of a plough,
the soil being turned aside on either hand as deeply as
possible, so that when a shallow 22-inch drain is only required
the draining tool and scoop finishes tbe work. These draining
tools are known as Birmingham spades, and are made narrow
and tapering, so that the bottom of the tool leaves the trench
just wide enough to afford space for the pipes, the soil
crumbled by the bottom of the spade being scraped out by
means of a scoop. Like the spades these scoops are made of
different sizes, and upon application to any ironmonger
samples of such tools will quickly be forthcoming. The
intelligence and good sense of our readers will soon show
them which of the tools are best adapted for their particular
use. It will be obvious that for a 22-inch drain a short spade

124

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 10, 1887.

will answer best, while for drains 3 or 4 feet deep two long
narrow tapering spades of different widths will be required.

Always begin the digging of a drain at the lower end, in
order that water may escape and leave the trench open for
the pipes, as well as showing that the bottom of the drain is
made true and at the required gradient. Let the line of
each drain b9 fully excavated before any of the pipes are
laid, and if it is thought necessary test the bottom with water
before putting in the pipes. Let all possible care be taken
with this work, for upon it depends very much of our subse¬
quent success with our crops. Great care is requisite in
covering the pipes ; so important do we consider this that we
invariably put one of our best men to do it. He has to put
about G inches of soil above the pipes ; then, and not till
then, do we consider it safe to allow the other men to fill the
trench. It may be thought that we are over-particular, but
we can assure our readers that dear-bought experience has
shown us the importance of such care as we advise. Left to
themselves, workmen who make drains by the perch open
the trench at the bottom to the required depth, put in the
pipes, and cover them with soil from the trench. The entire
work is thus done as they proceed, but it is almost always
done badly, and a very brief experience of results showed us
that we dared not trust an ordinary workman thus to conceal
his faults and “ scamp ” his work.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM. •

The lambing season is now fairly upon us, and the lambs have been
falling at the singularly uniform rate of half-a-score in twenty-four
hours. They are strong, vigorous, and lively, as we had reason to expect
they would be, for the ewes have been well fed since the last season, and
at no time have they been suffered to fall off in condition. The import¬
ance of such careful treatment cannot too strongly be insisted upon,
tending as it does to afford profitable results in the pleasing guise of fine
lambs and healthy ewes. The dietary of the ewes now is as many
mangolds each morning as they can consume at once and no more,
chaffed hay and barley or oat straw well mixed, and crushed oats. We
are using no cake this season, nor as yet have we used any bran, but if
there is the slightest sign of a deficiency of milk some bran will at once
be added to the oats. The quality of the roots is so excellent that we
have no doubt our dietary will answer, especially as we have plenty of
grass close to the fold. So far we have had no difficult cases of parturi¬
tion, but the shepherd has a supply of the necessary specifics for any
cases for which they may be required. For severe straining with throes
of long duration we use a tablespoonful of equal parts of brandy and
spirits of nitre, mixed with two tablespoonfuls of a strong infusion of
ergot of rye. If the lamb be alive and in its natural position it will
then soon be born, but if it is dead it may have to be removed. In this
and in all cases of severe straining, carefully wash the vagina with warm
water after the lamb is withdrawn, and syringe the uterus with carbolic
oil, which all chemists keep now specially prepared for this purpose. A
careful watch is kept for swollen udders. If they become swollen and
hard, as they will do when the ewe has lost its lamb or refuses to allow
it to suck, we pour equal quantities of olive oil and eau de Cologne in
the hand and rub it well into the udder, which soon softens, so that the
milk can easily be drawn from it. Protrusion of the uterus renders a
ewe unfit for further breeding, and we mark all such for drafting from
the flock after the lambs are weaned. When the protrusion is very pro¬
minent we tie a strong ligature around it as high up as possible ; it falls
off in a few days without causing any apparent pain or inconvenience to
the ewe. Each ewe and lamb are kept in the fold for about a week, and
then if the weather is fine they are put into a meadow apart from the
sheep which have yet to lamb.

THE SCARLET FEVER OF COWS.

In consequence of the alarm which has arisen among many persons
by the late severe outbreak of scarlet fever at Wimbledon, when over
300 persons were attacked, and which outbreak is attributed by some of
our best scientific authorities to the consumption of milk from cows
suffering from a specific disease, we have been asked by some of our
readers to give them more definite information as to the nature and
symptoms of the cow disease which is supposed to produce scarlet fever
in the human subject from drinking the milk. We find it stated in the
report made by Drs. Power and Cameron to the Local Government Board
on the outbreak at Hendon : —

A specific contagious and infectious disease, occurring usually in
the first instance amongst newly calved cows, and capable of being
communicated to healthy cows by direct inoculation of the teats with
virus conveyed by the hands of the cowman after milking a diseased
cow, and perhaps by discharges from the mouth, nose, and eyes of
infected cows coming in contact with the manger at which other cows
may feed. It is characterised by general constitutional disturbance ; a

short, initiatory fever ; a dry, hacking cough ; sometimes quickened
breathing ; sore-throat in severe cases ; discharge from the nostrils and
eyes ; an eruption on the skin around the eyes ; an eruption on the hind
quarters ; vesicles on the teats and udder ; alteration in the quality of
the milk.

“ From five to seven days, more or less, after the commencement of
the illness, one or more teats become enlarged, swollen to nearly double
the natural size, and slightly oedematous.

“ On fingering the teat there is no feeling of induration or hardness.
Vesicles or bullae next appear upon the swollen teats, and upon the
Adder between or near the teats. In number they range from two to
four on a teat, varying in size from a pea to a horse bean, and containing
at first a clear fluid. The first vesicle frequently appears between the
two fore teats, close to the abdominal vein, and is usually as large as a
good-sized horse bean. This vesicle is not preceded by a hardened
papule as in cow pox, but is in the first instance a vesicle or bulla.
These vesicles usually become broken in milking, leaving raw sores,
sometimes red, in other cases pale in colour, with raised, ulcerated-
looking edges. The lymph from these vesicles in this stage can seem¬
ingly be conveyed by the hands of the cowman to healthy cows, and so
propagate the disease by direct inoculation of their teats. Shortly after
the vesicle has been broken, a brown scab forms upon the sore. The
scabs may remain attached for five or six weeks, or may fall off in ten
days or a fortnight, a smaller one forming afterwards. A thin, watery
fluid exudes from under the scab, and the sore ultimately heals
under it.

“ An eruption appears upon the top of the hind-quarter, on one or
both sides, extending, in some cases, down the outside of the leg as far
as the hock, in others to the fetlock joint. About fourteen days after the
commencement of the illness, this eruption on the hind-quarters has
arrived at its scabbing stage, and the severity of the eruption has
appeared to correspond, to some extent, with the severity of the attack,
and the number of vesicles upon the teats and udder.

“ The milk of cows suffering from this disease, if set aside for some
hours, is apt to become ropy or ‘ slimy,’ or ‘ as thick as a pudding.’

“ But ropiness of milk appears in several other cow diseases. Its
precise nature, and the causes which give rise to it, require further
investigation.”

We are further given to understand that the cow disease is not one
of those scheduled under the (Animal) Contagious Disease Acts, conse¬
quently local authorities have no power to prevent cows suffering from
a malady productive of danger to public health being freely sold, with
the consequence that fresh epidemics may possibly be set up in other
districts. We trust that the attention of Members of the House of
Commons will be directed to this subject, and that they will endeavour
to induce the Government to remedy this Session what appears to be a
serious defect in the present Act.

OUR LETrER BOX.

Winter Dietary for Cows (JT. E. G.). — The dietary for cows in winter
of hay, crushed Oats, bran, and Mangolds has been used for cows of various
breeds with invariable success at our home farm for several years. We
both use this dietary and recommend it to our readers, not only because it
is nourishing, but also because it imparts no taint to the milk, of which the
yi Id is always full till some two months before calving. Oil cake and
Turnips are both highly objectionable articles of diet for dairy cows, tend-
ing as they do to seriously affect the flavour of both milk and butter. Your
letter is not sufficiently explicit to enable us to understand why oirr dietary
has not answered for your cows. That there has been some mismanage¬
ment we have no doubt, for we have found it answer admirably for Short¬
horns, Sussex, Kerrys, GuernseyB, Jerseys, and cross-bred cows. But then
our cows have a full supply of the best meadow hay, they are never exposed
to severe cold or wet, and they have plenty of clean dry litter for bedding
daily.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

1 Of

<N OS _

Hygrorae-

d .

•

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1887.

ter.

3 d

er

cL— . o
■- o

peratnre.

Temperature.

a

a:

Jan. and Feb.

ft

££

d

In

On

MS a

Dry.

Wet.

5 o

PH

Max

Min.

sun.

gras*

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

detf.

deer

detr.

de«

In.

Sunday . 30

30.326

35.4

35.3

N.E.

40.0

4G8

84 9

53.6

365

Monday . 81

30.109

46.4

44 9

8.

39.4

51.3

34 6

60.6

33.1

_

Tuesday . 1

29.789

48.9

47.2

S.W.

40.3

50.6

42.2

54.1

*6.9

0.094

Wednesday .. 2

30.074

35.4

34.1

8.

39 4

44.8

29 7

72.2

25.8

0.093

Thursday .... 3

29.982

49.8

46.7

S.W.

39.2

52 8

31.9

66.3

31.6

Friday . 4

30.347

51.3

49.7

w.

41.2

52 8

49 5

57.1

46.8

_

Saturday .... 5

30.382

45.7

4 1.6

S.

42.2

54.1

43.8

67.9

57.1

—

30.144

44.7

43.2

—

40.2

50.5

38.5

61.7

35.4

0.187

REMARKS.

30tli.— Fog in morning, but not dark ; fair afterwards.

81st.— Fine and pleasant, but without bright sunshine; a little drizzle at noon; clear
night.

1st.— Dull early ; wet from 11.30 a.m. to 0.30 p.m ; sunshine later, and clear evening.
2nd.— Fine bright morning ; stormy with showers in afternoon ; clear night.

Brd.— Dull, with a little sun about midday.

4th.— Overcast all day; tine clear night.

Cth.— Fine and bright throughout ; lunar halo at 7.45 p m.

On the whole a fine, seasonable week. Mean temperature 6P above the average, and 4°
above that of the preceding week.— G. J. SYMONS.

F, bruary 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

125

17

Tn

Linn^au Sccietj' at 8 p.m. Royal Society at 1.S0 p m.

18

F

10

S

20

SUN

Quixquages’.ma.

21

M

22

To

Shrove Tuesday.

23

W

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

CULTURE OF THE PEACH IN THE OPEN AIR'

OT WITHSTANDING all that lias been

written of late about the changeableness and
deterioration of our climate, “ and the hope¬
lessness of attempting to grow and ripen
Peaches and Nectarines in the open air in this
country,” it is well known there are places in
different parts of England and Wales where
Peaches and Nectarines are still as well grown
on open walls as ever they were at any time within the
remembrance of the oldest amongst us. Ditton Park,
Slough, Bucks, is famed for its Peach wall, and justly
so. I have known Mr. Lindsay and the gardens at
Ditton for the last thirty years, and during seven or eight
years while I resided in the vicinity, I was a constant
visitor at Ditton, and had many opportunities of inspect¬
ing the trees and the fine crops they produced. I have
not seen them for some years, but it is satisfactory to learn
from the Journal that the Peach wall, under the able
superintendence of Mr. Lindsay, is still famed for its
excellent crops of superior fruit.

There are several places in this neighbourhood where
Peach trees do well on south walls, and ripen good crops
of highly coloured fruit in good seasons. To accomplish
this the trees must be kept in perfect health, and properly
attended to at all times, and never allowed to suffer from
the attacks of green fiy or red spider during the growing
season. Green fiy and red spider are two of the worst
enemies the Peach has to contend with, and if not
thoroughly mastered as soon as they make their appear¬
ance they will disfigure the trees and destroy the crops
in a short time. Peaches are well grown at St. Fagan's
Castle, Court-r-ally, Pontcanna, and in several places at
Llandaff, near Cardiff; hut I do not know of any place
in South Wales, or indeed in this country, where there are
so many fine Peach and Nectarine trees, or where better
crops of fruit are obtained, than at Sing!eton Abbey near
Swansea. I have seen these trees on several occasions
during the summer and autumn, but never bad an oppor¬
tunity of inspecting them in winter when denuded of their
leaves till a few weeks ago when paying Mr. Harris a
visit, and I must say I have never seen healthier or better
furnished trees anywhere. They were covered from top to
bottom with thoroughly ripened young shoots from 18 to
20 inches in length, and studded alt ©yer with fruit buds.

Mr. Harris informed me that the border was com¬
posed of rich loam and old mortar, which was not more
than 18 inches deep, and that it was cropped with vege¬
tables to within 4 feet of the bottom of the wall (which
4 feet is mulched with stable litter), and that no manure
was dug into it at anytime. Indeed, Mr. Harris does

No. 347.— Vol. XIV., Third Series.

not approve of dung or large deep borders for Peach
trees in the open air, which induces them to grow too
luxuriantly to be fruitful. When the soil gets exhausted
it is removed, and fresh loam and old mortar added as
required. From his experience in Peach culture he finds
it necessary to lift the young trees carefully early in the
autumn for the first three years after planting, to check
their gro >th and bring them into fruiting. The trees are
syringed night and morning during the summer, and
watered with liquid manure once a week in hot dry
weather. 'J hey are taken from the wall every winter to
allow of it being painted with pure petroleum to kill insects
of all kinds that may be harbouring there, and not for
the purp >se of retarding the bloom as some gardeners do..
When the trees are in flower they are protected by screens,
canvas, and Spruce branches until the fruit has set and
all danger from frost and cold cutting winds is past.
When disbudding the trees the young shoots for the follow¬
ing year’s crop are left, as a rule, on the upper sides of the
branches, and all the others removed. The shoots as they
grow are careful y laid in during the summer, and thinned
when they have been left too crowded to allow of them
having plenty of room to ripen well.

The following are a few of the varieties of Peaches
and Nectarines that are grown on the wall in the open
air at Singleton. The wall I should say is 15 feet high,
and the trees are planted at the distance of 20 feet apart,
and completely cover it from base to top — Walburton
Adm ruble, Alexander, Sea Eagle, Beatrice, Early Louise,
Hale’s Early, Dr. Hogg, Bellegarde, and Elruge; Diamond
and Humboldt Nectarines. It seems strange that Royal
George Peach and Hunt’s Tawny Nectarine do not succeed
on the open wall at Singleton. — A. Pettigrew, Castle
Gardens, Cardiff.

[Mr. Pettigrew’s communication suggests the inquiry
whether the degeneracy of Peach culture in the open air
is chiefly due to a permanent change in the weather in¬
juriously affecting the trees, or to a change of men and
methods of culture. It cannot be denied that good Peach
walls are much rarer now than they were thirty years
ago ; indeed, they are now so uncommon as to merit special
notice when they happen to be seen, whereas they were
once so frequent that a south wall minus Peach trees
would have been a matter of comment among gardeners
all over the south and midland counties, and even far into
the north. One of the most successful examples of Peach
culture on open walls that we have seen during recent
years was at Oldlands in Sussex. 'J he trees were planted,
trained, and fruited by Mr. Edward Luckhurst. We have
seen no trees and crops even under glass to excel these ;
but, and here is the point, we have seen equally good
examples 200 miles further north. Especially remark¬
able, both as regards size, training, and productiveness,
were the Peach trees at Redbourne Hall, Lincolnshire, as
grown by Mr. Seymour. We know of no finer Peach
trees under glass now than were there seen on open
walls during the fourth and fifth decades of the present
century.

As an example of a garden in the midlands where
Peaches are grown with exceptional success out ol doors,
we may mention Charlcote Park, the seat of II. S. Lucy,
Esq. A wall some hundreds of feet long, with a southern
aspect, is there devoted to Peaches and Nectarines, and
when we saw them last year the trees were in excellent
health, well clad with growth, foliage, and fruit.
Numerous varieties are grown, so that a long succession
is obtained, and in September several trees were bear-
No. 2003.— Von. LXXVL, Old Series.

126

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

ing fine crops of large well ripened fruits. Mr. Rodgers
treats them liberally, and has the satisfaction of obtain¬
ing abundant supplies, a scarcity of these fruits having
been a rave occurrence for some years past. In the
neighbourhood of London we know several gardens of
moderate dimensions where a few Peach trees planted
against suitable walls are as healthy and fruitlul as could
be desired, but they are under the charge of thoroughly
practical men who have studied in the old school of gar¬
deners. There are unquestionably some cold exposed
districts where Peaches will not thrive without the pro¬
tection of glass, but there are many others where all they
seem to require is better attention.]

A FEW GOOD VEGETABLES.

I do not intend to comment on all the different varieties of
vegetables we cultivated last season, and only those novelties that
stood out pre-eminently good, or any sorts which had also in
previous years done us good service will be noticed, taking them
in alphabetical order.

Beans. — Of Broad Beans, by far the most heavy cropping
variety will be found in Veitch’s Improved Longpod. It is quite
as early as the old Early Longpod, produces much longer pods in
greater profusion, and in quality is equal to any other variety in
that section. If an extra fine exhibition variety is required, try
Carter’s Leviathan. It having been asserted the latter and Seville
Longpod were synonymous, we were requested to try the two sorts
together, and according to our experience the Leviathan is much
the best in every respect. Novelties in the way of Dwarf Kidney
Beans are seldom introduced, nor do we want any more. Ne Plus
Ultra for the earliest crops, and either Canadian Wonder or Negro
Longpodded for the successional sowings are all that are needed,
while if Haricot Beans are grown on the place, Carter’s Long-
sword will be found the most profitable. Girtford Giant Runner
crops heavily, and the pods are large and straight, but in this
respect are eclipsed by the new Ne Plus Ultra, the latter being
perfection from an exhibitor’s point of view. Giant White lasts
the longest in full bearing, and is of good quality, but on the whole,
for ordinary purposes, the Old Scarlet is yet the best.

Beet. — The Turnip-rooted, notably the New Crimson Ball, is
most useful for early sowings, and on shallow poor soils is the only
sort that need be sown. If Dell’s Crimson is supplied true it is
fully equal to any of the so called improved and selected forms ;
in fact no fault can be found with it. Pragnell’s Exhibition in¬
variably becomes too coarse with us, but on poorer soils it is not so
large, while the colour and quality of the root is excellent.

Borecole. — Read’s New Hearting appears to be perfectly
hardy, and as it gives a good heart at midwinter, in addition to
plenty of side shoots subsequently, it ought to supplant any of the
other Dwarf Curled sorts. It is of excellent quality when cooked,
or almost equal to the tops of Brussels Sprouts. For hardiness,
lateness, and productiveness, there is none to equal the Buda Kale,
and this is also a delicious vegetable.

Broccoli. — Veitch’s Self-protecting Autumn has again proved
exceptionally valuable, and is the only really reliable late autumn
and midwinter sort. It is, however, far from being hardy, and
unless the most forward plants are lifted and stored in a cool house,
deep frame, or pit, whenever severe frosts are anticipated, they are
quickly spoilt. Snow’s Winter White is very variable, and even
late sowing does not always prevent a monstrous growth in the
place of a good head. We grow it to prolong the supply till such
times as either Veitch’s Spring or Carter’s Mammoth White are
available, both of which are desirable sorts. Leamington is always
good, and seldom gives a glut. Model also invariably proves in
every respect a most excellent late sort, and last season Champion
Late White was very fine. Our latest were Late Queen and Led-
skam’s Latest of All. Either or both of them may safely be sown
for the very latest supplies.

Brussels Sprouts. — These have been even better than usual
this winter. Non Plus Ultra, or the Northaw Prize, as it is also
named, proves to be the best we have yet grown. The stock is
very well saved, a good even breadth of plants being thus easily
obtained. It crops heavily, and the sprouts are of medium size,
close, and excellent when cooked. The Aigburth is perhaps the
most profitable market variety, but it is too strongly flavoured for
home consumption. Webb’s Matchless will not disappoint those
who may give it a fair trial.

Cabbage. — A good stock of the old Wheeler’s Imperial is yet
hard to surpass, and we are cutting some at the present time which

the severe frosts did not greatly injure. The seed was sown about
the middle of July, and the plants made unusually rapid progress in
the autumn. Matchless and Ellam’s Dwarf Spring are both ex¬
cellent, the quality of the latter being especially good. For exhi¬
bition Heartwell Early Marrow is one of the best that can be had,
and it is also good for ordinary purposes.

Chou de Burghley. — We have at last discovered the best
method of growing this novelty of Mr. Gilbert’s. As a rule the
heads have been much too large to be appreciated, but closer plant¬
ing has obviated this difficulty, and we are now cutting plenty of
little heads which, when cooked, are deliciously tender, almost too
much so, in fact. Only the very forwardest were seriously injured
by the frosts, and I must now admit that it is a really hardy and
serviceable winter Cabbage. As a Cabbage we prefer to use it, the
Broccoli heart which forms in those kept late not being much in
request at a time when Broccoli are plentiful. We plant in rows
18 inches apart and 15 inches asunder in the rows.

Carrot. — The New Intermediate, or Yeitch’s Matchless, i3
undoubtedly a great improvement on the old James’ Intermediate,
and must eventually supersede that well known variety. With us
it is not so coarse, and very much superior both in appearance and
quality. Early Nantes is the best of the Horn varieties, and cannot
well be too often recommended for general culture.

Cauliflower. — As many have lost their autumn-sown plants
of such good sorts as Early London, Dwarf Erfurt Mammoth, and
Mont Blanc, they will act wisely in sowing in gentle heat seed of
either Carter’s Defiance or Extra Early Forcing, a quick supply of
pretty little heads resulting. These small sorts are also particularly
good for pot or frame culture. To succeed either of the first-
named sorts I can recommend Yeitch’s Pearl, Eclipse and Autumn
Giant completing the succession.

Celery. — White Plume will not long be grown in this country,
as it is of no real value. A good stock of Incomparable Dwarf
White is most suitable for the earliest sowings. In addition to this
we have planted Major Clarke’s Solid Red and Carter’s Incom¬
parable Crimson in equal quantities, and the latter has turned out
the best of the two ; our heaviest, and in other respects best sticks,
being of this variety.

Endive.— Green Curled and Improved Broad-leaved Batavian
are all that need be grown in any garden, the latter being the
hardiest, and is the best substitute for Lettuce. The two varieties
in mixture form the best salad when no Lettuce is forthcoming.

Leek. — Prizetaker is a fine, and as far as my experience goes,
most distinct variety, the Lyon also proving exceptionally good in
every respect. For ordinary purposes either Ayton Castle or
Musselburgh will give satisfaction.

Lettuce. — Early Paris Market Cabbage still proves to be the
best for the first crops in frames or the open border, spring-sown
plants hearting in very rapidly. It is very crisp and tender,
and is one of the best varieties ever introduced. All the Year
Round, a hardy and useful sort, is the only other Cabbage variety
we grow for winter use. Yeitch's Perfect Gem is both distinct and
good, being remarkably crisp, and does not bolt or get flabby so
quickly as most Cabbage varieties are very liable to do. Bath or
Black-seeded, and H>cks’ Hardy White are good hardy Cos varieties,
and the first-named is also one of the best for summer culture.
Paris White Cos, or one of the selections from it, is also most
suitable for spring and summer sowing.

Onion. — The Queen, and its newer companion Carter’s Golden
Queen, are quick growing, mild flavoured, and very pretty little
Tripoli Onions. Early Naples forms a good succession, Giant
White and Giant Rocca also being usually grown by us. Giant
Zittau may be sown either in the spring or autumn, but we prefer
the former time, as it proves one of the heaviest croppers, and
keeps rather better than the White Spanish varieties. Banbury
Improved and Sandy Prize are large and handsome. The Wroxton
also grows to a great size and keeps well. The old Brown Globe is
yet unsurpassed for the latest supplies.

Parsnip. — There is no better sort than The Student, and I am
glad to find that it is sometimes considered good enough for the
table of the wealthier classes. Mashed Parsnips go well with
various “ roasts.”

Parsley. — Fern-leaved is the prettiest variety in cultivation,
but a good selected stock of Double Curled proves the most hardy
and serviceable.

Radishes. — The Early Scarlet and White Forcing Turnip are
both very quick growing and tender, and such sorts as French
Breakfast and Wood’s Early Frame are always appreciated. All
are suitable for frames or warm borders. Red and White Turnip
are the best for summer use, and the Long Scarlet for the
autumn.

Savoys. — Gilbert’s Universal again did us good service. It is
rather early, and of very superior quality. Tom Thumb, Early
Ulm, Dwarf Green Curled, and Drumhead give a good succession.

Febrniry 17, 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

127

Spinach. — Victoria Improved Round, described in Veitch’s
catalogue as being “ a fine variety for summer use, with thick
dark green leaves, remaining fit for use ten days longer than the
ordinary Round,” fully answered to that description, and is well
worthy of a trial in every garden. The Round-seeded is good for
early and late sowing, and proves quite as hardy as the Prickly-
seeded. Spinach Beet we find the best winter substitute for the
ordinary Spinach, and the New Zealand for the summer supplies.

Tomato. — There are a bewildering number of good varieties of
these to select from. I still prefer Carter’s Perfection for any crop,
but Hackwood Park Prolific, Dedham Favourite, Hathaway’s Ex¬
celsior, Reading Perfection, Large Red, and Dwarf Orangefield are
each and all profitable and good, both indoors and out. Earliest of
All is strongly recommended by a friend of mine, especially for
fruiting on the open walls.

Turnip. — Extra Early Milan has quite supplanted the Early
Munich, being quick»r growing and of better quality. It is un¬
equalled for sowing under glass. To succeed this we have Snow¬
ball ; Veitch’s Red Globe for main and late crops ; Chirk Castle
being the hardiest of all.

Vegetable Marrow. — Muir’s Pen-y-Byd again yielded ex¬
ceptionally heavy crops, the quality being also equally as satis¬
factory. Long White may be grown by those who prefer larger

fruit.

Remarks on Peas and Potatoes are reserved until another issue.
— W. Iggulden.

VIOLETS IN WINTER.

These are not so much grown as they deserve to be, considering with
what little expense they may be had in flower from the middle of
November till April, excepting during severe winter weather.

The sorts we grow are New York and Princess Louise, which we
think are the best for frame work. About the middle of April is a good
time to plant runners. Small ones should be taken off with a few roots
if possible, and planted II inches asunder with a trowel on a piece of
rich ground on the north side of a wail. Should the weather be hot at
the time, they should be watered with a rose every afternoon until they
have taken root, after which they will not want much attention till
about the middle of June (unless the weather has been exceptionally
hot and dry, when they would want a good watering before that time).
By this time they should have taken possession of the soil, and weak
liquid manure should be given once a week. But if they are not well
rooted before liquid manure is given it will do them harm instead of
good, as it makes the ground sour and acts as a poison to the plants,
killing the roots as fast as they make any attempt to strike out into it.
During summer keep the surface stirred with the Dutch hoe, and keep
all bloom buds off and the long thin wiry suckers ; but there will be
several thrown out on each plant of short stocky runners from 2 to
3 inches long ; take especial care of these, as each forms a crown which
blooms after the centre crown is over.

About the last week in August a good heap of leaves should be formed
with a little manure to start it heating, and when it has produced a good
heat make up a bed, using some long stable manure for the sides. By
the endi of September it will be cooled sufficiently to place the frame
on and the soil in it, which should be a rather light loam with a little
leaf mould. A few days after try the bottom of the soil, and when it
has cooled down to the temperature of new milk the Violets may be
planted. They should be taken up carefully with good balls of soil,
reducing it a little with the hands until it is about 8 inches through and
the same in depth, which should all be one mass of roots. Plant them a
foot apart each way and press the soil firmly. Give a good watering and
keep rather close for a few days, and sprinkle overhead after dinner each
day for about a week, when they must have all the air, gradually
increasing it until the lights can be removed, excepting in very bad
weather, at which time they should be propped up at the back. From
the middle of November till the beginning of February the lights are
better kept on. They must be kept properly up so that a current of air
can pass through the frame to prevent damping, which is the worst evil
in winter. During severe weather they must be well covered by
placing long strawy manure around the sides of the frame, covering
the glass with two or three thicknesses of mats or straw.

For, although Violets are generally considered hardy, sharp frosts will
often injure them if not well protected, for I have known these varieties
killed by frost when left out in the open border. Of esurse we do not
expect to get Violets during such severe weather as we have lately
experienced. When there is a pit with a hot-water pipe along the front
which can be turned on in damp and foggy weather, or when the weather
ifsevere, damp may be prevented, and flowers may be gathered through
the whole winter. If they are well watered at the time of planting they
do not often need more until the beginning of February, when weak
liquid manure should be given, or a sprinkling of soot before watering. —
J. L. B.

ALNWICK SEEDLING GRAPE.

The illustration (fig. 21) gives a true representation of a bunch
grown by Mr. Murray, gardener to the Marquis of Ailsa, Culzean

Castle, cut from a Vine that finished a crop to perfection, bearing
2^ lbs. to the foot of rod ; however, it is the model shape of bunch,
and the regularity of the berries, as shown in the illustration, that we
think excellent and worthy of note, considering that Alnwick Seedling,
like its compeers of recent introduction, has been praised by some and
condemned by others. Its great fault is being a bad setter. Whether
it is caused by locality or unsuitable treatment I cannot say, but Mr.
Murray is often consulted about its setting and the treatment received,
which he keeps no secret. I recommend anyone that grows Alnwick
Seedling and finds it shy in setting to give his treatment a trial. The
Vines referred to are grown on their own roots along with Lady
Downe’s and Alicantes, all having the same treatment. After removing
all the surface soil yearly without damaging the roots, the borders
inside and out receive a fresh dressing of turf, mixed with wood ashes
and Thomson’s Vine manure. During the growing season the borders
receive heavy waterings up to the time the Grapes commence
colouring.

The only extra attention that Alnwick Seedling receives is when

Fig. 21.— Alnwick S ecting,

in flower. Any close observer who grows this variety will know
the difficulty in having the bunches sufficiently dry to allow the
pollen to spread, owing to the quantity of nectar. To remedy this
Mr. Murray approves of selecting a good day before he attempts the
fertilising of the bunches, and not until the vinery has been well
ventilated, which has a tendency to favour the operation, and he
recommends the use of a few feathers instead of going over all the
bunches with one brush, as the brush becomes too wet for distributing
the pollen. On dull days, when no ventilation is provided, a sharp
tap is given on the wires, or some pollen taken from other varieties, is
collected on a sheet of paper or glass and blown on the bunches. — A
Brother Spade.

[The insertion of this letter will answer some inquiries we have re¬
ceived, and as one “new reader” is doubtful as to this Grape being
worth growing w° reproduce a bunch grown by Mr. Murray, and which

128

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1E87.

we have engraved from a photograph, showing that “half of the
berries” are not “always like Peas.”]

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I HAVE been greatly interested in the discussion which has taken
place on watertight ashpits, and can fully endorse what has been said
in their favour from a practical point of view. About four years ago
we had to replace one of ourdarge boilers — size 0 feet by 3 feet ; under
this was placed a cast iron pan about 6 inches deep, which is filled with
water every morning. Previous to this pan being put in we had no end
of trouble with bars anil clinkers running into one solid mass, also
twisting and burning, and the expense in new bars was a serious item.
Since using the watertight ashpits the bars put in four years ago have
not been renewed and are as good as ever. Other two boilers of similar
size with the same arrangements have since been put down with equally
satisfactory results.

M I can also endorse what Mr. Simpson says as to bars being placed
too close so as to prevent a sufficient quantity of air getting to the fire.
There is then a great waste of fuel, as the gases arising from it are
passing up the flue unused. To prove this you have only to take a
cover off the flue and insert a naked light, when the gases will ignite,
and you have one mass of flame in the flue which ought to have been
consumed in the fire and around the boiler.

Waterway grate bars do not find favour here. No doubt they absorb
heat when in direct contact with the fire, but ours are not steam boilers,
and cannot be clinkered as often as the steam boilers. As soon as they
are coated with clinker or ashes, then the water in those bars is cooled
by the action of the air passing between them to the fire. — T. C. A.

THYRSACANTHUS RUTILANS.

This is one of the most attractive plants we have for winter blooming.
The flowers, which are bright scarlet, borne in long pendulous racemes,
contrast greatly with the dark green leaves, giving the plant an elegant
appearance. It is a free flowerer, producing its bright flowers through
the dark winter months when, as a rule, stoves are quite destitute of
flower. They may be propagated by cuttings, which should be taken off
after the plant has finished flowering, inserted into thumb pots, and
placed in a good bottom heat, where they will soon root if kept moist and
shaded.

As soon as rooted, pot them in a good compost of light loam, leaf
mould, and sand, some well-decomposed manure might also be added ;
place them in a good heat, where the plants should be kept growing as
quickly as possible, so as to obtain them of a good size, after which they
should be kept rootbound, which will induce them to flower freely.
Six-inch pots will be found the most useful for this plant (as that size is
generally used for table decoration) for which purpose the Thyrsacanthus
is well adapted. If the drainage is in good order the old plants will
only need top-dressing the second year, when they should be succeeded
by young ones.— C. Collins.

NAILING WALL TREES.

The majority of gardens of any importance are surrounded by walls,
and it is both profitable and enjoyable to have these walls well clothed
with fruit trees. To do this it is important that the trees be in good
health, but their appearance depends chiefly on the manner in which
they are trained. It has been remarked that the crops on many wall
trees have not been in proportion to the great attention given to their
training, and certainly a tree without fruit is not attractive ; but those
who train their trees carefully contrive to secure a crop of fruit.

The winter season is the time to nail trees. When the work is
neglected then, and the trees are allowed to bloom before the main
branches at least are fixed in their places, it will be found a difficult
matter to do it properly, whereas just now it is very easy. The last
lesson I ever had in nailing was at Dalkeith, in Mr. W. Thomson’s time.

It took a pair of us nearly three months to complete the work, and the
experience gained then has never been forgotten. Each was made
secure for the year. This should be the main object of all who nail
fruit trees in winter ; when they are only “ tacked up ” here and there
the weight of the foliage and fruit in summer may cause the branch, to
fall. I have seen much fruit lost in this way, and many good trees per¬
manently disfigured. Cast iron nails are best for wall trees, and should
always be used. If driven in carefully not one in a thousand will
break. Strips of cloth should be used for all the smaller branches, and
tarred cord for the larger. The cloth ahould be strong and so fresh as to
remain good for one season at least. Pieces half an inch or so in width
and about 3 inches in length are the most suitable. Larger pieces may
be used if necessary.

. In begjnning to nail a tree a little forethought should be exercised
in distributing the branches. If they are closely arranged on one part I
ot the wall and far apart on another, this shows a great want of con¬
sideration. The main branches should be tied in first, and if evenly
distributed over the space the tree is likely to cover it becomes an easy
matter to nail in the smaller side branches so as to furnish the wail 1
regularly.- In teaching young men to nail wall trees we generally allow i
them to finish a tree according to their own ideas, and invariably find 1
that they crowd the branches in one part and leave large vacancies in i
others ; and as the mistake is easily explained by pointing it out, it does

not often occur a second time. No great harm results to the trees by
this thick and thin nailing so long as there are no leaves on the
branches, but when in full foliage that part where the branches are
close together will be such a mass of leaves as to prove immediately and
permanently injurious to the tree. — A Kitchen Gardener.

CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO.

In an answer to “ R.” at page 101, an opportunity is given to
readers to give their experience on the cultivation of the Potato. That
the Potato is rendered less robust and much weakened in constitution
by allowing the tubers to start into growth, then to have these growths
rubbed off before planting, there need be no question about. Alien a
Potato has had its constitution destroyed through any cause, it is seldom
it can be restored to its original vigour, unless by very special treatment
in cultivation, such as planting in good virgin soil without manure, and
the plants kept in a growing state without check until they are fully
ripened. The tubers should then be lifted, spread out, and exposed to
the sun, either in a house in thin layers, or, better, upon a raised bank
spread not more that a foot deep, and well covered, so as to be safe from
frost. In these small ridges they do not heat. Heating in bulk impairs
their constitution. The more starchy Potatoes are, the more liable they
are to heat when in a body, and in that state are undesirable for
planting.

Potatoes intended for planting should be carefully selected. Potatoes
are liable to sport, some varieties so much so that in three or four years
the original shape, colour, and quality are practically lost. Others
remain “fixed,” some lam acquainted with having retained their original
nature for half a century. When the Champion was first sent out I had
some tubers sent me for trial. Although the Champion was sent as
a disease resister, and is still so regarded by many persons, it was the
first out of thirty varieties I had planted to be attacked with the
murrain. At the present time I am using the Champion. It is a solid
Potato, and I like its flavour, but it has sported. The samples before
me now are of two distinct kinds, the one rough skinned and of excellent
quality, the other a little larger, smooth skinned, and of a stringy nature,
ill flavoured, and of bad quality, but both are Champions. If all the
Champions in cultivation are of a similar nature, the sooner the culti¬
vator makes a selection and discards the coarse ones the better will it be
for all concerned. Many of our farmers pay by far too little attention
to selecting Potatoes as well as of grain for seed.

Mr. R. Inglis (page 87) speaks about a White Fortyfold. There arc
many of these which have sported from the red variety. About a dozen
years ago I selected a white tuber from the Red Eortyfold ; perhaps
from paying more attention to it the tubers grew a little larger,
but they were not of better quality than the red variety.

I have had seedlings that in half a dozen years gave me as many
varieties ; it is a good point in Potatoes if they are of a fixed nature
and not given to sport. With me the Magnum Ilonum has retained its
original character, and is a useful Potato which keeps well for nearly
a year. I saw some last year during the month of August quite firm
that were lifted in October previous. It has long been the custom for
farmers in the lowlands to get their Potatoes for planting from moor¬
land districts, where they had been grown on moss ; such Potatoes
were always considered superior for planting than those of a better
quality grown upon harder ground, but whether it was because they
were moss-grown or later in starting into growth I cannot say, or because
they were had for less money I cannot say. Possibly their comparative
cheapness commended them to the favour of purchasers for planting.

I am of the opinion that it ought not to be so much a question
whether the tubers intended for planting should be large or small, as it
should be to have well grown and fully matured tubers, selecting those
only of fine form and general outline of the original proven variety ; and
if due care is taken of them from lifting till planting, so that nothing in
the treatment causes any abnormal change in the tissues of the tubers,
and the Potatoes intended for planting be specially cultivated with care
for that purpose, they would not be so liable to degenerate as they
sometimes are when cultivated in an indiscriminate manner. Whatever
is worth doing is worth doing well. The cultivation of the Potato from
its usefulness as an article of food deserves all the attention that can be
bestowed upon it in that direction. — W. T.

EARLY PEAS.

Some situations are more favourable than others for growing thi
much-esteemed vegetable for early use. On looking over an old diary
I saw entered, “William I. Pea sown (outside) March 10th, gathered first
dish June 18th ; Day’s Early Sunrise Pea same date, gathered June 30th.”
Thus showing that William I. is ten or twelve days earlier than Day’s
Early Sunrise.. Whereas last year William I. and Carter’s First Crop
were sown in boxes (inside) on March 10th, planted out on a south
border, and we gathered from William I. July 4th, when Carter’s .First
Crop followed ten days' or so later, proving that William I. is well adapted
for early use.

Where the soil is cold and the seasons late, it is advisable to Sow the
first batch inside. They may be sown in pots, or turves placed in boxes.
I prefer the latter, for when this plan is adopted there is no damage done
to the roots when planted out. First take thick turves cut into pieces
about a foot or 13 inches in length and 6 inches wide ; then make a
groove about 4 inches wide up the centre and place in boxes, close

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HO r,n'ICU LTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

129

together with the grass side down, sow the seed in the groove, and cover
with good soil. They should then be placed into a gentle heat, where the
Peas will soon appear through the soil. As soon as they are 2 inches
high they will require moving to a cool frame, so as to harden off before
being planted out.

If sown in pots ten or twelve seeds should be placed into 3-inch pots
and treat in the same manner as advised, but when planted out they may
be placed about 0 inches apart, as they will fill up as they grow and
make the row complete. — C. Collins.

GRAPES WITHOUT HEAT FOR THE MILLION.

( Continued from j>age 105.)

Temperature and Yentilation. — The heat is such as the
sun furnishes, and is plentiful when we want it — i.e., from spring
to autumn. We need not look for any activity in the Vines before
the vernal equinox, and our fruit will be all ripe before the autumnal
equinox. The case and house are ventilated from the fall of the
leaf until the buds swell, whenever the temperature outside is above
freezing, or when the sun acts powerfully upon the house so as to
raise the inside temperature over 50°. In mild weather ventilate to
the fullest extent. In cold frosty weather the structure may
remain closed. When the buds are swelling ventilate at 55°, and
keep through the day at 65°, closing at the latter temperature. As
the leaves expand, admit air at 60°, closing at 75°. When the
foliage is fully out ventilate at 65° a little, and increase it with the
ascending heat. In dull weather we shall have a lower tem¬
perature ; in bright weather it will rise much higher than the
degrees mentioned, and it will do good, only we must not have a
close, but a freely ventilated atmosphere. We want firm wood and
well developed foliage.

When the Vines are in flower freer ventilation is advisable ; a
little constantly will do no harm. With the Grapes set and swelling
ah- should be admitted at 70°, and increased above 75°, so as to have
it full when the temperature is between 80° and 85°. Keep that
whenever opportunity offer as the day temperature, but do not
allow an advance to 80° or 85° before admitting air, for under no
circumstances must the early morning ventilation be neglected.
Close sufficiently early, and before the temperature has declined
below 80", to cause the heat to rise a few degrees, or to 85° or 90°.
It may even rise to 95° without danger. In all cases admit a little
air at the top of the structure before nightfall. It allows the
pent-up vitiated air to be changed, and it is a capital safeguard
against scorching in the morning. In summer, after the Grapes are
swelling, increase the ventilation early between 7 0Q and 75°, keeping
a temperature of 80° to 85° with a fair amount of top ventilation.
That is the regime to be followed until the Grapes are ripening,
when we increase, or rather divide, the ventilation, using both top
and bottom about equally, so as to insure a circulation of dry warm
air, and though this has the effect of causing the night temperature
to be lower, it only rests the Vines and insures a more satisfactory
finish ; in other respects the temperature is the same as when
growing. When the Grapes are ripe admit air more freely, a little
constantly, except in dull foggy weather.

Difference in Ripening. — The varieties will differ somewhat
in ripening, but not more than a fortnight in those we have named.
Some Grapes ripen quickly, other are rather slow, or take a longer
time. This need cause no anxiety. Continue the temperature
advised until the latest are thoroughly ripe. The other ripe ones
will mature — i.e., they will be better for it, for though we consider
Grapes fit to eat when they are black, or yellow, or amber to the
shank, they get mellow with a little more time, losing the sharpness
so characteristic of fresh ripe Grapes.

Keeping.* — We have really only three in our list that can be
termed keepers, and they are not of the thick but tough-skinned
type — viz., Foster’s Seedling. Trentham Black, and Gros Maroc.
The most we can expect are Grapes for the festive season. Cut
them in November, or earlier, with sufficient wood for insertion in
bottles of soft clear water with a few pieces of charcoal. The
bottles should; be fixed in an inclined position so that the bunches
hang clear. The leaves, if not off, should be removed, otherwise
place the lower end of the shoot m the bottles. An empty room,
dry, and from which frost is excluded, will answer for keeping.
Examine the Grapes occasionally for decayed berries, and remove
them, keeping the water as required.

Frames. — Place span-roof frames with the ends north and south.
Allow a space of 3 feet bA^een the frames. To increase the depth,
take out the soil G to 9 inches deep, sloping inwards from 3 inches
less than the size of the frame, the base of the slope corresponding
to the height. Make the border at the north end G feet wide con¬
tinued the length across the ends of the range of frames. It need
only be made 3 feet wide in the fust instance. Plant the Vines at
the side next the end of the frames and corresponding to the centre
of each. Make an aperture in the end of the frame from the

bottom upward to admit the stem of the Vine about 9 inches by
lj inch. It can easily be enlarged. The frames may be in lengths
of 6 to 8 feet, prepared for joining end to end. One length is
sufficient the first year, adding a length each year or every other as
the Vines extend. How long the Vine would extend is matter for
trial, but I do not advise the frames to be more than 24 feet. Stand
the frames on a course of bricks. Train the Vine up the centre
Treat it as advised for a single cane or rod. A trellis should be
provided of five lines 8 inches apart — a centre one for securing the
rod to, and two on each side for the bearing shoots, the trellis Hat
and on a level with half the height of the wood sides. Instead of
taking Gie rod up the centre, train the Vine with two rods, take to
a wire 6 inches from the sides of the frame and on a level with
half the height of the wood sides. Place the other wires so that
the centre one is 15 inches under the ridge and the other wire on a
level with a line drawn between the centre and the rod wires. The
bearing shoots are trained up to the ridge, and the Grapes are nearer
the centre of the frame and do better. The routine is the same as
for other Vines.

Lean-to’s are preferred by some. The frame need not be a costly
affair. Oak posts charred and tarred to G inches above the ground
last a lifetime. Have the front 18 inches deep, feather-edge boarding
is best and overlapping so as to throw off the wet. Width 4 feet
6 inches, height at back 3 feet. Lights 3 feet (less half the width
of the parting pieces) wide. Boards undressed, coated with boning
coal tar when dry. Plates (light 2^ inches) bevelled to give the
necessary slopes for the lights. Lights 2 inches thick, glazed with
21 oz. sheet. Bearers for lights 4 inches by 1^ inch, and parting
pieces 1£ inch. Those — viz., plates, bearers, and pieces, and lights
only are dressed and painted. Squares bedded in good putty,
nailed in, no top putty used. Border inside the size of the frame,
reached from the back for watering, the whole of the back being
moveable, being made in door or shutter fashion. Vines planted
inside, one in a 12 feet, two in a 24 feet length and centre of the
space. Two shoots taken from each, forming rods after the year of
formation tied to a wire secured to the front posts with staples, and
9 inches below the top of the plates. Wires fixed lengthwise 1 foot
from the under side of the lights G to 8 inches apart. Rods taken
up as in upright training under every bearing piece, from which the
bearing shoots are originated at 18 inches apart. Ventilation is
given by tilting the lights or pushing them down from the top more
or less. Another plan of ventilation is to have the top boards — i.e.,
front and back hinged and opening outward. This Ido not think an
improvement on tilting the lights. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

THE BULB MITE.

Further search confirms my first suspicions that the^e mites are
largely present in bone manure, especially where this is kept in a warm
situation, few being observed in that stored in an exposed shed. I have
also found the mites in stale horse corn. The odour of tar is very
destructive to the insects. A few drops of spirit of tar or common tar on
the soil and watered in are very effective, but it must be carefully. In
extreme cases shaking out the bulbs must be resorted to, the paths, &s.,
being damped with water in which a little tar has been placed. —
C. Prinsep, Hammcrtviclt.

I shall be obliged if you will inform me whether you have known
before that Alocasias and Marantas were subject to attacks of the E ucharis
mite. To-day I saw nearly all mine looked unhealthy, so turned them
out, and to my horror found nearly all the roots eaten and full of these
mites. I quite agree with Mr. Bardney’s letter in your Journal, February
3rd, page 83, as iast year I had them badly in Vallotas. I well cleared
the bulbs, washed with insecticide, and they started finely and flowered,
when they went off again and had the same insects as before. Row is
it i The Vallotas have never been near any of the stove plants, and last
year was the first time I ever had anything of the sort. My Eucharises
are grand, and as luck will have it have never been near the Alocasias.
but as they are in the same house would it be advisable to give them at
once some soot water ? which I hear if applied when first they attack a
plant is a good thing. A couple of years ago I had something of the same
sort attack some of my pot Begonias, but they were three times the size.
1 burned the bulbs affected, and have had no trouble since with any of
the rest. — A. Gl. P.

[We have not seen Alocasias and Marantas attacked by the " mite.”
but possibly some of our readers may have hid that unpleasant
experience.]

TRANSPLANTING PEAS.

The practice of sowing Peas in pots or boxes and transplanting them
in the open ground is adopted by a great many gardeners, but the prac¬
tice deserves to be more generally adopted for the early sorts eithe
tall or dwarf. To sow Peas in the open ground in the early part of th
season (especially where the ground is wet and heavy) is very precariou

130

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

and even where the ground is more favourable for early sowing the
attacks from mice, birds, and slugs often render a second sowing
necessary. Although I strongly recommend transplanting Peas raised
under glass, I am no advocate of raising them in heat, drawing them up
weakly, and allowing them to get several inches in length previous to
planting. I sow the Peas about the middle of February rather thick in
shallow boxes, and place them in a cool house as near the glass as
possible, and when they have grown about an inch above the soil I stand
them out of doors in a sheltered place for a few days. In the lirst
suitable weather they are transplanted in the open ground, a south
border being the most suitable place for the earliest crop. In planting out,
a line is stretched across the ground and a trench cut about 4 inches
deep with a spade in the same way as would be done in planting a Box
edging. The Peas are lifted out of the boxes and laid thinly along the
trench, filling in the soil, and pressing it gently but firmly against the
roots. After planting is completed draw as much soil up to the rows as
will shelter them from cutting winds, and should bad weather follow a
few Laurel branches or Fir stuck in close to the rows will afford all the
shelter they will require, and as soon as warmer weather sets in they
will make a start. I remember planting some out one year in the
beginning of March, and two days after we had severe frost with east
winds for several days. I gave the Peas up for lost. The men in the
garden to whom the practice was new laughed at the anticipated failure,
and I must admit that I had little hopes of the Peas surviving ; but
on the return of better weather they came away, and all was well. I
concluded that after such bad times as they were subjected to I should
not for the future hesitate in transplanting Peas in the way I have de¬
scribed.

Each grower has his specially favourite sorts. William I. has done
good service, but this year I am tryiug Veitch’s Early. Chelsea Gem
is good in cold frames for an early supply, as also is American Wonder.
The plan I adopt is as for planting outside, only sowing earlier, and in a
little warmth, and planting them 1 foot apart, a few pieces, from worn-
out birch brooms placed each side of the rows keep them from falling
over, facilitates gathering the pods, and prevents the stems turning
yellow at the base. — W. Simpson, Knowsley.

NOTES ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF

CORBULARIA.

By George Maw, F.G.S., F.L.S.

JEead before the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Sooiety, Feb. 8th, 1887.]

Corbularias of late year3 having become popular decorative
plants, the whole of the known forms being now introduced to cultiva¬
tion, I think that a few notes on their characters and geographical dis¬
tribution, mainly derived from my own observations, may be acceptable
to the Royal Horticultural Society.

Although the greater number of the species of Narcissus have a wide
geograpical range, many of them spreading over the whole area occupied
by the genus, the sub-section Corbularia presents a contrast in the
limited and compact area it occupies compared with the wide ranging
of the entire genus Narcissus. The Spanish Peninsula is its metropolis,
and beyond this the extension is very limited. It has a range of about
10° in latitude— from 35° to 45° north ; and 12° in longitude — from
9° west to 3° east. Forms of Corbularia are to be found throughout
almost the entire Spanish Peninsula, and they extend sparingly beyond
the Spanish frontier into France, and along the North African coast
from Tangier to the longitude of Algiers. The most northern recorded
habitat is near Bordeaux, and the most south-eastern at Guelt-es-Stel,
150 miles south of Algiers, where I gathered Corbularia monophylla in
the spring of 1873. Corbularias do not occur in the Balearic Islands.

The general impression left by the careful study of all the forms is
that they are merely connecting links of one variable species which is
indivisible by any well marked boundary lines ; and however different
the extreme forms may appear, they are connected by insensible grada¬
tions, between which there is no definite demarcation.

Flower-colouring. —Every form of Corbularia is self-coloured, and
however much the forms and species vary in shade, the segments are
invariably of the same colour as the corona, except that they" are exter¬
nally green. The bicolor forms such as occur in most of the species
of almost every other section of Narcissus, are never found in Corbularia.
The filament is also invariably of the same colour as the corona and
.segments.

We find, however, two or three distinct sets of colouring— viz., white,
primrose-yellow, and orange. I say sets of colouring, because, except¬
ing the white, the other two colourings — primrose-yellow and orange —
run through, as it were, in duplicate the entire series of forms, how¬
ever variable they may be in stature — e.g., we have large primrose-
yellow forms and large orange forms, small primrose-yellow forms and
small orange forms, and the same colour duplicates of every size. I
have felt inclined to give the white Corbularia monophylla from North
Africa a separate sort of specific rank, from its invariable colouring of
a kind that I was not aware occurred in any other form ; but I have
been somewhat shaken in this conviction by Mr. Tait’s discovery near
Oporto of a white form of Corbularia nivalis, the flowers of which are
normally orange.

Habitats, Altitude, and Distribution. — The range in altitude is from
near the sea level to heights of from 6000 to 9000 feet ; and my obser¬
vations show that there are no strikingly prevalent upland or lowland
forms, many of them having wide ranges in altitude. The habitats are
Generally moist boggy places.

The several forms are never intermixed, each occupying a distinct
habitat ; indeed, I have only met with one case in which two different
forms grow in proximity, and in this instance they were not associated,
but occupied separate portions of the mountain pasture.

I shall perhaps be able to more clearly express the facts I have
generalised by describing as an itinerary through western France, Spain,
Portugal, Morocco, and Algeria, mostly from my own observations, the
successive forms of Corbularia that would be met with in such a tour.

Commencing at Bordeaux, soon after leaving Bordeaux station, the
moist healthy places in the Landes are at frequent intervals bespangled
with the large sulphur yellow form, which is also seen occasionally by
the sides of the railway as Bayonne is approached, and the same large
pale form is frequent near the sea level in the neighbourhood of
Biarritz. The following localities in France on the borders of the
western Pyrenees may also be enumerated — Gradignan and Teste near
Bordeaux, Agen, Dax, healthy places on Mount Olivet and the Palom-
biers above Bagneres de Bigorre, Tarbes, between Bagneres de Bigorre
and Tarbes, sandy places, Tiplo near Fumel, Prades, Yillefranche,
Morlaas, Pan, and between Biarritz and Cambo. It is also abundant on
Monte de la Haya at altitudes of from 2000 to 2400 feet, and on other
mountains on the Spanish frontier near Irun.

A small pale yellow form has recently been found near Biarritz.
Passing into Spain, we find on the limestone hills of Pancorbo, at a
height of 3000 feet, a form somewhat different to that prevailing in
western France, with small bright yellow flowers on a long scape. Turn¬
ing northwards towards Leon, the moist places within sight of the
.lailway are golden yellow in April with a small orange form, and a still
smaller orange form, approaching nivalis in character, is abundant near
Busdongo, at an altitude of from 4000 to 5000 feet, at the pass over the
Asturias.

Descending the north side of the Asturias, the same large pale yellow
form, which prevails on the north side of the Pyrenees in western France,
again presents itself in moist meadows near Oviedo, near Lugones, and
between Oviedo and Gijon, and in the immediate neighbourhood of
Gijon, a large orange form occurs. In passing by rail from Leon to
Coruna small orange Corbularias were in abundance between Leon and
Astorga, and west of Astorga the large orange form similar to that at
Gijon occurred sparingly at intervals.

Passing southwards, two forms, C. nivalis, with small orange flowers,
the smallest known form, and C. Graellsii, with pale primrose-yellow
flowers, occur abundantly on the Sierra Guadarrama at altitudes of from
3000 to 5000 feet. In a meadow near the Naval Peral station they were
growing in proximity, though not intermixed ; nivalis occurring in a
boggy part of the field and Graellsii on the drier ground at an elevation
of about 4000 feet. Descending the southern side of the Sierra towards
the Escorial, C. Graellsii bespangled like Primroses the moist pastures
with tens of thousands of its pretty pale yellow flowers.

I gather from Mr. A. W. Tait’s “Notes on the Narcissi of Portugal,”
that the same kinds of varieties occur in the Portuguese as in the Spanish
forms of Corbularia. The following particulars are mainly derived from
Mr. Tait’s notes and partly from my own observations.

In several parts of Portugal the form obesa occurs. It is of low
stature, orange in colour, and departs somewhat in shape from the other
forms in the corona being inflated or balloon-shaped with a convex instead
of a concave outline. I found this in the neighbourhood of Cintra in
1871. It grows at Coimbra intermixed with the ordinary C. Bulbocodium,
and on the Berlengas Islands off the coast of Portugal all the Corbularias
are of the obesa type.

Mr. Tait’s enumeration of the Portuguese Corbularias is as follows :
— No. 1. With short-stemmed rich orange flowers produced in February
and March, found in the neighbourhood of Oporto within 100 feet of the
sea level.

No. 2. With a much longer scape and larger flower than No. 1, and
an exceptionally large bulb, from hot marshes near the sea at Ovar
twenty miles south of Oporto, flowering in March and April.

No. 3. Somewhat similar to No. 2, but of the obesa type from
Cantanhede, forty miles south of Oporto, flowering about the 18th of
April, at an elevation of 30 feet above the sea level.

No. 4. Corbularia nivalis, the smallest known form was found
abundantly by Mr. T'ait, at elevations ranging from 1000 feet to 4600
feet on the hills near Povoa de Lanhozo, and on the Gerez mountains,
flowering from the beginning of March to the middle of May, according
to elevation, but much paler in colour, verging to white, than the form
I found on the Spanish Sierra de Guadarrama.

No. 5. A double variety of a form resembling No. 1, found at Ovar,
flowering on the 17th of April.

No. 6. One of Mr. Tait’s most interesting discoveries is a supposed
hybrid between Corbularia nivalis and Narcissus triandrus, flowering
from the end of April to the middle of May, at an elevation of about
3500 feet on the Gerez mountains. The corona resembled that of
Corbularia nivalis, but the segments were broader and reflexed, like
those of Narcissus triandrus. The four specimens obtained in the years
1885 and 1886 were growing intermixed with the supposed parents.
This is, I believe, the only known hybrici Cc :’"'loria.

Now crossing to North Africa. Two west European forms occur on
the Barbary coast opposite the narrow Straits of Gibraltar — viz., the
typical C. Bulbocodium, and the inflated form C. obesa in the neighbour¬
hood of Tangier, but how far these extend east in the direction of Algiers
has not been ascertained. In the province of Oran, as at Beniza, nca :
Sidi-bel-Abb6s, at Saida, and Djebil Santo and other localities, the nearly
white Corbularia monophylla takes their place, and there is no record of

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

131

the occurrence of any orange Corbularia in Algeria. C. monophylla
appears to extend as far to the east as the longitude of Algiers, or a little
further east than the eastern limit of Corbularias in Europe. It grows
abundantly near the Cedar Forest at Teniet-el-Ahd, and in the spring of
1873 I observed it in flower at Boghar, seventy miles south of Algiers,
and again at Guclt-es-Stel, 150 miles south of Algiers, but the last is the
most south-eastern point from which it has been recorded, and is probably
nearly the south-eastern limit of the range of the genus.

It will be gathered from these records that with the exception of
C. monophylla there is no definite line of demarcation between the
various forms of the genus which pass into each other by invisible
gradations, and that even in their geographical distribution they are
scattered through the region they occupy in a very irregular way both as
regards altitude and locality.

A special meeting of the Council of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society has been summoned for Tuesday, the 22nd instant,
when part of the business will be to appoint a sub-committee of the
Council to confer with the Committee nominated at the annual general
meeting to consider the future of the Society’s affairs. The following
dates have been fixed for the meetings of the Narcissus Committee —
viz., March 22nd, April 12th and 26th. Should the season be backward
it may b*e found desirable to hold another meeting on May 10th.

- The Liverpool Horticultural Association’s schedule

for 1837 is just to hand, and from it we learn that the shows are fixed
for the following dates Spring show in St. George’s Hall, March 16th ;
summer show in Sefton Park, July 30th and August 1st ; and the
autumn show in St. George’s Hall, Novembei 22nd and 23rd. The prizes
are of the usual usual liberal character.

- Ants. — I am greatly pestered with a strong colony of ants in

Vine, Peach, and Orchid houses ; would any of your correspondents
kindly say what is the best means of getting rid of them ? I have tried
boiling water with good effect where there are no roots, but cannot use
it on Orchid pots or near the roots of Vines or Peaches. — T. C. A.

- In Mr. W. J. Ireland’s paper on British Orchids, noted on

page 110, the passage referring to the number of Orchids should be as
follows : — “ There are 3500 species of Orchids found in all quarters of
the globe, and about forty species are indigenous to the British Isles.”

- We have received from The Native Guano Company a

pamphlet of twenty-three pages, chiefly occupied with reprints of
testimonials ireceived by them during 1886. They date from widely
separated districts, and are uniformly commendatory.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. Arthur Ocock, formerly

gardener to Major Roberts, Holborough Court, Rochester, has been
appointed to succeed iMr. Bones as gardener to Mrs. McIntosh, Havering
Park, near Romford, Essex.

- The Maintenance of the London Parks. — The Public

Parks and Works (Metropolis) Bill proposes to transfer the powers and
duties of the Commissioners of Works in relation to Victoria Parlcj
Battersea Park, Kennington Park, Bethnal Green, and Westminster
Bridge to the Metropolitan Board of Works, which shall maintain the
parks, the cost of such maintenance (as far as it is not met out of the
income of certain properties transferred with the parks) to be paid out
of the consolidated rate, and “ no part of the metropolis shall be entitled
to any exemption from such part of the consolidated rate as is required
for the purpose of defraying such cost.” The suggested date of the
transfer of the parks is the 1st of October, 1887.

- The Council of the Royal Meteorological Society have

arranged to hold at 25, Great George Street, S.W. (by permission of the
Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers), on March 15th to 18th
next, an Exhibition of Marine Meteorological Instruments and Appa¬
ratus. The Exhibition Committee therefore invite co-operation, as
they are anxious to obtain as large a collection as possible of such
instruments. The Committee will also be glad to show any new

Meteorological Instruments or Apparatus invented or first constructed
since last March ; as well as photographs and drawings possessing
meteorological interest.

- At a meeting held in the Bible Society’s rooms, St. Andrew

Square, Edinburgh, on Saturday last, where nurserymen, gardeners,
amateurs, and others interested in floriculture were well represented, the
advisability of holding an Auricula Exhibition in Scotland, or of
proceeding to the formation of a society, was considered. Robert Cath-
cart, Esq., of Pitcairlie, Fifeshire, was called to the chair. Mr. Straton,
Annfieid, Broughty Ferry, stated the results of his efforts to ascertain
the support such a movementiwas likely to meet with. The opinion of
the meeting was that there was such as amply to justify the formation
of a society. After consideration, it was resolved that this should be
styled the Scottish Primula and Auricula Society. Mr. Cathcart was
unanimously chosen President, and Mr. Straton Secretary and
Treasurer, with Mr. James Grieve of Dickson & Co., Edinburgh, as
local Secretary. The other office-bearers were duly elected, and a Com¬
mittee was appointed to draw up rules anti the prize list for the coming
Show. The annual subscription for membership was fixed at 5s., and it
was decided that the first Exhibition be held in the beginning of May.
The enthusiasm of those present and the cordial promises of support re¬
ceived by Mr. Straton from many others throughout the country
promise well for the success of the new Society.

- The Jubilee — A Gardeners’ Orphanage. — Mr. Wm.

Dickens, The Gardens, The Platanes, Champion Hill, S.E., writes : —

“ I have read with great pleasure Mr. Penny’s suggestion, which I
think is an excellent one — namely to found an orphanage for the
unprovided children of gardeners, and it ought to commend itself to
gardeners. A contribution of 5s. for head gardeners and 2s. 6d. for
journeymen paid down, and the same amount yearly, would not require
a great effort. I hope to have the pleasure of reading in the Journal
a few lines from some of the leading gardeners supporting Mr. Penny’s
suggestion.”

- The issue of the “ Journal des Roses ” for the present month

contains a coloured plate of Rose Archduchesse Maria Immaculata,
a new variety obtained by M.M. Soupert and Notting, and being sent out
this year. It is said to have resulted from a cross between the Tea Rose
Madame Lambard and Socrate, made in 1884. The seeds were sown in
autumn in a warm house, and “ many seedlings flowered in the spring
of 1885.” The variety is described as floriferous, of a new colour,
delicious perfume ; the flower large, full, but, as shown in plate, irregular
in form ; the colour a bright reddish rose, but somewhat variable. The
habit, wood, and foliage are those of Madame Lambard.

— Summary of Meteorological Observations at Hodsock
Priory, Worksop, Notts, by Mr. Joseph Mallender, January, 1887. —
Mean temperature of month, 32 ’4°. Maximum on the 29th, 54 '3° ;
minimum on the 7th, 12-3°. Maximum in sun on the 29th, 92'9° ; mini¬
mum on grass on the 7th, 4'0°. Mean temperature of the air at 9 A.M.,
33-8° ; mean temperature of soil 1 foot deep, 34-4°. Number of nights
below 32° in shade, nineteen ; on grass, twenty-seven. Total duration
of sunshine in the month thirty -nine hours, or 16 per cent, of possible
duration ; sixteen sunless days. Total rainfall in the month, 3'30 inches,
Maximum fall in twenty-four hours on the 7th, 0'52 inch. Rain fell on
fourteen days. Wind, average velocity 9'4 miles per hour. \ elocity
exceeded 400 miles on one day and fell short of 100 miles on four days .
Approximate averages for January — mean temperature, 37'5° ; rainfall,
1-71 inch ; sunshine (six years), 34’5. Very cold and with very deep
snow. The storm which had lasted six weeks broke up in the last week
of the month, and the last few days were warm and fine.

_ With regard to the best Potato to Supersede the “ Scotch

Champion ” in Ireland, Mr. W. J. Murphy writes “ In response to
‘Thinker’s’ suggestion, in a recent issue on this subject, that those
possessing robust growing varieties, tolerably free from blight, should
send me a few specimens to try. Permit me to acknowledge the follow¬
ing in the order received from your two great seed firms : — From Messrs.
Carter, High Holborn, London— new and not yet in commerce King
of Russets, Bennett’s Surprise, and Freedom ; and from Messrs.
Sutton, The Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading, Sutton’s
Twenty -one, Sutton’s Thirty-six, and Sutton’s Forty -four, this year s
introductions, and of 1886, Sutton’s Abundance and Sutton’s Seedling,
7 lbs. of each. After thanking your correspondent for the possible good

132

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

that may result, need I say they will be carefully grown, compared and
reported on fairly to the respective firms ?”

MOLYNEUX’S “ CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR

CULTIVATION”— A CRITIQUE.

[A paper read at a neeting of the Walefield Paxton Society ty Mr. T. Garnett.]

After a few introductory remarks the author of the paper proceeded
as follows : — If adverse criticism had been my only object in preparing
this paper, the charge of rashness had need to be substituted for the one
of boldness, which a distinguished authority made when he told you a
few weeks that he must be a bold man who dares to criticise Mr. Moly-
neux. Once for all let me repudiate the notion that I assume to the
controversial skill of the “ captious critic.” What we have to consider
is how much modification his rules of practice require to suit our own.
In the first place our climatic conditions compared with those upon
which Mr. Molyneux founds his practice are such that a considerable
portion of the summer is cut off both ends of ours. Beyond this the
general temperature at Swanmore is higher, combined with pure air and
more intense sunlight, which no doubt effectually perform that im¬
portant operation upon which Mr. Molyneux lays particular stress — viz.,
the consolidation and ripening of the weod. On the other hand, the
greater number of us have to practise within the smoke zone of large
manufacturing towns, where every genial cultural influence is modified
by this smoke fiend.

Mr. Molyneux has given the cultural dates which he finds best to
suit his locality, and he has made tolerable good guesses at the most
likely dates suitable for northern growers, yet it does not follow that he
is infallible on points depending on knowledge of localities where he has
had no experience. Even his Liverpool experience will avail us nothing,
because it is well known that the west coast of Great Britain has through
its entire length a bet ter climate than ours at this side of the Pennine Range.
The controversy in the Journal of Horticulture also showed that culti¬
vators in different localities do not see eye to eye with him on certain
moot points. I shall confine my remarks to these debatable questions,
at it would only be wasting your time to refer to the details of Mr. Moly-
neux’s book, which obviously may be satisfactorily settled in our own
minds without conflict of opinion.

The controversy so far has hinged on the best time to secure the
buds, but up to now no tangible results have accrued from it, because
the light thrown upon the subject has been so far only the reflections
of vague conclusions as to the true habit and peculiarities of growth of
the Chrysanthemum. As all the cultural details for large and exhibi¬
tion blooms are involved in this question, to state that such and such
dates are best upon which to secure the buds of certa n sorts is all very
well, but this is only one station on the road to success. We are left to
find out for ourselves all about the habit and peculiarities of the plant,
nothing in the way of advice to guide us how to manipulate the “ stock ”
so as to bring it to this bud stage at the date? given, just as if the buds
would come at the time we want them, a theory that is soon exploded
in practice. Anyone making a study of the plant will easily discover
that these “ buds ” show according to certain fixed principles, but they
have not, so far as I have seen, been explained, and a great deal of com¬
plication occurs, which Mr. Molyneux has, if anything, still more com¬
plicated instead of throwing that light upon it which was expected from
so eminent an authority. We will pass on to discuss these complica¬
tions.

Starting with the best time to strike the cuttings. Mr. Molyneux
recommends from the 12th December to 12th January, and the only
objections he brings against November-struck cuttings are, “ That they
are too early, and are liable to give trouble by insisting on the produc¬
tion of flower buds during April and May [this persistent bud-producing
propensity is not to be confounded with the ordinary May bud], some
varieties being more liable to this propensity than others. But when
cuttings can be had the former date, 12th December, is preferable, as
more time is allowed for steady growth in a cool temperature, and
growths thus produced have the best chance of becoming solid through
the proper maturation of the tissues of the plant, as compared to cut¬
tings put in during February and March.” If this argument in favour
of December cuttings holds good, it must tell still more in favour of the
November-struck plants, with the exception of the “ bud-producing pro¬
pensity.” In reference to this point my experience teaches me that
sucker cuttings never show this propensity. On the contrary, stem
cuttings are very liable to do so, and if I have the opportunity of getting
sucker cuttings of the late sorts I do so, and do not find them too early ;
in fact, it is of more importance hereabouts to have those sorts put in
first than “ Criterion ” and some others described by Mr. Molyneux as
weak growers.

A paragraph in the same chapter, page 5, on early versus late-struck
cuttings, and their relative influences on height of growth and quality
of flower, meets the case in very vague and general terms, as does also
the chapter on topping and training, page 22, which must be very
puzzling to beginners. Starting with the" paragraph on page 5 we
read “ Some growers say that late propagation reduces the height of
the plants. This is the casein some instances [why in “ some instances ”
only ?], but is generally at the expense of the quality of the bloom. To
insure these of the highest quality height is essential [what degree of
height?]. I have not yet seen — save in an exceptional case or two —
blooms of the same quality produced on dwarf plants through some
unaccountable reason [why unaccountable ?], as upon those grown in

what I will term a more natural manner in regard to the relative
heights attained under the two systems.” Mr. Molyneux’s contention
here is that tall plants of some unexpressed quantity in height arc more
to be depended upon to produce high-class flowers than are dwarfer
plants of the same variety. We ask, Is it more unaccountable for
dwarf plants to occasionally produce good flowers than it is for tall
plants to produce poor flowers ! The answer is that word often may be
substituted for the word occasionally in reference to the dwarf plants,
because in looking over collections of Chrysanthemums in bloom we do
very often see dwarf plants carrying finer flowers than taller plants of
the same variety, and I may also add that the reasons are not so unac¬
countably obscure as Mr. Molyneux leads his readers to suppose.

We will now pass on to the chapter on training plants for large
blooms. On page 23 we read as follows : — “ Some persons consider
topping induces a dwarfer habit, but I have seen plants grow quite as
tall when topped as when grown under other systems. [This statement
in its present vague form is paradoxical, but I hope further on to show
how this occurs.] Other cultivators top the plants when 8 inches high,
but owing to the wood not being thoroughly ripened consequent on this
late topping, and the growths being behind their natural stage, the
blooms are generally large but not of first-rate quality. [Topping at
8 inches high indiscriminately as to time is no proof of Mr. Molyneux’s
argument.] As a general system it is best to allow the plants to assume
their natural habits. The growth is then solidified, and all the wants
of the plants arc met at the proper time. The plants are not topped at
all, but allowed a free uninterrupted growth until the first natural
break, which sometimes occurs about the middle of May or early in
June, according to the time the cuttings were struck, early or late.”
Just previous to this we read : — “ I must make an exception in the
matter of topping in favour of Eve and its sport Mabel Ward. Good
examples of these are seldom seen. The best way to ensure good
flowers is to grow the plants with one stem until the middle of May,
then top them, and then take the first bud produced.”

What logical bearing have these statements on each other ? Either
Mabel Ward and its prototype are constitutionally so far different from
the general run of the other sorts as to produce better flowers from
growths not thoroughly ripened, and all their wants not met at the
proper time, or Mr. Molyneux’s argument falls to the ground. On the
other hand, if topping those varieties improves the quality of their
flowers, how does it injuriously affect the quality of the flowers in the
other varieties ?

The fact is ignored that the Chrysanthemum makes its growth on
certain fundamental principles, which involve peculiarities that require
to be thoroughly understood. To illustrate my meaning, we take plants
from sucker cuttings. The plants according to their varieties and
individual habits produce a certain number of leaves and their internodes
if unstopped before they show the first bud. The question now arises,
For what purpose has Nature produced this bud ? There can be no
question but that she intended it to develope into a flower. But we
must bear in mind that the plant has been subjected to artificial con¬
ditions up to this stage of its growth, and owing to the want of the
necessary degree of air and solar influences to act on the foliage at this
early stage of its existence, it has not had time to solidify its wood and
store sufficient elaborated secretions for the purpose of forming a flower.
At this time of the year when this flower bud shows the days are
lengthening and solar influences increasing, Nature calls on the
plant to rectify the violation of the law which has occurred by the
forcing the plant out of its natural season, the growing influences
are reawakened or preponderate over the blooming influences ; con¬
sequently, the plant again starts into active growth, and if it is
allowed uninterrupted progress we shall find, although not quite so
long, the leaves and internodes are about the same in number as were
produced in the first stage. Thus from the sucker cutting, if no joints
are removed from the lower part of it to the first bud stage, we get the
fundamental principle of calculating the true height of a variety. In
the second stage, in some cases, under certain conditions, there are some¬
times slight modifications, as for instance when a plant is allowed to
grow in a natural manner without stopping, the condition of the plant
as to ripeness will modify the growth so far that it may be shorter but
never longer than it does in the first stage. After the second bud stage
modifications occur and are attributable to constitution, cultural and
climatic conditions, the constitutional condition being liable to modifica¬
tion in the direction as indicated above. When the plant has arrived at
the second bud stage it should be ripening and storing the secretions
required. I shall have occasion later on to again refer to this s'' age of
the plant, so we will now go back to other cuttings than sucker
cuttings.

We are compelled to take cuttings from the ripe stems of the p'ant
when suckers fall short. I have previously alluded to the bud-producing
propensity of stem cuttings, the reason being that the shoot of which we
make the cutting draws its supply of nourishment directly from sap
vessels already “stored ” with the secretions necessary for reproduction
instead of having to grow and elaborate them, as is the case with sucker
cuttings. The riper the stems and the better they are stored with those
secretions the more likely are the cuttings to develope the persistent bud¬
forming propensity which Mr. Molyneux refers to on early struck
cuttings. They often only make one bud at any height from 4 inches
high to 12 inches, and afterwards develope into healthy vigorous plants,
making the normal development of growth, as in the case of the sucker
cuttings ; but the 12 inches, more or less, which was produced before
this bud shows, will now have to be added to the May bud stage. Thus

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

133

you see that this complication of height as reckoned from the hud
stages must necessarily complicate the time when the “buds ” show.

We now come to another complication as regards height and bud
formation. On page 4(i, fig. 8, is an engraving of a dwarf plant repre¬
senting “ Peter the Great,” 8 inches in height. Here we have a plant
with only six leaves, producing a flower 5 inches across. What influence
here has the height of the plant on the size and quality of the bloom ? I
answer, Little or none, because in this case the flower bud would be
formed before the cutting was taken from the parent plant, and no
doubt had received a certain amount of highly elaborated support from
the parent stem to begin with. Let us take another cutting of the same
sort from another plant of the same height, or it may be taller, or
dwarfer, no matter ; but if owing to the complications of bud-forming
we probably find this cutting situated 12 inches nearer the point where
the last bud was formed on the shoot from which it is taken, although
it may be at the apex of the plant, the consequence will be that instead
of a pretty little plant we shall have it 20 inches high, more or less, and
very probably the flower produced on it will be much worse than the
one on the 8-inch plant. From this point of view it will be quite
apparent that anyone setting out with the idea that all they have to do
to insure similar success is to insert the cuttings on a specified date, may
very easily be disappointed. All these complications occurring through
a collection of Chrysanthemums are very puzzling, and all of them have
a decided influence on the time when the buds show, which the
cultivator is anxious to secure, and will have to be considered by
him in his daily practice. It is therefore essential that he be
master of so important a clue to the causes of them, so as to understand
what otherwise would appear anomalous.

(To be continued.)

HARDY FRUIT CULTURE.

I planted many acres of land with Apple, Pear, and Plum trees
years before Mr. Gladstone foolishly urged farmers to grow fruit for
jam instead of corn. I experimented with nearly all the good old sorts
and most of the new that have been sent out with a good character.

I write the above because some might say, What can a man know
about fruit trees who has devoted most years of his life to Orchids, and
many years to hardy bulbs and plants for flower mission work 1 In your
issue of February 3rd there is a very interesting and instructive article
under the head of “ The Beginning of Wisdom.”

The only exception I take to it is the recommendation of Lord
Suffield Apple as suitable (by inference) for all soils. My experience
has been that it does not succeed on the soil here.

I have no doubt it does well in many places or Mr. Wright would
not recommend it. The point, therefore, that I wish to draw attention
to is the want of information as to the sorts suitable for each descrip¬
tion of soil and subsoil. Even in Kent, the garden of England, all the
land is not fit for fruit-growing. In many parts of Essex the soil is
heavy, with subsoil of clay ; in other parts it is light. Mine is the
former, and the sort for an early crop is Pond’s Seedling, as I find it far
superior to Lord Suffield. Warner’s King also does well. It often
weighs at Walton-on-the-Nazc, close to the sea, 22 to 25 ozs. without any
particular care in cultivation, and on heavy soils keeps longer than
when grown on light land. With me the Myrobalan stock is much
better for Plum* than any other I have tried ; but a Kent grower of
large experience told me that he had known places where it did not
answer. Therefore I consider that what we mainly want now is a
tabulated statement of different soils and the subsoils, with the names
of the sorts and the stocks that are most suitable for each. If such
particulars could be sent by cultivators in various districts for publica¬
tion in the Journal much useful information would be disseminated. —
Robert Warner, Broomfield, Essex.

[We will readily publish information of the nature suggested, and
shall be obliged if our esteemed correspondent will favour us with a tabu¬
lated statement of his own experience, and his example would probably
be followed by other cultivators. A circular somewhat of the nature
indicated, but containing no columns for soil, can be obtained from Mr.
E. J. Baillie, F.L.S., Hon. Secretary of the Grosvenor Museum, Chester,
under the auspices of which it is proposed to have an exhibition of
hardy fruits (Apples and Pears) on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of March next,
and to make it an occasion for holding a Fruit Conference, when papers
on various subjects relating to the question of fruit-growing will be
read, and opportunity for free discussion will be given at the close of
each paper.] >

THE UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND

PROVIDENT SOCIETY.

The twenty-first annual meeting of this excellent Society was held on
Monday evening last at the “ Caledonian Hotel,” Strand, London, Mr.
Richard Dean, one of the honorary members ably presiding. The meeting
was the largest ever held by the Society, the room not being half large
enough for the accommodation of the members. After the election sf
ten new members and the nomination of several others the Chairman
called on Mr. James Hudson, the Treasurer, who since Mr. McElroy’s
death has efficiently discharged the duties of Secretary, to read the
report, which was as follows : —

Annual Report for 1886.

The offioers of the above Society have much pleasure in again presenting

to the members of the same (and for the information of the profession in
general) the report and balance-sheet of the j ear ending January 10th, 1887.
They are glad ti say that the number of members continues to increase
steadily, and there is constant inquiry being made by gardeners throughout
the country for the rules and regulations governing the Society. They
appeal to each member for assis ance in furthtring the interests of the
Society by making its btn fits and advantages known whenever they have
the opportunity so to do. Everyone can thus aid in a considerable measure
towards mtkine it a still greater success, remembering, as we do so, tha
our motto is “ Uuion is Strength,” which, with “unity” in regard to our
interests, must result in making us a far stronger body than we are at
present.

We have now reached our twenty-first annual meeting, and in revising
the work of the past twenty-one years there is reason for cougratulation
that the objects had in view by those of our number who aided in forming
the Society have been verified to a considerable extent. We have assisted
those who have been laid aside by sickness ; have aided those children who
were bereft of both parents ; and, last but not least, we have been able in
many cases to hand over a good sum of money to the widows of our late
members, the thankfulness with which the latter sums have been received
has been testified to in many instances.

We Lave to deplore the loss of our indefatigable and hardworking
Secretary’, the late Mr. John F. McElroy, who had the interests of our
Society so thoroughly at heart for the entire period of his sr rvice in that
capacity — viz., fourteen years. The letters that have been rec ived by the
Treasurer whilst acting as Secretary pro tem., have with one accord borne
the highest testimony to his earnest endeavours on their behalf ; whilst the
punctuality of his communications, the kind advice given to those who
reside at a distance, and the opinions formed by several who had never seen
him, but framed their value of his labours by the character of the man as
shown in his letters to them, could hardly have been exceeded had they had
the pleasure of hiB personal acquaintance, which so many of us have derived
benefit from during the long period which he served us.

In respect to tbe benefit fund the accounts show that the income
during the year has been £346 8s. 10cL, this including the contributions
of 177 members, and the interest amountingto £63 6s. 4d. accruing from
invested funds. The disbursements, including a payment of £19 9s. 7)d.
to the widow of a deceased member, being £46 8s. 4)d. The payment
to the widow referred to brings out a striking feature of the Society.
The deceased member had ceased his payments for ten years, and in
accordance with the rules of ordinary benefit societies would have had
no further claim ; but in this case his accumulated surplus, that had
been invested for him, was promptly handed over at his death to his
widow as his nominee. As the general result of this fund we observe
the balance in hand on January 10th, 1886, was £2183 8s. 6 jd. ; on the
corresponding date this year it is £2482 5s. 10fd., an increase of
£298 17s. 4 id.

The benevolent fund, from which no grants have happily been called
for, has increased from £1018 2s. lid. to £1092 0s. ltd. during the year —
a gain of £73 17s. 2£d.

The management fund shows a balance in favour of the Society of
£5 16s. 6d., and this sum the Chairman was instructed to send to Mrs.
McElroy with a letter of sympathy expressive of the feelings of the
members. The balance from this fund is the only emolument the late
Secretary has accepted, though the rules empower the payment of £20 a
year to the Secretary. It is most desirable that means be devised for
increasing this fund, and suggestions were made with that olject, as at
present it is quite inadequate for providing the Secretary’s salary, apart
from furthering the interests of the Society and extending the useful¬
ness. The additions of honorary members include C. M. Major, Esq.,
Cromwell House, Croydon ; Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading ; and Mr.
John Laing, Forest Hill. Further additions are hoped for, and it seems
difficult to imagine anything that merits support better than this
Society of steady and prudent gardeners striving to provide for the
vicissitudes of life.

The payments to sick members during the year amounts to £17 7s.,
this being met by deducting Is. 8d. from those members who contribute
£1 6s.ayear, the remainder, or £1 4s. 4d., being added to their deposit
accounts. In the case of some of the older members the interest arising
from their accumulated deposit now equals their annual contributions.
The sum of £352 17s. 6d. has been invested in Consols during the year,
making the total sum now invested £3650.

The Report being adopted, the meeting proceeded to elect four mem¬
bers of Committee in the place of an equal member retiring by rotation.
Seven members were nominated, the following being accorded the
greater number of votes, and were consequently elected— namely, Messrs.
E. Berry, H. Heims, E. Wheeler, and W. Wright. There were three
applicants for the secretarial vacancy — Mr. W. Collins, gardener, Chivos
House, Poynders Road, Clapham Park, London, S.W., being elected
almost unamimously. Mr. W. Foreman was elected in his place on
the Committee.

A suggestion made by the Chairman to the effect that the Society
having attained its majority in the Jubilee year of Her Majesty’s reign,
the occasion would be appropriate for a commemorative gathering of
the members, met with general approval, and the subject will be con¬
sidered at a future meeting.

In respect to the death of Mr. McElroy it was desired that the follow¬
ing expression of the meeting be recorded on the minutes, “ The mem¬
bers of this Society in annual general meeting assembled desire
earnestly and unanimously to record their deep sense of the loss the
Society has sustained by the death of Mr. J. F. McElroy, who, for
a period of fourteen years, was the indefatigable Secretary of the
Society, during which time he won not only the confidence, but the
affection of the members.”

134

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the pro¬
ceedings.

\

VANDA TERES.

Vanda teres is a beautiful Orchid, and though it troubles some cul-
ti vators a little to secure its health and the production of flowers, yet
there are not so many failures now as there were a few years ago, indeed
with some growers it thrives quite luxuriantly. A more suitable system
of culture has been adopted, no doubt in a great measure due to the
advice of experienced orchidists like Mr. B. S. Williams, and the plants
are not so severely dried now as formerly. They are placed in a warm
light corner, the pots covered with sphagnum kept constantly moist, so
that the growth is made freely and rapidly. Some time since we called
attention to a well-grown and freely flowered plant of this Orchid in
Mr. Alexander Druce’s garden at Dulwich. This was grown constantly
in the stove where there was a large water tank affording a continual
supply of moisture, the only difference in its treatment being that in the
winter it was suspended nearer the glass.

The typical Vanda teres was found by Dr. Wallich in Sylhet, where
it was grown on trees ; it was also subsequently found by Mr. W. Griffith
in the Burmese Empire, similarly on trees ; and by Mr. Gibson near
Pondooah at the base of the Khoseea hills. An illustration was given of
it in the “ Botanical Register,” vol. xxi., 1. 1809, published in 183(5, and the
following year plants were sent to Chatsworth by the collector last
mentioned, from one of which an illustration was prepared for Paxton’s
“Botanical Magazine,” vol. v., t. 193. The “Botanical Register” plate
represents the better-coloured variety, the other being more remarkable
for the size of the flowers than the colouring. Several very distinct
varieties have been obtained from time to time, but one of the most
notable is V. teres Andersoni, which has large flowers of a very rich
colour. The best example of this variety we have seen, and in all re¬
spects a very handsome specimen, is that which attracted so much atten¬
tion in Mr. J. Broome’s collection at Didsbury, near Manchester, a short
time since. We saw this plant about twelve months after it was
imported by the late Mr. J. Freeman, and it was then 4 feet high, as
much in diameter, and of globular form. Over 200 racemes had been
counted upon the plant, some of which had as many as six flowers each,
and it can be imagined that it was literally a mass of flowers.

In ordinary varieties the sepals are nearly white, the petals flushed
with crimson, the lip bi-lobed at the apex, which is regularly streaked
with crimson, yellow in the centre, with radiating lines of crimson dots,
and two large lateral incurving lobes also veined with rosy crimson. A
variety appeared in Lord Crewe’s garden some time ago. that was nearly
white, and which has been named Candida. A third well-marked variety
is that of which flowers are shown in the illustration (fig. 22) — namely,
V. teres Aurora. This was exhibited by Baron Schroder at a recent
meeting at South Kensington, and was then much admired. The sepals
and petals are broad, the former white, the latter delicately tinged with
rose and twisted in a more marked manner than in other varieties. The
lip is of a soft rosy hue, the veining being less distinctly marked than
is usual in V. teres. — L. Castle.

VANDA SANDERIANA.

The American F, ori.it for February gives an illustration of this
notable Orchid with the following particulars. This plant was taken
from its native habitat in the East Indies by one of Messrs. Hugh Low
and Co.’s collectors, and brought to England by him in 1880. Messrs.
Low & Co. established it and sold it at auction in London, where it was
purchased by Messrs. Backhouse Sc Sons of York for 200 guineas. They
sold it to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, who sold it to Mrs. Morgan for about
double the amount the plant first sold for. At the Morgan sale it was
purchased by Messrs. Siebrecht & Wadley for 900 dollars, who in turn
sold it to the late Mr. C. J. Osborn for 1000 dollars. The day after it
was sold a letter was received from England with orders to purchase it
at a much higher figure ; but the plant went to crown Mr. Osborn’s col¬
lection, where it still remains.”

CALANTHES DEGENERATING.

., Under the above heading your correspondent “ C. V. R.” attribute:
the failure of Calanthes to cultivators attempting too much. On pag(
108 he says, V e often overlook the main issue in our attempt to out
rival other practitioners in the development of large pseudo-bulbs ant
long spikes of bloom, and then concludes by saying rather than run th(
risk of failure by injudicious methods of culture, it is wiser to be conteni
with smaller but more solid pseudo-bulbs, which often result as satisfac
tonly, &c. ihe latter advice may be very well, but if “ C. V. R.’s” em
ployer was dissatisfied because his Calanthes were not as fine as others 1
am inclined to think he would try to have them better the next season
There is no doubt failure is brought about, in a great many cases, by
three things— viz., firstly, too much water injudiciously applied during
the earlier period of growth ; secondly, by being grown in unsuitable
houses too far from the light, and shading them too heavily during the

summer months ; and thirdly by watering them too much when finish¬
ing, with the idea of keeping the foliage fresh. I have known more
than one grower pride himself on having the foliage good when the
flowers were nearly expanding. Such pseudo-bulbs I can easily under¬
stand would degenerate the next season, because they could not possibly
be well ripened.

I grow annually about GOO plants of Calanthes Veitchi, vestita
rosea, and lutea. Our largest pseudo-bulbs are about 15 inches long,
with spikes 4 feet 6 inches long. I use stimulants largely. 1 keep them
in a cool house when in flower — viz., from November till March. I have
never had a failure as yet, and I wish others could say the same. If
you think an account of our treatment would be of service to any of
your readers I will gladly give such in a future issue. — Lancastrian.

[Any information our correspondent can give will be most welcome.]

LEAVES BY THE WAY.

It is very pleasing to see that you are giving Orchids the attention
they deserve. I hope that your readers will respond by giving particulars
of their success or otherwise with members of this interesting family.
It is not so much that we wish to know how this one or that will do in
an Orchid house proper, but rather how it has grown under adverse cir¬
cumstances. Houses that are given up entirely to each class of Orchids
are few. I can fancy there can be little difficulty in growing these
plants in properly constructed houses, but I find with many of them
there is some little difficulty when we have to grow them in all sorts
of places — in greenhouses, in vineries, and others in Fern houses — transfer¬
ring them from one of these places to the other as the different seasons
of the year demand. It is of this we would like to get particulars.
Surely there must be much information husbanded through the vast
circle of your readers, and if ever the saying of “ Many can help one,
when one can’t help many ” were a misleading maxim, it is so in this.
How ? do you say. Well, tell us how you have grown any one of this
enchanting family outside the usual houses, thvt each class of Orchids
is grown in. In a word, tell us in plain words how you have
managed to grow and flower any Orchid without having an Orchid
house. I shall be most willing to join in giving a few particulars, as I
have been trying to grow a few of these lovely flowers without an
Orchid house. The .following I have flowered : —

Dendrobium Bcnsoni®

„ chrysnntkum

„ chrysotoxum

„ crassinode

„ crepidatum

„ Dalbousianum
„ fiuibriatum

„ „ oculatum

„ beterocarpum

,, Lowi

„ nobile

„ Parisbi

„ Paxtoni

,, Pierardi

„ Bnavissimuai

„ thyrsiflorum

„ Wardianucn

Aerides odoratum

,. „ crispum

Ad-, anrantiaca
Calanthe vestifa
„ Veitchi

Cattleya amethystoglossa
,, cifrina
„ Eldorado
„ Gaskelliana
„ intermedia superba
„ chocnensis
,, Loddigesi
„ Mendeli
„ Moss'ae
„ Trian®

Ccelogyne cristata
Cypripedium barbatum
,, insigne

„ Stonei

„ liveum

„ spectabilj

Disa grandiflora
Bpidendrum vitellinum rnajus
Gongora atropurpurea
L®lia anceps
„ autumnalis
Ma-devaliia Veitchiana
MaxiPada luteo alba
O Jontoglossum Alexandra
,, Cervantesi

„ cirrhosum

„ crispum

„ Pesca'ori

,, Rossi ms jus

„ vexiflarium

O.ic'dlum cucull itum
,, flexuosum

„ Jones’anum

„ Mar.-hallianum

,, Bphacelatum

Feristeria elata
Phaius gr indiflora
Ko’rigu-zia secunda
Stanhope i grandiflora
Thunia Marshalliana
Tr'.chopilia suavis
Zygopetalum Mackayi

Who need despair when we find that the above Orchids have flowered
in a stove, vinery, and a Fern house ? — J. T., Hardwicke Grange.

CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.

I fully endorse “ A. B.’s ” statement as to the above Orchid de¬
serving a prominent place. I consider it one of the most useful of
Orchids, especially where a large quantity of choice cut flowers is
required during the winter and spring months. I have a plant in flower
now (February 4th) with ninety spikes, from which we have cut about
thirty. We grow it in the intermediate house. With a few plants it
could be had in bloom from November until March, or even later. —
Lancastrian.

I quite agree with “ A. B.” in his remarks on Coelogyne cristata
on page 90. We have here several pans of this beautiful Orchid which
have flowered wonderfully well this season, one plant at the present
time having 180 flowers. I may say the plants were grown near the
glass, with only slight tiffany shading during the hottest part of the day.
I think well ripening the pseudo-bulbs is a point to be aimed at. —
W. Grix, The Gardena, Glcdhow Uall, Leeds.

Perhaps the air of Surrey may be agreeable to the lovely Ccelogyne

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

135

cristata alba, as at Lianaway House, Godaiming, under the care of the
experienced gardener, Mr. Robert Jordan, there may now be seen a
specimen which has borne fifty spikes, the much greater number show¬
ing five flowers on each spike, and these of the purest white. — M.

BUCKLAND SWEETWATER AND BLACK HAMBURGH

GRAPES.

Mb. Jenkins (page 108) appears to have misunderstood my remark
concerning Buckland Sweetwater Grapes. I did not mean that I would
place it before well finished examples of Duke of Buccleuch or Foster’s
Seedling, both of which I consider superior in flavour to Buckland
Sweetwater. But when the last named variety is in perfection, and the
others only moderate, I think it should have the preference, for when of
a clear amber colour it is good in flavour. It is when it assumes a reddish
brown tinge that it loses flavour.

quality is sweetness, what becomes of the “ Hamburgh flavour ”, which
has always been considered unique in this Grape, and which is \ often
referred to in describing the flavour of other Grapes? Black Hamburgh
is always described as a rich and highly flavoured Grape, and such it
unquestionably is when in its true character. I do not know what
your correspondent calls “real flavour,” and which he says Black
Alicante possesses, but he certainly cannot claim for it anything like the
rich and vinous flavour of the Black Hamburgh. It is a good second-
rate Grape if eaten while the berries are plump, but to place it before
Black Hamburgh is giving it a place it cannot maintain.— A. Bakkek
Hindlij).

AURICULAS— CAMPBELL’S GREEN-EDGE.

I FIND that the sale of Mr. Cunningham’s stock took placei -before
not after, his death. Had I been able to call at first on Mr. Campbell

Fig. 22. — Vanda teres Aurora.

Duke of Buccleuch, as I have seen it exhibited by Messrs. W. Thom¬
son & Son, I should certainly place before any white Grape (Muscats
excluded), but I have never seen it in anything like the perfection to
which it is grown at Galashiels, although, I believe, there are a few
places where it is well grown and finished. As generally seen at exhi¬
bitions it is small in bunch, uneven in berry, and with a greenish look
suggestive of setting one’s teeth on edge.

Foster’s Seedling when well finished, in my opinion, should be bright
and of a pale yellow colour ; but at some of our London exhibitions the
preference is given to bunches that are pale green in colour. I have
tasted and compared berries in both stages to find out the reason of this
decision, and have always come to the conclusion that the yellow berries
were the best flavoured. I quite agree with Mr. Jenkins that it
improves by hanging, and in a late vinery it will hang until December
and retain ite flavour.

I cannot help noticing here Mr. Stephen Castle’s remarks upon Black
Hamburgh (page 62). If, as he says, it has no flavour, and that its only

as I have now done, I should have spared Mr. Douglas some trouble
Mr. Campbell showed me the letter requesting his presence at the sale.
It is dated February 4th, 1873, and the sale took place on the Saturday
following. There the green edge in question was obtained. The seed¬
ling did not bloom that year ; it did so the next, and in 1875 the plant
itself was sent to Mr. Douglas. An offet was given to the late Mr.
Jeffreys, and Mr. Campbell says that from these two have been obtained
the existing plants of what is not his but Cunningham’s flower. He is
confident that there cannot possibly be more than the one variety in the
hands of anyone. I may mention that Mr. Campbell remarked that he
named a well-known self of his own raising Lord (not Marquis) of
Lome.

As to my giving the names of good old sorts, Mr. Douglas knows
what he has himself recommended as varieties worth growing, and I
repeat that I do not know new varieties to surpass these when they are
properly grown. I do not consider those I have myself to have added
greatly to the meiits of my collection. — A Nobthebn Amateue.

136

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

ORCHID LORE.

[A. paper by Mr. Lewis Castle, read at the meeting of the Lee. Lewisham, and
Black heath Horticultural Society, January 28 th, 1887.]

( Continued from page 116.)

In the flowers of Orchids, however, we find the principal and most
distinctive characters, and a little observation will enable anyone to
understand their structure. In the majority of flowering plants it is
well known there are two series of floral envelopes, termed the calyx
and corolla, the divisions of these being respectively named sepals and
petals. Usually the calyx is green of inconspicuous, while the corolla
is coloured ; but in the great sub-division of the vegetable kingdom the
Monocotyledons, to which the Orchids belong, these two series of enve¬
lopes are frequently so much alike as to be scarcely distinguishable
except as one forms an outer and the other an inner series of divisions.
That also occurs in the Orchid family, but though both series are com¬
monly coloured or white they generally differ in the distribution of the
colours, or in the tint itself ; while one division (the labellum or lip) of
the inner series is greatly altered in form, assuming most peculiar
shapes, sometimes considerably larger than the other parts of the flower,
beautifully streaked or veined, and furnished with more or less promi¬
nent crests Tin the centre. This organ gives much character to the
Orchid flowers, and also serves an important purpose in the case of
those that are specially adapted for cross-fertilisation by insects, as it is
a kind of landing stage for them, and also helps to attract them by its
colouring or other peculiarities. In the Cypripedium it assumes the
form of an old-fashioned slipper, and in some other genera it is shaped
like a bucket.

Continuing our examination of an Orchid flower, the next organs
we should expect to find would be the stamens and pistils with which
we are familiar in other flowers ; but in this case a strange metamor¬
phosis has occurred, and in their place we find one central body (the
column) really formed by a combination of these organs ; a little cap
— the anther case— at the apex covering the pollen masses, the pollen
grains not being dust-like, as in most flowers, but connected together by
a viscid matter in masses termed pollinia, the number of these varying
in different genera or species, and furnishing one means employed by
the botanist for defining their limits. The Cypripedium differs from
other genera in a very important character — namely, instead of having
the pollinia at the top they are found at the sides and towards the back
of the column, one anther case on each side, the centre and upper part
of the column being transformed into an angular or square body termed
the staminode.

Beneath the anther case is the stigma, but generally so situated that
without some foreign aid the pollinia can never reach it, and it is this
assistance which insects are called upon to afford where the plants are
growing wild. Taking advantage of this structure cultivators have
paid much attention to hybridising, and the result is that we now have
numbers of handsome hybrids which have been raised in England, in
many cases surpassing their parents in beauty. Especially fortunate
have Messrs. Yeitch & Sons been in this work, and some of the most
valuable Orchids in cultivation are those that were originated in the
nurseries of that firm.

It would take too long to detail even a few of the innumerable con¬
trivances by which the cross-fertilisation of Orchids is effected in a state
of nature, but those who are interested in the wonders of plant life
would do well to read Darwin’s book on the subject, already noted, and
they cannot- fail to be impressed with what is there described in such
graphic language.

Any consideration devoted to Orchids at a meeting of this character
would be incomplete without some reference to their culture, and the
concluding portion of this paper will therefore be appropriated to a
few hints on the subject. In commencing the culture of any plants it
is always a great help if we know the climate of the country or district
where they are found in a natural state. Our first step, then, is to
endeavour to imitate those conditions, though subsequent experience
with close observation may induce us to modify our practice slightly.
Heat, moisture, and soil are under our control to a great extent, but
light we cannot command, nor can we exactly reproduce the atmospheric
conditions that surround plants growing on mountain ranges at an eleva¬
tion of several thousand feet above sea level. It does not follow, how¬
ever, that because Orchids, or any other plants, grow in a particular
site they will not succeed in any other, and those who imagine all the
plants in tropical forests to be perfect in health and beauty are mistaken.
Weak starvelings are there as we occasinally see them here, and the
plants brought home by travellers or collectors, which, perhaps, excite
the envy of growers by their enormous pseudo-bulbs and the remains of
immense flower spikes, are those that were placed in the most favour¬
able conditions, the survivors possibly of a severe struggle for existence,
and probably as much superior to the majority of their relatives in the
same district as an exceptionally well grown specimen may be here.
Therefore, though it is of primary importance to know the principal
climatal peculiarities of an Orchid’s home, there are many secondary
conditions that have a great effect upon the welfare of a plant which
only the skill and observation of the cultivator can enable him to pro-
wide. A plant may be potted in the right compost, placed in the
orthodox temperature, and treated generally in accordance with the
rules of the best system of Orchid culture, and yet it may be unsatis¬
factory until removed to another position in the same house, where it
may become as vigorous as it was previously unhealthy. I have seen
instances of this kind, and no doubt many others have observed the I

same thing. The moral to be drawn from this is, that all who wish to
excel in Orchid culture must be close observers, and not merely content
themselves with following stereotyped, rules, though these are useful as
guides to beginners.

When Orchids first came under the care of gardeners here, no doubt
many plants were " killed by kindness ” — that is, as they came princi¬
pally from tropical regions the general impression seemed to be that
they could not have too much heat. This occurred, too, at a time when
Australian plants, with Banksias, Proteas, &c., were much in favour,
which required dry stoves for their successful cultivation ; with these in
many cases were associated the newly introduced Orchids, the results
being disastrous to the latter. Others perhaps provided more moisture
in the houses, but subjecting all alike to a steaming hot ' atmosphere
scarcely less injurious ; so that, as few escaped the process of drying or
par-boiling, Orchids gained the reputation of being difficult to grow,
and it has taken a number of years to remove this erroneous impression.
It is none the less erroneous because there are a few species that still
puzzle the most skilful cultivators, since hundreds of the most useful can
be grown with as little trouble as Pelargoniums or Calceolarias, though
not under quite the same conditions.

The principal regions from which we obtain our Orchids are the
following In the Old World, India, Burmah, and neighbouring dis¬
tricts, the Malayan Archipelago, and the Philippine Isles ; in the New
World, Central America, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico, while from Australia
we have a few beautiful Dendrobiums. The greater portion of the
countries named are within the tropics, but there is considerable
difference in the temperature and climate, due mainly to the varying
altitudes at which the plants are found. It is consequently not
sufficient to merely know the district whence they are imported, for
though they may come from a region notorious for an excessively high
temperature at sea level, the plants may be found only upon mountain
ranges where the temperature at night during some portion of the year
falls to near the freezing point. In dealing with new introductions it is
therefore necessary to ascertain all these points, and not unfrequently
difficulties may be removed in the cultivation of longer known Orchids
when a few particulars as to their surroundings can be procured. Un¬
fortunately collectors are too reticent in these matters, and from a re¬
luctance to expose the exact whereabouts of some choice discovery they
give such indefinite details that they are sometimes practically worth¬
less.

For large collections of Orchids three houses are required — namely,
the cool house for the majority of the Odontoglossums and other plants
from the higher regious in the tropics, and in this the temperature
should never fall below 45° in the winter, nor rise above 70° in the
summer, but both of these extremes should be avoided, if possible, as
50° is the safest minimum, and 65° as a maximum. Next comes the
intermediate or Cattleya house, which may range from 65° (winter), to
80° (summer) ; and thirdly, the East Indian house, in which the greatest
heat may be allowed, for 85° or even 90° in the height of summer will
not injure the Orchids to be grown in that structure, while 60° is a safe
winter temperature. In small gardens the cool house is the most useful,
and by arranging those that require the most heat at the warm end of
the structure, many usually grown in the intermediate house can be
accommodated. The cool Orchids have become extremely popular in
recent years, and there is abundant evidence that they will increase in
favour considerably yet ; indeed there are now so many beautiful species
and varieties of Odontoglossums that these alone are worth a house to
themselves. Many houses can be utilised in the cultivation of Orchids,
and where a good range of glass houses already exists, it is by no means
necessary to erect others specially constructed for these plants. Vineries,
when the Vines are being forced, are capital places for many Dendro¬
biums and others which require a warm house, provided they are kept
quite clear of insects. Stoves and warm conservatories can be employed
in a similar way, but do not attempt to grow any except the half-hardy
terrestrial Orchids in greenhouses. They are quite unfitted for the
epiphytal species, and numbers of plants have been lost by placing them
in such houses. The temperature would be suitable to the cool species
if the atmospheric moisture was greater and the ventilation less liberal,
for they cannot endure exposure to draughts of cold or dry air.

The supply of moisture is an important matter, and its due regulation
requires some attention. During the summer months it is scarcely
possible to have too much moisture in any of the houses, and the pro¬
vision of open tanks filled with water is necessary, besides keeping the
stages well damped and the plants liberally supplied. In the winter
the moisture can be lessened, and the plants need more careful watering,
though they must not be allowed to. “dry off,” except such as the
Calanthes and a. few others that need a well-marked season of rest,
Those on blocks or in baskets .are the' most likely to suffer from neglect
in watering or “ dipping,” and for . this reason many species are now
grown in pots with better results than when they were placed on
blocks.

The chief point t,o be observed in ventilation is never to admit a
great rush of cold air at one time, and it is a good plan to- have pieces
of loose canvas or similar material Secured over the apertures of the
ventilators inside the house, especially where the most tender plants are
grown, and in the autumn or spring When the sun raises the temperature
of the house too high yet the external air is cold.. Little or no ventila¬
tion is needed in winter for the warmer houses unless the weather prove
unusually mild, and during the summer the cool house ventilators; can
be constantly open. .. . .] .

These are the leading principles of Orchid' culture, bub it must be

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

137

borne in mind that it is important to procure the best peat and sphag¬
num, and the greatest care is needed to keep the plants clear of insects.
Constant watchfulness and the immediate destruction of all pests when
discovered will enable growers to prevent their injurious increase. A
solution of softsoap is useful for applying with a sponge to remove
thrips, scale, and other troublesome insects, green fly being readily ex¬
terminated by fumigation with tobacco. But this is a dangerous process,
and unless conducted most carefully will result in serious damage. An
invention, however, has just been brought into notice. The thanatophore
seems likely to supersede the old method of fumigation. It is so con¬
structed that, a quantity of tobacco juice can be boiled, and the steam
thus raised is forced through a pipe into the house. Mr. B. S. Williams
has been experimenting with this lately, and speaks most highly of the
results. Not only are the insects destroyed, but the flowers of the most
delicate Orchids have been uninjured, a point that growers will readily
appreciate.

But these somewhat rambling observations must be concluded, and
though only a cursory review of “ Orchid Lore ” has been attempted, the
subject is one that could be extended almost indefinitely. The chief
object has been to point out that the popularity of Orchids rests upon
a solid basis, and to convey a few hints to cultivators who are com¬
mencing with these interesting plants.

HYBRID TEA ROSES.

Rose exhibitors will be obliged to “ D., Beal," for his letter in last
week’s Journal respecting Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, showing plainly the
company she should be associated with at an exhibition in competition.
When first exhibited it was all confusion. I well remember the contest
at Cardiff in July, 1885. My stand of H.P.’s contained a Lady Mary
Fitzwilliam, and, I think, Dr. Budd’s of Bath. I recollect after making
up my stand how undecided I was whether I should allow it to remain
or not ; it was such a grand bloom. I decided at the last moment to run
the risk and help to try the question, having La France and another in
the stand, which I considered had as much Tea blood in them as the
Lady. However, the Judge, referring to several Rose catalogues, found
the Lady classed as a Hybrid Tea, and decided to disqualify it.
Imagine my surprise a few days afterwards reading an account of the
Manchester Show that the Judges there had decided Lady Mary Fitz¬
william to be the best bloom shown as a Hybrid Perpetual, and quite
right. It should have been settled by the National Rose Society before
the confusion arose. — Thos. Hobbs, Bristol.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

February 8th.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Dr. If. T. Masters in the chair. Present — Messrs. W. G. Smith, G. F.
Wilson, H. M. Ward, A. Michael, G. Maw, P. McLachlan, R. I. Lynch, J.
O’Brien, G. Murray, J. D. Llewelyn, H. N. Ridley, A. H. Smee, Dr. Lowe,
Rev. C. W. Dod, and Rev. G. Henslow.

Narcissi, species. — Mr. Maw exhibited specimens of several species.
Commencing with N. cyclamineus he showed plants in flower from bulbs
sent by Mr. A. W. Tait of Oporto, which were rediscovered by Mr. Johnston
in 1885 or 1886. It was figured in ‘'Le Jardin du Roy” in 1621 as N. h:s-
panicus minor, amplo calico foliis reflexis, aud in “ Theatrum Flor®,” pi.
1637, as N. bispanicous minor luteus amplo calice foliis reflexis.

✓J N. pallidus prcecox. — He exhibited a perfectly erect blossom of this
species, a feature not uncommon amongst fl iwers usually pendulous, as in
Campanulas.

N. Cerbularia. — He read a communication upon this species of Corbularia,
which appears in another page. Mr. Dod remarked that though called
monophylla it often had two or three leaves, that it was confined to Africa,
and had been wrongly identified with Ciusii from the Pyrenees.

N. triandrus, variability o/.— Rev. W. Dod exhibited specimen o' this
species, in which there was very great variations in the lengths of the
stamens and style, a feature not known to exist in the Ajax section of
Daffodils. Nothing was known as to the insects which visited it when in
flower near Oporto early in March, or later in May elsewhere.

Narcissi, wild sp. from Portug il. — Mr. Burb’dge contributed the follow¬
ing notes On the 23rd of September, 1886, I received from A. W. Tait,
Esq., of Oporto, dry bulbs of ten or twelve kinds of Narcissi. These bulbs
were at once potted in sandy loam, and were then placed on a Bunny shelf
in a cool greenhouse. Of these several have already flowered. The first to
blossom was (No. 7) N. psiudo-Narcissus, a deep gol ien yellow form, having
twisted perianth segments, which opened its first flowers on January 15th.
followed a day or two later by (No. 8) N. minor.

On January 19th (No. 13) N. cyclamineus openedits first bud, and a day
or so aft rwards No. 11, a pale coloured long and Blender tubed Ajax, which
has been called N. Johnstoni by Mr. Tait, opened its blossoms, while now,
January 7th, as I write the 5th of the series (No. 9), a fine sturdy form of
N. bicolor is in bloom.

Two of the above — viz., No. 13 and No. 11, are so distinct and interest¬
ing botanieally that I beg to lay rough sketches and flowers of them before
the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. Narcissus
cylamineus (No. 13) is a very distinct species, and was re-discovered in 1886
by Mr. Edwin Johnston of Oporto. This plant was long ago known, and,
as I poin ed out on December 19th, 1885, in the Gardener's Chronicle, page
789, it is figured in the “ Jardin du Roy,” 1623, and also in the “ Theatrum
Floras,” 1637. There was a still earlier edit’on of this last-named work
published in 1622, but I have not seen it, and so cannot vouch for the plant
being figured therein. If it is so, however, that may prove to be the earliest
illustration.

It has several times and in several places been stated that this N. cycla¬

mineus is alluded to in Parkinson’s “Theatrum Botanicum ” (1610), but
I have failed to find any reference to any Narcissi in that work, so that it
seems possible an error of reference has occurred through the similarity of
titles, the “ Theatrum Florae ” having been mistaken for the “Theatrum
Botanicum.” In giving some account of the “Theatrum Flor®,” ed. 1637,
in “ Gard ner’s Chronicle ” (l.c. supra), I in part copied the figure of this
quaint little reflexed Daffodil with the object of directing attention to the
probable existence of such a peculiar and long-lost species. Tho apt name
of N. cyclamineus was applied to the drawing in Theatrum Flor® ” by
the late Adrian Haworth when writing the last edition of his “ Narcis.
Monog.,” published by Ridgeway in 1831, although, so far as evidence goes,
he does not appear to have seen th; plant either living or dried. Indeed,
sixteen years later the late Dean Herbert (“ Amaryllidacete,” 1817) ridicules
Haworth’s idea of such a plant’s existence, and this, as we now know, on
false grounds. Both Mr. Johnston, its rediscoverer, and Mr. Tait, who
generously sent dried bulbs to English and Irish gardens, were anxious that
the plant Bhould be named Narcissus Henriquezi, in compliment to tho
well known and highly esteemed Professor of Botany in the University at
Coimbra, and seeing that the plant living or dead had nev- r been seen since
the time of Linnmus until last year (1886), and has never been authoritatively
figured and described, it seems a matter for regret that this could not well
have been done. Mr. Tait, alluding to N. cyclamineus in Lis “ Notes on
the Narcissi of Portugal,” says it grows on the banks of a stream in sandy
loam at an altitude of 300 feet, in which position (presumab’y near Oporto)
it flowers from February 28th to March the 10th.

As I send herewith living specimens and a careful sketch or drawing I
need not further allude to the plant itself, except to say that I consider it to
be simply a small, reflexed perianthed, short-tubed “ Ajax ” or “ Daffodil,”
its most characteristic point being the extremely reduced flower tube.

The other Narcissus to which I wish to allude is the pale sulphur-
flowered N. (“Ajax”) “Johnstoni” of Mr. Tait (v. “notes” l.c. supra).
This also grows at an elevation of 300 feet on the banks of a stream in
sandy loam. Of this I send a partially dried specimen and a rough trac ng
of a drawing as made from fresh flowers, and these will serve my purpose
better than a description. As an “ Ajax ” or form of N. pseudo-Narcissus
this plant is peculiar in having a long, narrow, or clarinet-shaped flower
tube, this tube with the ovary at its base being equal in length to the
cylindrical, blunt-mouthed crown. The perianth segments are in fr sh full-
grown flowers more or less patent, and the crown is 1J inch long, and, like
N. muticus, ra her abrupt’y cut off at the free end. Tue flower tube instead
of being peculiarly short and obconical, as is that of N. muticus, is on the
contrary more like that of N. incomparabilis. The whole flower i3 of a
bright but pale primrose or sulphur yellow, aud altogether appears quite
distinct from any other “ Ajax ” or Daffodil known to me.

N.B. — The numbers used in these notes are those of Mr. Alfred Tait as
employed in his “ Notes on the Narcissi of Portuga’,’ published at Oporto
in May, 1886. — F. W. Burbidge, F.L.S., M.R.I.A., I'rinitg College Botanical
Gardens, Dublin.

A botanical certificate was unanimously awarded to Mr. Tait for hii
introduct’on (by his rediscovery of it) of N. cyclamineus.

Lapicdra gracilis. — Mr. Maw drew attention to this Morocco Amaryllid,
describ 'd in J. Bab’s Sp cilegium Flor® Maroccan®, “ Journ. Linn. Soc.,”
Bob, vol. xvi , p. 678-9, as Lapiedra gracilis, Baker, n. sp , but which i«, with¬
out doubt, Tapeinanthus humilis. It was described bom a faded specimen
(into mixed withL ueojum trichophyllum) in the Kew Herbarium, collected
by Schonsboe near Tangier.

Crocus Karduchorum. — He also exhibited a drawing of Crocus Krrdu-
chorum, collected by Mr. Hubbard in the neighbournood of Sivas in 1885,
3° or 4” west of Milieus and Sherwan, where it was originally discovered by
Theo. Kotschy. Ic is allied to C. zonatus (of which he exhibited a drawing)
of the Taurus, but a much smaller plant, with exceptionally small leaves,
lasting on till the ensuing flowering tim • ; two sets of leaves thus occurring
contemooraneously, one being hidden within the sheathing leaves.

Scales on Lcclia. — The following report was received from Mr.
MacLach’an : — “Those scales on the leaves of L®!ia brought by Mr.
Boscawen to last meeting of Scientific Committee prove not to be Coccids,
but thi sedentary females of a ve"y abnormal form of Aphides — Cerataphis
latani®, Boisdural. They were found originally on Latania, but have also
occurred on several Orchids and other hothouse plants. An account of
them will be found in the Appendix to vol. iv. of ‘Buckston’s British
Aphides,’ p. 193, plate 134. It war originally describe! as a Coccus, but
when the male became known the real position became evident.”

Some discussion followed as to the real nature of the white fringe-like
border, whether it is a waxy secretion as describe 1, or membranous, as Mr.
Michael suggested might p issibly be rhe case, judging from analogy.

Marechal Biel Hose Deformed. — Dr. Masters exhibited a cutting of this
Rose which had a large tuberous swelling at the base. It was referred to
Mr. H. Marshall Ward for examination aud report.

Euonymus japonicus Fasciated. — Mr. O’Brien exhibited a specimen
showing this peculiaiity.

Cordyceps Taylori. — Mr. W. G. Smith exhibited a specimen of this
remarkable p irasitic fungus with antler-like processes, the whole growing
from the neck of a large caterpillar. It was received from Baron Muller
from Australia.

Primula siniensis Malformed. — Dr. Masters exhibited a plant showing
cordate ovate leaves of an unusual but probably primitive type. He
remarked that this species has lately been found wild on the mountains of
Hong Kong.

Some remarks were made by various members on the hybridisation of
Primroses, Mr. Maw observing that th.re were from fifteen to twenty known
natural hybrids in Europe, but P. sinensis was not known to have ever ben
hybridised by any other species.

Mr. O’Brien remarked that when attempts were mido to cross, the
offspring were purely of the maternal form. Ttr s was so with Zygopetalum
Macka.yi and with Lilium auratum when crossed with other species. VVhen
crossed with L. tigriuum the stems had bulbils characteristic of that
species.

A reply was received from Mrs. Sterling in acknowledgment of the letter
of condolence from the Scientific Committee cm the death of her father,
Mr. A. Grote.

138

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17,1887.

THE NURSERY AND SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION

(LIMITED).

The annual meeting of this Association was held at the offices of the
Association, No. 25, Old Jewry, on the 7th inst., Mr. N. N. Sherwood, the
President, in the chair. From the Report of the Committee of Management,
which was read and adopted, it appeared that there had been collected in
respect of debts which had been treated by the members as bad and handed
to the Association for collection £2419, as against £1276 in 1885, and that
the number of applications made by the members for information as to the
status of intending customers had considerably increased. In addition to
this it was also stated that several failures in the trades which had occurred
during the year had been investigated by the Secretary on behalf of such
members as were creditors and their interests protec. ed. The balance
sheet compared favourably with that of the previous year, and showed a
marked inciease in the receipts. The number of members has steadily
increased, and the interest in the Assocation has grown proportionately.
At the suggestion of the President a committee was appointed for the pur¬
pose of considering any questions wlrch might arise affecting nurserymen
and seedsmen, with a view to taking combined action thereon, and the
members were invited to communicate with the Secretary whenever any
euch questions arose.

In the evening the annual dinner took place at the Guildhall Tavern,
when the President again presided, and in responding to the toast of
“ Success to the Nursery and Seed Trade Association,” said that, although
the report that day adopted was the tenth annual report, he was responsible
only for t.vo, and of those the second showed that the operations of the
Association had during the past year increased twofold over those of the
first, an indication that the Association was recognised by its members to
be of use to them, and he believed that when its advantages became more
widely known many more members would join it. Mr. Johnson, in pro¬
posing the health of the officers and committee, said that from personal
experience he could say that nurserymen and seedsmen in the country were
only waiting to see if the affairs of the Association continued as they
had begun to prosper before becoming members of it, and he thought that
the report showed that the Association had during the past year made
rapid strides. Mr. Yeitch ( J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea), Mr. Laing (Laing <fc Son,
Forett Hill), Mr. C. A. Hooper (Hooper & Co., Limited, Covent Garden,)
Mr. Watkins (Watkins & Simpson, Exeter Street, Strand), Mr. Manning
(Messrs. J. Veitch <fc Sons), and several other prominent members of the
trades were present, and took part in the proceedings.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

February 14th.

A meeting of the General Committee of this Society was held on
Monday evening last at the Old Four Swans, Biehopsgate Street, the Vice-
President, Mr. R. Ballantme, in the chair. There was a large attendance
of members, the business of the evening being to elect the Floral Com¬
mittee, appoint stewards for the exhibition, and to consider the sub-eom-
mittee’s recommendations respecting the schedule and the three shows to be
held in September, November, and January.

The Royal Cornwall Society was added to the list of affiliated societies,
and after several new members being elected, nominations were received for
the Floral Committee. It was proposed that the number should be increased
to twenty, but it was decided by a large majority that the number should
remain as before — namely, sixteen, exclusive of the officers of the Society.
Twenty-six were nominated, and the following were elected : —

Floral Committee. — Messrs. T. Bevan. H. Cannell, Lewis Castle,
R. Dean, N. Davis, G. Gilbey, G. Gordon, C. Gibson, E. Kemp, J. P. Kendall,
G. Langdon, H. Mardlin, R. Owen, G. Stevens, R. Swift, and J; Wright
(Temple).

Mr. Holmes expressed his thanks for the assistance rendered him at the
past shows by the stewards, and the following were nominated for the
present year : — Messrs. Drain, Addison, Boyce, Crane, Bevan, Ballantine,
Langdon, Figgures, R. Payne, Kemp, Blake, and Dean. It was resolved to
publish in the National Society’s schedules the dates of the affiliated
societies’ shows, also to give the names of all winners of the National
Society’s medals. It was determined that the fees to the judges at the
November show be one guinea, and at the other shows half a guinea. The
date fixed for the respective shows are as follows : — September 14th and
15th; November 9th and 10th ; and January 11th and 12th. Floral Com¬
mittee meetings to take place on the following dates: — September 14th ;
October 12th and 26th; November 23rd; and Dec mber 7th at 1.30 P.M.,
and on November 9th at 12 noon. Some slight alterations in the rules were
then announced, and it was decided that the Society’s catalogue should be
considered the guide as to varieties and their elassificat'on. The November
schedule was ltad, the principal additions to which were the Veitch
Memorial medals and prizes in six classes (nurserymen excluded). Messrs.
Davis and Jones’s silver cup or five guineas for the best six blooms of
Chrysanthemum Mrs. Norman Davis, and Messrs. Cannell ife Sons’ prizes
of £T0, £5, £3, and £2 for twelve new Japanese varieties, the members of
the Floral Committee to make the award in the latter class.

In connection with one of the classes it was proposed to insert the
words that “ an amateur be one who does not employ one or more perma¬
nent girdeners,” and in respect to this considerable discussion ensued,
several delegates from affiliated societies pressing as an amendment what
they considered a more exact definition — namely, that “ an amateur be one
who does not employ any skilled labour or derive any pecuniary benefit
from the cultivation of plants.” The matter was argued at some length,
and the amendment was finally carried, but when put as a resolution
an amendment was moved and adopted to the effect that it should not
apply to the Nat’onal Society, being merely given as a guide to affiliated
Societies. The schedules of the September and January Shows were read
and adopted with little discussion, the following Judges being appointed
September Shows — Dahlias aud Gladioli, Messrs. Kirtland and Henshaw,
with a reserve of Mr. Tranter; Chrysanthemums, Messrs. Gordon and
Dean. November Show — Plants, Messrs. Donald and Prickett, with a
reserve of Mr. Ward; Japanese blooms, Messrs. Mardlin and Molyneux,

reserve Mr. Beckett ; Incurved blooms, Messrs. Wright (Fleet Street) and
Gordon, reserve Mr. George ; fruit and vegetables, Messrs. Barron and
Douglas. January Show — Messrs. Gordon and Dean. The Superintendent
of the Shows in all cases to act as Referee. The meeting concluded with
votes of thanks to the Chairman and officers.

SERICOGrR APHIS GHIESBREGHTIANA.

Most useful is this plant for affording a supply of sprays for vase
and other modes of indoor decoration during the dull months of autumn
and winter. Equally useful also are the plants for conservatory and
dinner-table decoration during the same period of the year. It is
seldom that this plant is found cultivated in large numbers after the
manner of Poinsettias, but it is well worthy of being so grown for its
glossy leaves, and the lightness and brightness of its feathery spikes
render it an admirable associate of plants of rigid habit and stately

form. The soft scarlet of its flowers is a colour which is pleasing, and
well-grown plants are worthy objects of admiration.

The cultivation of this plant calls for no special skill, it being as
easy to grow as a Pelargonium and as certain to flower when its season
arrives in October, when it continues in beauty for three or four
months. Cuttings inserted at the present time or a little later, and the
plants grown on the shelf of a stove until May, potting and stopping
them as required, and placing them in frames in June to make their
summer growth, will be attractive plants in the autumn, when they
should be arranged in a warm conservatory.

After the flowering season is over water should be withheld to
facilitate the ripening of the shoots, when the plants may be cut do wn
the soil be shaken from the roots, and be treated precisely as are show
Pelargoniums, with a little warmer temperature and moister atmo¬
sphere. Plants are thus prodxced 3 feet high and through, huge globes
of scarlet sprays.

A suitable compost for the plants is a mixture of loam, peat, and leaf
mould in their early stages of growth, finally potting them in richer soil

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

139

by substituting decayed manure for tbe peat. I fear that this useful
plant is not cultivated so extensively as its merits deserve, and hence I
ask the insertion of these notes. — A Conseevatoby Fobeman.

REVIEW OF BOOK.

A Manual of Orchidaceous Plants Cultivated under Glass in Great

Britain. Part I: Odontoglossum,. By James Veitch Sc Sons,

Royal Exotic Nursery, 544, King’s Road, Chelsea, S.W. 1887.

Consideeable interest was excited by the announcement, some time
since, that Messrs. Veitch & Sons had a work on Orchids in preparation,
and its appearance has been eagerly awaited by numbers of growers.
The name of the firm has been so long identified with Orchids, they
have been the means of introducing so many to commerce, either by
importation from abroad or by raising hybrids at home, that it was
confidently expected a work from such a source would possess far more
than ordinary value. Judging from the first part now before us these
expectations will be fully realised, and the work will take a high position
amongst Orchid literature. The form adopted is quite distinct from any
similar work previously issued, an admirable monographical method
being followed, useful alike for ge neral reading and special reference.
The first part is devoted to the genus Odontoglossum, and it is announced
that this will be followed by Cattleya and Laslia, Dendrobium, Cypri-
pedium, &c., and it can be imagined that, as eighty pages are occupied
with the comparatively small genus Odontoglossum, it will form some
substantial volumes before it is completed — -that is, if it is intended to
treat all the genera in the same way.

In selecting the Odontoglossums as an introduction to their work,
Messrs. Veitch & Sons have acted boldly, and have also performed a most
useful service. Probably no genus has hitherto furnished such a complex
and unsatisfactory system of nomenclature as this. The recognised
well-marked species are mostly extremely variable ; in many cases all
lines of demarcation between species have been broken down by inter¬
crossing in a state of nature, and scores of forms are being continually
introduced that puzzle both botanists and horticulturists as to their
correct position. As a result, several have been assigned the rank of
species, which further examination and the introduction of other inter¬
mediate forms have proved to be unreliable. Again, almost every slight
variation has been dignified with a name of some kind, until a deplorable
confusion has been created that the best directed efforts can now only
partially remove. The authors of the Manual now under notice have,
however, taken a decided step towards the rectification of the nomen¬
clature, which, if consistently followed, will certainly simplify the
matter. The principle adopted is to assign all natural hybrid or cross¬
bred forms to the species which they most nearly resemble, the deter¬
mination of which could only result from an extended experience and
close observation of the various types. Then, again, in placing these
under their respective species, the rank of variety has been confined to
those which exhibit some definite characters other than those of only
size and colour, the last-named being denominated sub-varieties, and
including the majority of those which are so frequently appearing in
collections, generally to receive the names of their respective owners.
In regard to the sub-varieties, in some cases the ordinary botanical
names are retained, but with others, like Odontoglossum Pescatorei
Veitchianum, the form of name has been altered to 0. Pescatorei,
Veitch’s variety. Where they are so distinct as this, and have, more¬
over, been both figured and described under the title, we doubt if this
innovation is a wise one, for it gives an awkward form to a name that
was otherwise quite consistent. With this exception, we consider the
system of nomenclature adopted one that can be highly commended,
and which might be advantageously generally adopted.

The book is uniform in size of page with the “ Manual of the Coni¬
fer®, ” from the same firm, and is illustrated with thirty-eight woodcut
illustrations, some occupying the full page, showing the habit of the
plants, as in the frontispiece representing Baron Schroder’s plant of
“ Odontoglossum Pescatorei, Veitch’s variety,” others giving the single
flowers of natural size with a profile view of the column and lip. Two
excellent maps are also given showing the geographical distribution of
the species in both North and South America, the names of the species
being printed in the regions where they are most abundant, the extremes
being O. maxillare in Mexico, about lat. 20° N., to 0. compactum in
Peru, in about lat. 13° S.

The introductory chapters deal with the generic characters, which
are described very fully, and the geographical distribution including many
interesting facts as to localities, climate, &c. A short concise chapter is
devoted to culture, and then the description of species and varieties is
commenced on page 13, taking them in alphabetical order. A condensed
botanical description (in English) is given of each species, with refer¬
ences to the principal works where they have been described or figured,
either under their accepted name or synonyms. This is useful, but from a
printer’s mistake probably, the first reference given is incorrect, the figure
of 0. bictonense appearing in the “Botanical Register” in 1840 — not
1846 as there stated. The botanical authorities for the names is not
given immediately after the names, as is usual in such works, but is
placed first' in the references following the description. With each
species the varieties and sub-varieties are named, references also being
given to works where they are specially noted. Much interesting
historical and cultural information is furnished with the descriptions.
The index gives both accepted names and synonyms, the latter in italics,
but a word of explanation was needed respecting this, as the excluded

species, 0. Phahenopsis, 0. vexillarium, See., which are now referred to
Miltonia, are given in the ordinary Roman type. The work is well
printed in bold clear type, on substantial slightly toned paper, and con¬
siderable care has evidently been exercised in its production to render
it accurate, reliable, and exhaustive.

SEASONABLE HINTS ON FLORISTS’ FLOWERS.

The worst of the winter is, we hope, over, and the lengthening days
remind us of work to be done in all departments of the gardens, and
this month especially is a busy one with florists. Collections have to be
overhauled, repotting done, and many, what some people would call
“ fiddling,” operations to be carried out, but these little attentions are
very essential to the well-being of our favourites.

Aubiculas. — Among the many changes which have taken place in
the cultivation of the Auricula there has been none more radical than
that of spring top-dressing. It used to be considered as one of the most
necessary operations for successful cultivation, that at this season the
soil should be removed with a blunt stick to the depth of an inch or
more, and fresh compost supplied. It was supposed that this was
absolutely necessary to give strength to the plants, as it was argued that
the grist of the soil had been washed out by watering since they were
potted — a period of eight or nine months. There is some reason in this,
but when we find growers like Mr. Horner and Mr. Douglas saying it is
unnecessary, one cannot say that we must do it. I did not top-dress last
year, and I do not think that the plants suffered ; but I am hesitating
about it this season, and shall probably try some both ways. When it is
done care must be taken not to disturb the roots, and the compost used
should not be too rich — say two parts loam and one part well decayed
manure. The pots should not be filled too much, as then water is apt
to run over the edges without entering the soil. Where top-dressing is
not done the collection should be carefully gone over, the soil stirred,
and care taken that there is no space between the soil and sides of the
pot ; otherwise watering will be a useless operation, as the water,
instead of entering the ball of soil, will run down the sides. Small
offsets which were taken off last summer may now be potted in small
pots, and so their size will be increased before the potting time comes
round, as I have found in former years a cold winter such as we have
had is by no means so injurious as a moist damp one.

Caenations and Picotees. — It will be too early to do anything
with these except where they are grown in beds. These should be
examined and the plants firmly pressed into the soil, and small sticks had
better be put to them, unless this has already been done. Those in pots
should be looked over and any decayed leaves pulled off, and the soil of
the pot stirred up. Many have been troubled with the Carnation
maggot. I am glad to say that I have not seen it amongst my small lot.
Compost should be turned over, and if there is any danger of wireworm
being in it should be carefully hand-picked, as one of these will quickly
destroy a plant, and as they are very fond of fresh turves, which forms
the best ingredient for compost, a good search will generally be re¬
warded by “ a find.”

Pinks. — The beds on which these have been grown should be care¬
fully gone over when the weather is dry enough for the operation, and
the plants, which have probably been a good deal loosened by frost,
should be firmly pressed into the soil, and the surface of the bed
generally stirred up. It is remarkable how very little this sweet and
pretty flower is now cultivated in the south of England, but it is very rare
to find any collection now, in or around the Metropolis or the south
generally. The complaint of want of variety in them has no doubt
something to say to it, but one cannot forget that those two old and
thorough florists of the past, John Keynes and Charles Turner, won their
spurs as exhibitors of Pinks.

Pansies. — This has been a trying winter for these where they have
been grown in beds. The snow, frost, and wind have been alike hurtful to
them, and many gaps will be found, and many cripples, I fear, amongst
the survivors. They will now require to be carefully gone over, pressed
firmly into the soil, and when the weather is dry the beds ought to be
top-dressed with well decayed manure and leaf mould.

Gladiolus.— It will be too early to do anything with these,
although I generally begin to plant mine early in March. It has been
a good winter for mellowing the soil, and the beds ought to be in a good
condition for planting. Collections should be examined, and if varieties
are required no time should be lost in procuring them. I may here say
that the most remarkable corms I have ever seen are some which were
grown by Mr. Burrell of Cambridge. They averaged most of them from
10 to 12 inches in circumference, and were exceedingly healthy, having
that silvery coated appearance so characteristic of the French corms. I
have never in my thirty-years experience of Gladiolus growing seen
such corms, showing not merely good cultivation but also how favourable
the soil and climate of Cambridge are for their culture.

Ranunculus. — The season so far has been especially favourable for
the beds which had been prepared for these pretty flowers. There has
been abundance of moisture and sufficient frost to thoroughly sweeten
the soil, and now the weather is dry, so that the soil is in a thoroughly
good condition for planting, which should be done at the fust favourable
opportunity. The rows should be about 5 inches apart, and the roots,
about the same distance in the rows ; they should not be more than
about 1{ inch in depth, and the tubers should be pressed firmly into the
ground, so that they may not easily be thrown out by worms. There
can be no second opinion, I think, as to the beauty of these old fashioned

140

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1887.

flowers, nor do I think that what are called French varieties are at all
to be compared with them.

Roses.— It is hardly time yet to be doing much amongst these, and I,
therefore, defer any observations upon their treatment. They have had
in many cases a hard time of it, but from all that I have seen anil heard
I do not think they have suffered very serious injury. — D., Deal.

WORK.FOflTHE WEEK.. O

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

At one time it appeared several kinds of fruit would soon be in
bloom, the mild weather both by day and night tending to encourage
the rapid development of the buds. Severe frosts have now intervened,
and cold easterly winds will materially check the growth, thereby
rendering our chance of a good fruit crop somewhat more certain. A
long spell of dry weather enabled many cultivators to complete the
work of planting earlier and in better style than is often the case after
a long frost, though even under these conditions the late autumn-
planted trees will yet as a rule make the best progress during the
season. The latter, where disposed against walls, may be properly
secured by ties or shreds and nails, as the case may be ; but those
recently planted ought not to be permanently fastened for some time
longer, as the trees must be allowed to follow the inevitable settlement
of the soil. In cold and late localities much planting yet remains to be
done, and in all such cases extra pains should be taken in the operation.
If the ground is broken up two spits deep this should be carried
out as much as possible throughout the ground or border, as this
disturbing the subsoil interferes with the natural drainage, the water
collecting in the holes. Thorough drainage, not much manure, and
rather high planting, is best calculated to cause the trees to form sturdy
fruitful growth, and if plenty of turfy loam is available this is the best
material for planting the trees in. All trees in the open ground,
especially pyramids and standards, ought to be securely staked, or other¬
wise frequent disturbances by strong winds has a most injurious effect
upon the roots. In many instances three stout stakes will be required,
these being inserted about 9 inches from the stem. The trees may be
fastened to these either with wire, stout tar twine, or haybands. If
either of the two first-named are used a bandage of cloth or sacking
should be passed round the stem of the tree in order to prevent the ties
from cutting or chafing the bark.

Protecting Apricot Blossom. — In the warmest districts Apricots
will soon be in bloom, and there is every prospect of plenty of well
formed flowers. Unfortunately they are very easily injured by frosts,
and must be protected in some way, or not much fruit can reasonably be
expected. Glass copings and blinds are the most reliable protectors,
and where the trees are worth covering the value of the fruit saved and
ripened with their aid soon compensate for the outlay. The revolving
copings are the least trouble, as these admit of rains and falling of the
foliage and watering the borders, heavy dew also checking the spread of
red spider. The fixed framework from which the glass can be removed
or refixed at will are also very serviceable. In cold wet localities the
glass should not be removed at any time, too much moisture at the roots
frequently proving fatal to the trees. Whatever form of coping is
adopted it ought to be in readiness to protect the trees before the flowers
are really expanded, the blinds, however, not being opened out till
absolutely necessary. Nor should they be open during mild days, as
they have a tendency to weaken the flowers, but during the prevalence
of cold or easterly winds the trees should have the benefit of their pro¬
tection both by day and night. Glass coping not being available, some
other plan of protecting ought to be adopted. Blinds made of cotton
netting, frigi domo, glass sheeting, Hessian or scrim canvas, the latter
being the cheapest, the two former the best, are useful for many pur¬
poses after they have saved the Apricot blossom. With the aid of a few
curtain rings they may be made to run on stout wires attached to the
under side of a 9-inch flooring board. The latter, besides being bracketed
under the wall coping, will be further supported by long poles. These
being inserted in the ground about 3 feet from the wall at easy distances
apart, or to suit the width of the blinds, serve to keep them from dash¬
ing against the trees, as well as for keeping them in position whether
open or closed. We have saved crops with the aid of poles and Russian
mats, but we much prefer blinds. Ordinary fish netting doubled or
trebled and hung loosely from the top of the wall or coping board, poles
being used to keep it clear of the trees, will ward off a moderately severe
frost, as will also branches of Spruce Fir, but at their best they are only
makeshifts resorted to by those who feel they must do something to pro¬
tect the trees.

Peaches. — These, whether loosened or unloosened from the walls,
are moving, and will soon be in bloom. Pruning and re-nailing ought
therefore to be completed at once. If the summer disbudding and
regulating the young growths was well attended to, not much pruning
ought to be necessary. Plenty of medium-sized well-ripened young

growths are required, these never failing to bloom strongly. A too free
use of the knife is apt to be followed by sappy unfruitful growth, while
if we go to the other extreme, the best is formed on the top of the wall
where it is of little service, the lower portion and centre of the tree soon
becoming naked. Our first proceeding is to shorten many of the
longest main branches to good well placed side branches. In some
instances the main branches may with advantage be cut back to near
the main stem, but this ought not to be practised with the more vigorous
trees. The next step is to cut out as much of the last season’s fruiting
wood as may have escaped the autumn pruning, its place being taken by
the young bearing wood. Whether the latter shall be shortened or not
depends upon its character. If strong and well ripened it is best laid in
to its full length. Medium-sized shoots, or any say that are rather
smaller than, or about the size of a slate pencil, may, if furnished with
triple buds, the central one of these being a wood bud, be shortened to
about 1 foot or rather less in length. The more weakly shoots are
usually furnished with fruit buds, only the point being capable of
forming a leafy growth. It follows if we shorten such shoots we spoil
them altogether, as fruit very rarely matures on wood unfurnished with
a leading leafy growth to attract necessary support. Where green or
black fly is apt to be troublesome the trees should be syringed with
petroleum added to water at the rate of 2 ozs. to the gallon of the
latter. As it will not mix properly, every other syringeful should be
forcibly returned into the can, this preventing the oil from collecting on
the surface of the water. Trees badly mildewed ought to have been
lifted and replanted in fresh compost last autumn. At the present time
all that can be done is to freely shorten the affected wood and coat over
that reserved with lime and sulphur. Later on a solution of lime and
sulphur is the best preventive.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — A batch of suckers will have to be started about the begin¬
ning of March to provide plants to give a succession of fruit from next
December onwards ; therefore attend to the preparation of soil for
potting, and a fermenting bed in some close structure to generate and
maintain a bottom heat of 85° to 90° near the surface, and with means
of maintaining a temperature of 55° to 65° by fire heat with regularity.
Plants which were selected about the beginning of last December and
started by an advanced temperature will now be showing fruit, and as it
is advisable to forward ripening of the fruit as much as possible, the
temperature about them should be maintained at 65° to 70° at night,
and 5° to 10° more under favourable conditions in the daytime, opening
the house at 80°, allowing an advance to 85°, and close about that
degree, utilising the sun heat. With the fruit advancing the plants will
require more water at the roots, examining the whole stock once a week,
as with increased light and heat the need for -water will increase.
Recently started plants to succeed those already named should have a
night temperature of 65°, and 70° by day artificially, which will be
sufficient for them for some time longer.

Figs. — -Early Torccd Pot Trees — The earliest trees -which are
subjected to bottom heat will require to be regularly supplied with
■water, as the neglect of this would prove injurious to the crop. Syringe
the trees morning and afternoon when the days are fine. If a second
batch in pots are wanted the trees may now be started, and they will
make a succession to the earliest forced, giving them the same course of
treatment as has been already advised.

Early Forced Planted out Trees. The trees permanently planted
out in houses where forcing was commenced early in the year will be
making growth, and require tying to the trellis as they advance, and
thinning out where too crowded, pinching the shoots which issue from
the base of the fresh terminal shoots at the fourth or fifth leaf. Keep
the night temperature at 55° to 60°, and 65° in the daytime by artificial
means ; commence ventilating at 65°, and allow the day temperature to
rise to 75° or 80° from sun heat, closing at 70° with sun heat, allowing
a free circulation of air when the temperature is above 70°.

Cherry House. — Continue the temperature recently advised. The
delicate clusters of flowers will soon be expanded. If there be the least
trace of aphides fumigate before the flowers are fully open. Artificial
impregnation must be resorted to when the pollen is ripe, selecting
bright sunny days when the house is very freely ventilated, applying the
pollen to the stigmas with a camel’s-hair brush. If bees appear upon
the scene it is a good sign. Damping is still necessary once or twice a
day, avoiding, however, a confined atmosphere, leaving a chink of air
on constantly. If the border needs water supply it, and do not neglect
trees in pots.

Vines. — Early Hnusts. — With increased length of days and a con¬
tinuance of mild weather forcing may be pushed on rapidly. Venti¬
lating and the supply of moisture must have daily attention, and be re.
gulated according to the weather. Vines in flower should have a night
temperature of 65°, and the air of the house should be kept rather dry.
Remove all unnecessary laterals, tie out in their permanent places those
that are left, and endeavour to have every part of the trellis filled with
as much foliage as can be fully exposed to light. Thinning the berries
must commence with free-setting sorts as soon as they are formed, but
any that frequently produce stoneless berries should not be thinned
until it is seen which berries take the lead in swelling. Remove dupli¬
cate bunches, leaving the best set and most compact, and avoid the too
common practice of overcropping. All inside borders should be fre¬
quently examined, and w'hen water is required it should be given a few
degrees warmer than the mean temperature of the house. The ferment-

February 17, 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

141

ing material on outside borders must be attended to, and when the heat
is declining renew it by the addition of fresh leaves and litter. Vines
in pots must not lack moisture at the roots ; supply them with liquid
manure, and renew the surface dressings from time to time as
necessary.

PLANT HOUSES.

Fancratiuins. — Those that have had a good season of rest may now
be repotted or top-dressed. If the latter, use two-thirds loam and one of
cow manure prepared as previously advised. If they need the former
the compost advised for Eucharises will suit these plants well. Too
much drainage should not be employed, as the plants root deep and
with great freedom. In repotting shake away the whole of the old soil
from the roots, and be careful not to bury the bulbs, or a large per¬
centage of the soil will not contain a single root. Spread out the roots
carefully near the surface, for they are certain before the end of the
season to be crowded round the drainage. These plants will grow in
almost any position in the stove after potting until they are again
established, even standing under the shade of large plants ; syringe
liberally, but do not give too much water. Watch for thrips, for if there
is any in the house they are certain to attack the under side of the
foliage of these plants.

HymenocaJlis macrostephnna. — This is so closely allied to the above,
that in gardens they are looked upon as the same. The treatment is
the same, and those who do not possess the plant should obtain it without
delay, for it is undoubtedly superior to any of the Pancratiums. It
possesses narrow foliage fully 3 feet in length, and flowers with great
freedom during July and August rmder ordinary stove treatment.

Gloriosa grandiflora. — The bulbs of this useful stove climber maybe
shaken out of the old soil in which they have been resting, and may be
potted and started into growth. This plant will do well in sandy loam
and one-seventh of manure, or in equal parts of peat and loam. If
placed in a temperature of 65° the tubers will soon start growing, when
the pot containing them should be placed in such a position so that the
shoots can be trained under the roof, unless they are to be trained upon
a balloon-shaped trellis. The soil in each case should be thoroughly
warmed by placing it in the stove the night previous to use. Be careful
also that the soil to be used is in a proper state of moisture.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 3.

We must next consider what race of bee is most profitable to
the ordinary bee-keeper. We must touch on the reproduction and
perpetuation of the species, and point out how it is that the
different races possess various characteristics, some useful, and
others a hindrance to the production of surplus honey. We must
also, in choosing which race of bees is likely to yield the largest
profit, refer to the benefits and difficulties derived from climatic
and other conditions in various localities, and finish the argument
by stating our own opinion, based upon all these considerations, as
to the advisability of the average bee-keeper attempting to keep a
particular strain or race of bees unless there are circumstances in
his individual case, which, by placing him in a more favourable
position for the purpose, enable him to contend more successfully
with difficulties which can hardly be surmounted by his less happily
situated neighbours.

For the production of comb honey a strain of bees is required
which has little disposition to increase by swarming, unless the bee¬
keeper is so negligent of his own interests as to allow great over¬
crowding and consequent enforced idleness. As with the population
of overcrowded cities there is a tendency to migrate to new lands
as yet but sparsely occupied by man, so with bees : but the
impulse in these insects is far stronger than in man, and why ?
Because bees in a natural state, where man does not interfere with
the internal arrangements of the hive, have, generally speaking,
when a hive is in a normal condition, only one means by which the
race may be perpetuated. By sending forth a swarm headed by the
old queen — possibly almost worn out with labour — the throne is
left for a young monarch, hatched under the most favourable
conditions possible— the swarming impulse. This queen again may,
if the bees are strong enough in numbers, give place to a still more
youthful successor, and so another colony goes forth, under the
happiest omens, to prepare a home and food before winter stays the
work of the year. Yet another swarm may also issue ; but enough
has been said to show that it is by swarming alone, until man began
to study bees and their habits, that the race has been prevented
from becoming extinct. All this necessity for natural and un¬
restrained increase has now passed away. Man watches over the
queen, and in his own way raises a successor to the throne. Every

effort ought to be made by sexual selection and careful management
to perpetuate those stocks which show least desire to swarm, and
are therefore, other things being equal, the most profitable workers
for their owner. This is the great need. We must seek to raise
a strain of bees which will, with careful management, devote
themselves to labour, and leave the duty of race perpetuation to
man.

The various races of bees are, no doubt, descended from a
common stock. The influence of climate, selection, and the “ sur¬
vival of the fittest,” together with such other influences as may
have been at work from time to time, and which we are unable to
comprehend, have produced the various strains of the original race.
So again with man even ; if we are slow to accept the theory that man
himself is the descendant of an extinct species of anthropomorphous
apes, we may well imagine that the present European is considerably
more advanced in intelligence and power of using his different
members than the earliest beings who inhabited the earth. We see
a distinct step between the “ age of stone ” and the “ age of iron.”
Why should there be a difference in the case of bees ? In man the
weaker race is continually giving place to the stronger, the savage
dies out in the presence of the white man ; the inferor races of bees
will also, I believe, gradually, even if man gave no assistance, become
extinct, and the stronger take possession. With this influence,
then, continually at work man ought surely to be able to produce a
bee possessing all the qualities which he desires. Again, in his
endeavour to obtain a race of bees possessing the most desirable
qualities only, man never seems until comparatively recent times to
have considered that the influence of the drone is almost if not
quite as great as that of the queen in producing bad and good
qualities in succeeding generations. It is useless carefully to select
queens and not pay the same attention to the drone. The queen is
also thought by some to mate with the first drone she happens to
meet on her nuptial flight, but is this probable ? Why the beautiful
form of queen and drone if their beauties were not to entrance and
enthral the wooed and the suitor ? Doubtless there is as much
difference, even where the human eye can see none, between the
personal appearance of one young queen and another as there is
between one man and another. The queen and drone no doubt
have and exercise a choice ; whether the most playful drone, or the
strongest on the wing, or one possessing some virtue unknown to us
is the favoured suitor, we are unable to say, but just as a bird
chooses its mate, either by reason of its entrancing song or gay
plumage, so a queen bee, I believe, chooses from many thousand
drones her mate. To rear a race of bees we must pay strict atten¬
tion to the males ; the drone must be reared in the best stock pos¬
sessing those qualities in the greatest degree which we desire to
perpetuate. By this selection of drones or queens, or by the
haphazard mating of those drones and queens possessing certain
qualities, the different species have arisen ; by paying attention to
this very point another species may yet be raised possessing still
more useful qualities and less serious defects than any existing race
of bees.

But it may be asked, Why do some bees desire to swarm so
inordinately ? Why do they endeavour to increase so often ? May
not the answer be given by alluding to a well known fact ? If we
have a stock of bees which is continually throwing off swarms and
we breed from such a stock, the result is another stock having the
same characteristics. Now, if this breeding from a stock thus
continually throwing off swarms has been going on for generation
after generation, what may we expect ? A race of bees in which
the desire of continual swarming is so firmly implanted that much
trouble will be experienced in endeavouring to prevent, either by
cross-breeding or other means, the issue of swarms. Again, a stock
not given to increase may well be the ancestor of a race of bees the
characteristic of which is a small increase and a great yield of honey.
Now, if we can find such a stock as this last one, and attention is
paid to the matter of breeding, we may hope to fix this charac¬
teristic of gathering honey rather than throwing off swarms. When
such a race of bees has been found or reared, it will then be
necessary for a bee-keeper in this country to consider whether — if
the race has been reared abroad — it is suited to this climate ; and if
it is too tender, then care will again be required to acclimatise it in
addition to keeping the strain pure and free from crosses with the
common bee. Taking all these matters into consideration, I am of
opinion that the practical kee-keeper working for profit should leave
to those who have the time and patience the duty of rearing new
races, and content himself with keeping a common race of approved
merit and virtue. Even if an ordinary bee-keeper obtains a choice
strain, it is hardly profitable to take the necessary means to keep it
pure. When the “ coming bee ” has been found or reared we will
then all adopt it, and until then the majority of us must rest content
with taking such simple measures as lie in our power to aid in the
extermioMion of the inferior and the increaseof superior races, trust-

142

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ February 17, 887.

ing to those who are better able and equally willing to employ such
means as they possess to benefit the apicultural world by introducing
a bee such as we have endeavoured roughly to describe. It is the
duty of every bee-keeper to destroy all inferior queens, so that in
the succeeding year both drones and queens may be of a higher
standard, and a better chance be consequently afforded to those
earnest men who are striving so eagerly to improve our bees. —
Felix.

THE HONEY MARKET.

Pressure of work has prevented my answering “ A. L. B.” in your
impression of January 13th, and I have been so busy with Chrysanthe¬
mums and babies that I have had little or no time to spare for bees. I
am perfectly aware that no arguments that can be adduced or facts
proved will convince him, “ Felix,” or others that the British Honey
Company is a success, and will continue to be so. Knowing my fellow
countrymen, the Scotch (and as my forbears have been Scotch and bur¬
gesses of Glasgow back to the time of good Queen Bess, perhaps it is
not too presumptuous on my part to assume that I am Scotch) I know
this, that the old adage holds true of Scotchmen much more than of
any other race ; but I appeal from “ Felix ” (and Co.) unto Caesar.
Enclosed is a copy of the balance sheet, which I will be much obliged
if you will forward to him.

Roughly speaking, we made a loss of £500, which was due to the
expenses of starting the company ; while on the trading account we
made a gross profit of £100 on a turn-over of £700, and during 1885 we
bought upwards of £1000 worth of honey. The directors received no
fees, as they are only paid out of profits. In a former number of the
Journal the question was asked whether I personally was satisfied with
the number of shareholders, only 6000 shares having been subscribed
for.

Everything goes by comparison, and comparing our applications
with that of Guinness the result is ludicrous ; but if, on the other hand,
is considered the applications for the now defunct Bee and Fruit Farm¬
ing Company there is no cause to complain. Let me remind your
readers that this was praised to the skies by “ Felix ” and others, and
perhaps they will be good enough to let them know to what extent they
backed up their respective opinions. As far as I know, and I have it
on the authority of one of the shareholders, the total number of shares
allotted, including the directors’ qualifying shares, to the public was
between 300 and 400. Again, I would ask, Why did not the Bee¬
keepers’ Union make a start ? There has been no honest explanation of
the reason. A casual reference to the fact by “Felix,” and a pious
opinion expressed by “ A. L. B.,” is all that the general public know of
its premature death.

Was there so little vitality in the scheme that “ A. L. B.” and others
were snuffed out, Keats like, by an article or two in the Bee Journal]
or was it that the scheme was so radically wrong that no one outside
the clique would join it ? So far as the Honey Co. is concerned the
results of last year’s business are most encouraging. The monthly
sales are steadily increasing ; and in spite of the Canadian honey,
and other honey, which is only honey in name, our brand is making
its way, and grocers find that the public will not take other honey
in place of it. I have tasted samples of Canadian, Australian, New
Zealand, South African, American, and other genuine foreign honey,
but with one exception, some Swiss honey, I have yet the pleasure
to come of tasting any colonial or foreign sample that equals our British
honey in delicacy of flavour and aroma.

A case in point may prove this better than a bare assertion. A friend
purchased some Canadian honey — our cousins do not suffer from an
excess of modesty — and gave it to his children. The first day it was
punished pretty severely, but the next day it was not touched, and the
British honey reigned supreme. There is no vice about it, sweetness is
there, some flavour, and good colour, but there is a nameless something
which marks its decided inferiority.

Whether with constant rage for cheapness the public will take to
foreign honey is a problem which can only be solved by the experience
of the next year or two. Though I have tasted colonial mutton and beef
on many occasions, I have never been able to delude myself into the
belief that I prefer it to prime Southdown or Scotch beef, even when I
have been suffering from a severe attack of economy.

As pure foreign honey can be bought for 3d. per lb., it is still an
open question whether we British bee-keepers can produce honey any¬
where near this in price, and whether the public will pay am extra
Id. or 2d. for pure British honey. — Geo. Walker, Wimbledon.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

S. Hot timer, Swiss Nursery, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey. — Illustrated
Catalogue of Vegetable, Flower, and Farm Seeds, 1887.

Viccars Colly er & Co., Leicester.— General Catalogue, 1887.

James Yates, 29, Little Underbauk, Stockport. — Descriptive Catalogue
of Vegetable and Flower Seeds.

R. H. Poynter, Castle Green, Taunton.— Catalogue of Seeds.

John Jardine, jun., Portland Gardens, Mill Road, Kilmarnock. — Ci ta-
logue of Prize Plants and Seeds, 1887.

T. S. Ware, Tottenham. — Illustrated Catalogues of Hardy Perennials,
P ironies, Hardy Climbing Plants, Chrysanthemums, and Hardy Florists’
Flowers.

Boulton and Paul, Rose Lane Works, Norwich. — Price List of Horticul¬
tural Buildings and Boilers.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. AVe cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ oxpected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue.

Books (HosJiire Amateur). — The work you name is not now published.
(R. L ). — The “ Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary” will be of great service to
you as a work of reference.

Regal Pelargoniums (Inquisitive). — The “best” of anything is a
que^t on of taste. The following are good : — Dr. Masters, Duchess of Bed¬
ford, Duchess of Albany, Queen Victoria, Captain Raikes, Prince of Teck,
Princess of Wales, Madame Thibaut, Mr. John Hayes, MissLilyCanm.il.
Volontb Nationale, and Edward Pei kins.

Paint for Hot water Pipes (Paint). — Much of the rust can be brushed
or rubbed off when the pipes are quite dry. There is no better or safer
paint than mixing lampblack with linseed oil to the requisite consistency,
only hea'ing the pipes gently for drying. If one covering does not suffice
give a second when the first is dry.

Grapes for Succession (Ferndale). — Your conditions exclude the Black
Hamburgh and some other varieties. As coming within the scope of your
inqu’ry we’name Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandra, West’s St. Peter’s,
Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Pince, and Lady Downe’s.

Rhododendrons (W. P. W.). — If limestone is employed on the rords
in your district, we should not apply the scrapings to the land intended
to be planted with Rhododendrons ; but gritty matter not containing lime
would improve the soil considerably. As to “ ponticums ” being the best
for your purpose, that depends on what your “ purpos . ” is. You gave us
to understand you d sired to grow named varieties, that indicating your
preference for handsome trusses of flowers in grert variety of colour. If
all you wish is merely a mass of evergreens and little variety of colour,
then the common ponticums will answer, but they do not approach in
beauty the named caucasicum hybrids, which would be quite hardy in your
district. As to the size of the plants, that is entirely a question of cost-,
those 2 feet in diameter being necessarily more costly than others half that
size. As to distance of planting, that, too, is a question of cost. If you
wish an effective mass at first, you must plant closely. We have seeu small
plants 9 inches to a foot in d’ameter, inserted 4 feet apart, then in a few
years, after they nearly touched, every alternate Bhrub was removed and
the p'antation extended. No shrubs transplant better than these do in a.
large state.

Useful Apples (Idem). — The following are good for home use and
mark.t: — Dessert: Mr. Gladstone, Irish Peach, Devonshire Quarrenden,
Worcester Pearmain, King of the Pippins, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Margil,
Clargate Pearmain, Court Pendfi Plat, and Wyken Pippin. Culinary:
Lord Suffield, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Ecklinville, Peasgood’s Nonesuch,
Lane’s Prince Albert, Lord Derby, Winter Hawthornden, Warner's King,
and Blenheim Pippin, the second and last named being good also fer
des ert. Your om ssion to name the varieties you have is the reason we
name more than you ask for.

Mealy Bug on Vines (Homo). — We regret exceedingly the invasion of
your Vines by the mealy bug and the results of your endeavours to subdue
it. We have had to deal with Vines and their enemies for forty years, and
know something of the nature and habits of the insect in question, and of
the difficulty of banishing it from vineries ; and we are as confident as we
can be of anything, that had your Vines been in our charge, the advance
columns of the enemy would have been seen and steps promptly taken to
prevent their rapid increase. Notwithstanding all you say we are obliged
to conclude the enemy stole a march on you and yoursharp-eyed gaideners.
We know the Tomato midge very well, and that it can be destroyed by
repeated fumigation, but the mealy bug cannot. Since you failed to obtain
the name of the midge from the authority to whom you allude we may
inform you it is Aleyrodes vaporariorura. As the application of tar and
clay to Vines pass s your comprehension, we will cite from an article that
was published in our columns in 1884, showing how one of the best Grape
growers in Britain applied it and cleansed his Vines ; and it so happens
that one of his bunches of Grapes grown after the dres?ing is figured on
another page. Relative to cleansing and tarring Vines Mr. Murray, who
banished the mealy bug from his vineries, observed : — “ I pity anycne who
has charge of Vines infested with mealy bug, for it was truly said by one of

February 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

143

our leading gardener! a few years ago ‘Those who have a mealy bug on
their Vines may consider it as bad as the phylloxera.’ I consider it much
worse, for in the case of mealy hug the gardener year after year battles with
his grievance, giving the Vines their yearly dressing, thinking it will be the
last required for eradicating the pest ; but when the thinning time comes
round he finds to his horror that he has been disappointed. Our plan is to
commenoe cleaning the middle house, taking all bedding p'ants out, if any,
and having nothing hut the Vines to be dealt with ; then cover all the
border to the depth of 9 inches with long litter from the stab'es — this saves
the soil from being trampled on too much, an 1 catches all insects that mty
be washed off the Vines or the house. The Vines are next taken down,
pruned, and laid along the front of the house ; all the loose whitewash is
then scraped off the back wall, and nothing is speedier for this work than a
Dutch hoe. When the wall is finished and all the dirt settled we give the
house a thorough washing down with the wa'er engine, mixing the water
with paraffin oil, a little stronger than it is generally recommended. During
the time that the engine is going we cover the Vines with mats ; we then
wash the Vines with soap and water before taking off any of the bark — this
damps the webs t iat surround the bug, and prevents it blowing about and
settling on any part of the house that has been cleaned. After the Vines
have been washed, and before they are dry, any loose bark can he taken off
and the rods again washed with soap and water; they are then ready for
the effectual cure. To a mixture of clay and wa'er about the thickness of
cream one-third of coal tar is added, stirring till properly mixed, and one
man keeps stirring the mixture during the time that another is painting the
Vine rods. An ordinary painter’s brush is used, and instead of keeping the
mixture off the eyes of the Vines, as lately advised, rub it well in. When
the Vines are completed the woodwork of the vinery will be dry. This and
the wires are then painted. We prefer to do this inside painting ourselv; s,
taking care to fill up every crevice with pure paraffin, then with putty.
When the painting is finished the Vines are ti d in their places, the long
litter is removed, and any loose soil on the border as well ; but if the soil is
very dry we sprinkle it with water to keep down the dust. Then for a finish
the back wall is whitewashed, the hot-wa'er pipes painted, and the border
top-dre3sed. Anyone who has to deal with mealy bug on Vines is advised
to give the above plan a trial.” Several gardeners have tried the plan,
and, well carried out, it has proved satisfactory.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be mined
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
{Hants). — 1, Doyenne d’Alengon. 2, Jaminette. 3, Besi de Quessoy.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should hear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
co-tin wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can he named at once.
(G. K. J.). — The orange-coloured fruit is that of Physalis Alkekengi ; the
climbing plant is Boussingaultia baselloides, a native of South America,
half-hardy in this country, and requiies the protection of a greenhouse in
winter.

Transferring Bees (TV. H. TV.).— -You “ can ” transfer your bees on any
warm day in April. We do not “advise” you to do so, but if you have
determined to transfer them we can only tell you how it may most easily
be done. The bees must all be driven out of the hive into an empty skep,
which must be placed on the stand upon which the stock has stood. The
skep, the combs of which it is intended to transfer, may be cut in two
transversely between tho two centre combs. The combs may now easily
he cut out and must be fitted into the frames. When a frame is filled with
comb three pieces of tape should be passed round the frame at requisite
distances to retain the comb in position. These tapes must be removed
after an inteival of two days. If some frames cannot be filled to the bottom
a false bottom rail must be inserted to hold the combs together. No drone
comb should be transferred. After all the frames are placed in position the
bees may he thrown on to a sheet in front of the hive and will quickly
re-enter their new home, the hive to stand where the skep Btood before the
opera- ion. A far pref rable plan would be to allow each stock to swarm, or
to take an artificial swarm therefrom, to hive these swarms, if strong ones,
in s -parade hives ; if small ones, then together in ore hive. Allow a cast
to issue from each stock ; place these casts again in separate hives, and
place these hives close to the old stocks from which the casts have respec¬
tively issued. About twenty-two days after the issue of the first swarm
from each hive proceed to transfer the combs — if they are worth the
trouble — in the manner pointed out, and give the combs so taken from
each stock to the “ cast ” places by its side, uniting the bees also according
to the method point d out many times in this Journal. You will then have
either three hives, or, if the sw’arms are strong, four. In the other method
the stocks would, unless you have more than ordinary skill and knowledge,
quite poss-bly b6 entirely ruined, and be profitless all this season. A
Woodbury hive ” contains ten frames, 13 by 7J inches (inside measure¬
ment), with projections of five-eighths of an inch, which rest in a rabbet a
little below the surface of the hive, leaving a space of three-eighths of an
inch between the top of the frames and the crownboard. Thess frames
are 1 inch wide, and are kept half an inch apart ; three-eighths bee space is
left between the sides and bottom of the hive and sides and bottom of the
frames. The inside measurement of the hive is 14) inches square and
■9 inches deep. Tlrs hive also generally has a “ window ” at the back.
This is a description of the original “Woodbury;” there is another made
of straw instead of “ wood.” We have endeavoured to answer your question
fully, but cannot ent»r into further detail at present, although there are
several alternative methods to the one here given ; however, the whole
question will be discussed as fully as possible in the course of the papers
on “ Practical Bee-keeping,” and you will then have an opportunity of
judging for yourself on the advisability of adopting one or other of the
plans so described.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — February 10th.

Market quiet. Grapes making better prices, as also good samples of
home grown Apples.

FRUIT.

Cobs

Figs

d.

d

a.

d.

a.

d.

H.

d

0

to 5

0

Melon . .

0

0

to 0

0

Nova Scotia ati'i

Oranges

6

0

12

o

Canada, per barrel 10

0

is

0

Peaohes . .

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Pears.. ..

1

0

2

0

0

70

0

Pine Apples

English .. tb.

1

6

2

0

0

0

0

Plums ..

1

0

2

0

&

3

6

St. Michael Pines ..each

a

0

6

0

0

15

0

Strawberries

. . .. por tb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes
Asparagus
Beaus, Kidney
Beet, Red

Capsicums

Cauliflowers

Coleworts

Cucumbers

Heroi

Leeks

s.

d

8.

d

8

d.

8

d

.. dozen

i

0 to 0

0

Lettuce ..

1

0

to 1

6

•

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms

. . pun .to t

0

6

l

0

.. per lb

e

6

1

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

•

.. dozen

l

0

2

0

Ouions ..

0

8

0

0

e

0

0

e

Parsley ..

dozen bunches

3

0

3

0

ts

.. 4 sieve

2

0

a

8

Parsnips ..

i

0

2

0

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . .

4

0

3

6

.. 100

1

6

2

0

Kid ue y

.. owt.

4

0

5

0

0

*

0

0

Rhubarb . .

-%

.. bundle

0

2

0

0

•

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy ..

1

0

i

0

i

6

2

0

Scorzonora

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale ..

per basket

1

6

2

0

•

•• each

0

8

0

4

3hallots ..

0

3

0

6

1

0

2

0

Spinach ..

.. bushel

8

0

4

0

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

6

1

0

0

8

0

4

Turnip* ..

0

4

0

6

•

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

<1.

B.

d.

S.

d.

B.

d.

Abutilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

6

Arana Lilies .. 13 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Azalea .. .. 12 sprays

0

6

1

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

NarcihS. Paper-white bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

„ White English, bunch

1

s

1

6

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

,, .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

6

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

" 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

,, (indoor), per dozen

l

0

2

6

Cornflower .. 13 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

9

Cyclamen .. 12 blooms

0

4

0

9

,, red (French) dozen

2

6

3

6

Dahlias . . 13 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

7

0

Epiphyilnm .. doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

PoiuSbttia . . 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Eucharis .. per dozen

4

0

6

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias .. 12 blooms 12

0

24

0

,. (double) p*r bunch

1

0

i

6

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

.. .. 12 sprays

4

0

6

0

TropiBolam .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lopageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red . . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

9

i

0

„ Iongiflorum,12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

6

2

6

Lilac (white), French, bunoh

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

2

0

2

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Fern?, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Arbor vit« (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elastica .. each

1

6 to 7

0

,« (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea .. .. per dozen 24

0

86

0

Hyacinths .. per dozen

6

9

9

0

Begonias .. .. dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley. . .. dozen 18

0

24

0

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

12

0

Cyclamen .. .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracama termmalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Narcisa (various) . . dozen 12

0

15

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensia per doz.

4

0

fi

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Solan i ms per doz.

9

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Tulips .. . .per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

MANURE FOR PASTURE.

That the ordinary farmer is practically ignorant of
the management of pasture has been repeatedly insisted
upon by us when we have been calling attention to our
own practice and its results. We have done this at the
risk of being accused of egotism, for it is a matter of such
high importance, and which has been so much neglected,
as to call for clear statements and forcible treatment at
our hands. We had, and still have, a fair right to a
hearing, for we came to our readers with no mere theory,
no fanciful conjecture of what was possible, but with a
statement of results, and full details of the practice which
had led to them.

One of the most important points — perhaps the most
important in the cultivation of pasture — is the application

144

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 17, 1587.

of manure. That which we have used with invariable
success for different kinds of soil for grass land per acre
is half a hundredweight nitrate of potash, three-quarter
hundredweight of nitrate of soda, half a hundredweight ol
superphosphate, and half a hundredweight of steamed
bonefiour. These chemical manures are procured
separately from a reliable source, and mixed under care¬
ful supervision at the farm upon which they are to be
used. Experience has shown that the end of February is
the best time to apply the mixture, for then we are con¬
fident of enough rain falling to dissolve or wash the
manures into the soil. If we wait a month longer we are
by no means so sure of this, and it was a want of the pro¬
verbial April showers for two consecutive years that in¬
duced us to use the manure in February. It may never¬
theless answer well enough in the west and south-west, or
in the moist climate of Ireland to wait till April, but that
is a matter easy of comprehension. It is quite patent
that without rain soon after applying chemical manures
to grass the results must prove unsatisfactory.

We wish to call particular attention to the importance
of using a judicious mixture, wherein are blended in just
proportion those manurial constituents with which it is
necessary that the soil should be charged, in order to
ensure a rich growth of herbage throughout the season.
Nicety of calculation as to the exact quantity of each
manure which should be used is certainly desirable, but
we cannot ask a farmer to await the result of experiments
extending over two or three years before using any mix¬
ture for his particular farm. Our mixture was selected
with much care by Professor Jamieson, and we have found
it answer so well that we have no hesitation in asking our
readers to use it, and by using more or less of nitrogen
and potash upon different parts of a farm, sufficient ex¬
perience would soon be gained to enable them to decide
with safety upon any alteration in the quantities given.
We may say here that in our own experiments we have
used twice the quantity of each kind of manure per acre,
the result being a crop of more than twice the bulk of
that following an ordinary dressing. So that we regard
the formula given as both moderate and safe for ordinary
uses.

If proof were required of the general defects in the
management of pasture we could point to the experiments
carried out last year by Mr. Martin J. Sutton in Oxford¬
shire. Six fields were selected upon a farm of thin,
gravelly, light soil, each field being divided into six plots.
One plot in each field had no manure ; the second plot
had a dressing of sulphate of ammonia at the rate of a
cwt. per acre; the third II cwt. of nitrate of soda; the
fourth 3 cwt. of superphosphate of lime and 2 cwt. of
kainit; the fifth 1 cwt. sulphate of ammonia and 2 cwt.
of kainit ; and the sixth 3 cwt. superphosphate of lime,
1 cwt. nitrate of soda, and 2 cwt, of kainit per acre.
We have thus two plots dressed Avith nitrogenous manures,
one with mineral manures, and two with a combination
ol mineral and nitrogenous manures in varying propor¬
tions. Upon an old pasture, and another four years old,
both the sixth plots gave the best results ; but in layers
with Rye grass nitrate of soda answered best, as Avas to
be expected.

So far as these experiments go they are useful, but they
do not go far enough. We require in chemical manure
for pasture a mixture of nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric
acid suitable for the promotion of a free robust groAvth
in Clovers as Avell as grasses. It must, moreover, be so
blended as to provide food for something more than the
mere groAvth of a season. To secure such growth is un¬

doubtedly our primary object, but Ave must also strive to
sustain a store of fertility in the soil till the next season’s
application of manure. This is precisely Avliat Ave have
found Professor Jamieson’s mixture to do. It does more
than this, for an annual application leads to a gradual
but marked improvement in pasture, so that not only do
Ave get a full crop of hay, but also an abundant aftermath,
and such Avell sustained vigour during Avinter that an early
groAvth of Avondertul luxuriance in spring is visible long
before there is any perceptible groAvth upon poor neglected
pasture.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Heavy accounts for oilcake arc among the things which tend to
cripple the efforts of a farmer to make both ends meet in these hard
times. Often have we expounded our views upon the importance of
growing food for cattle upon the farm itself, so far as it is possible to
do so. We certainly exemplify this advice in our own practice, and so
far this course has proved materially to our advantage. The ewe flocks
have no cake, only crushed Oats. The other sheep fattening in folds
and yards have crushed Oats mixed with beanmeal and chaff. Bean-
meal is most nutritious food, and we have now remarkable proof of this
in the condition of some bullocks which have been fattened with bean-
meal, chaff, and pulped roots. The highest price offered us for Beans
was 31s. per quarter, and we decided to use most of them rather than
sell at so low a price, for the Beans weighed from 500 lbs. to 540 lbs.
per quarter. The result proves that we did right. By way of experi¬
ment we are feeding some bullocks at another farm with crushed Oats,
maizemcal, pulped roots, and chaff. AVe buy the Maize at 21s. 3d. per
quarter, and certainly we expect at least equally good results from it.
Beans would cost us 32s. per quarter, and therefore, as we have to buy
some food for the animals upon one of our farms, we prefer the Maize,
not only because it is cheaper, but also because in fat and flesh-forming
properties it is a little superior to Beans. We know a clever farmer, an
excellent manager of live stock, who uses very successfully a mixture
of crushed corn, Oats, and Barley, with some maizemeal and linseed-
meal, which makes a nutritious and very fattening mixture.

We have sown Peas during the past week, and have kept as many
ploughs at work as possible, so as to have the soil in readiness for the
spring corn. There is excellent promise of a fine seed bed and early
sowing for all spring crops, the long frost having pulverised the soil,
and a strong north-east wind at the time of writing this note is also
doing much good. This wind will also materially improve the condition
of Wheat still in stacks, and well would it have been had much Wheat
threshed during the frost been left in the stacks till the present time.
To thresh corn when the grain is liable to be hurtfully affected by the
moist condition of the atmosphere is bad practice, often involving a
serious loss.

Dairy Farming. — Will some of your readtrs give me their experience of
dairy farming and the prospect for a young man to make a living by it?
How should he learn, an l how loDg it would take ? Tnen the bett pDce,
and how should he set up for himself ? and what is the smallest capitil he
coaid start with ? and when is the best time to make a beginning ? Auy in¬
formation will be most gratefully received. — Champion.

OUR LETJ?ER BOX.

Agricultural Salt (Cropper). — If you write to Messrs. John Corbitt ail
Co., the Salt Works, Droitwich, we think you will succeed in obtaining all
the information you require.

METEOROLOGICAL O USER VAT 10 NS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

O) G9 — i

Hygrome-

a .

O

Shade Tem-

Radiation

f

1887.

is* 5

ter.

3 a

&S8

peratnre.

Tempsratar-

2

February.

££

Skg-

In

Ou

Dry.

Wet.

So

Max

Min.

saa.

gra-*

Inches.

de?.

deg.

deer.

deg.

d*cr

deer

dee

In.

Sunday .

80.683

36.2

34 L

N. w.

41.9

48 0

34.0

62.2

26.4

— .

Monday .

t 7

30.747

32.2

32.2

S.E.

39.8

41.6

32.1

50.0

26. L

—

Tuesday .

30.744

29.0

29.1

N.E.

38.3

38.3

26. 4

63.2

2«.8

—

Wednesday .

. 9

30.7 LI

33.3

31.4

E.

37 6

57.1

28 8

60.9

25.1

Thursday ...

10

30.520

30.4

28.6

N E.

36 8

358

27.6

70.9

24 2

—

Friday .

30.367

33.9

32.2

N.E.

36.3

38 y

30.2

45 l

26.6

—

Saturday . .

.12

30.464

35.7

34.2

N.

36.2

45.4

33.1

76.6

292

—

30.606

33.1

31.7

—

33.2

40.8

30.3

62.1

25.9

-

REMARKS.

Gtli. — A lovely spring day,

7tli. — Fog in morning; fine later, with some bright sunshine in afternoon.

8th.— Generally dull, hut a little sunshine in afternoon.

9th.— Fine, with some sunshine.

10th.— Fine morning ; bright sunny afternoon.

11th.— Fair, but without bright sunshine.

12th.— Fine, bright, and rather windy; brilliant evening.

A rainless week, with cold easterly winds and a moderate amount of snnshlnc. Tem¬
perature about 10° below that of the preceding week, ami 3“ below theaveruge. Pressure
euwrkably high.— G. J. SIMONS.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

145

February 24, 1887. ]

24

Th

Royal Society at 4.S0 p M.

25

P

Queaett Club at 8 P.M.

26

S

Koyal Potarro florffetv at 3.45 P.M.

27

SUN

1st Sunday in Lent.

23

M

1

Tu

2

w

Sooiety of Arts at 8 P.M.

POTTING AND WATERING CATTLEYAS-

IIESE are two very important items connected
witli the successful culture of these plants.
^ Houses may be of the best description, shading
and ventilating properly attended to, but un¬
less potting and watering the plants are carried
out in a judicious manner the other treatment,
however good it may be, will not lead to
success.

It is an open question which is the best time to carry
out the operation of potting. It is generally considered
that the plants should he active at their roots before it is
done; but this is by no means important, for we tested
the matter some years ago, and now repot the whole of
our plants that need it before they start into growth.
This we consider preferable, for the work can be accom¬
plished with less injury to the roots, which are very brittle
after they have commenced extension. Another objection
to repotting them after they are growing is the great
danger of checking the plants by the removal of the com¬
post. The best time to repot them is before growth has
commenced, just as they have completed their period of
rest, as any check at that time will only be slight.

Disturbing the roots of Cattleyas too often is a mis¬
take, and when they are repotted a shift should be given
sufficiently large to last them until the compost used
needs renewal. They are well worthy of the best peat
that can be obtained, and even from this the soil par¬
ticles should be removed and only the fibre employed.
Inferior peat with the small particles left in the compost
becomes “pasty,” a condition Cattleyas cannot endure,
and they then need disturbing very frequently. Good
peat fibre watered as will be described will last three if
not four years. We have just been repotting some plants
that were imported two years ago. They were potted
after they started into gi’owth, and the fibre is still sweet
and will last for another two years. In this case a shift
to last for that period only is given. The pots or pans in
which they are growing must always be broken, for the
roots cling tenaciously to the sides, and it is impossible
to turn them out without destroying a large number.
We prefer pans for these plants to pots, of a perfectly
plain make with three or four holes in the base ; none at
the sides, for they become green and have an unsightly
appearance.

When the pans are broken any portions to which the
roots cling should not be pulled off, but the old soil care¬
fully picked out. It must then be determined how much
drainage shall be placed in the new pans. We invariably
invert one or more whole pots according to the size of the
pan, and then arrange the plant with the portions of the

old pan attached, filling in about the roots with clean
crocks of various sizes until the pan is half or three parts
full, as each individual case may demand. It is very
difficult to lay down any hard-and-fast rule in this matter,
for with established plants scarcely any two can be done
exactly alike. Some plants will not have rooted down
into the drainage, and in this case the pans may be three
parts filled with crocks before placing the plant into posi¬
tion. It is much easier to drain the pans neatly and
satisfactorily for those that have not rooted deeply than
for those that have, but a little practice only is needed to
do the work well in each case. When large portions of
the old pan cling to the roots, and large pieces of broken
pots are arranged amongst them, two or three smaller
sizes should be at hand for dropping in amongst the
larger pieces. In each case, for the surface of the
drainage a layer of crocks broken moderately small, such
as would remain in a half-inch mesh sieve, but pass
through one with three-quarters of an inch mesh, should
be placed on the surface. Over this a layer of peat fibre
with not a trace of fine soil in it; moss may be used, but
fibre is best, for the moss decomposes too quickly. The
remaining space may be filled with peat fibre and char¬
coal, used in good sized lumps, with a few moderately
small crocks scattered in as the work of filling pro¬
ceeds. Take every care to press the compost as firmly as
possible without breaking the roots.

Some incorporate living sphagnum moss amongst the
compost, but we have discontinued the practice. The
object should be to place nothing in the pans that will
decompose rapidly, for Cattleyas, of all Orchids, are very
impatient of sour material about their roots ; in fact, they
will not long remain healthy if care is not taken in this
matter. If sphagnum is employed it should be arranged
on the surface, so that it can be picked out annually
without disturbing the roots, and fresh supplied just after
the plants have started into growth.

In potting imported plants for the first time they
must not have too large pans or pots These should be
filled within an inch of the surface, when the plant may
be arranged into its proper position. In many instances
it is necessary to place a stout stake in the centre, by
which the plant can be firmly secured in its place. When
this is necessary the stake should be placed in before the
drainage, so that the latter will keep it perfectly steady.
When the plant is in position the remaining portion of
the pot may be filled with broken pots until the plant
commences rooting and growing, when a portion can be
removed and peat fibre supplied, with a little moss on the
surface. The peat may be added at first if careful water¬
ing is practised. We have tried both ways and have
found no appreciable difference in the results, and there¬
fore use a little peat when first potting them to save the
trouble of examining the plants a second time.

Cattlejas succeed remarkably well in baskets sus¬
pended from the roof, but particular care is needed when
they are first placed in them. If the peat fibre is very
deep in the baskets or well into the centre, supplying
them with fresh compost is not an easy matter. After
they become a mass of roots it is very difficult to get the
old soil out. The baskets should be nearly filled at the
commencement with good sized pieces of crocks and char¬
coal in lumps, the peat being only used near the surface
and sides of the basket ; moss is best for the latter posi¬
tion. Under these circumstances the rvliole can be re¬
moved; any that cannot be picked out with the fingers

No. 348. — Yon. XIV., Third Series

No. 2004.— Vol. LXXVI., Odd Series.

146

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ February 21, 1887.

can be broken with a pointed stick and then washed out
with tepid water. Before replacing the compost, how¬
ever, the plants must be allowed to drain well, so that
the charcoal and roots become dry. When plants need
larger baskets do not attempt to remove them from those
they are growing in, but the basket should be dropped
into the new one and the space between the two filled
with charcoal and crocks, using peat fibre and moss near
the surface, and the latter round the sides of the
baskets to assist in retaining moisture during the grow¬
ing season about the roots of the plants. After the old
compost is removed rebasketing these plants is an easy
process.

Cattleyas require very careful watering if they are to
be kept in a luxuriant condition. Too frequently they
receive too much water, with the result that the stems and
foliage present a sickly appearance. The quantity of
water during the resting or growing period depends upon
the temperature the plants are grown in. If they are
grown under cool airy conditions during the •winter less
water is required than when the plants are given warmer
treatment. During the summer those subjected to liberal
ventilation will require more water than those grown
under a closer system of treatment. Under whatever
conditions they may be grown as regards temperature,
shading, and ventilation, no more water should be given
than is sufficient to keep the pseudo-bulbs fresh and
plump. This must be strictly adhered to from the time
growth is completed until they display signs of activity
during the months of February and March. From that
period the supply should be gradually increased as root
and bulb growth extends until the time of greatest activity
has been reached, when liberal supplies should be given
until the pseudo-bulbs are firm, when the supply again
should be gradually decreased. During active growth
they must not be saturated, neither must the compost
about their roots ever be allowed to become dry. When
they are watered a thorough soaking should be given, and
the plants left until they nearly approach a dry state,
when the operation should at once be repeated. The
system of syringing them heavily once or twice a day can¬
not be too strongly condemned, for this system keeps the
compost in a state of saturation; in fact, they become
too wet by this method, and the fibre of the compost is
decayed much quicker than would otherwise be the case.
Injudicious watering soon renders the compost sour, and
the roots of the plants decay to a sufficient extent to
render their appearance anything but satisfactory. Take
two plants, and keep one on what I may term the dry system,
and subject the other to the opposite extreme, and it will
be found that the general appearance of the first will be
decidedly the more satisfactory. It will not only possess
larger pseudo-bulbs and foliage of a darker green, but the
roots will be thoroughly healthy, while those of the other
will be in a state of decay. Cattleyas require less water
than the majority of Orchids, and only for a very limited
time during their most active stage should what we may
term liberal supplies be given them.

I am no advocate for baking the plants as practised
by some cultivators, but prefer to keep a moderate amount
of moisture in the atmosphere during the season of in¬
activity, and thoroughly moist during the most active
period of their growth. — A Northerner.

SOME GOOD VEGETABLES.

Somewhat late in th9 day I proceed to give my experience in
1886 of a few novelties and of other older varieties of vegetables

with selections, trusting that my experience may be of some little use
to your readers. Owing to my leaving my late residence in Septem¬
ber I was not full}' able to see some of my Brussels Sprouts at their
best, for they were rather backward. Taking everything into con¬
sideration I had fewer disappointments in my novelties than I might
have expected, and although the season was a very unfavourable one
to me at a critical period 1 had a good opportunity to form a fair
opinion of the qualities of my various produce.

In Broad Beans I grew Suttons’ Mammoth, Daniels’ Norfolk
Giant, and John Harrison ; the last is the best cropper and of highest
quality. Of runner Beans I only grew Girtford Giant, which pro¬
duced long fleshy pods, brittle as glass and very straight. The
quality is all that could be wished, and it is excellent for exhibition.
I found NePlus Ultra Dwarf Bean an immense bearer of long tender
Beans which stood the test of the pot. The Monster Negro was in every
way satisfactory, and I prefer it to the Canadian Wonder. It is
very prolific indeed, and the two varieties mentioned will keep up an
excellent succession.

Brussels Sprou's : — Daniels’ Colossal, Webb’s Matchless, Gilbert's
Burghley were all excellent, the last growing very tall indeed with
good compact sprouts. Matchless have not so large knobs, but they
are very hard and weigh well, neat in appearance, and splendid
quality. A Chou de Burghley Brussels Sprout which I believe Mr.
Gilbert has dubbed Chou de Realite, I cut very good heads from. It
is very dwarf with side sprouts, but the heads form a firm miniature
Cabbage possessing the flavour of the famous Chou and the Brussels
combined, very sweet and entirely free from the objectionably strong
taste so often found in the Brussels. Of Savoy Cabbages Gilbert’s
Universal is far and away the best. It is a neat little beauty, which
comes in quickly and lasts long. I cut some in September, and
brought some here which I am cutting now. It is as sweet as a nut,
and when boiled you are not driven out of the house by the stench as
you are by some of the Savoy. It is a great acquisition. Dean’s
Snowball Cauliflower is very early, forming small but very white
heads in about fifteen weeks from sowing. Suttons’ New Red Inter¬
mediate Carrot cannot be bettered, for it is handsome in appearance,
and altogether the best selection I have ever grown. Lyon Leek is
a monster, and no doubt will be in favour with exhibitors.

In Mr. Igsjulden’s Marston Park Green-flesh, Lunefield Hybrid
Scarlet, and Mr. Abbey’s W. Iggulden Green-flesh, I found three
Melons not easily to be surpassed. The last I was much taken with,
for the constitution was excellent, the fruit large and beautifully
netted, and the flavour very fine indeed. The Scarlet-flesh was the
best I have tasted of the colour, but I am afraid I am prejudiced in
favour of green-flesh. It has verv neat oval fruits, whilst Marston
Park is rouud and only second to W. Iggulden.

Suttons’ Golden Globe Onion is a very good one, but I prefer
Cranston’s Excelsior, which is very handsome, weighty, and a good
keeper. Early Kenilworth, William the Conqueror, Satisfaction,
Duke of Albany, Duke of Connaught, Triumph, and several other
Peas were tried. As a first early Early Kenilworth will take a
forward p’ace, for it is a good cropper of excellent quality, whilst
the C mqueror follows in a week later. They are very similar, and
both are round blue Peas. Satisfaction is a real beauty ; I never
tasted]a Pea I liked so much, for it is sweet as sugar, and melts in
your mouth, whilst the Peas are truly immense. No one should fail
to try this Pea, and I have no doubt those who do will derive “ satis¬
faction.” Duke of Albany is excellent for the show table, is also a
very great bearer and of good flavour. Duke of Connaught is very
sweet, but I was not satisfied with it, but it was not well situated,
and I will not condemn it. Triumph (Sharpe) is good in all respects,
and will no doubt be had in esteem by market growers, for it is an
immense bearer, and 3 feet high. Early Milan Turnip is the earliest,
flue in appearance, and good in quality if used quickly.

Suttons’ Seedling Potato is handsome, a good cropper, and splendid
on the dinner table. I say to all, Try it. Village Blacksmith is a
peculiar ru3setted Potato, but is very floury. I have not fairly tried
it, but I am pleased with it so far. Sharpe’s Victor is the very
best first early Potato anyone can grow, excellent for frames, good
cropper, of fine quality ; and Duke of Albany, which is a white Beauty
of Hebron, is an excellent follow on. With Reading Russet and
Vicar of Laleham for a later crop and for exhibition it would be
very hard indeed to pick out six better Potatoes. — H. S. Easty.

P.S. — Since writing the above I find that while I was writing my
remarks you were printing Mr. Iggulden’s. He has taken “ the wind
out of my sails,” but I am glad to see his opinion of many varieties
agrees with mine, and he has not touched on all my subjects. I must
chance it, and send in the above so that the editor can print or con¬
sign it to the waste paper basket as he thinks proper.

[The decision is quickly formed — to “print.” Notes founded on
experience are acceptable to U3, because useful to our readers, and
we thank Mr. Easty for his contributions.]

February M, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

147

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 105.')

VARIETIES TO GROW.

I hardly know what to say here, many of my friends differing
from me so much on this subject, but nothing I have heard yet has
shaken me in the opinion I formed long ago, and to which I shall
continue to adhere. That opinion is not to have too many varieties.
“ Over a thousand varieties to select from,” says some nurseryman’s
catalogue. “ Seven or eight hundred too many,” say I. What do
you want, reader, is it a whole lot of jaw-breaking names ? I do
wish Messieurs the French raisers would be content with one name
for each Rose, or at least abbreviate some of them. What have we
done that we should be crushed beneath the weight of such a col¬
lection of syllables as Louis Philippe d’Orleans, or Fian^ailles de la
Princesse Stephanie, while such short and convenient names as
John Smith, or Brown, or Jones, and hundreds of others go
a-begging ? Is it a collection of names you wish for, half or three-
quarters of the Roses corresponding to which will do no good, and
are not worth the name labels expended on them ? Our catalogues
are, to my thinking, very defective, and will be, until there is a
mark inserted against each variety signifying about how many
blooms may be expected in one season from one tree ; or rather, in
many cases, how many years one would have to wait for a bloom.
As it is, the catalogues are most misleading to a beginner. Take
one instance — Pierre Notting is described by a leading nurseryman
as, “blackish red shaded with violet, very large and full, form
globular, one of the best dark Roses.” Perfectly true, and during
the last ten years I daresay I may have seen in my garden, con¬
taining considerably over a dozen plants of this variety, at least
two blooms, glorious ones, fully bearing out all that is said here in
its praise, but “ as a useful Rose for cutting or market purposes ”
it would be a dead failure, and there are many like it. My advice
to those who require it is to find out those Roses which do well in
their respective neighbourhoods, and have a lot of them, to the
utter exclusion of these shy beauties, which are not worth the room
they take up. Those who wish to study the beauties of each
individual Rose may have one or two plants of each variety, and
these people will cut now and again one or two superb blooms.
But those who want Roses everywhere — in the house, and out of it,
to keep and to give away by the hundred, must proceed differently.
One plant of La France will give more flowers in one season than
fifty plants of Pierre Notting. A good bed of Marquise de Castel-
lane will bloom all through the summer. Boule de Neige, though
not a show Rose, gives myriads of beautiful white Camellia-like
flowers, preferred beyond any other Rose by many ladies for
personal adornment, and there are many others equally free-
blooming and desirable.

I often hear people say, “ I have a plant of La France, but I
should like to try one of Pierre Notting.” It is in vain to point
out what I have already called the reader’s attention to — experience
is the only cure. I do not pretend to be a bit wiser or more clever
than anybody else, so I have not the slightest hesitation in saying
that in my own case it was not until I was tired of looking at
plants which rarely gave any satisfaction in the way of blooms,
that I began to replace these with good free-flowering varieties. I
once had a collection of about 250 varieties, more than half of
these utterly worthless in this district, whatever they may be in
other parts of the kingdom. Now with ten times as many plants
I question if I could count half the sorts. On the other hand, the
plants of the three sterling varieties, La France, Baroness Roth¬
schild, and her beautiful daughter, Merveille de Lyon, would, at the
present time, in my garden, amount to something between twelve
and fifteen hundred, and their numbers are still increasing. I
become more and more in love with these good honest Roses, that
year after year give me, in return for my care and attention, a rich,
a certain, and a constant harvest of blooms. In thus concentrating
my attention on the best varieties, and gradually discarding the
inferior ones, or those that refuse to bloom, I may be peculiar, but
I honestly believe that amateurs growing Roses in a large way,
and who have had much experience, are mostly of my way of
thinking.

Another fact that assists my view of the matter is, that many
of our free-blooming garden Roses are among our very best show
Roses, so that by having a collection of these one can kill two
birds with one stone — compete at the shows, and at the same time
have lots of Roses for other purposes.

It will be impossible for me here to enumerate all the Roses
now in cultivation ; those who wish for such a list should procure
a Rose catalogue from some first-class nurseryman. I shall content
myself with giving what I believe to be the most suitable sorts for
a beginner, and which, in my opinion, would form a splendid
collection. Before I do so, let me point out to the reader that my
experiences have been entirely on a very light soil, and in a very

exposed situation, where I find the lighter Roses answer better than
the darker, these latter never developing the depth of colour, or
coming true to description on light poor soil like mine.

White Roses.

Merveille de Lyon (show)

Helen Paul „

Violet Bouyer „

Boule de Neige (not a show Rose)

Pink Roses.

Baroness Rothschild (show)

Marquise de Castellane „

La Prance „

Madame G. Luizet „

Pride of Waltham „

Captain Christy „

Madame E. Verdier „

Mdlle. E. Verdier „

Red, Light Red, and Scarlet
Roses.

Alfred Colomb (show)

A. K. Williams „

Ulrich Brunner „

Beauty of Waltham ,,

Duchess of Bedford „

*Duke of Edinburgh „

Dr. Andry „

E. Y. Teas „

EtieDne Levet „

Marie Baumann „

Madame Victor Verdier „

Dark Roses.

Charles Lefebvre (show)

Horace Vernet „

Fisher Holmes ,,

Dark Roses ( continued ).

Louis Van Houtte (show)

Prince Camille de Rohan „

Xavier Oiibo „

Late Autumn Roses.
Souvenir de la Malmaison (show)
Madame Isaac Perrier „

Mrs. Jowitt „

Other good Show Roses
Are —

Countess of Oxford (show)

Countess of Rosebery „

Henri Schultheis „

Lady Sheffield „

Marie Rady „

Marie Verdier „

Mdlb>. Therese Levet „

Marguerite de St. Amand „

Princess Beatrice „

Star of Waltham „

Old Favourites.
General Jacqueminot
John Hopper

Madame Noman (a little gem)
Mrs. Bosanquet „ „

Two Roses to Grow Every¬
where and Bloom pretty
well Always.

Gloire de Dijon
Cheshunt Hybrid

The Roses mentioned, with one or two exceptions, are all
Hybrid Perpetuals. In my opinion, leaving out these exceptions
and a few similar ones, it is a waste of time to grow many others,
if this section can be got to do well. Where walls require to be
covered quickly, recourse may be had to the more rampant-growing
kinds, but for smaller climbers we can still use some of the Hybrid
Perpetuals.

I am not forgetting the Teas and Noisettes in making these,
remarks. I shall have more to say about these later on. —
D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

PEACH CULTURE OUT OF DOORS.

The decline in outdoor Peach culture has been attributed by many
to a gradual change in our climate, and by some to the great amount of
labour bestowed on modern decorative gardening. The latter theory 1
believe to be nearer the truth. Of late years large flower gardens have
monopolised a great portion of the gardener’s time, and large quantities
of plants must be grown for indoor use. and a heavy demand for cut
flowers must be supplied. Under these circumstances it is not surpris¬
ing to find that Peach walls are neglected. As a rule, men take to what
is most popular at the time they are learning. During the last twenty
years flower gardening and Grape-growing have certainly taken the
lead, and have produced men accordingly. At present the most popular
flowrers are Orchids, which will, no doubt, result in a good supply of
Orchid growers a few years hence. I do not intend to argue that our
climate is exactly what it was twenty or thirty years ago, but whatever
change there has been in that respect there has been a far greater change
in our men. The fine crops of Peaches and Nectarines grown at Ditton
Park and Singleton Abbey prove that our climate is still good enough
to grow them well. Last season I gathered over 1000 fine Peaches and
Nectarines from our wall, although we are within the reach of the
London smoke. But to secure this result our trees received every care-
and attention, being kept thoroughly clean, and the shoots properly
regulated during the growing season. In the flowering period we use a
covering of frigi domo at night, unless the weather is very mild, and
we seldom fail to have a good set. I regard a clean, healthy, well
cropped Peach tree as one of the finest sights in a garden. — E. B.

[We can testify to our correspondent’s success, the trees under his
charge indicate most satisfactorily the excellent treatment they receive.]

DESTROYING ANTS.

I CAN vouch for the efficacy of the following in the destruction of
ants. Take a small quantity of cyanide of potassium, dissolve in a little
water, in this solution saturate small flocks of cotton wool, then place
them on the ant runs and round the nest. A few minutes’ observation
will convince “ T. C. A.” or anyone else that this will only require to be
repeated a few times to have the desired effect. Here, some time ago,

* I never could bloom this Roue well ; not suitable for light toils.

[ February 21,1887.

-148 • JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

wc were overrun with ants, now we have only the nucleus of one small
colony. Cyanide being a strong poison should be handled carefully. —
A. Douglas, Baldersby Park Gardens.

Your correspondent “T. C. A.” in your issue of February 17th, page
131, says “ that he is greatly pestered with ants in his Vine, Peach, and
Orchid houses.” I have had no difficulty in eradicating them from Vine
and Peach houses, by clearing the houses of moveable plants and taking
advantage of a few degrees of frost ; this completely exterminated them.

Regarding the Orchid houses I experienced great difficulty, and quite
failed in making any impression on their numbers, until about three
years ago. I then commenced the cultivation of' a number of Nepenthes.
As the plants were very small at first I observed no difference for a con¬
siderable time, but ever since they began to make pitchers the ants have
gradually decreased. Their fondness for the secretion in the pitchers
proves their death warrant. My own experience is corroborated by a
gardener to whom I gave a few plants ; he wondered where all the ants
had gone, but on emptying a pitcher he soon ascertained. I would
strongly advise Nepenthes to be grown in all Orchid houses where ants
are at all numerous, N. Hookeri and intermedia being as prolific and
easily grown as any variety I know. Sarracenias would prove as useful in
cool houses. — G. R.

As your correspondent “ T. C. A.” is anxious to get rid of this pest,
perhaps some of the following methods may be of use to him. Some
time ago I had charge of houses which were swarming with ants. I
tried treacle placed in saucers, and by that means I caught many,
but still they appeared as numerous as ever. Then I placed hollow
bones about their haunts, and finally I procured cow’s liver from the
butcher, cut it into pieces, and laid them about the houses. The raw
liver appeared to entice them, for they swarmed on to it, and by going
round every hour or so with a can of hot water, and dipping the liver
into the water when covered with ants, I succeeded in exterminating
them. Although pieces of raw liver are not very desirable about a house,
it is better than having the plants swarming with ants, and if
“ T. C. A.” perseveres for a week or so he will soon get rid of his
pest. — C. Collins.

I DO not know precisely the conditions under which “ T. C. A.” in
your last number requires or wishes to get rid of ants, but if my
experience is of any use to him 1 give it. 1 have a very fine Marfichal
Niel Rose in a Fig house, and during last spring and summer a strong
colony of ants made their abode at the roots. I tried every means I
could think of to get rid of them, but could not. At last I steeped
some cotton wool in coarse petroleum, and laid it round the base of the
plant over their abode. In two days they had all decamped, I know not
whither. — Delta.

Like your correspondent, “ T. C. A.,” I have had an attack of
ants to deal with where I could not with safety apply boiling water.
One Sunday morning I discovered them eating the pistils of my early
Peaches, apparently not touching the stamens — in fact, they went right
down into the flowers after the embryo fruit as well, and what to do
with them was the question, and very quickly too. So I laid some
pieces of loaf sugar about, and lodged some up in the tree, and in a few
hours I had the pleasure of seeing them leave the Peaches for the sugar,
and was, of course, at once destroyed. I then placed a small quantity
of moist sugar in a saucer at the foot of the tree, and every evening
for a fortnight I went once and sometimes twice, and emptied them,
sugar and all, into some hot water, baiting the saucer each time with
fresh sugar. Result : saved the Peaches and exterminated the ants. If
your correspondent will do likewise I think he will be equally successful.
— J. W. H.

EEFLEXED CHRYSANTHEMUM BOULE DE NEIGE.

As there seems a little misapprehension respecting this variety, a few
remarks from one who has successfully grown it may be acceptable to
some of the readers of this paper. Last spring I procured a few rooted
cuttings from Mr. Owen of Maidenhead, also a number of cuttings at
the latter end of April. The rooted cuttings I grew to yield specimen
blooms, thinking by disbudding I might procure some large blooms ;
but in this I failed, and I am convinced there is no advantage in dis¬
budding this variety, as the blooms were scarcely equal in size or sub¬
stance to those grown for decorative purposes. Disbudding this
variety is where many growers have made a great mistake. The cuttings
I procured the last week in April, [ inserted three in a small 60-sized
pot and placed in a close frame, keeping them as cool as possible till
rooted, when they were potted into 54’s and placed outdoors on a bed of
ashes. As soon as they were established in these pots I topped them and
grew them till the pots were well filled with roots, and then gave them
their final shift into 48 and 32-sized pots. When established I as^ain
topped them, that being the first week in July (but if part of a batch is
■required later than Christmas I should advise topping the second week
in July). Mine were in full bloom at Christmas. I kept them outside
as long as possible. Before severe frost they were placed in the coolest
house I had, with a good circulation of air day and night, well supplied
with weak liquid manure and a good syringing every morning. I mio-ht
just mention I followed exactly the instructions given me by Mr. Owen
when L.pio_cured the cuttings. This variety is very profuse when

grown as a decorative plant, bearing four to six blooms on a spray,
every one •opening. Another good quality, it is very dwarf, requiring no
sticks, that being a great point with many growers. In conclusion, I
might say there are three varieties under the name of Boule de Neige,
but this is the only one of any use as a late variety ; and I am sure if
grown as I have here stated everyone will be pleased with the re¬
sult. — D. I.

A GARDENERS’ ORPHANAGE.

With reference to my suggestion for a Gardeners’ Orphanage, I have
already received a certain amount of promises of support if the idea can
be successfully developed, and I shall be glad to hear from any gardener
in the country who is ready and willing to assist me in drawing up the
plans. There is an old proverb that “ he gives twice who gives quickly,”
and therefore in the interest of these poor children I am anxious that
whatever is done should be done at once. My first annual subscriber was
E. G. Beale of the firm of Carter & Co., seedsmen, High Holborn ; second,
Mr. Bull, New Plant Establishment, King’s Road, Chelsea ; £10 donation
from Messrs, Sutton & Sons, Reading. Letters most encouraging from
Messrs. Yeitch, Chelsea, Messrs. Low, Clapton Nursery, and from several
influential gardeners most willing to join in supporting the scheme. —
C. Penny.

I AM sorry Mr. Penny’s idea of a Gardeners’ Orphanage, to com¬
memorate the jubilee of Her Majesty, should have met with so little re¬
sponse. Surely the ‘-bairns” should be the first consideration of every
gardener who has any, and those who have none should spare a few
shillings for such a purpose. In many cases where a gardener has secured
a “ plum ” the qualification of having no encumbrance has helped to win
it. As Mr. Penny truly observes, many die in the prime of life ; and
though, perhaps, enough money has been saved to start the widow in a
small business, if only one of the children could be taken from her,
it would materially help her to win bread for the rest. If every
gardener could be persuaded to help with such a contribution as
Mr. Penny suggests it would with the help of amateurs, give the
Orphanage a start. I shall soon be out of place, and money is not too
plentiful with me, but I would give 10s. 6d., and 5s. a year afterwards.
Will not the Editor of our Journal, and our esteemed chaplain, “D.,
De >/,” use their eloquent pens to plead for the Gardener’s Orphanage ? —
A. L. G.

DENDROBIUM SCHNEIDERIANUM.

Mr. Holmes, gardener to C. Moseley, Esq., Thorpe, Rusholme, Man¬
chester, is to be congratulated on his success in raising so many plants
of such a distinct and pretty hybrid — a cross between that good old
favourite D. aureum and D. Findleyanum. It was my pleasure to see
it before Prof. Reichenbach’s letter appeared describing it, and I was most
favourably impressed. In growth it resembles D. aureum, having that
peculiar transparent skin with silver veins, some of the pseudo-bulbs
also being compressed after the manner of D. Findleyanum. It cannot
fail to become a favourite ; an opportunity will doubtless be afforded at
the various spring shows of inspecting it, as Mr. Holmes has several
plants yet to flower. I should say that it was raised in the Gardens at
Cromwell Ranges, Fallowfield, where Mr. Holmes so successfully grew
the collection that belonged to Mr. P. Schneider, who has now left this
country, and in whose honour it has been named. The following descrip¬
tion is in the Professor’s words : — “ The bulb is 6 inches high, 2 inches
thick, and has but three leaves. The flower is sweet-scented, making
one think a moment of that of D. Falconeri itself. Sepals and broader
sepals white tinged with fine lilac-purple in the upper half. Lip shortly
cuneate, oblong acute, very wavy, orange, with a thick oblong area of
light short velvet at the base, wherefrom reddish dark radiating lines
emanate, which are longest in front, a whitish area around this, washed
with lightest sulphur. Column pointed with some purple lines in front
and a purple dash on white anther.” — Bradwen.

CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.

A correspondent of the American Florist , in describing a visit to
General Rathbone’s collection of Orchids at Albany, thus refers to
Coelogyne cristata as a useful plant. “ Three years ago he purchased at
an auction sale a large plant of Coelogyne cristata, the plant being of
such a size as to be called 1 Jumbo.’ For it he paid the sum of 165 dollars.
For one year he kept it without disturbing it in any way, then it was
broken up, and several pieces made of the original plant. At the time
of writing there are three large pans filled with magnificent bulbs, which
at auction would undoubtedly bring 50 dollars to 75 dollars each. Be¬
sides these there are about fifteen smaller pieces, in value from 10 dollars
to 20 dollars each. I was somewhat interested in ascertaining the
number of flowers likely to be cut this season from these several plants ;
at a low estimate it is said to be about five hundred spikes ; many of
these spikes have six flowers upon the m, hardly any less than five. The

February 24, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

140

bench-room occupied by these Coelogynes does not exceed 150 square
feet, so that even if the. flowers should be sold wholesale at 1 dollar per
dozen, they would easily return a handsome profit. It is not probable
that everyone can grow this Orchid as well as those above mentioned
have been grown, but let no one be deterred by any supposed difficulty
in undertaking its culture ; for, as before observed in these pages, its
requirements are simple, and can be easily managed by inexperienced
though careful growers.”

AERIDES FIELDINGI.

The illustration (fig. 24) has been engraved from a photograph of a
plant grown by Mr. Murray, Culzean Castle Gardens. This beautiful
specimen has never had any special treatment, being grown in a house of
stove plants with other Orchids, such as Vandas, Ac., and the treatment
received appears to suit it well. The compost which it has been grown
in for years is composed mainly of good fibrous peat with a liberal
mixture of fresh sphagnum and charcoal. Previous to its being shifted
into the basket it now occupies it was grown in a common perforated
Orchid pan, which the roots clung to with great tenacity, so that the pan
was set almost whole into the basket and then filled with the compost.
The plant is 3 feet high, and is fully 2 feet in diameter. Mr. Murray,
who is justly proud of it, informs us that he was offered £30 for it ten

Fig. 2L— Aerides Fie d Dgi

years ago by a leading trade grower, and then it was but a small plant
compared with what it is now, but at that time it was rather scarce.

AERIDE3 LAWRENCE

lx the February number of the “ Orchid Album ” Mr. B. S. Williams
gives a superb coloured plate of this magnificent Orchid, which is the
most handsome of its genus. We have seen several varieties of this
Aerides, but that depicted in the plate referred to is far the best, and is
one of the numerous fine Orchids included in the collection of the Comte
de Germiny, Chfiteau de Gouville, Fontaine le Bourg, France. The
flowers arc of great size for an Aerides, the sepals and petals broad, white
heavily tipped with rich crimson, the lip similar in the centre, white at
the sides, and the strong curved spur greenish at the tip. The flowers
are borne in long massive racemes of a most imposing appearance. When
first introduced four or five years ago this species caused a great sensation,
especially when the first plant was sold for 235 guineas. It was named
in honour of Lady Lawrence, and as the plant will undoubtedly be
scarce for a long time to come it will continue amongst the most valuable
Orchids that can only be seen in the collections of a few wealthy
amateurs or nurserymen. It appears to be of easy culture, growing
strongly in the East Indian house.

ALNWICK SEEDLING AND CLIVE HOUSE SEEDLING

GRAPES.

Very few gardeners indeed will fail to admire the unique specimen
f Grape culture (fig. 21, on page 127), but what I wish to ask Mr.

Murray most particularly is which of the two varieties he grows —
Alnwick or Clive House Seedling ? I was particularly impressed with
the beauty of the Grapes Mr. Bell exhibited at the Crystal Palace, and
had a Vine from him, also grafts of Alnwick. I have grown the two
side by side, and cannot see or taste any material difference between
them. The great fault with both is the peculiarity to produce split
bunches, or the bunch and shoulder of the same size. They set equally
well with brush or feathers, also with the dry hand rubbed down the
bunch when well in bloom to remove the excessive nectar from the
point of the pistil, and to deposit a few grains of pollen in its place ;
but I cannot succeed with the syringe used either at high or low
pressure.

V e have grown this Grape without fire heat, but find the flavour too
sprightly, bordering on sourness ; but when grown in heat it is every¬
thing we could desire. It is also one of the most rapid Grapes to colour.
With us it is black in nine or ten days from its commencement to
colour. We do not find it a late keeper, but capable of producing and
finishing enormous crops of fine handsome Grapes, quite double the
weight a Hamburgh would produce if expected to colour. It is conse¬
quently suitable for market, as it is so attractive. — J. II. Goodacre,
Elvaston.

[Alnwick Seedling and Clive House Seedling, which our correspon¬
dent appears to have expected to find distinct, have been determined
synonymous by the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and they are so classed by Dr. Hogg in the last edition of the “ Fruit
Manual,” and by Mr. Barron in Vines and Vine Culture.”]

THE FLORIST TULIP.

C Continued from page 40-)

Distinct as the florist Tulips in each main class are from those in
another, it would nevertheless appear, on their own showing, that all
have had one common origin. That at least is the evidence which
seedlings seem to give, and they maj' be accepted as high authority
in matters of family history. Gifted, like all other florist flowers,
with boundless powers of variation from seed, they are by no
means shy of repeating family failings, often of a far bygone day.
I never saw, however, a seedling that reverted completely to the
ancestral type, a flower of such unsteadiness and impurity of base
colour, that we can well comprehend with what difficulty from this
turbid source have been obtained, far down the stream of time, the
unstained beauties of the florist Tulip, the clear decision of the
ground colour, and the purity of base and stamens.

A bed of seedlings, in their maiden bloom, is as a Tulip fancy
dress ball, at which many costumes, long out of date, are worn
again ; and in the humour of the moment, the shapes and fashions
that are passed away come back in living illustration. It is the
cause of much slaughter of young lives that many seedlings, to the
constant disappointment of the raiser, attempt a mixture of colour
at the base, or a combination of base and body colours that are out
of harmony with each other’s final destiny as legitimate florist
flowers. Such, when passing to their fixed character, produce what
is known as the “ tricolor,” a gay name perhaps, but a mongrel
withal ; once a half-tolerated class, but always an undecided
flashy type of flower, in which the foundation colour was never
sound.

It is the colour of the base or eye of the Tulip, conjointly with
that of the rest of the petal, that determines the class of tne
rectified flower. If these be a discord, the tricolor is the result.
Thus, a seedling with a yellow base is thus far a bizarre, and the
bizarre base will carry a yellow ground colour into the flower recti¬
fied. If, however, this yellow base occur with a petal colour of
lilac or purple, which belongs to the white ground class of the
bybloemens, this will throw its innate white tendencies into the final
ground colour, and the joint production will be a very common type
of the tricolor, deriving a mixed or streaky ground colour of white
and yellow from its base as a bizarre, and breeder colour as a
bybloemen, while in feather or flame it will be the latter.

A pod of seed from parents of the same class is competent to
produce seedlings in all three, and a great number fail through
falling between any two. Some are rarer combinations than
others. Perhaps the ccmmonest form of the tricolor is that which
I have just chosen as an illustration ; but I have never seen the
converse of a bybloemen white base with the breeder colour of
a bizarre. I cannot say it is impossible, but I think it would be
phenomenal. A pink or rose breeder colour, combined with a
yellow base, is another not unusual form of tricolor, the pink of
the petal as a breeder throwing its cognate white into the yellow
ground colour which the rectified flower will derive from its bizarre
base of yellow.

There is a very interesting instance of a narrow escape from
being a tricolor in the case of a beautifully feathered rose Tulip
called Modesty. In the feathered form she is a pure class flower of
great beauty ; but Modesty, oddly enough, possesses the stigma of
the bizarre — that is, the “ fur ” upon it is yellow instead of the

150

[ February 24, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

white, which is the consort of the white ground classes. This is
verily such a hair’s breadth escape that in any but the purest
feathered state this taint of the tricolor masters the flower, and
Modesty flamed is unpresentable. Streaks of undeniable yellow
then lie between the white ground colour and the scarlet flame,
and the flower is ruined. Even a stray splash of colour beyond
strict feathering will induce the streaky butter appearance of the
mixed ground colours.

There is, however, one combination of base and petal colours in
the breeder state which must not be confounded with those that
produce the inadmissible tricolor of scarlet, white, and yellow. That
brilliant flower the scarlet bizarre has in its breeder form a yellow
base with bright red petal colours ; but the red or scarlet is not
that of the rose breeder, with which yellow at the base forms the
rose tricolor. It will be a red heightened by some tone of yellow,
or lowered by some admixture of the brown that occurs so much in
the breeders of the dark bizarres.

An intensely scarlet bizarre breeder is a dazzling flower, but not
always a safe one at the further stage. There is a liability in it to
break into duller or weaker colours than that of its breeder.
“ Horatio ” is beautiful as a scarlet bizarre breeder, but is little
worth when broken. The yellow is but pale and washy, as if a
touch of the rose class were in its breeder petal, and transmitted
some dash of white — an alloy of silver to its gold. On the other
hand, one of our best scarlet bizarres, Dr. Hardy, breaks from a
breeder of indeed an intensely rich yellow base ; but the petal,
though of high polish and deep colour, is of a sobered shade of red.

Referring again for a moment to the sorry contrivances and
cruelties recommended for perpetration upon breeder Tulips to
make them break, there is worthy of record one method which
comes to us from the Holland of almost 150 years ago, and is
much the prettiest conceit of all. Treating upon the breaking of
Tulips, “ The Dutch Florist ” of 1764 assures us that “ procuring
new sorts every year from Holland is the best way of all for
foreigners” (!)

This is far from weak, either as a touch of humour or a stroke
of business ; but an English florist, writing fifty years ago in
apology for that ancient Dutchman, says of him : “ Poor fellow !
you see he never knew a ‘ Polyphemus !’ ” Well, we have lived to
pity, in our present wealth of Tulips, the poverty of fifty years ago.
Still, let us not vaunt ourselves nor be puffed up. Doubtless when
these fresh pages are grown sere in fifty years to come, and our
names shall have faded more and more from living memories into
the records — the hortus siccus — of our gentle art, we shall be in
turn behind the day in floriculture ; and men will live to say of
us, Ah ! poor fellows, they had nothing better in those times
than Sir Joseph Paxton in Tulips. They never knew a . . . !

— F. D. Horner, Buiton-in-Lonsdale.

(To be continued.)

TREE MEASUREMENT.

Interesting as it is to be able to estimate correctly the height of
'fine old trees, it is doubtless to those of us who are not intimately
acquainted with trigonometry as an everyday study, rather apt to be
looked upon as a somewhat difficult feat, but with a very superficial
knowledge of angles and sides of triangles, together with a very simple
contrivance, the correct height of almost any tree can he easily
computed.

Procure a staff about 6 feet in length and 1 inch in thickness, upon
which fasten at about 1 foot from the top a piece of half-inch board in
the shape of a quarter of a circle by means of a screw and nut through
the extreme angular point, and from which point suspend a plummet.
'The board can be of any convenient size, say about 9 inches in dia¬
meter. Divide the outer circular edge into ninety divisions or degrees,
and on one side of the angular edges place two small sights or eyelets as
far apart as possible. The instrument is now complete. To make use
of it screw the boaid fast so that the plummet hangs at exactly 45°,
then walk forwards or backwards until the top of the tree to be
measured can be seen through both sights. Measure the distance from
the bottom of the staff to the tree, to which add the height of the
eye, and the sum will be the height of the tree, supposing the ground to
be level.

If a position is not obtainable sufficiently far from the tree, as
directed, make the quadrant fast so that the plummet hangs at 63|°, and
the distance from the position whence a view of the top of the tree can
be obtained through both sights to the base of the tree, will, if doubled
and the height of the eye added, give the height of the tree.

But if this is also impracticable take any angle of altitude and
measure the distance to the base of the tree, then, by a scale, draw a
line equal to the measured distance, and at one end of this line erect a
perpendicular, and at the other mark out an angle equal to the angle of
altitude ; then measure the perpendicular of the triangle thus formed
by the scale, to which add the height of the eye, and the result will be
the height of the tree.

Again, if the base of the tree be inaccessible, so that the distance

from the angle of altitude thereto cannot be obtained, take the angle of
altitude at the most convenient position, then measure backward for any
known distance, and take another observation, draw a plan by scale of
the distance between the two stations, form angles equal to the observa¬
tions, and from the point where they meet draw a perpendicular, which
if measured by the scale, and the usual allowance for the height of the
eye be added, will give the required height, and also by the scale the in¬
accessible portion of the base line can be obtained if required. Of course
care must be taken that the place of observation is level and also on a
level with the base of the tree.

These simple plans have much to commend them to those who are
unacquainted with the working of decimals and calculations by tangents,
and they also possess the advantage of not requiring any tables or
knowledge of mathematical calculations, although where the principles
of trigonometry, with the use of logarithms, are well understood, such
knowledge can be made good use of for rapid and accurate estimations,
but for ordinary use the methods given above will be found of much
service when some ready means is required foi estimating the height
of any object for practical purposes. — W. Coombe, Ashton Court,
Bristoh

BEDDING PLANTS— PELARGONIUMS.

From this time onwards we find bedding plants take up a very large
share of the gardener’s time and attention, some getting perhaps more
than they need in order to grow them well, while others might very
well have a little more care than is generally accorded them. Of all
bedding — massing plants would be the better term — none are more
beautiful than flowering Pelargoniums of the Zonal class, but in order
to have them at their best they require more liberal treatment than is,
as a rule, given to them. In our northern parts it is too often the case
that by the time the plants are becoming really effective the time for
taking cuttings for another season has arrived, and after the plants have
undergone the necessary cutting-back entailed by this process, the effect
for the season is practically over, and the question is asked, Is it worth
while endeavouring to secure a display with such unsatisfactory
plants? My own experience leads to the belief that much depends
on the treatment of the plants from the cutting onward. It is not
necessary to refer more particularly to the matter of cuttings here
than to point out that they cannot well be too large. The majority
of the cuttings taken here are certainly larger when taken off the
plants in autumn than many I am in the habit of seeing put into
their flowering quarters in early summer. Large cuttings well rooted
have, moreover, the advantage of wintering better than small weakly
ones, which, in order to get any good out of, must be kept growing all
through the winter months. This point is of importance with even the
strongest, but a much lower temperature suits these.

Coming now to what at present requires doing, it may be pointed
out that the plants are very often starved through being placed into
pots much too small for them. It is no uncommon thing for
strong-growing varieties to be placed into 3-inch pots, sometimes two
plants into that size. Treatment of this kind does not result in obtain¬
ing anything better than a set of plants which are merely kept existing,
and which, when planted out, stand still for so long as the plants are
taking to the soil. The size of pots we use for the strongest, such as
Henry Jacoby, are those 6 inches across. The stronger Vesuvius and
others go into the same size, the weaker into 4 and 5-inch pots, the latter
sizes doing also for the variegated sorts. Like many more who have a
difficulty in getting good potting soil, the quantity consumed in pre¬
paring these and other bedding plants has always been a matter of re¬
gretful consideration. Last season I tried the best of the material in our
compost heap, which is made out of the rubbish, &c., from the garden
and other places. As it was very open all the drainage required was
simply a bit of potsherd placed over the hole in the bottom of the pot.
The material was pressed in pretty firmly, and with the addition of some
manure later on applied when watering, the plants turned out quite
satisfactorily. In order to save in labour, all our plants are potted
in the structures in which they are to be grown. The plants come out
of the cutting boxes with 'much better roots if the soil is in a medium
condition as regards moisture, and instead of taking the plants out
singly it is much better to lift them in clumps and shake all the soil
from the roots before disentangling them.

In potting, the most expeditious method is as follows ; — Take a pot,
and holding it steady with the left hand, put a handful or more of soil
in with the right hand, so placing it as to fill one side of the pot with
soil, leaving the other side clear. Then lift a plant with the left hand,
let its roots into the pot and lying against the face of soil, at the same
time with the right hand have another handful of soil ready to place
over the roots, and add as much as is necessary to fill to the required
depth, then firm by pressing in the soil all round in the ordinary
manner.

Our plants are mostly established in vineries, the more tender kinds
being transferred to cold structures as early in April as weather will
permit. All they need there is to be kept close and quiet for a
week or so, and after that treat as required. Hardier varieties have to
be placed out of doors, and by far the best position for these is an open
one at the bottom ■ of the back wall of vineries, Peach houses, or other
structures. They are matted up closely for a week or more, when, by
taking the advantage of mildi showery, the mats are removed, though
kept in readiness for any frosts or cold winds that may set in. The
most distinct advantages secured by setting the plants out in such a

February 24, 1687. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

151

position are these — they are not so much affected by frost ; this may
not he apparent to many, but it is a fact nevertheless, and the soil is
kept in a more equably moist condition with less labour in watering,
resulting in the plants, as a rule, being in much better condition for

planting out.

Pelargoniums may be propagated with certainty of success at this
season. Flowering varieties are, of course, better from autumn-struck
cuttings, but in instances where any of these are wanted to be increased,
very good plants can be had by spring propagation. Variegated sorts,
though not so large, do very well when struck at this season. The
points to be attended to are, in the first place, not to be in too great a
hurry, but to allow shoots which produce cuttings to grow on the plants
until they have become a good size, for if a cutting from 6 to 9 inches
in length can be secured, it will prove more satisfactory in the end than
three half the length. The cuttings should be in a growing condition
when taken, and they strike most rapidly when put singly into thumb
pots, allowing them until rooted a stove temperature. The soil used
should be very open to induce the free emission of roots. When fairly
well rooted the tips of the shoots should be taken out. The easiest way
of bringing on the plants is to fill the bottom of a cold frame with light
soil, not too rich, and into this plant out when nicely rooted. The
frame must be kept close for a time until the roots take to the new s oil,
thereafter keep as open as the weather will allow. When wanted, the
plants lift well.

In the desire to get work forward we may err in doing things too
quickly for the well-being of the subjects operated on. Thus there is
nothing gained in propagating fast-growing softwooded plants too early,
no matter wha'; they may be. But as our stock of most plants is kept
over winter on old growing plants in pots, and these as few in number
as can safely be depended on, a batch of cuttings is put in just now, from
which material for propagation is secured later on, the stock plants, in
the meantime, being thrown away. The best way to do these is to strike
in beds of sand with a little light material added, and well heated from
underneath. But they will be found to do perfectly well in boxes
covered with sheets of glass if the cuttings be put in so quickly as to
prevent flagging, and the sand has been well warmed first by placing
the boxes on the pipes in one of the hothouses. When the cuttings
are inserted the boxes must be returned to their places on the pipes,
and it matters very little where the pipes are ; under stages does
very well, only they must be taken out immediately roots are formed.
When moderately well rooted they are boxed oil and kept growing from
the middle of March to the end of April. Cuttings strike best, and
there is little labour connected with them, as they may in most cases
be planted in cold frames into rich open soil at once. Cuttings must
be strong to do this, and the frames kept close and covered day and
night until fresh growth takes place. The reason why so much withered
material is annually planted out comes from too early propagation,
too much coddling in warm structures thereafter, and then that marvel¬
lous process known as “ hardening off,” which turns green leaves into
brown, and plump succulent stems into hard and shrivelled sticks.
Cold is bad doubtless, but hot drying sunshine is worse under the con¬
ditions in which softwooded plants are produced, and I think most of
the blame must be apportioned to the sun for the results effected by
“ hardening off.” Seeds of plants which grow slowly should now be
sown, but all kinds that grow quickly should now be left until April,
or even later in some instances. A seedling which has the opportunity
of growing from the very first under the very slightest artificial condi¬
tions makes wonderful headway, and outstrips those sown earlier and
coddled up. We shall have something to say about hardier kinds
later. — B.

C>

It is proposed to make comparative trials of the following
vegetables this season in the Royal Horticultural Society’s
Hardens, Chiswick, under the direction of the Fruit and Vegetable
Committee — viz., Cabbages, Tomatoes, Cauliflowers, Onions, Turnips’,
new varieties of Potatoes and Peas. Persons desirous of contributing
examples of any of these objects for the opinion of the Committee are
requested to forward the same as early as may be possible to the Super¬
intendent, Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick.

- The schedule of prizes at the Horticultural Exhibitions to be

held at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, this year, is now issued, and
we are glad to see that the usual liberal arrangements have been made.
The Shows will be held on the following dates : — Spring Exhibition,
March 26th ; Summer Exhibition, May 21st ; Roses, July 2nd ; Fruit
and Rational Dahlia Show, September 2nd and 3rd ; Autumn Fruit
Show, October 6th to 8th ; and Chrysanthe mums, November 4th and

5th. Schedules can be obtained from the Superintendent, Mr. W. G.
Head.

- A correspondent (“ D., Teignmouth,"') states that he mulched

fruit trees last summer with German moss litter, and now finds the
roots of the trees full of fungus ; he desires to know if we have heard
of similar cases before, and to ascertain a reason for this occurrence.
We have not heard of similar cases, though the existence of such may
possibly be known to some of our readers.

- It is with regret that we announce the death, in her seventieth

year, of Madame Le Grelle, which occurred on the 17th inst., at her
residence at Berchcm, near Antwerp. Those of our readers who have
perused the reports of horticultural exhibitions in Belgium must have
observed the frequency of Madame Le Grelle’s name as a prizewinner,
and visitors who have had the privilege of inspecting the Marantas and
other ornamental foliage plants that achieved so much success, will
admit their excellence and beauty. Madame Le Grelle was a Chevalier
of the Order of Leopold, a great patron of horticulture, and judging
from the extensive collection of shells we remember seeing at her
delightful residence, must have been an earnest conchologist. The
deceased lady was much esteemed by all who knew her, and her loss will
be lamented by a wide circle of friends.

- We further regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Annie

Featherstone, wife of Mr. Robert Featherstone of St. Ann’s Nursery,
Kirkstall, Leeds, which occurred on the 17tli inst., in the fifty-fourth
year of her age. Much sympathy will be extended to Mr. Featherstone
and his family on the great loss they have sustained.

- A correspondent, “ S.,” calls attention to the peculiarity of Col

letias gradually changing their character, and sends samples, remarking,
“ Of C. horrida a branch is sent with the divisions and spines cylindrical
and needle like. When the plant was received it was all like that, but
now the other portion has the flattened’ spines of C. cruciata. The
latter also shows much variability, the spinose branches being much
broader and more distantly placed in some cases than in others. I also
send a sample of fasciated Eucharis blooms, the tubes of the corolla,
ovaries, and peduncles having grown together.”

- The Hon. Sec., Mr. C. A. Partridge, informs us that the

Ludlow Horticultural Society will hold their annual Exhibition
this year on Thursday, August 25th. We also learn that the Wimble¬
don Horticultural Society has elected Dr. Walker, 12, Longfield Road, as
Hon. Secretary, and Mr. J. Lyne, Belvedere Gardens, as Assistant
Secretary.

- Larse consignments of Cut Flowers from the Continent

are now being received in Covent Garden Market, Violets, Narcissi,
White iRoman Hyacinths, and Acacias (chiefly A. Farnesiana and
A. dealbata) having been sold by auction recently in great quantities.
Some hundreds of baskets of Acacia have been disposed of, and the
demand seems to be extensive, although the prices realised in several cases
would scarcely seem sufficient to pay carriage. Yet according to a
correspondent of one of the London daily papers at the Nice “ Bataille de
Fleurs” recently, flowers were not so abundant as usual, “Violets few
frozen, and scentless, and Roses conspicuous by their absence.” It
appears, however, that at this Floral Festival Carnations, White Lilac,
Marigolds, and Acacia were abundant. One carriage, occupied by a lady
attired in a mauve-coloured dress, was loaded with White Lilac, wreaths
being wound round the wheels and festooned upon the horses.

_ Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition. — The horticul¬
tural decorations of the industrial or principal transept of the above have
been entrusted to the Liverpool Horticultural Company (John Cowan),
Liverpool. At the intersection of the two main transepts a dome,
risino- to the height of 140 feet and 90 feet in diameter, is to be sur¬
rounded by a rockery 9 feet wide, to be erected by Mr. William Clapham
of Stockport. This is to be planted and kept in order by the Company for
the period that the Exhibition is open to the public. Four groups, 25
feet by 15, with a height of 30 feet, are to be arranged at intervals on
each side of the rockery. Tree Ferns, Palms, Dracaenas, and other large
ornamental and flowering plants, tubs of a uniform pattern, in which
specimens are to be planted, will give combined an imposing and
pleasing effect.

_ NationalFloral Societies. — Mr. Shirley Hibberd, Ivcw, near

London, Hon. Treasurer, and Mr. James Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford,

152

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Febma-y 24, 1887.

Esses, Hon. Sec. of the National Auricula and Primula Society (southern
section), and National Carnation and Picotee Society (southern section),
have issued the following appeal : — “ The subscribers to these Societies
have so generously sustained the joint Committees by providing funds for
the exhibit ions and other operations that it is with pleasurable confidence
the Treasurer and Secretary now appeal for aid to meet the extra
expenses that must be incurred in this Jubilee year. The Committees
are endeavouring to effect a comprehensive and brilliant vindication of
the flowers the Societies represent in the season now opening, and
respectfully request that the subscribers will afford the necessary means.
In several instances subscribers have intimated their intention of
doubling the amount of their usual subscriptions, and it is hoped that
this rule will be generally observed.” The next Exhibitions are
announced to be held in the conservatory of the Royal Horticultural
Society at South Kensington. Auriculas and Primulas, April 2(ith ;
Carnations and Picotecs, July 26th.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. James Chalmers, late fore¬
man at Callander Park, Falkirk, N.B., has been appointed head gardener
to the Right Hon. the Earl of Zetland, Kerse, Falkirk, N.B.

- The annual report of the Royal Southampton Horticul¬
tural Society is of a more satisfactory nature than usual, a cash
balance of £90 5s. 2d. remaining to the Society’s credit, the result of
last year’s exhibitions. The summer Show was a great success, which
was insured in a great measure by the presence of Princess Beatrice and
Prince Henry of Battenberg, the receipts being — first day, £174 5s. Cd. ;
second day, £436 16s. 9d. ; the total, with tickets sold previous to the
Show, being £623 4s. 9d. An experiment on the first day of this Show
by admitting the public after 6 p.m. at 0d., providing music and other
amusements up to 9 p.m. was most successful, nearly £60 being taken at
the gates, more than sufficient to pay for the extra amusements on both
days. The Shows this year will be held on July 30th and August 1st,
the autumn Show on November 1st and 2nd, this early date being
selected to avoid clashing with other large shows.

- A Committee meeting of the Wilts Horticultural

Society, which includes the Mayor (Mr. Fred. Griffin), several ex-
Mayors, and two Councillors, was held in the Council Chamber, Salis¬
bury, on the afternoon of the 17th inst., under the presidency of the
Mayor, when the Earl of Radnor (Lord Lieutenant of the county) and
the Earl of Pembroke were re-elected as President and Vice-President
of the Society, as also were the Committee and Hon. Secretary (Mr.
W. H. Williams), to whom a vote of thanks, proposed by the Mayor
and seconded by Mr. H. W. Ward, was accorded for the time, energy,
and ability which he had so ungrudgingly devoted to the interest of
the Society since its resuscitation. It was decided to hold a summer
show about the middle of August, and a Chrysanthemum and fruit
show early in November, the dates to be arranged later on. The same
evening a dinner in connection with the Society was held in the ban¬
queting room of the Council Chamber, at which about 150 of the most
influential citizens and gardeners of the neighbourhood were present.
The Mayor presided, and the ex- Mayor (W. M. Hammick, Esq.) occupied
the vice chair, being supported by the Rev. T. J. Woodall, the Rev.
Canon Cholmeley, &e. After the toasts of “ The Queen and Royal
Family,” “ The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese,” l; The President of
the Society,” “ Mayor and Corporation,” had been separately given and
duly responded to, followed the toast of the evening, “ The Wilts Hor¬
ticultural Society,” proposed by the Mayor, and ably responded to by
the Hon. Secretary, whose name was coupled with the toast. C. W.
Gater, Esq., and Mr. Garland responded to the toast of “ The Exhibitors.”
and Mr. H. W. Ward to that of “ Judges,” and Messrs. Curry, Tub)
Smith (Palace Gardens), and Thomson (Norman Court) replied to the
toast of “ The Gardeners.”

- In reply to a question in the House of Commons recently

respecting the Cost of the London Parks, Mr. Plunket gave the
following particulars The site of Kennington Park was transferred
by the Duchy of Cornwall to the Commissioners of Public Works
without payment. The cost to the Treasury in laying it out was about
£5000. The cost of the purchase and laying out of Victoria Park
(about £133,000) was met out of funds provided from the land revenue
of the Crown. The site of Bethnal Green Gardens was presented by the
inhabitants; the cost of laying out (about £1500) was borne by the
Treasury. The total cost of Battersea Park and estate has amounted to
£350,000, of which about £105,000 was voted by Parliament, £200,000

was borrowed, and £45,000 was applied from proceeds of sales and rents.
Of the £200,000 borrowed, £100,000 has been repaid from the last men¬
tioned source. The Westminster Bridge Estate was not purchased, but
was transferred to the Commissioners of Works to meet the cost of
erecting a new bridge. That work involved a total outlay of £552,000,
including the expenditure on approaches, £133,000. Of the £552,000,
£407,000 was provided from votes of Parliament, and the remainder
from the proceeds of sales of part of the estate. The Brompton
Cemetery cost the Treasury £77,000. The annual income is derived
from the sale of grants of rights of interment and from fees. The
capital expenditure from votes of Parliaments on Orange Street Water¬
works had amounted to nearly £36,000. As to Trafalgar Square, he was
not aware that it had ever been proposed to transfer it to the Com¬
missioners, and he would like to consider the subject further. The
charge for its maintenance was about £250 a year, besides the cost of
providing water for the fountains.

- AVith the view of furthering the experiments in the Culti¬
vation of Tobacco in this Country, the Government have
resolved to extend the permission given last year to this year also.
Messrs. Veitch & Son of Exeter have, we are informed, had an official
communication authorising their planting a plot of ground with
Tobacco for experimental purposes in their nurseries in the New
North Road, they complying with the usual regulations and giving
the necessary guarantee to the Inland Revenue Department. Several
of the leading seed firms also intend continuing their experiments,

- High Temperatures in Australia.— The north-easters,

which, as Kingsley told us, the flesh of Britons is heir to, have un¬
doubtedly their prosaic side ; but they are really preferable, says the
British Australasian, to the heat which Southern and Central Australia
enjoyed early in January. The “ Liguria ” brings word that in Melbourne
on the 8th the thermometer stood at 104° in the shade, while at Sandhurst
it was 115°. At Adelaide, on the same day, it was over 111°, and on the
Teetulpa goldfield 1 16° in the shade was registered. At Port Pirie it was
110°, at Strathalbyn 115°; while in Western New South Wales it was
110° at Euston and 115° at Balranald. Sydney, on the east coast,
though further north, was comparatively cool, at not much above 90° in
the shade, while in Queensland the weather alternated between heat and
storm, as it so often does in January. But even under the best circum¬
stances, and in the driest of atmospheres, when the heat exceeds 100°
there is a feeling about a man that the less he has to do with clothes the
better ; and there is no doubt that in January the climates of Tasmania
and New Zealand are preferable to that of Australia.

- The Americans are evidently great admirers of flowers, and

not very particular what they pay to procure them judging from
the following list of retail prices in New York — February 1st. Roses,
per dozen, Papa Gontier, 8s. ; Niphetos and Souvenir d’un Ami, 7s. ;
and Catherine Mermet, 12s. ; AV. F. Bennett, Is. each ; La France, Is. to
2s. each ; and General Jacqueminot, 2s. to 4s. each ; Carnations, 2s. to 4s.
per dozen ; Lilac, 6s. to 8s. a spray ; and Violets 6s. per bunch.
These prices seem almost fabulous, and if they appeared in a less
authority than the “American Florist” we should have been inclined
to doubt their accuracy. British florists occasionally command sub¬
stantial prices, but those named will make them envy their transatlantic
cousins.

HARDY FRUIT CULTURE.

I AM pleased to see the question of hardy fruit culture brought so
prominently before your readers, and hope it will receive the attention
it so well deserves. Although Kent is, without doubt, the most famous
county for hardy fruit culture, there are many sheltered places scattered
over the country capable of producing good crops of serviceable fruit,
especially Apples, many of which were turned to good account by our
forefathers before fruit was so easily transferred from one end of the
country to the other as is done nowadays.

But the present occupiers of land seem to lack the energy of our
forefathers in the art of planting and grafting. Why this should be
requires explaining, but it is a deplorable fact that should not be
tolerated. Go where we will we see grand old orchards rapidly going
to decay without any attempt to renovate them, and unless something
is speedily done in the way of grubbing and planting, Apple orchards
will be a thing of the past in this country. I saw what appeared to be
an excellent arrangement at Madresfield Court a few years ago. Mr.
Crump had some hundreds of Apple trees growing on, as I understood,
for the use of the tenantry, but perhaps Mr. Crump will give us par¬
ticulars of his arrangements.

It is not only a question of varieties, but also of the style of tree.

February 24, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

153

For my part I prefer the bush to the standard, as it comes into bearing
much earlier, and produces quite as heavy crops, and the fruit is equally
fine, the trees are not so much exposed to the wind ; but bush trees could
not be grown in hedges where cattle grazed. About ten years ago we
had a hundred bush trees from Messrs. F. <k A. Dickson in almost as many
varieties. The Upton Nurseries are elevated and exposed, and we would
expect anything that would grow there would answer here, and we are
not very far from the mark, as we have already abundance of fruit.
From these trees we are able to make an excellent choice of varieties
suitable for this locality.

Two years ago I sent to the Derbyshire Agricultural Show twenty-
five branches laden with fruit that I considered the most pro¬
fitable and suitable for this district, and it was curious to hear the odd
remarks passed on them. Some thought them too flash and would
encourage trespassers, &c., but I think if they were more extensively
cultivated we could spare a few pocketfuls better. At Melbourne, ten
miles south of us, land for market gardening and fruit growing is eagerly
sought, and as much as £12 per acre per annum is given, and a few
miles north of us we have Dale Abbey, once famous for its fine Apple
orchards, the land only making £2 per acre. The latter place is within
easy reach of good markets — Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, &c. — yet these
fine old trees are allowed to go to decay in a favourable locality both for
producing and selling, and where the land is tolerably cheap and easily
procured, all for the want of confidence and energy.

The following Apples succeed best in this locality. We have two
orchards at different elevations, one on clay subsoil, the other on gravel.
We get the largest fruit off the clay, and the finest coloured fruit off the
gravel, but both orchards bear equally well, and the few varieties given
below are selected from 150 different sorts after careful observation for
several years.

Dessert Apples. — 1, Early Margaret, August. 2, Mr. Gladstone,
September. 3, Quarenden, September. 4, Irish Peach, October. 5,
Lord Lennox, October and November. 6, Kerry Pippin, October ancl
November. 7, King of the Pippins, November. 8, Cox Orange Pippin,
November. 9, Claygate Pearmain, November and December. 10,
Kibston Pippin, December and January. 11, Blenheim Pippin, Decem¬
ber and January. 12, Wyken Pippin, January and February. 13, Court
Pend ft Plat, February and March. 14, Dutch Mignonne, February and
March. 16, Lemon Pippin, February to April. 16, Sturmer Pippin,
February to April. 17, Pitmaston Nonpariel, March to May. 18, Royal
Russet, March to May.

Kitchen Apples. — 1, Lord Suffield, August. 2, Keswick Codlin,
September. 3, Manks Codlin, October. 4, Bramley’s Seedling, October.
5, Cox Pomona, October. 6, Warner’s King, October and November. 7,
Alfriston, November to May. 8, Waltham Abbey, November to March.
9, Wadhurst Pippin, December to April. 10, Lane’s Prince Albert,
December. 11, Lord Derby, December. 12, Domino, October to
December. 13, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, November. 14, Beauty of Kent,
December and January. 15, Rymer, March to May. 16, Northern
Greening, March to May. 17, Dumelow’s Seedling, March to May.
18, Rhode Island Greening, April and May.

The above are all good growing reliable varieties suitable for either
private or market gardens. Many of the late keeping kitchen Apples
are useful for dessert late in the season. I should select a gritty loam
resting on red sandstone for Apples. I prefer bush trees to standards
where they can be protected from cattle. Standards are usually twelve
to fifteen years before they produce anything like a crop, and I have
gathered here ten bushels of good Apples from bush trees only planted
eight years.— J. H. Goodacre, Elvaston.

I WAS much interested in Mr. Warner’s remarks under the above
heading, more especially regarding Lord Suffield. I grew a few trees in
Essex in light soil with a gravel subsoil and found they did not thrive
at all, and I thereupon discarded them. The fruit is exceedingly hand¬
some, but is very light and does not keep well. I much prefer Duchess
of Oldenburg, which is quite as fruitful. Mr. Warner finds Pond’s
Seedling to be superior. I presume he refers to Potts’ Seedling, which
is an early and large culinary Apple. I have not grown it myself, but
have heard it highly spoken of. As an early market Apple I have a
high opinion of Mr. Gladstone, which is very showy, and if eaten as
soon as ripe of not bad quality, but it soon gets woolly. Warner’s King
is a noble Apple in all respects. — H. S. Easty.

THE HOLLYHOCK.

In the Journal of February 10th a hope is expressed by “ W. D.”
that growers of this flower may be tempted to give a list of any good
named sorts now in cultivation, and any information which may lead to
renewed interest in this fine old garden plant. In response I would
. first state that last aut umn south, not north, took the honours : — Mr. James
Blundell, three first-class certificates for new seedling Hollyhocks,
Shirley Hibberd, Primrose Gem, and Princess of Wales ; Messrs. Webb
and Brand, first-class certificate for seedling Crimson Queen, and a
bronze Banksian medal for a collection of older sorts ; and Mr. Chater
of Cambridge first-class certificate for seedling Revival. Blooms were
exhibited by me last autumn from seed sown in March of the same year

My own list of seedlings for the year 1886 includes the above-men¬
tioned Shirley Hibberd, Primrose Gem, and Princess of Wales ; and also
Excellent, Prince of Wales, A. F. Barron, Contrast, Princess Beatrice,
Mary Anderson, John Laing, Florence Nightingale, Baroness Rothschild,

Miss Roupell, Miss Jekyl, and Dr. Hogg. I have at least seventy dis¬
tinct double Hollyhocks true to name, show and fancy varieties.

The article by “ W. D.” is very interesting and singularly correct.
I could vouch for all he has written. It is evident that he has studied
the subject long and carefully I well remember the various shows
alluded to. I have just learnt that Mr. Roupell, F.R.H.S., has offered
special prizes for Hollyhocks this year at South Kensington. — James
Blundell, West Dulwich.

Your correspondent, “ W. D.,” has given us a capital paper on the
Hollyhock. The present manager of one of our branch nurseries was
at the time he names (1850-60) our chief Hollyhock grower, and
exclaimed on reading that article, “ I think ‘ W. D.’ appears to have a
good knowledge of what he is writing about.” I remember purchasing
Mr. Parsons’ seedlings which were the foundation of the extensive
collection we so long cultivated. Some of them were much in advance
of pre-existing kinds, and it was from them I raised the grand
varieties, Lizzie, Beauty of Chcshunt, Glory of Cheshunt, and others.
The demand for these and others was so great that we sold in one year
24,000 plants ard 4 bushels of seed, the latter going away principally in
5s. packets of twelve varieties in each packet. When visiting some of
our large gardens lately there were two flowers I missed, the standard
Roses in June and July, and the Hollyhocks in August and September.
The former were absent from fashion or caprice, the latter from the
uncertainty of a successful flowering, but they must both come back
again. I remember the late Sir J. Paxton saying to me at Chatsworth,
“ I want a lot of standard Roses on 4 or 5 feet stems to introduce
elevated masses of colour that may be seen at a distance when the
Lilacs, Laburnums, Thorns, and other spring-flowering shrubs are over.”
And he was right. Large gardens certainly want “elevated masses” of
Roses in June and July, and no less do they want elevated masses of
Hollyhocks in August and September. The former may be purchased
with almost a certainty of realising the object sought. With the latter
there is more difficulty, or, rather, perhaps we should say less certainty,
owing to the prevalence of a disease from which they wither and die
just before coming into flower. Nothing can be more provoking and
prejudicial to the beauty of the garden than the ugly blanks thus
created. But we believe the disease may be avoided. Let us ask our¬
selves what was the cause of it. The Hollyhock is properly a hardy
biennial, and as such it should be sown one year (July) out of doors,
and not in heat to bloom the next. But for years past it has been sown
in heat in spring and pushed on to bloom in the autumn of the same
year, treating it as a tender annual, and then trying to multiply it by
cuttings. This unnatural and fast life is in our opinion the cause of
the disease which, once existent, may probably be contagious. 8o
valuable is the Hollyhock for many positions in gardens that it is worth
while making the experiment, not in one place only but in hundreds of
places, whether after obtaining the seed from a healthy stock, a system
of cultivation conformable to the nature of the plant will not give us
the natural result of a certain development of healthy flowers. Sow
thinly in the open ground in J uly, transplant where transplanting is
wanted early in April ; healthy spikes of flowers will, we believe, follow
in July, August, or September, and healthy seeds for a succession may
be garnered before winter. — William Paul , Pauli' Nurseries, Waltham
Cross, Ucrts.

GRAPES WITHOUT HEAT FOR THE MILLION.

{Continued, from page 129.)

Vines can be grown satisfactorily in pots, but they cause more
trouble in watering and feeding than when planted out. Good
Grapes can be grown against a wall, the pots stood on the soil, ar.d
being removed to a cool and dry place in winter, the pots covered
with dry litter to save the roots from frost. A house is best. It
may be above ground where the soil is wet. A narrow house will
do ; G feet wide and 4 feet wide at the top ; the sides 8 feet high ;
the top lights lifting for ventilation ; a board hung on both sides will
answer for the bottom ; with boarded sides 18 inches high, which may
be taken off the length of the lights, or, better, let it add to the height
of the house. Train the Vines to wires 1 foot from the glass,
allowing 2 feet 6 inches between the Vines. Another plan is having
the pathway sunk, the sides held up by single brick walls, 18-inch
single brick side walls, one course above ground, 8 feet 6 inches in
centre, top ventilation only, no side lights, simply a glass roof,
10 feet wide, and a row of Vines on each side, the roof wired a foot
from the glass. It answers just as well to plant the Vine or Vines
outside, and introduce the stems beneath the wall plate. Such
houses were common formerly. The Vines are raised from eyes,
cut like a wedge, but on the back of the shoot downward for an
inch and cut transversely above the bud. They are thrust in level
with the surface of turfy loam in pots singly in 3-inch pots. They
must he kept moist. Any time before they begin growing is the
time to insert them, or in February or March. When they have filled
the 3-inch pots with roots or grown a few inches high, place them
singly in 6-inch pots. Those in small pots will only need shifting.
Shade from bright sun until established. Duly attend with supplies
of water and liquid manure. Train near the glass or wall. Cut
back to one or two eyes in winter. When grown a little turn them
out of the pots, remove all the soil, replace in fresh soil, giving 9-inch

154

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 24, 1887.

pots. If weak, return to the same pots — i.e., 6 or 7-inch. When estab¬
lished, remove the weakest if there he two shoots. Pinch laterals
at one joint, and afterwards stop the lead when it has made 8 feet
of growth. Some will become strong enough to fruit ; indeed,
some of those in 6-inch pots may do so. I saw some this year
fruiting in 6-inch pots — Foster’s Seedling — good.

There are many ways of fruiting Vines in pots. 1, Fruit them
on the whole of the cane made in the previous year, taking six or
more bunches of Grapes. This means so weakening it that it will
be no good a second year, so that we need alternate years of growing
and fruiting. 2, Allowing a moderate crop and fruiting in con¬
secutive years. The canes in this case are left 3 feet long, and
three or four bunches are taken, the Vine being allowed to extend and
cut back to say 18 inches and so on, the fruit after the first year
being borne from spurs. Sometimes the rods are twisted round
stakes, or they are kept in bush form. Each has its advocates. It
does not matter what way the Vine is trained, only procure good
wood, Lave it ripe and the buds plump. Grapes are sure to come,
prune as we will. I prefer to grow a Vine to fruiting strength,
then fruit it, and have others for succeeding crops. There is no
need to throw the Vines away. Cut them down, disroot, or remove
the soil when started into growth and repot. It will make a fruiting
cane that year or the next, and the fruiting and non-fruiting can be
grown together, the one alternate with the other. The Vines so
far, however, are only in 9-inch pots. If to be fruited, they are
put in 12 or 13-inch in spring, merely loosening the sides of the ball.
The so-called growing Vines in pots with more roots outside than in
is not the plan to be adopted. If the Vines are not strong enough,
cut them back to a couple of eyes, shake out and place in the 13-inch
pots, not of course until they have started into growth, and they
will make a cane in thickness between the little finger and thumb,
giving half a dozen Grape bunches. To grow Vines in pots
well under cool treatment we require — 1, yearling ; 2, two year
olds ; 3, three year olds ; fourth year the Grapes. The one and
two year growths can be made under the gather ; but the third must
be made in an equally advantageous position with the fruiting ; in
fact, trained between them.

If we follow the constant fruiting system we must employ larger
pots from time to time, or the Vines can be kept in the same pots
by turning them over, reducing the ball, cutting back the strong or
long roots, and returning to the same pots. It is best done when
the Vines have leaves on them, after the wood becomes ripe, or just
before the buds swell. So far from the Vine resenting attentions
of this character, it succeeds all the better. Serviceable Vines
can be grown in pots or planted out. Surface dressings are facili¬
tated by strips of zinc about 6 inches wide made to form a
rim about the pots, being thrust between the soil and put inside,
forming a space 3 or 4 inches deep. That will take the surface
dressings, which should be added to or renewed until the Grapes
change colour. The pots must be covered with dry litter to keep
the roots safe from frost in winter.

The system of raising Vines from eyes or buds is a slow one.
There is the quicker plan of Mr. Miller’s, described and figured in
the Journal of Horticulture, vol. xxxvii., pages 223 and 232, which
consists of layering the eyes or buds of a strong well-ripened cane into
pots. They can be drained and filled with soil that will suit for two
years as well as one. The eyes should be disposed in the centre of
the pots and about 2 inches below the rim, securing with two pegs,
one on each side. It can be done after, or more safely before, they
start into growth. If fed there is no reason why they should not
gain sufficient strength for fruiting the season following the
layering. The layers should not be detached until autumn, or when
the leaves change colour for falling. It is a handy mode of propa¬
gation, and a great advance on the single eye system.

Other Places for Vines. — I have seen a Royal Muscadine
growing well in a shop window with a south aspect. It had the
roots outside, and being a fruiterer’s shop the Vine garniture was
very appropriate. Only fancy windows with sunny aspects having
a fringe of Vine foliage around hung with luscious Grapes. It is
worth attempting in large windows. Then we read of Vines and
Grapes, too, in very unlikely places. Laundries, engine houses,
workshops. The fact is, wherever there is light and sun Vines
grow and produce Grapes. There is no climber to equal it for
beauty, and none so accommodating and easily catered for. Free
soils that will grow climbers will grow Vines. Thera are verandahs
that are slated. Glaze with stout glass, 32-oz., and we have an open
vinery. Due south the Grapes would ripen well ; indeed, under
glass copings they ripen better than on walls. The Vine foliage
would afford the requisite shade in summer, and I can vouch for
the Grapes ripening and being useful. Any system of training
could be practised, and Vine shoots depending would not interfere
with the principal foliage, and that receiving light above and about
the bunches the crop is sure.

Dressing. — After pruning thoroughly cleanse the house or case.
Syringe it first with hot water (140°), woodwork, walls, &c. ; it
softens dirt, and is a good insecticide. Wash the woodwork with
soap and water, getting well into the corners and angles, the glass
with clear water, and limewash the walls and wood or other material
of the sides or front. Wash the woodwork and glass outside. Dirt
wastes houses faster than anything by holding the wet. Strip the
Vines of any loose bark, making no attempt at peeling and scraping.
V ash them with warm soapy water, 8 ozs. softsoap to a gallon of
water, using a rather stiff brush. Repeat when dry. Tie in position.
I he house, the case, the house or wall Vines are a pleasure to look
at all the winter. Copings can be taken off, cleansed, and put away
or utilised. Those that are of wood can be painted. It is folly
leaving things in the wet when they are not wanted.

Insects, &c. — Red spider is the worst. Keep Vines well sup¬
plied with water and nutriment and it will not appear. Sponging
or brushing with a soft brush the infested foliage is the best remedy
if it is applied in time, using softsoap 2 ozs. to a gallon of water.
Syringings may be resorted to in case of bad infections, using clear
rain water. Thrips are a consequence of drought. They are best
destroyed by fumigation with tobacco paper, having the foliage dry.
Repeat if necessary. Scale will not trouble if the winter dressing
is properly attended to, and if aphides appear fumigate. Mildew
will succumb to flower of sulphur dusted over the affected parts.
The thing is, a keen eye and prompt application of the remedy on
the first assault of the enemy. — G. Abbey.

CUTTING SEED POTATOES.

This is more often practised on the farm than in the garden, but it
is a good plan with larger tubers and may be adopted everywhere. I
have hardly ever met with anyone who approved of cutting kidney
Potatoes, and, what is more curious still, very few can give a good
reason for not cutting kidney Potatoes for seed like the round ones. I
do not know why any objection should be made to the practice in their
case, as we have frequently cut large kidneys into two or three pieces,
planted them in the ordinary way, and the crop was equal in every
respect to that derived from uncut tubers. In fact, the kidney varieties
will bear cutting as well as any of the round sorts, and why there
should be any distinction made between them in this respect cannot he
explained. No Potato, however, should ever be cut that is regarded as
a small one, as only those of a large size can be cut without injury or
deterioration to the crop.

The cutting cannot be done too carefully — at least, one prominent
eye must be left on each piece, and if possible the cutting should always
be done in such a manner that the tuber is equally divided. We have
all heard of the plan of cutting Potatoes to single eyes with the object
of rapidly increasing a variety or to see what weight of crop could be
secured from a single tuber ; but I do not approve of the system, and I
would never cut any tuber into more than two or three pieces at most.
V hen cutting is practised it is best to do it two or three days before
planting, as the cut part then has time to become dry and firm. —
J. Muir, Margarn.

VINES AND FERNS.

\\ HEN once a notion becomes firmly established in the British mind
it is by no means easy to remove. Whoever formulated the idea that
Grapes and plants cannot be well grown in the same house, must be
well satisfied with its reception. Evidence to the contrary has been
repeatedly adduced, but the idea remains fixed as firmly as ever in the
minds of a not inconsiderable section of the community. Unquestion¬
ably there are many plants that cannot be grown satisfactorily under
Vines. Sun-loving plants will not thrive in th-1 shade, and these include
the great majority that are grown for the beauty of their flowers ; but
there are shade-loving plants, amongst which are Ferns, and, as every
one knows, several of our British species luxuriate under the dense shade
of trees in woods and plantations, it would be strange indeed if exotic
kinds would not thrive satisfactorily in vineries. Numbers of persons
know from experience that they will do so, but an example on a large
scale is often necessary for placing the matter beyond dispute.

Whoever may visit the fine glass structures in the Chilwell Nurseries
of Messrs. J. R. Pearson k Sons during the summer or early autumn will
see Grapes and Ferns grown together extensively, and both grown well.
Good, however, as the Grapes are, it is a question if the Ferns would not
attract the greater share of attention. The long bold banks of them
down the 100 feet long houses are quite unique. They enhance materi¬
ally the effect of the structures and afford cartloads of fronds for cutting.
The demand for fronds of Adiantum cuneatum is so great in the flower
markets, that the Chilwell method of prodneing them is worthy of pro¬
minent notice. The engraving, from a photograph, represents a portion
of one of the 100 by 30 span-roofed vineries, the Ferns being grown in

Febru»ry 34, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

155

pots arranged on benches step above step from both sides to the centre,
forming massive ridges of luxuriant fronds. They are quite as good as
if grown in a “ house to themselves,” and: the Grapes would not be better
if there was not a plant in the vinery ; in fact the success of the com¬
bination is as complete as it is suggestive, and as such we have pleasure
in making it more widely known.

PREPARING AND FORCING PLANTS AND BULBS.

The production of forced flowers during winter months is a branch
of gardening that has received an impetus in modern times almost
wholly unknown to the gardeners of the past. The demand for cut
flowers being so great and still increasing, it becomes imperative that
each member of the craft should attain a sound knowledge of their suc¬
cessful production at all sea¬
sons, but especially during the
winter months. Happily the
list of plants suitable for
winter and spring forcing is
an extensive one, and where
suitable accommodation is
afforded with a judicious
selection, together with some
forethought exercised in their
previous preparation, consti¬
tutes one of the leading or
preparatory elements of suc¬
cess, and where duly attended
to obviates in a great measure
the difficulties experienced
when the above conditions are
wanting.

Hardy plants for winter
and spring forcing should re¬
ceive all the encouragement
possible during the previous
summer and autumn until
growth is completed and buds
well set. If grown in borders
they should be lifted and
potted early, and set in any
convenient place until the
approach of severe or frosty
weather, when it would be
preferable to house them, and
introduce to the forcing pit
in succession. The treatment
described would be applicable
in the case of Rhododendrons
in variety, Deutzia gracilis
and D. crenata fl.-pl., hardy
Azaleas of the pontica and
mollis varieties, Lilacs, Prunus,

&c. All the above-named
plants could be better pre¬
pared for early forcing if
grown in pots during the
summer, but would incur
more labour, a serious con¬
sideration to the majority of
already heavily handicapped
gardeners of the present times.

The various forms of
Azalea indica are indispensa¬
ble for forcing, and can be
had in flower at any time
during winter if growth is
completed and buds set early.

The old varieties of the alba
type still retain their position,
and are a desideratum where
Azaleas are required in quan¬
tity. Zonal Pelargoniums,

Cyclamens, Primulas (single
and double), Bouvardias, Poinsettias, &c., are too well known for their
useful qualities to need comment. Poinsettias require a temperature
not lower than 60° and 65° from about the middle of September on¬
wards. During October and later Bouvardias should receive the same
temperature.

White Camellias and Eucharis blooms are invaluable during winter
and spring. In our own case this year, as on former occasions, they
have responded to our call with a faithfulness peculiar to themselves at
this dull season. We commenced to gather our Camellias, which are
planted out, some six weeks before Christmas, and shall continue to do
so until April. Our Eucharises began to unfold their flowers two weeks
previous to the festive season, and will afford us a good supply of
blooms during the greater part of February. Our present flowering
batch will by that time have produced 1100 blooms. A fact worthy of
notice in connection with the Eucharis is one bulb having produced a

spike carrying eight blooms, one of which has assumed a semi-double
appearance, and is composed of two whorls of petals, five in each, and
the same number of stamens. The flower is very interesting from
a botanical point of view.

Ricliardias planted in a suitably prepared piece of ground, or grown
in pots plunged during summer months, are very useful when forced
into flower during winter, particularly at Christmas. The bulbs and
roots suitable for forcing comprise in themselves variety of form anti
colour sufficient to make an effective display during the dull monotonous
days of December and January. The first batch of Tulips and Roman
Hyacinths should be put in boxes containing light soil as early as they
can be procured. With bulbs required for forcing, the earlier they are
put in the better to insure roots in abundance before taking them from
the plunge bed, when if placed in a cold frame secure from frost, the
growing points will in a few days assume a fine green colour, and are
then ready for the forcing department as required. Roman Hyacinths-

and Tulips we force in boxes,
a convenient way when re¬
quired for cutting or making
up. When used for the latter
purpose the bulbs can be
lifted from the boxes in an
equal state of development,
and consequently a better
effect is obtained than if
forced in pots, when some
would probably unfold their
flowers in advance of the
others.

The best Tulips for early
forcing are Scarlet Due Van
Thuyl, Queen Victoria, and
Tournesol, the latter a beau¬
tiful and well known double
Tulip ; Yellow Pottebakker,
Gold Prince, and Canary Bird,
are, as their names imply,
three good yellow kinds ;
Couleur Cardinal and Keizers
Kroon, two good varieties to
succeed the above named ; La
Candeur is a good double
white, but will not force
early.

To have the Lily of the
Valley in good condition at
Christmas, strong, plump, well
ripened crowns, home grown
or imported, should be secured.
If the crowns were thoroughly
ripened and rested '“hey can
be had in flower in the space
of from three to four weeks if
provided with a bottom heat
of from 85° to 90°. The crowns
should be covered with an
inch of cocoa fibre, or with a
sprinkle of small leaves, and
watered when necessary.

Spiraea japonica and large-
flowering Hyacinths give
better results if brought on
gradually after new year
time. Paper White, Double
Roman, and other Narcissus,
double Daffodils included,
are beautiful when forced
gently during January and
February. Spiraea palmata
and Hydrangea paniculata
grandiflora are two noble
plants for late spring forcing,
and form a striking contrast
of colours.

Gardenias unfold their
blooms during February,
March, and April. In the latter month a companion flower in every
respect worthy to associate with the Gardenia will begin to make
its appearance — namely, Stephanotis. Marshal Neil and other beau¬
tiful Tea Roses will be abundant during the months just named.
In the ordinary course of nature, all indications of winter should by
this time have disappeared, and henceforward there should be no
scarcity of Pelargoniums (decorative) and the various other flowers in
season. — D. Sheahan, Wimbledon.

HARD WATER V. BOILERS.

I SEE that Mr. Iggulden complains that he is not credited with
knowing the elementary rules of the science bearing on this and other
subjects. I have re-read his previous letter, and I fail to detect the
slightest sign of science in it. His second letter is worse in this respect

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

156

than the first, for it displays a very careless method of reading what
those who gave him advice have written on the subject. First he com¬
plains that the hints given were not practical — what more practical
hint or reliable advice could be given him than to substitute rain water
for hard water for filling his boilers and pipes ? This is the best,
cheapest, and most effectual method that could be adopted under the
circumstances.

Both “Thinker” and myself alluded to petroleum, but we did not
convey the impression that he was to obtain a long array of empty
casks to hold 3000 gallons of rain water, but a few full ones, and place
the oil in the boiler and pipes. Failing the first this was advised, for
it is believed that the oil would cling to the inner surface of the pipes
and boiler and prevent the saline matters contained in the hard water
from becoming deposited, and thus form a thick incrustation.

Pumping would not be a serious item if he used rain water, for
breakdowns would be reduced to a minimum ; in fact, they would be
unknown from a source from which he has had so many. The labour
for pumping and a few cans of water daily would not be a serious item
compared with new boilers, patching, and inconvenience which arise
therefrom. But your correspondent seems to prefer the hard water and
the breakdown in preference to a little pumping occasionally. There
certainly would be a little sediment from rain water, but it would not
prove serious to the boilers. If the pipes were properly arranged this
could be washed out of the boiler from time to time when it was
deemed necessary to empty the pipes. However clean the water may be,
much rust and sediment appear to collect in the pipes and boiler —
such, however, is our experience. — A. W.

MOLYNEUX’S “ CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR

CULTIVATION”— A CRITIQUE.

[A paper read at a meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society by Mr. T. Garnett 1
(Continued from, page 133.)

We will now take a representative collection of Chrysanthemums,
and divide it for convenience sake into four sections.

Section 1. — The tall-growing varieties.

Section 2. — The dwarf-growing varieties.

Section 3. — The intermediate growers, comprising or including the
early-flowering varieties of the November-flowering sorts.

Section 4. — The late-flowering varieties, which are usually slow
growers of luxuriant and succulent habit, as Meg Merrilies, Boule d’Or,
Grandiflorum, &c., among the Japanese, and Princess of Teck, Hero of
Stoke Newington, Cherub, Eve, &c., amongst the incurved.

Intermediate between the sections are varieties which so merge one
section into the other that any definite division is impossible ; but as
this is the only way which suggests itself to explain what I desire, I
shall use these four sections as a sort of “ beacon lights ” to guide us in
the sea of uncertainty which surrounds the subject.

The plants we will suppose to be all grown from sucker cuttings and
subjected to the same treatment, and for convenience of illustration we
select a plant from each section. The tall variety grows 4 feet before
it shows its first bud. The dwarf variety grows only 2 feet before it
shows its first bud, but it will occupy it ten days longer to grow its
2 feet of wood than it occupied the tall variety to grow 4 feet. After
each variety has shown its first bud they again start into active growth,
breaking away into three or more shoots. Each variety will again, if
the plant has not reached that stage of ripeness to modify the growth,
produce about the same number of leaves and their internodes before
they again show the next bud, which is denominated the “ crown bud,”
and Mr. Molyneux makes no mention of any intermediate “ crowns
but hereabouts many varieties will show two and some three successive
crowns before showing the real terminal— that is, of course, if each
crown bud is removed owing to being too early (excepting the very late
ones in section 4, from which we are glad of the opportunity to secure
the first crown). If this is different from Mr. Molyneux’s experience
we can only assume that his climate, with its earlier spring and longer
summer, so thoroughly ripens his wood at a very early date, so preparing
the plant and settling it down to the real object for which it exists.
Let us now revert to our tall variety at the first crown-bud stage. If
left to itself it seems undecided whether to keep on growing or to con¬
centrate its energies on the production of a flower. If it is at what is
technically called in a ripe condition, the wood consolidated and stored
with elaborate secretions, the blooming propensity will preponderate
over the growing propensity, and a full, rounded, plump bud, decided in
character, will quickly form, which, with the cultivator’s help by the
removal of side growths, would eventually develope into a high-class
flower. On the other hand, if, when the plant arrives at this stage, it
is still grossly full of crude sap — it may be from over-feeding, and other
well known causes the bud will be of a very undecided character, and
the tendency will be in the direction of further growth. If the side
shoots are removed, and the crude sap diverted into the undecided bud,
which is the result of this gross growth, the ultimate results are, in
some cases, malformed buds, in others hen-and-chicken buds, or it may
be a bud of soft consistency, which ultimately is abortive. We supposed
our tall vaiiety to have shown its crown bud during the second week
in August, but if we know from experience that if we take this “ bud ”
the flower will be too early, what are the results if we discard it ? We
call upon the plant to make another stage of growth, which occupies
from thirty to forty days. Some part of this valuable time the plant
ought to be ripening and consolidating growth already made. At this

. [ February 24, 1887.

time of the year the days are rapidly shortening, and the humidity of
the atmosphere increasing towards saturation point, growth made under
these adverse conditions must result in unsatisfactory flowers. Although
we have left the question of height a long way back, it is under these
conditions that increased height is injurious.

We now revert to the plant which represents the dwarf section,
where we left it at 2 feet high showing its first bud. W e stated that it would
require ten days more than the tall variety to make its first instalment
of growth. If we assume that its second instalment of growth occupies
aother ten days longer than the tall variety to bring it to the first
“ crown bud” stage, it arrives at that stage twenty days behind the tall
variety, but we sent the tall variety on another journey, which would
occupy it from thirty to forty days later before it showed another flower
bud. If we know from experience that this bud of the dwarf variety
has shown at a suitable time, we take it, and thus get a clear gain of
fifteen to twenty days in favour of the dwarf variety, and this at a
time and under conditions more suitable in every respect to build up
its flowers, while the tall variety was occupying precious time in grow¬
ing when it ought to have been building up its flower buds.

Coming to section 3 we have intermediate growers and moderately
early flowerers, such varieties as M. Tarin, Henri Jacotot, J. Salter,
Elaine, Beverleys, &c. These grow quickly and ripen early, and, as
a rule, if grown on the non-stopping system they show their first
crown bud considerably too early for the flowers to be contemporaneous
with the usual display, but there is no difficulty in obtaining a second,
and in some cases a third “ crown bud,” before they show the terminal.
What is of importance for us to ascertain how much of this growth is
superfluous ? Speaking from experience, I have had the highest class
flowers from Elaine, J. Salter, Beverley, and others of this type, from
plants struck the last week in February, once stopped in the middle
of June, and the first crown bud taken, proving, if we get one whole
instalment of growth made and thoroughly ripened under the summer
conditions, when we have the best climatic influences ripening the wood
as it grows. If this is so, why wait until the plants “ break ” natur¬
ally, more particularly if, in our judgment, the plants would not so
break before the season was too far advanced ? Mr. Molyneux’s argu¬
ment in favour of topping “ Eve ” and “ Mabel Ward ” is proof that no
mischievous effects accrue from this topping if judiciously done. From
my own observations of dwarf plants producing the unaccountably fine
flowers to which Mr. Molyneux refers, I have no doubt the secret lies
in the fact, that either through the complication of the bud stages of
growth, or it may be that the plant may have been topped or broken
by some means (which would have the same effect) causing the plant to
make another instalment of growth just at the time when circumstances
so favoured the new growth that the bud was formed just at the proper
time for its full development into a high class flower, at the same time
showing that such growth is capable of sufficient strength and storage,
to produce as good flowers as is double the height under other circum¬
stances.

The fourth type is represented by Meg Merrilies, Boule d’Or, Golden
Dragon, Grandiflorum, &c., in the Japanese, and Princess Teck, Cherub,
Eve, &c., in the incurved. This class is well known to growers here¬
abouts to require special treatment to have them show their buds by the
first week in August, and have them in flower by the second week in
November ; but we get no information from Mr. Molyneux on this point,
with the exception of the topping of Eve and Mabel Ward, all else
seems to be left to chance. The cuttings are apparently put in without
distinction from the 12th of December to the 12th January, and no
division of treatment, and no clue as to how the plants should be treated
go as to have the buds when they are wanted. We can only come to
this conclusion, the climate at Swanmore is so good that these varieties
only cause him ordinary trouble in their cultivation.

At the risk of treating the subject rather too fully, I have been at
some pains to endeavour to clear up the complexity of this branch of
Chrysanthemum culture, I have also dealt with Mr. Molyneux’s argu¬
ments where they ran counter to what experience has taught me.

In the first place we should determine, if possible, which is the bud
that will yield us the best coloured, broadest petaled, best formed, most
solid, and highest finished flower. I believe all these properties are per¬
fectly compatible. Out of this question arises another. Mr. Molyneux
having only two buds to choose from, appears to lay more stress on the
time they are taken. Many Yorkshire growers pin their faith on the
second crown on stopped plants. Whichever is taken, we must keep the
issue clear that the plants must be in that degree of ripeness so as to be
showing the blooming propensity definitely, my opinion being that it is
on this latter point the question rests more than it does on any particular
bud. However, in cases where it is determined to select the second bud,
the topping will require to be done in February, but not in the manner
which Mr. Molyneux quotes, “ Some growers top the plants when
8 inches high ” without apparently any regard to the ugliness or lateness
of the sorts (not much wonder some of them not getting ripened), but
having regard to their early or late blooming proclivities. If the first
crown bud is selected the varieties which I mentioned as being the types
of the early flowerers, section 3, should be selected ; but they need not
be propagated before the end of February, then grown on until the
middle of May, when the later sorts of the section may be topped, so
graduating the operation that the earliest flowerers are not manipulated
before the middle of June. In regard to the late bloomers, I have
already stated that I prefer to propagate them in November. These
varieties are so telling that it will be wise to grow a good proportion of
them. Then, so as to have more than one string to his bow, he might

February S4, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

157

divide the stock of them into two portions, selecting the strongest and
earliest to grow on without topping ; the other portion may then be
topped the last week in April for the latest sorts, so graduating the
topping as to early or lateness of sorts as recommended in the other section.

In conclusion, I may just remark that even “ Mr. Molyneux’s ” advice,
letting alone mine, will not avail the cultivator a great way on the road
if he does not study the peculiarities of the different types, and also
bear in mind that any abnormal deviation from a given system of culti¬
vation will directly aifect the general results— as, for instance, alteration
in the size of the pots ; using soil from different sources of supply ; the
failure of the due supply of either organic or inorganic food ; the appli¬
cation of stimulating manure, liquid or solid, without a due appreciation
of their strength and effects ; abnormal deviations of climatic influences,
as very wet summers or very dry ones ; add to those the peculiarities of
growth must be thoroughly understood by the cultivator before he can
feel on firm ground as to any line of reasoning which may be brought to
bear on cause and effect so as to be able to arrive at a sound judgment.
Our Yorkshire Union of Horticulturists has, in this branch of Chrysan¬
themum culture, a field of investigation worthy of the efforts of every
member, to reduce to order and routine the chaotic uncertainties which
beset us on every side. Every branch society, through its members,

could collate and tabulate facts from which valuable deductions could
be made, with discussion limited to one phase of the subject at a time,
of course with due regard to the bearings of one question on the others ;
something on the principle which a great English thinker (Huxley) lays
down when he wrote. “ That we must learn what is true in order to do
what is right, and there is a path which leads to truth so surely, that
anyone who will follow it must need reach the goal, whether his
capacity be small or great, and there is one golden rule by which a man
may always find this path and keep him from straying when he has
found it. This golden rule is, Give assent to no proposition but those
the truth of which is so clear that they cannot be doubted.” This
golden rule is applicable to the cultivation of all plants, but perhaps
more closely does it apply to this branch of the Chrysanthemum culture
than to any other, because for its successful cultivation there is no other
plant under the gardener’s care which demands from him the discrimi¬
nation of cause and effect in a greater degree. On the other hand, the
reward for labour and time is such as to amply repay in results pro¬
portionate to the exercise of judgment.

ALYSSUM WIERZBICKII.

This plant belongs to a small genus of Crucifers, one species, A.
saxatile, being familiar to gardeners. The present species is deserving

the attention of everyone having even a small garden. It is an erect
grower, attaining a height of about 2 feet, but commences flowering
when a foot or 15 inches ; the additional height arising from the growth
of the flower spike, which, it will be readily understood, materially
lengthens the period of its beauty. The plant is an erect grower, pro¬
ducing oblong lanceolate rugose leaves, light green on both surfaces.
The stem also is the same shade of green, rugose and hirsute. 'Flowers
numerous and bright yellow, produced early in the spring.

It should be sown in autumn for blooming in spring ; but we would
not advise the plants to be kept longer than the third year, as they get
woody and unsightly at the bottom, and do not produce such fine spikes
of flower as the young seedlings. It may also be increased from cuttings
if desired. These plants may be grown in almost any soil, but a cal¬
careous loam suits them best.

GRAVEL ON PLANT STAGES.

Plants during the time of their growth like a genial moisture at
their roots. When planted out in the open borders it is supplied natur¬
ally, although stagnant moisture is ruinous to them ; therefore it be¬
comes necessary to drain outside borders where the soil is not naturally
porous. So are flower pots carefully drained with crocks to prevent the
soil in them becoming sour with the great quantity of water it is found
necessary to use. These simple facts are well known. The smaller the
quantity of water supplied to a plant the longer will the soil remain
sweet. It is highly injurious to plants exposed to the full influence of
the sun which have to be watered in the middle of the day, especially
when the water used is very much cooler than the soil and roots in the
pots. If plants arc placed on open stages over hot-water pipes moisture
cannot long be retained about them ; but if slates or flat tiles are placed
on the stages, then a layer of clean shingle spread over them to the
depth of 1 inch or so, the drying heat produced by the hot-water pipes
will be arrested, and a more lasting moisture can be had by occasionally
damping the gravel on the stages. The gravel, too, gives a neat appear¬
ance to the house, and there will be no stains visible, as is the case when
liquid manure is used on open stages.

Of course, a wooden stage will not last as long covered with gravel
as if left bare. Stone and slate stages are decidedly the best, but they
require gravel or some similar material spread over them, or the
drainage of the pots is impaired. Plants so treated will require less
water : thus it will be a saving of labour, and healthier and better
rooted plants will be the result. Shingle on stages is largely used I
know, but it would be more satisfactory to cultivators if it were more
generally used. The floors of plant houses would, I think, be better if
left bare under the stages, and not tiled or cemented, except the path¬
ways. Conservatories too should have beds in them if possible, and
not be all paved floors with stages. — G. Garner, Ambenvood Gardens,
Hants.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from, page 118.)

Infl., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FI., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — JET., Hardy.

— H.H., Half-hardy. — (?., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —

Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches.— [An., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. — -

Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Cypripedium Leeanum, var. superbum. ( G . C. xxv., p. 1G8 ; Veitch
Cat., p. 11 and 4, with fig.) A fine variety, with large and showy dorsal sep.
marked with radiating row's of purple lines, green and shining at the base.

Cypripedium orphanum. ( G . C. xxvi., p. 166.) L. short and stiff,
not marbled. Peduncle very tali. Dorsal sep. triangular, margin light
purple, middle nerve purple, the rest green. Lower sep. very short, with
ten green nerves. Pet. oblong, deflextd, flat, “ white, with a deep purple
mid line, mostly olive green, spotted at the base.” Lip very broad, purple-
brown in front, yellowish at the back, spotted with purple on the base.
Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium radissum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 424.) A hybrid between C.
Lawrencianum and C. Spicerianum. L. light green, with dark green trans¬
verse markings. Dorsal sep. broad and acuminate, white with mauve-
purple nerves, which are green at their base, and have a green tint between
thsm. Lower sep. nearly as long as the lip, with light brown lines. Pet.
slightly drooping, slightly undulate and ciliate, green with brown midline,
and numerous brown spots on the upper margin, the front borders washed
with brownish. Lip like that of C. Lawrencianum, brown in front, with a
green border. Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium Sandeuianum. ( G . C. xxv., p. 554, and xxvi., p. 370 ; R.
p. 7, t. 3.) A very distinct and striking plant, in the way of C. caudatum
and C. Stonei. Sep. yellowish-green, with purple-brown nerves. Pet.
1-1J ft. long, linear, twisted, purple-brown fading into yellowish, spotted
anti barred with purple-brown towards the bas°, where there are some
retrorse purple bristles. Lip much like that of C. Stonei in shape, but of a
irreeniah- bronze colour. Malay Archipelago.

J Cypripedium Sedeni, var. candidulum. ( Veitch Cat., p. 11, and 4 with
fig.) A hybrid between C. longifolium and C. Schlimii, var. albiflornm.
Sep. and pet. ivory-white, the sep. with pale yellowish-green nerves, the
pet. tinted with rose towards the tips. Lip pale ros>, the infolded lobes
white dotted with crimson. Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium selligerum, var. majus. ( L ., pi. 22.) A variety with
larger fl. A fine and handsome plant.

158

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 24, 1887.

Cypripedium Thibautianum. (G. C. xxv., p. 104.) A hybrid between
C. Harrisianum and C. insigne, var. Maulei. The sep. are green, with rows
of brown spot*, the dorsal ona with a white border. Pet. shining brown, the
sapper part being light green, with small brown spots. Lip pale yellowish,
with the front part brown. Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium Williamstanum. (Williams Cat., p. 24.) A large
flowered distinct form. The 1. are distinctly tessellated. Dorsal sep. very
lar>re white with a blackish-brown central bar and green nerves; pet.
oblong lieulate acute, ciliate on both margins, reddish-brown on the upper
side of the dark brown median line, and white, with a coppery tint on the
lower side, and dotted with black near the base; lip yellowish beneath,
iivht brown above, with an ochreous border. Garden hybrid.

Cypripedium Winnianum. (G. C. xxv., p. 362.) A hybrid between C.
Druryi and C. villosum. L similar to that of C. villosum. Peduncle and
ovary hairy. Dorsal sep. oblong acute, not broad, whitish-yellow, with the
centre dark purple-brown, lower sep. pale ochre. Pet. reddish on theupper
aide of the brown midline, yellow on the lower side. Lip as in G. villosum.

Cyrtomium caryotidium, var. attenuatum. (G. C. xxv., p. 787.)
Filioes. A variety with elegantly caudate pinn®. India.

Cyrtopera Regnieri. (G. C. xxvi., p. 294.) Orchide®. A fine and
handsome Orchid, with oblanceo’ate 1., and a raceme of large yellow fl. on
a tall peduncle arising from the side of the leafy shoot. Sep. and pet. fal¬
cate-lanceolate acute. L’p oblong lanceolate, with a wide blunt angle on
each side at the middle. Spur conical. Cochin China.

Dahlia pinnata. (G/Z. 1886, p. 211.) Composit®. Here considered to
be an older name for D. variabilis. „ . _ ,

Da vallia hetusa (Veltch Cat., p. 11). Fihces. S. An elegant Fern of
■spreading habit, suitable for basket cultivation, with deltoid tripinnate
fronds, having pale reddish stipes and rachides, and light green rhomboidal
or cuneate pinnules. Sumatra.

Dendrobium leucopterum (G. C. xxv., p. 483). Orchide®. A beauti¬
ful hybrid between D. endocharis and D. nobile, raised from the same seed
pod as D. enosmum (see Y. B. for 1886, p. 90), but the fl. are larger than in
that, with white sep. and pet., and the disc of the lip of a rich purple.
<jirden hybrid. . .

Dendrobium Lown, var pleiotrichum (G. C. xxiv., p. 424). A variety
wanting the red lines on the lip, and having short hairs on the basal lobes.

Dendrobium macrophyllum var. giganteum (ZZ. H., 1886, p. 348). A
beautiful form with large solitary or geminate fl., 4 inches in expanse, the
sep. and peL of a rosy mauve tinted with lilac, the eyed and fringed lip
being ro3e-purple. Manilla.

Dendrobium melanophthalmum (G. C. xxv., page 426). Stems nodose.
Fl. like those of D. crassiaode var. Barba ianum, but with two dark eye-
spots. Supposed to be a natural hybrid between D. Wariianum and D.
craasinode.

Dendrobium Parthenium. (G. C. xxiv., p. 489; Bull. Cat., p. 8.) A
tall growing plant with thin stems ; 1. 1£ in. long ; racsmes 2-flowered ; fl.
white with a purple blotch at the base of the lip. Sep. lanceolate-trian¬
gular with obscure keels. Pet. oblong, obtuse, longer than the sep.
Borneo.

Dendrobium percnanthum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 70 ; Cat. C. C. d’H., p. 3.)
A distinct and remarkable species, with strong shining stems, and numerous
racemes of pale yellow fl. with a white lip having the mid lobe and borders
of the upper part yellow, and brown and purple keels. Sep. triangular.
Chin blunt. Pet. linear, longer than the sep., turned backwards. Lip ligu-
late trifid at the ap;x, side lobes blunt-rhomboid, mid lobe ovate, apicu-
late. Moluccas.

Dendrobium pogonlates. (G. C. xxvi., p. 199.) A miniature plant of
botanical interest, with fusiform stems a ft. high, linear-lanceolate 1., and
email yellowish fl. with an orange lip. The spur is cyliodric retuse ; sep.
lanceolate acute ; pet. cun ate-oblong; lip with a long midlobe, betrded.
North Borneo.

Dendrobium stratiotes. (G. C. xxv., p. 266, and xxvi., p. 176 and 177,
f. 34 ; III. H. pi. 602 ; L., pi. 43 ; Cat. C. C. d’H., p. 4.) A remarkable and
handsome species, with long fusiform bulbs, rather short oblong 1., and
numerous racemes of odd-looking fl. of good size, Sep. lanceolate acuminate,
rolled back, ivory white. Pet. longer than the sep., narrow linear, twisted,
-quite erect, pale green. Lip cream-coloured with violet veins, 3-lobed,
front lobe ovate acute. Sunda Isles.

Dendrobium strebloceras. (G. G. xxv., p. 266 ; Cat. C. C. d’S., p. 4.)
Allied to D. stratiote-, but with smaller fl. The sep. and pet. are similar,
chm narrower, the side lobes of the lip nearly square, obtuse angled, the
isthmus well developed, and the front lobe nearly triangular, there are five
kee’s on the median area. Sunda Dies.

Dendrobium Williamsianum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 173, f. 32, and p. 199.)
A very beautiful plant, producing its racemes of large fl. from the upper
part of the slender bulb?, each raceme has about half a dozen fl. of an ivory
white colour, with a purple lip, the disk of the pet. also washed with light
purple. The dorsal sep. and pet. are broadly oblong, apiculate ; lateral
sep. triangular ; the lip has an angulate chin, it stands upright, is addressed
to the column, and has a roundish limb. New Guin- a.

Dianthera bullata. (III. H. pi. 589.) Acanthace®. S. foliage plant
of dwarf habit, with opposite, elliptic, acute, strongly bullate, blackish-
green 1., purplish beneath ; and slender racemes of small white fl., fascicled
in the axils of minute, opposite bracts. Corolla 2 lin. long, puberu'ous,
bilabiate, front lobe 3-parted. Stamens 2, exserted ; staminodia 2. Borneo.

Dicksonla Lathami. (G. C. xxiv , p. 584.) Filices. S. evergreen Tree
Fern of hybrid origin. It is a noble plant, with tripinnate, narrow-oblong,
coriaceous, dark green fronds. 14-15 ft. long ; pinn® sessile oblong-lanceo¬
late acuminate, lj 2 ft. long, 6-8 in. broad, with close sit, sessile, lanceolate,
acute pinnules ; pinnulets oblong, obtuse, more or less lobed or crenulate.
Suoposed to be a hybrid between D. antarotica and D. arborescens. Garden
hybrid.

Dimorphanthus mandshuricus, var. foliis variegatis. (III. E.,
t. 619.) Araliace®. H. shr. or tree, very elegant and ornamental, with
variegated foliage. The large bipinnate 1. having 4-5 pair of pinn® each
with 4-6 pur of elliptic ovate leaflets and one terminal one, all dark green,
broadly margined wi'h cream-white. Amur, Mandshuria.

Disa atropurpurea. (G. C. xxv., p. 532 ; B. M , t. 6891.) Orchidace®
G. ferrestrial Orchid. A beautiful little plant, with lin ar grass-like 1 , and

solitary rich purple-lake fl., on slender peduncles 3 to 4 in. high. Dorsal sep,
hooded with a very short knob-like spur ; lateral sep. elliptic-lanceolate acute.
Pet. eared at base, bifid at apex. Lip with a distinct stalk \ in. long, and a
cordate acuminate blade, with a wavy margin, and 2 3 teeth on each side.
S. Africa.

Dbac.ena Bartelii. (R. II. 1886, p. 178.) Liliace®. S. thr. A beautiful
variety, having the elliptic 1. of a reddish-bronze, bordered with red in the
adult state, and of a brilliant red. flaked with brownish in the young state.
Garden variety.

Echinocactus Joadii. (B. M., t. 6867.) Cactacc®. G. succulent, A
beautiful plant, with a globose many-ribbed stem, brownish spines, and hand¬
some bright yellow fl. 2 in. in diam. Outer spines 15 to 18, radia'e, inner
ones 6 to 7, longer and stouter, directed outwan s. Calyx tube with tubs of
slender spines, mixed with curly hairs. Petals numerous, narrow oblong
acutu Stigmas crimson. Uruguay?

Echinocactus senilis. (Gfi., 1. 1230, f. A.) G. succulent, with a stout
oylindric, 16 to 18-ribbed stem, having tufts of numerous hair like spines,
curving upwards ; and light pink fl. 1J in. long, and 1 in. in diam., with a
scaly cylindric tube. Chili.

Eomecon chionantha. (B. M., t. 6871.) Papaverac ®. H.H. A
beautiful and interesting per. herb. L. all radical, long stalked, with a
roundish-cordate, sinuate or coarsely crenate blade 3 to 4 in. long, and nearly
as broad. Fl.-stem laxly branched. Fl. Poppy-like, 1J to 2 in. in expanse,
white, with yellow stamens. China.

(To be continued.)

WORK.F0[lTHEWEEK,. RS

t '

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Spring Sown Onions. — We have sown these at all times, from the
first week in January until the end of March, and our favourite time
for sowing is during the first week in March. If the soil was in good
condition about the last week in February we would sow then, hut ex¬
perience has led us to avoid very early sowing, and the early March
sowings will produce splendid crops. Rich soil and a sunny position
will always produce large finely developed bulbs, but the maggot should
always be guarded against, and a quantity of gaslime, salt, lime,
or soot should be forked or dug into the soil before sowing the seed. We
do not limit any quantity, but apply these ingredients according to the
usual abundance of maggots. Sometimes a mere sprinkling will do,
and in other cases a good dressing is required. We are especially in
favour of soot in Onion soil, and after dressing and manuring the
surface should be rather fine, the drills may then be opened after each
other throughout the whole of the Onion piece. Making beds is only
labour thrown away, as it does not produce better results. The rows
should be 1 foot apart, and the seed should be placed 2 inches below the
surface. Where the soil is heavy try and use a little old potting soil
to cover the seed, and when this has been placed in the drills cover with
the soil that was drawn out. If no soil can be secured from the shed sand
will do, and as soon as the surface becomes so dry that the soil will not
stick to the feet roll the land several times. This will make the soil
very firm, and it is astonishing how early the young plants begin to
form bulbs in firm soil.

Peas. — Those being forwarded under glass should be kept in cool
quarters to prevent their being drawn, and also to harden them ready
for planting, as if the weather is favourable they may be planted out
early in March, but care should be taken that they are not fully ex¬
posed until they can bear it, as if placed out when too tender they will
be severely checked and the labour of getting them up early will be
thrown away, as checked plants are never satisfactory. Large quanti¬
ties of main crop varieties should now be sown. Give them a rich deep
soil, do not crowd the rows, and heavy crops will be the result. We
have sometimes sown Peas in poor soil and trusted to liquid manure to
finish off the crop, but this plan was never very successful and not
equal to that secured by sowing in rich soil at first. Those sown in the
open in December are very promising, and all above ground should have
a little soil drawn to each side of the row, then staking them. Place
small twigs amongst the plants first to bear them up, and place the
large stakes along the sides afterwards. It is not very often that Peas
are fruited under glass, but where they are being tried do not keep them
shut up too closely, as this will cause mildew. Keep them near the
glass, admit air on all favourable opportunities, and give them weak
liquid manure twice weekly. Where early Peas have failed or were not
sown some time ago do not sow in main crop Peas now, but sow the
earliest varieties. It is astonishing how fast these grow when placed in
during March and onwards.

Rhubarb.— The crowns of this are expanding, and where any
dividing or transplanting has to be done they should have attention at
once. As a rule there is too much Rhubarb grown in gardens ; half the
quantity would often be sufficient. But where the stock is deficient in¬
crease it by taking up the- old roots and dividing them into two or three
pieces. Replant in good soil, and roots which are being left alone may
have a little manure forked in round them.

Jerusalem Artichokes. — These are invaluable to us, as they are
not only used freely in soup, but they are cooked as a vegetable and are

February 84, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

159

a most acceptable change two or three times a week during the winter.
Very rich soil causes them to make too much top growth, and we
prefer to grow them in soil that is slightly poor. The whole of the
roots should be dug now, the best stored for use, and the smaller re¬
planted. They are put in like Potatoes, but the rows should be kept
3 feet apart and the sets 18 inches asunder.

Broad Beans. — The earliest are well through the soil, and a second
sowing should be made of Seville Long Pod.

Horn Carrots. — The first sowing of these may be made in the open
ground. They should be sown on a warm border where the soil is
friable and free from maggots. Keep the rows 15 inches apart and do
not sow very thick. Do not cover the seed more than an inch deep, and
cover them carefully. We sow a long border of them, and have
lately had a quantity of sandy leaf soil forked into it. The other day
we cleaned out a Cucumber pit flue, and the whole of the material that
came from it was placed on the Carrot border. This has been spread on
the surface and Dutch-hoed in, and we will guarantee that no worms
will be found in that border for the next twelve months at least.
Early Carrots in frames are becoming crowded and should be freely
thinned out before they have injured each other by being too close. We
are very particular in avoiding this, as when the plants are forced into a
long stem before being thinned they fall over afterwards and receive a
check from which they do not readily recover.

Kidney Beans. — Everyone who has a glass house or "pit may sow
Dwarf Beans, as they will grow freely in time to come and the fruit will
be most acceptable in April or May. The Ne Plus Ultra fruits most
freely, and it is astonishing the quantity of pods that may be gathered
from two or three dozen pots. Sow six, eight, or ten seeds in a 3-inch
pot, use good soil, place them in a little warmth, and a fine batch of
young plants will soon appear. Give plants bearing pods abundance of
liquid manure. Do not syringe those in flower.

Herbs. — Mint extends rapidly, therefore cut it well in with a spade
and dig up the surplus part. Place a surface dressing of manure over
that which remains. Sage plants which were raised from seed last year
should be lifted and replanted, allowing 18 inches from row to row and
1 foot from plant to plant. Sow a pinch of Sweet Basil seed in a 6-inch
pot. It requires a little heat to germinate, and must be grown under
.glass until the summer time.

TGarlic, Shallots, and Potato Onions.— The whole of these may
be planted. A small bed of Garlic will give a good supply, but Shallots
may be more extensively planted. The large varieties of these are
showy, but in quality they are not quite so good as the old fashioned
sort, and it is this which forms the bulk of our crop. The roots are
planted in rows 1 foot apart, with a distance of 6 inches between the
bulbs, and they are simply planted by being pushed into the surface of
the ground until they are almost hidden in the soil. Potato Onions are
treated in the same way, only they are kept a few inches further apart
as the bulbs are larger.

Horseradish. — Where this is degenerating lift the whole of it,
select the thickest and straightest roots and dibble them into deep
fresh ground at a distance of 20 inches by 15 inches. This crop is
generally neglected and consigned to some out-of-the-way corner, but it
is in frequent demand in the kitchen, and roots about as thick as one’s
wrist are always acceptable.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Houses. — Early Grapes approaching the stoning
process will require careful treatment, ventilating early in the day,
affording a little air at 70°, increasing the heat to 85° with sun, closing
at 80°, and if an advance follow to 85° or 90° all the better. Avoid cold
draughts — they cause rust more than anything else ; and if red spider
appear paint the return pipes with sulphur, keeping the evaporation
troughs replenished with guano water or liquid manure, and water the
inside border with water at 80°.

Fruiting Vines in Pots. — These require generous treatment, such as
liquid manure 10° warmer than the house in which they are growing,
affording it also to the plunging material where the roots are allowed to
find their way from the bottom of the pots and over the rims, encou¬
raging the Vines to make plenty of foliage, as close pinching only
restricts the root growth, there being nothing like plenty of feeders to
.secure well swelled berries.

Succession Houses. — Disbud, and when the bunches show increase the
temperature to 55° to 60° at night, 65° by day, rising to 70° or 75° from
■sun heat, maintaining a moist genial atmosphere. Tying and stopping
will need to be attended to as required, allowing all the foliage that can
have exposure to light and air.

Late Houses. — If late Vines are not yet cleared of fruit it should be
done at once, pruning the Vines, applying styptic or knotting to the
euts, dressing the Vines and borders, keeping the house as cool as pos¬
sible, so as to afford a period of rest. Examine Grapes in rooms, as one
mouldy berry soon destroys a bunch ; the more equable the temperature
the better they will keep. The room being dry and frost-proof they will
keep plump. Muscats and Lady Downe’s, and other late varieties, may
now be encouraged to move, as the fruit keeps much better when the
Vines break early in March, time being allowed for the thorough ripen¬
ing of the Grapes before the cold and sunless weather. The inside
borders must be brought into a thoroughly moist state by the application
of water at a temperature of 85° or 90°. Little, if any, advantage is
derived by Vines started now from covering the outside borders with
fermenting materials, but a protection of litter or other material should
be provided to prevent chill from cold rains or snow.

Peaches and Nectarines. -Earliest House.- Tying and regulating
the young growths will be necessary as they advance, in doing which allow
plenty of room for the shoots swelling. Avoid overcrowding the foliage,
every leaf should have light and air. Those shoots retained to attract the
sap to the fruit must be kept closely pinched to one leaf after having
been previously stopped. Be not deceived by the syringing — i.e., making
the surface of the border look wet whilst the soil beneath may be too
dry, but give good waterings, and if the trees are weakly apply liquid
manure. If the syringings morning and afternoon fail to keep red
spider in check employ softsoap, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water. The
temperature should be maintained at 60° to 65° by artificial means,
a fall to 55° on cold mornings being much better for the trees than
hard firing, .which only induces attenuated growth.

Second Early House. — The trees will now want attention in disbud¬
ding, doing it gradually, removing the strongest and ill-placed, thinning
the fruit where too thickly set by first removing the smallest and those
on the under side of the branches, but avoid wholesale thinning and
disbudding. The temperature should be kept at 55° at night in cold
weather, and a little warmer, or 60°, in mild, but a comparatively low
night temperature is preferable to a high one ; 65° by day with an
advance to 70° or 75° from sun heat, and free ventilation from 65°.
Syringing must be practised morning and afternoon.

Third Succession House. — Trees started early in the month will be in
flower, and must have attention in fertilising the flowers by shaking the
trellis or dusting them with a camel-hair brush. Syringing must cease
whilst the trees are in flower, but the floor should be sprinkled morning
and afternoon, avoiding cold currents of air, but ventilating freely.
Maintain a temperature of 50° at night, 55° by day by artificial means,
advancing to 65° or more with sun, but not without full ventilation.

House to Afford Fruit in Late July or Early August. — This should be
closed early in March, syringing twice a day until the buds show colour,
when it must cease. Maintain a temperature of 50° by day, and 40° to
45° at night, advancing to 65° with sun. Make a careful examination
of the border, and if at all dry afford a thorough supply of water. If
there is a very plentiful supply of blossom remove that at the back or
under side of the trellis by drawing the hand the reverse way of the
growth.

Late Houses. — Many are unheated, which is a mistake, but a greater
still is having the roof lights fixed. The roof lights of our late house
are still off, and not a bud has started, whilst trees against a south
wall have the buds considerably advanced. Ventilate freely, merely
excluding frost. Heat is essential in cold localities, as the blossom is not
safe from severe spring frosts, and the fruit does not ripen perfectly if
the late summer be cold and sunless. A gentle heat during flowering
does much towards ensuring a good set, and in autumn artificial heat
ripens the fruit and wood, plumping the buds wonderfully. See that
the borders in all the houses do not lack water, but afford it liberally to
all where the trees are in growth. Outside borders in all cases should
be protected with litter.

Pines. — At the commencement of March a batch of suckers should
be started, which are intended to afford a supply of ripe fruit from
about December onward through the winter and early summer months.
The pots most suitable are 5 to 7 inches in diameter, they being per¬
fectly clean and dry, draining them with about an inch of crocks of
moderate size, employing fibrous loam torn up moderately small, reject¬
ing the dust, ramming it firmly about the base of the suckers, and
plunging in a bottom heat of 90° to 95° at the base of the pots. No
water should be applied until new roots are formed, which will take ten
days to a fortnight. A close moist pit is the most suitable place for
these plants, where they can be near the glass ; they will not need
syringing except the weather be very bright, when slight shading from
midday sun and a light syringing through a fine rose will be necessary
about twice a week. The temperature should be kept at 55° to 65° by
artificial means. Any plants in an unsatisfactory state should be shaken
out, disrooted, and treated as advised for the suckers. It is advisable
to leave the small suckers upon the shoots until the end of May, which
is a good time for another start. Shoots, when the leaves are cut off,
should be inserted closely together in any pit having a moderate. top and
bottom heat, where light and air can be obtained, so as to insure a
sturdy sucker.

Plants started in December for early summer fruiting will be show¬
ing fruit, it being desirable to advance the ripening as much as possible,
the temperature being sustained at 65° to 70° by artificial means,
with 5° to 10° more under favourable conditions. If the plants cannot
be afforded a structure to themselves, which is advisable, they should be
placed at the hottest end of the fruiting house. With the fruit ad¬
vancing the plants will need more water at the roots, going over the
stock once a week. Recently started plants must be kept at 65° by
night and 70° by day, keeping the atmosphere for these plants and
fruiters generally moist, watering as required with weak guano or other
form of liquid manure.

PLANT HOUSES.

Hydrangea *. — The earliest plants in 5-inch pots will have heads of
flowers 2 inches across, and should now be grown in a temperature of
60° close to the glass in a light position to prevent their being drawn
too tall. In this stage they must not suffer by an insufficient supply of
water. A little artificial manure applied to the surface of the soil once
a fortnight will assist them wonderfully in the development of heads- c f
large size. Later batches must not be kept too warm until their flower

160

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 24, 1887.

buds are visible, but directly they can be seen the temperature named
may be given them. The remainder of the stock in 3-inch pots, in
which they were rooted in autumn, may now be placed into 5-inch pots
and given a temperature of 45° to 50°, unless it is desirable to keep a
batch very late, and in this case they may still be kept in cold frames.
A few plants of H. paniculata grandiflora may now be introduced into a
temperature of 45° to start them. This variety must be brought forward
steadily, or they will fail to flower freely and only produce small instead
of large heads.

Bovvardias. — Plants that have been kept dry to ripen and harden
them since they flowered may now be pruned closely back and started
again into growth in a temperature of 50°. Unless extra sized plants are
required the old stock need not be retained, but where a succession of
flowers for cutting is in demand they will be found most useful, as they
come into flower earlier than young stock. Young plants in quantity
may now be raised by cutting strong roots from some of the old plants
into lengths of about half an inch. Two or three portions of root should
be placed in sandy soil in 2-inch pots. The pots may be plunged in
boxes and placed in brisk moist heat, and in a very short time young
growths will issue through the soil. By placing them in pots at the com¬
mencement no check is given the young plant, which is the case when
the roots are inserted in pans and boxes, and then potting after they
have formed fibry roots. This is a much readier and quicker way of
raising a stock than by means of cuttings. When the small pots are
full of roots only one potting afterwards into 5-inch pots will be needed.
The old plants when they have commenced growth should be shaken
out and placed into a smaller pot.

Standard Pelargoniums. — If a few standards are required for flowering
next winter healthy cuttings should be inserted singly in 2-inch pots at
once. They will root quickly on a shelf in a temperature of 60°. For
this purpose free-flowering varieties, such as Vesuvius, should be selected.
If stems 3 to 4 feet high are required strong growers may be selected, and
these varieties grafted on to the top of them. The young, after they
are rooted, should be grown for some time in heat, and potted as
they require more root room. All lateral growths should be removed as
they appear until the length of stem described has been attained. Plants
with stems varying in height from 18 inches to 3 feet can be used very
effectively in groups and other ornamental arrangements.

('alias (Richardia fethiopica). — For conservatory, room — in fact, all
kinds of decoration, these easily grown plants can be used with great
effect. Where it is necessary to increase the stock considerably all the
small suckers that are springing from the base should be taken off and
potted singly in 2-inch pots. These will soon become established in a
temperature of 55° to 60°, and afterwards may be grown on in Peach
houses or vineries until they can be placed in cold frames and hardened
for planting out. Up to this stage they will need 5-inch pots, and will
grow rapidly and strongly after they are planted out in June. These
young plants grow stronger and produce much larger spathes than those
that are divided and planted out after flowering.

Lilium Harrisi. — The earliest plants of this variety and L. longi-
florum will be growing rapidly, but care must be taken not to force
them on too rapidly, or they will become blind. They should be
kept close to the glass, and in a temperature that does not exceed 50°
at night. Later batches will be moving freely in cold frames, and if
there is any fear of frost touching them they must be moved without
delay to some structure where frost can be excluded. A slight frost to
the tender stems and foliage of these plants will practically ruin them
for flowering moderately early in the season. The same remarks apply
to L. candidum. The earliest should now be 3 feet high ; but they are
hardier, and a slight frost in frames willjlo them no harm ; but if it can
be avoided all the better.

Freesias. — Plants that have been advancing in cold frames should
be removed to a position in a cold house, where they will be safe from
frost. They should be arranged on a shelf close to the glass, where a
good circulation of air is given daily whenever the weather allows of
this being done. A close atmosphere will ruin them : the foliage will
become drawn and the plants fail to flower. But if grown cool they
will have sturdy foliage, and in due time flower freely.

Iasi as and Spar axis. — When well grown these bulbous plants are
charming in pots, but any attempt to hurry them will end in disaster,
for their foliage will draw up weakly, and poorly coloured flowers will
result. They may be removed from frames to more genial quarters,
where a night temperature of 45° to 50° can be maintained. They should
be kept close to the glass, and a circulation of air given on all favourable
occasions. Under these conditions they will grow strongly and flower
freely. They must not be allowed to suffer by an insufficient supply of
water, or the tips of the foliage will become brown.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 4,

It is necessary before entering into details of practical
management to give a few simple facts about the queen,
the drone, and the worker.

The queen, a perfect female, the mother of all the
bees, is produced in a cell of different form and size to
that from which the drone or worker issues. Queen cells
are elongated something like an acorn in shape, especially
like the cup of an acorn when they are only half built.
These cells are generally formed along the bottom edges of
the comb, and from their curious shape are at once easily
detected. The average time elapsing between the egg-
depositing and the issue of a perfect virgin queen is fifteen
days. About seven days from birth the maiden queen
leaves the hive for the purpose of mating with the drone.
Whether when the union has once been consummated the
queen ever again leaves the hive for a like purpose has
not yet been clearly proved, but that when once she has
settled down to the duty of ovidepositing she never again
meets the drone is very generally admitted. The fertili¬
sation of the queen may be retarded for many days, and
if the queen is reared at the season of the year when
drones have been destroyed she will remain a maiden and
produce drones only. A queen usually lives three years,
occasionally tour, but after the second year most queens
are past their prime, and steps should be taken, unless in
exceptional cases, to supersede them. One fertile queen
alone reigns in every hive, except when the state of the
stock is abnormal. Instances have, it is true, been ad¬
duced of an old worn-out queen being allowed to live out
her days in peace after she has been superseded by the
bees raising a successor, but such cases are quite ex¬
ceptional. A good queen when her surroundings are
favourable lays from 2000 to 3000 eggs a day during the
height of the season. In shape she is longer, and in her
form and movements more graceful than either the drone
or worker. Her wings lie closer and are also smaller. If
by accident a stock is deprived of its queen the workers
have the power, which they at once exercise, to raise
another queen, provided that there is a worker egg or
young worker larva in the hive ; this must always be re¬
membered. The queen rarely uses her sting. The larva
which is to become a queen is nourished by the workers
on a different kind of food from that given to the ordinary
brood, so it is supposed at least. This food is called
popularly “ royal jelly.”

Fertile workers are bees which have a limited power
of reproduction. Their eggs produce drones only. It is
most difficult to destroy these fertile workers, as by their
similarity of form to the common worker they escape ob¬
servation. It has been supposed that these fertile workers
issue from cells in juxtaposition to royal cells. A portion
of the special food given to the larvie which are to pro¬
duce queens having fallen accidentally into the adjoining
cells, and so endowing the bees issuing from such cells
with more sex perfection than is attained to by the
common worker bees when reared under normal condi¬
tions.

The drones are the largest, heaviest, and most mascu¬
line in appearance of all the bees. rI heir functions are to
live well and fertilise the young queens. They also, I
must with others contend, assist in keeping up the tem¬
perature of the hive, and therefore are not an unmitigated
evil even if there are no queens which require fertilisation.
From the time the egg is deposited in the cell to the day
when the perfect drone appears is twenty-five days.
Drones can at once be detected by the merest novice on a
fine warm summer’s morning, when their deep lazy hum
makes the air resound with repeated invitations to the
young queens to come forth to their bridal. If a stock is
left to its own devices many drones are usually raised ;
but when we consider that the union takes place in mid-

161

•February 21,1887. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND' COTTAGE GARDENER.

air — especially if we believe that the queen and drones
have, and exercise a choice — it will appear at once the
only plan by which fertilisation may, with some degree of
certainty, be assured. At the end of the season every
drone is slain ; a sad ending to a happy life ! The small¬
est inhabitant of the hive is the worker. From the de¬
posit of the egg to the issue of the perfect insect twenty-
one days elapse. In its childhood days — for the first
fourteen days of existence as a perfect bee — the worker
acts as a nurse to the brood, hut from the fourteenth day
a life of endless toil and labour begins, only to cease at
death or when the approach of winter forbids more labour.
The workers collect all the honey and the pollen ; they
build the cells and form the perfect comb ; they fight the
robber and clean the hive ; the whole internal arrange¬
ment of the hive is under their care. They live in the
height of the season at most eight weeks, but when the
weather forbids outside labour they exist for as many
months or even more. The worker is an imperfect female.
One curious fact may be noticed in passing on, and that
is this : — The most perfect bee is produced in the shortest
time ; the one bee most necessary to the well being of the
stock is reared most quickly, a special provision against
destruction. Common comb is ordinarily composed of
drone and worker cells ; queen cells are not always pre¬
sent. although remains of them may generally be found;
the smallest cell is the worker, the largest the queen, the
drone cell being between these two in size. Worker and
drone cells are six-sided. Five worker cells may, speak¬
ing broadly, be said to measure 1 inch, four drone cells
measuring the same. Wax is produced by secretion in
the form of minute scales forming in the wax pockets of
the workers. Very false ideas are, I believe, prevalent
as to the weight of honey necessary to produce a pound
of wax; it need only be said at present that 20 lbs. of
honey is certainly not necessary to produce one-twentieth
of its weight in wax.

Pollen and propolis have only now to be considered,
and a very brief notice will be necessary. Pollen is
mixed with honey and fed to the brood, and is also pre¬
sent in all comb. It is gathered from various flowers and
blossoms, and is carried in pockets on the hind legs of
the bees after being rolled into pellets. In America very
eminent writers contend that pollen is a very serious evil
in a hive during winter, causing disease and sickness and
consequent destruction to the bees. But as pollen is pre¬
sent I believe, to some extent at least, in honey, it seems
difficult to know how, unless syrup alone is given for
winter food, it can be ejected from the hive.

Propolis is collected from various trees. It is a gluti¬
nous substance, and is used for stopping all the crevices
in the hive, for varnishing the comb, and so hardening
the cells that they may be tbe better able to withstand
the wear and tear to which they are constantly subjected.
If any desire to study more deeply the life history of bees
a delightful opportunity lies before them, and if after
reading “ Bees and Bee-keeping,” by Mr. F. Cheshire,
they are unable to accept all that the author lays down
they will at least have learned much that was un¬
known, and experienced a great and lasting pleasure.
With such a work opened before the reader it is un¬
necessary for me to enter more deeply into a subject
which has already been treated by a “master hand.”
For those who do not care to read so great a work, for
those who have no opportunity to peruse these volumes,
the above brief account is Written in the belief that it will
convey sufficient knowledge to enable the practical bee¬
keeper to manage his bees with profit. — Felix.

FOREIGN RA.CES OF BEES.

“Notts Bee-keeper” wishes “to get some honey facts.”
These I have repeatedly given, and in every instance the foreign
races excelled the blacks. If he has not read the articles referred
to or disbelieves them I will produce further proof in support of
my statements. To enter into any discussion on the merits of the
different races, without being in possession of all facts connected
with their management, would be a waste of time. He accuses me
of giving no evidence, which is quite contrary to the facts, and if
your correspondent turns to the numbers containing the report of
my bees at the Heather last autumn he will find an accurate account
of as fair a trial of bees as ever took place, where everything was
against the foreigners, but which gathered the most honey, proving
their superiority over the native blacks. I am sceptical about bee¬
keepers maintaining they have the pure race of black bees while
they are keeping one or more varieties. May “ N. B. K.’s” black
bees not be simply crosses ? or if not how does he manage to keep
them pure ? Five miles distant from each other will not do it. At all
events, those who cannot see the difference between the prolificness
of the Ligurian and the black bee must be blind indeed The
former on an average will breed a third more bees in the season
than the latter, while both the Cyprian and Syrians seem to excel
the Ligurian. How often has it been repealed that comparisons
cannot be made with bees standing at distances far apart from each
other ? They must stand together, and be in every respect equally
managed. For example, if I have 10 or 20 lbs. of honey from each
stock, I have learned that those in more favourable localities have
from 20 to 60 lbs. from each hive. A few years since an area of
about five miles long by two miles broad was almost wholly under
cultivation, and my bees stood in the centre of that vast field of
grain ; but things are much better again, thanks to the agricultural
depression ! but even with more pasture my district is far from
being a good one for bees, being surrounded with public walks and
coal pits, is at all times very smoky and otherwise disagreeable.
Being as it were below the snow line, owing to the radiation from
Glasgow and other towns with which we are nearly in a level, we
are not troubled with the same amount of snow during winter, but
that advantage does not compensate for the loss otherwise during
summer.

“ What was the most he took from a foreign stock last
season ?” is a question I readily answer. Exactly 110 lbs., and it
was far from being a good season either ; but the bees were crossed
Cyprians. Another stock of Syrians gave me 60 lbs. surplus and
increased to six stocks. Another crossed Cyprian gave me
100 lbs., but I took all it had. Now, this was being obtained
when other bees in the neighbourhood believed to be blacks gave
nothing.

The next question is, “ What is the most he has ever taken
from a foreign stock ?” Well, if he turns to the Journal for 1884
he wdl find an account of a Cyprian stock that had swarmed
during summer twice. I exhibited it at Edinburgh at the Cale¬
donian Apiarian Society’s Show. It weighed then 100 lbs., having
risen in weight at the Show at least 10 lbs., and had then about
20 lbs. of super comb, which was all removed before it was sent to
the moors, where, from Wednesday afternoon 4 p.m. till the next
Monday at 9 A.M., it had completely filled and sealed nine supers
weighing 4 lbs. each, 36 lbs. of honeycomb altogether. The first
swarm from it did equally well, and I gave away the second
swarm’s queen to a neighbour, whose bees have done extra well
ever since.

The most I ever took from a single stock of bees at one lift was
from a hive of Ligurians in 1876, which amounted in all to 160 lbs.,
leaving the stock hive nearly 100 lbs. I did not move this hive to
the Heather or it might have given me a good deal more. In 1875,
from the Clover harvest, the gatherings of six stocks of Ligurian
bees amounted in all to 6 cwt., and a year later six stocks gathered
at the Heather nearly 100 lbs. each. One I weighed on the fifth
day after it was set down had risen in weight 50 lbs. Only
10 yards from these stood a Ligurian hive, the property of some
other bee-keeper, did not make 1 lb. Why was this ? it required
to be “ stimulated.” The bees had not room to work, the hive
being by far too small. More room would have freed it from idle¬
ness, but it would not have gathered honey. Before these foreign
bees care about setting about that in earnest they must be in full
strength, whether they be stocks or swarms ; although two years
ago four Syrians occupying four frames each filled a large portion of
these with honey, when a lot of blacks close to them in full
strength did no more.

“ A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper ” recorded in a back number of
this Journal the gathering of a crossed Ligurian, which amounted
to 200 lbs., which did not include the season’s late gathering either.
I saw in the north of Scotland a cross that 250 lbs. had been taken
from. I trust these remarks will satisfy “ N. B. K.” as to the

162

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 34, 1887.

superiority of the yellow races of bees, and enable him to manage
them in the future in such a way that they will prove to him their
superior excellence when under the management of a clever bee¬
keeper ; but I have not touched upon the Carniolians. These mild-
tempered bees have also proved themselves superior to the blacks,
and in the hands of many where the climate is severe, owing to
their hardiness, superior to the Ligurian. One bee-keeper of my
acquaintance who failed entirely to do anything with the Ligurian
told me lately that since he kept Carniolians he has realised about
20 lbs. annually from about ten hives. If I keep well I will during
the season give results of crossed Cyprians, crossed and pure
Syrians, and the same with Carniolians. They have begun the race,
I hope to see it end. The Syrians were the first to begin their
crosses and the crossed Cyprians next, while the Carniolians are
not far behind. The Cyprian blood will get no feeding. All the
others have got it, and well for them, because since that the
weather is cold and stormy, and bees do not care about being fed
during the cold winds in March. It is of all months the most
treacherous, and is the month bees should be let alone. — A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper.

THE HONEY MARKET.

In the first paragraph of his last contribution on this subject Dr.
Walker states that I (inter alias') am not open to conviction. To prove
this he first assumes that I am a Scotchman, then charges the Scotch
with an obstinate adherence to their own opinions, and to prove this last
charge shows that he himself is Scotch, and then judges Scotchmen by
his own standard. I am not Scotch, and must emphatically protest
against this line of argument. In his second paragraph he proves
success by proclaiming first a loss of £500 (presumably in 1884) and
next a gross profit of £100 on a £700 turnover in 1885. Why not have
said what the nett profit was ? The gross profit conveys a very hazy
idea to the minds of the uninitiated.

Then Dr. Walker evades the question as to the number of shareholders.
True, 6000 shares have been taken, but 400 individuals have taken the
whole 6000. In his third paragraph he says that “ The Bee and Fruit
Farming Company ” was “ praised to the skies by ‘ Felix ’ and others.”
This is untrue so far as I am concerned. Can he point to one single
line or word of praise which I have written respecting this Company,
either directly or by implication ? I know nothing whatever about this
Company, its shareholders, or any other matter or thing connected
with it.

Again, your correspondent says that there has been “no honest
explanation ” of the reason the “ Bee-keepers’ Union ” did not start, and
adds, “a casual reference to the fact by ‘ Felix ’ and a pious expression
by ‘ A. L. B.,’ are all the public knows of its premature death.” Here
again it is insinuated that I was in some way directly or indirectly con¬
nected with this project. This again is untrue. I know nothing what¬
ever about the proposed “Union” except what I have read in these
papers and in the Hee Journal. My views on this “ Union ” are expressed
in the issue of this Journal for 30th September, 1886, in which I say,
“ An abortive attempt was made to start a Bee-keepers’ Union for this
purpose (selling honey), but after the first few weeks the idea went out
and has not since been brought forward so far as I have seen. On the
whole it is perhaps just as well, because but little can really be achieved
by what is after all a friendly society upon a somewhat larger basis
than usual.” Perhaps Dr. Walker was too busy amongst “ Chrysan¬
themums and babies” to read his paper at the time when the above
paragraph was written.

In his fifth paragraph he says, “ Sales are steadily increasing.” There
is nothing said about the prices given to the produce for the honey the
sales of which are steadily increasing. Again I say, anyone can sell
honey where a low price is asked, but if “ increased sales ” are made at
the expense of reduced prices — paid to producers — these “ increased
sales” are not matters for congratulation amongst “ bond fide ” bee¬
keepers.

Yet again your correspondent says, “ in spite of the Canadian honey
and other honey, which is honey only in name.” Does he mean to
accuse the bee-keepers of Canada of wholesale adulteration and sending
over here a compound, “honey only in name? ” If so, why not have
made this statement when the Canadian bee-keepers were over in this
country, and might have defended themselves against such an uncalled
tor attack ? Then to prove the inferiority of foreign honey he accepts
the judgment of “ children,” and concludes with an uncalled for sneer
at the constant rage for cheapness.”

In future I shall decline to notice statements made without the
shadow of a foundation. I shall decline to enter a discussion when my
opponent evades direct issues, and takes refuge in insinuations, vague
generalities, and the argy.me.nium ad hominem. Both the space of this
Journal and my own time may be more profitably occupied than in
correcting such statements. — Felix,

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED

Biddles & Co., Loughborough. — Illustrated Seed Catalogue for 1887.

aRSZIA So°’’ E”*“ N”*,rr- ^..-UUC„.C oj

Eric F. Such, Maidenhead,— Catalogue of Chrysanthemums , <jc.

%• All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the 6taff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue.

Books ( E . B.). — You will find it difficult to obtain works dealing specially
with the subject in which you are interested, but all the following are
reliable and will assist you : — Sach’s “ Text Book of Botany, Morphological,
and Physiological,” Clarendon Press, Amen Corner, London, E.C.;
“Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology,” by Johnston and
Church, W. Blackwood & Sons, 37, Paternoster Row, London. Several
works on Fungi by Dr. M. C. Cooke are published by W. H. Allen & Co.,
13, Waterloo Place, London. “A Plain and Easy Account of British
Fungi,” might suit you, or a volume entitled “ Fungi,” by the same author,
published by C. Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., Paternoster Row. A volume on
Geology by A. Geikie, published by Macmillan & Co., Bedford Street,
Strand, tr ats the subject very thoroughly ; Hooker and Bentham’s
“ Genera Plantarum,” is published by L. Reeve & Co., Henrietta Street,
Covent Garden, the price in three volumes being £8 2s. De Candolle’s
“ Prodromus,” was published in Paris, but we do not know the price. Both
this and the preceding works could be consulted in any good botanical library.

The Eucharis Mite ( York). — We have no doubt the creature of which you
send a magnified sketch is the enemy that is doing so much injury to
Eucharis and other bulbs. We shall shortly publish a method that a
cultivator has successfully adopted in extirpating the pest.

Plants and Prices (J. B.). — As we have stated times out of number, it
is quite beyond our province to recommend dealers, or to quote prices for
plants or garden requisites. To do so would be an interference with the
business of dealers, for which we have no justification. You neither sent
your name nor address.

Grafting Trees (H. G. B.). — You have done right in taking the scionB
now and placing them in the ground. They should be in a cool place for
retarding the swelling of the buds, so that the rise of sap in the stock is in
advance of that in the scion when the grafting is done. You had better
wait until the buds commence swelling before cutting down the trees, and
then attach the scions to the Btocks. Reine Marie Henriette Rose would
probably be suitable for your conservatory ; it is sometimes called Red
Gloire de Dijon.

Mealy Bug on Vines (Reader).— Your letter arrived just too late to be
answered last week, but you would see a reply to another correspondent
that would meet your case. Mr. Murray further writes : — “ The tar mix¬
ture can be applied over all the Vines, eyes included, when in a dormant
state ; and I will guarantee and prove it to be an effectual cure without
doing any harm to the Vines, taking for granted that the vinery is properly
cleansed also.” This assurance may possibly be of service to other readers
than yourself.

Gloxinias and Cyclamens (Merchant). — Gloxinias raised from seed
sown now in brisk heat and the piants well grown in a warm pit will flower
freely in the autumn. Larger plants can be had from tubers of the size of
Walnuts or thereabouts ; but if these are potted now the plants will flower
about midsummer. A packet of seed saved from a good collection usually
affords many beautiful varieties, few being inferior. They are not, however,
equal in quality to the best named sorts, and if you desire to purchase these
and indicate the number required we will assist you in making a selection.
We shall be glad also if you at the same time fivour with your name and
address. The name Cyclamen “ grandiflorum ” indicates a large-flowered
strain of Cyclamen persicum, and seed and plants can be had from the
h ading growers.

Grafting and Inarching Vines (Jubilee). — If you cut down your Vine
now and graft by splitting the stock as you propose, the probability is you
will fail in effecting a union through excessive “ bleeding.” Inarching is
the better mode, or what is known as bottle-grafting, which is practically
the same thing. Take a slice off the scion, not merely shaving off the bark,
but cutting pretty well into the wood, and a corresponding slice from the
young cane at the bottom of your rod; fit the two together neatly and
quickly, then bind with tape or matting. If there is one good eye or bud
above the ligature that will suffice, and the slice may be 4 or 5 inches long-,
provided the portion below is long enough to be inserted in a bottle of
water and kept there for supporting the scion till it i3 fairly attached to the
stock and is sustained by the roots. It is prudent to keep water in the

February 24, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

163

bottle for a considerable time after growth extends from the scion, the
growth from the stock being gradually suppressed for diverting the sap
into the growth proceeding from the scion. The right time for inarching
is when the buds on the stock are swelling freely, those on the soion being
dormant. In respect to the Muscat scion, as it appears to be too short for
bottle-grafting, you had better attach a portion of it to the cut-back Vine
in the pot, as that Vine may not bleed, and will certainly not do so to the
same extent that a Vine would cut down at the present time. Shave off a
portion from the stock and scion, fit and bind as before, and cover with
grafting wax. This may be made by mixing equal parts of yellow wax
and turpentine, say an ounce of each ; a little more than half an ounce of
Burgundy pitch and a quarter of an ounce of mutton suet, melting, Stirling,
and applying when cool enough. You might take an eye off the scion and
from that raise a young Vine in sandy loam in a warm frame or house.

Planting Roses and Vines ( Rosarian ). — You might grow two Vines,
provided you place them at one end of your house, and keep the border in
which they are planted s»parated from that in which you plant the Koses.
Black Hamburgh would suit you as well as any variety. We only advise
you to plant Tea and Noisette varieties in your house. For the pillars you
will find the following suitable: — Marechal Niel, Gloire de Dijon, Reine
Marie Henriette, William Allan Richardson, Cheshunt Hybrid, Devoniensis
(climbing), Lamarque, Reve d’Or, and Belle Lyonnaise. For bushes :
Safrano, Niphetos, Isabella Sprunt, Madame Falcot, Madame Lambard,
Grace Darling, The Bride, Adam, Alba Rosea, Catherine Mermet, Comtesse
de Nalai'lac, Etendard de Jeanne d’Arc, Innocente Pirola, Jear, Ducher,
Perle de Lyon, Perle des Jardin, Madame Denis, Madame Welch, Marie Van
Houtte, Rubens, Souvenir d’uo Ami, Souvenir d’Blise, Souvenir de Paul
Neyron, and Madame Hippoljte Jamain. We do not advise you to plant
any standards, unless it is for a short time, until the others occupy the
whole of the space. This, howev:-r, is a matter of taste, and if we wished
to give a furnished appearance to the house from the first we might employ
a. row of low standards, to be removed when the dwarf plants attained some
size. The whole of the varieties named are good free flowering sorts, that
we have proved will do well under glass. Many of the varieties recom¬
mended for bushes would do for climbing, only they are slower than those
named for that purpose. If you wish to use any of them for that purpose, the
first, second, third, fifth, tenth, sixteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth are
suitable, and, with good treatment, would soon travel up the roof of an
ordinary house. We should, however, if we employed them for bushes,
prefer to use those named for pillars. If you require any further informa¬
tion on the subject, either as regards the preparation of the border or the
soil, we shall be pleased to assist you.

Autumn Cauliflowers (An Old Subscriber). — You have been rightly
informed as to the merits of Eclipse. Treated as you propose it will be
available for use fully a fortnight earlier than Veitch’s Autumn Giant, and
it in many respects much resembles that deservedly popular variety. For
the later supplies we prefer the Autumn Giant ; seed of both may be sown
under glass about the present time, or in boxes as you propose doing. Some
of the seedlings may be pricked out in a frame and the re3t on a warm
border, finally transplanting to good ground before they spoil each other.
Veitch’s Autumn Giant sown in September and wintered in a cold frame
or under handlights commences to heart early in August, and if more seed
is sown under glass early in tbe spring and again in the open some time in
April or when the main crop Broccoli is sown, a close and good succession
will be maintained till frosts intervene. When the plants of any Cauli¬
flowers are well advanced well mould up the stems, and in the furrows
formed between the rows abundance of sewage may be poured. Thus
applied it is very safe and effective, and we do not suppose you would give
them too much when in free growth, but it is easy to do so when first
planted.

Neglected Land Manure for Potatoes ( W. Surrey). — As you have hrd
the land turned over with steam machinery, drag it well crossways and
harrow it repeatedly in dry weather, to bring the rubbish to the surface ;
when dry make it into small heaps and burn, spreading the ashes on the
land ; tin n plant with strong-growing Potatoes, spreading in the drills with
the sets some good chemical manure. As to the precise mixture, all have
not exactly the same effect on differing soils, but that recommend: d by Dr.
Voelcker answers well generally: — “As a ruM, I find,” says D. . Voelcker,
“ that potash salts by themselves do not produce a very marked effect.
They produce a greater effect when used in conjunction with phosphate of
lime and ammonia. I have found good results from 4 cwt. of mineral super¬
phosphate, which will cost about 15s.. and 3 cwt. of potash salts — that is,
kainit. That would cost 8s. Then 2 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia, taking it
at an average price of 18s., would be 36s.; so that it would cost nearly £3
an acre. In many instances when I have applied this mixture I have more
than doubled tbe crop — raised the produce from 6 tons to 12 tons. I n ed
not say that that paid remarkably well. I should mix the manure and
apply it as early in spring as possible. Potash is not liable to be washed
out of the land, neither is the phosphate of lime. The only risk you run is
that in very wet weather some of the ammonia may be washed out. Artificial
manure is not a preventive against disease. I recommend it in order to
ensure as large a yield as possible, and a manure which supplies all the
constituents in the proper proportion. Farmyard manure might be applied
or let alone.” The Magnum Bonum would be a good sort to grow, and the
crop would pay for labour and manure, also leave the land far cleaner than it
would be after a winter fallow. The rows may be about 27 inches apart,
and a pound of the mixture spread in a length of about 8 yards of drill. The
strong haulms of the Potatoes will prevent the growth of weeds ; but if the
Potatoes do not grow as freely as is desirable, top-dress with 2 cwt. of
nitrate of soda per acre, on a showery day if possible, or just before earthing
tip the rows.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(H. T. Frere). — Crassula lactea. (A. L.). — We cannot name your plant
without samples of the flowers or some description.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— February 23rd.

Very little business doing and short arrivals. Good samples of Grapes
still improving in value.

FRUIT.

Apples . I sieve

,, Nova Scotia and
Canada, per barrel

Cherries . £ sieve 0

Cobs, . 1001b. 60

Figs . dozen 0

Grapes . lb. 2

Lemons . case 10

.. dozen 1
. . bundle 8
. . per lb 1
,. dozen 1
.. bundle 0
3
1
1
0
3
1

Artichokes .

Asparagus
Beans, Kidney
Beet, Red
Broccoli .. .

Brussels Sprouts .. $ sieve

Cabbage . dozen

Capsicums .. .. 100

Carrots . bunch

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen

Celery . bundle

Coleworts doz. bunches

Cucumbers .. .. each

Endive . dozen

Hems . bunch

Leeks . bunch

Abutilons .. 12 bunches
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias ,. 12 blooms

Carnations ,. 12 blooms

„ .. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

12 blooms

Cornflower

Cyclamen

Dahlias

Epiphyllnm

Eucharis

Gardenias

12 bunches
12 blooms
12 bunches
doz. blooms
per dozen
12 blooms 12
1

Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays
„ .. .. 12 sprays 4

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms 2
Lapageria, red . . 12 blooms 1
„ loDgiflorum, 12 blms. 0
Lilac (white), French, bunch 6

d. 6

d.

s.

d.

s.

d

0

to 5

0

Melon

0

0

to 0

0

Oranges

6

0

12

0

0

13

0

Peaches . .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Pears . . . .

dozen

l

0

2

0

0

70

0

Pine Apples

English., lb.

l

6

2

0

0

0

0

Plums ..

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

6

5

•

3t. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

6

0

0

15

0

Strawberries

.. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

d.

8.

d

8.

d.

8

d

0

to 0

0

Lettuce ..

dozen

l

0

to 1

6

0

0

0

Mushrooms

punse t

0

6

l

0

6

e

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

0

2

0

Ouious ..

bunch

0

8

0

0

0

0

0

Parsley ..

dozen bunches

2

0

3

0

0

a

6

Parsnips ..

dozen

i

0

2

0

6

0

0

Potatoes . .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

0

2

0

, , Kidney .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb . .

bundle

0

2

0

0

0

4

0

3al8afy ..

bundle

1

0

1

0

6

2

0

Scorzonera

bundle

1

6

0

0

0

4

0

Soakale ..

. . per basket

1

6

2

0

6

i

0

Shallots ..

0

8

0

6

0

2

0

Spinach ..

bushel

8

0

4

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

1

0

2

0

8

0

4

Turnips ..

• • 3 •

bunch

0

4

0

6

CUT FLOWERS.

d.

B.

d.

s.

d.

B.

a.

0 to 4

6 0
24 0
1 6
6 0
4 0
2 0
0 0
8 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays
Marguerites . . 12 bunches
Mignonette .. 12 bunches

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch
„ White, English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Roses . . 12 bunches

,, (indoor), per dozen

„ Tea . dozen

„ red (French) dozen
Parme Violets (French)
Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

Primula (single) per bunch
,. (double) per bunch
Stocks, various 12 bunches
Tropteolum .. 12 bunches

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

„ Czar, French, per bunch

to 1 6

0 6

0
0
0
6
0
0
4
1 0
0 0
1 6
2 0
0 9
1 6
2 0

0 6

2 0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s.

a.

s.

d.

fl.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ferns, in variety

. dozen

4

0

18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elaBtica

. each

i

6 to

7

0

„ (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

86

0

Hyacinths .. por dozen

6

9

9

0

Begonias . . . .

dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley. .

. dozen

18

0

24

0

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy

dozen

6

0

12

0

Cyclamen

dozen

12

0

24

0

Myrtles .

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis

dozen

SO

0

60

0

Narciss (various).

. dozen

12

0

15

0

„ viridis ..

dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. each

2

6

21

0

Erica, various

dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

fi

0

Euonymua, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Solan* ms

per doz.

9

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

24

0

Tulips . . . .per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

DAIRY FARMING.

Milk, butter, clieese, calves, pork, poultry, and eggs
are tlie chief articles of produce for sale which a first-
class dairy farm affords, and it is an important and
notable fact that every one of them commands a brisk
sale and affords a quick return upon the expenditure
incurred in its production. To insure this, however, and
to render dairy farming really profitable, it is indispens¬
able that the whole ol the produce is of superior quality ;
there will then be no difficulty in finding a ready market
for it. There can be no doubt that the high price given
for much imported butter is simply owing to its superi¬
ority over other butter in the market; it also affords
proof of the carelessness of a large majority of farmers in
this country about the matter. Yet under a depression
which becomes more and more intense it is surely worth
while turning our attention to a system of farm manage-

[ February 2 1, 1887.

164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

raent which is so highly profitable that it enables the
farmers of Cheshire to continue farming profitably with¬
out any abatement of rent.

The report on the Dairy and Stock, Farm Prize Com¬
petition ol 1885, by Mr. J. Chalmers Morton, which was
published in the first part of the Journal of the Royal Agri¬
cultural Society of England last year, is probably the most
important paper on the subject extant, and any of our
readers who are desirous of gaining information of prac¬
tical dairy farming would do well to procure a copy of it.
We may take for example the report of Chorlton Farm,
the area of which is 166 acres, about half being in per¬
manent pasture and half arable, for which the tenant was
paying £2 an acre. To this must be added an outlay for
labour of 29s. an acre ; the expenditure for manures was
,£132, and the value of purchased and home-grown food
used was £530, which gives an annual outlay of nearly
£4 an acre for food and manure.

An account of the sales of the produce of this farm
in the previous year, when sixty-four cows had been
milked, showed that 360 cheeses, weighing 221 cwt. 1 qr.
19 lbs., sold at 70s. to 75s. per cwt., for £830 5s. 7d. ;
butter, 2047 lbs., at Is. to Is. 7d., £127 4s.; milk, 6214
gallons, at 8d. to 10jd., £255 19s. 9d. ; fifty-eight fat
jfigs, averaging £4 Is. Id., £235 2s. lOd. ; two cows,
£16 5s., £32 10s. ; two heifers at £12 8s. 9d., £12 17s. 6d. ;
ten fat cattle at £22 14s., £227 ; nine young calves
at £1 8s. 4d., £12 15s.; nine bull calves at £5, £45;
eleven calves at £2 15s., £30 5s.; forty fat sheep at
£3 10s., £140; corn and Potatoes, £390 11s. 3d. The
sales of milk, cheese, butter, and pigs amounted thus to
£1449 2s. 3d, or £22 1 2s. lOd. per cow, in addition to
which twenty-nine calves had been sold for £97 10s. It
will be seen that the receipts amounted to £2352 0s. lid.,
and that the cost in rent, labour, food purchased,
and manures comes to little more than half of that
amount. To the outlay, however, thus specified there
should be added purchases of cows, sheep, pigs, and
grazing stock to the amount of £208 10s. 6d.

The report goes on to give an account of the process
of cheese -making practised on this farm, which is so
explicit that we append it here. “ The long rectangular
cheese-vat holds 265 gallons, having a false bottom with
an arrangement for putting in cold or hot water beneath
the milk. The evening's milk is partly skimmed in the
morning and then passed through the sieve into this
vessel, and the morning’s milk is added as it comes in
from the yard. The whole is heated, if heat is required,
up to 90° in winter, 84° in summer ; a little colouring
matter is dropped in, and Danish rennet is then added
at the rate of 2 ozs. to 40 gallons, and the milk acts in
about an hour. It is then cut by a sieve- cutter with a
2-inch mesh, slowly thrust and lifted alternately. After
a short interval of rest the curd is lifted slowly with the
hand and turned over in the vat ; this is continued for
about fifteen minutes, and then it is again broken with a
half- inch mesh and left for an hour and a half longer.
The whey is drawn off through a vertical sieve at the side of
the vat, and the curd is gathered gradually to one end of the
trough, the whey being allowed to escape to the tank, where
it stands till the next morning aud is skimmed, the rest
going to the pig-vat. The curd is gathered into a sheet
and left to drain, being pressed under leverage for awhile.
The salt added to the curd is about \ lb. to every 20 lbs.
of curd. It is not added until a certain change has
passed in the curd by lapse of time — a certain degree of
acidity and consequent stringiness being developed before
it is put into the mill. It is weighed out in 30 lb. blockss

each of which, after being ground in the mill, is mixed
with 20 ozs. of salt turned over and over in the tub ;
and with the hands thereafter packed closely into vats,
having a tin eke protruding above the level of the wood.
It is turned in the evening ; next day a certain amount of
pressure is applied, and skewers thrust through holes in
the vat are used for facilitating the escape of any remain¬
ing whey. The second day it is put under full pressure.
The cheeses are turned once a day, being three days in
the press. When taken out they are bound in cloth, lifted
to the cheese-floor, where they are turned every day, and
sold when three to four weeks old.”

It is especially noteworthy that the whole of the
pasture on this farm is grazed, none of it being mown
for hay, and that the herd is maintained from Christmas
till May chiefly by fodder and roots obtained from the
arable land.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

For more than a week after writing our last note the north-east
wind continued blowing so steadily that the surface of the land became
wonderfully dry for February. The condition of the soil was so favour¬
able for work that we, in common with many other farmers, got in much
of the spring corn upon the light and mixed-soil farms. Upon the heavy
land we kept all the ploughs going, gladly turning the fine weather
to account for bringing up our arrears of such work, and we are now so
forward with it that we hope to get through our sowing much sooner
than we did last year. All our arrangements for the cropping of the
year are matured, the land is ready, so is the seed corn, and our manures
for sowing upon both winter and spring corn are ordered. Much thought
has been given to the manures, for with our six farms in hand the sum
total expended in manures is a heavy one, and we have carefully to
consider ways and means beforehand. That manure must be had is a
foregone conclusion, for without it we know that our crops will be in¬
ferior — so inferior that our work will be comparatively useless. Before
ordering Clover or mixed seeds for layers, due thought must be given to
results. Both Red and White Clover make excellent fodder, and in a
favourable climate a crop of seed may be saved. If only the seed is
pure and good it is a very profitable crop. We have recently sold a con¬
siderable quantity of seed at prices ranging from 33s. to 40s. per bushel.
Taking the average crop of Clover seed at 4 bushels an acre, it will easily
be seen that to obtain it from the second growth of Clover is a very
satisfactory business. Two and three years mixed layers will probably
have more attention as a means of saving labour. We are not, however,
prepared to adopt them to the entire exclusion of Clover pure and
simple.

That markets fluctuate is a well-known fact, of which we have just
had a striking illustration, our fat sheep sold this week having realised
os. a head more than similar animals sold last week in the same market.
Forward hoggets are now being sent into market in prime condition ; fat
ewes withdrawn from the flock last autumn are also being sent for sale
in weekly batches. They have now been in folds four or five months,
and have done much good upon the land. The lambing is going on
satisfactorily ; the losses so far are few and far between ; there is a fair
proportion of twins, and all are strong and healthy. We have begun
folding the ewes and lambs upon white Turnips, and some lamb food
will be used as soon as they can eat it. The Turnips have not suffered
from the severe frost, and there are plenty of green leaves upon them
for the lambs.

METEOROLOGICAL OKSERVATIONS.
Oamdbn Square, London.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THB Day.

Hygrome-

a .

o- •

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

ter.

3 a
XU

9

peratnre.

Temperature

cC

PS

February.

£ S

££

8

<D 32 — <

In

Oil

Dry.

Wet.

5 o

P*

Max

Min.

sun.

grasN

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

detf.

deg.

In.

Sunday . IS

80.444

36.2

33.8

N.E.

36.1

42 1

30.9

64.2

26.8

—

Monday . .14

30.244

33.9

32.8

N.

36.2

40.2

29.6

48.3

25.9

—

Tuesday . 15

SO .\>M

37.3

35.2

E.

36.2

38.7

29.2

42.1

27.7

—

Wednesday ..16

30.455

29.3

27.6

N.E.

36 3

42 1

25.1

67.6

20.7

—

Thursday ...17

30.420

24.7

24.3

Calm

35.4

31.9

22.6

40.2

16.6

0.117

Friday . 18

30.035

86.7

36.6

S.

35.0

43 4

23 6

50 l

18.8

0.110

Saturday '....19

30.215

39.7

38.2

N.E.

34.8

444

36.6

66.0

30.5

—

30.S10

34.0

32.6

—

35.7

40.4

282

54.1

23.9

0.227

REMARKS.

18th.— Cold N.E. wind but fine.

14tli.— Generally cloudy but some sunshine in the middle of the day.

15th.— A little sun in afternoon, at other times cloudy.

10th.— Cold, fresh, and very bright.

17th.— Rather thick fog, increasing towards evening, then clear.

18th.— Silver thaw, wet morning, damp afternoon, fair evening.

19th.— Generally fine with eome bright sunshine.

A rather oloudy but not wet week, and very cold — the average temperature only
about 2 degrees above freezing point. — G. J. SYMONS.

March 8, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

165

8

Tn

Linncan Society at 8 p.m.

4

P

5

s

fi

Run

2nd Sunday in Lent.

7

m

8

To

Royal Horticultural Society. Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 A.M.

9

W

JUBILEE PROPOSITION S.

S we suspected when introducing as a matter
“worthy of consideration” the raising of a
national fund in commemoration of the fiftieth
anniversary of Her Majesty’s reign, to be ex¬
pressed in the form of a permanent erection
as the head quarters of horticulture in this
country, other methods of celebrating the
event have been advanced. It has been pro¬
posed to obtain land with the object of finding employ¬
ment for “ surplus ” gardeners in growing fruit and
vegetables for market. However desirable it may be to
find occupation for men willing to labour, we are brought
face to face with an initial difficulty — namely, if the de¬
mand for garden produce is met by existing establish¬
ments, and extra labour cannot be profitably employed
in increasing the supply, there is small hope of any
organisation of the nature suggested proving satisfactory.
The next proposition is the establishment of a home for
old or disabled gardeners in poor circumstances ; and it
is further suggested that if ,£20,000 could be raised and
worked in connection with the Gardeners’ Boyal Bene¬
volent Institution, with or without a “ home,” a large
amount of distress might be prevented. Undoubtedly
that is so, and in all probability much more good could
be done with such a sum without a necessarily costly
“home” than with one. A third proposition is raising
a fund for granting relief to gardeners out of employ¬
ment. This, like some other of the propositions, has met
with no response, not through any want of sympathy with
the object, but from a consciousness of the impractica¬
bility of any such scheme. We now come to the proposi¬
tion of Mr. C. Penny — namely, the establishment of a
home for the orphans of gardeners. This admirable
suggestion has met with an encouraging share of 'approval.

Several letters have appeared in our columns in favour
of the project, and none against it. Others appear in our
present issue. “ C. II. S.” pleads eloquently on behalf
of the project, and proposes the opening of subscription
lists. Mr. Hull expresses his sympathy in the practical
form of a cheque, which we have forwarded to Mr. Penny ;
and Mr. Goodacre and Mr. D. Thomson contribute letters
worthy of attentive consideration.

The scheme, as Mr. Goodacre observes, is a gigantic
one, and in carrying it out there must be strong and
earnest workers on its behalf. A question for the con¬
sideration of the projector and his supporters is the
desirability of torming a central committee for deciding
on a form of appeal and drafting propositions to be sub¬
mitted to meetings of gardeners and others in sympathy
with the object in various parts of the country. With a
complete organisation and wide concerted action there is

No. 349.— Vol, XIV., Third Series

not a doubt that a very large sum of money may
collected with the object of assisting the widows of ga
deners in bringing up their children, and affordin
orphans a means of support and education fitting them
for the duties of life. The precise form in which this
could be best done is a question that must be governed
by the circumstances of the case. The object itself is so
good that it will command support if placed before the
public in a manner that could be devised by a committee
of business men, for no individual however able and
earnest ought to be expected to carry out a work of the
magnitude suggested even with the aid, generous though
it may be, of casual helpers, and it appears to us that an
administrative body is necessary for carrying out, in the
best manner of which it is capable, the project which the
Prince of Wales’s gardener has had the honour to
originate. If Mr. Penny should be fortunate in securing
the patronage of his august master, the “ popular Prince,”
to this good object its success would be assured.

We give the same prominence to the gardeners’
orphanage scheme that we gave to the project first men¬
tioned, and leave our readers to decide on their line of
action. We shall be ready to help forward either or both
the objects, and shall rejoice if Mr. Penny and his coad¬
jutors achieve the object of their desire.

The letters received this week are appended : — •

The idea of a gardeners’ orphanage as a Jubilee institution is as
noble as it is gigantic, and unless it meets with general approval and
support the task will be a hopeless one for gardeners to accomplish. It
will require a large amount of outside help, as the sum of money
needed before such a scheme could look at all successful is very large,
and considering the depressed state of trade, we cannot expect very
much of this. Fortunately we find the nursery and seedsmen amongst
the most generously disposed, especially towards gardeners, but as these
are mostly located in towns where they will possibly subscribe to the
Imperial Institute fund, we cannot expect the support we might other¬
wise get in more fortunate times.

We have in the Railway Orphanage at Derby the most modern and
best-managed institution to be found in the country. The architectural
plans and supervision, and many of the arrangements, are all gratui¬
tous, and the children carried free from any part of the country to
Derby, yet the lowest possible cost is £14 per head per annum.

When we look at the enormous advantage the railway authorities
have compared with gardeners, who are isolated and scattered far and
wide, it makes the task look more difficult for the latter to accomplish.

To make anything like a respectable start it will require £30,000 to
procure suitable land and erect proper buildings. There are about
one thousand nursery and seedsmen, and about five thousand gardeners
in the country. To raise this sum it would average something like £5
per head, but whether this would be done remains to be seen. I trust
the above will meet with general support ; but I am wondering if an
orphans’ fund could not be associated in some way with the Gardeners’
Royal Benevolent Institution, and meet with more approval.

If we could dispel the notion of ill-treatment to boarded-out children,
I think some such system could be adopted at much less cost, as I find
the average cost per head for several unions is 4s. Id. per week. If
anyone chooses to inquire of Mr. Hall, Railway Orphanage, Derby, that
gentleman will be most happy to give any information on the subject. —
J. H. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle Gardens.

Your correspondent, - A. L. G.” seems somewhat of a pessimist, but
I hope that the subject of this letter may be considered in future as the
gardeners’ orphanage — that is to say, the question of its being established
must be admitted, and not for a moment doubted.

Surely the excellent suggestion of Mr. Penny will not be allowed by
the gardeners of England to fall flat. I would ask them to remember
the project is not one to glorify the dead or to flatter the living.

What Mr. Penny proposes is an institution to save from want the
children of gardeners who may be cut ofE without the opportunity of
providing anything for their family, and who shall say where the
calamity shall first fall ?

There is an old saying that mankind thinks every other man mortal
but himself — that is to say, whilst we are too apt to think death may
overtake many with whom we are acquainted, we too often fail to ex¬
pect such a calamity in our own case. There is no institution in
existence connected with gardeners that is fairly worthy being so de¬
scribed, whilst almost every other trade and profession have their
institutions to provide for poor children that may require assistance.

It is essential that the project should be sot going by gardeners and
those who are most directly interested in such an institution ; when it

No. 2005.— Yol. LXXVI., Old Series,

166

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t March S, 1887.

will be seen that on its object being fully understood and evidence
given in a substantial form that the gardeners of this country are de¬
termined to carry out the idea, every nobleman and gentleman in the laud
will give it generous support, for are not these patrons reminded of the
services the gardener renders when night after night the beautiful
productions of the floral world are grouped upon the dinner table ?
Will they not also admit the justice of the appeal when they remember
that to produce these flowers and those charming combinations many a
gardener has sown the seeds of consumption, and has been cut off in the
prime of manhood from his health being undermined by the sudd-11
transition from one extreme of temperature to another ?

As Mr. Penny says, “ He gives twice who gives quickly,” and I hope
to see that the gardeners of England will take the matter up in a spirited
manner, and not only announce themselves as annual subscribers, but
will also, where possible, allow their names to be attached to a com¬
mittee, which should be formed at once to carry out the project in the
best possible manner. I may also suggest the desirability of your allow¬
ing your columns to be occupied in publishing the list of subscriptions,
that the greatest publicity may be at once given to it, and to assist Mr.
Penny, who probably up to this time has not been able to formulate his
plans.

I would, therefore, suggest that you announce that you are prepared
to receive subscriptions toward the object, and that they shall be acknow¬
ledged weekly in your paper, as I hope to see done also in other garden¬
ing journals, and I feel sure this proposition will meet Mr. Penny’s
wishes, as well as the wish of all gardeners who are interested in the
movement.

If you start a list I shall be glad to support my appeal by becoming
the subscriber of 21s. annually. — C. H. S.

I wish Mr. Penny all the success possible in his endeavour to raise a
home for these bereaved ones, the most fitting memorial for this year
of jubilee. May I suggest that every gardener should have a strong
appeal sent to him to become an annual subscriber, and also urged to
lay the. matter before his employer ? and if each master could be urged
to give at least 1 guinea as a donation to start with and a yearly sub¬
scription of not less than 5s., what a blessing would be conferred upon a
class of men who as a body are very good and intelligent, and when
attentive to their duties afford us who are engaged in the struggle of
life so large an amount of domestic pleasure by their productions.
Kindly forward the enclosed. — Charles Hull.

Surely there cannot be many gardeners worthy of the name who can
do otherwise than meet Mr. Penny’s proposal to found an orphanage with
a sympathetic response. The object is so thoroughly humane and
Christian, and no doubt as necessary as it is humane, that one may
suppose those who can offer any objections to it must be few in number.
To advocate the desirability of an orphanage for the destitute children
of gardeners is superfluous, and my chief object in writing is to suggest
that the scheme should be worked in connection with the Gardeners’
Benevolent Institution, which has done so much good, and is now so
stable as to form a good foundation or stock for the other branch of
benevolence. I should dread any institution that might in any way
weaken the power of the Benevolent Institution in ministering to the
aged and destitute of our profession, and see no reason why this new
scheme should have this effect. The funds could be kept distinct, and
perhaps the same machinery might suffice to work both charities, and
so save expense. I merely throw out this suggestion as being perhaps
worthy of being considered by Mr. Penny and others interested in this
very commendable Jubilee scheme. — D. Thomson, Drumlanrig.

The proposed gardeners’ orphanage seems to me deserving of hearty
support throughout the kingdom, and I am convinced that an adequate
fund could soon be raised when the scheme assumes a definite form. I
have forwarded imy name to the Editor of this Journal, and if
authorised subscription forms are sent to me I will undertake to obtain
£5 as a start. — A Gardener.

Just as we are preparing for press we receive and
insert the last letter of the above series. It is a short
but suggestive letter, as if one gardener undertakes to
collect the sum of £5, it may be surmised that many
other gardeners similarly disposed might collect equal or
larger sums — namely, from their friends who are in¬
terested in gardening, and who would be glad to have an
opportunity of sharing in such a laudable work if sub¬
scription forms were placed before them.

A SELECTION OF PEAS.

I suppose we shall never see the last of those extra early round-
seeded sorts, and which have only their eavliness to recommend them.
A good selection of Sangster’s No. 1 such as grown by the farmers
for supplying the London markets is yet fully equal to any of them,
but there is no necessity to sow even this in private gardens. Either
American Wonder or Chelsea Gem may be grown in rough frames,
or at the foot of sunny walls and on warm borders for affording the

earliest pickings, and these will be closely followed by the invalu.
able William I. William II., a selection from the last-named, is
nearly as robust and early, and superior in point of quality ; this should
be given a trial. No second early sort of quite recent introduction
can be said to equal either Telegraph or Telephone, and one of these
should always be sown early in March. Stratagem, which grows to about
half the height of Telephone, is also suitable for second early sowings,
and on the whole this is yet one of the very best exhibition Peas avail¬
able up to the end of July. Criterion ought to be quite as popular
as Ne Plus Ultra. It is usually fit for use in close succession to
Telephone, attains a height of about 6 feet, crops heavily, the pods
being comparatively small, but well filled with very green Peas of
excellent flavour. Dr. McLean is not needed here, but for small
gardens, or where no tall stakes are available, it may well be substi¬
tuted for Criterion. If the true stock of Hair’s Dwarf Mammoth
can be obtained no better sort for either second early or late crops
will be found for the owner of a small garden. Early Paragon
appears to be very distinct, but with us was not particularly profit¬
able.

Plenty of new main crop sorts are annually introduced, but as far
as my experience goes ihose with sensational pods are failures.
Prodigy is considered sufficiently good to deserve a second trial, and
the same may be said of Sir E. Millbank. Duke of Albany, which
may be described as a late form of Telegraph, is useful for exhibition
purposes, but there are plenty of profitable older sorts. Gladi¬
ator is a capital Pea for small gardens, it being one of the heaviest
croppers we have, and the pods fill well, the Peas, however, not being
particularly sweet. Marvel, another fairly old 3-feet Pea, crops
abundantly, and the Peas are sweet and tender. Those who have a
weakness for the good old Champion of England should try Hunting-
donian, this much resembling it, but is rather earlier, and scarcely so
tall growing. Veitch’s Perfection does well in most gardens, but
latterly we have failed with it both for main or late crops, and its
place will be taken by Carter’s Anticipation. The latter ought to
become very popular, especially among the proprietors of small
gardens, as it only grows to about 3 feet in height, crops heavily, the
pods fill well, and the quality ought to satisfy the most fastidious.

Our “sheet anchors” for main and late crops are a very old and
distinct variety long grown by Mr. D. Thomson at Drumlanrig — one
of the most robust and free- bearing sorts in cultivation, and Ne Plus
Ultra. The latter is usually classed as most suitable for late crops,
and it would be a difficult matter to name a better for the latest
supplies; but why not have it earlier, or say in July? We saw
about six long rows of this variety, commencing about the middle of
March, and a long succession of the best Pea in cultivation is thereby
obtained. Omega, a dwarf form of Ne Plus Ultra, is suitable for
small gardens, but is not worth bothering with if space can be
afforded the latter. Sturdy, which only attains a height of 3 feet, is
of branching habit, is not much liable to mildew, crops heavily, the
pods being densely packed with tender sweet Peas. Laxton’s Walton
Hero resisted mildew better than most sorts tried, and produces
abundance of fine well-filled pods, the quality being first class. It is
suitable for either main or late crops, as well as for exhibition.
Laxton’s Charmer I like very much. It is not of a sensational cha¬
racter, but the pods plentifully produced are of a dark green hue, and
closely packed with green ana fairly sweet Peas.— W. Iggulden.

THE BULB MITE.

Mr. C. Prinsep’s note is worthy of consideration, and I hope to
give his spirit of tar method of eradicating this pest a trial. I have
observed the presence of a mite in bonemeal, but the question
arises whether it is the same as plays such ravages amongst our
Eucharis and other bulbs. It may belong to the same family,
which I believe is a very large one. I do not believe the cheese
mite would attack bulbs, and it is very possible that the one found
amongst bones would not do so either. Some entomologists might
do us valuable service if they could clear up this matter. I am not
very well versed in insects, and regret any knowledge of the
disastrous work of Rhizoglyphus Echinopus. I am not aware that
this variety or any of the family to which it belongs attacks
Alocasias and Marantas ; such, however, is possible, but I have
never seen these plants attacked at the roots by any insect pest.

Since my first notes were penned the bulbs that were severely
reduced in size by the removal of several scales, and cutting away
the base, have commenced to root freely again. This was done
when the bulbs were green, without drying them, which should be
done to harden and ripen them before subjecting them to such a
severe operation. A portion of the stock is now being dried.
Those that have been done will in another week be cut up for
examination, and if they are free of insects the information shall be
conveyed to the readers of the Journal, and the whole of our stock
will at onc-e be dried ready for cleaning by the method de-

March 3, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

167

scribed page 83. Now that the bulbs have commenced rooting
freely again I have every faith that the insects can be destroyed
and the plants restored to health in the space of a season. — Wm.
Bardney.

No doubt many of your readers would be filled with dismay
upon reading Mr. Bardney’s article (page 83) on the impossibility of
eradicating the Eucharis mite from plants that have suffered from
the ravages of this destructive pest. His view is not cheering, but
I beg to differ from him, as I am one of the many who still cling to
the theory that diseased plants can be restored to their former
health and vigour, and I am inclined to think Mr. Bardney is not
quite given up to despair, as I see he is making one more effort to
eradicate it, which I sincerely hope will be successful.

It is now about seven years since I was first troubled with this
destructive pest, the ravages of which are unfortunately so familiar.
What brought it so before our notice was the refusal of a number
of plants which had been repotted in fresh soil to make a fresh
start, and at the same time losing all their foliage. I thought at
the time it was a cultural disease brought about by excessive
flowering, as for a number of years we had followed the practice of
flowering . them three and four times in the course of twelve
months.

As I can find no signs of the presence of the mite amongst my
plants, the method I adopted to eradicate it after several unsuc¬
cessful attempts by other methods may be of interest to some of
your numerous readers. Some time in February last year I paid
a visit to a neighbouring gardener, and found him busy overhauling
and repotting a number of handsome healthy specimens which he
had grown from a few bulbs I had given him a short time before
the ravages of the mite were first observed in the plants under my
charge. My attention was attracted by the strong odour of
petroleum given off by the soil. Upon inquiry I was told the
plants were syringed twice a week with water in which petroleum
had been put in the proportion of a wineglassful to every gallon of
water, and I came to the conclusion, either rightly or wrongly, that
the freedom his plants enjoyed from the mite was due to the
constant use of the oil. My first proceeding was to take off what
little foliage my plants had and shake them out of their pots.
When I placed them in a tub of lime and water prepared by putting
in enough fresh burned lime to make the water boil, the bulbs were
placed in when it had cooled to a temperature of about 90°,
where they were left for about forty-two hours ; they were then
taken out and washed with a soft brush, and every particle of root
was taken off. They were placed on a shelf in a vinery to dry,
where they stayed about a week, and again placed in fresh lime and
water for about fifteen hours and spread out to dry without being
washed. They were next placed in 5-inch pots in soil mixed with
some fine charcoal, as many bulbs as could be placed in a pot, taking
care not to bury them, as I am of opinion the insects breed in the
neck of the bulb. They were watered to settle the soil and placed
in a frame over a brisk hotbed, where they soon began to push
forth fresh roots and foliage. When the bed had cooled down they
were taken into the stove. In about three months the pots were
filled with good healthy roots. They were then potted into 7-inch
pots, and I am pleased to say at present look very promising and
healthy, throwing up an abundance of young foliage. — S. H.,
North Lancashire.

ALNWICK SEEDLING GRAPE.

As a practical Grape grower I beg to offer some remarks suggested
by correspondence in the Journal of Horticulture about this Grape, and
bad setters in general, which may be useful to cultivators, and save many
Vines from being uprooted.

Some time ago Mr. Thomson of Clovenfords suggested that someone
should try the effect of syringing the bunches of Alnwick Seedling when
in flower so as to wash off the gum-like drops which appeared to inter¬
fere with regular setting, and then to apply pollen from another variety
of Grape. This experiment was tried by several skilful growers and the
resu't was satisfactory. In some cases the operators first endeavoured
to fertilise bunches with the aid of camels’ hair brushes, rabbits’ tails,
and feathers, but these soon became unfit for use. They tried other
bunches on the same Vine with the syringe, and after washing off the
gum, and waiting for the flowers to dry, shook or blew some pollen over
them. The process was repeated twice, as the flowers do not all open at
once. Where thus treated the bunches set perfectly, but the berries
were not so oval in shape as those in the engraving last week. The
question of setting depends a great deal upon soil, situation, and tem¬
perature. In poor sandy soil all Grapes, even Black Morocco, the parent
of Alnwick Seedling, set better than in rich ground, but the berries are
then seedy and the pulp poor in quality. Highly manured soil, heat,
and moisture cause the Alnwick Seedling and other bad setting Grapes
to produce the honeydew in excess, and then syringing is necessary. In
the glass corridors at the R.H.S. gardens, Chiswick, setting is effected by

throwing large'quantities of i pollen i 'upon the] Alnwick Seedling bunches
when in flower, and there the plan seems to answer, probably because of
the considerable ventilation, dry subsoil, and the large quantities of
pollen from the adjoining Alicantes and Gros Colmans. Mr. Bell, who
sent the Alnwick Seedling out, used a fox’s brush for assisting the
fertilising, and produced fine Grapes. Of course the point to be aimed
at is to get pollen on to the stigma ; and in all obstinate cases by syring¬
ing the glutinous dew-like fluid off, and then when nearly dry applying
pollen, fertilisation is more easily effected than by smearing the flowers
with a gummy feather or brush. Many Grape growers in their impatience
have pulled up their Alnwick Seedlings, or grafted them with other
varieties, but I think this is a pity, as it is a very distinct Grape. —
James Blundell, West Dulwich, <s ,E,

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 147,')

PRUNING.

One of the most difficult questions to answer is the one so often
asked, “ When am I to prune my Roses ? ” I can fix the time
exactly if anyone can tell me at what date the late spring frosts
are going to depart in any given neighbourhood. The date for
pruning is about fourteen days before that time, but as nobody can
tell us that, I suggest that as a rule (to which late and early seasons
will make many exceptions) for this cold south Yorkshire climate
about the first or second week in April will be about the time most
suitable.

The evil attending late pruning is, that if the tops of the plants
are in leaf the cutting away of all these leaves must cause bleeding,
which is decidedly detrimental. The other extreme — too early
pruning — is about as bad. Suppose in early spring the young
shoots have sprouted and are about 2 inches long, there comes a
killing frost ; the result is most disastrous, and the plants have to
begin again to make fresh shoots, the bloom will be late, and most
probably inferior in quality. If I saw that my Roses were so far
advanced as to commence forming young leaves at an earlier date
than I have given above, I should prune them, and so prevent
bleeding, and take the risk of frosts. Further south and west of
this situation the time of pruning will be much earlier ; how much
so must be left to the individual grower.

Why do we prune ? “ Because we are idiots,” say some ; “ We
should be idiots if we did not,” say others. In fact there are few
questions in connection with Rose culture which have been so mucli
argued upon and written about time and again as this very simple
one of pruning. It appears to me that those whose writings I have
perused on this subject have generally been playing at cross purposes.
The last little turn-up I noticed took place between two gentlemen
in the pages of one of our horticultural papers — I read so many I
forget which ; but I remember that much good ink was spilled, and
a great deal of latent heat brought out in the controversy. I forget
the phases of the combat, but I remember the finish, which was,
that the gentleman who was in favour of pruning, grew Roses for
exhibition, while the other who did not prune “had to provide
clothes baskets of Rose leaves for his young ladies ; ” I presume he
was a head gardener. Now this just brings us to a point I wish
to call the beginner’s attention to. Do you want Roses, or Rose
trees ? It may be allowed as a general rule that you cannot have
both — that is, I mean that you cannot have large bushes and cut
exhibition blooms, or blooms which will make your friends’ mouths
water, from them. If you only prune lightly, and allow your
plants to become large, you will have lots of Roses, but they will
be small, such as you see every day. If, on the other hand, you
prune severely, your Roses will be fewer, but larger and finer. For
one little golden sovereign you can get twenty silver shillings, or
240 copper pennies. I once bought a grand plant of Marshal Niel
in a very large pot ; the shoots probably would measure at least
30 feet, and they were covered with beautiful healthy foliage.
When blooming time came it had only three flowers on it, but each
was the size of a large Apple, and looked almost as firm, while the
colour, shape, and scent were indescribable. Now had there been
fifty flowers on the plant they would only have been of the ordinary
size, and so it is witn all Roses. (Please note that this small amount
of bloom was not produced in the case of this Manichal Niel by
pruning, bufihappened naturally).

If any person visiting one of the great Rose shows, and seeing
the magnificent blooms on exhibition there, should suppose that he
can have nice bushes in his garden covered with flowers as fine as
these, let him be quickly undeceived — he cannot. The plants from
which such blooms are cut rarely carry more than one or two blooms
at a time, and as a rule the first bloom of the season is the best.
There are lots of exhibition varieties which are free bloomers, and
if allowed these will give plenty of flowers, but the grower for
exhibition prevents this by pinching off the young buds as soon as

168

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March S, 1?87.

they appear. This is disbudding, of which more anon. But to
return to the question, “ Why do we prune?” We do so to get
fine blooms, to improve the appearance of the plant, and to remove
old wood so as to make room for the new.

Pruning for the growth of exhibition blooms is not a very
difficult business. Pruning to improve the appearance of the plant
is — for beginners — extremely so. I said pruning for exhibition was
easy ; let me qualify that. It is easy insomuch that we do not
care anything about the appearance of the plant so long as we get
a flower that shall be first-class. Where we have to form a plant,
and have to consider the future shape, which depends so much on
what we cut away or what we leave on, and where at the same time
we wish for some blooms the first season, if not many, to reward us
for our toil, the difficulties are very much multiplied. However,
whether the subject be difficult or not, it should be thoroughly
mastered ; it will be so in time by every person who really intends
to become a Rose grower, and who will to that end make use of the
brain he has been endowed with. It must be thoroughly mastered,
because without it no result, or next to none, can be obtained. We
may dig, drain, manure, lime, plant, and attend in every other way
to our Rose trees to the best of our ability, but without some
knowledge of pruning we shall reap no adequate return, our toil
will be useless, our labour in vain.

Mr. Wm. Paul speaks of pruning as the most important part of
Rose culture, and I do not think I can quote a more practical
authority on the subject. I advise throughout these pages that
amateurs should grow dwarf Roses, and if this advice be followed
pruning will be an easy matter, but many readers will prefer to
have standards. These must make up their minds, either to a little
study, or, if they like it better, to the partial spoiling of their
plants for one or two seasons — through over or under pruning —
or until they gain experience enough to enable them to do it
properly.

Before we begin pruning in earnest we must have the necessary
tools for the purpose, so we will discuss this part of the question
first. When I began Rose growing I tried to use a knife, but my
soil was so light that I nearly dragged the plants out of the ground
in my efforts to cut off the branches. I had to try scissors, and
becoming expert in the use of them, I have used them ever since.
At the same time a good sharp knife makes the cleanest and closest
cut, scissors being apt to bruise the wood and spoil the bud you
wish to prune to. French secateurs, of which there are now many
patterns, are very useful to cut thick branches or to remove old dead
stumps, but after all a good deal depends on the taste of the indi¬
vidual. My pruning, being principally the cutting away of shoots
just on the ground line, or a bit below it, very soon dulls the edges
of scissors from the amount of grit and soil which they come in
contact with ; but many of these branches could not he cut so close
with a knife except after much trouble in drawing away the soil.
Again, in pruning the shoots of standards with a knife, one hand is
required to hold the shoot steady, while the other wields the
weapon. With the scissors this is not necessary. The beginner
had better try both knife and scissors, and stick to that which
answers his purpose best. I should advise one thing, and that is,
that he should buy good tools, not cheap rubbish, made to sell — the
buyer. In going over a large collection of Roses, the beginner will
discover, whether he use knife or scissors, that either will make his
hands sufficiently sore to cause him to remember his exertions for a
fwe days afterwards. Thorns, too, play havoc with the back of the
hand. These are most objectionable when they catch in the skin,
break off, and leave just the very point deep in the flesh of the
unfortunate operator. These little points have a nasty way of
entering further and further into the flesh, the sharp end being
inwards. After a long day’s pruning the extracting of these little
thorns from his hands affords a cheap and innocent, though some¬
what painful, amusement for the beginner. “No Rose without a
thorn,” though not perfectly true nowadays, is quite near enough
the truth to be decidedly unpleasant. A pair of leather gloves will,
no doubt, prevent all the aforesaid unpleasantness, but they are
horribly uncomfortable, and I, personally, prefer to do without
them.

Now, just as there are four cardinal points in the compass
by which mariners steer, so there should be certain similar cardinal
points or rules for the guidance and direction of the beginner in
pruning his Roses. I will try to indicate a few : —

1, The larger and finer the blooms required, the more severe
must be the system of pruning. 2, Vigorous growers, if pruned
tjo severely, will make strong shoots, but without bloom. 3, The
weaker or smaller the habit of growth of a plant the closer it
should be pruned. 4, Varieties which bloom freely require closer
pruning than those which give naturally few blooms. 5, The riper
the shoots the less excitable, therefore in these cases earlier pruning
may be practised, 6, Those varieties which naturally produce

short shoots give the best blooms from buds near the bases of these
shoots, therefore these sorts require to be pruned hard. 7, The
wood which is loft to produce blooms must be ripe ; green sappy
shoots are no good.

Now just let us dissect these points a little : —

No. 1, This seems simple enough — if we want a few fine flowers
we are to remove in pruning nearly the whole of the plant, cutting
it away nearly to the ground. But then we have No. 2 to contend
with. If we cut in the strong-growing varieties too much they will
send up a lot of beautiful vigorous shoots covered with very fine
leaves, but no flowers. In the case of strong growers we remove
the wood in another way, by cutting out a certain number of the
shoots, cutting them clean away, but leaving the others longer.

No. 3, The weak and small-growing kinds should be cut in very
close. In their case, treated so, they bloom profusely, and do not
give us any trouble by sending up flowerless shoots.

No. 4, Many varieties give a flower on the tip of every shoot,
or nearly so, while others will not give half as many. Others, again,
form a cluster of buds on each single stem. It is obvious that each
of these sections require different treatment in pruning.

No. 5, If the plants have been well ripened in the autumn

preceding, the buds after pruning will not begin to grow so
quickly ; in other words, the plant will not be so easily excited,
supposing a few warm days should follow the pruning, as if the
shoots are soft and unripe. Well- ripened wood is darker in colour
than unripe, and the interior of the branch, when cut, is found to
be hard wood, with a very small centre of pith. Ripe wood, when
pressed between the finger and thumb, is felt to be firm and bard,
while unripe wood is just the reverse, soft and yielding.

No. 7, Most Roses — except Teas, which seem to grow always,
except in winter — make two well-defined growths in the season, in
spring and in summer. In the south and west of England, probably,
in ordinary seasons all the wood would be so ripe that it would be
immaterial which of these growths were left on the plants to
produce bloom the season following. In any case, no matter in
what part of the country the plants are growing, the spring growth
must, of necessity, being grown first, and having the early summer
sun and heat on it, be riper than the summer growth, which often
extends far into autumn. In my own case — and I recommend all
others who reside in similar cold neighbourhoods, where we have
such short summers that the later growths are rarely ripe enough
to trust to — to do as I do, and always, if possible, cut back to the
spring growths.

There is one other rule to remember in pruning, and that is, to
prune always to an outside bud — that is, to cut close to a bud which,
when it grows and becomes a branch, will point outwards and away
from the centre of the plant, the object being to keep the branches
as far apart as possible, so that the leaves and branches shall have

March 8, 188?. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

169

the greatest amount of sunshine and air possible, without which the
wood cannot ripen.

Now we come to our illustrations, and I wish to impress on my
readers that these are not in any sense intended to be works of art,
neither do they illustrate the habit or growth of any variety of
Rose that I know. They are simply intended to instruct the
beginner in certain points, and if they enable me to do that satis¬
factorily I shall be perfectly satisfied, and I trust my readers will
be no less so. Fig. 27 shows a plant of vigorous growth as received
from the nursery, except that I have made the central root longer
than roots usually are on young plants. My object is to show how
such roots, when they do occur, should be shortened. The root in
question requires to be cut off clean at the mark x. The same
marks apply to the branches, which are to be pruned to those points.
It will be seen that the central shoot has been left longer than those
at each side. Had this plant been a variety of smaller growth, the
central shoot would require to be cut back as short as the other two.
Fig. 28 shows the same plant a year older. The root, where cut,
has thrown out a quantity of fibrous rootlets. The branches show
where they were cut back to last season, and we can see the growth
made since. Above that, growing out at the points A I have shown
the summer or later growths. The crosses again show where the
plant is to be pruned to. These two figures and these remarks
explain the system of short or close pruning as applied to dwarf or
ground plants. This system is the most successful where fine
blooms and large healthy foliage are desired.

I have shown the buds on the illustrations. It will be seen on
fig. 27 that I left two buds on each of the side shoots, and five on
the central shoot. This is plenty, in my opinion, to leave on an
ordinary plant of vigorous growth. The robust and small growers
will not require to have more than two buds on each shoot ; more
may be left on in all cases if desired, and in that case I shall have
something to say under the head of disbudding, in reference to
their after removal. — D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

DEEPLY PLANTED FRUIT TREES.

Many fruit trees suffer more from being too deeply planted than
from any other cause. They will grow, often bloom, and bear some
fruit, but they are never healthy, and only thin crops are produced.
Much of the fruit falls before it is well formed, and that which ripens
is far from being perfect in size and flavour. I once had a young Peach
tree that was planted in a very deep loam. It succeeded well for a
time, and then began to fail. I was puzzled as to the cause, and lifted
it, when we found that the roots were a very long way from the surface.
•It was replanted in another place where the soil was very shallow, and
in three years afterwards it was a finer tree than at any previous time.
Since then we have been working to get the roots of all our fruit trees
nearer the surface, and the results are highly satisfactory.

Where trees have been planted for some time, and have their roots
deep in the soil, it may not be convenient or desirable to lift the trees
on purpose to place the roots nearer the surface ; nor do I recommend
this practice, as there is another way of doing it which is equally
effective, and consists of moving away a quantity of the surface soil
until the roots are reached. If a space 2 or 3 yards in length and width
is cleared from each tree, and the soil taken away until the roots can be
seen on the surface, the matter will have been accomplished, as the
roots will be in a position to receive the benefit of the sun and atmo¬
sphere, and the trees will be as satisfactory as any which have been
planted upon the surface. Top-dressings or mulchings are easily applied
then, and if watering has to be done the recess formed by taking away
the surface soil forms an admirable receptacle for it.

Many trees that are planted near the surface become in time deeply
rooted, as the favourite plan of surface-dressing is not always taken
advantage of by them, and very often repeated dressings are applied
until the roots are far from the surface. But in such cases I recommend
the removal of the top-dressings, and take them away to such an extent
that the roots will at once appear near *he surfaee. Almost every
healthy fruitful tree has its roots close to the surface, and the conditions
under which these luxuriate should be closely followed in trying to
bring sickly trees into good health. — A Kitchen Gardener.

SPIRAEA JAPONIC!.

The light feathery sprays of this deservedly popular flower are
always in great request during the spring months. No matter what
kind of floral arrangements have to be carried out, a few pieces of
Spiraea are always a welcome addition, and so suitable are they for
imparting lightness and finish when used with good taste, that they
may fairly claim to “ hold the field” in that direction. The leaves
are also most useful for mixing with cut flowers at a time of the
year when well ripened Fern fronds are not very plentiful. It is
no wonder, then, that a plant possessing so many good qualities
should be generally grown and admired; and although it is one
of the easiest plants to grow moderately well, yet I am convinced

that a little more attention bestowed on several important details
of its culture would doubly repay the extra trouble by the superi
ority of the plants over those grown under ordinary conditions.
I intend, therefore, to describe how the best plants I have seen
were grown.

The two cardinal points to be observed in the management of
these plants are— (1) to start with large well ripened crowns ; (2)
to give an abundance of water and stimulating food during the
growing season. Where they are grown in quantities the plants
will by this time be in various stages of development. Those that
have just started into active growth will be at the right stage to
receive the full benefit of special attention, provided the crowns
were, when potted prominent and well ripened. I have found
from experience it is better not to subject them to a high night
temperature, one ranging between 55° and 60°, according to the
weather, is the most suitable, but they will enjoy a rise of 15° to 20°
in the daytime during bright weather, with an abundance of air
and plenty of atmospheric moisture. No structures are more suited
to their growth than vineries, from the time they are started till
the gradual development of the Vine foliage necessitates the
removal of the plants to houses that were started later.

Watering, as I have before stated, is a most important operation
in the cultivation of these moisture-loving Spiraeas, and no ordinary
methods of performing it are sufficient to produce the best results.
When they have started into active growth they should receive a
good soaking once or twice daily, according to the weather, and by
the time the flower spikes are seen pushing up amongst the foliage
the pots will be crammed with roots. Then unremitting attention
in supplying water, and constant feeding with liquid manure, must
be the order of the day. Do not allow them to become in the least
dry at the roots, but give water to prevent their getting dry. I
have frequently watered plants four times a day in bright weather,
but if saucers are placed under them it will save labour in watering ;
though care should be taken that the water does not remain in the
saucers long enough to become sour, which would only happen in
dull weather, or many of the bottom roots might be killed. Liquid
manure should be given at one watering every alternate day, and I
have found nothing better for the purpose than that made fiom
cow manure, with the addition of a little soot.

As soon as the plants have flowered, those that have been forced
early should be placed in cold frames to harden, but later in the
season they can all be placed in the open air, where they should
still be kept well supplied with water at the roots. When the
flowering period of the whole stock that have been grown in pots is
over, they should be planted out in ground specially prepared for
their reception, by having it deeply dug, well manured, and worked
into good friable condition. A border at the foot of a wall is a
capital place for them, as theyare less liable to be injured by spring
frosts in such a position. Before planting, the clumps should be
divided into pieces of various sizes, according to the size of the pots
in which they are found most useful, making allowance for the size
the pieces will grow to before being lifted. It is important to have
them of the right size when potted, because if they have to be
divided it spoils the shape of the plants, and sometimes results in
the flower spikes withering before they begin to expand. Small
pieces with two or three crowns at planting time will make nice
clumps for use in 4-inch pots when the time for lifting arrives,
which should be about eighteen months from the time of planting.
Those that are flowered in pots should have one season’s rest before
being used in that way again. In planting, the crowns should be
left slightly above the soil, so as to be exposed to the ripening in¬
fluence of sun and air. Deep planting will never give satisfactory
results with this plant. Neither should they be planted closely
together, as they require plenty of room for their foliage to develope
in order to produce good crowns. The best time for potting
the clumps is November (when the foliage is dying down), using a
compost of good loam three parts, and one of well-decayed manure.
They can then be placed in cold pits, or plunged in ashes till wanted
for starting into growth in a gentle heat, but home-grown Spiraeas
do not start readily into growth if taken into heat before the latter
part of December. The above remarks may contain nothing new
or startling, but they are intended to serve as guides along a well-
tried path, which, if followed with care and attention, will lead to
success in the cultivation of this popular favourite. — H. Dunkin.

VIOLETS IN WINTER.

On page 127 “ J. L. B.” is not too loud in his praises of the above,
for certainly they deserve to be grown more extensively for winter
flowering. Not only may they he grown in frames, but in pots success¬
fully, and when grown in pots they are useful for house decorating. I
have found Marie Louise and Neapolitan the two most useful varieties
for frame and pot culture. Unexceptionable good plants may be ob¬
tained by lifting the runners, which are planted with the parent plant

170

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Maroh 8, 1887.

in September for the'purpose of flowering after the centre crown is past.
They should be lifted in April, and planted on a north border, and treated
in a similar manner to that advised by “ J. L. B.” until September,
when plants that are required for pot culture should be lifted and placed
in 7-inch pots. Those that are required for the frames should also be
lifted and planted in their places at the same time, both receiving the
same treatment as regards temperature. Those that are in pots should
be plunged in ashes or soil in frames, and kept there until commencing
to bloom, when they will be required for decorating or for the green¬
house. But in my opinion they scarcely need so much protection from
the frost as “ J. L. B.” advises, for several years ago I had charge of a
large number of them growing in cold pits, and during very severe
weather, when the thermometer registered 33° of frost, they had no
protection whatever, with the exception of mats thrown over the lights,
and as soon as the severe weather was past they began to flower again.
In cases where they are suffering from damping some charcoal pounded
into powder and sprinkled into the crowns of the plants will quickly
check it. — C. Collins.

liOSft SHOWS IN 1887.

I AM pleased to be able thus early in the year to give so full a list of
Bose show fixtures for the coming season. In future lists I shall be
happy to insert the dates of any other Rose shows not included in
the present list, also those of any horticultural exhibitions where Roses
are made a special feature of the show.

* Ryde, Isle of Wight, Thursday, June 23rd.

* Bagshot, Tuesday, June 28th.

* Croydon, Wednesday, June 29th.

* Canterbury, Thursday, June 30th.

* Moreton-in-Marsh (East Glos. Rose Soc.), Thursday, June 30th.

* Norwich, Thursday, June 30th.

Crystal Palace, Saturday, July 2nd.

* South Kensington (N.R.S.), Tuesday, July 5th.

* Ealing, Wednesday, July 6th.

* Sutton, Wednesday, July 6th.

* Bath, Thursday, July 7th.

* Farningham, Thursday, July 7th.

* Ipswich, Thursday, July 7th.

* Diss, Tuesday, July 12th.

* Edinburgh (N.R.S.), Wednesday, July 13th.

* Helensburgh (West of Scotland Rose Soc.), Friday, July 15th.

* Ulverstone (North Lonsdale Rose Soc.), Friday, July 15th.

Hull, Friday and Saturday, July 15th and 16th.

* Birkenhead (Wirral Rose Soc.), Wednesday, July 20th.

Those exhibitions which are held by the National Rose Society or by
Societies affiliated with it are distinguished by an asterisk. — Edwd.
Mawley, Eosebanlt , BerJtJiampsted, Herts.

The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have de¬
finitely arranged with the Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition for the
occupation of the conservatory at South Kensington for the Society’s
meetings and shows, pending negotiations with the Royal Albert Hall
Corporation. The entrance to the conservatory will be by the north¬
east orchard house in the Exhibition Road, and exhibitors’ entrance on
the east side of the Royal Albert Hall. Fellows of the Society will be
admitted at 12 noon on presentation of their last year’s tickets, and the
public at 1 o’clock on payment at the door. Until further notice the
price of admission to the public will be Is. to the ordinary meetings and
2s. 6d. to the larger shows.

- From the Cambridge Botanic Garden a List of Seeds has

justr been issued under the title of “ Delectus Seminum quae Hortus
Botanicus Universitatis Cantabrigiensis pro mutua commutatione offert.”
It comprises fifteen closely printed pages of names arranged under the
natural orders. About 1500 species and varieties are enumerated. The
list has been prepared by the Curator, Mr. R. I. Lynch, and a list of
plants which it is desired to add to the Cambridge collection is in¬
cluded.

\ Royal W arrants. — We are requested to state that “ Messrs.

Little and Ballantyne, Carlisle, who on the 25th July, 1884, were
appointed by Royal warrant nurserymen and seedsmen to Her Majesty
the Queen, have just received a similar warrant appointing them seed
merchants and nurserymen to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
dated Marlborough House, February 1st, 1887,

- Tobacco Culture. — We are informed that “ the Queen has

been graciously pleased to command Mr. Beale of the firm of James
Carter & Co., to dedicate his book on Messrs. Carter’s experiments re¬
lating to Tobacco culture to Her Majesty.”

- At a meeting of the Royal Botanic Society, held last

Saturday, the Hon. H. M. Best in the chair, a communication from Mr.
H. M. Edwards was read respecting the “ White Cushion Scale Insects,”
lately so destructive to the Orange groves in California and other
countries, and the means and appliances used for their extermination.
This peculiar coccus— Icerya Purchasi — which also attacks other crops,
is supposed to have been introduced from Australia, and appears to be
extending itself over the warmer parts of the globe.

- A Giant Primula — P. imperialis — is now attracting the

attention of those who admire the numerous beautiful forms in that
genus. Young plants are under cultivation at Kew. At a recent
meeting of the Linnean Society dried specimens were shown to give an
idea of its character. It is said to exceed 3 feet in height in Java, where
it is found.

- “ C. P.” states that he has grown Tomatoes under Glass

successfully and quite free from disease by employing wood ashes with
bonedust as manure in a sandy turfy loam. He considers unsuitable
manures or excessive supplies the chief causes of disease.

- The annual meetingofthe Ditherington and St. Michael’s

Cottage Garden Society (Shrewsbury) was held last week, when it
was stated that the result of the season’s shows was a balance of over
£20 in the Society’s favour. A presentation was also made to Mr.
Milner, who has been a judge at the shows since 1881.

- Mr. William Paul suggests, writes “ Duckwing,” “ that the

cause of the Hollyhock Disease may be the railroad pace in which it
is grown into flowering condition. Hardly so. We find or found the
same disease on other and uncultivated Malvaceae (vide ‘ J. H ,’ May 28th,
1874, and July 24th, 1873). I have seen the common Mallow so affected
as to look like orange-coloured patches on the grass, but not of late
years, so I hope it may have worn itself out.”

- We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. James Vair,

who was for upwards of thirty years the highly respected and well-
known gardener of Lady Dorothy Nevill at Dangstein, and more
recently at Stillyans Tower, Sussex. For some time past Mr. Yair’s
health has been much impaired, and his suffering has lately increased
very considerably, the cause being cancer in the bowels. He died at
Stillyans Tower, Heathfield, on the 24th ult., aged sixty-two. We believe
that Mr. Vair was born at Faldonside, near Melrose, where his father
was gardener. He was also some time in the garden of Sir Walter Scott
at Abbotsford, and Mr. Vair’s grand uncle was the famous Tam Purdie,
the witty factotum of the great novelist. Mr. Vair may be said to have
died at his post, for he was taken ill when engaged in cutting Raspberry
canes, was carried into the house, and died shortly after.

- Messrs. Arthur Booty & Co., Harrogate, have sent us samples

of Patent Fern Tiles, which are successfully used for affixing to walls
for “ facing ” them with Ferns. The tiles, which vary in size and lengthy
somewhat resemble sections of water-spouting that is affixed to the base
of roofs. These tiles, attached to firm walls and Ferns planted in them
will undoubtedly answer the purpose for which they are intended, and a
photograph of a Fern-furnished wall shows they answer it well. The
tiles are practically imperishable and inexpensive.

- We are informed that some changes have been recently made

in the Management of the London Parks. Mr. Gibson, formerly
of Hyde Park, and "recently in charge of Regent’s Park, has been
appointed superintendent of Victoria Park, Mr. Jordan, who has held
that position in the latter park, now taking charge at Regent’s Park,
with which Greenwich Park is also associated.

- “ X.” writes, “ A few of our hardiest Border Flowers are

now beginning to enliven the garden, the recent warm sunny days
having helped them forward greatly. Winter Aconites are charming
now, their golden flowers contrasting with pure white Snowdrops and
the Spring Snowflake. A few Primulas, especially Harbinger, have
some flowers expanding, with some of the early small-flowered
Daffodils, and clumps of the various Hellebores are masses of flowers.
Small handlights placed over these protect them frost and rain, and

March 8, 1S8 ?. ]

JOUKi\aL OR HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1?1

can be readily removed in the daytime. The flowers come much better
in colour and last longer in this way. H. niger angustifolius is our
favourite amongst the white varieties, H. purpurascens being one of the
best dark-coloured forms.”

- Mb. J. Hiam, Astwood Bank, writes as follows respecting

canker in Apple Trees— “It may be of sufficient interest to un¬
prejudiced readers and those who took part in the discussion on this
subject last winter and previously, to record the fact that my trees
which I have experimented upon remain perfectly healthy and free
from this so-called disease. Three years ago worse specimens of trees
it would have been difficult to find, although young and naturally
healthy. The drainage remains the same, no lifting has taken place.
Frost has surely been severe enough to try them this winter, following on
one of the mildest of autumns, which induced sappy young wood to
grow, and even trees to bloom until November. I have no more doubt
about curing trees on my system of getting rid of insect parasites than
I have of the sun rising in the morning.”

- An instructive lecture on the Climate of England was given

to the members of a political club, at their hall in Argyll Square, on
Saturday evening, by|Mr. A. W. Clayden, M. A., Fellow of the Royal Meteor¬
ological Society, and Science Master at Bath College. With the aid of
illuminated maps and diagrams the lecturer drew attention first to the per¬
manent regions of heat and cold existing on the globe. He then touched
on the distribution of rain, pointing out why the rainfall in Britain was
much greater in the hilly ranges of the western side of the island than
on the eastern lowlands, The range and direction of the trade winds
were clearly exhibited and explained, and special prominence was given
to the main flow of the Gulf stream itself as distinguished from the
Gulf stream and of the Gulf-stream drift which affects these northern
regions. The formation and usual course and effects of cyclones and
anti-cyclones were very clearly pourtrayed by Mr. Clayden, whose
mastery of the subject and practice in teaching enabled him to deal
with it in a popular and intelligible manner. The data furnishing
weather forecasts were indicated, and the course of western cyclones
traced from their origih on the Rocky Mountains, their passage over
the American continent, and their route across the Atlantic. Having
thus explained some of the broad features of climatic law as known to
modern science, the lecturer showed that to the absence of overpowering
heat in summer and to the presence of sufficient cold in the British
winter to engender hardihood the people of this country owed that
strength of character which enabled them to regard difficulties as things
to be overcome. The comparative equability of our climate he regarded as
the mainspring of the commercial advantages of Great Britain.

- A much-praised insecticide, Buhach Powder, employed in

North America, is thus noticed by the Florida Dispatch “ Buhach
powder is made by pulverising the flower heads of a variety of Pyrethrum,
P. cinerariaefolium. The flowers, which look much like Daisies, are
gathered before they quite open, and should be dried under cover, as
the heat of the sun seems to injure them. So does the heat of stoves,
or other artificial heat. After drying, if only a small quantity is to be
pulverised, the flower heads can be put into a mortar, and covered with
a piece of leather, through which pestle can pass. After pulverising,
the powder should be sifted through a fine sieve, and then, if not wanted
for immediate use, put up in an air-tight glass fruit jar. Buhach is
usually used in the evening or in the early morning, because the dew on
the leaves will make the powder stick to the insects and kill them. The
powder should not be used on rainy days, for it will wash off from the
leaves and do no good. The insufflator, a little invention for holding in
the hand and throwing the powder, is the best arrangement for applying
buhach. The powder never injures the leaves of plants. It can be
applied mixed with water. Prof. Riley says that in a mixture where
1'200 of a pound was used to the gallon of water the solution proved
fatal to caterpillars. The water mixture is the most economical way of
using buhach on plants, although, in order to prevent the too rapid
evaporation of the mixture, add some glycerine, about half a gallon of
crude glycerine being added to 40 gallons of water. This mixture kills
both the red spider and the scale. The use of buhach in liquid solution
in this country dates from 1880, when the United States Entomological
Commission discovered that it could be so used, and the Government
Entomologist, in his report for 1881-82, says that “ the finer the spray in
which the fluid is applied the more economical is its use, and the greater
the chance of reaching every insect in the plant,”

- “ As far as I have been able to ascertain from personal observa-

tionaud study of various books,” says a writer in the Indian Forester, “ the
principal Forest Species of Japan appear to be as follows : — Metz
(Pinus Thunbergi and densiflora), both of which species appear to be
very common throughout the empire. Hinoki (Chamsecyparis obtusa
and pisifera), both of which species form extensive forest in the central
and northern islands. Suji (Cryptomeria japonica), found planted
throughout the length and breadth of the country, and especially near
villages and round all shrines and temples. Keaki (Zelkowa Keaki),
kuri (Castanea vulgaris), much used for railway sleepers. Twenty-one
species of Oaks, twenty-five kinds of Bamboos, thirty species of Cherries,
many species being grown simply on account of their flowers. Numerous
kinds of Azaleas, Camellias, and Laurels, besides various species of Elms,
Maples, Deutzia, Hornbeam, Viburnum, Holly, Olive, &c. As regards
characteristic plants of Japan, they may probably be enumerated as
follows : — Azaleas, Camellias, Cryptomeria japonica, Cydonia japonica,
Chrysanthemums, Hibiscus, the Japan shrub Pmony, the famous Water
Lily (Nelumbium surcifera), Asters, &c. The principal forest trees
common to Europe, which are mainly confined to the northern islands,
are Elms, Beech, Larch, Aspen, Wild Cherry, Ash, Yew ; whilst amongst
shrubs and other plants, the following are most common Ivy, Honey¬
suckle, Lily of the Valley, Monkshood, Marigold, Wood Sorrel, Poppy,
Chickweed, Dock, and Dandelion. Palms are by no means common, and
are confined principally to the southern portion of the empire.”

ANNUALS OUTDOORS.

The season for ordering our yearly supply of these flowers, as
well as the season for sowing them, is now at hand, and no time
should be lost in making the necessary calculations, both as to the
varieties and the quantity required before sending the orders to the
seedsmen. Every facility is now at command for the rai»id trans¬
mission of seeds, and unless at a particularly busy period little time
is lost from the despatch of the order to the receipt of the seeds.
Many of the catalogues issued by the leading houses are brimful of
the information most needful to the amateur, minute as well as
general instructions being given as to time of sowing, nature of the
soil required, and the best situation. To the ever increasing number
of growers this is a great boon, and if followed closely and atten¬
tively, each noting for himself the peculiar circumstances with regard
to soil, situation, &c., under which he is placed, two or three years’
experience will enable him to compete with his neighbours. Cot¬
tagers and small growers deserve all the praise they receive for their
taste as well as their perseverance under the many difficulties they
have to encounter in the course of the year, but in many instances
they grow the same class of annuals year after year, the same race of
Stocks and Marigolds, when for a few pence additions might be made
annually. I am not finding fault with the cottar’s dearly loved flowers,
but I should like to see a greater variety and a little change occa¬
sionally. Keep to your Marigolds, Gillyflowers, and Canary Creeper,
but lessen the quantity and make the variety greater.

All the seeds ordered should be marked hardy annual, though
many of the half-hardy sorts will be found to germinate with care
in the open ground. Avoid, however, those marked tender, for unless
the grower possess a frame and hotbed, failure will result. In sow¬
ing care should be taken not to cover the seeds too deep, arid it is
always better to sow thinly than otherwise. Sowing in a circle or
other system should be adopted throughout, the chance of mistaking
the seedlings from weeds being avoided, and greater facility will be
given for using the hoe freely. As soon as the seedlings are ready
to handle they can be thinned to 3 or 4 inches apart. Nothing is
lost, however, by giving plenty of room, admitting a free supply of
air, resulting in sturdy well-branched plants. The greatest care
should be taken in the matter of staking if such be required. Those
of an upright habit will be all the better for support ; but many
annuals, such as the Callichroas, Oxyura, &c., have very weak stems,
and, moreover, they are all more or less of a procumbent habit, and
are far safer left to themselves than tied to a stake where every
breath of wind will be liable to wrench it off.

To the flora of California, and the exertions of Mr. Douglas and
others, we are perhaps more largely indebted than to any other coun¬
try for the many bright and striking colours that delight us during
the summer months. We can give by description but a meagre idea of
their real worth, or the impetus they alone have given to hardy flower
gardening within the last few years. Besides their use as border
flowers, mauy of them are mere surface-rooting plants and excellent
covering for permanent bulb beds, &c., where, if thinly sown, they
do not materially affect the perfect ripening of the bulbs, and yield a
constant supply of flowers throughout the summer. Almost every
family of popular or cultivated flowers has been considerably re-

172

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 3, IBS'?.

inforced by these annuals, and perhaps none so much as the large
family of Composite. To begin with, we have the Layias or Calli-
chroas elegans an 1 glandulosa, the latter a pure white, flower ex¬
cellent for cutting, lasting a considerable time in water; it produces
an abundance of flowers from early July until September. Oxyura
chrysanthemoides, golden yellow, edged with white, making an ex¬
tremely effective border plant. Lasthenia glabrata, golden yellow,
large, and very fine. Leptosyne Douglasii, L. giganteum, L. mariti-
mum, L. Stillmani, and others. Actinolepis coronaria, also called
Hymenoxjs and Shortia californica, a charming dwarf and very free
flowering annual, excellent for covering bulb beds, &c. 5ladia
elegans and M. sativa, good for borders. Calliopsis Drummond', C.
coronata, C. tinctoria, and its many varieties, yellow, crimson, and
velvety crimson, very showy ; C. cardaminifolia, &c. Thelesperma
filifolium, crimson, with a yellow edge, very graceful and beautiful.
Among the Sunflowers, Helianthus annuus, H. argophyllus, H. cali-
fornicus, and H. cucumcrifolius are perhaps the most distinct and
beautiful, the latter a pretty small flower, suitable for stands, &c.,
golden yellow rays, with a black and gold centre, very effective.

The Gaillardias are handsome plants, useful for cutting, and
almost indispensable for beds in the flower garden. G. coccinea,
crimson ; G. Jutea, yellow ; G. Drummondi nana, crimson and yellow ;
G. Lorenziana, G. grandiflora, and its varieties, notably maxima,
Roezlii, and many others, are equally beautiful. Zinnia pauciflora
and Z. grandiflora are showy. Clintonia elegans and C. pulchella are
curious dwarf Lobeliads, yielding an abundance of pretty flowers.
Sabbatia campestris, handsome large pinkish flowers. Among the
Campanula allies we have Specularia biflora and S. peifoliata, both well
worth growing, as they continue in flower all through the summer.
Of Gilias, Leptosiphons, and Nemophilas, there are numerous species
representing various shades of colour, and all highly orna¬
mental. The variety in Nemophila are white, blue, jet black, purple,
and violet, variously marked, and blotched. The Whitlavias, or
Phacelias, are very handsome. W. grandiflora and the variety alba
are both worth growing. P. campanularia, a comparatively new
species, with intense Gentian blue flowers, is one of the best ; it
should be sown thinly in the open air along with the o hers, and
thinned as required. Collinsias, such as verna, C. bartsiaefolia, C.
bicolor, C. grandiflora, and C. violacea, are all worth a place.
Platystemon californieus should be incluled, also Poppies in variety,
notably Papaver nuiicaule, which is not strictly an annual, but it
flowers the same year as the seed is sown, and will give satisfaction
thus treated. Argemone mexicana, A. hispida, and ihe various forms
of Eschscholtzia are very handsome. Calandrinias and Claytonias,
Spraguea, and Portulacca are all beautiful, but difficult to raise,
especially the first and last, without some kind of frame. Lim-
nanthes Douglasi, L. alba, and L. rosea give little or no trouble after
the first sowing ; giving an abundance of flowers all summer they
are useful bee flowers, and as they yield a large per-centage of nectar
they could be largely grown on bee farms.

The Lupines number sixty-three species, the majority of which
are annuals, all handsome, and varied in their flowers and habit.
Godetias and Gdnotheras, as well as Clarkias, Eucharidium con-
cinnum and grandiflorum, are well known, and largely grown in most
good gardens. Bartonia aurea is very pretty, golden yellow, and
somewhat resembling a large Hypericum. Amongst the best of
those from other countries are Silenes, many Stocks, Asters, Malope
trifida, Hibiscui Trionum, Troj seolums in variety, Arctotis, and the
handsome Sphenogyne speciosa, S. snlphurea, and S. anthelmintica,
Helicbrysums, Helipterums, Ammobium alatum, Acroclinium roseum,
lberis,^ lonopsidium, Ipomeeas, Linarias, Scyphanthus elegans (a
charming creeper or twiner), Loasa hispida, &o., Cuphea silenoidts
and Zimapani, Lathyrus, Scabiosa atropurpurea (various colours),
Verbenas, Nemesia floribunda, Nigella, Petunias, Phlox Drummondi,
and varieties. Sweet Rockets, Siponaria calabrica, Sweet Sultan,
and Dianthus chinensis, with many others, are all worth attention.
A good guide to beginners in sowing seeds is to cover them to about
their own depth with soil, except such large seeds as Peas, Ipotraeas,
&c., which may be placed deeper as a safeguard against vermin. —

preceding plants in decomposing stubborn substances. The under
strata may be sand, gravel, limestone, sandstone, or other descrip¬
tion of rock, clay, or a compound, of clay with gravel, sand,
marl, &c., and vice versa. The geological character of the forma¬
tion need not be discussed, but whatever that may be its influence
is very pronounced in the vegetation. Every splinter of rock or
pebble is contributory to tbe soil of silica, lime, potass, phos¬
phates, &c., some or perhaps all those, and it is not necessary, as was
at one time supposed, that they must be exposed to light, air, and
moisture, as the roots of plants descend to a considerable depth and
possess the power of abstracting such substances. This disin¬
tegration by the roots is one of the most important causes
of fertility. The luxuriance of vegetation is usually propor¬
tionate to the depth of the soil. Some soils have a thin
crust, a few inches only of the surface soil mellow and easily
worked, but are nevertheless highly productive, although the
pan is a stubborn clay, or it may be a thin crust of calcareous
loam overlying lime or chalk, or a few inches of soil intermixed
with the shingle of the oolitic formation, or a thin crust of sandy
soil, as much sand as loam or available matter, or mere brash, a com¬
pound of gravel, sand, and earth. There may be too much lime in
some soils for the satisfactory development of certain plants and
too little in others. The best soil is that which contains some part
of everything without a great preponderance of any one particular
substance, as to afford support to a great variety of plants.

Let us glance at the soil of gardens. All or most are loams —
sandy loam, clayey loam, or calcareous loams. They are loams
perhaps by a long course of subjection to atmospheric and plant dis¬
integrating and decomposing influences, age after age, or through
cultivation long pursued. The sandy loams are rich in silica (there
is generally a sufficiency of lime), but they are poor m humus,
phosphates, and alkalies. Clayey loams usually have plenty of
potass, sulphur, salt, and phosphate, but in lime and silica there is
an astounding deficiency. Calcareous loams are deficient of humus,
salt, sulphur, alkalies, and frequently of silica, but absolutely rich
in lime and phosphates. According to this the sandy loams would
not suit the Pea, Bean, Potato, Artichoke (Jerusalem), Carrot,
Parsnip. They ought to have good loam or clay ; but it is not in
gardening what crop the soil is capable of producing, but rather
what it can be made capable of producing by cultivation. Accord¬
ing to analysis we ought to have a preponderance in the soil of potass
and phosphates for Peas and Beans, and all of that order. In
Brassicas, which include Turnips, lime and sulphur should pre¬
ponderate in the soil, fruit being highly charged with alkalies. Our
soil should accord, and for stone fruit lime is required, and this, I
believe, is the only inorganic substance considered essential by nine-
tenths of gardeners, and some do not afford that. It is all-import¬
ant with garden practitioners that they have abundance of manure.
It is the only substance used in gardens worth taking cognisance of.
True, lime is sometimes used, and fruit and plant composts have
particular attention in respect of the ingredients, but the varied
artificials are only employed as auxiliaries in the production of
flower, fruit, and vegetable crops. The grower for market acts
much on the same lines as the private grower. Where the farmer
uses a hundredweight the market gardener employs a ton of solid
manure, and his outlay in soot exceeds that of the farmer for
artificials. The fact is this, the market and private gardener de¬
pends on organic matter, adds to the staple whilst enriching the
soil, but the farmer replies to the demand of the soil for plant ali¬
ment by an expenditure on artificials that in respect of organic
matter are evanescent as regards the current and leave nothing be¬
hind for succeeding crops, except of an inorganic nature of no
benefit whatever to anything but a crop that may come upon the
land some time. I by no means desire to disparage the application
of the inorganic substances to soils that are found deficient in
them by careful analysis, but the use of artificials of an inorganic
nature on land upon no principle whatever is simply a waste of re¬
source. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

ON SOILS.

Soils are variable ; the prevailing one is loam, a Nature-formed
and enriched surface, resulting from the disintegration of its con¬
stituents by atmospheric agencies and the decay of preceding
vegetation. This surface is usually of a yielding texture, the depth
varying with the extent of the amelioration and accumulation of
debris. Good loams are naturally fertile, in others there is a pre¬
ponderate of sand ; gravel is largely mingled with another, flints are
plentiful in loam of the limestone formation. Clay is a prevailing
character of some soils. Alluvial soils, bog, and peats all or most
support vegetation of some kind as the result of a long course of
subjection to atmospheric influence, aided by the roots of present or

HABROTHAMNUS ELEGANS.

I am surprised this plant is not more generally grown. It should be
in every greenhouse and conservatory, as it is very easy of culture, and
with ordinary attention will produce its showy flowers by the armful in
January, February, and March. The flowers are produced in bunches
at the end of every shoot. They are bell-shaped, droop gracefully down,
and of a beautiful crimson colour. They are exceedingly showy on the
plant, and when cut and arranged in glasses they have a charming
effect. They would be valuable flowers at any season, but iD the earliest
of the spring months, or indeed before winter is over, an abundance is
very acceptable. The plant is a very strong grower. If planted in a
bed and allowed to grow freely it would soon cover a great space, but
throughout the summer it will bear any restriction, and nothing suits it
better than to cut it in until late in autumn, then allow every shoot

March 3, 188?. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

173

to grow, when all these will bloom from the first week in January until
the end of March.

It may be trained up a pillar under a roof, or over a wall. Recently
when I cut as many flowers from a pillar plant as I could well carry,
an 1 that too from a cool house, I could not help thinking I wa? dealing
with one of the most useful of our indoor spring flowers. The plant is
easily propagated by cuttings in spring, and it may be planted out now
or at any time, in a substantial mixture of loam and a little manure. It
can be grown in pots, but planting out is the better plan for producing
abundance of flowers. A friend who owns a small lean-to vinery with
Vines on the roof and a miscellaneous collection of plants underneath,
fancied a Habrothamnus two or three years ago. I gave him a little plant,
which he placed out under the shade of the Vines and on the back wall,
and it has done better there than any other he ever tried in the position ;
indeed its success astonishes me and indicates it may be safely planted
m a shady position and at a distance from the glass. — J. Mu IK.

ZONAL PEL iRGONIUilS FOR POT CULTURE.

Although the Zonal Pelargonium may not be so generally met
with as a few years since, and has no society now to foster its
popularity, improvement has been so rapid in this type that
scarcely a variety which was exhibited at the latest show of the
defunct Pelargonium Society would pass muster with seedlings
raised within the last few years by Messrs. Pearson, Windsor, Miller,
and others. We have admired the gorgeous stands exhibited at the
London shows by Messrs. Cinnell, and “ taken stock ” of the latest
at the “ Home of Zonals,” Swanley. We also grow a good col¬
lection, and will venture a few cultural notes. For conservatory
and other decorations the Zonal Pelargonium gives a brilliancy of
colouring scarcely to be found in any other class of flowers ; but to
fully appreciate the beauty of individual trusses and pips, it should
be specially treated as a florist’s flower. To this mode of cultiva¬
tion the following remarks will apply.

An ordinary greenhouse is suitable to their growth, and the
present a good time to make a beginning. Plants in pots of the
best kinds can be purchased for a moderate sum. Repot at once
into their largest pots, which should be the useful 48-size,
or 5-inch. Place over the hole of each a single crock, and finish
with an inch or so of quarter-inch bones. We have found this a
capital manure for the Pelargonium ; the roots ramble into such
drainage, and by the health of the foliage and sturdiness of the
growth one can tell it is enjoyed by the plants. Pot firmly in a
compost of two-thirds loam, the other part leaf soil ; add to a
bushel of the same a little sand and a 5-inch potful of bone d ist or
Jensen’s fish manure.

Once stopping will generally be sufficient to make the plants
bushy, but should any shoot afterwards appear more precocious than
its fellows take out the top. To get the plants in a strong con¬
dition capable of bearing fine flowers I would take away the first
trusses that show. When the pips are fully open, with a pointed
stick drop a little floral gum into the centre of each, an operation
which demands some care so as not to disfigure the petals.

Being in small pots, a plentiful supply of water must be given,
and to maintain vigorous plants manure water will bo required
occasionally. When in bloom a slight shading during the hottest
part of the day will improve the flowers and assist their lasting
qualities. The following selection well grown will not fail to
please : — In crimsons, Mr. H. Canned and Metis are large and very
fine ; in shape the latter cannot well be surpassed. Plutarch and
Ajax, both scarlets of superb quality. Swanley Gem is a gem,
perfect in truss and pip, while the colour is a most beautiful shade
of salmon scarlet. Favourite, cerise, fine pipe and truss. Con¬
stance, the “ pink ” of perfection. Lady Reed, white, with scarlet
centre, very fine. In salmons it is hard to choose between Lady
Chesterfield and Fanny Catlin ; the former is the deepest in colour,
and we select it, but both may be beaten by a splendid variety seen
at Swanley, Lady Rosebery. No rah is a beautiful flower, blush
white in colour, and in shape perfect. Queen of the Belgians, the
best white, and Sophie Birkin, a mottled salmon of faultless
shape, and a most attractive variety.

Another twelve little, if any, inferior to the above are — Meteor,
very dark ; Mrs. Gordon, crimson ; Lord Chesterfield, magenta ;
Golden Glory, orange scarlet ; Kate Greenaway, pink ; Fanny
Catlin, salmon ; Mary Caswell, blush white ; Edith Pearson, rosy
red ; Ida Walter, crim=on ; Lizzie Brooks, rosy scarlet ; Lord
Rosebery, cerise ; Edith George, bright pink.

A dozen fine double Zonals are the following Spade Guinea,
orange scarlet ; Paul Charbonnier, fine scarlet ; F. V. Raspail, deep
scarlet crimson ; Australian Gold, cerise, tinted orange ; Lord
Derby, rose ; Emile de Girardin, light pink ; Madame Thibaut,
pink shaded purple ; Grand Chancellor Faideherbe, dark crimson ;
Aglaia, purple ; Belle Nanceinne ; and James Murkland, mottled
salmon, both fine ; Le Cygne, pure white.— H. Siioesmith, Salt-
wood, Uythe, Kent,

AMASON1A PUNICEA.

This is unquestionably a very beautiful plant, and bound to become
popular for the embellishment of our stoves after Poinscttias, Euphor¬
bias, and other similar plants arc past. We obtained a plant early
last spring and took a cutting from it some time afterwards, and had in
autumn two splendid plants in fi-inch pots. Not knowing exactly the
treatment required, they unfortunately were checked by too low a tem¬
perature, and by receiving too much water at their roots. The plants
were placed with a number of Poinsettias and other winter-flowering
plants that were being retarded as long as possible, and this treatment
proved too cold for the Amasonia. When removed to more heat one
plant flagged and could not be induced to rise again, so we at once cut
it up for the purpose of raising a stock for another year. I am
acquainted with one or two who have lost their plants through failure
at the roots, which undoubtedly is due to too much water.

The plant cut up was shaken out of the soil, and the root portion
with a pair of eyes plunged into cocoa-nut fibre refuse in the propagat¬
ing box, and it quickly began to make fresh fibrous roots and to push
two growths. The remaining portion of the stem was cut, and each
portion inserted singly in small pots. Each portion contained two eyes,
for the leaves are opposite, and there is an eye in the axil of each.
These eyes or joints were pegged, so as to secure them into the pots, and
they are all in that stage that we are certain they will form roots.
Now it is possible that only one eye will break from each, and if so it
will be allowed to grow until it is sufficiently long to he taken off for a
cutting. This plant evidently strikes very freely from young shoots,
and there appears to be no difficulty with eyes. If the joints only pro¬
duce one shoot it will be taken off, and the other will then be compelled
to push, and thus form a plant with a single stem. This I know will
take place, for our first plant had been raised from a joint pegged in a
pot, and it was just making its first shoot when it was received. When
long enough for a cutting it was taken off, for we had previously
observed it possessed a dormant eye, and after the top was removed it
quickly. started into growth.

It appears to be a plant that will be easily propagated, and when
once its culture is thoroughly understood there will be no difficulty in
maintaining a good stock of young plants annually. It is one of those
plants that I believe will be grown in quantity, and I intend to make
the most use of the plants here for stock purposes this year, even if we
only allow a few to produce their brilliant bracts of rich crimson and
creamy white flowers beneath. During the summer it requires plenty of
heat, a moist atmosphere, and abundance of light. Our plants were
arranged close to the glass, which appeared to suit them admirably. It
might be advantageous to many, if cultivators who have grown this
plant successfully would give their experience in the Journal, and the
lowest temperature they have found it would endure without injury
during the autumn and winter. Partial failure during the past year
has certainly taught us how to cultivate this plant in the future. My
experience leads me to the conclusion that it should not be subjected to
a lower temperature than 60° to 65°, according to external conditions,
until its bracts are produced, and whether it will bear without injury a
lower temperature after that by being kept somewhat drier at its roots,
remains to be proved. If others have tested this matter the information
will be gladly welcomed, for if it will stand in conservatories where the
temperature ranges from 45° to 50° at night during the time it is in full
beauty, its value as a decorative plant will be materially increased. —
Wm. Baedxey.

[This plant was figured in the “Botanical Magazine” for January
this year under the name of Amasonia calycina, which Sir J. D.
Hooker has determined is its correct name. It is said to differ from the
true A. punicea in the bracts and calyx.]

“JRdYSANTREVlUflS AND TJE’R CULTURE ’’—ANSWER
TO MR. GARNETT’S CRITIQUE.

Allow me in the first place to thank Mr. Garnett for the tone he
displays in his critique on my book, which I hope to answer in the
same spirit, as honest criticism often leads to improvement. There
has been a vast increase in the number of growers of the
Chrysanthemum during the last three or four years, there¬
fore the smallest piece of new information on the subject will be
welcomed by all, and by beginners especially. The latter I had par¬
ticularly in my mind when I described my experience, my object being
to detail cultural instructions as plainly as possible. I did not employ
“ scientific” terms, because I thought them unsuited for those for whom
the book was intended. At the time the articles were appearing in the
Journal of Horticulture, and since their publication in book form, I was
led to believe by the numerous letters I received from all parts of Great
Britain and Ireland that I had succeeded in doing what I had in view—
viz., being explicit in the necessary details of culture. I could point to
many men, and these situated hundreds of miles north of Svvanmore,
even much farther north than Mr. Garnett’s locality, who had not pre¬
viously grown Chrysanthemums in an exhibition manner, but by
following the directions given in the Journal they were enabled to grow
the plants successfully, and with the flowers produced take leading
positions at some of the best shows in England, and they assured me it
was purely by following my advice that they were so enabled to succeed.
This I consider the truest test of clearness of detail contained in in/
instructions, hut judging from what Mr. Garnett’s attempts to point out I
am a long way from gaining the end I had desired, \V hat I wrote was

174

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 8, 188?.

from my own experience and a close observation of other people’s
practice in many parts of England, therefore I was not depending
entirely upon my Swanmore experience for my knowledge. I have been
acquainted with the leading growers of Chrysanthemums for the last
eleven years, and during this time I have had abundant opportunities of
testing the best methods of detail in the various stages of growth.

Some parts of Mr. Garnett’s critique do not require an answer, no
good could possibly accrue from it. He criticises entirely from
his own point of view as applicable to his own district. I wrote my
book intending it as a general guide, and not for one place. I
admit that Swanmore is well situated for the culture of the flower,
but I do not agree with Mr. Garnett that the greater number of
gardeners have to practise within the smoke zone of large manufacturing
towns. I take the Liverpool and London district growers as examples ;
the leading ones in both those parts are not much hampered by smoke, I
fancy. Certainly there is more than at Swanmore, but not to an
injurious extent. I have previously stated that I did not make guesses,
as Mr. Garnett says I did, anent the dates suitable for northern
growers, I can assure him they were taken from personal observation.
The controversy he alludes to in the Journal on the bud question did not
prove I was wrong, for we had no evidence that my advice had been
faithfully followed in all instances. I still say that if the plants are
treated as advised in all stages the buds will come at the time we want
them, in spite of Mr. Garnett’s assertion to the contrary ; but the plants
must have the necessary attention from the time the cuttings are in¬
serted and during the after stages of growth. Many collections of plants,

I am afraid, are often spoiled during the busy spring and summer months
when other work presses heavily.

With regard to the time best suited for striking the cuttings, Mr.
Garnett is very fortunate if he has had no experience with “ bud-pro¬
ducing propensity.” If he had been a large grower, I fancy he would
indeed be lucky if all the cuttings he inserts go right away into proper
growth. At the present moment we have sucke cuttings of Meg
Merrilies and Empress Eugenie, for instance, that are showing flower
buds. I mention this to show that Mr. Garnett’s experience avails us
little. In my remarks upon the time the cuttings should be inserted, I
said there is no hard-and-fast line as to date, circumstances must guide
the grower somewhat. Let me cite one instance. If the stock of any
particular variety consisted of a very few cuttings, and these were likely
to become too tall through being drawn weakly or other unforeseen
occurrences ; instead of allowing them to grow so tall, I should take
them off and insert them a week or two before the stated time (December
10th). Most growers to my knowledge do not commence propagating
much sooner than about the time stated.

Referring next to the remarks where Mr. Garnett quotes the words
'■ some growers say that late propagation reduces the height of the
plants. This is the case in some instances.” My answer to his query —
why in some instances ? — is simply that the plants have not had time
to grow to their full height owing to their late propagation and the time
lost which they would have had had striking the cuttings earlier been
ractised. He next asks what degree of height is essential to produce
looms of the best quality ? Mv answer is, The natural height, so to
speak, of each variety prior to the production of the crown bud. This
is varied by the growth of the plants caused by loose potting, position
in which the plants grow, whether they were allowed to become drawn
weakly in their younger stages of growth. A variety of causes will
alter the heights in the hands "of different growers, but 1 will name one
variety — for instance, Princess of Wales. Owing to the causes above
stated this may not suit everybody, but it will be approximate. From
5 to 7 feet high is a fair height for this variety. He next takes excep¬
tion to the words, “ I have not yet seen, save in an exceptional case or
two, blooms of the same quality produced on dwarf plants through
some unaccountable reason.” He asks, Why unaccountable 1 Now, here
I am unable to answer his query, but I have seen two plants of the
same variety growing side by side under exactly the same conditions as
to propagation, soil, and all other cultural details ; still, one plant
grows 6 feet high, while the other attains the height of 8 feet, but both
produce blooms equal in quality. This is why I said some “ unaccount¬
able reason.” Perhaps Mr. Garnett will enlighten us on this point. It
is easy to ask the question, but not so easy to answer it.

My next answer is that it is not more unaccountable for dwarf plants
to produce good flowers than it is for tall plants to produce poor flowers.
I have many times seen tall plants produce the reverse of good blooms
when all conditions appeared favourable to their well doing. This I
must class among the “ unaccoun tables.” If this were not the case, and
every plant could be relied upon to produce good blooms, growers
would not require so many plants to depend upon for the supply of the
finest blossoms, for in some instances a few blooms of exhibition quality
only are produced on a large number of plants. The risk, then, of
winning prizes would be reduced to a minimum. My experience differs
from that of my critic in looking over collections of Chrysanthemums
in bloom that dwarf plants do carry finer flowers than taller plants
of the same variety. In my case it is the reverse, for often the blooms
on dwarf plants have, at the first glance, seemed larger and better, but
upon a close examination they were found to lack the most essential
point — viz., depth ; they might possibly be more inches in diameter.
Mind, I am speaking in a general sense. As before stated, some dwarf
plants do produce good blooms.

The next reference is to Mr. Garnett’s remarks anent the dwarf plant
of “ Peter the Great.” He asks, What influence here has the height of
the plant on the size and quality of the bloom 1 His answer is, Little or

none ; but mine is that were it not taken from a plant somewhere near
the natural height required of the variety to produce such blooms as the
aim is ; that were the cuttings taken from all dwarfer plants, the cer¬
tainty of having the wished-for flowers is considerably reduced ; that is
what influence it has in this case. I could take a cutting of the same
sort, which should be 12 inches nearer the point where the last bud was
formed, and I have no doubt this plant would attain the height assumed
— viz., 20 inches, and the flower would be much smaller than the one on
the 8-inch plant, but that would not be following the advice I gave,
p. 45 of the book, therefore Mr. Garnett’s argument is all in my favour
on that point. Certainly anyone setting out with the idea he suggests
will be sorely disappointed. It is the insertion of the cuttings on the
date when they are ready upon which success depends, and not upon the
theory of other methods. The approximation as to time will be found
to come very near, if not quite, for all localities, even if it does not fit
Mr. Garnett’s district in this one instance. The instructions given on
p. 47 are quite clear to produce the desirable dwarf plant, that being
the object of that chapter. It seems absurd to compare such plants in
their relations to height and quality of flowers with those grown for
another object. It seems Mr. Garnett grasped this little plant to sub¬
stantiate his argument that height has nothing to do with quality of
flower. I do not agree with Mr. Garnett when he says it is essential
that a person must be master of the cause of the puzzling compli¬
cations in the bud setting. If he expects beginners to master all this
before he can grow the flower, it strikes me he will have some time to
wait. This can only be had by years of practice. — E. Molyneux.

(To be continued.)

WARWICK CASTLE.

Warwickshire possesses a combination of historical interest and
natural beauty such as few other English counties can equal, and
perhaps none excels. Taking Warwick as a centre, Kenilworth, Strat¬
ford-on-Avon, and Coventry are easily reached, and in all the tourist
finds a host of historical memories, relics of a past magnificence or
stately grandeur unknown to the present age. A most charming sylvan
scenery is also characteristic of the county, the wealth of arboreal
beauty presenting a striking contrast with the comparatively bare extent
of land in the eastern portion of the kingdom. From any moderate
elevation views are commanded of a vast park-like landscape, gently
undulated, never bold, but exquisitely beautiful in the fresh verdure of
spring or the varied hues of autumn. Many fine estates are scattered
over the county, and a horticulturist who has the opportunity of
enjoying a few days holiday can spend the time most profitably in a
visit to Warwickshire. In such a journey undertaken last autumn the
first establishment en route was Warwick Castle, to which the following
brief notes are devoted, but which cannot do full justice to either its
historical or horticultural interest.

Warwick Castle is one of the best preserved memorials of the feudal
period that can be seen in England, and abundant evidence remains to
prove what a powerful stronghold it was when “ might was right.”
Unlike crumbling Kenilworth, Warwick does not seem to have even
reached its first period of decay, and after braving the vicissitudes of
many centuries it is now in a venerable but majestic old age. With the
massive walls and towers time seems to have dealt gently, and we are
delighted with an antiquity that has not been spoiled by inconsistent
attempts at modernisation such as too frequently detract from the
charms of similar buildings. The Castle is approached by a road cut
deep in the solid rock, and curving round gradually conducts the visitor
to the chief entrance, on each side of which are the noble towers com¬
manding the approach. Guy’s tower is 130 feet high, and from the top
of this an unrivalled view can be obtained, the classic Avon passing the
base of the Castle walls and winding its way thence through a densely
wooded country, with here and there a bright green meadow as a break
in the luxuriant tree growth. We look down upon the courtyard with
its remarkable lawn, like fine green velvet, so level and dense is it, and
beyond we see the wonderful Cedars that have attracted so many
admirers of tree beauty to Warwick. The illustration (fig. 29) represents
the Castle as seen from the river that is to the east, the two towers
being partially concealed by the trees.

Of the Castle itself little need be here said except that it is crowded
with historical interest of an exceptional character, from the dungeon to
the great hall and drawing rooms, all of which, by the liberality of the
Earl of Warwick, are usually open to the public. They well repay for
a visit, and tourists flock thither in great numbers during the summer
months. We were, however, especially desirous of seeing the gardens
and pleasure grounds, together with the Cedars already mentioned,
which alone are worth a long journey. Fine specimens of Cedrus Libani
are by no means scarce, but these at Warwick are magnificent in the
extreme, and must be ranked amongst the oldest and most handsome in
cultivation. There are great numbers of trees of various sizes, but
several near the Castle and close to the bank of the river are the giants,
the stems at 1 foot from the ground measuring 23 to 28 feet in circum¬
ference, the height about 70 feet, and the branches extending along the
ground 14 yards from the stem. Some of these are a forest of stems,
dozens of great limbs shooting upwards, each large enough to make a
good sized tree, and the appearance of these huge specimens viewed from
below is very imposing. In Strutt’s “ Sylva Britannica ” it is truthfully
remarked that ‘* there is something in the air of the Cedar remarkably
indicative of its comparative immortal nature. The foliage is very
beautiful, each branch is perfect in its form ; the points of the leave

journal of horticulture and cottage gardener.

spread upwards into little tufts, feathering the whole upper surface of
the branch, and drooping in graceful curves towards the extremity,
whilst the colour exhibits rich green, harmonising between the blue tint
of the Pine and Fir and the Larch, and the gloomy one of the
Cypress.”

As to the age of the Warwick trees there does not seem to be any
exact information. It has been rumoured that they were brought over by
the Crusaders, and if this were true they would be much the oldest in
England, but probably it is not quite the fact. In any case they must
be of great age, and must be included amongst the oldest living trees
in this country. It is difficult to estimate the age of the Cedar ; in some
situations it grows to a great size with extraordinary rapidity, as, for
example, the fine specimen at Goodwood Park, which was planted in
1761, and when measured in 1881 it was 65 feet high, the principal
branches extending to a length of 50 feet from the stem. When visiting
the celebrated Cedar grove on Mount Lebanon Sir Joseph Hooker
estimated the oldest trees at from 800 to 2000 years old, and though the
rings in some branches were carefully counted no nearer estimate could

and can be seen from the Thames Embankment, but it has lost all its
lower branches, and consequently much of its beauty. At Syon House,
Gunncrsbury Park, and Chiswick, fine specimens can still be seen, but
owing to the horizontal habit of the branches they arc often injured by
winds and snowstorms. The sudden and heavy fall of snow last
December has proved most disastrous, and the damage caused at
Warwick as elsewhere is deplorable. When one or two large limbs are
broken from these old specimens their beauty is effectually destroyed,
and it is rarely that subsequent growth can repair the mischief.

The pleasure grounds at Warwick occupy about 40 acres well planted
and excellently kept. Besides the large Cedars named there are many
others of smaller dimensions, yet trees of good size, from 10 to 14 feet in
circumference. Amongst other notable trees is a superb example of
Wellingtonia gigantea planted about thirty-six years ago. It is 68 feet
high and feathered to the ground, the stem at 4 feet from the ground
being 6 feet in circumference. Chestnuts thrive luxuriantly, one grand
tree having a stem 16 feet in girth at 4 feet from the ground, and
branches extending 20 yards from the stem. They have drooped to the

Fig. 20. — Warwick Castle.

be made. The first trees seem to have arrived in this country during
the seventeenth century, for although it has been said that Evelyn did
not mention the Cedar in his ‘‘Sylva,” he distinctly states in the third
edition, published in 1679 (p. 125) that he had received seed from the
trees on Mount Lebanon, and that he had “ frequently raised it by the
seeds, which I set like Bay berries.” He commends it strongly to the
attention of planters, and that the wood should be more extensively
employed in building and for furniture, “ to reform the malignity and
corrosiveness of the air, and even preserve the whole city, as if it stood
amongst the spices of the Happy Arabia.”

A Cedar at Bretby Park, Derbyshire, is said to have been planted in
1676, but according to Strutt the celebrated tree at Enfield was planted
by Dr. Uvedale soon after 1660. Concerning this in 1830 the following
particulars are given in the “ Sylva Brittanica ” — -1 The Cedar which is
now perhaps the largest in the kingdom was put into the ground by Dr.
Uvedale, a plant brought direct from Mount Libanus. In 1779 it
measured 14 feet 6 inches at the base and 45 feet 9 inches high, the
upper part having been broken off by a high wind in 1703. The
principal branches extended from the stem, from 28 to 45 feet. In 1821
it was 64 feet high.” In the same work an illustration of the two
Cedars in the Apothecaries’ Society’s Garden at Chelsea is given, and it
s remarked that they were planted 1683. One of these still remains,

ground, formed roots, and produced a number of fine trees round the
parent, the effect being very curious and suggestive of the trees that
frequent tropical swamp?. Catalpa syringiefolia is also represented by
a handsome tree that flowers most abundantly, and many other beautiful
trees or shrubs could be named, all of which seem to be thoroughly at
home.

Near the orangery, which contains the far-famed Warwick Vase, are
some unpretentious flower beds that were tastefully planted last autumn,
and in an establishment of this kind commendable care is needed to
avoid the introduction of any incongruities. From this point a delightful
view is obtained of the Avon, a broad stretch of turf bordered by trees
and sloping down to its bank, a picturesque vista of the opposite bank
and a distant hill being also gained. This is a charming piece of land¬
scape, and it would be difficult to add to its beauty in any respect. A
short distance from the orangery are the kitchen garden, fruit and
plant houses, which, with the pleasure grounds, are under the efficient
superintendence of Mr. A. Christie. The houses are in several ranges
well suited for the purpose as regards construction, but not placed in a
favourable situation. Mr. Christie, however, grows both plants and
fruit well under somewhat difficult circumstances, which is all the more
to his credit. The kitchen garden is well cultivated, and at the time of
my visit was stocked with the best vegetables.. — Lewis Castle.

[ March 3, 188?.

176 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

NEW PLANTS OP 1886.

( Continued from page 158.)

Ind., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FI., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.

— H.H., Half hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —

Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —

Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Epidendrum arachnoglossum, va-. candidum. (G. C. xxv., p. 362.)
Orchide®. A distinct variety, with wli'ti fl., only the lateral calli of the lip
b in? orange.

Epidendrum atropurpureum, var. Randi. (L., pi. 49; Cat. C. C. d’H.,
p. 4.) This is a nice variety of E. macrochilum, with greenish-brown sep.
and pet., margined with pal r, and a large white lip marked with cont:guous
red veins at the base. Syn. E. Randianum. Amazonb.

Epidendrum fraudulentum. (G. C. xxv., p. G48.) A small flowered
species, with light rosy fl , the column and lower part of the ovary purple,
the keel and calli yellow.

Epidendrum pristes. (G. C. xxvi., p. 262.) A fine and handsome plant,
with slender stems, and bright cinnabar fl., with a yellow lip, spotted with
cinnabir. E very minutely serrulate. Pedicels white at base. Sep. and
pet. lanceolate, the pet. serrate on the upper half. Lip trifid, serrate, the
mid-lobe small, bilobed, with a flexuose keel at the base of the disk.

Epidendrum trachychilum. ( GJl ., t. 1205.) An unattractive plant'
with narrow-ovoid bulbs, bearing two broad linear acute 1., and a lax
panicle of moderate sized fl. Sep. lanceolate. Pet. oblanceolate acute, all
dull olive green, with red dots on the pet. Lip yellow, dotted with red, side
lobes angu’ar in front., mid-lobe elliptic obtuse, undulate, with small tuber-
culate keels on its disk. Mexico.

Epilobium obcordatum. ( GJl. 1885, p. 277.) Oaagrariace®. H. per. A
dwarf and pretty species, suitable for rockwork. Stems decumbent. 3 to 5 in.
high. L. opposite, sessile, ovate, 4 in. long. Fl. f in. in diam , bright rose,
pet. deeply obcordate, stamens yellow. California.

Epiphyllum Gibsoni. (R. H. 1886, p. 283.) Cactice®. G. succuLnt,
much in the way of E. truncatum, producing 2 to 4 fl. at the ends of the
branches of a beautiful dirk orang:-rtd, and haviog some st-aight hairs
£ in. long at their base.

Eranthemum macrophyllum. (Bull Cat , p. 7.) Aeanthsce®. S. win’er
flowering shr. of good habit, with terminal aud axillary spikes of light blue
fl. The upper and side lobes of the corolla are refl xed on the s'dt s of the
long whitish tube, the lower pet. or lip is projecting, and of a deeper blue
than the other lobes. India.

Eranthemum velutinum. ( Bull Cat., p. 8). S. shr. dist'nct and pretty,
with deep velvety olive green hullati 1., and long spikes of deep rosy
pink fl., with a slender curved tube 1 in. long.

Eria Bimanni. ( G . C. xxiv., p. 712.) Orchidice®. Bulbs pyriform,
about 3 in. long. L. cuneate-oblong, acute ve y leathery, light green, with
darker nerves. Baceme nodding, dmse, covered with a few reddish hairs ;
fl. pellucid pale yellow, with the front lobe of the lip golden yellow with
two purple spots Burmah.

Eritrichium barbigerum. ( Gfl . 1886, p. 358 & 359, f. 42; R. H., 1885,
p. 557, f. 99). Boragine®. H. A pretty annual, very like a Myosotis, with
lanceolate 1. and branching seorpioid cymes of small white fl. The linear
calyx-lobes are about J in. long, and the whole plane is clothed with long
spreading hairs. California.

Eucomis zambesiaca. (G. C. xxv., p. 9 ). Li iacese. G. bulb, allied to
E punctata, but the 1. are firmer, and like the scape not spotted, the raceme
shorter and denser, and the pedicels sh rter. The fl. are green. E. Tr pical
Africa.

Fedia cornucople, var. floribunda-pi.ena. (Gfl. 1. 1218). Val rianace®.
H. A beautiful variety with double pink fl. It forms dwarf hemispherical
tufts, and is very floriferous. Garden variety.

Fraxinus alba, foliis argenteo-marginatis. (B. IT. 1886, p. 398).
Oleacetn H. An ornam ntal form, having the leaflets bordered with pale
yellowish, or rosy in the young leaves. Garden variety.

Fritillaria contorta. (G. C. xxv., p. 681.) Liliac te. H. bulb. A
very distinct species, quite different from all the others in having the seg¬
ments of the fl. all unitt d (gamophyllus). L. 3-4, distant, lanceolate, some¬
what fleshy. Fl. nodding, 1J-2 in. long, white. Origin unknown.

Fritillaria Perryi. (Gfl. 1886, p. 117.) Liliac ®. II. bulb. A hybrid
between F. r curva and F. linceolata. A fine plant, intermediate between
the parents, the fl. approaching those of F. recurva, but the fl. are produced
in greater profusion and appear a fortnight earlier. Garden hybrid.

Fuchsia ampliata. (B. M. t. 6839.) O. agrariace ®. G. sLr. A hand¬
some speci s, having the elliptic-oblong acute 1. in whotls of 3, and axil'ary
drooping scarlet fl. 2 in. long ; calyx tube narrow funnel-shaped, the nar¬
row lanceolate acute lobes s'igbtly reflexed ; pet. broadly elliptic, i in. long.
Andes of Ecuador.

Gai.tonia cl.vvata. (B. M. t. 6885.) LTiacere. G. or H.H. bulb,
not so ornamental as the well-known G. candicans, but simil r in g neral
appearance, differing in its smaller greenish-white fl., with shorter seg¬
ments, and lanceolate filaments. S. Africa.

Genista Andreana. (/?. H. 188 i, p. 372, with plate.) L gumincsre.
II. shr. A beautiful and dis inct variety of Sarothnmnus scoparius, having
the wings of the fl. of a bright tel, insteid of yel'ow as in the ordinary
form. Syn. S irothamnus scoparius, v r. Andreana. Normandy.

Gentiana Bigelovii. ( «. M. t. 6374.) Gentianac at. H. per. A dis¬
tinct an l pretty Gentian, 12-16 in. high, with linear or linear-oblong 1.
2 in. long, and axillary, sessil-, violet fl., arranged in a leafy spike. Calyx
tube cylindric purpli-h, with 1 ng linear green teeth. Corolla about an in.
Ion/, with ovate sub-acute lobes, having two subu’ate teeth alternatincr
with them. New Mexico.

Geum rii.eticum. (Gfl. 1. 1229 ) Bosaceat. H. per. suitable for rock-
work, with hairy lyrate pinnatisect green 1., and one-flowered peduncles
6 8 in. high, with 2-3 reduced 1., and a bright yellow fl. an in. or more in
diam. Alps.

Gladiolus Kotschyanus. (B. M. t. 6897.) Iridace®. H. bulb. A
slender species 1-2 ft. high, wi'h linear 1. 6-8 in. long, and a few-flowered

lax spike of light violet fl., about 1^ in. long, with a nearly regular limb,
the lower segments rather paler than the others, with a dark median stripe.
Affghanistan, Ptrsia.

Gladiolus papilio, var. atratus. (Gfl. 1885, p. 341.) H. bulb. A fine
variety, with a dark purple ground colour to the fl., instead of a yellow one,

GoNiorHLEBiuM GRANDicEPS. (G. P. xxv., 234 ; Williams' Cat., p. 25.)
Filices. S. Fern of dwarf habit, suitable for basket culture, with simp’e,
oblong-lanceolate, leathery fronds about 6 in. long, and an inch in breadth,
tapering below into a narrow wing; they arise at intervals from a slenler
creeping rhizome. Formosa.

Grevillea Hookeriana. (B. M. t. 6879.) Proteace®. A pretty G.
shr , with rigid pinnate 1., having 3-9 pairs of linear segments. Bacemes
2-3 in. long, one-sid‘d, dense ; fl. about one-third in. long, dull yellowish,
with long crimson styles. S. W. Australia.

Guzmannia Bulliana. (It. if. 1885, p. 324 ) Bromeliace®. This is
the plant sent out by Mr. Bull as Caraguita angustifolia. See F. B., 1886,

p. 86.

Gymnadenia macrantha. (Bull. Cat., p. 8.) Orchide®. S. terrestrial
Orcbi i with sheathing 3 nerved 1., and a 6-10 flowtred spike of dark brown
fl., with a roundish purplish-lilac l p marked with darker streaks and
speckles. Sierra Leone.

Gymnogramma fariniferum. (III. B., pi. 601; Cat. C. C. d’H., p. 9.)
Filices. S. A pretty seedling va-i ty of G. schizophyllum, with graceful
arching fronds, pale green, powdered with white above, entire’y white
beneath. Garden variety.

Habrothamnus carminatus, var. RUBER. (Gfl. 1886, p. 426.)
Solanace®. G. An effective form, with more numerous and more
brilliantly coloured fl. than the variety elegans. Garden variety.

H.emadictyum marginatum. (B.H.1 835, p. 260.) Filices. G. A noble
Fern, with pinnate fronds 6 ft. and more long, the pinnu’es are opposite,
oblong, ending in a dbt'nct point, 14-15 in. long by 4 in. broad ; the petioles
are yellowish.

Hasmanthus Bauerii. (B. M.t. 6875.) Amaryllidac ®. G. bulb. A
very distinct dwarf species, with two large sub-orbicular dark green 1.,
ciliated at the edge, 5-6 in. long and broad, sprealing on the ground. Umbel
subse = s;le between the 1. ; bracts broadly obovate white, ciliate ; fl. a lit le
shorter than the bracts, white. Kafiraria.

Hoya longifolia, var. Shepherdi. (G. G. xxiv., p. 616, f. 140.) A-rnle-
piadice®. A beautiful plant, with linear-ob'anceolate acute ]., 5-7 in. long,
A in. broad, and globose umbels of pale flesh-coloured fl., A in. in diam.
Sikkim.

Humulus japonicus. (Gfl. 1886, p. 188, 359, f. 43 and 360.) Canns-
bine®. H. climber, somewhat like the common Hop, but the bracts of the
female fl. not enlarging in fr. L. palmately 5-7-lobed, toothed on the mar¬
gins. Male fl. in long lax panicles. Female fl. in short ovoid spikes on long
peduncl s, bracts coraate, cuspidate-acuminate. Japan.

Imantophyllum mixiatum, var. aurantiacum. (Williams’ Cat.,
p. 25.) Amaryllidace®. G. bulb. A distinct variety, with large trusses of
bright yellowish-salmon coloured fl., 3 in. in diam. Garden seedling.

(To be continued.)

CULTURE OF THE PEACH IN THE OPEN AIR.

The concluding remarks on the above subject in your issue (J
February 17th — viz, “ but there are many others where all they seem to
require is better attention,” in my opinion hit the nail directly on the
head, for I have proved from practical experience that if anything like
the same care and attention were paid to trees outside that are accorded
to those under glass, there is nothing in our climate, bad as it is, to pre¬
vent good crops being obtained annually. We will take the Peach trees
under glass first. Every care is taken that the trees do not suffer. They
are carefully pruned, trained, and disbudded, run over with a rabbit’s
tail, or other methods used to insure a good set ; every precaution is
adopted to keep them clear of insect pests, and they are well fed. Now,
do the outside trees have the same attention ? In the majority of cases I
say no. They are more frequently left to take care of themselves, with the
exception of an occasional washing with the garden engine, and some
attention to disbudding, but they are not at all watched with the same
care as their more favoured rivals inside, and the remark is, “Oh, Peaches
will not do on the open walls here,” and no wonder. I quite agree that
there are some cold and exposed situations where it is impossible to grow
them successfully on the open walls, but these are exceptions, and not
the rule, and there are other situations, notably near large manufactur¬
ing towns, where it is useless to attempt Peach growing outside. Never¬
theless, given a somewhat sheltered wall with a southern aspect and
careful treatment, there is nothing to prevent good results. That they
will succeed in Lancashire, -where such a position can be given them, we
can testify, for in 1886 we gathered 120 dozen well ripened fruits from
the open wall here, the last being gathered on October 8th, the last
dozen fruits being gathered in 1885 on October 12th.

We dig and crop the border to within 4 feet of the base of the wall,
and that with such crops as our earliest Peas— viz., William I., raised in
turves and planted out, Potatoes, Carrots, sow our Cabbage and Lettuce
seeds, and 1 do not see that it is at all injurious to the Peach trees. We
syringe the wall over a time or two before the blooms open with some
insecticide or soapsuds, and every fine morning after the fruits are set
we give them a good drenching with the hand syringe, using clean soft
water. I prefer the hand syi inge to any of the patent pumps, as we can
force the water under the foliage better. We give them a good watering
with liquid manure during the summer occasionally, which soon tells a
tale. The only protection we give them when in bloom consists of a
piece of canvas 54 inches wide fixed as follows — A piece of stout wire is
firmly fixed along the centre on the top of the wall. Short cords are
stitched on the top edge of the canvas at intervals of 4 feet 6 inches,
these are tied to the above wire. A stout wire is taken every 9 feet

March S, 1887. j

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17?

from the top of the wall to a strong stake driven into the border 4 feet
from the wall. Between each pair of these wires a stake is driven and a
cord brought down from the bottom edge of the canvas and secured to
a large nail in this stake, and we can thus pull the canvas on to the top of
the wall every fine day. We have always found this ample protection.
It is a good plan to prune outside Peach trees as soon as the last fruit is
gathered from the tree, which gives them a better chance of ripening
the wood for next season.

I can also testify to the excellent results of Mr. Rodgers’ practice at
Charlcote Park, having learnt some valuable lessons while under him
at Charlcote some years ago. Mr. Phipps was also a very successful
cultivator of the Peach outside at Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire, some
years ago. Our varieties which are successful outside are— Peaches,
Early Alfred, Hale’s Early, Early Anne, Prince of Wales, Stump the
World, Barrington, Bellegarde, one of the best ; and Late Admirable.
Nectarines, Violette Hative and Elruge. — Lancastrian.

ZYGOPEIALUM MACKAYI MAJU3.

This has proved one of the most valuable winter flowering Orchids
we possess. The way it has behaved here is most interesting. On the
1st of December, or three months ago, a small plant of it was in full
bloom, It was placed in a room in the mansion and remained there

until the middle of January. It was then brought down to the garden
as fresh as on the day it opened, and, what is more remarkable still, the
flower is yet good. I send you a small piece that you may see it not
only retains its colour, but it is still fragrant, and I do not think I ever
knew an Orchid bloom remaining good for such a length of time before.
In this respect it surely outdistances all other flowers. — J. Muir,
Mar gam.

[The Zygopetalum is quite fresh still and has certainly lasted well,
but Lycaste Skinneri will remain fresh for even a longer time in
rooms.]

CCELOGYNE CRI3TATA.

Having read with pleasure the various remarks on Coelogyne cristata
and not having seen anything surpassing home experience in quantity
of blooms on individual spikes, I forward you a spike, one of eight on
the same plant bearing a like number of blooms, while two spikes had
one flower each more. Those were cut for home purposes before we
heard so much about the number of flowers on a spike. In our opinion
the variety has a good deal to answer for on this subject, as on another
plant growing under exactly the same conditions, and with much finer
pseudo-bulbs, we have never had more than four blooms. Certainly the
flowers are a little larger and would possibly by some be considered
finer. There are a number of spikes on the same plant with five blooms,
four being common, while six is represented by two spikes. —A. Douglas,
Baldersby.

[The spike sent had seven fine flowers, an admirable example of this
useful Orchid.]

GROWING ORCHIDS UNDER ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES.

I am very pleased to see a special column in the Journal devoted to

notes on Orchid culture,
and I hope the sugges¬
tion of your correspon¬
dent, “ J. T., Ilardwioke
Grange," page 134, will
be the means of in¬
ducing many of your
readers interested in the
cultivation of Orchids
to contribute particulars
of their successes and
failures, especially those
who have to grow them
under adverse circum¬
stances. I am sorry that
at present I come within
the category of that de¬
signation. “J. T.” ap¬
pears to me to be more
fortunate. Having stove,
vinery, and fernery at
command, he should be
able, with careful man¬
agement, to grow almost
any Orchid in cultivation.
“ J. T.” says, “ Who need
despair ? ” I say, What
do you wish for more?
Had I the variety of
houses enumerated above,
I could be content, and
leave adverse circum¬
stances out of the ques¬
tion. There can be little
difficulty in growing Or¬
chids in houses specially
constructed and adapted
to their culture, but it has
never yet fallen to my lot to be in that enviable position. I had the good
fortune some years ago to grow a few specimens in vineries, but I had the
advantage at that time of having one of the houses so heated that it could
be started at any time. I am now attempting to grow a few more.
I have three small houses in which Vines are planted, but unfor¬
tunately there is not one of them at present that has sufficient piping
to start Vines before March. They have been subjected to a lower tem¬
perature than I consider safe for several of the varieties I had to grow,
the thermometer in severe weather often falling below 40°, but notwith¬
standing this they have grown remarkably well, and seem none the worse
for their cool treatment.

I give the dimensions of a few of the principal plants — viz., two
Coelogyne cristata, 3 feet 6 inches in diameter ; four Dendrobium
nobile, 3 feet 6 inches through ; two Cattleya Mossias, 3 feet across ;
cne L;elia purpurata, 3 feet 6 inches across ; one Odontoglossum
Alexandra, 3 feet in diameter ; one Oncidium flexuosum, 3 feet
6 inches across ; one Cypripedium insigne, 3 feet 6 inches across.
These are grown in tubs 1 foot deep and 2 feet 6 inches in diameter.
Also Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, 2 feet through ; Dendrobium chryso-
toxum, 2 feet through ; Laslia purpurata, 2 feet through ; Zygo¬
petalum Mackayi, 2 feet across ; two Dendrobium Wardianum, growths
3 feet 6 inches long,

CATTLEYA BICOLOR.

OvER]fifty years ago a drawing of a BrazilianOrchid by M. Descourtilz
under the name of Epidendr4 irid6e attracted the notice of botanists,
and Lindley gave a brief
description of the plant
in the “ Botanical Re¬
gister,” 1836, fol. 1919,
with the name Cattleya
bicolor. He also subse¬
quently figured it in the
“ Sertum,” and referred to
it in the periodical pre¬
viously mentioned in 1838
“ Miscelleanea,” page 80,
as flowering in Loddiges’
collection that year. A
good coloured figure ap¬
peared in the “ Botanical
Magazine,” t. 4909, 1856.

As a distinct and easily
grown Orchid it has ob¬
tained much favour with
cultivators, the flowers
diiferinggreatly from other
Cattleyas, chiefly owing to
the absence of the lateral
lobes that usually partially
surround the column. The
sepals and petals are of a
peculiar brownish or lurid
green, varying in depth of
tint ; the column is pink
or nearly white, the lip
very rich crimson, with
darker lines, and a lighter
margin. In the variety
figured the margin is
strongly marked, and it
has on that account been
named marginata in some
gardens.

CATTLEYA PERCIVALIAN A AND AE RIDES LEEANUVT.

By this post I am sending you a flower of Cattleya Percivaliana on
which I should value your opinion. The plant has been in flower about
a fortnight, consequently the colour is not so good as it has been. Also
you will find enclosed an Aerides, which we purchased under the name
of A. quinquevulnerum. Can you kindly give me thi correct name?
Is not the feathering or variegation in the petals of the Cattleya
unusual ? — Liverpool.

[The Cattleya is a very good variety of C. Percivaliana, the lip being
an excellent colour. We have seen several fine forms of this Cattleya
lately ; it seems to be improving. The Aerides is not A. quinquevulnerum,
but apparently a pale form of A. Leeanum, an Indian species named by
Reichenbach in honour of Mr. W. Lee of Downside. A. Huttoni or
Thibautianum is somewhat like A. quinquevulnerum in habit, but the
racemes are longer. There is a variety of A. quinquevulnerum named
Farmeri which bears white flowers.]

F g. CO. CuttltTa bicolor.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ M»-ch 8,1W.

1

The following is a list of the varieties grown : —

Brassia verrucosa
Calanthe vestita alba
„ lutea oculata
Cattleya crispa
„ citrina
„ Eldorado
,. pi gas imperialis
„ Mossi®

„ intermedia
„ Mendeli
„ Trian®

„ Percivaliana
„ specios’ssima
, Loddigesi
„ amythystoglossa
„ Harrisoniana
„ guttata
Ccelogyne cris'ata
Cypripedium insigne

venu8tum
barbatum
Stonei
Ho okerre
Lawrencianum
Spicerianum
Veitchi
Harrisianum
l).ndrobium nobile

crassinode
chrysotoxum
chrysanthum
Parishi
tortile roseum
thyrsiflorum
Bensoniee
Wardianum
Lowi

Dalhousianum
Devonianum
formosum
superb'ens
BuaTissimum
Disa grandiflora
Epidendrum vi'ellinum
Licnatodes rosea
Lycaste Skinneii
L®lia autumnalis
„ albida
„ anceps
jj », alba
„ harpophylla
„ ruajalis

— L. Temple. Gardener to J.
John's Grove, Leeds.

Lsclia prre-tms
„ purpurata
Masdevallia Harryana
„ tovarensia

Maxillaria Harrisoni
„ picta

Miltonia Candida
„ Clowesi

„ spectabilis

Odontoglossum grande

„ bictonense

„ Alexandra

„ Londesborough-

anum

„ Karwinski

„ gloriosum

„ citrosmum

„ pulchellum

„ erhpum

„ vexillarium

„ Eos ii majus

„ Pescatorei

Oncidium flexuosum
„ Papilio

,, incurvum

„ leucochilum

,, bicillomm

„ bictonense

„ divaricatum

„ altissimutn

„ Marsh allianum

„ Cavendishianum

„ crispum

„ pr®textum

„ ornithorhynchum

„ aurosum

„ spbacelatum

„ tigrinum

„ ampliatum

Pleione maculata
„ lagenaria
Phaius macuUsus
„ grandifolius
„ Wallicbi
Sopbronit s grandiflora
Stanhopea tigrina
„ insignia

„ oculata

Trichopi i* suavis

„ tortilis

Zygopetalum Msckayi
„ crinitum

Garrison, Esq., Claremont House, St.

FAILURES IN AURICULA GROWING.

It is about twelve years since we commenced growing the Auricula-
My employer then had a friend who gave us the following instructions,
which we had to strictly adhere to. The Auricula being a native of
Switzerland, where it grows on the rocks exposed to severe frost and
snow, we had to find the coldest part of the garden, prepare a frame,
make a trellis of woodwork to fit inside, the woodwork to be not less
than 1 inch apart. The frame was then to be raised 18 inches high
with bricks at the corners, and the lights were to be propped up from
12 to 18 inches, and never by any means to be shut down. Our arrange¬
ments being complete we received our plants, some were bought others
given. A few of them flowered, which were considered beautiful.
Potting time arrived our mixture being two parts loam, one leaf mould,
one old cow manure, one sand, one charcoal, all well mixed together.
Our largest sized pots required was 2 i-incli. These were half filled with
crocks. But in spite of all this care our plants would grow less each
year.

I believe the Auricula is quite hardy, and would stand the most
severe winters without any protection whatever ; yet I think these, and
many other hardy flowers, are better for a little protection. But what
is most injurious is exposing plants to cold cutting draughts in winter
and spring, or even the drying winds in summer ; drawing them up in
pots with such a small amount of soil in them, necessitating continual
waterings, which quickly washes all the nutriment out of the soil. We
have altered our practice. We have done away with all undercurrents
of air, and we believe that plunging in cocoa-nut fibre is far preferable
in order to keep the soil in the pots from drying so quickly, and save
watering. We find drip the greatest evil, from which cause we lose
more plants than all others. We bring the plants as near the top of
the frame as possible, so that air can pass over and amongst them
freely at all times when it can be admitted We only shut the lights in
cold weather ; they are then covered with mats. We generally protect the
plants from cold rough winds when they are throwing up their trusses.
Instead of the mixtures we formerly used we find them grow well in a
light turfy loam ; although we sometimes add a little sand and leaf
mould we do not think them a necessity. — J. L. B.

WOKK forthe WEEK. .

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

The Geape Vine. — Veiy few Grapes are now grown on the open
walls, but there is no good reason why they should be so neglected.
Some seasons are against them, and so they are adverse to nearly all
other kinds of hardy fruit. The more they are neglected the smaller
the chances of securing good crops. It is late to offer any advice upon
pruning established Vines, but in all probability there are yet many
that have not been touched. All laterals should at once be cut back to
about the second or third joint in preference to more close shortening.
Closely pruned main rods rarely bear many bunches, in this respect
materially differing from the more favoured, as far as heat for ripening
the wood is concerned, Vines under glass. The long rod system of
training we find to answer best in the case of outdoor Vines, plenty of
good fruit always being obtained by it, which, if it does not ripen
sufficiently for dessert purposes, is yet valuable for making into wine.
This system, briefly described, consists of laying in a certain number of
young rods each season, these being fruited the following year, and then
cut clean back. Supposing the main stems are trained horizontally
right and left, not far from the ground if on ordinary garden walls, and
just above the ground floor windows if against the front of a house;
from these should be perpendicularly trained the fruiting rods. These
should be at least 2 feet apart, and every other one being cut down,
leaves a space of 4 feet for the fruiting laterals and the young rod to be
laid in mid-way from those cut down. Plenty of young rods may be
laid in this season on well established Vines in whatever manner trained,
and if these are duly stopped when about 4 feet in length, or rather
more if extra strong, and given plenty of room, will ripen satisfactorily.
Crowding the laterals and neglecting to stop them, are frequent causes
of failure to ripen properly, both the wood and fruit needing all the
sunshine and air possible. After young rods are formed and fruit
gathered, the older rods may be at once cut away. An improvement
effected by this treatment in the quality and quantity of the crops is
soon evident. Some good cultivators annually lay in a number of short
rods between the . main stems, these, the following autumn, taking the
place of others trained along the rods, and which have just perfected a
crop of bunches. Young Vines should either be planted in the autumn
or just as they are starting into growth in the spring.

It is useless to attempt Grape culture in any but the sunniest
positions. The subsoil ought to be removed to a depth of about
30 inches, replacing with 0 inches of rough drainage and a compost of
fresh turfy loam, if procurable, and good garden soil in equal quantities,
adding a liberal sprinkling of crushed bones. One of the most reliable sorts
for the open air is the Royal Muscadine, better known in Grape-growing
districts as the common Sweetwater, Black July being a fairly good
companion for it. Black Hamburgh will sometimes colour well in the
open, but it is very rarely sufficiently sweet to be palatable. Miller’s
Burgundy usually produces abundance of small thickly set bunches,
which are frequently fairly good in quality. All such are supplied in
pots, and they will take more readily to the soil if the roots are carefully
disentangled and well spread out when planted. If any difficulty is
experienced in loosening the roots, the balls should be soaked in a bucket
or tub of water, and after the soil is thus easily detached from the roots,
the latter can safely be separated. In most cases it will be advisable to
either cut the young Vines back to within about three joints of the
roots, or else to completely bend them round so as to force out the back
buds, all others being rubbed out as they burst.

Figs. — The spring is also the best time for planting young Fig trees.
It is useless to attempt their culture in cold low-lying districts, as they
require quite as much warmth and sunshine as the Grape Vine. In
favoured south-coast districts they may be planted in the open and
grown as standards, but as a rule the attempt should be made against
walls in the hottest part of the garden, or against any end wall of
building with a southern aspect. The Brown Turkey is the most
reliable sort, none being hardier or more prolific. White Marseilles
would, though small fruited, be a good companion for it. The soil
should be thrown back and subsoil removed for a good space round the
intended site of tree, and drainage given as recommended in the case of
the Grape Vine. To the loam and garden soil should be added a pro¬
portion of at least one-third of either lime rubbish or chalk, this
causing the necessary sturdy7 hardy, and fruitful growth. Carefully
loosen and spread out the roots prior to covering these with soil, taking
care not to bury them too deeply. Bushy plants need not be cut back,
but those that are not well furnished with shoots ought to be cut back
freely in order to lay a good foundation. Well established trees more
often require thinning out than shortening back, in fact it is the neglect
of timely thinning that frequently spoils a tree. The fruit is formed
near the points of short-jointed, well-ripened shoots, and it follows that
these should not be shortened in any way. Too often the greater portion
of the bearing wood is on the top of the walls, and overshadowing and

March 3, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

179

rendering fruitless much that forms below it. This top growth ought
to be freely reduced, the aim being to thinly and evenly clothe the
whole of the wall with well-ripened bearing wood, and which should
only be loosely secured either by tying or strong shreds or nails. Trees
that have long been in a bearing state are usually benefited by annual
surface-dressings of manure, lightly forked in so as to be more readily
accessible to the roots.

FRUIT FORCING.

Figs. — Earliest Trees in Pots. — The fruit swells the best when the
trees are given a top-dressing of rich material, applying it to the surface
of the pots, and if a layer of turves has been placed around the rims of
the pots, as before advised, space is afforded for the top-dressings. Do
not give heavy dressings of rich material all at once, but apply it little
and often. Apply also liquid manure — 1 oz. of guano to a gallon of
water, giving it in such quantity as to pass through the pots ; driblets
do no good. Maintain a genial atmosphere by syringing twice a day
when the weather is bright, but avoid keeping the foliage constantly
wet, as would be the case by syringing the trees vigorously in dull
weather. Damp the’walls, paths, and beds, keeping the evaporation
troughs filled with liquid manure or guano water, and to check red
spider paint the pipes with sulphur. Admit a little air at 70°, increasing
it with the advance of solar heat up to 85°, which ought not to be ex¬
ceeded, closing at 80°. The night temperature may still range from 60°
to 65° ; 55° in the morning in severe weather is safer than the higher
temperature, advancing 10° by day. Avoid crowding, stop or tie
the shoots as growth advances, as the fruit to have flavour and colour
must, when ripening, have full exposure to light, combined with a cir¬
culation of dry warm air.

Planted-out Mg Trees. — Those started early in the year will require
disbudding and stopping, removing all the overcrowded shoots, stopping
those intended to form well developed spurs for the second crop, the
leading shoots, where there is space, being allowed to extend, as they
invariably afford the finest fruit. Water the border freely with liquid
manure at 80°, taking care not to apply it too strong, and mulch with
rich compost, which will attract the roots to the surface. Encourage
also the emission of roots from the collar or stem by placing fibrous
pieces of turf and partially decayed manure in contact with it, and by
extending the material outwards a quantity of feeders will be secured,
which, if supplied with warm liquid manure, will greatly assist the
fruit.

Cucumbers. — With increased light and solar heat evaporation is
correspondingly increased, necessitating a greater supply of atmo¬
spheric moisture. The evaporation troughs should be kept filled with
liquid manure, damping the house so as to maintain a genial atmosphere,
and syringing the plants lightly during bright afternoons. A night
temperature of 65° is sufficient, allowing 5° more when the external air
is mild, 60° being the minimum in the morning when the weather is
severe. Liquid manure may be applied once or twice a week. Do not
allow the fruits to hang too long, or they may weaken the plants ;
besides, they keep fresh for several days with their stalks inserted in
saucers of water. Thin the fruits well, especially on plants just coming
into bearing, stopping the shoots at one joint beyond the fruit, removing
superfluous growths and bad leaves as they appear, as well as male
blossoms.

The weather has been very unfavourable for early'forccd Cucumbers
in pits and frames heated with fermenting materials, the temperature
being difficult to keep up to a point calculated to maintain steady pro¬
gressive growth, a close atmosphere resulting in a superabundance of
moisture, not infrequently causing the loss of the plants. When the
moisture cannot be dispelled by admitting air much may be done by
sprinkling lime or soot round the plants, those substances having a great
affinity for moisture. Continue to prepare material for making fresh
beds and for linings, and sow seeds as successional plants are required.

Melons. — In the Melon house a ridge the whole length of the house
or bed, about 2 feet wide at the base, with the top flattened so as to give
a depth of 10 or 12 inches, is preferable to hillocks, the soil being made
rather firm, and when warm the plants may be turned out, firming the
soil well about them, and raising it to within half an inch of the seed
leaves. The plants may be placed 2 to feet apart, the leading or
primary shoots being taken up without stopping until two-thirds the
distance they are intended to travel is reached, then pinch out the point
of each. When three or four lateral joints have been made the points
should be taken out. Some varieties will show fruit on the first laterals,
and as early Melons are a consideration let them remain, taking out the
point at the joint above them. To allow all the laterals to remain would
very much overcrowd the foliage, therefore rub off whilst quite young
every alternate one. After the stopping of the first laterals the suc¬
ceeding growths will show fruit at the second or third joint. The
growths should be trained thinly and regularly, so that every part is
equally furnished with foliage and fruit.

In pits and frames with the shoots trained over the surface of the
bed, the plants, being stopped at the second leaf, will produce two shoots,
and these in turn being stopped will give four shoots, two being taken
to the front and two to the back of the frame. Besides these a number
of others will appear near the collar of the plant ; these should be rubbed
off whilst quite young, and do not encourage any laterals nearer the
stem than 6 inches. This will keep the collar clear. Stop the principal
shoots when within a foot of the sides of the pit or frame, and thus
throw vigour into the laterals, which will show fruit at the second or
third joint, stopping them at one joint beyond the fruit. The plants

will require but little water as yet, nevertheless maintain the soil in a
moist state, avoiding saturation.

In houses sprinkle every surface in the morning of bright days and
again at closing time or early in the afternoon. Ventilate carefully,
avoiding currents of cold air. Some hexagon netting or scrim canvas
placed over the ventilators will break the force of cutting winds.
Maintain the night temperature at 70°, falling to 65° in the morning, 5°
less being better in severe weather than seeking to maintain the high
temperature by sharp firing, 75° by day, rising to 80° or 85° from sun
heat, keep bottom heat steady at 80°. Shift later sown plants into larger
pots, or add soil as the plants advance, stopping those for frames at the
second leaf, not stopp'ng those for trellises, but placing a small stick to
each for support.

Cover the lights of dung frames with double mats at night, and see
that linings are regularly attended to, renewing the old linings as
required. Prepare material for making fresh beds. Equal parts of
stable litter and Oak or Beech leaves and stable litter make the best
beds. About a fortnight before it is desired to make the beds the dung
and leaves should be thoroughly incorporated. In a few days it will be
seen whether there is sulfieient moisture to produce decomposition,
fermentation being the result ; if not, turn the whole, sprinkling with
water so as to moisten the mass, and when in good heat turn again out-
tside to inside, and vice versa, two or throe turnings being required at
intervals of about four days. The bottom heat of dung beds should be
about 85° to 90°.

Cherry House. — Unremitting attention must be given to the ventila¬
tion. A free circulation of air should pass through the house whenever
the temperature exceeds 50°, the amount of air to be regulated by the
conditions of the outside atmosphere. Employ fire heat only to prevent
the temperature falling below 50° in the day, and to maintain a night
temperature of 40°. Attend to fertilising the blossoms. Watch closely
for the appearance of aphides, especially for green aphides on Plum trees,
if there be any in the house, as if the insects are allowed to become
established they are difficult to kill. Grubs infest the Cherry under
glass ; one kind of grub rolls itself up in the leaves, and can be eradicated
by squeezing, but the other is the greatest pest, and will be found
encased on the under side of the leaves, giving them the appearance of
being scalded ; from the leaves it makes its way to the Cherries, and
devours them. The only means of riddance is to examine the trees
occasionally and destroy the grubs.

Strawberries in Pots.— The earliest plants are ripening their
fruit, and though the Strawberry swells freely in a high, moist atmo¬
sphere, yet when the fruit changes colour a drier and more freely
ventilated house is desirable ; but there must not be a sudden change,
or the fruit will not finish satisfactorily. The temperature for swelling
off should be 65° at night, and 70° to 75° by day, advancing to 80° or
85° with sun. The second plants have set very well, but thinning is
often thought a needless operation ; yet to produce fine fruit not more
than half a dozen should be left on each plant. When the fruit is fairly
swelling, and it is wished to forward the crop, the plants may be moved
to a house with a temperature of 60° to 65° at night, 70° to 75° by day,
with an advance to 85°, affording the plants liquid manure copiously, the
plants being examined twice, and in very bright weather three times a
day, watering such as need it. Plants in vineries and Peach houses
which are started periodically will afford successional supplies of fruit,
there being no need in such cases to remove the plants except to meet
special requirements. If plants are placed in span-roofed frames or
plant protectors, fruit very much finer and about three weeks earlier
than that in the open ground will be secured.

PLANT HOUSES.

Lilacs. — As these cease flowering cut them close back, only leaving
one or two eyes on the past season’s growth. They should be placed in
a cool house to harden and break again into growth, and finally into
cold frames. If care is taken many of these plants will make strong
growth, and flower freely enough another season. Although it is better
to have two batches of these plants and flower them alternately, but
those not in this position may achieve success with one batch of plants,
but every care must be taken of them after flowering. It is a mistake
to give such varieties as Charles X. too much root room, for they grow
too strongly, and fail to flower in consequence of the wood being insuf¬
ficiently ripened. When thoroughly root-bound short sturdy growths
only are made, which are certain to ripen if assisted for a time in a
frame, and then plunged outside in a warm, sunny, open position.
When they have commenced growth they may be top-dressed with a
little rich material, and given afterwards two or three applications of
artificial manure during the season of growth. Guelder Roses may, after
flowering, be subjected to the same treatment ; but these are so easily
rooted, either from ripened wood or green shoots, so that there is no
difficulty in having good batches of plants for alternate years. Without
a large supply of flowers are needed for cutting, plants in 5 and 6-inch
pots are the most serviceable for decoration.

Carnations. — Such var eties as Souvenir de la Malmaison, Lady Mid¬
dleton, Gloire de Nancy, The Governor, Old Crimson Clove, and others
that have been wintered in cold frames in 3-inch pots, may now be
placed into 6-inch. These will be found most useful for decoration
indoors before they can be had in any quantity from the outside borders.
A good batch of each should be potted, and then a succession of flowers
may be maintained without a break. Return them after potting to cold
frames, and keep them moderately close until they are rooting freely in
the fresh soil. They may then be divided into two or three batches,

180

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 8, 1887.

according to requirements, and the strongest and most forward plants
may be subjected to greenhouse treatment.

Tree Carnations.— Cuttings may now be taken from plants that have
been standing in a cool house. These should be inserted in sandy soil,
well watered, and covered with bellglasses. It is a good plan to insert
them in 7 and 8-inch pots, and then place them in a temperature of
about 60°. After they have been in a week or ten days give them
slight bottom heat, and they will root quickly. If the plants have been
drawn by keeping them in a confined atmosphere propagation had
better be delayed for n few weeks, for cuttings from such plants are
almost certain to damp. Under these circumstances place the plants
in a cool airy house for two or three weeks before taking the cut¬
tings.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Bedding Plants. — The work of preparing a good stock of these now
calls for immediate attention, and every available house and frame will
in many cases have to be utilised to their fullest extent. It is always ad¬
visable to propagate rather more than are really required ; at any rate,
it is better to have too many than not enough, thinly planted beds being
much longer in arriving at a presentable condition.

Zonal Pelargoniums. — These are yet the most in demand, and as
cuttings were rather scarce many will have to be struck now. As a rule
autumn-struck plants are much the best, and these should not be cut
down, as they seldom recover properly from this rough treatment. They
may now be either placed singly into 3-inch pots or disposed thinly in
boxes, any good sandy compost suiting them. The more delicate varie¬
gated and bronze Zonals ought to be favoured with pots, the commoner
sorts transplanting more readily from boxes. They should be kept
warmer for a time or till well established, when cool pits and frames are
sufficient protection. Strong old plants are best for furnishing cuttings,
and these should not be taken off till after active growth has either
commenced naturally or has been induced in gentle heat. The cuttings
strike most surely when dibbled thinly into 6-inch or 7-inch pots filled
with sandy soil and stood on dry shelves in a warm house, or say in an
early vinery. A rather dry heat about them is necessary, and not much
water ought to be given at first. We never top any of the plants, as all
are finally planted in a sloping direction and pegged down, long branch¬
ing plants filling the beds most quickly.

Tuberous Begonias. — If a good strain of these is grown they surpas8
the Zonal Pelargoniums, especially in showery weather. On no account
ought the old tubers to be started yet, but seedlings should be grown as
rapidly as possible. We sow seed as early as possible on the surface of
pans of fine peaty soil, faced with silver sand, and this being mois¬
tened before the seed is sown no further watering is needed for some
time. The pans should be plunged in a mild hotbed, covered with
squares of glass, and closely shaded from bright sunshine. If found to
be approaching dryness at any time partially dip the pans in a warm
water tank, and allow the moisture to soak upwards, in this manner moisten¬
ing the soil and sand without dislodging the minute seeds. When the
seedlings are large enough to handle prick off the strongest at intervals
in shallow pans filled with fine sandy soil. Supposing they are disposed
about 2 inches apart each way, carefully watered in, and kept in a warm
house or frame, they will soon touch each other, when they should be
carefully transplanted to boxes filled with rich loamy compost. This
time they may be about 4 inches apart each way, and if kept growing
gently till near bedding-out time they will be strong, will transplant
readily, and flower well the same season.

Verbenas. — Strong, clean stock plants being available, these if placed
in a gentle heat and well away from the hot-water pipes will soon yield
an abundance of healthy cuttings. No difficulty will be experienced in
striking these in a warm frame or on a hotbed in a forcing house, and
these newly struck plants will also yield good cuttings. It is the wiry
insect-infested cuttings that frequently refuse to strike, and if they do
root they never make any satisfactory progress either before or after
they are planted. Verbenas usually do better in boxes than pots unless
they happen to be struck late. Seedlings are the strongest growers, but
they are only suitable for the centres of mixed beds or for mixed
borders. If the seed is new it usually germinates quickly in a warm
frame, or if placed on a mild hotbed. Sow in pans of fine sandy soil,
cover lightly, water through a fine-rose pot, plunge the pans in the hot¬
bed, cover with glass, and shade carefully. When the seedlings are
well up gradually expose to more light, prick off thinly in boxes of
good soil, keep in gentle heat till growing strongly, when cool pits or
frames will suit them. The good old Verbena venosa may be raised in
the same way, but at times the seed germinates very slowly indeed. If
plenty of old plants have been preserved under glass the fleshy roots of
these may be cut into lengths of about two joints each, and dibbled
thickly into boxes of fine sandy soil. Placed in gentle heat these soon
develope into tiny plants, and may be treated similar to other Verbenas
struck from cuttings.

Lobelias. — We prefer increasing these by division. A number of
specially prepared stocky old plants being wintered in a cool house or
frame will now be emitting roots from all the young shoots above the
soil. Before these roots perish the plants may be pulled in pieces, and
if every little piece is dibbled into pans or boxes of fine soil and kept
in a warm house or vinery they soon grow into bushy little plants
suitable for temporarily bedding out into cold frames. At bedding out
time they may be had 4 inches through, and they are soon effective.
Cuttings, if not drawn up in heat, will strike root readily in heat, and
plants of a good stock thus raised are preferable to the more vigorous

growing seedlings. The latter, however, are not to be despised. The
seed, being very small, should be treated exactly the same as recommended
in the case of Tuberous Begonias.

Ageratums. — A few old plants placed in gentle heat soon afford
plenty of good cuttings, and these form roots very quickly in heat.
They are a useful as edging plants, and should be rapidly and exten¬
sively propagated. The seed also germinates very quickly in gentle
heat, but seedlings are rarely to be depended upon for edging beds.

Heliotropes. — Good beds may be formed principally with. Heliotropes.
The stock is best increased in a manner similar to Verbenas from
cuttings, and it is always advisable to place out strong plants, or the
display of bloom is certain to be very late.

Dahlias. — Old stools of these placed in a warm house and covered
with soil soon push up a number of shoots, and these should be taken
off with a heel, dibbled singly into thumb pots, and plunged in gentle
heat or in a propagating frame. Cuttings without a heel will strike,
but not if the stalk is hollow. They are liable to damp off if kept in
a very steamy frame or handlight. If only a few plants are wanted
these may be obcained by division of the old stools, -but in this case they
should not be started yet. Any quantity of Dahlias, both double and
single, may be raised from seed. This germinates readily in heat, and
if pricked out thinly in boxes of good soil, or singly in 34-inch pots,
strong plants will be obtained by the time they are wanted.

HE BEE-KEEPER

IM

SOME PECULIARITIES IN BEES AND
BEE-KEEPING.

At pages 506 and 507 in number for December 2nd, 1886, your
esteemed correspondent, “ Felix,” gives us not only interesting
reading, but refreshing as well ; while on the same page “ Notts
Bee-keeper ” makes some pertinent remarks and worthy of investi¬
gation. The quotations by “ Felix,” which are but a sample of
many of the same nature, which the earlier numbers of the Journal
of Ho. ticullure contained, must be refreshing to the veteran readers
of this Journal who in days gone past contributed so much infor¬
mation for the benefit of its readers and as a labour of love only.
The quotations not only show how they were appreciated at the
time given, but show how much more they will be appreciated at
the present time by all, and particularly those who were led to
believe differently. I observe “ Felix ” also corrects another popular
error, that bees can be terrorised by certain means — an idea never
entertained by me. Bees, unless when in terror of being caught in
a storm, know no fear. When manipulated in any way they defend
themselves by attacking the invader, and their natural instinct
causes them to preserve as much of their honey as possible by
filling themselves with it, which has the effect of allaying their
temper, and is the best means known for that purpose. When bees
have had a day or two of a honey glut before being supered, when
all the cells of the hive are filled as well as every bee, they maybe
approached and handled even roughly at that time without the
slightest fear of being stung. If, on the other hand, as “ Felix ”
remarks, there was no honey in the hive, the more the bees were
annoyed the more vicious they would become, unless subdued by
smoke or other suffocating substances.

It is now more than tfiirty years since an Inverness gentleman
told me that by “ saturating a sponge with creosote and putting it
near the bees their honey could be taken fiom them without
receiving a single sting. In fact.” he continued, “ the bees run
before it.” Some years previous to the above information an
Irishman told me that his father, before he lost his farm, kept bees,
and in order to hurry them forward in spring fed them with a
mixture of cream, eggs, and flour. From the age of my informant,
the above stimulants must have been in use well nigh a century.
Flour as a substitute for pollen was well known to bee-keepers in
this locality a century since. The information has been handed
down from father to son, who were millers and bee-keepers,
observed the bees gathering the flour about the mill, and I doubt
not but was well known long before that time.

Although knowing the origin of some things may not benefit
bee-keepers, yet it is well to know facts. The same thing applies to
bees as to anything connected with the apiary in any phase of bee
husbandry, but with this difference, it is materially important we
should know the origin of our breed of bees as well as the aberrations
that often take place amongst them. There is not the slightest
doubt but that our common black bee in its pure state was inferior
to those crossed by one or other of the foreign varieties intro¬
duced to this country within the past twenty-five years ; while in
point of fact the new varieties were in many respects superior to
the black bee both in fertility and as honey gatherers. The foreign

March S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

181

varieties of bees of different races are now so much and widely
spread throughout the country, that unless in some isolated spot the
black bee in its native purity will be unknown. I am well aware
that some bee-keepers situated within easy bee flight of foreign
varieties maintain they are in possession of the pure black bee. I
am just wondering if your “Notts Bee-keeper” is not holding the
same opinion. He says “ that the strain of English bees I have
been testing are far superior to any foreigners I can hear of,”
while he admits that there are foreigners in his neighbourhood. I
know there is a great difficulty in getting pure fertilisation, or even
a proper cross, without isolating and at a great distance from the
influence of drones not wanted. There is a bee-keeper whose apiary
is seven miles distant from me and the same from another bee¬
keeper in another direction, and we were the only ones at the time
that had Ligurian bees in this part, yet at that distance our Ligurian
drones mated with his queens. In the same year, at an apiary three
miles distant from me, a black hive of bees had many Ligurian
drones, and doubtless were from my apiary. Now, is it not possible
that the superiority of “ Notts Bee-keeper’s ” bees is entirely due
to the foreign blood of his neighbours’ bees, or perhaps due to the
mode of management ? I have found, and frequently stated, that
these broody foreign varieties must be kept in much larger hives
than what most bee-keepers incline to do if success is to be expected.
Small hives are of no use with these fertile bees, and nothing but
disappointment will follow with those who persist in that course.
Your correspondent admits that a “ little foreign blood does good.”
That is what we very soon discovered when the Italian bee was
introduced. The cross on either side showed distinctly more stamina
and hardiness than the pure races, while the fertility remained
unimpaired. I am not quite sure what “ Notts Bee-keeper ” means,
whether it is that he attributes the loss and deficiency of weight to
the bees being numerous, or because they are foreigners. If the
latter, then I can relieve his mind on that subject.

The progeny of the first Cyprian queen I had from Mr. A.
Neighbour in 1877 have never received any artificial food during
the whole of these years. They were always heavy and gave a
surplus of honey when other varieties had to be fed. I have already
recorded the doings of these bees, which will be found in back
numbers, and the Syrian bees promise to be not behind the Cyprians.
I will make an effort to keep these pure and watch the effect of the
climate upon them. I have the third generation of these pure, and
will be able to form an opinion during winter whether they are
becoming hardier than when first introduced. If so, then I shall
hope as they become hardier they will also become milder in
temper. Whether it is from the effects of the climate or not I
cannot say, but one thing is certain, the bees are slightly more highly
coloured than were the bees of the first generation.

As to bees consuming much food, I have always found that the
more numerous the bees and the more brood that is being hatched,
the more food is consumed. The Syrian hive that consumed so
much during the autumn months might be said to have been in an
abnormal state. During the winter it dwindled down to queen and
about a score of bees. I kept it alive for a considerable time by
catching young bees from other hives and introducing them to it'
It rallied, and during the month of August was strong. I exchanged
some combs with it for the purpose of queen rearing, removing all
empty ones and filling the space with full frames of honey, expect¬
ing the manipulation would serve till spring ; but instead of the
bees remaining quiet they, true to their natural instinct, started
afresh to breed the moment they found themselves in possession of
so much honey, and continued to do so until a young queen was
raised and hatched, consequent on the excessive and long-con¬
tinued breeding of the queen, which by that time would be inclining
to seek repose, when, as is commonly done in all such cases, the old
queen was deposed. The enormous quantity of young bees that
were brought forward partly accounted for the large consumption
of food, but all hives in this locality have consumed much food this
past autumn.

Will bees under certain conditions consume more food at one
time than another ? I am inclined to think so. If a hive of bees
is reduced to starvation point, will these bees not require a certain
amount of food to bring them up to condition that would not
have been required had they not been allowed to reach starvation
point ? During the end of J uly in the memorable year of 1877
when I returned from Edinburgh on the 1st of August, found all
my bees dying of starvation. Most of them had been attended to
by my wife in my absence and were so saved. I immediately fed
each hive 25 lbs. each of sugar, and in a week’s time examined
every one. All seemed to be then in good condition to stand the
winter unless one hive, extra strong, and had not reduced its brood
any. This hive had not a vestige of food that I could see after
examining every comb. Other 25 lbs. was given to it ; this time it
was all stored, Now, where did all this sugar go, if it did not

build up the reduced bodies of the bees and sustain the many young
ones which were rapidly hatching ? The above is the only reasonable
solution of the mystery I ever could make, for there was no
robbing.

If an excessive number of bees in a hive during autumn con¬
sumes an excessive quantity of honey and jeopardises its safety by
reducing it to starvation— and bearing in mind the fact that a mode¬
rate number of bees are as good for forming a stock if not better
than an excessive number — is it not, then, a mistake continuing
the practice of joining two or more stocks together during Septem¬
ber V I have in a previous number shown the proper time to join
stocks together is immediately before a honey glut or when at the
Heather. Certainly to have bees to gather the honey when it is
there is without doubt the most sensible way of reducing the
number of our stocks and turning them to the best advantage ; but,
again, we are never sure when a glut of honey is likely to come if
at all, and by joining two strong stocks together may defeat the
object we have in view. I feel confident, however averse I am to
it, that the time is not far distant when more bees will be killed at
the end of the season than has ever been at any previous time.

The only reasonable way I see of getting over the difficulty is
by uniting stocks as described above. But in spite of all precautions
stocks will increase in number by swarming, which in some years
cannot be prevented without much manipulation, and very often,
after all has been done to prevent it, they will swarm. Whenever
a hive has made arrangements to swarm and is prevented from
doing so, honey gathering in many instances cease. When bees can
be prevented from swarming and kept working at the same time,
then all goes well. The bee-keeper must study that question and
judge for himself how best to act. Two or more swarms are easily
joined, but when stocks of full strength become to be joined, it is
easier said than done, and will end in failure in many cases. I shall
take my own case as I was situated during summer. My stocks
increased to double the number I wanted in spite of every precau¬
tion. These stocks were occupying about 5000 cubic inches of
space and clustering out. To have joined two of these stocks
together the hives would have stood nearly 6 feet high, a quite
impracticable height taking bees to and from the Heather. Yet
nothing less would do. To join two such stocks together before
being put up for winter would simply have been courting failure.
The stores unless extra would have been consumed in a short time.
If feeding became a necessity, late breeding to a great extent would
have followed, and if the weather became untoward the unflown
and distended young bees would have succumbed as well as the
nurse bees, having semi-digested pap in their stomach, being simply
one of the forms of distension termed by some dysentery. A
moderate number of bees, about third size in bulk to the internal
dimensions of the hive, and in numbers from 25,000 to 30,000 bees,
forms a good stock, and when the hive is roomy and airy, but not
draughty, will as a rule meet all the requirements of the hopeful
bee-keeper, and will neither consume an extraordinary quantity of
food themselves nor suffer in any way from late breeding, and will,
if kept dry, stand the severest cold ever experienced in this
country.

Bee-keepers will easily understand what I mean by strong stocks
and swarms if they compare a standard hive of nine or ten frames
with mine of nearly three times larger ; and they have already
heard my account of hives of different form and size and their
doings at the moors, when smallish hives standing with only a wall
separating them from mine made little or no weight, while mine
rose in most cases 50 lbs. One Syrian swarm, counting the making
days only (and allowing 20 lbs. of honey to make 1 lb. of wax, but
which I do not believe), must, if the water vaporised, to be taken
into account, have made 25 lbs. daily. I have no doubt whatever
but it made from 12 to 14 lbs. daily, the difference in the figures
being what I consider the error in the estimation of wax-making.

The idea that small hives, which cripple the egg-laying powers
of the queen and keep down the population, give more supers is
ridiculous. A small hive will of necessity fill a small super at
times, often of inferior quality too, when a strong swarm in a full
sized hive is only preparing for the future, but when the time comes
will store more in a day than the other will do in a week. Swarms
of such magnitude doubtless require more honey to support them
during the entire year, but their extra gathering makes up for the
loss.

In districts where the fruit blossoms are the only source of
honey, the bee-keeper must have strong hives, and early too.
That can only be attained by keeping extra strong hives during
winter, or by judiciously uniting the brood of two hives together
and raising queens after the gathering season is over. In such cases
stocks will not increase so readily as where the honey season is more
protracted.

From my surplus stock I gave away four nuclei, started three

182

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 3, 1887.

beginners, besides otber six swarms to fill up vacancies caused by
the deaths of queens and from the effects of the past severe winter,
and kept a third more than I intended or have any use for. Ten
of my stocks were nuclei, being ten of twelve formed from a
stock after it had swarmed. Every one of these nuclei is in
capital condition. They had no assistance whatever with bees or
brood, only combs, neither do they requite bees, and to have joined
the strong swarms I gave away to them would have done more harm
than good.

Now, after studying the matter thoroughly, both from present
and past experience, and finding that stocks will increase in number
in spite of every precaution to prevent it, and there being no
demand for the surplus bees, and which will serve no good purpose
to join to stocks already in full strength, what can we do with them
but suffocate them, however inhuman it may be ? If it was the case
that six weeks was the average life of the bee, there would be less
difficulty in getting them disposed of, but that is not the case. In
June. 1885, my neighbour had a large swarm composed of two or
three swarms. An unfertilised queen was the victor, she missed
the drone and become a drone breeder. The bees wrought well up
till September this year, when some were still alive. —Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

THE HONEY QUESTION— DR. GEO. WALKER AND
THE BEE-KEEPERS’ UNION.

Dr. Geo. Walker, page 142, asks “ Why did not the Bee-keepers’
Union make a start ? ” and hints that it and its promoters “ were snuffed
out, Keats like, by an article or two in the Bee Journal." If two leading
articles in each issue of the British Bee Journal, besides letters in the
correspondence column, all in the favour of the Honey Company, are
only “ an article or two,” all I can say is the Doctor must intend his
language, like his physic, “ to be well shaken before taken.” As to why
thAUnion did not start, just let me refer him to the pages of this Journal
and the British Bee Journal — where we were all boycotted — for his
plea to let the Honey Company have a trial. It was stated to have
been successfully floated, and had begun business, though we now
know how small it was, and in addition to Dr. Walker there were
the Baroness Burdett Coutts, the late Mr. Peel, and others, who all re¬
quested or begged bee-keepers to give it a trial. Then there was the
expense of giving the Union a start, £500 being spent in starting the
Honey Company. Under this head we found a great difficulty, for
though most were willing to give their services freely and work for
nothing, they were too poor to accept all the necessary financial re¬
sponsibility. ' Then we could not go to the county gentry, as the funda¬
mental principle of the scheme required all its members to be bona fide
bee-keepers, and we could not enrol outsiders like the British Bee¬
keepers’ Association ; so under the circumstances it was decided to hang
up the Union scheme till we saw what the Honey Company would
succeed in doing with its £20,000 capital, and as the result is ludicrous
in every way we look at it from a bee-keepers’ point of view.

I think it is now an opportune moment to set the Bee-keepers’ Union
afloat, and perhaps Dr. Walker will help us. This scheme is all cut and
dried ready to start any time, and is to carry out on an organised scale
the principle so successfully worked by Mr. Godfrey at Grantham, and so
successfully imitated by the Canadians in London last year, and is not in¬
tended to interfere with, or clash with, the various bee-keepers’ associa¬
tions. The scheme in full was published in this Journal on February 19th,
1885. So if anyone would like to see the Union floated, he should write
Mr. J. Hewitt, Cambridge Street, Sheffield. First, those intending
members, enclosing 3s. 6d., being Is. entrance fee and 2s. 6d. subscription
under rule 4 ; second, those who will join the Union as members ; and
third, those who are willing to contribute towards the preliminary
expenses. Should there not be sufficient response to justify us in going
on with the scheme, all money will be returned to senders, and should
sufficient show their desire we should be able to hold several honey fairs
in the autumn, and have everything organised before the year is
out.

Every person, male or female, who keeps bees can be members, and
not only will distinctive labels be found them to put on their honey and
markets found for them, but all their interests will be attended to. For
instance, a bee-keeper here sent to a noted appliance dealer for some
frame hives, which were packed inside one another very solid, and were
consigned as “ joinery.” The railway company said they were “ bee
hives,” and charged three times as much for carriage than they would
for fowl pens or dog kennels. When the list of charges were framed bee
hives were all straw, and in addition to being light had to be careful y
handled. Of course, they were overcharged, but who is to fight the
matter ? If the hive maker paid the carriage he might, though he
would be doing so for the benefit of rivals. My neighbour says it is
not worth his while, as he would be more out of pocket even if he won.
Had there been a bee-keepers’ union and this man a member a letter
from its secretary to the railway company would quickly settle the
matter, for the knowledge that all the bee-keepers in the country were
backing him up would carry more weight than any private demand.

Another advantage to bee-keepers in the Union will be found in the
labels, which will first declare the honey to be pure British honey from
the apiary of John Blank, Beebank, Sweetborough, a member of the
N.B.B.K.U., which carefully guards against fraudulent practices by its

members, &c. Thus, should his honey, though dark in colour and strong
in flavour, find a purchaser whose palate particularly fancies that honey,
he can, by means of a postcard and the Parcels Post, get supplied direct
from the producer. This class of bee-keepers are legion ; and it is a
fact, which I challenge Dr. Walker to disprove, that what little honey
his Company buys does not comprise any that is dark in colour or strong
in flavour ; but rather that they buy the finest samples only, carefully
see that the producer’s name is not on, and then put on their own, so
that he can boast, “ Our brand is making its way, and grocers find that
the public will not take other honey in place of it.” Very consoling
this to bee-keepers ! The “ brand ” that should be on all merchandise
should be the producer’s. The name and address of the producers were
on all the Canadian honey. Another item for reflection consists in his
statement that they “ made a gross profit of £100 in a turnover of
£700,” and this, mind, as wholesale dealers, which is about 15 per cent.
The shopkeepers whom they supplied would require on this basis 30 per
cent., making the difference between the price paid by the public and
received by the producer about one-half ; or say we pay carriage to the
Honey Company and get 6d. per lb., the public pay for the same honey
Is. per lb. At this rate bee-keepers could supply the public well through
the Parcel Post at even less than the gross profits made by the Honey
Company. All the public want is a certain knowledge that what they
buy is pure, and to know where more like it can be had.

Dr. Geo. Walker says they “turned over £700, and during 1885
bought upwards of £1000 worth of honey.” Is there a printers’ error here
Mr. Editor? as 1885 was the first year of the Honey Company, and how
they could turn over £700, and yet buy upwards of £1000 worth of
honey, puzzles me quite. I do not wish to be unkind to Dr. Walker, but
may I remind him that prosperous joint stock companies are not amongst
those who defer presenting their annual balance sheet for nearly eleven
months after the end of the year. He is not correct in saying that I,
“ Felix,” “ A. L. B. K.,” or others praised to the skies the Bee and Fruit
Farming Company, which was brought out to buy up and carry on a
certain business already established, and did not profess to profit bee¬
keepers in general, and find them a certain market for their honey.

In conclusion let me remind every person who is interested in bees,
that if he or she neglects to write to Mr. J. Hewitt and do their share,
they may never have another chance of being organised into a Union
which is calculated to aid them so much in everything which concerns
them as bee-keepers. — A IIallamshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

J. R. Pearson & Son?, Chilwell Nurseries, Nottingham. — Catalogue of
New Zonal Pelargonium s and other Plants.

Messenger & Co., Hot-water Engineers, Loughborough. — Catalogue of
Horticultural Buildings and Heating Apparatus ( illustrated ).

James Carter & Co., High Hoi born, London.— Farmers' Handbook and
the Practical Farmer.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions. •

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue.

Address (F. Crook). — The address you require iB given in the report,
which we presume you have read on page 133.

Books ( J . IF.). — The French gardening book to which you refer
was no: sent to us for review, therefore we are unable to express an opinion
thereon ; nor without knowing your particular requirements are we able to
recommend a work likely to Buit you. ( TV . B.). — Pearson’s “ Vine Culture ”
is a small work, giving sound information in few and plain words. The
price is Is. Id., post free, from that office. ( S . E.). — Mr. Sander’s new work,
the “ Garden Calendar,” tells when to do most things in and outdoors. It
s published by Messrs. Hamilton, Adams & Co., price 2s.

March 8, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

183

Tomato Seed (FT. M.). — We are obliged by the seed you have sent; it
differs somewhat from other samples we have, and the variety shall he
grown during the present season. Are you sure it is not Capsicum seed ?

London Flower Shows in March (A. if.). — We have not had any noti¬
fication of any special shows to be held at South Kensington, hut meetings
of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Sooiety will be held on
March 8th and 22nd, at both of which spring flowers are certain to be repre¬
sented. The fmt spring show of the Royal Botanic Society will be held on
March 23rd, and a flower show will be held at the Crystal Palace on the
26th of the month.

Double Cineraria ( J . H.) — The specimen you have sent is very well
grown, and we doubt not you find it useful for decorative purposes. But it
is not superior to existing varieties ; in fact, the flower are neither so large
nor double as many we have seen, and there are others similar in colour.
It is attractive, but we doubt if it is of aDy great commercial value.

Daisies on Lawn ( Farnworth ). — No doubt the artificial manure would
invigorate the Daisies. Many persons have cleared Daisies from their
lawns by occasional applications of Watson’s lawn sand, which is made and
sold for the purpose. We have seen it used with stood effect, but it does not
appear to have been effectual in all cases, possibly in some of them through
the directions not having been carefully followed. It is sold by moBt dealers
in horticultural requisites, also by many nurserymen and seed merchants.
It is worth trying under the circumstances you describe.

Zonal Pelargoniums for Winter ( E . M.). — It is not easy to name two
cnlv in each colour as bearing the “finest flowers,” and as a practical way
of determining a few that are really good the following are selected from
Mr. Cannell’s great collection that is now and has been through the winter
a brilliant feature at Swanley. Singles : dark and crimson — Mr. H. C mnell,
and Raphael; scarlets — Ajax and C. H. Swinstead; orange or salmon —
Sw-mley Gem ’and Lady Chesterfield; pink— Edith George and Eurjdice ;
white— Queen of the Belgians and Eureka. Doubles : F. Y. Raspail, scarlet ;
Lord Derby, pink; Blanche perfecta, white; Black Knight, crimson.

Stoneless Grapes (C. p.). — This subject was ably discussed by Mr. S'
Castle in our issue of January 6th of the present year. The setting of
Grapes is the result of fertilisation, and this, as Mr. Castle observed, aids
their stoning, hut the lack of stones in full-sized berries is indicative of the
absence of sufficient calcareous matter in the soil. You had better read
attentively the article in question ; then, if you need further information on
the subject you can write again.

Roses (A. B. C.). — Assuming your Roses were correctly named we are
not able to account for the lack of richness in the colours. A trace of iron
in th6 soil is said to deepen the colours of dark RoBes, and liberal applica¬
tions of wood — not coal — ashes or broken charco tl to the soil might be of
benefit in your case. You may spread it on the surface an inch thick if
you have sufficient, pointing in lightly with a fork. Failing a supply of
charred material you may with advantage give a good dressing of soot,
making the soil black with it and pointing it in. Copious applications of
liquid manure, such as the drainings from manure heaps, or soot water,
when the buds are swelling, would increase the size and deepen and brighten
the colours of your Roses.

Briar Cuttings (A. M. B.). — We prefer inserting them in November,
but you may try some now, choosing firm matured portions of last year’s
wood, cutting in lengths of about 8 inches the lower end of each smoothly
close under a joint, and insert firmly in sandy soil, only one, or at the most
two, buds being above the surface ; but all the buds must be cut clean out
except those, or suckers will spring up. If the cuttings root and grow well
the stocks may he grafted next spring, attaching the scions to the upper
part of the stock within the soil, which must of course be cleared away for
that purpose if the plants are not taken up and potted for grafting. To
facilitate budding and grafting in situ it is usual to insert the cuttings
firmly about half their length, and draw soil up the remaining portion as if
earthing Potatoes, their ridges being easily levelled down for operating on
the stocks. They often have to remain two years to get strong enough,
and the more roots the stocks have the better is the growth of the attached
Roses.

Old Fruit Trees (W. B.). — Limewash, or dusting the trtes with dry
lime when the branches and twigs are wet, as they are on a damp, still,
foggy day, will destroy moss on them, and any lime falling to the ground
will also be of benefit to the roots. Old healthy Plum tr:es with long spurs
often hear well, and it is certain if you cut back all those spurs you will
have no fruit this year. If much crowded it may be desirable to thin some
of them out, retaining the best placed and most promising, and some of
them may possibly be tied back to the main branches. It is important to
so prune and dispose the growths that the foliage will be fully exposed to
the Bun and air in summer, a thicket of leaves being the reverse of conducive
to fruitfnl wood. Fresh roots near the surface of the ground also pro¬
mote fruitfulness, and they may be incited by removing some soil, just
baling some of the roots, and adding fresh, containing a good propor¬
tion of charred material and some lime rubbish, pressing it down pretty
firmly, and mulching with manure to prevent the escape of moisture from
the soil in summer. We know of no book that will exactly suit you, but we
shall shortly publish an article descriptive of a method adopted by a gar¬
dener in renovating old trees on walls and making them fruitful, and the
'■•'■me plan intelligently carried out might be similarly beneficial in your
oase.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of p’ants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plant-", and Fern fronds
should bear spores.' Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(R. J.). — Catasetum fridentatum. ( T . S.). — The plant is a bulb, Veltheimia
viridifolia. ( Constant Header). — 1 resembles Ledum palustre. 2 is quite
unrecognisable without flowerB. Both were poor examples for naming.
(R. W.). — Small pieces of leaves are insufficient for determination; only the
two following can be named. 6, Pepepomia arifolia. 6 ,Goodyera or Hrcmaria
discolor,

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MARCH 2nd.

Market very quiet. Prices without alteration.

FRUIT.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d

Apples

0 to 5

0

Melon . . . . .

0

0 to 0

0

!•

Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

13

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries

0

0

0

Pears .

. dozen

1

0

3

0

Cobs

0

70

0

Pine Apples English.. ID.

1

6

2

0

Figs

0

0

0

Plums .

i sieve

1

0

3

0

Grapes

6

6

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

6

0

Lemons

0

IS

0

Strawberries .. .

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

s.

d

8. d

8.

d.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

i

0

to 0

0

Lettuce . dozen

i

0 to

i

<

Asparagus

.. bundle

8

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. ..punnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney

.. per lb

1

9

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Be<?t, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Ouions . bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts .. j sieve

2

0

2

6

Parsnips . dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

i

6

0

0

Potatoes . cwt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

.. 100

i

6

2

0

,, Kidney .. cwt.

4

0

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb,. bundle

0

3

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. .. ,. bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. .. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. •• per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucurobers . .

•• each

0

6

x

0

Shallots . ft.

0

8

0

R

Endive ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach . bushel

8

0

4

0

Herns , . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoos . lb.

1

0

2

0

Leeks ,. ..

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. .. ,. bunch

0

4

0

6

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

B.

d.

S.

d.

8.

d.

Abntilons

1 2 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9 to 1

6

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Azalea . . • .

12 sprays

0

6

1

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias

blooms

1

6

4

0

,, White English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

0

0

0

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

6

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

Roses .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

»*

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

1

0

2

6

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

,, Tea . dozen

2

0

4

9

Cyclamen

12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

S

6

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parrae Violets (French)

6

0

7

0

Epfphyllum ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Enchari8

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias

12 blooms 12

0

24

0

,. (double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Tropfeolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red .

. 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

9

i

0

„ lougiflorum,12blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

6

2

8

Lilac (white), French, bunch

9

0

8

0

Czar, French, per bunch

2

0

3

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

d.

6.

d.

B.

d.

8.

t.

Aralia Sioboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ferns, in variety

. dozen

4

0

18

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elaRtica

. each

i

6 to

7

0

„ (common)

dozen

8

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

36

0

Hyacinths

per dozen

6

0

9

0

Begonias .. ..

dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valiev. .

. dozen

13

0

24

0

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy

dozen

6

0

12

0

Cyclamen

dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles . . . .

. dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis

dozen

30

0

60

0

Narciss (various).

12

0

16

0

,, viridis ..

dozen

12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. each

2

6

31

0

Erica, various

dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Solan i ms

per doz.

9

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

24

0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

DAIRY FARMING.

Farms situated within an hour or two’s journey by
rail from large towns have exceptional advantages for the
disposal of dairy produce, and it must he owned that the
farms around Liverpool and Manchester, and in the home
counties have such advantages. But there are few farms
where butter and cheese may not be made profitably, and
all dairy farms should have a fair proportion of pigs and
poultry. rihe selling of milk and cream must always
depend upon the locality in which a farm is placed, but
butter and cheese have only to be really good to com¬
mand a quick sale everywhere, for they are in daily
use in every household ; yet notwithstanding this certainty
of a ready sale for them, it is the exception and not the
rule to find really good butter in au ordinary farmhouse,

184

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ March 3, 1S87.

To consider this important matter in detail we natur¬
ally turn lirst of all to the cows, and we are at once
compelled to give attention to the value of selection and
breeding. In our own practice we are bound to acknow¬
ledge that we have had more failures among Shorthorns
as dairy cows than in any other breed. But then it is
well known how much difference there is among cows of
this famous and fashionable breed. Beef and not milk is
what we generally look for among Shorthorns, yet deep
milkers are by no means a rarity among them. So con¬
fident was a dealer of the high merits of a young Short¬
horn cow for milk, that he urged us to take it on trial,
and assured us that it would fill a pail with milk twice
daily. We found upon trial that his assertion was correct,
but then the milk was so poor in quality that it was com¬
paratively worthless. Sussex cows, too, are generally
inferior milkers, but both breeds may be much improved
by cross-breeding with Guernseys.

Channel Island cattle are undoubtedly in the first
rank for rich milk, and where (as upon many home farms)
only the best milk must be had, pure bred Jerseys or
Guernseys have the preference. Of these two breeds we
would always choose Guernseys as the finer and more
robust animals, and as yielding milk that is equally rich
and certainly more abundant than that of Jerseys. For
the ordinary farmer a crossbred cow, the progeny of any
good local breed, with an infusion of Channel blood, is
best, as tending to insure good quality of milk with a
vigorous constitution. It must not be forgotten that cows
will fail more frequently from barrenness than any other
cause, and then if only we are able to fatten them for the
butcher quickly and well there is no serious loss. But a
barren Jersey cow cannot easily be fattened, and it is
generally sold at once at a loss. It is solely owing to the
risk of barrenness that we always keep more cows in our
herd at the home farm than we require. We must have
enough cows to afford a stated quantity of milk, cream,
and butter, and if we only had just enough for the purpose
a single failure would affect our arrangement so seriously
that we are bound to have a surplus supply in order to be
safe.

The other matters of importance next to good cows
are warm sheds and yards well enclosed ; good drainage,
clean interiors both of walls and floors, constant attention
to keeping the cows from contact with all foul or decay¬
ing substances, clean litter given daily, litter for the yards,
and clean dry bedding in the sheds, not merely clean and
dry to the eye, but so in reality. Nothing can be more
injurious to a cow than to lie down upon litter sodden
with moisture and reeking with foul odours. If we would
have healthy cows and sweet milk there must be entire
cleanliness in buildings, litter, water, food, milk pails, the
milker’s hands, and in the dairy. The cows too must be
quite healthy in every part, or not only may the milk be
unpalatable but it may be positively unwholesome.

The researches of Mr. W. II. Power, Dr. Cameron,
and the great German pathologist, Dr. Klein, led to the
discovery that in a dairy Avhere extraordinary precautions
were taken against infection an obscure disease affected
some of the cows, and while not contaminating their milk
in itself, provided the materials for such contamination in
the shape of small external ulcers, the matter from which
was carried into the milk by the action of the milker’s
hand. As the milk came from the cow it was pure ; as it
fell into the pails it was infected. The organism contained
in the particles froip the ulcers found in the milk a good
medium in which to multiply, and such milk then practically
corresponded to ap artificial cultivation of the strepto¬

coccus, capable of setting up scarlatina in the human sub¬
ject. It may be explained that a strepto-coccus is a chain-
coccus — that is, a number of cocci or micro-organisms
constituting the virus of a disease strung together chain-
wise. Some account of this important matter has appeared
in several papers, but the most clear and useful statement
we have seen was recently published in the St. James s
Gazette under the quaint title, “ On the Track of a
Coccus.”

WORK ON THE HOHE FA.RH.

Some losses among the ewes of one of our breeding flocks have
induced us to look closely into a matter which upon the surface was
apparently inexplicable. We have two such flocks— one upon the home
farm, the other upon a farm some sixteen miles distant from it. In the hrst
flock we have lost ten ewes, in the other there has been no losses, ihe
proportion of lambs in both flocks is very similar— about a lamb and a
half per head. Up to the time of lambing the condition of both flocks
was entirely satisfactory, but then foot-rot made its appearance in the
home flock. The ewes affected became somewhat reduced in condition.
But the losses were not solely among them ; animals apparently healthy
enough up to the time of parturition suddenly becoming so feeble as to
be unable to give birth to the lambs, which, in more than one instance,
were dead when taken from them, and notwithstanding the use ot
stimulants and carbolic oil the ewe was soon dead. On the other hand,
we have had no losses in the other flock on the off farm, and we can
only account for this by the fact of this flock consisting entirely ot two-
year-old sheep, while there are sheep of all ages in the home flock. _lne
older sheep must have suffered from the severity of the weather just
before the lambing began, notwithstanding our liberal dietary, and we
have no doubt that i£ they could have had the shelter oE yards and sheds
with dry floors we should not only have avoided most of the losses, but also
have lessened the severity of the strain made upon the health of the whole
of the ewes by being left out upon the snow-covered pasture. It is only
by learning the cause of such losses that we can hope to avoid them in
future if only we are able to afford the flock the necessary amount ot
shelter. It may be said, Why keep old sheep that are so liable to suffer
from such causes ! To this we must answer that we annually draught
all broken-toothed or faulty sheep from the flock when the lambs arc
weaned, and in ordinary winters a full-mouthed ewe is perfectly sate
without extraordinary care, and a good mother and sure breeder is
always retained in the flock as long as possible. We grant that under
(rood management there should be only an occasional loss among ewes.
We record our losses this season for our own guidance, as well as that ot
our readers, for we hold that to render lessons in practice really usetul
the cause of each failure as well as of each success should be known.
There are no such things in farming as mysteries ; cause and effect may
always be traced. Well will it be if we can anticipate failures, and
avoid them by wise and timely precautions.

Poultry and Pheasant Ru arinS — <; Spratts Patent” sends us t.vo
small pamp llets, entitle i“ Eae G >m nm Sanaa ot Pou try R siring an l ot
(i R,Bicia»” r np3c.bi.7ely, in whioh mash p race. c .11 laijraiiuon u

condensed int ) small space.

Farmers’ Tear Books. -We havi received from Wessrs. Sutton & Sons
Railin', Webb & Sous, Worlsley, and C irter & Go., Hi^h Holbo n, copies
of their trada oitil>gue3 for agriculturists. Tnnyara excellent produc¬
tions, p anting out tha advmtiges of their specialities, and giving main
information of servioe to home farmers.

MET EOROLOGHOA.ti OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

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

Date.

9 A.M.

IN THM Day.

1887.

s-i
d » <D 0)

Hygrome¬

ter,

d .
o -d

zs d

°3d
a,— g
aoS

09 jQ — <

CH

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

a
*3
tf -

February.

Dry.

Wet.

az,

do

Max

Min.

In

snn.

Ou

gra<-

Sunday .

Monday .

Tuesday .

Wednesday
Thursday ..

Frltav . . .

Saturday ..

.20

22
2\
24
9 >
.26

Inches

30.18)

30.047

30.159

30.138

30.110

30.060

30.585

detr.
38 8
413
31.0
47.2

46 4

47 9
3L.9

deg.

3T.L

39 0
34 0

44.1
43.3

45.2
3L.4

Calm

N.

Cum

S W.
S-W.

w.

Calm

de*.
34 9
35.8
34.3
37 2
39.0

4 >.2
39.7

deer.
44 2

48 4

47.4

50.4

49 8
52 6
50.3

d*s
36 5
38 8
32.4
83 9
44 7
43 4
25.9

dey

58.8

83 4
5.5.3
60.6
6*4

97 8

73 8

dee
32 0
37.4
26.8
349
41.8

41 8
24.3

Tn.

0.063

~

30.176

41.1

39.1

37.6

49.0

37.4

70.0

34.1

0.063

aao day, with a litUa

REMARKS,

20th —Kali* thrduorhout.

2t>t. — Very bright and tine « misty in evening.

22ud.— Fine early, with white froat; foggy irom.7 toio fruit
sunshine.

23rd.— Dull, wiih occasional drizzle. <n if ovaninv

2Uh,— Cloudy nvirnmg; talr afternoon, w.th a little sunshine , drizzle m late evening.

25th.-B«i«ht and pleasant. .. ^

2i oh.— White frost, thick fog till nearly 11 a.m., then flue prignt.

A flue dry week. Temperature about iQ above the average and nearly nhovo tuat
of tl*e preceding week.— G. J. Symons.

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

185

10

TH

11

F

12

S

13

SUN

3rd Ecndiv in Lent.

14

M

15

Tu

15

W

Liverpool Spring Show.

CONGESTED SHRUBBERIES.

PREPARING SHRUBS FOR REMOVAL.

GESTED shrubbe ries form one of the most
common features in otherwise well-managed
pleasure grounds. The saw and pruning hook
may occasionally he called in to relieve the
pressure, but never with any long continued
or satisfactory results. Especially in grounds
where there is breadth and room enough to
spare, it borders on folly to attempt to com¬
press the vigour of shrubs into defined limits. Much
better is that system which consists in watching the de¬
velopment of individual specimens, and taking early steps
to prevent any interference with their progress. But in
the congested shrubberies such as we have in view indivi¬
duality has no place, and all that remains to be attempted
is to remove the least valuable to other quarters, and so
allow those that are left space for a less restricted
growth.

The removal of shrubs which have been undisturbed
for a number of years is commonly looked upon as a work
of some difficulty, and of much uncertainty as regards the
ultimate well being of those removed. Large-rooted
libreless plants present a difficulty which can only be
satisfactorily overcome by transforming these lengthened
thongs into short stubs bristling with fibres. This trans¬
formation, at the same time that it makes removal a labour
of comparative ease, also secures the future safety of the
plant. The way to turn long roots into short ones is easy
enough ; it simply consists in digging a narrow trench
round and at a short space from the bole of the specimen,
and in that operation cutting all the roots which cross the
trench. At some seasons of the year to perform an
operation of this kind on an old plant would mean, if not
its death, at the very least its disfigurement. There are
two periods when so rude-looking a method may be
effected without in any degree impairing the health or
marring the appearance of the specimen. The one at the
end of August when top growth is, if not quite, yet nearly
completed. Roots are formed somewhat rapidly during
September and the first half of October, and the shrubs
winter in safety and are ready for a start afresh in spring.
The other period Is in the eirly part of the year, and is
best defined by the condition of the plant to be operated
on. The buds should be so far developed as to be on the
point of breaking into shoots ; perhaps at a little more
forward stage no harm might follow, but at the stage in-j
dicated certainly none would occur. The soil before
being returned into the trench should be broken well up^
and if of poor quality and the specimen worth it, a
quantity of light open material would be of much advan-|
vtage placed opposite the cut roots. It is also well to see

No. 350. — Vol. XIV., Third Series ", <■ .

that the soil is rendered firm, as this is to some extent a
preventive of drought during summer. We lift shrubs
treated as indicated above the autumn of the same year
in which the roots are cut, October being a very good
time to move them. Those who have not had experi¬
ence with old shrubs treated thus would be surprised to
see the splendid balls of roots formed during tbe summer
and autumn. We have a number to take in hand during the
present spring, which if left longer would require to be
cut well back, or otherwise they would permanently
damage each other; but by root-pruning in the above
rough fashion we shall be able to life any we choose in
autumn without hurting them in any way.

Though perhaps not exactly to be found in tbe head¬
ing of these notes, it may be admissible to point out here
another feature in the transplanting of shrubs from one
part of tbe grounds to another, and that is the best time
of year in which to undertake the work. Under ordinary
circumstances September and October would doubtless be
selected by practical men as the best, and the month of
April as perhaps the worst ; but from experience gained
during the past few years I am strongly inclined to con¬
sider the summer months as being, if not better than the
autumn months named, at least quite as good. I should
never hesitate now to move an evergreen while in full
summer growth. The precautions taken -would merely be
to see that the roots were moistened before removal,
that dull weather should be chosen for the work, and
that the plant be kept moist at the root for at least ten
days in its new quarters. In a pressing case I have had
shrubs forwarded in June from a nursery, had them on
the road over a week, and yet lost only 5 per cent, of the
consignment. A case of that sort is extreme and not to
be recommended, but it is of value as showing how
quickly and surely even such shrubs recover when the
ground and air are warm, as is the case in summer. In
the matter of plants to be removed from one part of the
grounds to another on the same estate there is no fear of
their succumbing. — Sylvan us.

CULTURE OF CALANTUE YEITCIII AND
C. VESTITA.

Numerous failures appear to have occurred with the
Calanthe in the past season. I do not propose to explain
the cause of those failures, neither could I do so if I
attempted ; but I will give a few particulars of the system
by which we have always grown these plants successfully.
As soon as all the flowers are cut and ive can detect signs
of the pseudo-bulbs starting to grow again, we turn them
out of the pots, separating the old from the new pseudo¬
bulbs, and unless we want to increase the stock we cast
the old ones away; the new we char of all that remains
of the old leaves, and cut the roots off to within an inch
of the base. We give each pseudo-bulb a good sponging
with clean soft water, this saving much work later on, as
we never have to clean them again, but we fumigate lightly
if a green fly makes its appearance. W e then take some
boxes about 6 inches deep, and place in them about
2 inches of good leaf mould run through a half-inch
sieve; on this the base of the pseudo-bulbs rests, the tops
leaning against the end of the box, a piece of lath being
tacked across the top of the box for the next row to lean
against, and so on until the box is full, keeping them far
enough apart so that it can be seen if any insects attack
the young growth. For plants of Calanthe vestita shallower
boxes or pans suffice without any laths. In about a month
No. 200G.— Vol. LXXVI., Old Series.

186

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887.

roots an inch long bristle from the pseudo-bulbs, and they
are then ready for potting.

The compost we use is one half good fibrous loam with
the finer particles sifted out, one-quarter leaf mould, and
one-quarter cow dung, with a free addition of charcoal
and potsherds broken small, and a little silver sand. The
oow dung is baked on a flue to destroy all animal life, and
then broken in pieces about the size of cob nuts. Both
pots and materials used for drainage are washed perfectly
clean, the pots are drained well with rough crocks and
charcoal, finishing with smaller particles. The pots are
half filled with drainage, and this is covered with moss
for the soil and roots to rest on. Each pseudo-bulb of C.
Yeitchi is secured to a short stake, C. vestita being shorter
not requiring stakes. Great care is taken in potting not
to break any of the young roots, and the soil is sufficiently
moist not to require any water for some time. We use
pots varying in size from 6 to 10 inch, putting nine or ten
in the 10-iuch and four or five in the 6-inch, according to
the size of the pseudo-bulbs. We place them in a tem¬
perature of 65° to 70° at night, with a rise of 10° or 15°
by day, on a stage about 18 inches from the glass, taking
care that the foliage does not get crowded as it developes.
In very hot and bright weather a little limewash is applied
to the glass, this being the only shading afforded. We
close the house early in the afternoon with plenty of
moisture, the temperature sometimes rising to 120° after¬
wards. When the pots are full of roots liquid manure is
given at every alternate watering, using that obtained from
the stables generally, and occasionally a little guano water.

When the flower spikes are about a foot high we
gradually reduce the supply of water, so that by the time
the flowers expand the soil is nearly or quite dry. About
the time the spikes are 6 inches long the leaves generally
commence withering, and instead of trying to keep them
fresh we cut off all the decaying portions when cleaning
the house, and by the time the flowers open the leaves
are all gone, or nearly so. When about half the flowers
on a spike are open we shift the plants into a cool dry
house, where they generally remain attractive until start¬
ing time comes round again.

If we wish to increase our stock of Calanthes we save
the old pseudo-bulbs, and after washing them well, lay
those of C. Yeitchi intact flat in leaf mould. If we wish to
increase them very quickly we do not hesitate to break off
the tops from the new pseudo-bulbs and lay them down
in the same manner, and growths from the latter will
generally throw up a fair spike of bloom. C. vestita we
prefer to split in half from top to bottom, and after being
allowed to dry a little f>owdered charcoal and sulphur are
mixed and rubbed on the cut side. When these have
started growth and made a few roots we put them in
pairs in the same kind of compost as we use for the
others, and accord the same treatment. — Lancastrian.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

(Continued //„?>; page 1G9.)

Figures 31, 32, and 33, show a standard Rose tree at one, two
and three years old. They are all marked for pruning.

In pruning standards we have to consider the formation of the
head, as well as the production of bloom ; so if the wood be ripe
enough, we may make use of the second or summer growth to get
a good head on our plant as soon as possible. In fig. 31 it will be
seen that two buds have been left on each shoot. In fig. 32 it will be
seen that only one of them in each case has been allowed to grow.
The others were removed after pruning (see Disbudding). There
s no reason why all the buds should not have been left, and indeed
he plant being a standard, and the object being to get a good head
n it quickly, it would have been better to have left the buds to

develope into branches ; but in that case the blooms which were
borne on the buds that were left would not have been so fine.
Fig. 33, I think, explains itself, and I do not think that anyone who
has followed me thus far would have any difficulty in pruning it.

In the case of this standard it would be necessary, in following
seasons, to cut clean out a good deal of the wood from the centre

of the head, to keep it open, and
to prevent the branches from
crossing and getting entangled
with each other, and so prevent¬
ing light and air from getting
in.

The foregoing remarks are
also an illustration of close
pruning applied to standards,
but it must be borne in mind
that the formation of the head
in standards prevents us getting
such fine blooms as we do from
dwarfs. It is impossible to keep
cutting down the heads of stan¬
dards year after year — that is, if
appearances require to be con¬
sidered. I shall refer to the
other system of pruning — long
pruning, so called — further on,
but it will be better at present
to finish what I have to say
further on close pruning.

I said in the introduction that
if anybody went thoroughly into
any subject he soon began to find out that he could make improve¬
ments in his practice by turning aside now and again from the
beaten track, and there is no doubt that this remark applies to
pruning quite as much as to anything else in Rose growing. What
I have written on the subject of close pruning so far is, to the
best of my knowledge, quite orthodox, and may be found, or, at
any rate, the spirit of it, in most books on the subject ; but I am
now going to say something that is not altogether orthodox, and it
is this — that with a simple rule or instruction to cut every shoot on
all the Roses in the place back to two eyes, a beginner might go
into a garden full of Roses, and prune the whole lot, and provided
he carried out the rule here laid down, the result of his labour
would, in many cases, very much astonish the proprietors. Ninety
per cent, of the Roses so treated would bloom, and that superbly ;
the other 10 per cent, would produce wood shoots of extraordinary
vigour. If the beginner went through the same collection the
following season, he would see at a glance, by the enormous rods
made by these 10 per cents., that hard pruning in their case was a
mistake. He would leave more buds to break, and so become at once
a master in the art of pruning ; or, if not a master, at least a very

promising pupil. The greater part of my own pruning is done on
the system here advocated. With a few thousands of plants to go
over, there is not time to put on a considering cap in each individual
case, neither is it necessary, a glance is sufficient, but as a rule the
shoots left are shortened to within about an inch of the ground
line — sometimes a little below it.

Let me here say that I learned this very severe method of
pruning in that school in which it is said that “ Fools learn
wisdom” — I mean the school of experience. During a very hard
winter some years ago, J ack Frost with his icy breath killed nearly
all my Roses down to the snow line — a good many of them, I
regret to say, he demolished altogether. If I am not mistaken,

Maroh 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

187

the roll call that spring revealed the lamentable fact that 115 Roses
were killed right out. I was a Manetti man then — I am not now —
that deadly season filled me up, destroyed my appetite altogether —
for Manetti. I said to myself, “ If this Manetti business is going
to necessitate the purchase annually of 115 Roses, simply to replace
losses, I shall try the Briar, and if after that there is still no
improvement in the death rate, I shall resign.”

My pruning that season consisted of — manually, the removal of
the dead wood ; and verbally, the calling down of blessings (!) on
the head of the late Dr. Manetti, and altogether I felt rather
dismal. But when summer came I thought no more of my 115
slain ; the superb blooms and the magnificent foliage took up and

engaged my attention and admiration, and I there and then became,
and have continued to be ever since, one of the hardest of hard
pruners.

Wood more than two years old is not much use for the pro¬
duction of fine blooms. What we want is a constant renewal of
young wood. If we turn to figure 34, which represents the same
plant as shown on figs. 27 and 28 (page 168), we shall see the plant has
thrown up two fine shoots from the base. Fortunately for our
wishes Roses are almost constantly sending up these shoots from
the base, and although at the end of the season the tops of these
shoots are often not ripe, they are generally so at the base. These
are the shoots we must look to for future blooms, and we must year
after year cut out the old shoots and branches, allowing these new
comers to take their place. Another advantage in close pruning is,
that it encourages the plant to send up these new shoots, thus
giving us an abundance of what we require, and enabling the plant
to renew its youth like the eagle. They sometimes come up so
thickly as to be puzzling to a
new ' hand, but there are gene¬
rally two or three which can be
selected as being finer and riper
than the others. These should
be left and pruned for bloom,
and the others should be cut out
altogether, along with the old
wood.

This renewal of the shoots,
together with the fact that the
union of stock and scion is
always below the surface, or
should be, if properly planted,
is, to my thinking, one of the
greatest advantages of dwarf
Roses over standards. Stan¬
dards about here almost in¬
variably perish in two or three
years (Gloire de Dijon is the
only exception I know of) and
nearly always from a kind of
ossification of the union of the
stock and scion. This, in my
opinion, arises from this part
being exposed to the winter
weather partly, and partly fro si
its being always out of the
ground. Compare the union
of a dwarf, which is, or always

should be, buried in the soil, with that of a standard of the
same age. The bark round about the union of the dwarf is soft,
supple, and of exactly the same nature as the bark of a true root —
in fact, it is very often a starting place for a lot of roots. On the
other hand, the bark round the union of a standard is hard, and
dry, and old ; in fact it is always a wonder to me that they live as
long as they do.

No beginner ever does prune half hard enough. It requires a
great deal of faith on the operator’s part to cut away the nice long
branches almost entirely. I never can get visitors to my garden to
believe that I cut all my Roses down to the ground each year. As
they walk round in the late summer (our Roses rarely bloom before
July) and see shoots full of vigour, covered with large and perfect
foliage and fresh and fragrant flowers, the shoots in many cases
3 feet high or more — I could find some 5 feet, I daresay — I have
great difficulty in persuading them that their Roses would do quite
as well, and grow quite as vigorously, if treated in a similar
way.

Friends of mine often say, “ I wish you would come and prune
my Roses some day.” As I have a very strong suspicion that the
result would end in my getting abused, I generally say, “ Oh, yes ?
delighted — when shall I come ? but, remember, I shall cut them all
away.” “ Oh ! well in that case I had rather you did not come ; I
should not like to see the plants destroyed.”

A nurseryman friend of mine tells me of a somewhat similar
experience, only it had a different ending. He was asked a similar
question by a gentleman, but he agreed to go. He went, and, of
course, cleared the decks. When the gentleman arrived home he
gazed around, he could not believe his eyes, all his Roses had
apparently disappeared. At an early hour the next day he was at
the nursery, and my friend had ratlmr a hot time with him. Bat
when summer came, the tune was changed, the result was — well,
just what it always is in such cases, provided other parts of the
cultivation are not neglected — a grand success. The owner was
delighted, and expressed his satisfaction freely. He, too, is now,
no doubt, enrolled among the noble army of close pruners.

SHORT PRUNING— EXCEPTIONS.

Gloire de Dijon. — This variety requires very little pruning.
The removal of the tops of the late-growing shoots, which are
generally killed back by the frost in this neighbourhood, and the.
cutting away of old and worn out wood occasionally, is all that will
be necessary. The blooms are produced on short laterals thrown
out from the buds on the main shoots which have grown up during-
the preceding season.

Other exceptions are — all the vigorous-growing varieties among:
the Bourbon, Noisette, and Hybrid China Roses, although some of'
these answer well on the close system.

All climbing Roses are also exceptions. The whole of these
exceptions require to have the branches left long for flowering, the
unripe tips only being removed, while the weaker shoots may be
cut away altogether. If the shoots are very long they will break
more evenly if laid down on the ground horizontally until the buds
have broken and commenced to grow.

LONG PRUNING.

Long pruning is applicable to all kinds of Roses which make
long shoots or which grow very vigorously. All the ordinary
vigorous varieties may be grown in this way. Such Roses as
Madame Isaac Perrier and the new Rose Her Majesty, two very
rampant growing varieties, are good examples of Roses which I
fancy would require this treatment. Cheshunt Hybrid, too, answers
well this way, but it is so accommodating that one can hardly go-
wrong with it.

Long pruning consists simply in leaving the branches reserved
for blooming much longer than we should do on the close system,
but we partly make up for this by removing some of the shoots
altogether. Among the vigorous growers in the Hybrid Perpetual
section, which generally embraces nine-tenths of most collections,
I do not find any advantage in leaving the shoots more than
9 or 10 inches long, and I do not allow more than three shoots on
any one plant. If a beginner finds, after the first season, that any
of his Roses have produced vigorous wood shoots instead of blooms,
he cannot do better than try this system with these plants. He
will soon discover the happy medium, and a little observation will
enable him to see at once where to cut to. — D. Gilmopr, jpn.

(To be continued.)

OPEN AIR PEACHES AND NECTARINES.

I read with great interest Mr. Pettigrew’s remarks, and also those
from the editorial pen relative to the above subject (page 125), and do
not doubt but what much good will be the ultimate result. There can
be no gainsaying the fact that of late years the successful culture of

188

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10,1887.

outdoor Peaches and Nectarines has fallen off very considerably, and if
the truth must be told there is every probability of a still further
decline in the same direction, unless it is made an employer’s question,
and the latter insist upon having outdoor fruit. Various are the reasons
assigned for this falling off ; but, strange to say, the one most frequently
put forth — viz., that of climate — is the weakest, and will not bear close
inquiry ; at least, such is my own opinion, and I believe that any argu¬
ment advanced in support of the deterioration of climate, or of any
marked difference in the state of the weather now from that experienced
in the days of our grandfathers, could be easily controverted by indis¬
putable facts.

Having stated this much, I will give my opinion as to the true cause
o£ so many failures in gardens where in former days there used to be
success, and let me here parenthetically remark that I do not believe
the present generation of gardeners are less capable men than their
predecessors. The real cause of the great majority of failures at the
present time I believe to be mainly due to one circumstance — viz., the
same amount of care and attention is not bestowed on their cultivation
as formerly, and this again in itself is due to the fact of a greatly
extended cultivation under glass. The principal cause of this
state of things is obvious, even to only casual observers of times and
events. Glass is much cheaper now than formerly, and in addition
to this we have a vastly increased wealth in the country. Notwith¬
standing this fact, however, I consider it a great mistake to neglect the
outdoor cultivation of Peaches and Nectarines in those districts where
they have been once known to succeed, for it cannot be denied that
with fruit from the open air the season for good Peaches is considerably
prolonged.

With glass-covered walls and copings a good crop of fruit is certain,
and as a matter of course there are less worry, labour, and anxiety attend¬
ing that system of culture compared with outdoor-grown fruit. There
are still many gardens where walls of good trees may be met with, and
also a few old-fashioned places that have not kept pace with the times
in regard to glass structures, but where outdoor Peaches and Nectarines
are important. In such cases as these the plea of deterioration of
climate would be of no avail. Either the fruit must be successfully
grown, or the man must go elsewhere, and would be considered incom¬
petent.

Unquestionably there are some localities where at the present time
these fruits cannot he grown as they could be in former days ; as, for
instance, many districts of Lancashire, where the atmosphere is so
heavily charged with noxious vapours as to render success impossible ;
but in all other cases where they have been known to do well in days
gone by I maintain they may be grown now, provided the right treat¬
ment is adopted. In the gardens here there are upwards of 200 yards
of uncovered walls devoted to their culture, ard if the matter rested
entirely with myself a goodly portion would be covered with glass forth¬
with ; but as such does not happen to be the case the best use must be
made of existing circumstances and conditions, and the inevitable cheer¬
fully submitted to. Without in any way wishing to be thought guilty
of egotism, I think I may say we are favoured with a fair amount of
success, our season for gathering ripe fruit usually extending from July
to the first week in November, beginning with Alexander and Early
Beatrice, and ending with Sea Eagle and Salwey. Although Peach
culture is so well understood, broadly speaking, it may not- be alto¬
gether without interest to refer briefly to a few details connected with
the system as carried out here.

In the first place we make it a point never to neglect or cease to
look after the welfare of the roots, for on these, so to speak, everything
else mainly depends. It would never do in our case to allow them to
penetrate into the subsoil— at least, to remain there for any lengthened
period, experience having taught us that that dreaded disease, or call
it what you will, the “ Yellows,” is the natural accompaniment ; it has,
therefore, become a fundamental rule in our practice to resort to
periodical lifting, every tree young and old being subjected to this
operation every second or third year. By this means the roots are kept
entirely under control and within reasonable reach of the surface, so
that they may receive the full benefit of annual top-dressings and
waterings of liquid manure when the fruit is swelling. Each tree when
lifted receives two or three barrowloads of fresh soil — turf when we can
get it— together with half a dozen spadefuls of wood ashes or burnt re¬
fuse. In some localities all this trouble is unnecessary owing to the
natural soil of the place being well adapted to the requirements of the
trees, but even in such cases I would have recourse to lifting every third
year for the purpose of keeping the roots near the surface, a circum¬
stance that cannot well be over-estimated. This work should be done in
the autumn months, the sooner the better after the trees have shed their
leaves, and if they are in a condition anything approaching to a state of
good health no apprehension need be entertained regarding a good crop
of fruit the succeeding summer, providing other necessary details arc
duly attended to. We now come to the elementary part of the subject
— i.e., pruning, training, and nailing or tying, and on which no
lengthened comment is perhaps here needed.

One great object should be to adopt such a course of treatment
during the summer months as will necessitate very little winter pruning,
and this desired state of things can only be brought about by practising
the disbudding and pinching back of young shoots in no half-hearted
way, so as to leave little to be done at this time of year beyond the nail¬
ing or tying-in of successional shoots and such others as may be required
for the extension and framework of the tree. One of our aversions
in training is the overcrowding of young wood, and thus it is that we

allow a sufficient space for the full development of foliage between the
shoots. When in flower protection is afforded by Russian and home-made
straw mats, stout poles being fixed in front of the walls to prevent
damage being done to the trees in rough windy weather.

I would here remark that a better but more expensive system of pro¬
tection will be found in rollers and blinds made of f rigi domo. To
obtain a good “ set ” of young fruit much care and sound judgment
should be exercised in the matter of protecting the flowers, especially
during inclement or unpropitious weather. Occasionally there may be
a day when bitterly cold hail and snow storms prevail. When such
happens to be the case the trees are much better off with the mats or
blinds down than they would be if exposed to the weather, bearing in
mind that partial darkness for a time is far better than icicles and a
crop of frozen stigmas. When the young fruits have commenced
swelling fairly, or say when they are about the size of marbles, their
number is considerably reduced by taking off the smaller and those
which are ill-placed, leaving only such a number as we think sufficient
for a crop, according to the state of each tree, no allowance being made
for falling off when stoning ; nor do we think it necessary, as such a
thing rarely happens except in cases of overcropping or dryness at the
roots.

Close attention through April, May, and June is very necessary in
the matter of disbudding, pinching out abnormal and blistered leaves,
and of keeping down insect pests. If the latter are not kept in abey¬
ance a great amount of injury may be done in an incredibly short space
of time. As a remedy and preventive the trees should be syringed over
with some insecticide just before the first flowers begin to open, and
once a week after the fruit is set, the practice being carried out for
some time. For this purpose we find nothing better than concentrated
tobacco juice mixed in proportion of one pint to four gallons of water ;
but no hard-and-fast line can be laid down on this point, as the article
itself varies so much in quality. The last, but by no means the least,
important point to be alluded to is that of mulching and watering
during hot summer weather. At no time should this matter be over¬
looked or forgotten, as the Peach tree is very sensitive of any approach
to dryness at the roots. — J. Horsefield, Beytesbury, Wilts.

Your correspondent “E. B.”- is wise in bringing this important
subject to the front again, especially as the trees now are needing atten¬
tion in tying and nailing. Some people run away with the idea that
Peaches cannot be successfully grown in the open. “ E. B.” draws
attention to the fact that other pursuits has directed the gardener’s time
and attention. I may supplement his statement and give another fact,
that there has been hundreds of Peach houses built these last few years,
and that is another cause why less notice has been directed to outside
Peach growing. No doubt it is very well if we have enough to supply
the requirements of the family. One place I lived as foreman we had
about 300 Peach trees under glass, where we could keep a supply from
the first week in May till the end of October. Well, these favourable
conditions do not happen to all of us. If we have no Peach house, what
are we to do .then ? We must try to grow them on the open walls, which
I assert can be done, and done well, if only careful attention and judi¬
cious management be exercised. The one great evil is neglecting the
trees through the early spring, when they get “dirty.” I had some
marvellous crops last year, and had a supply from the third week in
August till the 17th of November. I gathered twenty dozen from
several trees, and as many as 100 fruits from one Nectarine tree
(Victoria). I could go into details of management if it would be of any
value to any of your readers who up to date have hitherto failed. —
W. A. Cook, Holme Wood House.

[Any details our correspondent can favour us with will be most
acceptable.]

RANGEMORE GARDENS.

Often as I have visited these celebrated gardens 1 have never seen
them looking so well as at present. The most notable feature is, perhaps,
one range of houses about 80 yards long completely full of flowers; con¬
sisting of a fine house of Cattleyas, Coelogynes, and Cypripediums. Most
of the Cattleyas are C. Trianae and a few C. I’ercivaliana. A very fine
show of about 400 blooms of the former, among them some very fine
varieties. The Coelogynes are in pans, about 2 feet across and masses of
bloom, truly noble specimens. The next house contains the East Indian
Orchids. This was gay with numerous varieties of Dendrobiums, Vandas,
and Phakenopsis. The next house in order is full of Camellias, with
plants between 12 and 14 feet high in splendid health and loaded with
blooms. Adjoining this is the Azalea house, filled with fine specimens
so covered with bloom that scarcely a leaf is visible. Opening out of
this house is the last of the range, a house filled with Cyclamen and
Cinerarias. The Cyclamens are among the best I have ever seen, rich in
colour, health, and vigour. Some of the plants in 6-incli pots have
100 blooms, standing up some inches al>ove the leaves and with stems
almost rivalling the Hyacinth. The Cinerarias are very fine. I measured
some of the blooms, which were 3] inches across. 1 noticed in another
house nearly 1000 Souvenir dc la Malmaison Carnations in 8-inch pots
coming on for the London season. All the forcing houses show in
various stages what will be, I have no doubt, good crops of fruit. I
cannot help remarking what fine Grapes are still left in the fruit room.
I counted over 100 bunches of Muscats in fine condition. This, I think,
is exceptional for the time of year, the last of February. — F., Grcndon
Gardens.

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

189

pel)id3

dozen fine flowers which are spotted with rich shining chestnut, the lip

CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE.

The above Orchid is most useful for growing in 5 or 6-inch pots for
general decorative purposes, and where such plants are required a good
proportion of this Cypripedium should be grown, as they well repay for
the little care and attention required. The blooms last several weeks
upon the plants, and even when used in a cut state I know of no flower
that will keep fresh for a longer period ; and coming into bloom at a
season when flowers of the choicer kind are not too plentiful makes it
doubly valuable. I find them succeed most satisfactorily with much
less care and attention than they are sometimes subjected to, as we often
see them coddled in the Orchid house proper or in the stove. They do
not require a high temperature, but if a rapid increase of stock is
required, that can be accomplished much more quickly in a stove tem¬
perature than with cool treatment, but in a general way I find the heat
of a vinery most suitable for them to make their growth in.

Anyone having large, plants they wish to divide for growing in the
above-size pots may take them in hand at once. They will bear division
with impunity. When dividing, carefully shake away the compost they,
have been growing in, select about four crowns and sever them with a
knife. Four crowns with the roots attached are about as many as can
be placed in a 6-inch pot. When the dividing is completed, cut away
any dead or bruised roots, and place them in clean pots that have about
one-fourth their depth filled with clean drainage, the top layer of which
should be fine, to prevent the soil getting down among the larger portion
and so preventing the speedy egress of water. The soil I find them to
succeed in is composed of strong turfy loam with a few pieces of charcoal,
coarse sand, and a little dried cow manure pressed moderately firm
in the pots. The centre of the plants should be raised slightly above the
pot, and some of the roughest of the soil placed on the surface to allow
the water passage through the ball. If the soil is moderately moist
they will not require water for a few days if kept regularly syringed ; but
when they start into free growth and are making roots they require to be
kept moist, but not sufficient to saturate the soil, which would soon
cause it to be sour, and if such takes place it is very much against the
plants making good progress, but after they have been in the pots
one season there is little fear of their receiving too much water ■when in
a free-growing state_, for the mass of thick fleshy roots will allow the
water to pass through the pots freely.

When they have completed their growth, remove them to a cooler
temperature to harden a little, and then place them out in a cold frame,
with just sufficient shade to prevent the sun turning them brown.
Through the summer and autumn months I usually grow them with the
Primulas in cold frames. When they are housed for the winter they can
be kept cool, or a portion of the stock placed in an intermediate tem¬
perature will give an early bloom, while the remainder will come in for
a succession. In the months of November, December, and January they
are most useful, as after that time there is a plentiful supply of bulbs,
&c., to come on for display. — W. Simpson, Knmvsley.

ORCHIDS AT CHELTENHAM.

At any time during the winter months few plants are more admired
than the choicer Orchids when in bloom. Of this fact I was forcibly
reminded a short time since when calling at Mr. Cypher’s now celebrated
plant-growing establishment at Cheltenham. The methodical and at
the same time highly practical system adopted by Mr. Cypher has
insulted in their highly successful culture. One of the most remarkable
instances of this high class culture may be found in Dendrobium
Ainsworthi, which everywhere is singularly happy, having stout
growths from 12 to 16 inches long. While speaking of this valuable
Dendrobium I am reminded that at the time of my visit the rose-
coloured form was producing flowers from the current season’s growth,
a rather unusual occurrence, I believe. Another Dendrobium which
promises to be equally at home is D. nobile pulcherrima. Others there are
in numbers, such as D. Wardianum, D. Findleyanum, D. heterocarpum,
and the ever welcome and enduring D. Dearei, which, on account of its
lasting properties, makes it among the most valuable of Orchids when
in bloom. Another Orchid grown in quantity here is Odontoglossum
Rossi, a very pleasing and attractive plant at this time and of easy
culture. The forms were many, but all were beautiful and cheering at
this dull period of the year. One pseudo-bulb of this had a spike with five
flowers upon it, an experience quite new to Mr. Cypher. O. Rossi
album was also in flower, one plant of this latter being somewhat novel
in appearance, owing to the sepals being spotted with green.

Lycastes were here in great force, and contained some exceedingly
handsome and richly coloured forms. Vigorous, too, they were beyond
a doubt, as the freedom with which they were producing flowers will
amply illustrate. From one pseudo-bulb alone came a spike with fourteen
flowers, another had eleven, and so on, and as there were no excep¬
tions it may fairly be assumed that the Lycastes are in good hands
a [ui perfectly at home. The ever welcome Vanda tricolor and
V. tricolor suaveolens were well in flower, the latter bearing about a

being pale violet.

Coelogynes were flowering well, but owing to the great demand for
their chaste and lovely blossoms for wedding and other bouquets, and,
indeed, in all choice floral arrangements, it can hardly be expected in
an establishment of this kind to meet their flowers in quantity ; still the
expanding flowers were fairly abundant, and one and all were wanted
as soon as they were ready for use. Among them the Chatswortli variety
figured conspicuously, and should be found in all collections of choice
and useful winter-flowering Orchids. I was rather too late to sec
Masdevallia tovarensis at its best. This highly useful plant is grown
extensively, and coming at so useful a time renders it doubly valuable,
since its glistening white flowers never seem out of place in any choice
floral arrangement. The singular M. bella was also flowering. Phalm-
nopsis Schilleriana was represented by flowering specimens, and among
Cypripediums were C. hirsutissimum, very distinct in its densely
clothed and deeply coloured stems. C. Boxalli was producing twin
flowers from the same scape ; numerous others were either in flower or
showing, and the Cattleyas promised an abundant supply later on.— J.

ORCHIDS AT BLENHEIM.

“ Orchid culture is only in its infancy here,” was the remark made
to me by Mr. Bethell, the Duke of Marlborough’s able gardener, one day
last week. It is only two or three years since Orchids were made a
specialty of at Blenheim, but at the present time there are fifteen
houses full of them. Most of the houses are large and very convenient,
but more are required, and are already under the course of erection. To
accommodate all the plants the vineries are used for some, and the stove,
in addition to a fine collection of foliage and other plants, has to find
shelter for many, including fine pieces of Dendrobium Dearei, Calanthes
of sorts, notably C. vestita gigantea ; while the Rose and Gardenia
houses have hundreds of baskets suspended from the roof. In the
former of these are several large specimens of Vanda teres mounted well
up to the light, and along the front within a few inches of the glass in
pans and baskets are Barkerias, dwarf-growing Lfelias, Odontoglossum
Oerstedti, Oncidium cheirophorum, with many others thriving admirably.
The Gardenia house is in two divisions. The Gardenias and Stephanotis
are remarkably healthy and showing well for a quantity of bloom, while
the Dendrobiums growing above these evidently enjoy the ammonia
from the manure given the plants below. Some of the growths of
D. Wardianum are already 18 inches in length.

The first houses that I entered were four low span-roofed ones about
40 feet long. No. 1 contains Phalfenopsis grown in the same manner as
those of Mr. F. A. Philbrick’s, Bickley, and described some time ago in
the Journal. Angraecum Leonis is represented by 120 healthy plants.
A. Sanderianum and A. Scottianum are also doing well. No. 2 contains
quantities of Odontoglossum Roezli, 0. vexillarium, and Masdevallia
tovarensis. The whole are very clean and free from any attacks of
yellow thrips, which too often disfigure fine plants in some of the best
collections. On one side of this house are scores of imported Cypri¬
pediums, such as C. Godefroy® and C. niveum. The system adopted in
establishing these is very successful and worth practising in other places.
Clean crocks are laid on the border, and on these are placed the
imported plants ; then a layer of moss covers the whole of the roots,
which is kept moist. Some of the old roots are now as fresh as though
they were made in this country. In No. 3 are some established Odonto¬
glossum blandum with several growths each. Of O. Rossi majus there
are 300 or 400 plants altogether, and many fine varieties are in bloom.
O. Cervantesi decorum and some good forms of O. Alexandras, in fact the
very best varieties of the cooler-growing section are placed in this house
while in flower. No. 4 contains imported plants. The O. Alexandras
are planted in the borders close together similar to the Cypripediums,
only instead of moss fine peat is used, and the plants remain so until
sufficient root is made for potting.

The fifth house, a long north structure, contains the cooler-growing
Cypripediums ; also large plants of Ada aurantiaca just showing bloom,
Ccelogyne cristata, large pans of Disa grandiflora with 200 or more
flowering growths each, and in baskets hanging from the roof are num¬
bers of Epidendrum vitellinum majus. The next is a span-roofed house,
about 70 feet by 22 feet, with side stages and a centre one arranged in
tiers of shelves, and is filled chiefly with Odontoglossum Alexandra;,
which would compare favourably, as regards health, with any I have
before seen. Some of the occupants of this house were subjected to a
sojourn in the open air last summer, and the results are very gratifying,
notably with Sophronitis grandiflora, which made good growth, and the
colour of the blooms is brighter than any I have seen grown under the
ordinary treatment. Blenheim is favoured with a capital cool, shady,
and moist place in the grounds for the experiment. A very convenient
method is adopted for damping down most of the houses by having an
inch pipe fixed on to the main and carried just under the edge of the
stages, with a brass jet fitted in at every 4 feet or 5 feet, and a valve at
one end enables a man to damp down in two minutes, the work being
done thoroughly, as the fine streams from the jets beat on the under side
of the stages and fall lightly on the path and beds beneath, while a
very fine spray scarcely noticeable falls on and among the foliage. Fine
pieces of Oncidium Cavendishianum, O. ampliatum, O. Lanceanum, O.
sarcodes, many Aerides, Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, Maxillaria San-
deriana, and others occupy another house. The next bouse contains
Cattleya and Lfelias of sorts, L. elegans and L. purpurata having
numerous large sheaths. There is here also a large specimen of Cattle j a
Wagneri in a basket.

190

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887.

Tbs large Cattleya bouse, which is 109 feet long, reminds one of Mr.
Sanders’ Orchid house at the late exhibition. The rockwork is arranged
at each end opposite the doors, and some plants in pots are stood in the
recesses and projecting parts, while others are planted out in the pockets
and crevices, and by a careful selection the right, kinds have been
selected for the positions. Among them are Cymbidium eburneum, Pes-
catoreas, VVarscewiczellas, and Zygopetalums, which are all in grand
health, the roots clinging to the stones, from which, no doubt, they re¬
ceive their main supply of moisture. Cattleya Trianse was the chief
species in bloom, of which there are many choice varieties. One was a
particular fine colour and good form, and in addition had a broad stripe
of yellow running through the sepals.

In the Dendrobium house were large pieces of D. Falconeri, D.
Jamesianum, and quantities of D. nobile and D. heterocarpum in bloom,
also D. thyrsiflorum, and others. In the East Indian house a large
plant of Aerides Fieldingi was in flower. Specimen Vandas and Angra-
cums, Ac., are in superb health. Aerides Lawrenciae, A. Sanderianum
.and Vanda Sanderiana are grown in numbers. Ondontoglossum citros-
mum in baskets, Cattleya citrina, Oncidium triginum, Lselia anceps, and
Trichopilias fill another house.

A north house contains Odontoglossum cordatum, 0. gloriosum, and
0. Pescatorei, with the Masdevallias. There arc many large specimens
of Coelogyne cristata in the various houses, giving a succession of flowers
for cutting. A large amount of Orchid bloom is required for cutting,
some of them being taken off almost as soon as expanded. But among
others in bloom 1 noted many Angracum Leonis, Burlingtonia Candida,
Ccelogyne cristata, C. c. maxima, C. flaccida, C. Gardneriana, Cjrm-
bidium eburneum, C. Lowianum, Dendrobium amethystoglossum, D.
heterocarpum, D. primulinum giganteum, Odontoglossum Alexandra,
O. Cervantesi, O. Roezli, O. triumphans, and Oncidium Phalnenopsis. —
G. W. Cummins.

THE CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO IN ENGLAND.

Mr. E. J. Beale, F.L.S., read an elaborate paper on the above
subject before the Society of Arts on the 2nd inst., concluding as
follows

“ The successful culture of Tobacco may be summed up in a very few
words : attentive observation of the rules laid down by English experi¬
mentalists, rather than attempting to follow the customs of other
nations, which are frequently impossible or undesirable in this country ;
.and the exercise of daily observation, which will often suggest some
improved system of procedure.

“ I am favoured with the following report of analysis — so far as
-completed — of Messrs. Carters’ Tobacco, now being conducted by Dr.
Bell, at the Laboratory, Inland Revenue, Somerset House, but which
was not perfected at the time of going to press.

Virginia (partly cured).

Per cent.

N cotine . 42

A»h . 21-7

Nearly a maximum.

/■i Ini a' ted Virginian Tobacco the average

Per cent.

Nicoiine . S

Ash . 18

“ I have compiled the approximate cost of cultivating an acre of
Tobacco as follows : —

£ b. d.

BeDt of land and building*, including rates, tithes, and taxes, at

60s. per acre . 8 0 0

Three ploughing*, at lOe. par acre each time . 1 10 0

Two harrow ings, at Is. per acre each time . 0 2 0

Nine loads farmyard manure delivered on land . 2 8 0

Spreading farmyard manure . 0 1 S

3 owt. Peruvian gu *uo at £12 per ton . 1 16 0

5000 plants at about 15s. per 1000 . 8 15 0

Planting ditto — o te man one dty, 3s. 2d. ; one boy one day, Is. 3d . 0 4 5

Two horse-hoeing* at Sa. per acre each time . 0 6 0

Manual labour, hilling and aide-hoeing twice over at 7a. per acre

each time . 0 It 0

Pruning, topping, aud Buckoring at 8j. per acre . 0 8 0

Cutting at 5a. per acre, carting to barn and hanging at 12s . 0 17 0

Firing, two loads wa-te hard wood to be found on the farm (charge

for labour only) . 8 16 0

Man’s time curing and attending. Ac., t.'O weeks at 15b . 1 10 0

Stripping, sorting, bulking, and packing, soy 3200 lbs. at 6?. per 100 lbs. 8 0 0

£25 7 8

A ’id assuming this to be the cost, anti that the produce is sold at not
less than Id. per lb., Messrs. Carters’ experiments work out a nett profit
of from £10 to £21 per acre. The eighteen balance sheets from which
I derive this information will be found fully set out in a book on
English Tobacco culture which I have compiled, and shall shortly
publish, and which Her Majesty the Queen has graciously commanded
me to dedicate to her.

“ The concluding words iof an interesting paper, written by an
American, upon the subject of Tobacco, will fitly conclude the remarks
I have had the honour to make to you to-night : —

“ ‘ If you have not a large stock of patience and perseverance, with
a will to learn and a resolution to keep trying until you succeed, you
have missed your calling, and had better try something else, for there
is no royal road to success in Tobacco raising. But if you possess the
true essentials, have the true and lasting pluck, you will succeed soon

or late, and, what is better, reap a full reward for honest, faithful
toil.’ ”

[Those who wish to possess full details of Tobacco culture and
preparation in England should procure Mr. Beale’s beautifully finished,
admirably illustrated, and exhaustive work, a copy of which we have
just received. It is dedicated to the Queen and published by E. Mirl-
borough & Co., Old Bailey, London, E.C.]

GTAPES.

Your able correspondent, Mr. W. Taylor, called attention a few weeks
ago to the fact that in growing Grapes for market appearance was
everything. This is most strikingly borne out by the remarks of a
correspondent in a contemporary lately. He has been visiting a large
market-growing establishment and gathering a few facts about the
different varieties of Grapes grown there for sale. Out of about eight
of our leading varieties of Grapes we find Gros Maroc heading the list ;
but what strikes one more forcibly is the statement that “ it is worth
as much again as the Black Hamburgh, and is ready at the same time.”
To those who are well acquainted with the flavour of the varieties in
question the statement at first sight seems almost incredible when we
think the public should choose to pay so much more money for an article
considerably inferior in quality, but which is a little more taking in
appearance, but I suppose carries and keeps better. However, so much
the better for the market grower, for no doubt a much heavier crop may
be brought to perfection on a Vine of this variety than on the Black
Hamburgh. Although this variety seems to find so much favour with
some growers, we find it is not generally the case. A large grower who
has given it a fair trial has, we believe, almost discarded it in favour of
Gros Colman, principally on account of its non-keeping properties.

Alnwick Seedling is another fine-looking Grape which also finds favour
in the establishment referred to ; it is said to keep fairly well into
April, and the flavour also is described as very superior. I must say
that this is quite contrary to my experience with this variety, for last
year, in spite of every effort, I failed to keep it until November, and at its
best the flavour was only very moderate indeed. In fact, if it had not
appearance and the fact of its being an easy Grape to grow to recom¬
mend it, I scarcely know who would grow it in a private establishment.
Buckland Sweetwater is again praised on account of its fine appearance,
but the writer admits that its quality does not improve by keeping. To
those who intend planting vineries and want a useful and sure variety
as a companion to the Black Hamburgh, I would say plant Foster’s
Seedling ; it has a robust constitution, is a good cropper, of sweet re¬
freshing flavour, which improves with keeping. “ The Duke ” I have not
yet had sufficient experience with to be able to recommend it. I have
it grafted on Muscat of Alexandria, also Black Hamburgh, as well on
its own roots.

Gros Colman in the establishment above referred to, as elsewhere,
finds more favour than any other Grape ; it seems to possess one feature
that almost no other black Grape does — i.e., it continues to improve in
colour almost as long as it hangs upon the Vine. We know an excel¬
lent grower who year after year has enormous crops of this Grape on
his Vines ; and to look at them any time during the months of
September or October one would almost venture to predict that they
would never be any blacker, but by Christmas time (when good prices are
made) they are really very passable both in colour and flavour. It is
said to colour well grafted on the Muscat of Alexandria. The flavour
also is said to be much improved when inarched on this variety, a state¬
ment which Grape growers will be'quite willing as a body to believe. I
have a young Vine inarched to a strong branch of the Muscat, and from
which I cannot doubt it receives much support, but I do not think the
flavour in this case has been improved in the least. Anything which
could be done in the way of improving the flavour of this variety ought,

I am sure, to be taken up with spirit by all gentlemen’s gardeners.

Our friend, Mr. Stephen Castle’s experience, given on page 62, seems
to be quite unique. There must be something either in his soil or treat¬
ment which suits Alnwick Seedling much better than ours does ; and in
this, as well as in the assertion that it is not generally a good-keeping
Grape, I know I shall be supported by first-class growers. In fact, w.th
ours this last season, being compelled to use them before the Hamburghs
were over, because they would not keep, I was almost at a loss to know
what to do. Had the last named been finished the case would have been
different. The very cold dull season may have had something to do
with it, but Hamburghs grown alongside of it were good in every re¬
spect. They were all quite ripe by the middle of September or earlier ;
therefore, I should think that soil, climate, Ac., would have much to do
with it. In appearance it is simply first rate, and does well to point out
to visitors. I have not yet grafted this variety on the Hamburgh, but
will do so this season, as I suspect that this is the agent which has
served to give it such a high place in your correspondent’s .estimation.
Perhaps he will say if what he has grown and what he praises so much
are on their own roots. I for one shall be much interested in the
Editor’s verdict respecting his Alicantes and Mr. Taylor’s Black Ham¬
burghs next September. If the theory respecting the flavour of Alicante
in the month of September become generally established, I am sure
that there will soon be many more Vines of that variety planted than
exist at the present, for undoubtedly it is a grand Grape in every way
were it not for its watery flavour. Ours were coloured the second week
in September, and have kept plump and good until the present, but still
there is nothing like the flavour of a ripe Hamburgh. — Wm. Jenkins,
Aldin Grange, Durham.

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

191

The South Kensington Exhibition Grounds. — The Ken¬
sington Vestry have petitioned the Queen, praying Her Majesty not
to grant the supplementary charter applied for by the Albert Hall Cor¬
poration enabling the applicants to acquire land at South Kensington
belonging to the Royal Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851, and
the conservatory and other buildings thereon.

- The Futuke of the Crystal Palace. — The Provisional

Committee appointed a short time ago in connection with the affairs of
the Crystal Palace have taken steps towards the formation of a National
Committee composed of noblemen and gentlemen, whose object shall be
to maintain the Palace as a national institution. It is proposed to pur¬
chase the property and make it a People’s Palace, and it will be the
function of the new Committee to accomplish this by means of an
extended public subscription, of the success of which the friends of the
movement are sanguine.

- Rose Shows. — Mr. Edward Mawley, Rosebank, Berkliampstead’

Herts, will be obliged if secretaries of Rose and other horticultural
societies where liberal prizes are offered for Roses, will send him the
dates of their shows as soon as they have been definitely arranged. In
addition to the fixtures published on page 170 last week, the following
are received Richmond, June 29th; Hitchin and Winchester, July
7th ; Harleston and Birmingham, July 14th. The North Lonsdale Rose
Society, which is affiliated to the N.R.S., will hold its annual show at
Ulverstone on the 22nd July, and not on the 15th as previously
announced.

- Just as we are preparing for press letters have arrived re¬
specting the proposed Gardeners’ Orphanage, which it is impossible
to insert this week.

- Amaryllises at Chelsea. — The display of these gorgeous

flowers in the nursery of Messrs. James Veitch A Sons promises to be
highly] imposing. About 1800 plants are now advancing rapidly, the
flower stems being of great substance and the foliage pushing freely at
the same time. A few flowers are open, and numbers of buds swelling
and in the course of ten days or a fortnight one of the richest floral
spectacles of the year will be afforded to visitors.

- Liverpool Horticultural Association. — On Saturday

evening, the 5th inst., Mr. F. Harrison, gardener to the Earl of Derby,
Knowsley Hall, Frcscot, read before the members of this Society an ex¬
cellent paper on “ Salads and their Culture.” Only a moderate discus¬
sion followed, principally on the culture of Celery on ground deeply dug,
and surface planting r. opening out trenches on the ordinary principle.
The cause of the Tomato disease was also discussed by Messrs. Ranger
Bardney, R. W. Ker, Harrison, White (Chairman), and others. The
usual vote of thanks brought the meeting to a close. Mr. Harrison’s
paper will be printed in our columns as soon as space permits.

- We extract the following note on the Infringement of

Copyright from an evening contemporary : — “ Mr. Marten, Q.C., moved
before Mr. Justice Kay, sitting in the Chancery Division, for an injunc¬
tion in the action of ‘ Bowles v. Robinson,’ to restrain the defendant
from copying into his journal certain copyright articles which had ap.
peared from time to time in the plaintiff's journal. The plaintiff is the
proprietor of a journal or magazine entitled The Lady, and the defendant
is the proprietor of the Home and Farm. A list of fifty special articles
which had appeared in The Lady were re-publislied entirely or only
slightly altered in Home and harm. The defendant, for whom Mr. Far.
well appeared, said he received the articles as original from one of his
oldest contributors, and he believed them to be original when he ac¬
cepted them. The defendant now apologised, and would submit to a
perpetual injunction and pay costs. Mr. Marten asked for an inquiry as
to damages, to which the defendant also consented. His Lordship made
an order for a perpetual injunction against the defendant, with costs up
o the present, but reserved the costs of the inquiry.”

- We have received the prize schedule of the Birmingham Rose

Show, which is announced to be held in the Gardens, Edgbaston, on
Thursday and Friday, July 14th and 15th, so that it seems two-days
Rose Shows that are so unpopular with many rosarians are not quite
extinct. The prizes range from £5 to 10s. Mr. Hugh Nettlefold is the
Honorary Secretary.

- Mr. Hartland sends us from Temple Hill, Cork, flowers of

the early Double Daffodil Rip Van Winkle. In the fashionable
parlance of the day t 'is would be described as an artist’s flower. The
corolla and perianth segments are so much divided that they represent
a conglomerate mass of pointed florets. The colour is deep yellow,
suffused with green. This form appears about as dissimilar from
ordinary Daffodils as Japanese Chrysanthemums are from incurved
blooms.

- The preparation of the American Exhibition at West

Kensington is proceeding rapidly, and the ornamental grounds, under
the charge of Mr. W. Goldring, are advancing satisfactorily. This portion of
the Exhibition is likely to be a very interesting one to horticulturists, as
a large number of the most handsome and characteristic American plants
will be represented, and the general design appears to have been very
carefully considered.

- Zonal Pelargonium Constance. — Mi. D. Thomson writes

from Drumlanrig : — “ Several of your correspondents have recently been
giving excellent directions for the management of these most useful
Pelargoniums for winter flowering. In the excellent lists that have
been appended to the respective remarks I have not noticed Constance
named, and as I have grown it for many years, and consider it the best
pink variety I have ever seen, I take this opportunity of recommending
it. It is, in fact, a perpetual bloomer, and I have had plants of it that
have been crowded with large and handsome trusses for eighteen months
without intermission. It has the good quality of not “ drawing ” and
becoming “ leggy ” in heat during winter. The colour is a fine rosy
pink, trusses large and produced in great abundance ; altogether Con¬
stance is a splendid variety.”

- At the fortnightly meeting of the Birmingham Gardeners'

Society, held on the 2nd inst., Mr. C. H. Herbert, the foreman plant
grower at Mr. Hans Niemand’s Nursery, Birmingham, read a well
thought-out paper on “ Two of the Most Useful Winter-flowering
Plants,” and selected the Cyclamen and the Bouvardia, giving the early
history of both plants, with full details as to cultivation. In reply to
a question from one of the members as to the most desirable varieties
of Bouvardias to grow, Mr. Herbert recommended : — Whites — Vreelandi
and Ilumboldti Corymbi flora ; Pinks — Priory Beauty and Queen of
Roses ; Scarlet — Elegans ; Yellow — Flavescens. Doubles — Alfred Nie¬
mann, white ; President Garfield, pink ; and Sang Loraine, vermilion.
There was a large attendance of members, and a good discussion
followed.

- Mr. Goodacre communicates the following note on Curled

and Plain Parsley : — “ Parsley is one of those important essentials
of everyday life that the kitchen must have a daily supply. I never
remember such a difficulty to do this as it has been this season. I do
not think we have been less diligent in its culture, but I blame myself
for indulging in these ‘ extra fine curled ’ strains, which I think are not
so hardy as the plainer leaved common sort is. The autumn was extra
fine very late, and up to December we had Parsley 18 inches high with
leaves almost as broad, with roots as fine as Parsnips, but on the
approach of severe weather this melted away root and leaf as if it had
been boiled, and I find the roots of the protected are now quite rotten,
whereas the old plainer-leaved sort is quite sound both top and bottom.
Is this the general state of the Parsley crop ?”

- The February number of the Bulletin of Miscellaneous

Information, issued from the Royal Gardens, Ivew, gives some par¬
ticulars respecting the Cape Boxwood, Buxus Macowani, a recent dis¬
covery, the first representative of the genus found in South Africa. It is
thought that the wood will bi a useful substitute for true Boxwood for
engravers, but one report does not speak very favourably of it for that
purpose. The remaining portion of this issue is devoted to some corre¬
spondence respecting the “Industries at Mauritius,” in which s : viral
valuable suggestions are made as to the plants that could be profitably
cultivated there. A memorandum by Mr. D. Morris is founded upon an

192

t Maroh 10, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

exhaustive report received from Mr. Horne, and which has been forwarded
to the Colonial Office.

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the following Summary of

Meteorological Observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop,
Notts, for February, 1887 : — Mean temperature of month, 38-5° ;
maximum on the 27th, 55-(i° minimum on the 9th, 206°. Maximum in
the sun on the 28th, 103-8° ; minimum on the grass on the 9th, 13-3°.
Mean temperature of air at 9 A.M., 36’8°. Mean temperature of soil
1 foot deep, 37-5°. Nights below 32° — in shade nineteen, on grass twenty-
three. Sunshine — total duration in month, 103 hours, or 38 per cent, of
possible duration. The brightest day was the 27th, and we had five sunless
days. Total rainfall, 62 inches. Rain fell on eight days. Wind —
average velocity, 10-5 miles per hour. Velocity exceeded 400 miles on
six days, and fell short of 100 miles on three days. Approximate
averages for February. — Mean temperature, 40’2°. Rainfall, l'G3 inch.
Sunshine (six years) 50-7 hours. A very fine dry month, frosty morn¬
ings, and fine bright days ; very small rainfall, and a considerable excess
of sunshine.

- The last monthly meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society’ was held as usual on Wednesday evening, at the Institution of
Civil Engineers, 25, Great George St., Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., President, in
the chair. Mr. E. T. Edwards, Mr. D. Fitzgerald, C.E., Mr. T. B. Groves>
F.C.S., and Mr. W. W. Midgley were elected Fellows of the Society )
The adjourned discussion on the Hon. R. Abercromby’s paper “ On the
Identity of Cloud Forms all over the World, and on the General Prin¬
ciples by which their Indications must be Read,” was resumed, and the
following papers were read : — 1, “ Remarks Concerning the Nomencla¬
ture of Clouds for Ordinary Use,” by Professor H. H. HUdebrandson,
Hon.Mem.R.Met.Soe. 2, “ Suggestions for an International Nomencla¬
ture of Clouds,” by the Hon. R. Abercromby, F.R.Met.Soc. Both Prof-
Hildebrandson and Mr. Abercromby have paid great attention to the
question of the forms of clouds, and having recently conferred togethe1
they have agreed to recommend for international use the following ten
principal varieties— viz., high-level clouds: Cirrus, cirro-stratus, cirro-
cumulus. Middle-level : Strato-cirrus, cumulus-cirrus ; and low-level :
Cumulus, stratus, strato-cumulus, nimbus, cumulo-nimbus. 3, “ The
Influence of Weather on the Proportion of Carbonic Acid in the Air of
Plains and Mountains,” by Dr. W. Marcet, F.R.S., and Mons. A-
Landriset. The authors give an account of some experiments wli ch
they have made on the proportion of carbonic acid in the air at Geneva,
and on the summit of the “ Dole,” the highest point of the Jura chain,
the difference in altitude being 4193 feet. The results of these ex¬
periments show — 1, That in fine clear weather oh a mountain chain of
moderate Alpine altitude, and in the adjoining valley or plain, the
atmosphere holds the same mean proportion of carbonic acid at both
places ; and (2) that when the summit of a mountain chain is in a fog-
a circumstance which frequently happens in an Alpine district, the air
in the fog contains a smaller proportion of carbonic acid than it would
hold in fine clear weather. The Secretary, Dr. Tripe, read a letter
received from Sir F. Abel, organising Secretary to the proposed Imperial
Institute, inviting the Society to draw the attention of the Fellows to
the undertaking, with the view of their- contributing towards it. The
President stated that copies of the letter and of the accompanying
paper explanatory of the scheme would be forwarded to each Fellow.

- We have received the first number of a new French Horti¬
cultural Journal called “ Le Jardin.” It is the same size as the
Journal of Horticulture, but consists of only sixteen pages, and is illus¬
trated with woodcuts, which we recognise as having done duty on more
than one occasion. We should have preferred to have seen our new con¬
temporary start with more novelty and youthful vigour ; but periodical
gardening literature has not been very successful in France hitherto,
and we must therefore commend the caution displayed by the proprietor
till he has been satisfied as to the success of his undertaking. The list
of contributors is a very rich one and ought to contribute to the success
of the new paper. It contains many of the greatest cnltivators and
best horticultural writers in France, and is under the direction of the
well known M. Godefroy-Lebeuf of Argenteuil, near Paris. We wish it
eveiy success, and hope that the amateur French horticulturists, of
whom there must be an immense number, will awaken to a conscious¬
ness of the pleasure that can be derived from a perusal of such a publi¬
cation as this promises to be, for the articles arc well written and
practical.

- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society, to be "held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wed¬
nesday, the 16th instant, at 7 P.M., the following papers will be read : —
“Notes on Taking Meteorological Observations on Board Ship,” by Capt.
D. Wilson Barker, F.R.Met.Soc. ; “ Marine Temperature Observations,”
by Hugh Robert Mill, D.Se., F.R.S.E. After the reading of these papers
the meeting will be adjourned, in order to afford the Fellows and their
friends an opportunity of inspecting the Exhibition of Marine Meteoro¬
logical Instruments and Apparatus, and of such new instruments as have
been invented and first constructed since the last Exhibition.

- The monthly parcel of Messrs. Cassell & Co.’s Publica¬
tions contains Part 38 of “ The Encyclopaedic Dictionary,” pp. 65
to 128, having advanced to the word “ Harp,” in the same excellent
style as the earlier parts. Part 97 of “ Familiar Garden Flowers ” deals
with the Japanese ‘i Anemone j[and"single Dahlias, both illustrated with
coloured plates ; and Part 20 of Familiar Trees ” is occupied with the
Sycamore, from which, we extract i the following note: — “ The Syca¬
more. — This tree is essentially a native of central Europe, occurring
most abundantly in wooded, mountainous situations in Germany,
Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, in which last-mentioned country it
ascends on dry soils to an altitude ofi'nearly 3000 feet above sea level,
suffering but little from frost or snow. It will grow in any soil, hut
prefers dry and well drained ground to stiff clay or loam. It will grow
in exposed situations even on the seacoast, and owing to the stiff
angular mode of growth of its branches giving it an exceptionally
strong ‘ spray,’ as it is technically termed, few trees are better adapted
to act as a shelter from the winds in spots. Even when the winds blow
strongly in one direction for nine months out of the twelve the Syca¬
more will retain its symmetrical outline, its head not leaning more to
one side than another. It propagates itself 'rapidly by seed, which is»
as pointed out _by Professor Thomas Martyn, an -argument against its
being indigenous in this country, since in that case it would have been
more widely disseminated^ than it is. All our early writers, indeed
speak of the Sycamore as a cultivated species, from Turner in 1551, and
Gerard in 1597, to Parkinson and Ray, several] of these authors alluding
to its value in avenues and walks on account of its shade. It is a tree
of rapid growth, reaching a good height in a short time. Trees ten years
old are recorded as reaching 25 or 28 feet in height, whilst the species
reaches its full growth of from 50 to 60 feet at an age of as many
years. The tree requires, however, to be eighty or a hundred years old
before its timber arrives at perfection, and .the ordinary longevity of the
species is stated at from 140 to 200 years, though several cases of greater
age are on record.

P2EONIES.

Great improvement has been effected during the past few years
with these plants, until they now rival the Rose in beauty and
delicacy of colour, while their fragrance is delicious. By some the
large beautiful flowers of the Paeony are preferred to the Rose, but
I think the Rose amongst hardy plants stands first in the estimation
of the public, and I unhesitatingly place the Pseony second.

The display of Paeonies at the Royal Horticultural Society’s
great show, held in Wavertree Park, Liverpool, were indeed worth
seeing. No other feature of the great show was more beautiful, or
attracted greater attention. Pfconies are not so popular as they
ought to be, simply because they have not been generally exhibited
in good condition and in sufficient numbers to bring them before
the public. They are certain to become one of the most highly
esteemed class of plants in cultivation for their easy culture and
lasting properties. Managers of exhibitions would do well to bear
Pieonies in mind when arranging schedules for the year. Provision
is often made for Dahlias when the exhibitions are held too early
to have them in good condition. Why not devote these classes to
the charming flowers that Pseonies produce, and allow the Dahlias
to be shown in their season later in the year ? No flowers could
add greater attraction to an exhibition than these, if arranged in
sixes, twelves, eighteens or twenty-fours ; in fact the same course
might be followed as with Roses, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, and
other similar flowers. In the open classes there would not be any
great difficulty in getting collections of seventy- two distinct varieties,
for there are at least one hundred or more now in cultivation ; but,
however, this question must be left to those who are appointed by
the committees of the various societies.

Apart from their adaptability for exhibition purposes, they are
invaluable where a large supply of choice flowers is required for
cutting, for they last a considerable time in water, especially if cut
before they are fully developed, for they will then expand their

1'arch 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

193

large delicate petals. If the flowers are cut in a young state they
travel well, no flowers better, or with less care in packing, and if
placed in water on arrival at their destination, they will continue
to develope, and last as long, or longer, than if they had been left
upon the plant. No collection of hardy plants, however choice,
can be considered complete without the Pteonies. A few, if only
half a dozen, should be included in all gardens.

It may be urged against these plants that, unlike the Rose, they
only flower once in the year, and their season is of short duration.
This is very true, but no one despises or discards the old Moss Rose
because it only flowers once, and then for a short time only. This
is no argument why the Pasony should not be planted. They are
noble stately plants when well developed, and are highly effective
early in the year. They are amongst the earliest of border plants
to appear above the ground, and the crimson foliage of the majority
is as beautiful as a bed of flowers. When massed together the
effect of the foliage early in the season is grand. They are much
more ornamental than many other plants that are grown for the
purpose.

Objection may be urged against them for mixed borders because
they occupy a large amount of room, and their foliage begins to
present a shabby appearance by the time many other plants are
arriving at their best. But if we discarded all plants of this nature
we should lose from our beds and borders many valuable early
flowering plants which are as indispensable, or even more so, than
those that flower later in the year.

I certainly do not recommend a mixed border for them where
the dotting system is practised ; but if a better and more suitable
place cannot afforded, rather than be without them I should
certainly grow them under such circumstances. They are best in a
bed or border by themselves where their requirements, which are
few in number, can be attended to when occasion requires. They
must occupy an open sunny position, away from trees, the roots of
which would soon take possession of the bed and impoverish the
soil. They will grow and do fairly well near trees and in shrubbery
borders, but they develope more rapidly, and display greater beauty,
when grown in an open place by themselves.

Paeonies will flourish in any garden soil provided it has been
rendered fertile by the addition of plenty of manure. On shallow
light sandy soils they suffer considerably from drought if a little
special cultivation is not given them. The ground to commence
with should be deeply dug or trenched— if of such a nature to
allow of this being done — and liberally manured before planting ;
in fact they are worthy of as good a preparation as Roses. They
will thrive better on soil dug one spit deep that is moderately
heavy and retains moisture, than on light soil, even after trenching.

Planting is done in the autumn and spring ; {obtained in
pots they can be planted in open weather up till the middle of
April, or even later. My advice to purchasers is to obtain strong
plants to commence with, even if a trifle more has to be paid for
them. The plants should be placed in rows at least 2 feet 6 inches
apart each way. Care should be taken to select a place for them
where they will not need disturbing for some years at least. They
do best when left alone after planting, and therefore some im¬
portance must be attached to the position selected for them. These
plants are kept in good condition after they are once established by
a liberal dressing of manure annually, which can be forked into the
surface. If they are growing on light dry soil they are greatly
benefited by occasional supplies of liquid manure, and mulching to
assist in keeping the ground moist about the plants. When they
are grown together in a large bed or border they need very little
staking. When grown singly, the large heavy flowrers, if they
become wet, weigh the branches down, and staking becomes essen¬
tial. When grown together, a few stakes and a cord run round
the outside will be ample to keep them in their proper position.

The following is a selection of thirty of the best varieties.
Light varieties, which, to my taste, are most lovely, predominate.
Alba superbissimus, sulphur i white; Alice Julvecourt, blush
white flaked with crimson, very fine ; Madame Crousse, white ;
Camille Calcot, deep rose, sulphur centre ; Charles Gosselin, flesh ;
Comte de Nanteuil, rose salmon, reflexed ; Comte de Paris, rose
lilac, centre of petals yellow ; Duchesse d’Orleans, rosy lilac ;
Duehesse de Nemours, rose, salmon centre ; Due de Wellington,
very fine white ; Etendard du Grand Homme, large and double,
brilliant rosy purple ; Eugene Yerdier, fine, delicate flesh ; Festive,
white centre, bordered carmine ; Globosa, rosy lilac, buff centre ;
Grandiflora superba, lilac, centre salmon ; La Vestale, white, tinted
crimson, yellow centre ; Pottsi superba, purplish crimson ; Louis
Parmentier, light rose ; Delicomte Yerbitti, white, fine ; Souvenir
de Gaspard Calcot, deep pink ; Modeste Guereu, rose ; Magnifica.
flesh and carmine ; Madame Chaumy, rose, very double ; Lutea
plenissima, sulphur ; Splendida, delicate rose ; Grandiflora carnea,
blush white ; Albiflora anemonaeflora, magenta purple ; Tricolor
grandiflora, pale rose, centre creamy white, very distinct ; Whitley

fl.-pl., white, very double, and Yictor Lemoine, bright red.—
A Northerner.

THE LATE MR. JAMES VAIR,

I think that all those readers of the Journal of Horticulture who
had the pleasure of knowing the late Mr. J. Vair, will have felt deep
regret at his somewhat sudden death on the 24th ult. 1 hail the honour
of serving under him as plant foreman at Dangstein, from July, 1857, to
November, 1861. I always received great kindness at his hands, and
shall ever look back with pleasure to my association with him. He was
a most enthusiastic gardener, thoroughly devoted to his profession and
to the interests of his appreciative employers, by whom he was held in
the highest estimation. He was a first-class plant grower, and particu¬
larly excelled in the cultivation of Orchids, more especially those gems
of the vegetable creation, the genus Anoectochilus, the collection at
Dangstein being at that time one of the finest in the kingdom.

He was also an ardent admirer and cultivator of Filmy Ferns and
Sarracenias. Therare and curiously beautiful Lace or Lattice Leaf Plant,
Ouvirandra fenestralis, was one of his especial favourites, and which he
succeeded in bringing to very great perfection.

Although he was of a quiet and retiring disposition I well remember
the great pleasure it afforded him to show visitors through the noble
plant houses at Dangstein, and describe to them the various treasures
they contained. As, through the kindness and liberality of Mr. 11. H.,
and Lady Dorothy Nevill, the gardens were always open to visitors of
all classes, Mr. Vair became acquainted with many eminent and distin¬
guished persons.

After the death of Mr. Nevill Dangstein was sold, and the rare and
valuable collection of plants also. Mr. Vair, however, as stated last
week, continued in the service of Lady Dorothy Nevill at Stillyans
Tower, Sussex, till his death. An eminent gardener, a genial companion,
a warm-hearted and steadfast friend, he has gone to his rest, and I
cannot better conclude this notice of my old and much-respected friend
and master than in these words : —

“ He was a man take him for all in all,

I shall not look upon his like again.”

— Valter G. Gaiger, Burton Closes, Bakcivell.

EUCHARIS GRANDIFLORA.

This bulbous plant occupies, as it has done ever since its introduc¬
tion into this country some years ago, a foremost place in all collec¬
tions of choice plants. This is not to be wondered at, seeing that where
a goodly number of plants are grown it can be had in flower all through
the year by subjecting the plant to a judicious course of treatment.
There is no more manageable or accommodating flowering plant that I
am acquainted with than this. I have never experienced the slightest
difficulty in growing and flowering it to my satisfaction, and 1 have no
knowledge of the Eucharis mite other than that derived from the horti¬
cultural press and friends, whose plants are, or have been, affected wit h
that pest. But judging from the information thus 'acquired, together
with the appearance of a friend’s plants some time after 1 had given him
several pots of clean strongly growing bulbs, I am fully convinced
that in many cases it is the treatment which brings about the disease —
that is to say, if strong healthy plants to start with are kept in a low
temperature and saturated with water at the roots, disease is sure to
follow.

Over-potting, too, like over- watering, must be avoided if satisfactory
results are to be secured, and to achieve success it is not necessary to
repot the plants every year. Previous to the last potting, March 13th,
1885, our plants of Eucharises had not been disturbed at the roots for
four or five years, and during that, time we have had flowers more or less.
However, I think two years, or three at the most, are quite long enough
in a general way to allow the plants to remain in the same soil. At the
date indicated we potted our plants in a compost consisting of three
parts good fibry loam impregnated with iron, and one of pulverised cow
dung, charcoal, and lime rubble, with a dash of fresh soot, well mixed,
in well-drained pots, having a sprinkling of fresh soot immediately over
the crocks to prevent the ingress of worms, followed by a layer of
sphagnum moss.

In potting the bulbs, which had all the old soil shaken off their roots,
and were assorted at the time and kept close to the surface, the soil was
pressed moderately firm about the roots, which were placed in their
natural perpendicular position. The pots containing the bulbs so potted
were then stood on the centre bed of a small span-roofed plant stove,
underneath which are two hot-water pipes covered with coarse gravel,
with a couple of inches thick of fine on the top, and supplied with tepid
water to settle the soil about the roots, and the plants were afterwards
shaded from bright sunshine until root action hail taken place so as to
prevent the foliage while flabby being scorched. After this the plants
received no water excepting a sprinkling morning and afternoon when
the house was being damped with the syringe, until the roots had pushed,
which they did freely. Tepid liquid manure was afterwards given to
the roots, with the result that within four months from the time of
potting these plants had filled their pots with roots, and at the same
time developed plenty of large dark green leaves of firm texture, as well
as several spikes of well developed flowers. Water was then withheld
from the roots, when, after an interval of- a few weeks’ rest, most of the
bulbs sent up a flower spike, and then tepid liquid manure was again
given to the roots, continuing the application for two or three weeks
after the plants have done flowering, when water should be again with¬
held from the roots until ‘.lie flower spikes appear, when it will be again

194

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887

given. Thus treated plants of this beautiful Lily, which were in full flower
early in October last, have flowered again, and, as already stated, provided
there are sufficient plants for small batches to be operated on at short
intervals, a supply of Eucharis flowers may be had all the year by
giving the plants ordinary stove temperature. — W. H. W.

“CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE”— ANSWER

TO MR. GARNETT’S CRITIQUE.

( Continued f rom page 174)

Following Mr. Garnett’s notes on page 156, his experience relative
to the forming of the buds from the earliest stages quite coincides with
mine, excepting that the plants at Swanmore do not show so many
“ crown buds ” as they appear to do at Wakefield. If he reads page 60
of my work he will find I make mention of other buds — viz., one form¬
ing in July, which should, of course, be removed. Such plants, in my
experience, do not show any intermediate “ crowns,” but only one
“ crown bud,” which must be “ taken ” if it forms at about the date I
advised. Mr. Garnett is very full in his description of the “ crown bud ”
formation, but for all tha* he is not sufficiently clear and plain to that
class of growers which we have most in our minds — viz., “ beginners.”
He does not show them by any form how they are to determine “ if the
plant is in a ripe condition, the wood consolidated and stored with
elaborate secretions,” or whether “ the blooming propensity will pre¬
ponderate over the growing propensity or, on the other hand, he
throws not the slightest light how they are to know “ if the plant is
still grossly full of crude sap.” Without some other guide than these
“ scientific ” terms how are they to understand whether it will be a full
plump bud or a hen-and-chicken one ? He says it may be from over¬
feeding and other well known causes. (What are the well known
causes ?) Instructions far more simple than ail these are required to
enable beginners in the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum to produce
the high class blooms.

Referring to the third of the sections compiled, the varieties he
names are not a good criterion to set up ; for who would think of grow¬
ing such varieties nowadays with the hope of winning prizes in good
company (as I take it, the primary object of such cultivation in most
cases is the exhibition table) with James Salter, Henri Jacotot, or the
Beverleys among the incurved ? The latter are about the worst that
could be selected to represent that section. Such sorts should not be
set up as guides to cultivation of the highest class, and no other but the
highest order of merit will do nowadays. If these are the varieties Mr.
Garnett pins his faith to and sets them up as criterions and models of
his highest class flowers, that part of the public with even little ex¬
perience will readily decide what to expect from that quarter ; a poor
chance indeed would they stand in good company.

Some three or four years since many growers were led away with the
“ new departure ” (so to speak) system of Chrysenthemum culture for
best blooms — viz., cutting down the plants about the time which Mr.
Garnett names, which I take it as being of a high character to the
method he advocates for the varieties— namely, stopping in June.
What was the consequence ? Why, serious disappointment to those who
were expecting cut blooms of the highest class, and a quick return to the
older and much more successful method.

I did not say that the dwarf plants which produce the unaccountably
fine flowers which are sometimes to be had are dwarf through being
topped or broken through. Mr. Garnett infers that I do. I say that
sometimes they are produced when the plants are allowed to break
naturally, and still remain comparatively dwarf.

With regard to the topping of the varieties Eve and Mabel Ward,
which I advised, this has been practised a long time and by some of the
“ celebrated men of the North,” who adopted this plan successfully with
the first-named precarious kind quite eleven years since ; such also has
been my experience, although we have now discarded both. Varieties
which produce such small narrow petals do not carry as much weight
with good judges as do others with broader florets and of better forms,
unless they are presented in exceptional good condition, then they are
telling. My experience of these two kinds is that they constitutionally
differ from the general run of other sorts. Why, I know not.

Further on Mr. Garnett says, Yorkshire growers pin their faith on
the second “ crown ” on stopped plants. I ask, Where have these York¬
shire grown blooms been on view that we are asked to accept as con¬
clusive of Mr. Garnett’s advice ? I have not yet heard that they have
shone so very bright as to be taken as a standard of excellence. In an
argument one likes to have something substantial to fall back upon.

Again referring to the topping question, Mr. Garnett seems to infer
that I am in favour of topping the plants at 8 inches high, whereas I
quoted what some others practise, and I distinctly pointed out that
blooms produced from such plants are not always of the first class, as
they lack the two most important points — viz., depth and solidity ; and I
venture to say that persons who follow Mr. Garnett’s advice relating to
topping even the third section will find themselves a long way from the
front rank when November shows come round ; more particularly if they
depend upon such varieties as Henri Jacotot, James Salter, and the Bever¬
leys. No, Mr. Garnett, if you are going to teach growers to take leading
positions you must give them other materials to work with than such
varieties as above quoted. — E. Molyneux.

THE CULTURE OF ACHIMENES IN HANGING BASKETS.

On page 112 your able correspondent, “0. T.,” directed the atten¬
tion of readers of the Journal to the cultivation of the above named ;

and while I fully endorse all he states in favour of the cultivation of
Achimenes, I would point out that conservatories are usually kept cool
and airy to induce the various flowering plants to retain their beauty
as long as possible, and this at the time when, experience has taught
me, the Achimenes requires a much more humid atmosphere, and were
I to plant and attempt to grow them in such a house I should expect an
immediate check to the young plants, and ultimate failure. Then, in
what way can the baskets receive the abundance of water necessary,
often twice daily, without causing a great amouut of labour in drying up
water from the paths, so necessary to be kept clean and dry in conserva¬
tories ? The house in which your correspondent grows them so well
must of necessity be kept much warmer and have a more humid atmo¬
sphere than is generally found in the majority of conservatories close
to or attached to mansions.

Although Achimenes are not grown in large numbers here, I was
some few years ago responsible for the successful growing and flowering
of these lovely plants in large numbers of eleven varieties for conserva¬
tory and house decoration, and for both purposes they are most valuable.
The mode of culture pursued I will briefly detail. During the month of
February the tubers were removed from their winter quarters to the
potting shed, shaken out from the soil in which they had ripened, grown,
and flowered the previous year. After sufficient of the best tubers
had been selected they were at once placed in boxes and pans prepared
for them, and started in an ordinary stove temperature upon any avail¬
able shelves. An early vinery is a good place for them, and in cases
where Vines are forced early the temperature will at this time be very
little lower than that of a stove. Plenty of light after growth com¬
mences is very essential, for if drawn while in the seedling pans they
are partially spoilt for the whole season.

When large enough to handle is the time to transplant them into
baskets, pans, and pots according to the requirements of the grower ;
and where the potting shed is, as they are generally found to be, con¬
nected with fruit and plant houses, that is the place for planting opera¬
tions ; and for baskets suspend one at a time from the roof of the shed
within easy reach of the potting bench and soil to be used, then let a
man or boy steady the basket while the young plants are being trans¬
ferred by a careful hand who has done, or at least assisted in the same
work before. As each basket is filled have them removed to an early
vinery and temporarily suspended by the side of the path, and as the
young plants will be benefited with a little shade for a few days the
foliage of the Vines will answer their wants. Syringe them freely two
or three times daily until growth commences again, when they may
be watered, and from this time never allow them to become dry until
the end of the flowering season. Five or six days is generally long
enough for them to remain under the shade of Vines, after which they
must be moved and suspended in stoves or plant houses, where the
temperature is not less than 60°. Pots and pans are treated the same
as baskets with one exception, that of being suspended. Liquid manure
in small quantities is beneficial to them until they commence flowering,
but not after, and when at this stage is soon enough to remove them to
the conservatory, after which they will gradually take water in less
quantities. The compost advised by your correspondent on page 113
is just what l have found to suit them. — A. Waters.

PRESERVING HARDY FLOWERS FROM SLUGS.

This is the time of the year that outdoor flowers are most welcome,
and as a rule most liable to the ravages of slugs. My borders are filled
with Anemones in variety, Narcissi an almost complete collection,
Snowdrops in variety, more than a dozen variety of Croci, including
Carter’s Seedlings, with Tulips, Hyacinths, Ac., all of which are now
either blooming or preparing to do so. For many years it has been
quite vexatious to be watching some rather rare Narcissus, curious-
flamed or feathered Crocus, or some Anemone rather shy in blooming,
to come out in the morning before they opened to welcome the sun —
they only fully expand under his genial influence — to find it cut across,
or half the bloom eaten through, or otherwise mutilated. I am not sure
that Job himself would have preserved his equanimity under the circum¬
stances. To make matters more difficult, in so far as trying any
remedy to get rid of the slug nuisance, all my beds and borders are
edged with Box, chiefly on account of its tidy and trim appearance and
the ease with which it can be kept so. I have tried various expedients,
from dissection when they emerged from their lairs after a soft shower
to tempting them with bran, Lettuce leaves, Ac., fresh lime, and so on,
without seeming to sensibly diminish their numbers or depredations.

This year, about a month ago, just when the first Croci and Snow¬
drops began to appear, I resolved to try yet another “ remedy ” — tills
time fresh soot. It must be remembered this word I have underlined,
“fresh,” makes all the difference. You may have soot lying aside in a
damp place for some time ; spread that over your border and the slugs
will be gaily parading over it at your next visit. Every time you
require to apply a dose — and so far I have had only to do so the once —
get it direct for the purpose from the chimney or some convenient
accessible flue. If got in this thoroughly dry pungent state it will kill
and effectually banish all insect and creeping enemies of your flower
blooms it comes in contact with ; for it must be remembered those
depredators will never feed on the liage so long as the flowers are
within reach. If it can be applied underneath the leaves and without
soiling the blooms so much the better, as they may be required for
ind ior decoration, but I avoided this difficulty by applying it a month
ago before the blooms emerged. Although rain has fallen several

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

195

times I see no sign of them ; if I did I would renew it again. It must
be remembered, too, that it is in limited quantities a capital manure
for bulbs, and gives the foliage a dark glossy hue. — W. J. Muephy,
Clonmel. _ _

NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS MINIMUS.

During the past fortnight we have had this charming miniature
Daffodil in flower, and it has proved so useful in the greenhouse that wc
intend growing more of it another season. In sheltered positions out of
doors, as, for instance, at the base of rockeries or in little nooks, it is
also flowering freely, and forms some pretty clumps near the Snowdrops.
At Kew it is in excellent condition just now, together with several Cor-
bularias, some of which have succeeded better outdoors than we have
seen them before. For the cool greenhouse or frame Narcissus minimus
appears to be well adapted, and the most effective mode of growing it is
to place a number of bulbs in a pan. Ours are in pans 6 inches in

diameter, about twenty bulbs each, and as nearly every one produces a
flower they form showy little specimens, the flowers coming brighter
and cleaner than they do in the outside borders. Moderately light sandy
loam, with good drainage, suits the plant, and it needs scarcely any at¬
tention beyond affording a due supply of water while the growth is being
made, and until the flowers fade.

It varies slightly in s'ze, but the bulb and flowers shown in the
illustration (fig. 35) are about the average ; from weak bulbs they come
smaller, and from extra strong ones in richer soil they come slightly
larger, but even in its largest form it is a most diminutive plant compared
with the other Daffodils of the N. Pseudo-Narcissus section. In height
the plants vary from 3 to 4£ inches, the leaves narrow, the flowers from
the tip of the corona to the base of the ovary rarely exceed 1 inch, and
the corona itself is barely half an inch long, both this and the perianth
divisions being of a bright yellow colour ; the corona is, however, rather
darker — almost orange-tinted. In regard to size of flowers there is an
astonishing range of variation in Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, and similar
as they are in form it would seem scarcely possible to anyone un¬
acquainted with the facts that the giant varieties, like major and maxi-
mus, could belong to the same species as minimus. By the way, have
any of your Daffodil-growing readers ever tried raising this variety from

seed, or by growing it in richer soil to test how much the flowers and'
general stature can be enlarged ? We are trying to procure some seed
this year, with the intention of experimenting in that direction. —
R., Merton.

THE IXORA.

[A. paper read by Mr. A. R. Cox, Elm Hall Gardens. Wavertree, before the Liverpool
Horticultural Association.!

The Ixora is named after an Eastern heathen god, Iswara, to
which its flowers are offered. It is native of various tropical
countries, while to the art of the hybridist we owe the origin of
many valuable varieties. It is a stove evergreen shrub of great
beauty ; for brilliancy and richness of effect surpassed by none of
the many occupants of our glass structures ; indeed it is questionable
if it could not claim the proud title of king of all stove flowering
plants. Its utility, too is great, for few plants are more constantly
in flower, which are much valued in a cut state, while small or
medium-sized plants are useful for decoration. Perhaps, however,,
the greastest merit of all in the Ixora is its value as an exhibition
plant. No collection of stove and greenhouse p’ants in competition
is complete without it, its colour being especially want 3d ; while a
large healthy bush, well flowered, is bound to find ravour with the
judges.

PROPAGATION.

This is best effected by means of cuttings, which may be inserted
at any time during the year, providing the necessary accommodation
be at command. Perhaps, however, the best time to propagate is
during the month of February, as the young plants will then have
the whole of the growing season in which to form the basis of good
healthy plants. Cuttings strike very freely in an ordinary close
propagating pit, in which has been placed a layer of sawdust to the
depth of 4 or 5 inches, and a command of bottom heat ranging
from 65° to 90°. The selection of growths for the formation of
cuttings may be a matter of opinion, but I prefer strong healthy
shoots of the previous year’s growth cut into short lengths with
two pairs of leaves each, the bottom pair to be removed without
injury to the eyes at their axils, which in due time may push then-
way through the soil in the form of “suckers,” and prove service¬
able in the formation of the plant. The cuttings should be made
firm in the sawdust, and watered through a fine rose with water
heated to 90°. Probably in from three to six weeks, according to
the amount of heat to which they have been subjected, the cuttings-
will be well rooted and ready for removal to their first pot, the size
of which should not exceed 3| inches.

The pots should be washed thoroughly clean and the drainage
done in a systematic manner. This operation I consider of the
greatest importance, as the Ixora, being a water-loving plant, espe¬
cially in the more active stages of its growth, provision must be
made to prevent any stagnation, which would obviously prove fatal
to its well-being. I fear cultivators, as a rule, do not attach suffi¬
cient importance to the drainage of pots, it too often being left to
an inexperienced youth without giving the necessary particulars.
The best drainage is potsherds, which also should be washed
thoroughly clean, and, together with the pots, allowed to become
quite dry before being used. Commence by selecting a rounded
piece of crock and placing it bridge-like over the hole of the pot
secure this in its place by putting other pieces sufficiently large to
closely fill the intervening space. Over this place a layer consider¬
ably smaller, and again another smaller still ; finally, a layer of
charcoal, free from dust, but small enough to fill in every crevice,
so that a particle of soil cannot penetrate and thus cause stagnation.
This careful system of drainage holds good in all cases, but more
especially is it to be urged in the case of large pots for the reception
of specimen plants which may have to remain undisturbed for
several years. The depth of drainage must, of course, be regulated
according to the size of pot ; those 1 6 inches diameter should not
receive less than 4j inches, and the smaller sizes in proportion.

SOIL.

The next consideration is the nature of the soil best suited for
the requirements of the plants. I have known some growers use
all loam, others peat and loam in equal parts, and in the last-named
compost I have seen the plants thrive fairly well ; but from close
observation I am strongly convinced the best soil for Ixoras is good
fibry peat freely intermixed with nodules of charcoal and clean
coarse silver sand, nothing further being needed. This should be
well incorporated, and heated to the same degree as the house in
which the plants are growing previous to use. The soil to be used
for the rooted cuttings may be passed through a moderately fine
sieve, and the charcoal broken very small. In the succeeding
pottings the use of the riddle should be dispensed with, and the
peat broken with the hand into pieces varying in size from that of

196 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I [ March id. 1887.

a. small nut for a 6-inch pot, to the size of an egg for those 16 inches
diameter, all particles of small soil to be avoided for use in pots
over 7 inches.

Previous to shifting the plants a layer of peat fibre should be
placed over the drainage, half fill the small pots with soil ; they
will then be ready for the reception of the young plants, the re¬
maining space to be filled to within a quarter of an inch of the top,
not pressing the soil too firmly. Great care must be exercised in
this operation, otherwise the very tender young roots will be
injured. Water the young plants with tepid water through a fine
rose, and return them to the propagating pit, which may be kept
closed until the roots have taken possession of the soil, after which
they should be gradually exposed to a more light and airy atmo-
spere, eventually removing them to a shelf or other favourable
position in the plant stove, or other house, where the heat and
atmospheric conditions are suited to their growth. Some writers
and cultivators of this plant strongly advocate plunging the pots in
tan, leaves, or other material where bottom heat is obtainable.
This may have its advantages, but I have had no experience of this
system, indeed.' all gardeners do not possess the convenience ; and
for the encouragement of those who are not, I may state the most
successful results may be obtained without it. For specimens in¬
tended for exhibition this practice should not be adopted, as the
check to the roots, on being exposed, would be so great as to cause
serious injury. As the young plants progress in growth and the
roots reach the side of the pots, they must from time to time be
shifted on into those two sizes larger, pressing the soil carefully and
firmly around the balls, taking particular care to leave plenty of
room on the top to hold copious supplies of water. Amateurs, and
many gardeners too, have a habit of filling their pots too full of
soil, in which case water has to be applied many times to penetrate
every particle of soil in the pot. The size of pot for the final shift
may be determined according to the requirements of the cultivator ;
those, however, from 16 to 18 inches in diameter will give ample
root space for the largest specimens.

STOPPING AND PRUNING.

When the young plants are established in the 6-inch pots, and
the growth has made satisfactory progress, they must be stopped to
induce the formation of more “ breaks,” by which the foundation
of the plant must become established. This operation may have
to be repeated after the young growths have perfected another pair
of leaves, the object being to secure six shoots of equal strength as
near the base as possible. These should be staked out and en¬
couraged to grow strongly until they have attained a length of
12 inches, when the tops should be pinched out and the growths
brought down to an almost horizontal position. This will cause
numerous “ breaks ” to push from the base and other parts of the
plant ; indeed, from this point all stopping of growths •with the
object of building up specimen plants may be dispensed with. It
has often been a matter of surprise to me why the orthodox
practice of constantly “ pinching ” young plants should be so per¬
sistently followed. I am quite convinced the quickest, if not the
best way, of growing a plant for exhibition, is by letting Nature
have more of her freedom. Why remove that which it is the object
to obtain ? I have repeatedly noticed, after a plant has been stiffly
trained for exhibition, how checking the sap to the outer parts of
the branches causes vigorous shoots to push from the inner, and
consequently more ripened portions of the plant ; thus, not only
are the extreme portions of the shoots preserved, but the strong
young laterals added, which causes that density of bush, without
which a good even mass of bloom cannot be obtained.

The question will naturally be asked, “ Surely this system of
extension cannot be always followed ? ” No ; certainly not ; neither
is is desirable, because when the plants have attained the dimensions
suited to the wants of the cultivator, be they comparatively small,
or medium-sized plants in 8 or 10-inch pots for decoration, or for
furnishing cut flowers, oi large specimens for exhibition, an annual
pruning or shortening of the branches becomes absolutely necessary,
not only to keep them within a given space, but to create that
strength of growth which is so essential to the production of large
trusses of flowers. This operation may best be done according to
the time the plants are required to bloom ; for those intended for
decoration only it is immaterial, but for exhibition the case is
different. If they are required for early summer shows prune
during the month of September ; if for late summer and autumn,
January and I ebruary will be found sufficiently early. Always
prune to a healthy-looking joint, from which two good growths are
pretty sure to proceed. It may here be mentioned that immediately
after the plants have commenced growth, and providing they have
been in the same pots from two to three years, a repotting may be
found necessary. Turn the plants out of their pots, and with a
pointed stick remove about half the old soil. This must be done

with extreme care, otherwise the crisp tender roots will be injured.
They should be returned to the same sized pots, or larger if thought
desirable.

(To be continued.)

CULTURE OF THE FANCY PELARGONIUM.

Fancy Pelargoniums must not be confounded with the Show
Pelargoniums, which have larger flowers and are stronger in growth
than Fancy varieties. These are more profuse in blooming, the
flowers smaller, but very neat and pretty. They are also more
tender in growth than the large-flowering, and require a lighter soil.
Small plants are very effective and are grown from cuttings, but
when large specimens are required they are generally grafted on a
strong-growing Show variety. Grafting should be performed after
the plants have finished flowering. The plants selected for the stock
must be what is termed a half-specimen, which has been tied down
so as to form a good framework. The shoots must be pruned after
flowering to well-ripened wood, and the grafts, which must be well
ripened, should be placed equally over the plant, so as to form a
symmetrical head. The stock and scion must be tied neatly and
closely together with soft matiing and covered with damp moss.
The plants should be placed behind a north wall or in a shaded pit until
united. I have seen beautiful plants formed the following season
after the operation.

The culture of the Fancy Pelargonium differs from that of the
Show varieties in the former not being pruned hard back after flower¬
ing to such an extent. The shoots should be thinned out to prevent
crowding, and partially cut back. Propagation may be carried out
at any time from May until the plants have finished flowering.
Before blooming there are often two or three or more short-jointed
cuttings 2 or 3 inches in length about the base of the plant, which
may be removed without detriment. These should be inserted singly
in thumb pots, the compost consisting of equal parts of leaf soil,
loam, and sand. Insert the cuttings singly in thumb pots and give
a good watering, and place them in a close greenhouse or pit, when
if kept carefully watered and shaded from bright sun they will soon
form roots. These small plants must be placed cioso to the glass, and
if possible be stood on a cool base. After the cuttings have grown an
inch or so the points will probably require to be taken out so as to
make the plants bushy. One more stopping after this will probably
be sufficient so a3 to form a bushy plant.

After the cuttings are fairly rooted transfer them to 3-inch pots,
the soil consisting of two parts turfy loam, and one part each of peat,
leaf soil, and well pulverised horse manure, with a good sprinkling of
sharp silver, river, or sea sand. The best position will be in a well-
ventilated light plant pit close to the glass. When the plants become
fairly rooted in these pots repot into 5-inch, or what is termed 48’s.
Pot firmly, water carefully, and fumigate occasionally to kill green
fiy. As the winter draws near be more sparing with the water; the
best position during the winter is a light, low, span-roofed house, or
a shelf in a large house. From the beginning of November until the
first week in February very little water will be required, just sufficient
to keep the plants from suffering. By the middle of February water
more freely, and after this time the soil must not be allowed to be¬
come dry. When the bloom buds appear weak liquid manure should
be applied at every alternate watering. If the above directions are
carried out good healthy plants will be the result. The following are
good varieties : — Atlantic, Silver Cloud, Miss Emily' Little, Countess
of Dudley, Pink of Perfection, Fanny' Gair, Duchess of Edinburgh,
Roi des Fantasies, Princess of Teck, Bridesmaid, Lord of the Isles,
and Mrs. Alfred Wigan. — A. Young. '

GLAZED WALL COVERS. ...

We take the illustration, fig. 36, from the copiously illustrated cata¬
logue of Messrs. Messenger & Co. of Loughborough as representative
of a protector for fruit trees on walls that would be of great service in
many gardens. This kind of glazed cover combines a “ house ” with a
tree protector, as its width of 6 feet at the base and 4 feet at the junc¬
tion of the upright sashes with the broad coping affords space for a
narrow path next the wall, and for dwarf fruit trees in pots on the
opposite side. We have seen much-prized crops of Strawberries in pots
in enclosures of this kind before the open air crops were ripe ; also a
profusion of Roses when they were particularly acceptable. In the
summer we have further seen bountiful crops of Tomatoes grown at
intervals along the front without the slightest prejudice to the trees on
the wall in the autumn. Such wide cases arc useful in the autumn
for Chrysanthemums ; and in winter for Christmas- Roses,, the latter
always being welcome for home decoration, and grown extensively and

March 10, 1887..]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

197

well for sale are profitable. In faet, the cost of these glazed wall
covers can soon be recouped, by good management, in the value of the
produce that may be raised with then’ sheltering aid.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

March 8th.

Camhlllas from Waltham Cross, Daffodils from several firms and
Orchids from amateurs, constituted the attraction at this meeting, and the
exhibits being arranged in the Conservatory were seen to much better
advantage than on the previous occasion.

Fruit Committer — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. Wm. Paul, W. Warren, T. J. Saltmarsh, J. Woodbridge, G. T. Mile?
S. Ford, J. Roberts, A. H. Pearson. W. Denning, T. B. Haywood, J. Fitt, j!
Smith, R. D. Blackmore, and P. Crowley. Mr. G. Ford, Leonardslee, was
awarded a bronze Banksian medal for nine dishes of Apples, remarkably
fresh and handsome samples. The varieties were Flower of Kent, large
and fine colour ; Hoary Morning, rich colour ; Adam’s Pearmain, Blenheim
Pippin, Cockle Pippin, Dr. Hogg, Golden Russet, Barcelona Pearmain, and
Sussex Bosom Apple. Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridge worth, sent
several dishes of Apples, Wagner, Mannington Pearmain, Lord Burghley,
Claygate Pearmain, Bailev’s Sweet, Buckingham, Duke of Devonshire
Baxter’s Pearmain, Boston Russet, Duke of Devonshire, and Allen’s Ever¬
lasting being well kept. Mr. W. Roupell, Harvey Lodge, Roupell Park, was
awarded a vote of thanks for well-kept samples of Melon Apples from trees

Mr. Bickerstaffe), exhibited a plant of Phaius tuberculo3us var. superbus,
the most beautiful example of this fine Orchid we have yet seen. The

vZT™WJ6J,alftei a tha“ U8Ual>. lheu sepa,s auJ petals P«re white, the lip
- n}ott1®;1 with reddish brown on a yellow ground on the side

lobes, purplish in the centre and margin, which is undulated, and has an
orange coloured crest with a white irregular band bitween it and the
A cultural commendation was awarded. From the same garden
^.“e,a fi,ne variety of Anthunum carneum, with bright rosy red spathe?,
6 inches long and as much in diameter. The Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen’
Lamorran, Cornwall, showed a well flowered plant of Dendrobium nobile
nearly J feet in diameter. De B. Crawshay, Esq Rosefield Sevenoaks’
(gardener, Mr Cooke), exhibited a little group o^Odontoglossum?, chiefly
O. Rossi varieties, O. Alexandras, 0. hebraicum, and O Wilckeanum A
plantof Cattleya Triame and Masdevallia Shuttleworthi, var. xanthocorys

Giln 80lJMn vd'i W. Vanner, Esq., Camden Wood, Chislehurst
(gardener, Mr Robins), sent flowers of Cattleya Triame Yauneriana, which
has a yellow stnps down each of the sepals. S. Courtauld, Esq., Booking
E1?0*’ B^ntree (gardener, Mr. Wnght), sent a fine plant of Cattleya
Triame Courtauldi, with numerous flowers, the lips very richly coloured,
also a fine panicle of Phalaenopsis Schilleriana.

Henry Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham (gardener, Mr. Hill), had
a group of over fifty plants of Lycaste Skinneri, bearing four to six flowers
each, and comprising some particularly handsome varieties. Especially note¬
worthy were Model, with beautifully formed flowers, pale pink sepals, while
petals and lip ; picturata, distinctly marked ; gloriosa, large and well-formed ;
marmorata, pink and white and marbled crimson in the petals ; and magnifica,
large and white lip, blue colour. A cultural commendation was awarded.

Fig. 86. — Glazed Wall Cover.

p'own out of doors. The variety is strongly recommended by Mr. Roupel
fOT cultivation in the neighbourhood of towns. Messrs. SaltmarBh & Sons
Lhelmsford showed fruits of a seedling Apple named Lord of the Manor, ;
conical yellow Apple _ with numerous russetty dots. The Committei
requested to see it again next year. Mr. Roberts, Charleville Forest, seni
samples or white Gris Colman Grape, apparently the same bunches as thost
shown before, but they were in such bad condition that the Committee coulc
express no opinion concerning them. Mr. B. Looker, Kingston-on-Thames
showed samples of the Patent Simplex Orchid Pot, in which the base if
moveable, and Messrs. Spear & Jackson, Cannon Street, sent samples of hor
ticultural tools. Messrs. J. Green & Nephew, 107, Queen Victoria Street
glasses Warded a ^anks for a sample of elegant flower vases anc

nr B'kOhAL Committee. — Present — G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, anc
JVllk8> J- DouglaB, J. Walker, H. Bennett, H. Herbst, G Duf-
neld, W. B. Lowe, J. Hudsoa, W. Holmes, B. Wynne, R. Dean, D. Noble, T
Tnm • P,1,lc!ler’ J- hominy, H. Ballantine, H. M. Pollett, A. J. Lendy
W xr meD.’rG‘ *’ Turner, W. Goldring, Shirley Hibberd, G. Paul, anc
nr. M. i. Masters.

Messrs.William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, had a remarkably handsome
aispjay of Camellias. About twenty specimens were in pots, healthy pyra-
luai plants, well clothed with foliage and flowers, a dozen boxes of cut
ooms being shown in addition. Some of the best varieties were C. M.
°vey, bright red ; Marchioness of Exeter, very large, rosy salmon, Ninfa
geria, Candidissima, and Alba plena, white ; Bealei, deep red ; Comte
mnHrijU ’ de icate pink; Rafia, bright red striped white; Princess
verfil . white, streaked red ; II Commendatore Betti, soft salmon red,
PR If ’ Avenir, beautiful shape, rose with a few white streaks ; Princess
rw t d ’ W“lte > Andrea Dorea, small but neat, and extremely bright red ;
lorio Be auty> white, with a tinge of pink, very beautiful : and Matbotiana,

nwfjiJP* ape,’, an<* a pne dark red eolour. A silver-gilt medal was
awarded for the collection.

ir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking (gardener,

Mr. Little also had a plant of Odontoglossum Littleanum, with a long
racime of flowers, yellow, spotted and blotched with brown, and Cattleyl
Trian* on a raft, a showy variety, and bearing over two dozen flowers
Mr. J. Fitt, Cassiobury, Watford, showed a plant of Dendrobium nobile
m a basket, about twenty growths being loaded with flowers. A cultural
commendation was awarded. He also had an Amaryllis named Lord Esher
very bright scarlet. B. D. Knox, Esq., Caversham, Reading (gardener, Mr.’
Laurence), had plants of Laelia anceps, Cattleya Trian®, and Odontoglossum
Alexandras. A vote of thanks was accorded.

Besides the plants certificated, Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, had a
pretty Fern, Lomaria gibba platyptera, a garden form, with handsome
pinnate fronds, the pinnie regularly undulated, and Amaryllis Iona white
with red streaks. Mr. Duncan Gilmour, jun., Sneflield, had a box’ of the’
Tea Rose, The Bride, of a soft sulphur tint, the blooms of excellent shape
very neat, especially in the bud state, aDd fragrant. A pan of Saxifraga
Burseriana was sent from the Society’s Garden, neat tuft? being studded
with its white flowers. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. F. W. Moore
Curator, Glasneven Botanic Gardens, for a collection of Lachenalias com¬
prising aurea, Nelsoni, tricolor, and orchioides. Messrs. Pope <fc Son’s, Bir¬
mingham, had a group of Primulas comprising four good new varieties
Victoria, blush ; The King, crimson ; Kingshorton Gem, purple ; and Ladv
R. Churchill, pale blush, nearly white; all are single varieties, and a vote of
thanks was accorded for them. Mr. F. Ross, Pendell Court Gardens, Bletch-
ingley, was awarded a vote of thanks for flowers of Thunberg'a Harrisi, a
species with pale violet or mauve-coloured flowers, and Acacia verticillata.
Messrs. Paul <fc Son, Cheshunt, had a pretty group of hardy bulbous
plants, Bulbocodium vernum being very pretty, Iris reticulata, Krelagei,
Cyclamens Coum and ibericum, Corbulaiia alba. Flowering specimens of
the purple leaved Primus Pissardi were shown by Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, and were much admired, the graceful white flowers having a
purplish centre and reddish peduncles. It flowers freely and was shown to
prove its value for forcing. Leucojum vernum, Saxifraga Burseriana, and
Scilla siberica, with plants of the new yellow hardy Saxifrage, S. Frederici

198

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887.

Augusta were also shown (vote of thanks'). Mr. J. James, Farnham Royal,
had a box of handsome richly coloured Cineraria blooms. Mr. W. Gordon,
Twickenham, was awarded a vote of thanks for a Camollia named Lady
Clancarty, something like a double white C. Sasanqua.

Mr. T. S. Ware. Tottenham, was adjudged a silver medal for a large and
choice collection of Daffodils with other flowers, such as Anemone fulgeus,
Lachenalias, Freesia refracta alba, the neat white Album neapolitanum, and
Iris reticulata varieties, with Sc:llas, Orchis longibrae’eata and papilionacea.
Messrs. H. Page it Sons, Teddington, were awarded bronze Banksian medal
fora group of well grown Cyclamens and a basket of Odontoglossume.
Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, W.C., were awarded a bronzi
Banksian medal for a choice selection of Daffodils, Iris reticulata, Snow¬
drops, and Anemone fulgens. Messrs. Collins Bros, dt Gabriel, 39, Waterloo
Road, contributed a beautiful collection cf Daffodils, Anemones, Chiono-
doxas, and Iris reticulata varieti-m, tastefully arranged in neat glasses. A
silver Banksian medal was awarded.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Rhododendron La Bede (J. Veitch it Sons). — A hybrid between R-
ciliatum and R. Foraterianum, and representing a distinct type. The
plant is of sturdy compact habit, the leaves elliptical, 1£ inch long and
I inch broad. The flowers are bell-shaped, pure white, 3 inches in diameter,
and borne in heads of seven or eight, and are very fragrant.

Amaryllis Nestor (J. Veitch & Sons). — A strong variety with two heads
of four flowers ■ acb. deep crimson tipped with greenish white.

Tea Rose— The Bride (Mr. D. Giimour, junr.). — The blooms shown of
this variety were much the best yet seen in pub’ic, and the first-class certi¬
ficate awarded was well merited. The b'ooms were beautifully formed, of
moderate size, of a soft sulphury tint, and fragrant. We gave an illustra¬
tion of tbis Rosp, October 14tb, 188G, p. 343, when it was stated that it
originated with Mr. John May, Summit, New Jersey, and was a sport from
Catherine Mermef.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 176.)

Ind., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FI., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— H.H., Half hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids maybe considered to be stove epiphytes.

Impatiens Episcopi. ( Veitch Cat., p. 12) Geraniace®. S. perpetual
flowering Balsam. This is a good variety of I. Sultani, with flowers of a
rich purple-carmine, shot with a brilliant rosy hue. Zanzibar.

Impatiens Hawiceri. (G. C. xxv., p. 7G0 and 761, f. 168; Bull. Cat.,
p. 8, and 3 with fig.) S. A magnificent Balsam, with whorls of elliptic
acuminate, serrate 1., and very large flat fl., of a very rich brilliant carmine,
with a spur about 2 in. long. The fl. are solitary in each leaf axil. South
Sea Island-i.

Iris arenaria, var. minor. ( GJl . 1886, p. 11G.) Iridace®. H. A
dwarf variety, with much smaller fl. than in the type.

Iris Cengialti, and var. Loppio. (G. C. xxv., p. 554, 555.) H. per.
Much resembling I. pallida, but with smaller fl. and the 1. dying down in
winter. L. G 9 in. long, | in. or more broad, yellowish-green. Scape about
a ft. high, 3-4-flowered. Fl. like those of I. pallida, but smaller, sky-bluq
flushed with violet. Monte Cengialto. Yar. Loppio. — This differs from the
type in having bluish-green 1., and dark rich blue fl., with somewhat longer
and narrower perianth segments. Monte Baldo. (For other forms see also
G. C. xxv., p. 586 )

Iris Rosf.nbachiana. (GJl., t. 1227.) H. A very singular species, with
small tap ring bulbous roots. From the very short stem arise 3-4 convolute
sheaths, forming a false stem 4-5 in. high, from which peep out four very
short ensiform 1., and one fl. with a very long tube. The outer perianth
segments are about an in. long, spathulate-obcordate, and very spreading ;
the inner segments are twice as long, oblanceolate, and erect with recurved
tips ; the stigmas are erect and deeply bifid. The fl. are either blue or
purplish witn the tips of the inner segments and stigmas blackish-violet or
violet-purple, the inner segments have an elevated yellow ridge down the
middle, with violet spots on each side of it. Turkestan.

Iris Statell.e. (B. M., t. 6894.) H. per., allied to I. lutescens. L.
ensiform 6-9 in. long, glrucous-green. FJ.-stem a ft. high, two-flowered at
apex. FL pale yellowish, veined with green, and bearded with yellow on
the broadly cuneate-obovat-, revolute falls ; the standards (inner perianth
segm-nts) are broadly oblong obtuse, overarching the bifid Btyles. S.
Eii ope.

Iris Suworowi. (Gfl. 1886, p. 397.) H. per. L. ensiform. Fl.-stem
2-flowered, as long as the I. i’eriauth segments all elliptic-lanceolate
cuspidate, hyaline greenish, with olivaceous-bluish veins, the three outer
ones bearded to the middle with blue. Buchara.

Ixora conspicua. (Bull. Cat., p. 8.) Rubiace® S. shr. A handsome
form, with large trusses of buff-yellow fl. changing to bright orange.

Ixora speciosa. (Bull. Cat., p. 8.) S. shr. A beautiful var ety with
huff fl., changing to bright orange salmon.

Jasminum angularb. (B.M., t. 6865.) Oleace®. 0. An ornamental
scrambling shr., with angular stems, trifoliolate 1., and terminal cymes of
white fl. Calyx t-eth short, ovate acute. Corolla tube 1 in. long, the
limb with 5-6 spreading lanceolate lobes. S Africa.

K.empferia atrovisens. (III. H., t. 610; Cat. C. C. d’Hort., p. 7.)
Scitaminete. S. per. h rb, of dwarf tufted habit. L. slightly spreading
obliquely elliptic-oblong, very dark green, 2-5 in. long, on erect petioles
4-5 in. long. F. 1£ in. in diam., of a beautiful mauve-purple with whitish
eye. Borneo.

Kalakchoe carnea. (G. C. xxv., p. 293.) Crassulac ®. An attrac¬
tive G. glabrous succulent, with petiolate, el iptic ovat*, obtuse crenate,
bro vnn-h-green 1., 3-5£ in. long, li-3 in. broad ; and corymbose cymes of
fragrant pink fl., j in. in diam. With age the bass of the stem forms a
large bole. South Africa.

Karatas amazonica. (G. C. xxv., p. 814 ) Bromeliaoe®. P. -er. A

fine and distinct Bromeliad, with a ros tte of lanceolate 1. 1-1 i ft. long,
2-3 in. broad greenish-brown on the face, glossy claret-brown on the back
without markings or scales, finely serrated on the margins. Fl. in a dense
sessile head in the centre of the rosette, white with a greenish tube, the
bracts and inner leaves greenish-brown. Syn. Bromelia amazonica and
iEdimea amazonica. Amazons.

Labisia alata. (III. H., pi. 605.) Myrsin“se. S. shr. of dwarf habit,
with large lanceolate acute 1., the base of the blade of the 1. being continued
as a broad wing down the petiole ; they are of a peculiar chalky-green above,
dull green beaeath. The stout axillary peduncles are about 4 6 in. long,
with small clusters of small whit sh fl., pinkish outside. Borneo, Malacca.

Labisia Maloniana. (III. H, pi. 580; Cat. C. C. d’Hort., p. 7.) S.
foliage plant, of dwarf habit, with tine lanceolate acute subsessile 1. of a
very dark green, marked along the midrib with a feathery bind of whitish
green, putp'ish beneath. Borneo.

Ljelia albeda, var. Bella. (IF. O. A., pi. 239.) Orchide®. A charm¬
ing variety, with larger fl. than the type of a milk-white colour, tinged with
lilac-pink on the tips of the pet., and having the front lobe of the lip
broadly bordered with rose-purple, with three yellow keels on the disk.
Mexico.

L,ella anceps, var. Keinastiana. (G. C. xxv., p. 298 ) A variety with
the pet. and side lobes of the lip of a fine rosy colour.

Ljelia anceps, var. munda. (G. C. xxv., p. 298.) A variety with white
side lobes to the lip, marked with purple veins, and the yellow of the lip
confined to the three keels.

L.elia anceps, var. obscura. (G. C. xxv., p. 41.) A fine variety, with
very long, narrow sep. and pet. of very dark colour, the sep. with a white
area at base. Lip dark purple, with a dark orange disk.

L.elia Batemaniana. (G. C. xxvi., p. 263.) A charmmg and very in¬
teresting hybrid between Sophronitis grandiflora and Cattleya intermedia.
The I to 2-leaved bulb has a short peduncled L®’ia-hke fl , with oblong
acute sep. and broader pet. of a light purple-ro3e ; and a 3-lobed lip of rich
carmine with a light mauve hue, the disk and side lobes teing white, with
a light mauve-purple border. Garden hybrid.

Ljelia Measuresiana. ( IF. O. A., pi. 207.) A very beautiful species.
Stems a ft. high, clavate, compressed, and furrowed, beaiing 1-2 thick oblong
emarginate 1., and a corymbose raceme of 3-4 large and handsome fl. Sep.
and pet. white. Lip light yellow on the front part, which is f tilled on the
margin. Brazil.

L.elia Pilcheriana, var. lilacina. (G. C. xxv., p. 617.) This is merely
a small flow red form.

L.elta forpiiyritis. (G. C. xxv., p. 73.) Bulbs cylindrical, furrowed,
1-2 leaned. Fl. similar to that of L. pumFa. Sep. ligulate acute, purple,
and greenish ; pet. broader, light purple, lip warm purple, with a light yel¬
lowish disk. Brazil.

Lastrea dilatata. var. dentigera. (G. C. xxvi , p. 103.) Filices. H.
A neat and pretty variety of dwarf habit, with slender lanceolate fronds
6-8 in. long ; pinnules about an inch long, ovate acute, cut into 2 4 lobes,
which have 1-2 short teeth. Inverness-shire.

Layia glandulosa. (B. M., t. 6856.) Composit®. H. A beautiful
annual, glandular-hairy throughout, branching from the base. L. alternate,
linear obtuse, 1-1J in. long. Fl.-heads solitary, an inch in diam., with a
small yellow disk and a bro id white ray, the ray florets are flat, broadly
obovate, and 3 lobe! at the apex. Western N. America.

Leucojum roseuii, var. longifolium. (GJl- 1886, p. 116.) Amaryllidace®.
H. A pretty bulb, differing from the type in its longer 1., larger fl , and
more floriferous habit. Corsica.

Lilium columbianum, var. lucidu.m. (GJl. 1S8S, p. 454.) Liliace®.
This is the same as L. lucidum.

I ilium pardalinum, var. Warei. (GJl. 1886, p. 52.) A form with
shoner and more cordate 1., and smaller fl., varying from lemon to orange-
yellow without the brown spots characteristic of the type. Lower Cali¬
fornia.

Ligustrina pekinensis. (R. H. 1886, p. 398.) Oleace®. H. shr. or
small tree, very bushy, with slender, velvety, dark red branchlets, and oppo¬
site, deciduous 1., with the petiole and midrib blackish-purple. N. China.

Lissochilus dilectus. (G. C. xxv., d. 456.) Orchidace®. S. terres¬
trial Orchid, with branched, hand-like rhizomes, broad 1., and a peduncle
2 3 fr. high, bearing 4-10 large rosy fl. with a purple lip. Sep. linear-
lanceolate acuminate reflexed; pet. oblong, very broad; lip three-lobed
with broad side lobes, and a nearly square retuse front lobe. Congo.

Litobrochia robusta. (Cat. C. C. d’Hort., p. 10.) Filices. S. An
ornamental Fein, with tripartite fronds of a bright clear green, with slightly
undulaied pinnules.

Loranthus flavidus. (GJl. 1885, p. 342.) Lorantbace®. H. or H.H.
An interesting parasite of the Mistletoe family, which may be grown by
sowing the berries upon the above-ground roo sof the Beech tree. A small
shr., with opposite petiolate oblong 1. about If in. long, obtuse and thick.
Fl. from the previous year’s growth in small racemes ; perianth yellowish,
i inch long, with a slender tube and four narrow reflexed segments. New
Zealand.

(To be continued.)

15 W0RK.F°ilTHE WEEK,. R5

KITCHFN GARDEN.

" Celery. — Seed sown about four weeks ago has produced plants
which now require more space. They will, therefore, be lifted from the

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

199

seed box anil dibbled into others at a distance of 2 inches apart. These
will form a very early batch of Celery, as they will be ready for use or
exhibition by the beginning of August ; but this is much too early for
(he main crop of Celery, and that' which is required about October and
onwards may be reared now. The first seed sown germinated in good
heat, but the present sowing need not be forced rapidly, and a tempera¬
ture of <50° or 65° will suit the young plants. If the seed is sown in
one or two boxes it will be found that a large number of plants may be
secured from a small space, and this is the way we produce thousands
of plants every spring. Celery should have rich soil from the beginning
to the end of its culture, and watering must never be neglected, as if
the seed or young plants are alloiVed to become dry once it is enough to
rui:i them for the season. Too much heat is also objectionable, as if the
young plauts are forced in a very high temperature now they are apt
to receive a check before the summer is here, and we invariably prefer
stunly plauts to the forced ones.

Potatoes. — Admit air freely to those advancing in growth in frames.
Always open the lights on the lee side, and keep them shut when the
wind is keen, as the stems are exceedingly tender, and a check now
would weaken the crop. Cover at night to protect from frost, and do
not keep them too wet. The open-air planting of early Potatoes should
now receive attention. Hitherto, what we have planted have been
placed close to the bottom of a south wall for protection ; but those to
be planted now may safely be put in the south or east border. Only
early varieties should be planted. Those of the Ashleaf type are the
best. Give them moderately rich soil, keep the rows from 20 inches to
2 feet apart, with 1 foot between the sets, anil put them 4 inches below
the surface. Heavy soil is unsuitable for early Potatoes. We use plenty
of leaf soil with our early Potatoes, as they turn out of it so clean.
Spread out the second early tubeis in a light airy place to sprout, and
sec that all the seed Potatoes are subjected to treatment which will in¬
duce them to produce short robust sprouts before planting. It is a
great mistake to allow them to form sprouts several inches in length, as
these will be broken in planting, and the second growths are never so
good as the first ones.

Spring Cabbages. — We have had these earlier than they are at
present. They were planted at the usual time last autumn. Deaths
have been few but growth slow, and they will not be ready by Easter
unless the weather improves rapidly ; but they are a useful crop, and
everything should be done to induce them to form heads as soon as
possible. Make up the blanks, shake a little soot, guano, or nitrate of
soda round each plant, and then earth them up. Another plantation
may be formed from the plants which have been in the seed bed all the
winter. Give them rich soil. This is about the time that Cabbage
plants are offered for sale in the markets, and in buying them it is an
advantage to get them planted as soon as possible. As a rule they are
very dry at the root, and appear as if it would not matter whether
they were planted to-day, to-morrow, or next day, but the longer they
are kept out of the soil' the later will they be starting or becoming
established plants.

Stoked Hoots. — Now that we are looking forward to new crops we
are liable to neglect the old ones, but it will be a considerable time
before young roots are plentiful, and the old ones are still capable of
doing good service. Pick out all the Onions that are sprouting and
throw them away. Keep the firm bulbs in a cool place. Turn Carrots,
remove decayed ones, rub the growths from the crowns of the sound
roots, and store in sand or ashes. Turnips should be examined in the
same way. All Parsnips and Salsafy should be lifted and stored.
Keep all roots cool but not too dry, as they may shrivel. We do not
object to store roots under a tree at this season, and cover them with
leaf soil.

Autumn-sown Onions. — Transplanting these should be completed.
They may be more successfully dealt with now than earlier. A very
rich soil and sunny position will invariably produce good bulbs. The
rows may be kept 15 inches apart, with 6 inches from plant to plant,
and after dibbling them in they should be trodden all round with the
feet. We approve of firm soil for Onions above everything.

Leeks. — Keep young plants in pots or boxes near the glass, in a
temperature from 60° to 70°, and well supplied with water. Sow a good
batch of seed in the open ground ; so long as the soil is rich they are
sure to grow, and they may either be sown in rows or broadcast.
Should the ground on which the old Leeks are now growing be required
for other crops, dig them up and place them in by the heels in any odd
corner. Only Leeks for exhibition should be raised under glass. Open
air rearing suits all main crop plants admirably.

1UDISHE3. — Thin out the young plants in frames before they injure
each other by crowding. Radish seed may be sown in the open ground
at once, and the roots from this sowing, which will be ready for use
before April is over, will lie very acceptable where salad has been
scarce during the winter.

Turnips. — These can never be ready too early, as the old roots often
fail to keep until the new ones are grown, and a scarcity never pleases
the cook. We have tried to get the young shoots ready in March or
early in April by sowing in January or February, but success did not
atteu 1 our practice, as from the earliest sowings we hardly had any
plants, and the February ones bolted before bulbing. Now we do not
sow until the second week in March, and we always secure useful little
bulbs from our first sowing. The Early Milan is the best variety to
sow as a first crop. It bulbs a fortnight earlier than any other variety

we have tried. Good soil and a sunny position should be given the first
crop. Sow the seed thinly in drills 15 inches apart and 1 1 inch deep.
Cover over carefully, and look out that the birds do not draw a quantity
of the young plants up. If they attempt this dust with soot or lime.

Spinach. — There are few vegetables more useful in the hands of a
good cook than Spinach. The autumn sowings have been injured by
the winter frosts, and they will not prove profitable crops this spring.
Indeed, we have dug our winter Spinach down and sown seed of the
round variety for a spring crop. It may be sown in quantity now, and
as it grows fast the leaves will be ready for gathering in four or five
weeks. Sow in drills 1 foot apart and 2 inches deep, and let the soil be
rich and in good order, as the leaves are not worth gathering from poor
soil. Many sow Spinach as an odd crop between fruit bushes, but the
early crop must have a good position, as quick returns should be the aim
of all at this season. Fork over and break up a piece of soil on a south
border or other early position, and sow a pinch of seed of the following
vegetables ; — Lettuce, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, and Cauliflower.
Parsley may also be sown, but not as a main crop yet.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Houses. — Early Vines in many places have not made
satisfactory progress this year, especially those with the roots in cold
borders which have not been covered with fermenting material. The
Vines have started very slowly and the bunches show a tendency to
blindness, some of them running off to tendrils and others not advancing
freely. Under such circumstances a slight increase of temperature and
a reduced supply of moisture for a short time may be beneficial.
Thinning should be kept well in hand, commencing as soon as the berries
likely to swell freely can be detected, and as a rule thin out well in
the interior of the bunches, leaving the berries with room to attain their
full size without wedging, and yet so full as not to fall out of shape
when placed on a dish. Liquid manure applied to inside borders will
materially assist the swelling of the Grapes after having been thinned,
applying it at a temperature of 80° to 85° ; and a liberal supply of
moisture charged with ammonia, whether it be had by occasionally
sprinkling with liquid guano or mulching the border with fresh stable
litter with the straw shaken out, will be beneficial. Bright sunny days
with sharp winds may now be expected. Avoid sudden changes of tem¬
perature, and admit air in small quantities at a time, closing early in the
afternoon at 85°, allowing the house to fall to 65° at night. Grapes that
have passed the stoning process should have copious supplies of warm
liquid manure. Avoid the close stopping system until every part of the
trellis is well covered with foliage, as every leaf promotes root action,
which it is necessary to maintain as active as possible, so as to secure
well-swelled berries.

Succession Houses. — Disbud and secure the growths as they advance,
stopping them two joints beyond the bunch where the space is limited,
but where there is space allow a greater extension of the shoots before
stopping. Remove the laterals from the joints below the show of fruit,
except from the two base leaves, which stop at the first leaf, and to one
afterwards as produced. The laterals above the fruit may be allowed to
make such growth as can have exposure to light without crowding, and
then be stopped, keeping closely pinched afterwards, as well as in the
case of those not having room for extension. Remove all superfluous
and ill-formed bunches of the free-setting varieties as soon as those that
are most promising for the crop can be determined. Vines started early
in the year will be in flower ; a rather dry atmosphere with a free circu¬
lation of air and a temperature of 65° to 70° at night and 70° to 75° by
day are conducive to a good set, moderate moisture being maintained by
damping the house two or three times a day in bright weather ; any shy
setting varieties, such as Muscats, should be kept 5° higher, the flowers
being carefully fertilised.

Late Houses. — Start the houses intended to afford fruit in August
onward ; indeed, Muscats, Alicantes, Lady Downe’s, and other late sorts
should be encouraged to move now, as the fruit keeps much bttter when
ripened in August or early in September, than when the season is more
advanced at the ripening period. Vines, however, which have only been
recently pruned, should not be started for some time yet. In the case
of late Hamburghs, the Vines may be kept cool and not started until
next month. In the case of inside borders, they can be brought into a
thoroughly moist state by the application of water at a temperature of
about 80°. It will in some degree stimulate the roots and compensate
for the lack of fermenting materials, which can do little good after this ;
indeed, no advantage accrues to the roots from an application of fer¬
menting material to outside borders when artificial heat is not applied
before March. The atmosphere should be kept moist by damping th ■
rods and every available surface two or three times a day, 50° being a
sufficiently high night temperature, and 65° by day with sun.

Fruiting Vines is pots must sustain no check through dryness at the
roots or want of food, affording liquid manure liberally, surfacing the
pots with rich material, and if the roots extend beyond the pots feed
them there as well as in the pots.

Vine eyes inserted as before advised will now be rooted, and should,
as soon as the roots reach the sides of the pots, be shifted into 6-incli
pots, placing them on shelves over the hot-water pipes in preference to
plunging them in bottom heat. Syringe well amongst them and pinch
the laterals at the first leaf, unless they are intended to be planted out
this season, when the laterals should be left entire.

Vines cut back for fruiting in pots next season will now be fit for
shaking out, repotting, or shifting into 12-inch pots. If these, or the

200

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887.

eyes previously referred to, have been plunged in bottom heat they
should he returned to it for a time, 75° to 80°, but otherwise bottom
heat is not necessary. Keep them close and moderately moist until they
are established. Train the canes near the glass, as they cannot have too
much light, it being important that the growth be solidified as it is
made. Turfy loam rather rough with a fifteenth part of half-inch
bones form a suitable compost for Vines in pots. Clean pots and efficient
drainage of clean crock-'- should always be employed in Vine culture.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Forced House.— With the
fruit stoning the temperature must be kept as equable as possible. Too
high a night temperature is not favourable to the fruit, and cold
draughts in the daytime are even more pernicious. The temperature
should be continued at 60° to 65° at night, and 70° to 75° during the
day. Thinning the fruit must be seen to betimes, it not being advisable
to leave during the stoning period more than twice the number of fruit
that are to be left for a crop. One fruit to a square foot of trellis
covered by the trees is ample. Nectarines are often left much closer,
which proportionately lessens their size, whereas to secure fine fruit they
require the same space as Peaches. See that all the shoots are tied to
the wires as they progress, stopping any shoots except extensions when
they have made 12 to 15 inches of growth. If the pinching results in
laterals stop them at the first leaf. Shoots retained to attract the sap
to the fruit should be stopped to one leaf, they having previously had
the first growth at the second or third leaf. Avoid overcrowding,
syringe morning and afternoon to keep red spider under, but if the pest
obtain a footing dislodge it by syringing with some approved insecticide
or a solution of softsoap, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water. In the case of
trees with the run of outside borders they will still need protection, and
the inside must be duly supplied with liquid manure in a tepid
state.

Second Early House. — -Disbudding and tying-in must be proceeded
with, the disbudding requiring to be done gradually. Some kinds have
twin fruit, notably Noblesse and G-rosse Mignonne. Remove all such.
The blossoms in most instances have set very thickly this year so far,
and upon a shoot of 9 to 12 inches in length are a dozen or more fruit,
which should be thinned so soon as the blossoms are cast, removing the
smallest fruit, that on the under side of the branches and the badly placed,
leaving three to five on a branch of the length named, which are reduced
to two or three when of the size of marbles, and afterwards to one,
though two may remain if there be a deficiency in other parts of the tree.
When the fruit is of the size of Walnuts increase the temperature to 55°
to 00° at night, 60° to 65° by day from fire heat, and 75° from sun heat.
If brown aphides appear fumigate on two consecutive nights, being
careful to have the foliage dry, or the leaves will be blistered.

Late Houses. — Houses that have, the lights off have the trees in no
more than a swelled bud state, but houses with fixed lights have the
trees with the buds expanding or expanded. In the first case the lights
need not be put on until the middle of the month, but the latter will need
to have syringing discontinued when the blossoms are fully expanded,
or before, but the floors, &c., damped morning and afternoon, leaving a
little air on constantly at the top of the house, employing as little lire
heat as possible, but after the stamens appear a certain amount of warmth
is needed, as we find that when the flowering extends over a consider¬
able time that the blossoms do not set well ; therefore, after the blossoms
open maintain an artificial temperature of 55°, 40° to 45° at night in
severe weather, 50° to 55° by day artificially, with a free circulation of
air, advancing to 65° with sun. In the case of weak trees having a
superabundance of blossom it will be advisable to remove those flowers
from the under side or back of the shoots, as the trees may be against
front or back trellises. Keep the borders in a thoroughly moist
state.

PLANT HOUSES.

Clerodendron Balfourianum. — Plants that were grown from cuttings
last season should by this date have had a good period of rest. Four or
five stakes about 1 foot high may be placed round the sides of the 6 or
7-inch pots in which they were grown, leaving the stakes slightly wider
at the top than the base. Round these the plants may be trained, and
when they come into bloom they will be shapely specimens suitable for
the side stages of the conservatory or any other structure. They should
be flowered in the same pots in which they were grown, the surface soil
being removed, and equal parts of loam and manure supplied. These
will soon break into growth in a temperature of 65°. Soak them with
tepid water and syringe twice daily. Directly they start into growth
give an application of Standen’s or Clay’s fertiliser, which may be
repeated at intervals of about a fortnight. Do not keep plants intended
for successional purposes in too low a temperature. They will be safe
in a temperature of 55°. When they have been flowered convey them
to the rubbish heap, for it is much better to grow plants annually from
cuttings than to retain them a second year. Good cuttings from the
earliest started plants will now be plentiful, and if taken with a sharp
knife where they issue from the old wood will root quickly in sandy soil
in the propagating frame or under a bellglass where the temperature
ranges about 65°. Sow a little seed of C. fallax, and introduce a few of
last year’s plants that have been rested in heat. Insert cuttings singly
in 3-inch pots of C. fragrans. To flower this variety freely and quickly
the plants must be restricted at their roots, therefore grow them close
to the glass, but do not repot them.

Panicum variegatum. — A good number of cuttings should now be
rooted for various decorative purposes. For grouping, plants in 3-inch

pots are most suitable, but for hanging round the side stages of the
stove a number may be placed together in 5-inch pots. In this size
they will develope to a large size and reach the ground by midsummer
The cuttings will strike freely and quickly in a close frame in brisk
heat.

Selaginella cassia. — For association with the Panicum few plants are
more beautiful. The general stock may now be introduced into brisk
heat, where they will quickly start into growth. When they have grown
a few inches high they may be divided and potted. Whatever size pot
the Panicum may be grown in the same should be used for this plant,
or even a size larger. They will do well in loam and one-third leaf
mould with plenty of coarse sand added, or fine peat may be used in the
place of the leaf mould.

Gloxinias. — Those started some time ago in pans and boxes amongst
leaf mould may now be potted singly. The pots to be used for these
plants depends entirely upon the size of the tubers. If stage room is
limited and the flowers are required principally for cutting, place them
in pans through which three holes have been bored so that they can be
suspended from the roof. It is surprising how well they do in this way
in a warm moist structure. Care must be taken not to wet their foliage
when syringing. Other tubers may be started in the same way as pre¬
viously advised.

Tydceas.— Many of the plants of such kinds as Madame Heine will
be going out of flower. Insert the cuttings in sandy soil in pans, so
that the whole of the old plants may be thrown away. They will strike
quickly in the propagating box. If cuttings are scarce cut back a
number of plants, and in a few weeks they will be plentiful. Cuttings
rooted now will be too early for flowering at this period another year,
but when inserted thickly together in pans they do not take up so much
room as a number of old plants standing about. These plants can be
topped again in June and then grown on for flowering, while those in
the pans can be thrown away.

Coleuses. — Where many of these are required for conservatory de¬
coration in the best of condition as early as possible, they should lie
struck without delay. Insert the cuttings singly in small pots, and
place them on a shelf in a warm house.

Gentropogon Lucignus. — Those that flowered early in the stove will
now have produced good cuttings from last year’s shoots where the
plants were not cut close back after flowering. Take the cuttings with
a heel and insert in sand. Give a good watering, and place the pots on
a shelf close to the glass, but shade from the sun, and they will root
much better than in the propagating box. The last position is too close
arid confined for them, and they are very liable to damp, which will not
be the case on a shelf. Cuttings of Linum trigynum will now be plen¬
tiful. These will root with certainty in the propagating frame, and as-
soon as sufficient are rooted throw away the old plants.

Poinsettias. — Those that flowered early in the stove, and have since
been resting, may now be introduced into heat. Soak the soil with
tepid water and syringe freely, and they will soon break into growth
and produce cuttings.

Amaryllises. — Plants raised from seed sown about August and wintered
in pans may now be potted singly into 2-inch pots in light fertile soil.
Grow these close to the glass in a temperature of 60° to 65°. They
grow and develope rapidly under stove treatment, and in two years
will produce bulbs large enough to flower. Those who did not sow seed
then may sow some at once.

w

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 5.

Hives and appliances now demand our attention. We
must consider the most useful hive for profitable manage¬
ment, and also mention what may be called the absolutely
necessary appliances in an apiary conducted upon the lines
which we purpose to lay down as a guide to those who are
willing to follow our advice rather than that of more
advanced bee-keepers, who, regarding the interest of those
who have large apiaries, seem, unconsciously perhaps,
to disregard the position of those who are able to keep
but a few stocks on an easy system of management. The
skep still deserves attention as maintaining a very high posi¬
tion in all well- conducted apiaries. The most suitable size
for a skep appears to be, taking one locality with another,
18 by 12 inches inside measurement. Such a hive must
be stocked with either one large or two smaller swarms of
bees either during May or June, or in the autumn, accord¬
ing to the directions which will be given in a future

March 1®, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

201

article. Skeps are more profitable I find when the whole
top surface is exposed for supering purposes. Bars can
either be used in them, or they may be dispensed with,
but if a loose straw top is used, then bars may with advan¬
tage be used beneath ; frames are unnecessary, and may
be discarded. The usual 4-inch hole for supering and
feeding purposes generally seen in large skeps is far too
small in the spring and summer to allow free passage to
the hosts of eager workers carrying their stores to the
supers. Stocks in skeps winter well, swarm early, work
well in supers, and straw is very preservative of bee life.
Skeps, it is true, do not admit of manipulation so well as
the frame hive, but without such interference give equally
good results when equal care and attention are bestowed
upon them, thereby proving the futility of excessive inter¬
ference. The management of skeps and frame hives,
according to the system which it is here desired to incul¬
cate, is very similar, except that in the one an occasional
advantage — which is not present in the other- — is given to
the ability to remove each single comb.

Frame hives must be made of good sound timber, and
may contain either deep or shallow frames. Twelve frames
are quite sufficient for one body box, whatever the size of
frame may be. If the standard frame is adopted the
necessary size for the brood nest must be secured by
using another tier of frames above or under the former,
but as this matter has already been discussed only a few
weeks ago it will not now be necessary to enter into any
further details about the hive itself. One word of advice
may be given, and that is that the greatest virtue in a hive
is simplicity, and I may add that the hive is rarely in fault
when good results are not attained, but generally the
blame can be brought home to the manager. Now, of
appliances it is not very easy to write, so great is the
difference of opinion as to what is a necessity and what a
luxury only. I give my own ideas, gained by practical
experience in the apiary and from conversation with other
practical men placed in a similar position. A pan for
boiling or reducing sugar to syrup is required, and ought
to be made so that it may be used for steaming the wax
extractor in the manner pointed out some months ago.
Everybody knows the trouble occasioned if old combs
have to be reduced to wax by the old method. Many know
the ease with which it may be done if a “ wax extractor ”
can be used. A pan for boiling syrup and a wax extractor
combined cost about 10s., if made in a very homely way
something less.

Section racks in the proportion of .six at least to every
stock which it is proposed to work for comb honey must
be made or purchased, and for simplicity, effectiveness,
and cheapness those described last year under the heading
of “ Section Racks, and How to Make Them,” cannot be
excelled. Feeders of the round tin kind to hold some
a lbs. of syrup at least will also be required, and can be
made by any village tinman at a small cost — 2s. each, at
the outside. These feeders will hereafter be described in
detail as clearly as possible. Crown boards are not
required, but felting is. All coverings for hives should be
of a pervious nature, so that damp generated in the hive
by the bees or present through the state of the weather
may pass freely away.

A few extra floorboards and cases for containing
sections are all that necessity demands or expediency
requires in a small apiary when comb honey is desired.
Cases for holding finished sections should be made to
contain twelve sections at the most ; the risk of damage
in transit is then reduced to a minimum. In an apiary
where new or extracted honey is principally produced

rather different appliances will be required. I may say
that it is evident to me that it is far more satisfactory and
more profitable to work either for run or extracted honey
or for comb honey, not to produce some of the one and
some of the other.

An extractor may be purchased if the bee-keeper thinks
that he can profit by it. If used in a proper manner, and
with judgment, if honey is only extracted from super
frames, and from these only when the cells are sealed and
the honey is ripe, it may be an advantage. On this point
I cannot speak with certainty ; but honey may be run
from the combs in the old-fashioned way, and the result
will be a good uniform quality — if equal care is taken —
not to be distinguished from that which has passed
through the extractor, but the comb must be destroyed.
The preservation of the comb is the main advantage of
using an extractor. Super body boxes, containing frames
similar to those in the permanent body boxes, will be
required. Four of such super body boxes will not be too
many for each stock. The frames in these super boxes
may, of course, be different in size to those in the body
box used for brood rearing, but it will be found more useful
to have them of the same size, and identical in all respects.
In the super boxes, however, the frames may be placed a
little wider apart, say ten frames in the super where there
are twelve in the body hive. The management of stock,
both for producing comb and extracted honey, will be
given in a future article. It is now sufficient merely to
point out what are the appliances necessary to carry out
the system of management which appears to be the most
profitable. With the exception of section racks and cases
the appliances necessary for the production of run or
extracted honey will be identical with those required for
comb honey in sections. Sections and vessels for holding
the honey will, of course, be required, but these do not,
as we have before explained, form part of the original or
capital outlay.

It is now easy to reckon up what ought to be laid out
on the purchase of hives and appliances. Bees may be
bought at such various prices that it is hardly possible to
quote even an average price, but from £1 to ,£1 10s.
ought to purchase a good stock, and a swarm in May will
be of the same value, the price of swarms gradually
declining as the season advances. A swarm must be large,
and be obtained in May or early June to be profitable.
The extra outlay is easily recouped by the better results.
An apiary may be started in a far less expensive manner,
but with this we must deal in a future paper. — Felix.

SPRING MANIPULATIONS.

I HAVE a hive of bees containing twelve bars, and last summer,
although the bees were strong and the bars always full of honey, I
could not induce them to go into the super. I found the bars had had
no comb or foundation put in, and consequently the combs had been
made across the bars, so that it was impossible to take them out without
breaking the combs. I intend, about the beginning of April, to drive
the bees into an empty hive, cut out the comb, put in some foundation,
return the bees to the old hive, and place some of the comb, full of
honey, on the top of the bars. This I could do without fear of robbing,
as the super cover would prevent that.

Would you kindly inform me in the nest issue of the Journal if this
would be the right thing to do, as my knowledge of bee-keeping is but
limited ?

Any advice you could give me on this matter would be much appre¬
ciated. — G. 15.

[We should certainly not treat the stock as you propose. All -such
manipulations in spring are injurious and sometimes fatal. There are
two alternative metho Is of procedure each better than the one pro¬
posed. 1, To allow the stock to swarm and to send out a cast : to hive
this cast and place the hive close to the old stock ; on the twenty -first
or twenty-second day after the issue of the swarm to drive out all the
bees from the stock and unite them to the cast, the old hive being
broken up, as it will then contain nothing but honey, pollen, and a little

202

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 10, 1887.

drone brood, which may be destroyed. The swarm to be hived sepa¬
rately, of coitrse, and placed in any convenient situation. 2, To place
beneath the stock another hive— about the end of April if the stock is
then crowded with bees — containing frames filled or started with
foundation, closing the entrance of the top hive and compelling the
bees to go in and out at the bottom hive. In a month or rather more
the brood nest will be in the bottom hive, and the old hive will contain
honey only and may then be removed.

The stock may be supered in the usual manner, but we have a sus¬
picion that the brood frames were glutted with honey last year. A
stock with a really strong population will always work in supers when
properly managed. If you have reason to believe that there is a surfeit
of honey in the hive the second will be your best plan. If you do not
think that this is the case the first plan will be the most advantageous.
You can form an idea of the weight of honey contained in the hive by
weighing it, or even by lifting it if you have experience enough, pro¬
vided that you have an approximate idea of the weight of the hive. We
shall be glad to give you any further advice if there are any circum¬
stances which you have omitted to mention in your letter, and which
you now think material. — Felix.]

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES.

I thank “ L. B. K.” for his answer to my appeal for honey facts,
and, again, for his further explanations. He doubts my bees being
black. They are not black, but I daresay they are as black as any bees
to be found in this country, except imported ones. I have never seen a
“ healthy ” black bee ; all that I have seen have been brown more than
black, and I can look back for nearly thirty years and remember the
brown masses I was set to watch when they settled on a Currant bush.
Mine are descended from a queen bred in 1875. At that time there was
only one stock of Ligurians within miles. It is of course possible that a
drone from that hive mated with the mother of my queen, but I do not
think it did so, for her progeny were no different in appearance from my
others. Why I bred from her instead of any other was because she
swarmed a week earlier than any other, and I utilised several young
queens she left behind, and placed them at the head of other hives. To
keep them as distinct as possible I have since reared queens sometimes
in spring, getting two stocks specially forward for the purpose, some¬
times leaving it until autumn. Last year I did the latter, and got only
two queens fertilised out of seven. From ten stocks last season I took
about 1000 lbs. of honey, the most from one being 120 tbs. Eight of these
stocks were descendants of the queen above mentioned. The other two
were stocks driven from cottagers’ skeps the autumn previous, one of
which shows a distinct Ligurian cross. These two stocks gave me about
90 lbs. each. In 1885 I had 700 lbs. from five stocks, all of the same
strain. Since 1879 I have had an average of 70 odd lbs. from them.

“ L. B. K.’s ” best results appear to have been from Ligurians and
their crosses, but through being subject to a certain disease he has dis¬
carded them in favour of Cyprians and Syrians, which do not appear to
produce as much honey, but many more bees. I am writing in the
interests of novices, those who reading of the wonderful yield of honey
from a few hives of bees set it down as all profit, and at once buy tees
and think their fortune is in a fan- way for being made, and who being
further misled by the reputed better qualities of foreign bees spend more
money on them, only to find that they have more than plenty of bees but
no honey. I personally know several such. Maybe it is our bad man¬
agement, or perhaps we have been unlucky enough to get bad strains.
One acquaintance of mine, who is expert to a county association,
“ italianised ” his whole apiary in 1885, had no honey in 1886, and has
“ anglicised ” for 1887. Mr. Simmins, who is one of our largest im¬
porters of foreign bees, mentions a stock at the head of which was a
black queen, yielding last season above 200 lbs. of honey, and he begins
to wonder if we have not been breeding from our wrong queens. If I
had sent mine to the Heather I have no doubt some of them would have
reached that total. Perhaps I will give them and some Ligurians a fly
at it in the coming season. — Notts Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Waite, Nash & Co., 79, Southwark Street, London. — Wholesale Catalogue
of Agricultural Seeds.

Hogg & Wood, Coldstream, N.B. — Price List of Agricultural Seeds.

tl0'" All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor” or to “ Tiie Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.

Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send •more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue.

Orchids (B.). — Please carry out your proposal and send specimens.
From your description of them one at least appears a departure from the
type.

Cinerarias (T. S.). — The flowers are of good size with broad florets, rich
in colour, but somewhat loose and not symmetrically arranged. Whether
this is the result of partial shrivelling or crushing in the box we are unable
to determine. The variety appears to be worthy of preservation, though
we suspect it possesses little commercial value.

Planting Box Edging (Hendon). — Edgings of Box may be formed any
time during the present month when the weather is favourable for the work.
We shall publish a practical article on the subject in time to be of service
to intending planters.

Ventilating Vineries ( A Youngster). — As you get older you will perceive
more clearly than you appear to do now, that the air of a vinery can be
changed without opening the front ventilators; and we consider that to
throw them open when cold dry March winds are blowing is injurious
rather than beneficial to Vines starting into growth. Cold air being heavier
than warm enters freely enough through the top ventilators of houses, dis¬
placing the warmer and lighter in every part of the structure.

Ficus Sycomorus — Bread Fruit ( York). — Both Ficus Sycomorus and
Ficus Carica are found wild and cultivated in the regions you name. The
Sycomore Fig is a strong growing tree, sometimes exc eding 30 feet in
height, with stems 5 to 7 feet in diameter, with large branches proportions e
to the size of the stem, and starting from that a short distance above the
ground. The “ Sycamine ” has bean thought to be Morus nigra. The
Indian Bread Fruit is generally termed the Jack Fruit, Artocarpus integri-
folia, and is found in the Indian Archipelago. The Bread Fruit of the South
Sea Islands is Artocarpus incisa.

Dividing Pyiethrums (S. S.). — The genial state of the weather at the
time of dividing and planting is a chief factor in success. If the weather were
mild now and our Pyrethrums had grown about 2 inches, as some of them
have, we should not hesitate to divide and replant, but as it is co’d with a
dry easterly wind we shall let them alone. We divided a number during
the first week of April last year, and did not lose one, but the weather was
moi-t and mild, and the planting quickly done — that is to say, we did not
dig up the plants and let them wait out of the ground till a plot was pre¬
pared for their reception, but all was in readiness before removal, and the
planting was done without any drying of the roots. If you take advantage
of m>ld weather you may safely divide your plants at any time when they
have made about 2 or 3 inches of growth, securing a good number of roots
with the divisions or offsets. Plant a little deeper than the growths are
before removal, and inverted flower pots may be placed over them if a
sudden change of weather should render a little protection from bright
suu desirable in the daytime, or sharp frost at night.

Constructing Tomato House (An Old Subscriber). — The cheapest and
best form of house is a span of about 10 feet width with a bed on each side
of the pathway up the centre, which may be 3 feet wide. The sides can be
of wood or brickwork about 4 feet 6 inches high, head room being secured
by sinking the pathway. No side lights are necessary, but side ventilation
is desirabie, and which may be secured by wood ventilators in the wall
immediately below the wallplate ; or in the case of wood sides a board
9 inches wide fixed by hinges to the wallplate and opening outwards will
answer. Ventilation should be provided at the apex or ridge. An opening
about 9 inches wide will answer. It may be of wood, and raised or lowered
by a simple movement in use in such structures. The bars may be about
3 inches by 1^ inch fixed about 15 inches apart; 21-ounce glass is mostsuit-
able. The Tomatoes will require a bed about 18 inches deep, six inches of
which should be drainage and a foot depth of soil, its surface about 1 foot
from the trellis, which should be 6 to 9 inches from the glass. Such houses,
can be purchased at a cheap rate, being much used by the trade. For a
house of the width named two rows of 4-inch pipes would be required on
each side to grow Tomatoes in winter or to have them eaily and late. The
assessment is based upon the annual value or rental.

Top-dressing Auriculas (A. E., Surrey). — The practice of removing an
inch or more of the surface soil in early spring and adding fresh, and
generaly richer compost, is not so generally adopted now as it was some
years ago. It has, no doubt, been beneficial to many plants in inciting
fresh root action, but in the case of others it has been of no service whatever.
We have more than once top-dressed a few plants of a given variety, but not
all, and failed to see any improvement of those “ assisted and we have
seen top-dreBsing applied which no roots entered, and in that case the fresh
compost did no good. Given healthy plants with active roots, we find that
with careful watering and an occasional sprinkling of fine bonemeal they
grow and flower quite as well without the orthodox top dressing as with it ;
but if the soil were exhausted or stagnant, the exchange of some of it for
better would be advantageous to the plants. Generally speaking we shall
not err in stating that if a person cannot grow Auriculas well witt out top-

March 10, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

203

dressing, resorting to that practice will not bring him success. When an
interchange of soil is desirable the sooner it is made the b.tter, after the
plants start growing in the spring.

GlouMorgetu Pear (.4 Nurseryman). — The Pear you have sent is not
Bear re d’Aremberg, but the variety above named. You are quite right in
your contention. On th:s subject the following note by Dr. Hogg in the
‘ Fiuit Manual ” is explanatory : — “ Great confusion exists between Beurre
d Aremberg and the Glou Mor98au, which in numerous instances I have
found grown as the Beurre d’Arernberg. The cause of this confusion is
accounted for in this way : about the same time that the Beurre d’Arem-
berg was raised by Abbe Deschamps, of the Hospice des Orphelins at
Enghien, M. Noisette of Paris sent out the Glou Morfeau, which he had
procured from the gardens of the Due d’Arernberg under the name of
Beurre d’Arernberg, consequently there two distinct varieties in cultivation
under the same name, and which continue till the present time. But
the characters of the two are perfectly distinct, and may easily be distin-
Ku'B^e^ by the stalk alone — that of Beurrd d’Arernberg being short, thick,
and fleshy, and inserted obliquely ; whilst that of Glou Morseau is long,
straight, and woody, inserted perpendicularly with the axis of the fruit.”
" e bad no better Pears throughout February than fruit of Glou Morfeau
gathered from orchard standard trees grow'n in rather gravelly soil in the
neighbourhood of London.

Taylor's Sulphur and Lime Mixture for Fruit Trees (H. Jack-son). |
After some little trouble we have found what we presume you require. We
must remind you, however, that Mr. Taylor advised its application to trees
in a dormant state. It was in January, 1874, that we published the follow¬
ing from his pen : — “ There are many mixtures recommended for dressing
Bome which kill the insects, some kill the trees, and others
kill both if used as directed by the vendors. The following is the best j
have tried; it can be made by anyone, is quite harmless, and as far as my
experience goes, birds will not touch it. The ingredients are a quarter
peck or more of quite fresh quicklime, a pint of sulphur, and li lb. Foftsoap.
Choose lime that weighs very lightly, dip a few of the lumps in or sprinkle
with water (hot watiris the quickest in action), and place in a bucket or
other vessel ; sprinkle a little of the sulphur thinly over it, then add mere
lime just damp enough to slack, and more sulphur on the top of it, repeat -
mg this till all the sulphur is used. When the lime is slack it will be seen
that the sulphur is quite dissolved, and is scarcely visible, except in the
darker colour it has given to the lime. The quantity of lima used is not
important, so long as there is sufficient to dissolve the sulphur. The soft-
soap should be dissolved separately, and afterwards mixed with the lime
and sulphur, and sufficient water added to make three gallons in all. If the
?ot lkick enough to apply with a brush, clay or more lime may
be added ; if the glaring white is objected to, mix soot with it. If nTxed in
the way I have described and applied in dry weather, no amount of rain will
wash it off ; but if lime is used that has been some time exposed to the
air, the sulphur will not properly dissolve, and the first shower will wash
^ *3 neceB3ary t0 caution my readers against dissolving the
sulphur in a house containing plants in a growing state, the gas emitted
will burn up every leaf just as completely as if fire had been us'd. I have,
ho wever, never found trees injured from being planted with this mixture ;
it is only the sulphurous gas that is dangerous, and that, probably, would
not injure plants in a dormant state.”

Plants for Greenhouse Rockery (IF. J.). — You do not state whether
the rockery is to occupy a 6unny or a shady position, and without such
m formation to guide us we cannot give quite as satisfactory a reply as we
■would wish. As you require the names of Ferns in addition to other
plants, and as these will only succeed satisfactorily in shade, we shall
assume that the rockery will not be fully exposed to the sun. Of Ferns,
Adiantum Capillus- Veneris and A. hiBpidulum, Pteris cretica, P. serrulata
and P. tremula, Nepbrodium molle, Doodia aspera and Scolopendrium
vulgare are well adapted for a small rockery ; whilst similarly of other
plants there are the ornamental foliage Begonias, also Vinca major elogant-
issima, Tradescantia :zebrina, Isolepi3 gracilis, and Farfugium grande.

e ' ‘ccas, Tradescantias, and Isolepis are trailing plants, and Adiantum
OapilluB-Veneris and Scolopendrium vulgare are suitable for planting in
the crevices of the stones. The surface of the soil after the foregoing are
planted may be covered by Selaginella Kraussiana, which wilt give the
rockery a neat appearance. If the position should be an exposed one
employ in the place of the Ferns Aspidistra lurida variegata, Mesembry-
anthemum rostum, Saxifraga pyramidalis, and Opuutia vulgaris. In con¬
structing the rockery take care to use a fertile compost of two parts loam
and one part each of leaf soil, peat, with an admixture of sand, and during
spring and summer to keep the soil moist by frequent waterings.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Ouckfield). — I, decayed; 2, Claygate Pearmain ; 3, Golden Winter Pear-
™aln ! 4, Cox’s Orange Pippin ; 5, Royal Russet ; G, Gloria Mundi.

— Apple, Dumelow’s Seedling; Pear, Josephine de Malines
yPhuomdot). — 1, Potts' Seedling; 2, English Codim ; 3, Da Niege ; 4,
Golden W inter Pearmain ; 5, Devonshire Quarrenden. The others you have
under correct names. They have kept well.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of p’ants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers
^enng specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst.. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(B. C.). — Primula sinensis.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 9th.

Trade dulh Good samples of Grapes making better prices. A few
strawberries to hand, with little demand.

FRUIT.

A.

d. s. d.

8.

4.

B.

d.

Apples .

1 sieve

2

0

to 8 0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada,

per barrel 10

0

13 0

Reaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries .

.4 sieve

0

0

0 0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs .

100 lb. 60

0

70 0

Pine Apples Euglish.. lb.

1

6

2

0

Figs .

dozen

0

0

0 0

Plums .

4 sieve

1

0

2

0

Grapes .

4

0

8 0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Lemons .

0

IS 0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb. 12

0

16

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s. d

8.

d.

Artichokes ..

. dozen

1

0

to 0 0

Lettuce .

dozen

1

0

to 1

0

Asparagus

. bundle

8

0

0 0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0

8

1

6

Beans, Kidney

. per lb

i

6

0 0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

6

Best, Red .. .

. dozen

i

0

2 0

Ouions .

bunoh

0

8

0

0

Broccoli .

0

0

0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

. 4 sieve

2

0

2 6

Parsnips .

dozen

i

0

2

0

Cabbage .

i

6

0 0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums ..

. 100

i

«

2 0

, , Kidney .

cwt.

4

0

8

0

Carrots .

. bunch

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb.. .. ..

bundle

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

. dozen

s

0

4 0

Salsafy .

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery .. .

. bundle

1

6

S 0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4 0

Seakale .. .. per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers . .

. each

0

6

1 0

Shallots .

0

s

0

0

Endive .

1

0

2 0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

0

Heros . . . .

0

2

0 0

Tomatoes . .

1

0

2

8

Leeks .. ..

0

8

0 4

Turnips . . . , ,

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

8.

d.

8.

d.

R.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi

. . dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ferns, in variety .

. dozen

4

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitfc (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elastica

each

i

6

7

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . .

per dozen 24

0

36

0

Hyacinths . . per dozen

6

0

9

e

Begonias

. . dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley . .

dozen

2

0

24

0

Cineraria

per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy

dozen

6

0

12

0

Cyclamen

. . dozen

12

0

24

0

Myrtles .

. dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

NareisB (various) .

. dozen 12

0

IS

0

„ viridis

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

each

2

6

31

0

Erica, various

. . dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Solan « ms

per doz.

9

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

8.

a.

8.

d.

S.

de

Abntilons

12 bnnehea

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valiev,

12 sprays

0

9

to 1

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

<

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

0

6

l

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias

blooms

1

6

4

0

„ White. English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Carnations . . 12 blooms

„ ..12 bnnohes

Chrysanthemums 12 bohes.

„ 12 blooms

Cornflower

Cyclamen

Dahlias

Epiphyllnm

Encharis

Gardenias

12 bunches
12 blooms
12 bunches
doz. blooms
per dozen
12 blooms 12
1

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays
., .... 12 sprays 4

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms 2
Lapageria, red . . 12 blooms 1
„ longifiorum, 12 blms. 0
Lilac (white), French, bunch 6

8

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

21

1

6

4

2

0

8

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses 0 0 0 0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses 0 6 16

Roses . . 12 bunches 0 0 0 0

,, (iudoor), per dozen 10 2 6

„ Tea . dozen 2 0 4 9

„ red (French) dozen 2 6 8 6

Parme Violets (French) 6 0 7 0

Poinsettia . . 12 blooms 0 0 0 0

Primula (single) per bunch 0 4 0 6

„ (double) per bunch 10 16

Stocks, various 12 bunches 9 0 0 0

Tropasolum .. 12 bunches 16 2 0

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms 2 0 4 0

Tulips ,. .. doz. blooms 0 6 10

Violets .. .. 12 bunches 16 2 6

„ Czar, French, per bunch 2 0 2 6

CHEMICAL MANURES.

This is a subject in connection with improved farming
which we have often brought under the notice of our
readers. In doing so hitherto we have generally had
something to tell about the use of manures and the
method of application of them in our own practice. We
have also given the formula of mixtures which have
answered for certain crops, such formula being set forth,
not as the best possible one for a given purpose under
diverse conditions of climate and soil, but rather as that
which has answered best under such a test We may
fairly claim for ourself a desire to assist in the noble work
of improvement in agriculture in which so many earnest
workers are now engaged, and we certainly believe that
such improvement is possible, and that general united
effort is called for to ensure it as soon as possible.

Quite in vain is it to cry out for protection, for a
bounty on Wheat, or similar forms of State aid. What
we want and must have is help from within — that self-
help which we know will do more to enable us to combat,
and in no inconsiderable degree overcome, the effects of

204

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ March 10, 1887.

low prices which have fallen upon us, and which appear
likely to continue. What do we know of the soil we cul¬
tivate — its nature and requirements ? It is true enough
that we possess some knowledge of these things, but at
best it is very superficial. We are still ignorant of the
way to achieve maximum results at a minimum cost. That
is the point, and when we become perfected in such know¬
ledge we shall once more be able to hold our own in the
keen competition upon which we have entered with the
markets of the world. Not only must we strive for
quality but also for quantity in our farm crops. Instead of
being the extraordinary crop of a few favoured farms, five
quarters an acre of Wheat must be the ordinary crop of
all farms. Impossible ! do you say? We grant that it is
so under inferior or faulty cultivation, but we may add
that we know from actual experience it is possible, even in
soils that are naturally thin and poor.

Agricultural experiments have now for several years
been carried on in Bedfordshire, Aberdeenshire, and
Sussex. Other and most important experiments are also
being tried in Norfolk under the auspices of the Norfolk
Chamber of Agriculture. We believe we are correct in
saying that the West Norfolk Farmers’ Manure Company
at King’s Lynn is a practical outcome of such experi¬
ments, and under the guidance of the able manager, Mr.
Thomas Brown, farmers are now able to procure manures
for special crops with a feeling of assurance that they
have got the best-known mixture of genuine chemical
manures for their purpose.

A report of the Norfolk experiments has been recently
published, which tells us how in 1885 Mr. Clare Sewell
Bead and Mr. F. J. Cooke attended a special meeting of
the Royal Agricultural Society to consider the necessity
of establishing experimental stations throughout the
country in conjunction with the different agricultural
societies. Early in 1886 Dr. Voelcker visited Norwich,
and gave an address on agricultural experiments. This
was followed by arrangements being made for the imme¬
diate carrying out of certain experiments on land at
Whitlingham, Flitcham, and Aylsham, which had been
given up for the use of the Chamber by Messrs. Garrett
Taylor, F. G. Cooke and B. B. Sapwell. A competent
person was engaged to superintend the work, which was
carried out under the sujiervision of the three gentlemen,
who gave land for the purpose.

We do not intend giving anything like a full statement
of the experiments and results here, but we must call
special attention to the. extraordinary results of Mr.
Cooke’s trial of two mixtures of manure upon a crop of
Barley at Flitcham Abbey. On one plot of land the
manures used per acre were 3 cwts. nitrate of soda,
3 cwts. superphosphate, and 2 cwts. muriate of potash,
the result being 54'2 bushels of best Barley and three
bushels of tail corn. Weight of grain per bushel, 54'7 ;
weight of straw, chaff, &c., 1 ton 8 cwts. 24 lbs. On the
other plot the manures used per acre were 3 cwts.
nitrate of soda and 3 cwts. superphosphate, the result
being 9 2 bushels of best Barley and 11-5 bushels of tail
corn. Weight of grain per bushel, 52*2 ; weight of straw,
chaff, &c., 13 cwts. 3 qrs. 10 lbs., which shows that an
expenditure of 16s. for 2 cwts. of potash per acre upon
iplot 1 produced 45 bushels more of marketable corn
per acre than plot 2, which had no potash, but as the
report states was otherwise treated in all respects exactly
the same. It also adds that, judging from previous
experiments, l£ cwt., or even 1 cwt. of potash, would
have produced the same result.

1 The>3 cwts. of nitrate of soda was clearly an experi¬

mental dose. We have found in our own practice
1 cwt. per acre of it answer so well that we never exceed
that quantity. In addition to that, with muriate of
potash and superphosphate we are also using this season
fine bone flour.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The long spell of fine weather has enabled us to press on all farm,
work with ease, and with much less labour than usual. Even newly
ploughed land is quickly suitable for sowing, and any foul land should
be cleaned while the weather continues so favourable for such work.
We have a few acres to lay down to permanent pasture, which are very
foul with couch grass. Ploughing, followed by harrows, cultivators or
horse hoes, should enable us to get out the twitch and burn it, but we
shall keep on stirring the land till this is done thoroughly, and then sow
the grass seed with a crop of Oats. It was suggested to us that Barley
should be used in preference to Oats, but we could not agree to this, both
because of the uncertainty as to when we could get the land clean, and
because Oats are a safe crop to sow late and upon poor ground. We
cropped much of our poor land with Oats last year, and good reason have
we to be glad that we did so, for the fine supply of grain and straw has
been and is still of the greatest possible use for feeding our live stock,
and so to enable us to avoid heavy expenditure for cattle food. True it
is that we are using some of Mackinder’s Lamb Food for our home flock,
but our expenditure of a certain sum upon this wholesome and most
noui’ishing mixture is fully justified by the results of last year. We wish
to dispose of our lambs early in J une. and in order to do this advan¬
tageously both ewes and lambs must be well fed. We saw some hoggets
sold recently for very little more than we got for our lambs last June.
J udging from the appearance of those hoggets we could see they had
never been really well fed. Anything like profit from animals so badly
managed — or rather mismanaged — is very doubtful. After our lambs
were sold last year, we soon began buying old sheep draughted for sale
from breeding flocks. Our object in doing this was folding on poor land,
and by autumn we had got together a lot of useful sheep for our pur¬
pose, and we have no doubt that the effect of the folding will be visible
in the crops this year. The sheep have done their work. They have
been fattened, and have for some time been on sale week by week.
Prices have not always been so high as we wished, but on the whole our
sheep speculation has answered well, the sheep doing something more
than paying expenses.

OUR LETrER BOX.

Manure for Grass Land {J. II. W.) — If, as you say, you obtained such
excellent results last year from ths use of the mixture of manures we
recommended, why do you not continue using them ? We have repeatedly
explained the importance of an annual dressing of the same chemical
manures, and not of different manures. The bonem'al and soot, if mixed
in equal parts and applied at the rate of 6 cwt. per acre, will certainly do
goad, but the result cannot be expected to equal that of last year. We
suppose that when you speak of your intention to dissolve bonemeal you
mean to saturate it with sulphuric acid. The wisdom of such a proceeding
is very questionable. Far better would it be to mix an equal or even
double quantity of mineral superphosphate with the bonemeal. The mixing
should be done four days before using the manures, in order that the acid
of the superphosphate may act sufficiently upon the meal to render it
soluble, and consequently capable of acting more quickly upon the
pasture.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

Date.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

©« «3_.

Hygrome-

P •

©2 ;

Shade Tem-

Radiation

P

1887.

ter.

3 p

O

peratnre.

Temperature.

d

tf

Feb. and March .

S*

Bo«

<DX)

In

On

a “

Dry.

Wet.

So

Eh

Max.

Min.

san.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

drtflf.

det?.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

30.687

3 1.6

34.4

N.K.

38.8

49.0

29.2

63.5

24.2

—

Monday .

30.572

30.6

30.6

N.E.

37.7

49.2

27.3

74.8

22.8

—

Tuesday .

30.585

33.1

33.1

N.W.

37.2

37.2

27.6

55.8

23.2

—

Wednesday

. 2

30.656

30.2

CO 2

N.

36 8

45.6

27.8

79.6

23.8

—

Thursday ...

. 3

30.599

35.8

35.8

_ N.

36.8

43.4

29.7

67.6

25.1

—

Friday .

30.415

29.4

29.4

Calm

36.8

38 2

23 I

53 2

29.3

0.010

Saturday . .

. 5

30.310

33.9

33.9

N.K.

37.0

41.1

29.0

51.2

32.6

—

30.556

32.5

32.5

37.3

44.2

28.4

63.7

2J.6

0.010

REMARKS.

27th.— Slight fog and white frost, then very fine day.

28th. — White frost and slight fog till about 10 a m., then fine and bright.

1st.— Cloudy with white fog in morning, bright afternoon.

2nd.— Foggy till about 11 A M., then bright and pleasant.

3rd.— Fog in morning and evening; day fine, bat not clear.

4th.— Dense fog, diminishing gradually, but fog all day.

5th.— Dripping mist early, cloudy in morning and abont sunset, bright in the middle of
day and in the evening.

A l sinless week with daily fog (the 010 inch on the 4th being fog), bat a good deal of
bright sunshine; barometric pressure very high : tempeiature about 4° below the average
and 9° below that of the preceding week. It is noticeable that at 9 a.m. on six days of
the week the readings of the dry bulb and wet bulb thermometers were alike, and that on
three days the grass min. was higher than the shade min.— G. J. Symons.

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

20b

17

TH

Linnean Society at 8 r.M. Preston Spiicg Show.

18

F

19

8

20

SUN

4th Sunday in Lent.

21

VI

22

Tu

Rival ITort'ciJtural Pociety. Frntt and Floral Committee! at 11 A M.
Royal Botanic Societj’s Spring Show.

28

W

THE WEATHER, LAND, AND CROPS.

NTIL the middle of last week, when snow
was reported as covering the ground deeply
in Scotland and several districts in England,
the weather had been, if not the most pi asant
to man, more favourable to the amelioration of
the soil than it had been at a corresponding
period for many years past, and the low tem¬
perature that prevailed, with a dry atmosphere,
usefully retarded the growth of fruit trees and Roses. But
the same cold dry air that was of benefit in those respects
abstracted the moisture from such winter-standing crops
as hardy Lettuces, Spinach, and Parsley to such an extent
that those crops have practically vanished from many
gardens; while Cabbage plants especially in light soil
near towns have been almost annihilated.

Considerable inconvenience will he experienced through
the partial or entire loss of those crops ; and even the pre¬
sent demand for vegetables cannot easily be met, the market
supplies of “ green stuff” being scant and inferior.
When common Turnip tops of anything but tempting
appearance realise l|d. and 2d. a pound in London, as is
the case now, we have a tolerably clear indication that
fresh green succulent vegetables are the reverse of abun¬
dant in the country. This scarcity is no doubt a present
inconvenience, but it may be expected that the ultimate
advantages accruing from the same cause that has
checked the advance of vegetation will greatly prepon¬
derate. Good fruit crops may be hoped for, and, what is
even of greater and wider importance, there ought to be a
decided improvement in agriculture.

Not for years past has the land in February and the
firs fortnight of March been in such a free working state,
so easily and economically cleaned, and so favourable
for the sowing of crops over the greatest area of the
kingdom. The snow, where it has fallen, must of necessity
check operations on farms and in gardens. The few rather
heavy flakes that fell in the vicinity of the metropolis on
Saturday last only touched the ground to vanish, brisk but
not very severe frost and sunny days succeeding, leaving the
land as dry as before. But on Tuesday morning the ground
around London was covered about 4 inches deep with
snow. In the City most of it melted as it fell, and the
day was one of the darkest and most miserable of the
season. Wise have those gardeners and amateurs been
who pressed forward the work of digging, Potato plant¬
ing, and sowing of important crops when the ground was
in such an excellent state for their reception, and those
who failed to do so may possibly now have to wait some
time for an equally favourable opportunity.

Though there has been sufficient cloud and wet this
week, it is worthy of record that in the South of England
there has been about 10 per cent, over the normal
No. 351. — Von. XIV Tiiiiid Series

average of sun from the middle of January to March 14th,
and there has been less rain within the same time than
during the corresponding period for a quarter of a
century. Before the sudden and adverse change referred
to a more hopeful tone pervaded agriculturists, at least
those of them from which energy and effort have not
departed, and they were looking forward to a better
season than those of the past few years.

( rops and plants within the fog zone of London have
suffered of late, and in some cases seriously, for the fog
not only destroys Orchid flowers as fast as they expand,
but also has a decidedly injurious effect on vegetables,
such as those above mentioned, hence the greater difficulty
in preserving them through the winter and early spring
months than exists in colder yet clearer localities.

THE ROYAL IIORTICPLTUR AL SOCIETY.

At a meeting of the Council of the Royal Horticultural
Society, held on the 8th inst., a draft memorial for sub¬
mission to her Majesty the Queen, prepared by the Presi¬
dent of the Society, was read, and Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Bart., was requested to lay the same before Her Majesty
at an early date.

The memorial briefly reviews the history of the Society
since its foundation in 1 804, and, after setting forth its
intimate and influential connection with the progress of
practical and scientific Horticulture, refers to the benefi¬
cent influence which the late lamented Prince Consort
exerted over its fortunes, which have steadily declined
since the removal by death of Ilis Royal Highness from
the Presidency of the Society until, in 1882, after years of
continually increasing financial difficulties, the Society,
being unable to carry out the terms of its agreement with
the 1851 Exhibition Commissioners, was compelled to
give up possession of the Royal Horticultural Gardens,
and is now brought face to face with the grave problem,
not only of how its future work is to be carried on, but
even of how its existence is to be maintained. The
memorial, after alluding to the prestige of the Society at
home and abroad, prays Her Majesty to use her gracious
influence to obtain for the Society a sufficient portion of
ground on the South Kensington Estate for a building to
accommodate its committees, its valuable library, and its
offices, together with the use of the Conservatory and
Quadrants in which to hold its shows. In concluding, the
memorial assures Iler Majesty that the Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society approach her with the hearty
concurrence and support of the most eminent horticul¬
turists of the kingdom, both amateur and professional,
and in the firm conviction that force is added to their
appeal not only from the past history of the Society, but
al o from the fact that the sphere and scope of its work
are distinctly germane to the objects for which the land
at South Kensington was bought.

THE PROPOSED GARDENERS’ ORPHANAGE.

No cessation of interest is apparent on the subject of
Mr. C. Penny’s excellent proposal, but, on the contrary,
the idea appears to have taken a firmer hold of the public
mind. We are glad to learn that steps have been taken for
holding a meeting in London for the consideration of the
scheme, and of propositions that will doubtless be sub¬
mitted, and it is reasonable to assume that a committee
of management will be appointed to carry out the pro¬
ject on lines that will be determined as the best adapted
for the purpose. Mr. A. F. Barron, Superintendent ot the
No. 2007— Yol. LXXVI., Old Series.

206

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. i March it, isst.

Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Chiswick, is ap¬
pointed Secretary pro tem., and communications can be
addressed either to him or Mr. Penny. The following
list of those who have already subscribed, or promised
to do so, sufficiently indicates the importance attached to
the suggestion, and how willing horticulturists are to
support it. There is, we think, little doubt that imme¬
diately the plan to be adopted has been decided upon sub¬
scriptions will flow in readily. In the meantime the pi o-
moters would be probably assisted by suggestions from
those who have had experience in the modes of conducting
and the costs of managing such institutions, several of
which have proved very satisfactory.

Messrs. Veitcli & Sons, Royal Nurseries, Chelsea.

Mr. W. Whitaker, The Gardens, Crewe Hall.

Mr. B. Wadds, „ Birdsall.

Mr. A. Watson, „ Primley Hill.

Mr. C. Williams, „ Lower Eaton.

Mr. T. Wilkins, „ Inwood House.

Mr. J. Wallis, „ Keele Hall.

Mr. B. S. Williams, The Nurseries, Holloway, N.

Mr. W. Williams, The Gardens, Strathern House.

Mr. Willard, „ Holly Lodge.

Mr. Wildsmith, „ Heckfield Place.

Mr, Webber, foreman, Lowther Castle Gardens.

Mr. Whitehurst, The Gardens, Oak Hill.

Mr. Whiteley, „ New Lodge, Hawkhurst.

Mr. Wakeley, „ Ponsandane.

Mr, Craig, „ Hamersknott, Darlington.

Mr. J. Roberts, „ Gunnersbury.

Mr. Roberts, „ Highfield Park.

Promises have been received by mr. penny from the

FOLLOWING GENTLEMEN WHO WILL SUBSCRIBE.

Mr. D. T. Fish, „ Hardwicke.

Mr. D. Thomson, Drumlanrig.

Mr. G. R. Allis, The Gardens, Old Warden Park.

Mr. G. Aslett, „ Warren Wood.

Mr. Adams, „ Lyme Park.

Mr. Allen, and Two Men, The Gardens, Ashwicken Rectory.
Mr. Allen, The Gardens,! Sleaford.

Mr. Adams, „ Bank Hall.

Mr, Allen, „ Burnley.

Mr. Adams, „ Brookhill.

Mr. G. J. Beale, Messrs. Carter A Co., Holborn.

Mr. W. Bull, New Plant Merchant, Chelsea.

Mr. A. F. Barron, Chiswick.

Mr. W. L. Bird, The Gardens, Morton Ha'll
Mr. G. J. Barnes, „ Stoodleigh Court.

Mr. G. Bolas, „ Hopton.

Mr. A. J. Baliliatchet, „ Fulham Palace.

Mr. J. Blears, „ Creaton.

Mr. Bailey, „ Lupiath Park.

Mr. Bissett, The Gardens, Conholt Park.

Mr. G. J. Bolt, The Gardens, Betting House.

Mr. F. Brownell, The Gardens, Fryscroft.

Mr. E. Burton, „ Linsfield.

Mr. E. Bigg, „ Fromewitfield.

Mr. J. Bird, The Nurseries, Downham.

Mr. W. Coleman, The Gardens, Eastnor.

Mr. J. Coombe,

Mr. A. Cromond,

Mr. G. Claydon,

Mr. H. Carter,

Mr. G. Cook,

Mr. G. A. Colthorpe,
Mr. J. Clarke,

Mr. J. F. Coombes

Hendre.

Knoyle House.
Woodbury Hall.
Dom hill.
Quorndon.
Summerville.
Ribbleton Hall.
Englefield.

Mr. Cummins, The Grange Gardens, Wallington.
Mr. G. H. Copp, The Gardens, Holnest Park.

Mr. H. Cannell, Home for Flowers, Swauley, Kent.
Mr. F. Dranlield. The Gardens Valentine*.

Mr. Douglas
Mr. Howell,

Mr. C. Dull,

Mr. G. Lawrence,
Mr. J. Lambert,
Mr. R. Lye,

Mr. A. Lancaster.
Mr. Letts,

Barkingside, Ilford.
Headington Hill.
Headington.
Bellshanger.

And Men, Onslow Hall.
Sydmonton Court,
Holkham.

Aske Hall.

Mr. T. Low, The Nurseries, Clapton.

Mr. McAdam, The Gardens, Auchen.

Mr. W. Miller, „ Coombe Abbey.

Mr. J. Muir, „ Margam Park.

Mr. D. McDonald, „ Totteridge.

Dr. Masters, Gardeners Chronicle.

Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons, Chilwell.

Mr. W. Richards, Gardeners C hronicle.

Mr. Roberts, The Gardens, East Cliff Lodge.

Mr. F. Russel, „ Woodlands, Chobham.

Mr. Robinson, „ Ramsberk.

Mr. Roberts, „ Highfield Hall.

Mr. C. H. Sharman, Messrs. Carter & Co., London.
Mr. Sutton, The Gardens, Pains Hill.

Mr. Smytlie, and men, Basing Park.

Mr. Simson, New Somerby.

Mr. Salcombe, The Vineyard, Ticehurst.

Mr. Throssell, The Gardens, Chilwell Hall.

Mr. O. Thomas and friends, Chatsworth.

Mr. Thomson, Garvald House, Peebles.

Mr. Thoms, West Grinstead Park.

Mr. Temple, Carron House.

Mr. A. Turner, The Nurseries, Slough.

Mr. Upjohn, Worsley Hall.

Mr. Young, The Gardens, Abberley Hall.

Mr. Vine, „ Oak Park.

I AM desired to state that as soon as arrangements can be made, a
meeting of gardeners and others who have signified their interest and
approval of the proposition to establish a Gardeners’ Orphanage or fund
for the orphan children of gardeners, will be held in London to discuss
the matter generally, and to take what steps may seem necessary in
furtherance of the object in view.

In the meantime it would facilitate matters greatly if those who are
disposed to support the proposition would kindly send in their names
with any suggestions on the subject they may be pleased to submit
either to Mr. C. Penny, The Gardens, Sandringham, King's Lynn, or to
me as under. — A. F. Barron, Royal Horticultural Society, Chisivich,
Secretary pro tem.

Various proposals have been made in the Journal of Horticulture
and other horticultural papers for commemorating the fiftieth year’s
reign of Her Gracious Majesty, but I consider the proposals inadequate
to the occasion. No more fitting commemoration of the Jubilee of the
Sovereign could be found than in the restoration of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society by the Commissioners to its rights and privileges at
South Kensington. The Society, to its own prejudice, has fulfilled its
part well, and deserves sympathy and liberation from a most disastrous
connection.

The proposed Orphanage is the only original idea of the many
schemes. Mr. Penny will excuse my suggesting that it be attached
to the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. How many of the
gardeners of Great Britain and Ireland have their names enrolled as
subscribers to the funds of the institution established for the benefit of
the aged and infirm ? A tenth 1 or is it not nearer 1 per cent, of the
gardeners whose names appear in the “ Horticultural Directory ? ”
Would it not be better to consolidate what we have than to tempt by
novelty the benevolent from cases of real distress l At the last election
of pensioners of the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution many
deserving cases had to be passed for lack of funds. Such a state of
things is not creditable to gardeners. Great generosity is shown by the
patrons of horticulture and the trade generally to our institution. The
apathy of gardeners is surprising. An institution under the patronage
of Her Gracious Majesty the Queen and Heir Apparent, a ducal Presi¬
dent, and an array of Vice-Presidents, afford an ample guarantee of the
judicious management of its funds, and surely is a fitting object of
commemorating the Jubilee year. If an orphanage be needed, by all
means have it, but attach it, if possible, to the Gardeners’ Royal Bene¬
volent Institution. A slight addition to the annual subscription would
be sufficient to meet the requirements of the “ bairns,” and they could
be placed on the list by ballot similar to the pensioners. I cannot,
however, but observe, that considering the special provision made by
the State for rearing and establishing in life orphan children, that
the aged and infirm have a priority of claim on the benevolent. —
G. Abbey.

1 should have hesitated to write upon this subject, but as one of
your correspondents has appealed to me I cannot but answer the call,
although l very much fear not in the way he would himself like. My
own feelings and my professional instincts would lead me to look with a
very favouring eye upon any scheme of benevolence which was intended
to benefit the members of a calling which has added so much to the
happiness of one’s life, and were imagination a strong point in my mental
constitution, which it is not, I might picture to myself a flourishing
institution amidst the Surrey Hills — happy groups of boys and girls
inhaling the pure atmosphere, or letting off their superabundant spirits
in athletic games ; but 1 am hopelessly practical, and so in this matter I
must look at things as they are and as they are likely to be, not what we
might wish them to be.

Has any one of your correspondents who advocates the Orphanage
counted the cost ? and yet this must be looked at. I suppose that it
would not be considered large enough if it did not make provision for at
least 100 orphans, fifty boys and fifty girls. The building of an Orphan¬
age of that size, with all the necessary requirements, could not be calcu¬
lated at less than from £15,000 to £20,000 (exclusive of site), and indeed
I feel that I am putting it at a very low figure. Well, this is something
difficult to obtain in these days ; nor do I think that the cost of main-

March 17,1887. ]

JOURNAL ON HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

207

tenanee for each child, inclusive of what arc called house charges — that
is, superintendent, schoolmaster, schoolmistress, Ac., can be taken at less
than j£30, and here I think again 1 am putting it below the mark. This
would involve an annual expenditure of £3000. Will this be obtainable,
and if so from whom ? I have had a long and varied experience in the
working of societies, and I know very well how difficult it is to keep
subscriptions going. There may be a spurt at first and everything may
look promising, but after a while they become more promising but little
performing. More especially has this been the case during the past few
years. I know that some people think money must not be spent on
bricks and mortar, and that therefore the idea of expending the large
sum I have named must be brushed on one side ; but if so, then the
annual expenditure must be increased to provide a place which will
probably be inadequate and unsuitable. Now how is this large sum to
be raised ? I am sure that gardeners would not wish it to be done for
them, can it be done by them ? I very much doubt it, and I do so
because of the state of the Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution, which is
about one of the best life insurance societies a gardener can belong to,
and yet on looking through its list of subscribers it will be seen that the
number of gardeners who subscribe bear but a small proportion to those
who can never have any personal interest in this matter.

The mention of the Gardeners’ Benevolent induces me to bring that
forward as another reason why I look on the scheme as undesirable. It
would, I fear, interfere with it. Many gardeners say that they can with
difficulty subscribe to its funds, and were the Orphanage to be started
I fear that subscriptions would be withdrawn, and it would suffer. Why
cannot some such plan as this be adopted? There are orphanages
already in existence — the London Orphan Asylum, Wanstead, &c. — and
if a sum of money can be got together why not purchase the right, and
have a certain number of orphans admitted without canvassing, just as
beds can be secured at a hospital ? This I know can be done, the right
of presentation vested in a committee. This would not be so grand a
scheme, but it strikes me as being more practicable. — D., Deal.

I have read with interest the various propositions and letters
relating to them, and I hope that, as an under gardener, I shall not
be out of place in giving my opinion. I consider that Mr. Penny’s
proposition is a most noble one, and ought to be brought into action, as
I think it would meet with the highest appreciation and the greatest
amount of help from all classes connected with horticulture. With
regard to under gardeners, I think it would meet with a fair share of
assistance, for although they are not in immediate danger of leaving a
family, I may say, “ What man his end can tell ? ” and what could be a
greater consolation to a man leaving a family than to think they are
provided for? and how many young men are cut off in the prime of life
without having had time to prepare for the little ones. I am afraid I
shall be encroaching upon your space, so I will conclude by saying that
I hope a trustworthy committee will soon be formed and business
commenced, and as an encouragement to other under gardeners I will
promise at least 10s. — An Under Gardener

l am very pleased to see the support given in your columns to the
above-named proposition, especially by such well-known practical men
as Mr. Thomson and Mr. Goodacrc, and I hope that in due time some
wcll-considered scheme for carrying out the idea may result from the
discussion. I can the more heartily wish to see it succeed, as I was the
author of a few notes in a contemporary advocating the same idea, and
in similar words to Mr. Penny the same week his note was published. I
quite agree with your remarks in the leader of Journal for March 3rd,
bearing on the necessity of a strong influential Committee being formed
to take the matter into consideration. Then if this Committee decide
that the matter is of a practical nature, I would suggest that printed
circulars be sent, through lopal secretaries in each county, to all persons
interested in horticulture soliciting subscriptions for the proposed Orphan¬
age. The circular should be drawn up by the Committee, and be of a
uniform character for all the country. A few pounds spent in this way
would soon ascertain the feeling of the country on the subject. I think
that if a tenth part of what Mr. Goodacre mentions were secured a fair
start might be made. 1 would by all means, as far as possible, avoid
bricks and mortar at first. A suitable house to accommodate, say, from
ten to twenty orphans, with a good garden attached, could, I should say,
be easily had in the London district. If this could not be purchased it
might be leased for a term of years. It would be necessary to secure
the services of a really worthy couple, man and wife, to act as “ father
and mother” to the home ; one who had spent his lifetime as a gardener
woukl be necessary. The requisite schooling of the children could
easily be managed by drafting them into the nearest and most efficient
school in the district where the home was. As funds accumulated,
which I, for one, feel sure they would in the course of time, then by all
means extend the operations of the home, either by adding to it or by
securing land and building a new one. Perhaps, though, a supplemen¬
tary one might be established in the north to take in the district north
of the Trent. There are a number of other suggestions that could be
made if the matter is gone into ; but your generally crowded columns
are perhaps not available for them just now. First get the funds, then
the matter will soon be organised. I scarcely think it will be wise to
join the Orphanage to the Gardeners’ Benevolent— at present, at all
events. The necessary working expenses would not be heavy for a time,
as doubtless some influential horticulturist would act as Secretary to
the Orphanage for a time without any salary, only expenses out of
pocke*. When once on a sound footing, then perhaps the G. B. I. and

the Orphanage might with advantage be worked under one management.
There is certainly room and need for both, and likely to be for .all time.
— H. J. Clayton, Qrinuton, Tadcatter.

It seems very strange that while some of the most prominent n < fi ¬
bers of the gardening profession are striving to establish a Jubilee
memorial in the form of a home for the maintenance and education
the orphans of gardeners, a contemporary of a certain status in the gar¬
dening world should be found publishing an article throwing cold water
on the scheme. When I also find that the journal in question proceeds
to throw vague hints about “ charities that are fruitful sources
income to some of their promoters,” I am really astonished at the
effrontery of the writer. Were it not too absurd it might be inferred
that the promoters were expecting to reap some present benefit from
the fund themselves. The name of the worthy originator should be
sufficient answer to such insinuations. To the average mind there can
be no question of the advantage of such an institution, and I am quite
sure that few will require to have it proved to them “ why the need
has suddenly arisen.” The need was always there, because the race of
gardeners is no more exempt from early and sudden death than any
other class of men. Indeed, when one considers the chills to which a
gardener leaving the heated atmosphere of his greenhouses is always
subject, it is evident that the risks he runs are greater than those of
most men. It is also stated as a fact that but little encouragement has
been received from those whose children the scheme is intended to
benefit. So far from this being the case, letters are pouring in with
promises of assistance from all quarters, but principally from gardeners
themselves. In the course of a few weeks there seems little doubt that
the scheme will be fairly floated, and will be beyond the power of any
carping criticism to injure it. — J. H. Pratt.

The suggested Gardeners’ Orphanage must certainly be desirable to
all sensible gardeners, therefore one and all ought to exert themselves to
carry it out. Although it is Jubilee year, I do not think it best to press
the subject until later, as in every town and village something has been
proposed for the public to carry out ; therefore everyone is expected to
put their hand into their pocket for the purpose required, and the
suggested sum of £30,000 will require much energy on the part of all
concerned to collect.

Now, supposing the list is started and the sum falls far short in the
end, could not that collected be used for a small orphanage ? perhaps
much smaller than many would like ; still, for all that, it would exist,
and we know that many a great and glorious ending had a very small
beginning.

Or, supposing a sum of money is collected and invested in the Gar¬
deners’ Benevolent Society for the purpose of assisting widows and
children who may be in real want when they have no longer the support
of the husband and father ; what will the readers of the Journal say to
it l — A. L., Worcester.

May I venture to propose through your columns that by way of
commemorating the Jubilee a special medal be struck, and one such
presented to each prizewinner at the National Rose Society’s shows this
summer ? I think, too, an additional prize might be given in each class,
consisting of a medal (without money) when the exhibit is of sufficient
merit ; no exhibitor, of course, to receive more than one medal, however
many prizes he might win. I would willingly subscribe for this purpose.
— W. H. J.

POTATOES OLD AND NEW.

ARE THEY DEGENERATING ?

It has been asserted by an experienced and much-esteemed con¬
tributor to the pages of the Journal of Horticulture that Potatoes
are degenerating, the natural inference being that fresh blood is
needed, or, in other words newer and more reliable sorts are required
to replace the worn-out varieties. As far as my experience goes,
this tendency of the ‘‘ noble tuber ” to become weaker and there¬
fore much less profitable is not yet apparent, and where any variety
is found to be either less vigorous, prolific, or disease-resisting than
formerly, the cause is traceable, not to the decline in the Potatoe’s
vitality, but rather to faulty treatment on the part of the
cultivator.

If Potatoes are so rapidly degenerating as some appear to
imagine, why is it so much value is attached to one of the oldest
yet in cultivation — viz., the true Old Ashleaf ? I have sent planting
tubers of this to friends in various parts of the country, and have
been obliged to refuse applications by other gardeners, who assert
they cannot purchase it. Those who possess it are well aware that
it is the most valuable early sort whether for frames or warm
borders, no novelty that I have yet tried being equal to it. Neither
this nor any other good so-called Ashleaf variety can be said to have
degenerated, nor will they so long as the sets are properly stored
and prepared. Store any variety of the Ashleaf or Lapst-one Kidneys
iD heaps, and allow them to form and lose one and perhaps two sets
of sprouts ; the shoots that will follow are bound to be weak and
altogether opposite to what are needed for producing a good crop
of tubers. Weaken the sets by premature sprouting, and degenera-

208

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 1887.

tion for one season at least is the almost certain consequence.
Where large quantities of seed Potatoes are needed it is usually a
difficulty to find sufficient storage room for them, and instead of
being spread out thinly in a light room or shed and protected from
frosts, they have of necessity to be stored in heaps. Some of the
more vigorous rounds will even do good service after the loss of the
prematurely formed sprouts, but many of the kidneys are inevitably
much weakened by it.

It may le asked, How are we to avoid planting weakened sets ?
. I answer, Easily enough. Leave a certain breadfn of each sort in
the ground till wanted for planting. Being well moulded up while
the haulm is yet growing strongly, the frost must be severe indeed
; that would injure the tubers buried 3 inches below the surface. If
the' frost does reach them the thaw is gradual and leaves the tubers
fin a sound state. Several bushels of Scotch Champion and Magnum
Bonum we have quite recently lifted and replanted were perfectly
sound and had scarcely commenced sprouting, and for all purposes
were much superior to those lifted and stored in the usual manner.
They will be late in starting, most probably escaping late frosts, and
the vigorous haulm will assist to mature proportionately heavy
crops. The medium-sized sets are planted whole and the large ones
.cut, the remainder going to the labourers’ pigs. Contrast this with
the plan of planting small and partially exhausted sets, and my
case will be found unanswerable.

Change of Seed and Soil. — I must plead guilty to having
at one time advocated the practice of changing seed, under the idea
that Potatoes coming off a soil of a totally different nature from that
under our charge would be certain to be more profitable than any we
.might have saved and planted. Whatever might have been to a
.certain extent true in other districts as regards this theory, I have
been obliged to confess it does not hold good here, the contrary
more often being plainly discernible. If any new or old variety is
received before ii has sprouted in any way its true character is
-developed, but when the tubers have undergone the weakening process
a correct opinion of its merits cannot be formed till we have had
the preparation of the sets. Treat the home-saved and the imported
sets similarly, and unless I am much mistaken it will be found that
the necessity for changing seed is, to say the least, extremely
doubtful. Purchased seed may sometimes give slightly better
returns, from the fact that seedsmen supplying them usually take
more care in selecting and storing Potatoes than do the majority of
cultivators.

I have nothing to say against the systematic rotation of crops
practised by many good gardeners, but many besides myself have
found it possible to grow profitable crops of Potatoes on the same
ground for many years in succession. This is not done from choice,
but from necessity, no other crop being safe from game and its
usual accompaniment — viz., vermin, in large quarters outside the
garden walls. Our rotation consists of Magnum Bonum one year
and Scotch Champion the next, the latter not being grown two
years running on the same ground owing to its grossness of habit.
Nor can our success be attributed to an abundance of farmyard
manure, as none ever reaches that part of the garden. An occa¬
sional dressing of decayed garden refuse and lime, and an annual
sprinkling of either sort or some kind of artificial manure, prefer¬
ably that prepared and sold by reliable agents specially for Potatoes,
answer our purpose. For the benefit of others who may use this
for the first time this season, I should add we have no given
quantity for an acre ; our plan being to sow in the drills with the
sets much the same as we would pepper our food. A well-worked
thoroughly pulverised soil is of more consequence than the sort or
quantity of manure employed. Ground that is hard and lumpy is
the first to suffer from drought, and without a sufficiency of mois¬
ture poor progress will be made, no matter what kind of artificial
manure may be applied. Not only are the crops heavier and finer
out of deeply and well-worked ground, but the tubers are better
both as regards appearance and quality. I am an advocate of early
planting of late sorts, or say as soon as the state of the ground
permits, and at this time (March 10th) all ours is completed. They
may not apparently be ahead of others planted later, but they will
make good progress under ground, and eventually surpass those kept
longer out of the ground.

The Best Sorts. — Large collections of Potatoes are not to be
commended, unless the owner happens to be an enthusiast. For all
ordinary purposes six are am| le forgiving satisfaction to those who
eat them. We cultivate more than six varieties, but it is principally
by way of a hobby and not for supplying the table. Commencing
vrith the Old Ashleaf. This is found the best for frames and warm
borders, being also extensively planted in the open. The rows are
‘20 inches apart and the sets 9 inches. The young Potatoes are fit
for use when rather larger than Walnuts, and the whole are cleared
in time for various other successional crops. Then comes Yeitch’s
I improved Ashleaf, which we plant either in rows 2 feet apart and

the sets 9 inches asunder, clearing off and recropping the ground,
or the rows are placed 3 feet apart and Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
planted between soon after the Potatoes are moulded up. Myatt’s
Ashleaf, of whicli I believe we hold a true stock, crops more heavily
than Veitch’s, and this season will be more extensively planted; as
it requires no more room, and is fit for use quite as soon
as needed. Yery shallow planting is resorted to with all our
Potatoes, this both improving the quality and quantity of the crops
resulting.

There are plenty of good second early sorts suitable for. succeed¬
ing the Ashleafs, but strange to say we are now supposed to have
Scotch Champion fit for use by the time wanted, and unless the
crops of Ashleafs are very badly diseased the succession is complete.
Mr. Taylor, when at Longleat, always commenced using the
Champion much earlier than most people, and since we have adopted
his plan nothing but praise has been accorded the Potatoes sent to
table. The tubers are fit for use while yet the haulm is comparatively
fresh. We commenced using the variety in September, and the
supply is not yet exhausted. Magnum Bonum, the only other sort
extensively grown, is not so dry when cooked, but can be sent to
the table in good condition up to the time that new Potatoes are
plentiful. If either of the last named are planted on fresh or
rather rich ground the rows are disposed 3 feet apart ; but on com¬
paratively poor land or our regular Potato ground 30 inches is the
most profitable distance, the sets being 10 inches apart. Neither is
suitable for widely planting with the idea of cropping between, nor
ought double cropping to be resorted to where manure is sparsely
used, or the ground will soon refuse to grow anything satis¬
factorily.

Adhering to such old-fashioned Potatoes may be thought unwise,
but hiving bought my learning am not going to risk another failure.
At one time disease-resisting was the principal recommendation for
a new or old sort, but we hear less about it now, owing to the little
disease prevalent of late years. Any season may see our enemy at
its worst again, and away will ro half the fancy sorts. By all means
try novelties that appear to be exactly what are required, but do not
till they have stood the test of one or more bad seasons let them
oust those that experience has proved are trustworthy.

I have strong hopes that Sutton’s Abundance will prove disease-
resisting, and should this be the case it will most probably take the
place of the Champion. It is a vigorous grower, heavy cropping,
the tubers round in shape, being clean, rough skinned, with shallow
eyes, while the quality is decidedly good. Another tried disease-
resister will be found in Sutton’s Reading Hero, and this may
well be grown where either the Champion or Magnum Bonum is
not of good quality, for they vary considerably in this respect.
Messrs. Sutton & Sons have introduced many undoubtedly sterling
novelties in the Potato line, most of which I have given a good
trial. Reading Russet, Lady Truscott, Sutton’s Early Regent, and
Sutton’s Seedling are all of sturdy growth, crop heavily, and the
tubers are mostly of good shape and quality. They possess the addi¬
tional advantage of maturing early, and are therefore most profitable
to the owners of comparatively small gardens as well as useful for
the exhibitor.

Rapid Increase of New Varieties. — Those who purchase ex¬
pensive novelties naturally are anxious to plant as much ground as
possible, and to these my plan of increasing the stock of any sort
may be acceptable. I hit upon it when the much puffed up and
very expensive Pride of Ame. ica was first sent out, and last season
we further improved upon it. From one pound of Potatoes I can
easily obtain sufficient to occupy a row fully 72 feet ling, and every
plant shall, the season being favourable, produce as good if not
better crops than result when whole sets are put out. About this
time the tubers are | laced in a pan or box partially filled with soil
and covered with sifted leaf soil, loam, and sand. Placed in a
gentle heat, say the floor of a Peach house or vinery, and the soil
just kept moist, the sprouts soon start and at once commence rooting
into the tempting compost. When these are about 2 inches long
all are pulled carefully from the tubers and potted, either singly into
4-inch pots, or dibbled thinly in boxes of fine good soil, watered if
the soil is at all dry, and returned to the gentle heat till well re¬
covered, when they are at once transferred to a cool shelf under
glass or stood in a cold frame or pit. The tubers are returned to
their former quarters and again induced to form more sprouts, the
process of removing and potting being repeated as before. We
have in this manner obtained three sets of plants, and finally cut up
the tubers with sprouts attached fit for planting. It is the rounds
that lend themselves most readily to this, as far as I am concerned,
original method of rapidly increasing the stock, but kidneys of the
Snowflake type are also nearly as readily increased. I ought to add
that the plants should be transferred to the ground before they are
badly rootbound and at or.ca be moulded up, and in case of frosts
threatening be also lightly protected with branches of Evergreens

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

209

or inverted flower pots with the drainage holes covered. Plants
thu s obtained produce fewer tubers than those resulting from sets,
but they are usually larger and of good form. — W. Iggueden.

BIGNONIA "VENUSTA.

Mr. H. Coster, Froyle Park Gardens, Alton, Hants, sends us some
exceedingly handsome examples of the Bignonia venusta, which, as he
remarks, “ is not grown so much as it ought to be.” One of the shoots
sent was 2 feet long, bearing eleven trusses of flowers, the terminal one
with four flowers and buds, and the others with from ten to twenty-four
each. Other separate trusses were equally fine, and the colour — a rich

the native country of any particular plant does not always suffice. From
Brazil (where this species is said to be found) we have stove, greenhouse-
and even hardier plants than this.”

As Mr. Coster remarks, the great beauty of the plant is seen in the
long wreath-like branches having the trusses of flowers at every node
We should be glad to have particulars of the mode of culture adopted by
our correspondent.

TRAINING OF YOUNG PEACH TREES.

In training young trees make it a point the first spring after
planting, when the sap begins to rise, to bend the shoots which arc

Fig. 37. — Bignonia venusta.

orange — is most striking. The corollas arc tubular, 2J inches long, with
three lower lobes enrving downwards, the two upper more erect and re¬
curved at the apex. As a free flowering climbing plant this Bignonia
is scarcely surpassed, and it will be remembered that the late Mr. C.
Green, when gardener at Pendell Court, was very successful with it, and
on one occasion he exhibited some grand trusses at South Kensington
one of which wc had engraved (reproduced in fig. 37). Mr. Green’s
system of culture was as follows : — “ The chief requirements of Bignonia
venusta seem to be a good well-drained border, consisting of turfy loam
3 feet deep, liberal supplies of water during the season of growth, liquid
manure occasionally, and frequent syringing to maintain a healthy
growth. It is never shaded here, or cut-in till after the flowering is
over. The house in which it is grown falls to 45° sometimes during
winter, though not iu an airy greenhouse. Some grow this species with
success under stove treatment, and this will serve to show that to name

left their full length towards the ground, and securing them to the
wall in that position, the bend starting from the point whence the
first of the young shoots is desired to proceed. The check thus
given to the flow of sap causes a sufficient number of wood buds to
push from each shoot to form a good sized tree the first year after
planting— extension training pure and simple. Of course, as soon
as the buds nearest the base of the individual shoots so treated have
pushed into growth the nails should be drawn, the main shoots
spread out on the wall after the manner of a hand and distended
fingers and secured thereto, leaving sufficient room in the
shreds for the development of the branches ; the young shoots'
indicated above being trained at proper distances over the
intervening space. By the foregoing remarks it will bo seen
that the pruning knife is judiciously withheld from young trees the
first year after planting, as perhaps it may bo the second year also,
the object being to cover the space prescribed to each tree on the
wall with bearing wood in as short a time as possible.

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£ March IT, 1387.

Disbudding. — This is an operation that should not be per¬
formed in a haphazard manner, as the formation of the tree for
next year in a great measure depends upon the way in which the
process of disbudding is carried out this season. It should be done
by degrees, so that the trees may not experience any check in the
operation. The side buds nearest their bases and the terminal ones
should only be retained, rubbing one half of the intervening buds
off and pinching the other half back to a leaf, laying those spring¬
ing from the base of each shoot in the space reserved for them on
the wall.

Insects. — The first indication in the way of curled leaves that
the trees show of being infested with aphides, they should be
syringed with tobacco water at the rate of one quart of tobacco
juice to four gallons of water, which will not only destroy those
then on the trees, but also render the leaves distasteful to their
attacks during the year. — H. W. Ward.

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN IN 1886.

No. 1.— GLADIOLUS.

In again venturing to give a few notes on my experience in my
small garden I have thought it best to begin with the Gladiolus,
because as this is the season for planting them, my experience may be
of use to those who may be commencing to grow this beautiful autumn
Rower, and may also interest those who have had some years’ experience
of a flower which also puzzles many in what seems its capricious way,
but which may after all only seem so because they are ignorant of the
proper way of treating it. It has gone through many phases of culture,
and while failure has been the lot of most of those who have attempted
it, success has so notably followed in other cases, that, comparing one
with the other, we may perhaps arrive at some sound conclusion on the
subject.

1 grew only, exclusive of seedlings, about 400 conns last year, and
they were planted in their different portions of my garden. One bed
was in light rich garden soil, where flowers of one kind or another had
been grown for some years, but where the Gladiolus had not been
planted for the last two years. In this were grown some imported
corms, a few of Mr. Kel way’s (about half a dozen) and some of my own
harvesting. Another bed was in stiffish soil, but where Gladiolus had
been previously grown. In this were planted mostly corms of my own
harvesting, including amongst them some of Mr. Dobree’s seedlings ;
while the third bed. consisting exclusively of imported corms, was grown
in a part of the garden which is much cooler anil the soil more stiff than
in the rest of the garden. They were all planted about the same time —
namely, the first week in March, and in the same way. The beds had been
previously prepared in the autumn, being supplied with a good quantity
of rotted manure, which was dug in, and then exposed to the winter
frosts, and so became well sweetened. The time for planting was a very
good une, and the ground in good condition, although not so good as this
present season, when the soil has been in the most beautiful mellow condi¬
tion. They were planted in the way which I have adopted for some years —
drawing a good drill the length of the bed, and then planting, so that
they are about 4 inches under the surface when covered in. I put a
little coarse road grit about them, which I think is better than sand, as
it. does not tend to cake so much ; and as all our roads are mended with
flint, I am not sure that the silica in the road scrapings are not of
benefit to the corms ; at any rate they keep the soil well open and
prevent water from settling about them. As I have before explained,
the beds are 4 feet wide, thus allowing room for four rows a foot apart,
ami I always place the corms about a foot apart in the rows, as this
gives plenty of room, if it be necessary or desirable to shade for exhi¬
bition, and also for staking them, an operation which is absolutely
necessary if the flowers are to be preserved from the attacks of wind, to
which their tall and slender growth makes them susceptible. We had a
flue time for blooming, although somewhat late, but the varieties
bloom at very different times, some, as Shakespeare, beginning at the
end of July, and some like Phoebus opening towards the end of Sep¬
tember, in which month last year there was a great deal of cold and wet
in the north and in Scotland, so that many did not bloom at all with
them, ami many opened very indifferently, but in the south we had
ti it much to complain of.

And now, what was the result of my growth for the year? Unques¬
tionably the finest blooms, the most healthy plants, and the best roots
at harvest time were supplied by those which were planted at the bottom
of the garden in stiffish soil, while the worst show was made by those
which had been planted in the ground where they had been previously
grown, and which was, perhaps, sick of them. I had not one diseased
corm in the whole of the bed which contained 150 roots, and although
I lifted them when the foliage was green, the corms were sound and of
good size, although nothing to be compared to those grown by Mr.
Burrell of Cambridge, and some of which I have been just planting, the
plants very vigorous, the foliage healthy, and the blooms excellent.
■Owing to the lateness of the season some of my best flowers were not
fully out at the time of the Crystal Palace Show, and I do not think that
my stand there was as good as that in 1885. That this kind of soil is
most suited for them I had, I think, clear evidence. I had divided the
imported eorms between the two beds, one in that just mentioned, and
the other in that part of my garden where the soil is lighter and richer,
but in this latter case I lost a good many of the corms, which were as

violently attacked by it as I have ever seen in any grown by myself from
year to year, so that it is clear to me from this that the lighter richer
soil does not suit them as well. I need hardly repeat what I have
already more than once said, how thoroughly this view is confirme 1 by
the experience of Mr. Burrell of Cambridge, whose rich unctuous soil
combined with his drier climate have given him such a good chance,
which he has not been slow to make use of. I have just been planting
some of his corms, they have not shrivelled in the least, and were plump
and sound. Another point which I have proved to my own satisfaction
is that you get better blooms and cormfe when you cut the latter in two,
than when they are planted whole — i.e.. if they have a couple of eyes,
which in most cases they have, the one stem has a better chance of
flowering well than when two come from the same corm close together,
and the latter formed is generally larger and of better shape, and it, of
course, doubles the number for planting. Even where the corms are
smaller this may be done with advantage. At first there may be
hesitation about it, as there is about pruning, but success will give
courage, especially when it is known that the practice is resorted to by
all our best growers.

I have been somewhat disappointed in the varieties sent out by
Souchet last autumn, but I do not like to pronounce positively about
them, as they were grown in the bed of lighter soil, and so hardly had
fair play ; but I grew the fallowing : —

Admiral Cuvrbet. — Fine spike, carmine violet, white spot lined with
cherry red. Such is the description given by the raisers. With me,
however, the spike was not close enough, nor were the flowers so well
set as in many of the varieties, such as Mabel, Nereide, &c.

Dc. Brazza. — Long spike, very large flowers, shaded carmine red,
large white spot. This is a promising variety, and I shall hope to find it
better when grown in stronger soil.

Fille des Champs. — Medium height and small flowers. I rather
imagine that this will be more a garden than an exhibition variety.

Magdalena. — Very pale lilac, largely flamed with carmine red, lined
with violet carmine. Of this I cannot say a great deal, but live in
hope.

Masoarille. — Compact and regular spike of very open and well-
formed flowers of salmon rose colour, sometimes marked with yellow.
This was one of the varieties which were as badly diseased as any that I
have ever seen ; and this, let it be remembered, was an imported corm.

Sceptre de Flore. — A vigorous plant, bearing a long spike of large
flowers with white throat, with a red star in the centre, colour of the
petals lovely salmon rose. I am hopeful that this is a promising
flower.

Of the older varieties the following may be selected from, and they
will, if properly grown, be sure to give pleasure, and can many of them
be had at a moderate rate from a few pence to half-a-crown each : —
Adolphe Brongniart, Baroness Burdett Coutts, Mount Etna, De Mirbel,
Dalila, Nereide, Grande Rouge, Arabi Pasha, Abricote, Bicolore, Mabel,
Tamerlane, Teresita, Jeannette, Atlas, Lacepede, Pasquin, Rossini,
Camille, Le V6suve, Africain, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Dr. Fontan,
Chloris, Ovide, Benvenuto, Leandre, Pygmalion, Ondine, Hesperide,
Demosthenc, Horace Vernet, Meyerbeer, Corinne, Camdhon, Phcebus,
Colbert, Victor Jacqueminot, Ama, and Panorama.

The Crystal Palace Company has made an additional class for
amateurs in their schedule for this year, so as to give encouragement to
them to come forward. They have protected the smaller growers by
preventing those competing in the larger class from entering in the
smaller one, and it is much to be hoped that lovers of flowers will take
the hint and come forward in larger numbers to compete. — D., Deal.

Kew List of Seeds. — The second list of seeds of hardy her¬
baceous annual and perennial plants grown in the Royal Gardens, Kew,
is just issued and can be obtained in the Gardens, price 6d. It comprises
in forty-six pages a large number of names arranged in the natural
orders, with authorities, native countries, and principal synonyms.
About 2700 species and varieties are enumerated, proving how rich is
the collection of these plants at Kew. Much attention has been given
to the department in recent years, and the annual additions are now
considerable.

- We have received from Messrs. Viccars Collyer & Co. ,

Leicester, a fruit of the so-called “ Melon Pear,” a title which is in¬
appropriate, and may, perhaps, to some persons be misleading. It 3
egg-shaped, 2J inches long by 1 \ in diameter, of a dull yellowish colour,
and containing a firm juicy flesh, but of an indifferent flavour, due pro¬
bably to its being ripened out of season and without sun. It much
resembles a variety of Solanum Melongena, perhaps guatemalense, but

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF' HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

211

in America it has been considered distinct. It is described in the
“ American Gardener’s Monthly ” as a native of highlands in Central
America, where it is known as “ Pepino,” a term also applied to the
Cucumber. In California it has been grown successfully, one man at Los
Angelos having had a plantation of 10,000. In “ cool and frost-free
places ” it is said to thrive and prove profitable. Seed is seldom pro¬
duced except in warm districts in Guatemala, and the sample sent to us
does not contain any.

- We are informed that Dr. August Wilhelm 'Eichler,

Professor of Botany at the Berlin University, and Director of the Royal
Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum at Berlin, died on Wednesday

Ihe 2nd March.

- We understand that MESSRS. Cutbush & Son, Highgate,

have obtained the contract for furnishing, planting, and maintaining
trees, shrubs, Ac., in the various Board schools within the London dis¬
trict. The same firm announces that the annual exhibition of
Hyacinths, Tulips, and spring-flowering plants will be open to visitors
at the Highgate Nursery from March 25th to April 7th.

- Jarrold’s Norwich Almanack and Directory. — If any of

our readers desire to know much about Norwich, its inhabitants and
trades, we can recommend to them the above annual, which is a neatly
bound^volume of 391 pages, crowded with information pertaining to the
city and county.

- Considerable enterprise is displayed by Messrs. Wood & Son

in offering special prizes at horticultural shows during the
year. We obserye in the list before us three silver cups and twenty-five
silver medals to be awarded at twenty-six exhibitions. At several of
these no conditions nor restrictions are imposed, but at others the
products have to be grown with the aid of the special manures of the
firm.

- Ducks and Crocuses. — An extraordinary case is reported to

ns from Sheriff Hutton, where a Duck belonging to Mr. Hopperton
gradually pined away and died. On a post-mortem examination being
made it was found that the bird had swallowed two Crocus bulbs, which
were found in its crop, and which had apparently germinated there, as
they were growing distinct flowers. — ( Poultry )

- Mr. Wm. Paul, F.L.S., of Waltham Cross is announced to read

a paper on the “ Literature of Gardening ” before the Royal
Society of Literature, 21, Delahay Street, Westminster, on Wednesday,

the 23rd March, at 8 p.m.

- Large Cineraria Flowers. — Some Cineraria flowers grown

by Mr. H. Shoebridge at Carshalton have been sent to us. The largest
is 3J inches in diameter, colour mauve, with a large white centre. The
cultivator describes them as Carter’s Brilliant Prize. We do not remem¬
ber seeing larger flowers than that, though possibly larger may be grown
by some of our readers.

- From Messer A Thorpe, 8, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, we

have received a copy of their Kitchen Gardener’s Calendar, a
card-board sheet, 2 feet long by I5 wide, showing in diagramatic form
when the principal crops should be sown, planted, stored, Ac. Forty
vegetables are named, and the instructions are given by means of
variously formed coloured marks under the respective months. It is
ngeniously designed, but is not likely to be of much practical value to
gardeners, though it may prove suggestive to amateurs.

- The Exhibition of Hyacinths in Messrs. Lucombe, Pince,

and Co.’s Nursery, Exeter, on Friday last, and being favoured with fine
weather proved very successful. The prizes were obtained by the Rev.
T. J. Yarde, Chudlcigh (gardener, Mr. Jesse Daw), Mrs. Rowe, Pennsyl¬
vania (gardener, Mr. Baker), Mr. W. C. Sim, Clyst St. George (gardener,
Mr. A. C. Williams), Mrs. Norris, Pinhoe (gardener, Mr. F. Viney), and
Miss Fripp, Teignmouth (gardener, Mr. J. Stiles). Large numbers of
varieties were shown.

- Damping Houses. — J. L. B.” writes: — “ I should like the

opinion of some of your realers on damping the floors, stages, Ac., after
sunset. As a young man I was taught to do this once, and sometimes
twice, during the evening ; and since I have been head gardener 1 have
sometimes advanced a step farther, and have syringed Ferns, Roses, and
stove plants, more especially in houses heated by flues, some of which, 1
»ni sorry to say, are still under my charge. I have frequently syringed

Chrysanthemums and Vines after very hot days in summer. I thought
by this I was imitating Nature, but it has occurred to me lately that I
may have been doing wrong.”

- Horticultural Club. — At the last monthly dinner and

conversaziour, held at the Club room, there was a good attendance of
members. The discussion was opened by Dr. Masters, who alluded to
the history and development of the Chinese Primrose as affording a re¬
markable illustration of the phenomena of variation independent of
those produced by cross-breeding or hybridisation. The presumed
causes, purpose, and significance of variations were briefly alluded to.
Some of the variations were apparently due to excessive or to diminished
heat, light, or food supplies ; others to reversion to a primitive ancestral
state, presumptive evidence of which latter is derived from an examina¬
tion of the course of development of the seedling plant. That hybridisa¬
tion had played no part, in recent times at least, was shown by the fact
that until lately the wild form of the plant was not known, and, more¬
over, that all attempts to cross-fertilise the Chinese Primroses with
pollen from other species had hitherto failed. The plant as first intro¬
duced to this country was a cultivated form, which immediately
manifested a tendency to vary, and in practice it was always grown as
an annual. During the last few years, however, the true wild species
had been found in the mountains of Y-Chang in Central China by
several collectors growing on bare limestone rocks exposed to the sun,
and with but scanty supply of water. Dr. Masters, owing to the kind¬
ness of M. Franchet and Mr. Hemsley, was enabled to give a slight
account of the wild plant, which is a perennial with a thick, woody,
branching rootstock covered with the remains of former leaves, and
with an internal construction different from that of any known Prim¬
rose. Messrs. J. Laing, G. Paul, Pearson, Girdlestone, D’Ombrain,
Wilks, and others, took part in the interesting discussion which
followed.

- On Monday, 14th inst., the Hull and East Riding Chrys¬
anthemum Society held their annual dinner at the Station Hotel.
Mr. George Bohn, C.E., presided, and among those present were the
Mayor (Alderman Leak), Major Brodrick, J.P., Captain Gurney (Chief
Constable), Captain W. S. Brodrick. Messrs. R. Falconer Jameson, W.
Hawksworth, F. W. Jameson, R. Collison (Hon. Sec.), R. W. Holder,
R. W. Judge, C. Judge, E. Harland, W. W. Cogan, C. II. Collison, E. B.
Stather, W. Roper, J. W. Potter, A. W. Stanley (Vice-President), E.
Procter, G. Cottam, jun., J. Dixon, E. Goddard, J. Raby. Sherwood, J.
Hornsey, and S. Higham. At the conclusion of the repast the usual
loyal toasts were proposed and honoured, the Hon. Secs., Messrs. Jameson
and Hawksworth, being presented with handsomely illuminated framed
addresses. Several other toasts were proposed, and the meeting proved a
very satisfactory one to all present.

- Mr. IV. A. Cook writes from Peterborough : — “ I enclose a

bloom of a new seedling Rose (named Mrs. House) raised by Mr.
House of Eastgate Nurseries, Peterborough. As you will observe, it has
all the good qualities of a first-class bloom ; it also has a distinct advan¬
tage, being as it is very highly scented. It forces well, is very dwarf,
though robust constitution. Shall be gla l to hear your able opinion of
it. I consider it a great treat to have a Rose as Mrs. House in flower
now. I do not know one more sweet.” The bloom is deliciously fra¬
grant, possessing the scent of the old Provins Cabbage Rose. The
petals are broad and smooth, rich rose in colour, faintly suffused with
purple.

- The < Weather. — <;W. K., Blair D vmmond," writes thus: —

“ After nearly a fortnight of unseasonably fine weather Scotland has
been visited by a heavy snowstorm followed by severe frost. The fal*
began on the night of Wednesday, the 9th inst., and continued till the
afternoon of Friday. From different parts of the country even depths
of from 8 to 20 inches are reported, and the drift has rendered the roads
in some places all but impassable. In South Perthshire the low grounds
were covered to the depth of 10 inches. In that district on the night of
Friday, the 11th, 10°, and on the following night 18° of frost were
registered, with no appearance of change.” Around London low tem¬
peratures have also been registered. On Sunday and Monday there were
13° of frost in several distiicts, snow falling at intervals throughout
Saturday and heavily on Tuesday. The change appears to have been
general, for on the Continent the weather during the past week has beeu
extremely cold.

212

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 1887

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 187.)

PRUNING- CLIMBING ROrE 3.

Much cannot be said on this point, as climbing Roses do not
require any pruning, properly speaking. To do justice to these
they should be taken down from the walls or trellis to which they
are attached. All the wood more than two years old, or at most
three years, should then be cut out, or as much of it as is possible,
and the remaining shoots replaced in position. If this is not done
the tree becomes a tangle of new and old branches, growing so
thickly in all directions that the sun and air are kept away, the
wood cannot ripen, and poor flowers and puny growths are the
results. The whole thus becomes an eyesore, and arrived at this
stage, the only plan is to cut it down to the root nearly, and begin
again, either with the old plant or a new one.

PRUNING TO PRODUCE A MASS OF FLOWERS.

Some of my readers may wish to have a lot of flowers in
preference to individual blooms of greater size and vigour. This
is a very easy matter, and is only a question of leaving more buds
on the plant to grow and produce blooms. Ripe shoots may be laid
down horizontally — in the case of standards bent and tied down —
until the buds have fairly broken, when they may be tied up again,
or allowed to resume their natural habit. If the ground be suitable
the shoots of dwarfs may be pegged down permanently, and during
the season fresh shoots will grow up from the base for the next
year’s blooming, the shoots that have bloomed being cut clean away
at the following pruning season. Care should be taken not to bend

Fig. 88. — a, Shoot badly cat. !>, Ditto, -well cut. c, Showing results of pruning as at a.

the new shoots down too early in the season, or the frost may injure
the young growing buds, most of which would remain dormant —
those at the extreme ends of the shoots only growing — if the shoots
were allowed to remain upright, until all danger of frost was past.
In growing budded or worked Roses on this principle it will be
necessary to look out for, and remove, suckers, which will be con¬
tinually growing up from the stocks. Where an upright bush is
preferred, the shoots in pruning may be left as long as individual
taste may desire, but if left long, and allowed to remain upright,
only the upper buds will break, and a very unsightly plant will be
the result.

HOW THE CUTS SHOULD BE MADE.

A few words as to this. I wish to warn the reader that my
illustrations are not a guide in this matter, quite the contrary ; in
fact I have purposely drawn them just as they should not be, so
that I may be able, by showing him how he should not do it, the
more clearly explain to the reader how it should be done. Figure 38
at a shows a shoot badly pruned ; for this reason, there being no bud
at the end of the shoot, the sap will not flow as far, it will stop
short at the bud, and the result will be that all the wood beyond
the bud will shortly perish and leave a snag or piece of dead wood,
which is very objectionable, and may introduce decay into the
healthy part of the branch. In the same figure, at c, I have
endeavoured to show the snag which would be produced the
following season. At b I give an example of how a branch should
be pruned. If cut down close to the bud the bark will heal over
and the wood will remain alive and sound.

DISBUDDING.

This term is applied to two distinct operations — one the removal
of wood buds, which, if allowed to remain, would in time develope
into shoots or branches— and the other, to the pinching off of the
superfluous flowers while they are yet in a very young state.

In the case of the wood buds, which afterwards become branches,
I said a little way back that more buds might be left on than might
be afterwards required. This might arise from want of judgment ;
or the beginner might, after pruning, when he saw the buds breaking
and beginning to grow on the plant, think that he had left too
many ; or, which often happens, buds which were not seen at the
time of pruning may start out in inconvenient places, as, for

instance, pointing inwards, or towards the centre of the plant ; or,
as again often happens, two or more buds may break out at the
same point. In any of these cases, as soon as possible after the
discovery that any of these buds are to be done away with, the
beginner should bring his thumb to bear on the subject, and break
off, or rub away, the superfluous buds. If there are many to come
away, and these have attained any size, or are in full leaf, they
should be taken off at intervals, as it is a rule, or should be, that
when the sap is flowing, or when plants are in a growing state,
which is the same thing, that violent changes should be avoided.
The sudden removal of any quantify of shoots or buds, which have
been up to then absorbing a certain quantity of sap, must disturb
and augment the supply to those remaining. The reason for early
removal of these buds is obvious. If they are not to be allowed to
come to maturity, whit is the use of permitting the plant to waste
its energies growing them at all ? Off with them, and the sooner
the better.

Now as to the pinching off of superfluous flowers. Many
varieties produce quite a cluster of flower buds at the ends of the
shoots. If these are all allowed to grow, one blooms first, and is
followed at intervals by the others ; but naturally the blooms, even
the first, are not very large. If we want a very large and fine
flower we must concentrate the whole of the energies of the plant
in one bloom in each cluster — the others must be pinched off. Now
if these buds are to be removed, they should be so treated as soon
as they are large enough to be discernible by the naked eye. As
in the case of wood buds just mentioned, it is very improvident,
and a great waste of the energies of the plant, to allow it to grow,
and perhaps half mature a bloom which is doomed to destruction
from the first. If there be three or four shoots cn a plant, and it
is desired that the flowers should bloom at intervals, a good plan is
to remove the central bud from one or two clusters, leaving only
one of the smaller or secondary buds to take its place. This will,
as a matter of course, take a longer time to arrive at the blooming
stage.

Disbudding is applied to standards with good results, particularly
to those varieties which really make good standards ; and these
varieties, let me say, are not near so numerous as many people
imagine. I shall probably give my idea of what a standard Rose
tree should be elsewhere, so I will content myself here with saying
that I allude now to those varieties which make shoots as long as,
or longer than, the ribs of an ordinary sized umbrella, in one season.
These would be treated, of course, to produce a mass of flowers;
some of the branches cut clean out at the base, and the others left
long. The individual flowers would be much improved, and the
next season’s branches would be much more vigorous, if some of
the buds were rubbed away from each shoot ; for example, all those
that pointed inwardly. To get them all to break, the branches
should be bent or tied down. If this were carried out, all the buds
would break pretty equally and grow with equal vigour, and a fine
half-globe-like mass of flowers and foliage would be the result.

In the middle of June 1876 I travelled by road from Chester
into North Wales, and I shall never forget the fine effect produced
by the standards growing in all the cottage gardens about, or within
ten or twelve miles of Chester. They looked exactly as if the
shoots had been trained to the framework of an umbrella, and on
every side drooped long branches, the whole forming one mass of
flowers. General Jacqueminot seemed to be the greatest favourite ;
he was to be seen in every garden. But I was particularly struck
in one place by a beautiful tree, a Noisette apparently, covered with
the most lovely pale yellow flowers— it is a long time ago now, but
I think from what I remember it must have been either Madame
Caroline Kuster or else Celine Forestier, both excellent for growing
in this form; bnt, alas! for us in this inhospitable part of the
kingdom, requiring a greenhouse to grow them. AimiSe Vibert,
however, for those who desire a cloud of white flowers, is quite
hardy, and answers admirably under this treatment.

In this neighbourhood pillar Roses are scarce, but where they do
well, disbudding would be a great assistance in getting them into
shape. The object being to form a pillar of bloom, free from
breaks or gaps, much may be done by removing buds from where
there are plenty ; and, on the other hand, encouraging those best
situated to fill bare places. As I said before, any required bud may
be got to break if the branch be laid down horizontally for a short
time. — D. Gii.mour, jun.

(To be continued.)

CYCLAMENS AND THEIR CULTURE.

It is, I believe, a generally admitted fact that these plants are not,
as a rule, grown to a very high state- of excellence in private gardens.
In many cases this is, no doubt, because there is not the convenience te>
devote houses or pits especially to their cultivation, and in others be-

Much 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

213

cause they do not have the attention bestowed upon them that market
growers are able to bestow upon them when grown on a large scale and
men especially employed in looking after them. When the plants can
hare such attention, grand specimens are produced in twelve or eighteen
months from the time of sowing the seed. By sowing the seed in
August and growing the plants steadily throughout the year, they may
be had in flower from October to May ; but recent experience has
taught us that for gardeners generally the best results, compared with
the trouble taken, can be obtained by growing on plants that have
flowered one season ; and although wc do not dispute that equally good
plants may be produced by sowing the seed annually and throwing the
plants away after they have done flowering, as many good cultivators of
these popular flowers do, yet we maintain that to accomplish it treble
the amount of attention is necessary. Another great advantage of this
system of cultivation is, that the very best varieties can be selected and
grown, so that we can be always sure of having a good strain to
depend on for the main batch of plants, for however reliable may be
the source from which seed is obtained, the plants generally require a
little weeding out, the most robust specimens often producing quite
inferior flowers. Taking these things into consideration, we believe that
the most Drofitable way of growing Cyclamens is to sow a little seed in
August each year, and select the best varieties when in flower, and after
giving them a season of rest grow them again, and continue to
do so each year as long as the corms are in a plump and healthy condi¬
tion, or till they become too large for the purpose required. One of the
reasons why disappointment often occurs when old plants are grown,
is because corms are potted that are quite worthless, having very
few embryo buds to develope into leaves and flowers.

We have at the present time many fine plants in flower, some from
seed sown in 1885 in 5 and 6-inch pots, carrying between thirty and
forty fully expanded flowers, with numerous buds to form a succession.
Yet the treatment given them has been simplicity itself, and I thought
a few remarks concerning it might be of service to those who have not
been so successful as they would wish in growing these plants. After
flowering our stock is placed together in a frame, and water gradually
withheld till the corms are thoroughly ripened. The pots are then turned
on their sides and the plants kep: for three or four weeks without water,
when they are again stood upright and receive a thorough soaking,
which causes them in a short time to start into growth. As soon as the
young leaves, or rather the stalks, are a quarter of an inch in length
the corms are shaken out, the roots shortened, and repotted in soil con¬
sisting of two parts turfy loam, one part leaf mould, and one part well
decayed manure, which lias previously been exposed to the;air to sweeten
(ours was obtained from a Vine border which had been heavily dressed
in the spring), with enough sand and finely broken charcoal to keep the
compost open. In potting the corms were buried about half their depth,
and the soil pressed about them moderately firm. They were then re¬
turned to a cold pit, where they stood on a firm surface of ashes, were
kept close and shaded for a few days, and afterwards gradually inured
to the light and air till the lights were left off altogether, except during
heavy rains. The night dews seemed to have a very beneficial effect
upon them. When the nights were cold the lights were placed on,
and by the end of September they were removed to shelves in a light
span-roofed house, where the temperature ranged between 45° and 60°,
according to the weather, a fair amount of air being given on all favour¬
able occasions, and the floor of the house damped once a day in bright
weather. When the roots had worked well into the soil weak farm¬
yard manure water was given at each watering, and occasionally a little
soot water mixed with it. As the flowers began to open the plants
were removed to the conservatory (which was kept at about the
same temperature as the house in which they had been wintered), where
they are now, rewarding us with a fine display of richly coloured flowers.
H. Dcnkin.

t*el)td3

PHAIUS TUBERCULOSUS, var. SUPERBUS.

Orchids that are difficult to import and difficult to cultivate are
often well known to botanists for a considerable time before horticul¬
turists generally have an opportunity of making their acquaintance. An
example of this is afforded by Phaius tuberculosus, which under various
names had been described by botanical writers long before living plants
were introduced to this country. The name now adopted was bestowed
upon the species by Blurne, but Du Petit Thouars gives it as Limodorum
tuberculosum, ami Sprengel as Bletia tuberculosum. Some seven or
eight years ago it was found by the collector Humblot, and plants were
successfully introduced to this country to pass into the possession of the
leafing orehidists. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., flowered one of these in
the Burford Lodge collection early in 1881, and the plant, when exhibited
at the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting, March 8th of that year,
had two spikes, one with four and the other with six flowers. The con¬
trast between the lip and the pure white sepals is most remarkable, and
this Phaius became cne of the notabilities of the year.

Baron Schroder also flowered a good variety at The Dell, Egham,
which is excellently figured in Williams’ “ Orchid Album,” vol. ii.,
plate 91, and Mr. Sillem of Sydenham obtained a variety remarkable
for the size and bright colour of the flowers. The finest variety that has
yetbeen seen is, however, that represented in fig. 39, p. 2 1 5, P. tuberculosus,
var. superbus, which has recently flowered at Burford Lodge, and was
shown at South Kensington on the 8th inst., when a cultural commenda¬
tion was awarded for it. In most of the varieties that first attracted at¬
tention the flowers rarely exceeded 2 inches in diameter : in this they
are over 3 inches from tip to tip of the p.tals. The lip is also larger and
much richer in colour, the peculiar veining or spotting in the throat and
side lobes, is of an intensely rich maroon, whereas it is usually of a red¬
dish orange hue. The prominent crest in the centre of the lip is bright
orange, the undulated margin being purplish, and separated from the
crest by a pure white irregular band. The flowers have a singularly
bold handsome appearance, and the plant under notice had a strong spike
of six flowers with several plicate leaves, like many other forms of the
genus, but rather shorter than those of P. tuberculosus are usually. It
is grown in a pot in the Aerides house, as, being a native of Madagascar,
it requires a high temperature and a moist atmosphere, somewhat the
same conditions as Angraecum sesquipedale from the same island. Sir
Trevor Lawrence has been fortunate in obtaining this beautiful variety
for placing amongst the numerous treasures contained in his valuable
collection. — Lewis Castle.

ORCHIDS AT HOWICK HOUSE NEAR PRESTON.

Very few, I imagine, have had the opportunity of seeing such a rich
display of Cattleya Trianas as was afforded me a few days ago. I was
astonished when my hospitable guide, Mr. Swan, showed me into a house
where no less than 270 or 280 flowers of the lovely Cattleya Trianm and
its varieties were expanded. Many varieties are included, of all shades,
including the lovely C. Trianae alba, a fine healthy piece, with a pair of
its lovely and pure white flowers. Several plants ‘of Cattleya Percival-
iana and C. Mendelli were gay, also C. amethystoglossa, a very distinct
and beautiful species. In the same house were noticed two or three good
baskets of each of the following Dendrobiums — D. crassinode, rich, and
a mass of flower, D. heterocarpum, D. nobile, and. the beautiful D.
Ainsworthi.

In a second division suspended from the roof were some well-grown
Phalmnopsis. The most noteworthy is a piece of P. Schilleriana with a
splendid branched raceme bearing thirty flowers. P. Stuartiana, P.
violacea, P. amabilis, P. Sanderiana, and P. grandiflora are all repre¬
sented. In a third house, among numerous examples of Cattleya Mossiae
and other species, are several baskets of the orange-coloured Laelia
cinnabarina, well flowered, also Laelia harpophylla. The last-named
resembles the former, except that the lip is of a much lighter shade.
Coelogyne cristata is well grown here ; several very large pans ' have
yielded a real harvest of flowers, but the lovely Coelogyne, C. Lemoniana,
was a little in the rear. Some four or five pans were flowering profusely,
each raceme bearing from five to eight flowers, a number^ rarely seen
upon the old variety. The lip is of a soft lemon yellow tint quite
distinct from the former. A house is filled with most healthy Odonto-
glossums bearing a host of strong flower spikes. About 120 fine racemes
of the following were noticed— 0. Alexandra;, 0. Andersonianum, O.
gloriosum, and 0. Pescatorei ; Oncidium macranthum, several having
racemes 5 and 6 feet long trained neatly to stakes.

Leaving the Orchid houses, we cannot help noticing that all kinds of
florist and other plants have their various cultural requirements supplied
with the same judgment. Cyclamens fill one side of a span-roofed house,
and are in themselves a complete show. One plant is nearly a yard in
diameter, and many others are from 15 to 18 inches across. In the same
house are well-grown Cinerarias. Tea Roses have a good share of
attention, filling one side of a house in 10-inch pots, tied neatly to
stakes, and forming good bushes down to the rims. Last, but by no
means the least interesting feature, is a neat little conservatory adjoin¬
ing the mansion, and within is a tastefully arranged bank of Hyacinths,
Tulips, and Narcissus, with Primulas, Cyclamen, Lily of the Valley, &c.,
backed up with a row of Acacia lophantha and Aspidistra lurida
variegata, which gave to the whole a very pleasing effect. The
Hyacinths are splendidly grown, and are represented by many excellent
sorts too numerous to name. They are chiefly grown in self-colours,
three bulbs in each pot, a system that should be more generally adopted
where good effect is the object, no sticks or tics being employed. Narcissus
and Tulips are equally well grown. But space and time are short, I
must therefore close my notes, feeling that a most profitable hour had
been spent. — Visitor.

PRESERVING FLOWERS FROM SLUGS.

Your correspondent, Mr. Murphy, draws attention to the slugs
“ destroying and disfiguring his flowers,” and this is by no means an
exception, for not only are they troublesome and destructive with the
outdoor flowers, but more especially when they attack the flowers in
houses, for 1 have been troubled with them amongst the Orchids. They
commenced their operation upon Dcndrobium nobile, which they seem
particularly fond of. It is most provoking indeed, as your correspondent
states, to find the flowers disfigured, and in my case some of the buds
cut off. To prevent fur' her mischief I proexred some Potatoes and cut
them in half, removing some of the inner portion, thus forming a kind of
shell. I then cut a hale V s>ape in each piece, tlrs being to allow the
enemy free passage into the trap. Place the traps amongst the plants,

214

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 1887.

and when going round in the evening examine them, and upon lifting
he traps the enemy will be found. By this simple method I have been
able to get rid of a very troublesome pest. — R. Kirby, Hammerrvood.

ORCHIDS AT WESTBROOK, SHEFFIELD.

Calling a few days since at Westbrook, Sheffield, the residence of
A. Wilson, Esq., we saw a truly grand display of Orchids in flower, the
flowering house being filled throughout with a forest of flower spikes,
consisting for the most part of Odontoglossums, Lselias, Cattleyas, and
Dendrobiums, and amongst them many very rare and choice varieties.
Mr. Wilson is fast improving his already valuable collection by purchas-
ing at great cost freely and continuously the best varieties of each
section to be met with, and weeding out the less valuable, so that the
Westbrook collection bids fair to soon become one of the best in the
provinces. The plants throughout are in the most robust and vigorous
health, showing that their treatment is thoroughly understood by Mr.
Pidsley, the head gardener. Appended is a list of those in flower at the
time of my visit. — W. K. W.

Angrascum articulatum
Anoectochilus Dawsoni (very fine)

Cymbidium Lowiaaucn (five spikes,
carrying 60 flowers)

„ eburneum
Dendrobium nobile

„ Ainsworthi roseum
„ Wardianum
„ candid um
„ _ primulinum

Cattleya Trian® (several very fine
forms, amongst them a
pure white-flowered va¬
riety).

Cypripedium Harrisianum
„ hirsutissimum
„ villosum

„ Roezli

Lycaste Skinneri alba
Masdevallia triangularis

„ Lindeni superba

„ Shuttleworthi

ignea

Oncidium Forbesi
„ cucul latum
Lselia harpopbylla
Odontoglossum Andersonianum (one
pseudo-bulb with
two spikes, carry,
ing thirty-three
flowers)

Odontoglossum hybridum

CULTURE OF DENDROBIUM NOBILE.

Mr. Thomas Todman (Messrs. T. Todman k Son), Rose Park
Nursery, Tooting Beck Road, recently read a brief but excellent paper
before the Tooting Horticultural Society upon the cultivation of this
useful Orchid, the chief points of which are condensed in the following
note : —

y Commencing with the propagation, Mr. Todman stated that when
it is desired to increase the stock largely plants that will not flower
should be placed in strong heat. Growths will soon be produced, and
these should be taken off when 3 inches long with a portion of the old
pseudo- bulb and a few roots if possible, though roots will form quickly
in a warm moist house. Break some old bricks into small pieces, and
mix some good peat and sphagnum moss together, half fill large 60-size
pots with the broken bricks, over that place some sphagnum, and on that
three of the young plants or growths, filling up with peat and moss
pressed firmly. Arrange them in a Cucumber house or stove where
they can be exposed to the sun when necessary, supplying plenty of
water, as they must never be allowed to become checked at this stage.
The growth will be finished by September, and if they make 1 foot of
growth the first year it will be satisfactory. They can be partly dried
and placed in a temperature not lower than 45° in winter, but do not
let them shrivel. In February they can be placed in 48-sized pots,
using the same compost as before. Grow the plants in a Cucumber
house or vinery as quickly as possible. Give plenty of water, and with
sun heat a temperature of 90° to 100° will not hurt them. Liquid
manure sprinkled about the house is very beneficial to them. Treat
them during winter as before, and if in the following February any of
them show flower buds, place them in a forcing house. In potting the
large plants we use rough peat and pieces of bricks.

In regard to pruning Dendrobium nobile, I should not attempt it
with young plants unless the pseudo-bulbs were half dead. From plants
above six years old all old pseudo-bulbs can be cleared off, but they
should not be cut away before the new growths are 1 foot long, or
it will weaken the plants.

SYRINGING ORCHIDS.

Temperature may be all that can be desired, watering, potting,
and shading carried out with the most scrupulous care, yet these are
rendered futile by a careless use of the syringe. Some cultivators con¬
tend that the syringe is a dangerous instrument amongst Orchids, and
such is the case when used in a reckless manner ; but with judgment it
can be used as beneficially amongst Orchids as other plants. It has

been urged again and again that water should not be allowed to lodge
or enter the young growths of Odontoglossums Cattleyas, and others,
for they are liable to damp under these circumstances. This must
before long become obsolete, for it prevents timid persons using the
syringe, whereas when the young growths decay the cause must be
attributed to the method of ventilation. Water in the centre of a
young growth in a confined stagnant atmosphere is certain to decay.
The decay of the young growths may, in the majority of eases, be traced
either to too low a temperature or a saturated stagnant atmosphere
about the plants, and the syringe may be safely used provided a judicious
, system of ventilation is practised.

Some of those who condemn the use of the syringe ventilate liberally,
and maintain low night temperatures about their plants. They contend
that by so doing they are following natural laws, and that the plants
need no syringing in the morning because they are covered with mois¬
ture in the form of dew, the same as may frequently be observed out¬
side. This is true, and any plant by a natural system of cooling, even
in a glass house if the temperature is allowed -to fall sufficiently, can
have its foliage laden with water in the morning. But whether this is
the best course to pursue is an open question. I have tried this natural
dewing system, and by no means approve of it, for under these condi¬
tions young growths will decay if water becomes deposited in them. If
we take Vandas, Aerides, Saccolabiums, Phalaenopsis, and other similar
plants grown in the plant stove or Orchid house, the temperature, by
this natural deposit of moisture on the foliage, is too low for sustaining
the plants in health. Orchids in our houses are subjected to entirely
artificial treatment, and to follow Nature in this one particular is simply
absurd. If Cattleyas, and others that will grow in the same house with
them, are subjected to the same treatment they, too, are starved. The
cool or Odontoglossum house during the summer months, or say from
the end of May until the end of September, where no artificial heat is
employed, cool sufficiently each night for the plants to become covered
with moisture in the morning. The temperature, however, appears to
be warm enough for these plants, and, therefore, no harm results. The
dew deposited upon the leaves is very rapidly absorbed by the atmo¬
sphere directly the temperature rises. This leaves the stems and foliage
of the plants perfectly dry from early in the day until moisture is again
deposited on their foliage during the night. This may be natural, but
our province is to improve on Nature if possible by giving the plants all
the advantages they would derive in a natural state, and at the same
time shield them from trying conditions. By the non-syringing system
the transpiration of water from the foliage is going on over a greater
portion of the day than would be the case if they were liberally syringed
morning and afternoon.

From the end of October until the end of March, or later, according
to the weather, we never ventilate the houses in which Orchids are
grown, except the one devoted to Odontoglossums, and therefore never
syringe during that period, unless it is on the morning of very bright
days during March ; if the last month is excluded we never syringe the
foliage during any of the others, but maintain the requisite amount of
moisture by damping the stages, floors, and amongst the pots. On
bright mornings the syringe is used, and again very lightly at one
o’clock. This gives ample time for all the moisture to be evaporated
from the foliage before night. As the season advances we syringe more
freely, and frequently water lodges in the young growths of Cattleyas
and others ; in fact, we never trouble about this, but are careful that
the water is evaporated before night. Some days the syringe can only
be used once when the day proves dull some hours after syringing, but
on particularly bright days it is done three times. A little ventilation
after syringing is afforded at the top, and the water from the young
growths is quickly evaporated, at least some hours afterwards. The
whole of the plants in the cool house are syringed twice on every fine
day after they are potted or top-dressed, and a little ventilation given at
the top. During the whole of the summer the plants are watered over
the foliage.

Those who have low temperatures generally in their Orchid bouses
must exercise greater care in the supply of water both in the atmosphere
and over the plants than those who subject their plants to warmer treat¬
ment. Spot in the foliage has been attributable to a variety of causes,
but the chief one is a too free use of the syringe combined with too low
a temperature. The young growths of Lselias, Cattleyas, Oncidiums,
and others are then very liable to decay, and in the case of Odonto¬
glossums the old pseudo-bulbs will decay as well. I have tested the
low temperature system for these plants, and with the syringe discon¬
tinued, and the amount of moisture decreased as much as possible, the
pseudo-bulbs decayed of O. cirrhosum, O. roseum, Mesospinidium san-
guineum, Ada aurantiaca, and others even at the warmest end of the
house. Do what we would the amount of moisture in the atmosphere,
combined with the low temperature, proved too much for the plants.
0. triumphans flourished under the cool treatment, while O. Alexandras
and O. Pescatorei went back so far that two years was required before
they were again in a satisfactory condition. With a low night tempera¬
ture the use of the syringe may well be condemned, but with warmer
treatment the syringe may safely be used with advantage. If low
temperatures are considered from an economical point of view they have
nothing to recommend them, for the loss of plants or the slow rate at
which they increase or develope in comparison to those grown warmer
would, I am afraid, show a balance on the wrong side.

Yellow thrips are often troublesome throughout the various houses
devoted to Orchids, but if the syringe is freely used they will give but
j little trouble. If the plants are clean, whether they are Vandas, Aerides.

Odontoglossum enspum (many very
fine forms ; one
plant with two
heads, two spikes
to each head, car¬
rying fo.ty-tbrea
flowers — a very
fine variety. Other
fine varieties car¬
rying from ten to
sixteen large flow¬
ers on single
Bpikes)

„ luteo-purpureum

„ triumphans

„ Halli leucoglossum

„ maculatum super¬

bum

„ cirrhosum

„ cordatum

„ pulehellum majus

„ Cervantesi

„ Pescatorei

„ gloriosum

., odoratum

Tricopilia suavis
Phalsenopais amabilis
„ Schilleriana

„ Luddemaniana (fine var)

Vanda suavis

„ „ Veitchi

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

215

Cattleyas, Laelias, or Odontoglossums, they may be kept clean by syring¬
ing them twice daily. With us this insect was most troublesome until
we practised a liberal system of syringing and careful ventilation, and
since then — that is, for the past five or six years — we have never been
troubled with it. From the present time plants may be lightly syringed

about 14 inches high, and has seven main roots, some of which hang
nearly 4 feet below the basket, and measure in all over 50 feet. A.
Lobbi has rooted equally as free, but the roots work more about the
basket, and cling to the charcoal and sides very firmly. Saccolabium
ampullaceum has rooted equally as free as A. virens according to its size

Fig. 39. — Phail'S tl-berculosus, van. scrERDUS (see page 213).

over the foliage daily, while it may be used liberally in the Odontoglossum
house twice on bright days ; on dull or wet ones the houses should only
be damped. In short, never syringe on such days that air cannot be
admitted at the top of the house.

To show how these plants flourish and root under the free use of the
syringe, a plant of Aerides virens may be given as an example. It is
growing in an 8-inch basket filled with charcoal and crocks, with a little
moss on the surface and round the sides to maintain moisture about the
plant, not its roots, for they are all out of the basket. The plant is

of growth. Oncidium Lanceanum had amass of roots 2’to"3 feet below
the basket, bHt this unfortunately fell from the roof, and the majority
of the roots were destroyed, but many of them are again nearly 2 feet
in length. These arc only given as examples of the manner in which
Orchids root under the syringing system. The plants alluded to have
been more or less syringed all the year, for they are growing in the stove
suspended with Crotons and other plants. The water used for syringing
should always be warmer than the temperature of the house, or spot
and other injurious results may follow. — A Northerner,

216

[ Maroh 17, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

LEEKS.

At this time of year we U3e a good number of Leeks, especially
when the Onion supply runs short, for which the Leek makes a very
fair substitute. In England the qualities which have commended the
Leek to the favourable notice of all classes in Scotland do not appear
to have been as yet appreciated, though signs are not wanting that
some ink rest is being taken in this vegetable. The varieties are
increasing, and at least one of the large English seed firms have their
name affixed to one of these novelties. Like many others, I have
tried and found that all the varieties which find their way into com¬
merce are not to be depended on as acquisitions. Only last season I
saw the Musselburgh in a keen compeiition awarded the first place.
This, if obtained true, is a good sort of dwarf habit, if such a term
may be applied in this case, while it has the advantage of continuing
to increase in size through the winter months in favourable weather.
The Lyon, raised and grown for many years by one of the amateur
growers of the classic village of Yetholm, and brought into notice by
an enterprising firm of Scotch seedsmen, is an exceedingly distinct
sort, blanching rapidly, and with a naturally long stem. For early
shows on account of this feature it is of great value.

Growers for competition sow under glass, so that as long a season
of growth as possible may be obtained. '1'he habit of growth of the
Leek makes this of importance, as the great-r number of leaves the
plant produces the thicker and longer will be the portion blanched.
Of course, treated as above the plants are rendered more liable to
throw up flower stems, a probability which has the effect of causing
careful judges to run a knife from top to bottom of at least one speci¬
men in each lot when awarding prizes. Inexperienced hands occa¬
sionally mistake a hardness at the top of the blanched portion of the
Leek for an embryo flower head, and at once decide the case against
such. But it does not always follow that such Leeks “run” at all,
hence the advisability of dissection as a means of arriving at a fair
decision.

The treatment best fitted for Leeks raised early consists above all
in not allowing the plants to suffer a check. Open rich soil should be
used for potting. Firm potting is not advisable, and too early plant,
ing out is not good for the plants. The soil in which the Leeks are
finally planted can hardly be too much enriched. Watering has to
be carefully undertaken, as it is very easy to over-saturate soil which
is heavily manured. At the same time an occasional watering is very
necessary to keep the plants growing without check from over-dry¬
ness. Growers in this district place a framework of rough boards
round their Leek trench. The boards serve the double purpose of
keeping the soil up round the blanched stems, and water when
required is easily applied to the roots from underneath the planks.
Leeks for ordinary purposes are raised in beds, the seeds being sown
in February or Maroh, light open soil with a little decayed manure
about 6 inches below the surface making a bed in which the plants
make good progress.

In J une they are ready to be planted out. The ground on which they
are to be grown having been previou-ly prepared by digging a thick
coating of manure in at a depth of 10 to 12 inches, so that the roots
of the young plants may have food ready just when wanted, drills
are drawn deeply at a foot apart, and deep holes are made with a
long dibber at every 6 to 9 inches in the drills. Into each hole a
plant is dropped, a little soil following the roots, and thereafter a
small quantity of water is given to each Leek, and the planting is
finished. Dull weather is much the best for this work. The after
work consists in hoeing between the rows occasionally, this operation
increasing the depth of the stem to be blanched. Another method of
planting is to draw drills so as to form furrows with ridges between
each. The plants are dibbled into the furrows, and by-and-by are
earthed up, first by levelling the soil, and later by drawing more soil
up to the stems of the Leeks so that the furrows are between the rows
of plants, and the Leeks are growing in what appear to be ridges.
This has no advantage over the first method, and has the drawback of
entailing more labour, while in dry weather the roots of the plants
are much nearer the surface than are those which are let deeply
fnto the soil. — B.

THOUGHTS ON CUB, BENT TOPICS.

After a tolerably long rest I am impelled to make another venture
for publicity, for I have lived long enough to know that writing for the
press is a venture, and that everything is not printed that is sent to the
Editors of papers witli that object. For some of my thoughts there has
been “ no room, ’ at least I will take that as the reason they have not
seen the light ; they are now out of date, and I will try again.'

I had almost begun to think hard thoughts of the florists when no
response was made to my gentle invitation for a few shillings to increase
the funds of the National Carnation Society, but it is not wise to judge
hastily in moments of disappointment. Every effect has its cause, is an
old axiom, but in this case I had “ no effects yet what I assume to

be the cause of that came by waiting a month. I find on page 153 the
active officials of the Floral Societies had been appealing, and as a con¬
sequence were able to state that as an expression of loyalty during the
Jubilee Year “ in several instances subscribers have intimated their
intentions of doubling the amount of their subscriptions.” That, no
doubt, is the reason why no one forwarded me a cent, and I shall also
conclude that the 5s. I thought of giving is not needed, and on “ second
thoughts ” shall apply it to another purpose.

I ONCE heard a gardener tell some brother blue aprons he liked to
see that “ Thinker” in the Journal pushed into a corner, as it was “such
a ‘ treat ’ to see him wriggle out of it.” He went on to say “ they pin
him closer and closer, get him down and bind him till he ought to be
fast ; then he just, by a twist of the pen, turns all the arguments that
have been used against him to his own account, and there he is on his
feet again thanking them for helping him out of his difficulty.” I felt
rather flattered, and I wonder what the narrator of the little story will
think when he finds he had the object of his admiration in his audience.
One thing,; however, is clear, he will not alter his opinion of my method
of retirement from a position from which I feel “ officially ” relieved.

Great subjects have been brought under notice during my short
vacation. The most prominent appears to be a somewhat general fishing
for money with the Jubilee bait. The year is worthy of commemora¬
tion, and no doubt ail the objects advanced as an embodiment of public
expression are good, but I have a lurking fear that with so many in
the market dividing attention, very few of them will be adequately
supported.

The Royal Horticultural Society is brought to the front as a
claimant for support and reformation. But that is nothing new. If
half were true that has been written about the Society for years past it
would have been dead lung ago. It is like the British Parliament, a
very useful institution — for critics. It would, perhaps, be as well to let
it rest for awhile. If it has not such a “ home ” as could be wished it
has a very good present habitation, which, I believe, is rent free, and
surely that is cheap enough. So many schemes, and plans, and advisers
are a little bewildering. With a firm representative Council and a
settled policy strength will be gradually acquired. The Society is
located for this season at least, and I shall not think much of the
“ loyalty ” of horticulturists, trade and otherwise, if they let the year
pass without a concerted effort to do something worthy of the nation,
of the Society, and of themselves at South Kensington.

All other Jubilee projects in connection with horticulture may be
passed, except Mr. Penny’s Gardeners’ Orphanage proposition. None
other has gained a hearing, and this will collapse if it does not soon get
beyond the field of fitful discussion. Like many another project it can
easily be “ discussed ” till there is nothing left.

Something much more definite than a floating idea is requisite
before any considerable number of persons will part with their money.
Granted that the object in view is the purchase of land and the erection
of a building thereon, with garden attached, as a home and a school for
the orphans of gardeners, what the public want to know who approve
of such a laudable scheme, is this : Supposing that not half or a quarter
of the requisite sum should be collected, what is to be done with the
money ? Until that point is settled even a satisfactory commencement
cannot be made in acquiring funds. A few guineas and five-pound notes
may come dribbling in, but they will only show with greater clearness
the weakness of the position.

If sympathy and good wishes could provide a “ home ” for friendless
and helpless children it would quickly be an accomplished fact. But I
suspect the best friends of this project will not be the sanguine optimists
, who think that all the gardeners in the kingdom and their employers
will rush money into a common fund in response to a few letters in the
papers, after the manner of applicants in a great beer “ boom.” They
will do nothing of the kind, and I fear the poor orphans will not benefit
much unless there is a distinct change from the present method of pro¬
cedure. As a £5 gardener suggested on page 166, there must be a
“ definite scheme,” and in formulating this, regard must not be had to
what is desirable oidy, but to what is practicable.

Are not the most practical suggestions conveyed in the letters of
Messrs. Goodacre and Thomson ? Would it not be advisable for the
promoters of the Orphanage scheme to seek the co-operation of the
Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution in carrying out their project ?
An orphans’ or children’s fund in connection with that valuable insti¬
tution would be appropriate and workable ; that is to say, a substantial
fund raised for the benefit of gardeners’ orphans would be more econo¬
mically distributed, and immediately applied to its direct object, than if
invested in bricks and mortar. In a great “separate home” scheme,
even if the money were forthcoming, some rich or lucky builder might
easily “ net ” as much of the fund as would support half a dozen
children.

It is in the earnest hope that something may be done that shall be
of substantial benefit to the helpless, whom all persons desire to assist,
that I have turned these matters over in my mind and record my

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

217

thoughts on the subject. Time is flying, the Jubilee Day is approaching,
and I am afraid there will ere long be a general evaporating of generous
sentiment. If good is to result from the Orphanage proposition a direct
appeal must be made on a clear basis to every person likely to subscribe,
this appeal emanating from an established organisation of representative
men conducting it on business principles, and the gardening press will,
no doubt, help on the good work.

Gardeners never appear to tire with writing about Grapes, and
nothing appears to suit them better than a smart “ paper fight ” over the
relative weight, size, and merits of varieties. Messrs. Taylor, Castle,
Barker, and Jenkins have written well on their favourite theme. Mr.
Jenkins thinks Mr. Castle’s experience as to the superiority of Alnwick
Seedling over the Black Hamburgh in October is unique.” I am not
sure that it is. I have tasted, with other gardeners, well grown and
ripened “ Alnwicks ” in October, with Hamburghs of the same grower,
and the palm was accorded to the former. Mr. Castle is not very clear
when writing in the issue of January 27th, as to the date to which he
alludes when he says, “ I question very much whether the equal of
Alnwick Seedling is to be found at this date.” As he hail just been
writing of its excellence in October he perhaps meant that date. If
that is so, well grown examples of Madresfield Court are, I think, in the
estimation of most persons, much superior in flavour.

I WAS much more astonished by Mr. Castle’s high praise of the
Alicante as to flavour, even in July. Judging it by quality alone I con¬
sider it inferior to every black Grape in general cultivation. Growing
for “ appearance ” or for market is another matter, about which Mr.
Castle is entitled to speak with authority.

Grapes vary greatly in flavour in differing soils and conditions of
culture. At the present moment I know of some good looking Gros
Colmans that are not far removed from being “ nasty,” and of some
others that are almost what may be termed excellent. \ our correspon¬
dent says, “ The better this Grape is grown the better the flavour.’
True ; so is the Black Hamburgh, and when the old favourite is pro¬
duced in its best condition the fruit is a long way in advance of imper¬
fectly grown examples ; but the difference in quality may be no fault
of the gardener. Of two very competent Grape growers one fails in pro¬
ducing well flavoured Black Hamburghs, and the other equally fails with
Gros Colmans, and I suspect if they were to change places the quality
of the varieties would remain practically the same.

There is also a great difference in varieties of the Hamburgh. In a
vinery that could be named are two Black Hamburghs growing side by
side. There is no difference in the appearance of the Grapes, but those
from one Vine are not worth eating in comparison with fruit from the
other. If Mr. Castle should happen to have soil unsuited for this
variety, and at the same time an essentially flavourless form, his re¬
marks on the relative superiority of the Alicante can be understood. In
support of his observations on the skins of Grapes affecting the flavour, it
may be stated that the superior variety above alluded to has a decidedly
thicker skin than the other has that is so distinctly inferior.

Just a thought on the experiments with chemical manures referred
to in the Home Farm article on page 204. It is this : If the intelligent
use of these manures were general throughout the land, and entirely de¬
voted to the sustenance of food crops, not weeds, the condition of
agriculturists and landowners would soon show improvement ; indeed,
“ depression ” would in a very few years be supplanted by prosperity.
Let the same mixture that answered so well for Barley be applied to
Potatoes, but diminishing the nitrate of soda by a hundredweight and
increasing the potash correspondingly, and they will find the investment
profitable. Concentrated or chemical manures might also be used much
more extensively in gardens, where farmyard manure is scarce, with
great advantage to all kinds of crops.

iS£ Nitrate of soda is the quickest of all fertilisers, but it is liable to
adulteration with common salt. It should be purchased under a
guarantee of 5 per cent, refraction, which means 95 per cent, of pure
nitrate of soda. For cold wet soils sulphate of ammonia, though a little
less quick in action, is preferable, for it is in the nature of the nitrate
to make such land still colder and wetter, and this is not desirable ;
moreover, sulphate of ammonia is more lasting in its effects, containing
about 5 per cent, more nitrogen. It is open to adulteration with sulphate
of magnesia (Epsom salts), and should be purchased under a guarantee
that it contains 24 per cent, of ammonia. A simple method of testing
the purity of sulphate of ammonia is to spread some on a nearly redhot
shovel, and if the manure entirely disappears it will not be far from
genuine. It is a great friend to the gardener when rightly used, but
incautiously applied or abused it is like fire, dangerous. It has spoiled
hundreds of Chrysanthemums that it might have benefited, for there
are many so-called gardeners who do not read for self-improvement, and
ignorance usually makes men venturesome. Another rest will now lx;
taken, and neither Editor nor readers will be troubled again this month
by — A Thinker.

AN ADDRESS ON FRUIT-GROWING.

In connection with the first exhibition and conference recently held
at Chester the following excellent and suggestive addresB was delivered
by Mr. E. J. BaiTlic, F.L.S. The exhibition was large,' representative

collections of Apples and Pears being arranged by Messrs. F. & A. Dick¬
son & Sons, T. Rivers & Son, G, B unyard A Co., and by several local
growers.

Mr. Baillie, in the course of his address, remarked that it seemed
needful to say a word or two as to the purpose of that meeting. The
idea originated with their Chairman, and the desiie was to see how far
British-grown hardy fruit was obtainable so late in the season. Secondly,
they wanted to arouse an interest locally in a question of such national
importance ; and thirdly, they wanted to convince the outside public
that their institution was not a castle of an idea, but that while it was a
school for the arts and sciences, it could very appropriately anil properly
be devoted to the economies of life and health. In the abstract of agri¬
cultural returns published by the Government in 1883 he found that
190,000 acres of land were returned under the head of orchards. At
the first blush that struck one as a wide area. But when he stated that
in England alone the same return gave 68,000 acres as devoted to the
cultivation of Hops, it would be found that Hop cultivation actually
took up more than a third of the area given to British fruit-growing.
The total area of Great Britain was 66,786,199 acres, therefore only
1 acre in 300 was devoted to the cultivation of fruit. The population
was 35,000,000, and it would be found if the land were to be distri¬
buted amongst them, each person would be the happy possessor, or
rather unhappy possessor, of about 20 yards of land from whence to
obtain his fruit supply. Another feature was, that we were paying
£7,000,000 annually for the importation of hardy fruits, or equal to 4s.
per head per annum of the population for foreign fruits.

A feature that he thought ought to be remembered was that fruit of
some kind or other could be gr^wn almost here, anywhere, and every¬
where. But though in Cheshire they had not the warm sunshine of
Kent and Hereford, fruit growers ought not to be discouraged, for though
of course a great deal depended on the climate, much more might be
done by cultivation. That the wonderful collection of fruit sent by Mr.
Bochin was an evidence of what could be effected in Denbighshire ; and
if, as Mr. Bochin wrote and isaid, his finest fruit was gone from the
collection, they might judge of the general excellence from what
remained. He contended our in our own immediate district we had
but too frequently the typical farmers’ orchard ; the too generally
neglected orchard, with trees which were venerable specimens of
antiquity, covered with lichen and other parasites, constituting them
the happy hunting grounds of the cryptogamic botanist, but with no
assurance of fruit crops. Having dealt cursorily with the question of
cultivation, which he held to be a most potent element for successful
fruit-growing, the lecturer referred to the distribution of fruit, observing
there were difficulties enough, and it seemed monstrous that America
could afford to pay higher rates of wages for cultivating, picking, and
gathering fruit sent 3000 or 4000 miles to a profitable market, whilst
tons of fruit grown on British soil were almost lost, while depression
was sounding in our ears. One of the great difficulties of this question
was without doubt that of railway rates and charges. He dealt very
tersely and pungently with this part of the subject, also with the question
of the middlemen’s mulctings before the fruit reached the consumer,
quoting examples, as for instance where a gentleman complained of being
charged 6s. 6d. per basket as carriage from Kent to London, whilst the
cost of carriage from New York to London for the same article was but
9d. ; and many others. The question of remedial suggestions, however,
was an awkward matter. First, he thought, the people must be
educated to an increased demand for fruit to be grown locally, doing
away with railway rates, and the various temperance organisations
might do much to undertake the work through the ladies of their
respective bodies. He advocated the establishment of fruit fairs, with
exhibitions and conferences on the subject, and interchanges of ideas.

With regard to the storage of fruit, he noticed that in one of the
collections in the building were some very beautiful specimens of fruit
said to have been stored in “ hoggs,” in the same manner as Botatoes ;
but whether that method could be carried out to advantage was open to
trial ; certainly the specimens on exhibition had as beautifully fresh
appearance as when newly gathered. So, too, there was another lot said
to have been gathered in the autumn of 1885. They were not particu¬
larly brilliant specimens, but being gathered so long ago it was not to
be wondered at. Yet if Apples could be kept from 1885 till that time
the question of fruit preservation was open to be still further considered.
Then came the question, What could they do 1 He thought it might be
suggested that Chester should try to establish a fruit fair ; and if the
outcome of the conference should be to form a small committee to make
a recommendation to the Council or some other body on that subject
they would have done some good. It was a question claiming the
attention of Chester and the neighbourhood. A great deal had been
said as to whether it was really wise to go on promulgating the subject,
but it seemed to him that there was no room to question it ; as long as
we went on paying millions of pounds annually for foreign-grown fruit
which might just as well be grown at home it seemed to him the question
ought not to be asked. He asked, what better prospect could there be
for cultivators of the soil than that of hardy fruit-growing 7 Taking
the aspects of the last few years for Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and other
things, the demand for which had alarmingly increased, he thought
there ought to be a largely increased demand for British fruits. It had
been said that the climate of this country was against fruit-growing, but
he asked where could be the climatic difficulty in face of the “ gluts ”
of frui.t we had had during the last few years? In conclusion, the
lecturer alluded to several letters that hail laeen received from gentlemen,
some complaining of non-success in the matt et of fi'uit-growing, another

218

JOURNAL OR HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 188T.

suggesting a fruit show might well he held in connection with a
Chrysanthemum show in November ; and yet another, who stated that
from observation he thought the reason why American growers were
able to outstrip English producers was because, while in England the
trees in the bulk of the orchards were old anil worn-out, the Americans
had younger trees in full bearing, and a greater variety and better sorts
of Apples. Then came the question of what the tenants could do
without long leases. The landlords should see to the utility and value
of their property by planting orchards themselves on their farms. The
concluding remark evoked a marked expression of applause. — ( Chester
Observer.)

THE IXORA.

[A paper retd by Mr. A. R. Cox, Rim Hall Gardens, Wavertrer, b.fcra the Liverpool
Hoit cultural Association.]

( Continued from page 19G.)

WATERING.

In all classes of choice plants it is well known to the thoughtful
cultivator that great importance is attached to the application of
water to the roots ; and to few does this more apply than to
Ixoras. This is a subject which should be s'udied by young
gardeners, perhaps more than any other. When to water a plant
must, to a great extent, be left to the operator on the spot ; the time
when most injury is done in its application is aftf r the plants have been
repotted and the roots hive not taken possession of the soil. When
in this condition the utmost forethought must be exercised, otherwise
the future well being of the plants will be questionable. Close obser¬
vation and study ( f the real wants of the plants is the best guide to
the operator. A plant may not be necessarily dry at the roots, when
the surface soil may be even dust dry. I know of no better test than
the old method of ringing the pots with the knuckles ; experience will
soon teach by the hollow sound produced when to apply water. This
sho lid always le used about 5° warmer than the temperature in which
the plants are growing. When really needed water should not be
applied in a half hearted manner, but fill up the pot two or ihree
times, so that every par tide of soil is moistened. In the heat of
summer, when the plants are in the full vigour of growth and the
pots well filled wi h healthy roots, the lxora is a truly moisture-loving
plant, both at the roots and in the atmosphere ; consequently the
syringe must be Irought to bear freely on the foliage twice a day,
morning and at closing time in the afternoon, the water to be of the
same temperature as advised for the roots.

TEMPERATURE.

The temperature at all seasons should be well maintained, for the
lxora delights in a strong heat highly charged with moisture ; indeed,
in the height of their growing season — viz., during the last week or
two of sprirg and on through the summer, it would be a rather diffi¬
cult matter to give them too much. I am, however, no advocate of a
strictly given temperature, as such is unnatural and unnecessary, con¬
sequently during the growing period the thermometer may range from
about 70° at night, varying in ihe day from 80° to as much as 1 15°,
the latter, of course, to be after closing time, by the aid of strong
sun. During the winter months, when the plants may be said to be
at rest, they should not be unduly excited by artificial heat, therefore
the temperatme should range from GO0 at night to 70° by day, allow¬
ing a rise with sun heat.

VENTILATION.

Ventilation must be attended with care, or more harm than good
will result. Nevir have we found it necessary to open the ventilators
during the winter months, and ev n in summer only t oie situated at
the top of the house ; indeed, if 1 was not compelled to grow ours in
a house containing other classes of plan's, I would not hesitate for a
moment in adopting the non-ventilating system as practised by many
■Cucumber growers for market. However, as most growers of Ixoras
are similarly situated as regards house accommodation, ventilation
must be resorted to. Cold draughts or strong currents of air should
Le studiously avoided. Should high winds prevail, the ventilators will
be best kept closed, as sufficient air will enter at the gl us laps. Air
is best admitted by degrees, so as not to cause any sudden change in
the atmosphere. The house should be closed again early in the after¬
noon according to external conditions ; as a rule I close at 3 r m.
throughout the summer, except on extra hot days, whin it is left
ia'f an hour later.

MANURE.

All growers are not agreed as to the desirability of giving Ixoras
manure. As a notable instance of this Mr. T. Baines, probably the
most successful grower of these plants ever known, wrote fourteen
years ago that, his plants never received a particle of manure either
in a solid or a liquid form, this would ap iear conclusive evidence
that the application of manure to the roots of Ixoras is unneceesaiy.
But it is a remarkable fact that where one grower will succeed
another will fail under almost exactly the same conditions ; therefore

it is best to experiment and find out for one’s self what is best suited
to the wants of his plants. I have found in my own case that when
a plant is in a comparatively small pot crowded with roots, and covered
with flower buds, applications of iStanden’s manure at intervals of a
few weeks have been of the greatest benefit in their development.

TIME OF FLOWERING.

It is a matter of consequence to exhibitors at which time
their plants are n quired to be iu full beauty. If it is found that they
are showing for flower too early and cannot be saved by the process
of retarding, all the points should be punched out simultaneously This
is the teerd of getting an even mass of flowers, for when the shoots
are stopped at different times it cannot be expected that all will flower
at one time. The points must be removed not less than eight weeks
previous to ihe day of show, and in the case of I. coccinea ten weeks
must be allowed, as this variety takes longer to develope than the
majority. When the flowers are nearly expanded they may be placed
in an intermediate temperature to retard iliem if found necessary.
Three years ago I kept a plant in flower by this means six weeks,
after which it was shown in Sefton Park perfectly fresh. The plant
was I. coccinea, which is the best of all to retain its flowers.

SHADING.

At one time I grew our plants without the least shade, except
when in fljwer. No doubt this has the effect of making them very
floriferous, but the fuliage did not retain that dark healthy appearance
which is so desirable. Subsequently, during the summer, slight shade
has been resorted to on bright days, placing it on abou 9.30 A M., and
removing the same after closing time in the afternoon. For this
purpose we use coarse scrim.

IN3ECTS.

The insects which infest the lxora are mealy bugs, thrips, scale, and
aphis. '1 hese require close attention, otherwise serious mischief will
be ttie result. Very many are the insecticides recommended for these
pests, but one of the bear, and certainly the safest and cheapest, is
clear tepid water, which is best applied to the plants at the ordinary
syringing time, as previously advised. This operation, however, must
be done thoroughly, so that both the upper and under sides of the
leaves receive the full force of the water. For aphides and thrips I
have needed no other remedy ; but mealy bug has been more stubborn,
and necessitated the addition of another reruedy\ This is methylated
spirits, applied with a small camel’s hair brush to the extreme point
of the shoots, where this insect delights to become established. This
may appear a long tedious process, but the rapidity with which an
active man can go over a plant is surprising The labour is lessened
if the plants are examined once or twice every wetk, which should
always be done. Throughout the winter the plants should have a
thorough washing with the syringe once a week, selecting the early
part of the day. This will have a great influence in keeping down
insect pests.

SELECTION.

The following — Regin3, Williamsi, Fraseri, Westi, Colei, Dixiana,
and Priuco of Orange — are all good, while Pilgrimi and Morsei are
also said to be excellent varieties. Duffi has been declared to be the
best of all Ixoras, and magnificent it certainly is, but for richness of
foliage, habit, compactness of tuns, and form of individual flower,
there is none to surpass coccinea. This grand old lxora was intro¬
duced to this country from Java as long ago as 1846, and will still
hold its own with any that can be brought against it.

ROYAL HORTIC QLTUJEt AL SOCIETY.

March 8th.

Scientific Committee —Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, in the chair;
Mes.-rs. VV. G. Smith, T. O’Brien, F. Pascoe, G. S. Boulger, A. W. Btnnetr,
A. Mi.-bael, H. N. Ridley, G. Murray, G. F. Wilson, A. H. Srnee, Dr. Lane,
Proftssor A. U. Church, and R v. G. Henslow.

Spath iglottis Kimballian a Diseased. — Mr. O'Brirn exhibited a leaf
of this plant, apparently attacked by some fungus. It was referred to Mr.
W. G. Smith for examination and report.

Pollen, Chemical Analysis of. — Professor Church gave Fome’account cf
his researches in the c; mposi ion of pollen-grains, apropos of some analyses
of the p 11 n of Conifers lately published. He abo drew attention to his
analysis of Elm flowers (“Journal of Botany,” 1876, p. 73), and of the Ash
(“Journal of Botany,” 1877, p. 361), showing a correspondingly large per¬
centage of nitrogen, po’ash, and phosphorus pentoxide, (he iatter contain¬
ing 7'4 times of the tirst element, as much as Be ch scales, 7’7 times
of potash, and lO'o times as much of the last. The proportions correspond¬
ing with the more important functions of Ihe sexual organs to that of the
merely temporarily protective purpose of the sca'es. With regard to pollen
Profes or Gnu ch mentioned that so long ago as 1875 he began an examini-
tion of the very abundant pollen of Cupre.-sus fragrans. On April 15th in that
year he collected with ease from a single tree several ounces. On analysiut
yielded 40 5 pi r c nt. of moisture only — a very low proportion for a newly
formed fresh vegetable product. When dried at 212° Fahr., it contained
1-37 per cent, of nitrogen (corresponding to 8’7 par cent, albuminoids), anu

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

219

1 87 per cent, of oil and other matters soluble in ether. The amount of ash
in the dry pollen was 37 per cent. One hundred parts of this ash contained
no less than 2014 of phosphoric acid and 85'34 of potash.

A rote of thanks was unanimously offered to Professor Church for his
interesting communication.

The follo wing communications were received from Mr. C. B. Plowright

Ustilaqo ox Dates — The three Dates sent herewith a"e affected with
one of the black smuts described by Corda as Ustilago phoeuicis. The spore
development commences in the interior of the fruit, and in such specimens
as are found in commerce the parasitic fungus is usually confined to the
intsrior. Such specimens are not rarely to be met with amongst Dates of an
inferior quality; the better samples, which of course command a higher
price in the market, may be sjarched in vain for ths fungus. The spores are
globose and smooth, of a dark violet colour when seen by transmitted light.
In masses they are dusky black. They measure about 4 or 5 mm. across.

Ustil.aoo ox Figs. — Some further specimens of Ustilago Ficlum, Bchdt.,
are also sent. It will be seen that in this species also the spore development
commences in the interior of the Fig. One rarely me ts with it in those better
qualities of Figs which are sold in boxes, but in what are known in the trade
as natural Figs, which are cheap Figs sent over to this country packed in mat¬
ting, affected specimens are by no means uncommon. When the spores are
placed in water I found no signs of germination were evinced at the ordi¬
nary temoerature in winter ; but when the temperature was raised to
60'’— y>° F. and over, they germinated in the same manner as the majority
of Ustilago spores do — namely, by emitting a germ-tube into which the
contents of the spore freely passed. These germ-tubes varied in length
from 20 to 160 mm., with a diameter of from 4 to 5 mm. I was uoable to
observe the development of secondary spo-es, for being unable to attend to
my culture for forty-eight hours they became dried up and spoiled. —
Charles B. Plowright.

The following descriptions with specimens were [received from Mr.
Wolley Dod : —

Hybrid between Narcissus Bulbocodium var. nivalis and N.
triandrus — In August, 1886, Mr. Tait, of Oporto, sent me three bulbs
marked N. nivalis triandrus X , which are now in my greenhouse, all bearing
similar flowers to the one I enclose. I send with it specimens of its sup¬
posed parents, and a typical flower of N. bulbocodium for comparison. Mr.
Tait, in his “Notes on the Narcissi of Portugal,” tells us that he found
thes; supposed hybrids in flower on the Gerez Mountains, in the north of
Portugal, at an altitude of 3500 feet, between Afril 24th and May 17th. In
1815 he found three specimens, and in 1885 four. In every case they wire
growing where N. nivalis and N. triandrus grow together, and, as far as he
knows, no other variety of Narcissus grows within several miles. The
characters of the flowers seem n-arer to N. Bulbocodium than to N. triandrus,
but are intermediate betwe n the two, and so is the colour. The flower
differs from N. Bulbocodium chiefly in the following particulars : — In N.
Bulbocodium— 1. The conical outline of the tube is continued iu the same
divergent straight lines a’ong the outline of the corona, past the point of
juncture with it. 2. The divisions of ths perianth are never twisted, and
their inclination or angle with the corona is always less than a right angle.
8. The style, exclusive of the part within the tube, is always at least as long
as the corona, sometimes twice as long, and is not (never) included within it.
4. The filaments and the style are bent visibly upwards near the eni. It
will be 8 en how the enclosed specimen of hybrid departs from the above
characters, which are taken from comparison of more than fifty flowers,
including six different varieties of N. Bulbocodium now flowering here.

Narcissi from Portugal. — Iu a reply from Mr. A. W. Tait, acknow¬
ledging the Botauical Certificate awarded to him at the last meeting, he
remarked upon the hardiness of N. cyclamineus, in that it flowered in the
beginning of February, although the temperature fell to 25° F. ; this being
the severest winter he had experienced at Oporto. He further remarks that
he has recognised several of Parkinson’s Bpec'es among the native ones of
Portugal, e g , N. Johnstoni (exhibited at the last meeting), corresponding
exactly with Parkinson’s N. juncifolius flore luteo reflexus (“ Paradisus,”
j). 92). It is rare and local.

Juniperus malformed BV Gtmnosporangicm. — A large specimen was
received from Dr. W. S. Church, which was accepted for the Natural History
Museum. The Hawthorn trees in the same garden where it grew have been
always badly attacked by Rcestdia.

Plants Exhibited. — Catasetum discolor, an old and often-figured species
but rarely seen, was sent by Mr. F. W. Moore, of Glasnevin.

ORCHIDS, Malformed. — Mr. Smee brought specimens. Referred to Mr.
Ridley for examination and report.

REVIEW OF BOOK.

The Garden Calendar. By T. W. Sanders. London : Hamilton,

Adams, & Co.

“Nothing very striking in it,” will probably be the remark of many
gardeners on first glancing through this well-finished, work. The obvious
reply is, There cannot be anything to startle the experienced in the
records of everyday work in gardens; but the “work” is, nevertheless,
important. Even gardeners occasionally feel inconvenienced through
fitful lapses of memory, and the best of them are no worse for a
reminder, hence the calendars in the gardening press, that gardeners
read, though they make no parade of doing so. The work under notice
was not, however, mainly written to teach learned professionals, but to
assist amateurs. An extract from the preface shows the object of the
author and his grounds for producing the volume.

“Calendars of gardening operations have been published almost from
t:me immemorial, but as those once useful volumes are either out of print
or obsolete, endeavour has been made to produce a work to meet the require¬
ments of the ever-increasing number of persons who delight in gardening
at the present day. In a word, a modern work was wanted, and the author
has been induced to prepare one. It is written to suit all classes of amateurs,
in language as simple and as free from technicalities as is consistent with
cleirne-s, and the matter generally is the embodiment of many yeart>’
experience in the practical pursuit of horticulture in various parts of the
kingdom.”

The plan of the work may be indicated by a few citations, and refer¬
ences to the subjects alluded to under the month of March. Here is
the introduction : —

“ Gladly will the new-born Spring be welcomed, for with it comes the
delightful prospect of sunny days, and ths appearance of a host of Flora's
choicest seasonable treasures, to dispel, as it were, the dullness of the past,
and cheer by their bright enchanting presence the hearts of those who love
their garden. Not only does the commencement of the vernal season
furnish us with these new pleasures, but also forcibly reminds us of the
approach of a busy period. Throughout the who'e of this month there will
bs a great deal requiring close attention, both in the indoor and outdoor
garden. The sowing of the vegetable seeds for future crops, of flower
seeds for pit and outdoor culture, and the propagation of the many
hundreds of bedding and other decorative plants, will afford active employ¬
ment; and demand the exercise of much care, skill, and judgment. In all
that is undertaken in the garden do it well, for however simple the nature
of the operation in hand the mere pains there is taken, and the greater the
skill bestowed theron, the better will success be attained in growing excel¬
lent crops of fruit, flowers, and vegetables.”

i Under the heading of the “Vegetable Garden,” “seasonable
vegetables ” are thus referred to.

“ Outdoor vegetables are not generally plentiful during this month,
hence recourse is had to forcing for supplying tne deficiency. There should
still be some good heads of Broccoli, also Borecole, Celery, Jerusalem Arti¬
chokes, Coleworts, Savoys, and Cos Lettuce, and a similar variety of roots to
those mentioned last mouth. The forced veg 'tables may consist of
Asparagus, Seakale, and Rhubarb, and salads of Mustard, Cress, seedling
Lettuce, Radishes, Chicory, and Dandelion.”

Then follow copious hints on the Preparation of the Soil, Seeds to be
Sown, Planting, Mushroom Beds, and a paragraph of miscellaneous
items.

In the “ Fruit Garden ” section the remarks on fruit in use being : —

“ The season is too far advanced to have anything like a good supply of
Pears and Apples. Of the fo mer Bargamotte Esperen, Easter Beurrd,
Beurre Ranee, anl March Bergamot are the only varieties available for
dessert; and Sturmer Pippin, Cockle Pippin, and Nonpareil as dessert
Apples, with Winter Pearmain, Hanwell Souring, Hambledon Deux Ans,
and Norfolk Beefing for kitchen use.

Paragraphs following on planting, pruning, grafting, See.

We next come to the “ Flower Garden,” to which we are introduced
by the following list of hardy plants in flower.

“ Simultaneously with the appearance of spring, beds, borders, and
rockeries begin to assume a gay and cheerful aspect. To enumerat; all the
beautiful hardy plants in flower during this month would occupy more
space than we can afford, hence only the creme de la creme of th se can be
recorded here : — Androsaoes ciliata, carnea and Wulfeniana, Daphne
Blagayana, Anemone falgens, Iberis sempervirens, Fritillarias Moggridgi
and pallidiflora, Cyclamen Atkinsi, Crocus alatavicus, Galauthus E.wesi,
Iris reticulata and stylosa, Bulbocodinm vernum, Primulas ciliata,
cashmeriana, farinosa, glaucescens and integdfolia, Scilla bifolia, Ompha-
lodes verna, Rubus arcticus, Saxifragas camposi (Wallichi) and sancta,
Hepaticas angulosa and triloba, Narcissus corumn, Genista prtecox, Tu'ips,
Hyacinths, Polyanthus, Daisies, Wallflowers, Silenes.”

Instructions follow on pruning Roses, the management of florists’
flowers, and other seasonable “ items.” Work in vineries, orchard, and
Peach houses, also the treatment of Cucumbers and Melons, are discussed
over two pages ; that, in connection with the plant stove, greenhouse,
conservatory, cold frames, and window plants, being given in a series of
long and short paragraphs. As showing how fully current matters are
dealt with, we find twenty-six paragraphs extending over fourteen pages
for the month. The plan indicated is followed throughout the year. The
work also contains in its 188 pages tables for sowing and planting, use¬
ful receipts and hints, a good illustrated chapter on propagation, and a
copious index. Though the work is not faultless, the author has
evidently bestowed great pains in its preparation, and the result is the
most complete modern calendar of gardening operations with which we
are acquainted.

We have said the work is not faultless. The best writers are those
who give the most information or convey the clearest ideas in the fewest
well-chosen words. In several pages of the volume before us we find a
redundancy of words. An example may be taken at random from page
155, where we are told that “the planting of fruit trees may still be
continued providing the condition of the weather be favourable thereto.”
— a roundabout method of saying what half the number of words would
express — “ Fruit trees may still be planted in favourable weather.” The
difference of expression indicated may appear a small matter, but it em¬
bodies a great principle — nameljq whether diffusiveness or precision should
predominate in literary work. A prominent “ man of letters ” has recently
decided strongly in favour of the latter, and in that decision we entirely
concur. On the page preceding that quoted we find a singularly in¬
volved paragraph on pruning Peach trees. It is stated “ the great aim
in the successful cultivation of these trees should be to give them proper
attention during the season of growth.” Very true ; but the author
adds : “ and not at a time when such is of little use.” Assuming the
“ such ” refers to “ proper attention,” the difficulty arises of understand¬
ing how the attention can be “ proper ” when it is of “ little use.” On
the other hand, if the “ season of growth ” is of “ little use ” — then
I what ?

In preparing another edition of what from a practical point of view
I is a comprehensive an I good work of its kind, a little revision will be

220

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 1887.

necessary to render it of corresponding literary merit, and it is particu¬
larly important that the names of plants be corrected, as we observe
numerous instances of erroneous spelling — some even in the index — that
will be misleading to amateurs. We corrected one or two such errors in
the citation given.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Late Pruning. — Much of the pruning of all kinds of trees will
have been completed, but our remarks may induce some readers to
examine then- trees a second time. Long ugly spurs standing out from
the main branches of Pears, Cherries, Plums, and Apricots are much too
plentiful, these if fairly fruitful yet losing the benefit of the shelter and
heat provided by the walls. They should not be removed wholesale, the
wisest plan being to cut back a portion of them each season. The least
experienced cultivator will now be able to recognise all the fruit buds
as distinguished from the wood buds, and may therefore decide where
the long spurs can best be spared, thinning these out accordingly. The
work should either be done with a sharp knife or strong pruning
scissors, a pruning saw being necessary for removing extra strong spurs.
In every case care should be taken not to drag the spurs away from the
branches, and they may be either cut to a good back fruit or wood bud,
or to within 1 inch of the main branch. Some of these late-shortened
spurs may not start afresh, but as a rule a cluster of short shoots will
form around most of them, these being eventually converted into fruit¬
ing spurs. A gradual reduction of the number of long and perhaps
useless spurs, coupled with partial autumn lifting and root-pruning, a
fresh loamy compost being given at the same time, will soon convert a
comparatively valueless tree into a very profitable state. Some of the
finest crops of Pears we have seen were grown on trees treated as just
described, and other kinds of fruit trees are much benefited by similar
treatment.

Manuring Fruit Trees.— Poverty at the roots is a frequent
cause of many trees failing to perfect crops of first-class fruit. When
planted in rich loamy soil the trees need little or no manure for several
seasons, but when in full bearing they ought to receive a surface-dress¬
ing of manure at least every second year. If available the preference
should be given to half-decayed farmyard manure, this being very lightly
forked into the surface. The roots being plentiful near the surface,
which is most desirable, turning in the manure may destroy a few of
them, but this is of no material consequence, plenty more being formed
and encouraged by contact with the manure. Small fruit trees of all kinds
are apt to root shallowly, and it may be in some few instances that
disturbance might have an injurious effect on them, but according to
our experience the greatest benefit attends the forking in of the manure.
When merely laid on the surface it is apt to dry up rapidly, and it is a
long time before the roots lay hold of it. Lightly buried it is almost
equally effective as a mulch, none of the manurial properties are lost,
and it does not offend the eye. Exhausted Peach and Apricot borders
must have a good dressing of manure, or, at any rate, the trees well
repay for any outlay in that direction, and the same remarks are equally
applicable in the case of Pear trees. If good fresh loam is available a
compost formed with this and decayed manure in equal quantities
and a liberal sprinkling of lime rubbish and wood ashes may well be
substituted for the dressing of manure. Our plan when thus treating
the trees is to lightly fork away the old soil from the surface roots and
add the fresh compost, facing this over with a little of the old soil.
Fresh rootlets soon take possession of this tempting food, and these may
be kept near the surface by the aid of timely summer mulchings of
rough manure or short grass from the mowing machine.

Birds and the Fruit Buds. — Bullfinches are more destructive to
fruit buds of all kinds, with the exception of Apples, than they have
ever been to our knowledge. Other food would appear to be scarce, and
the long spell of cold dry weather keeps the fruit buds completely at
their mercy. We have been obliged to place nets over Peaches, Plums,
and Pears, or the whole of the buds would soon have disappeared.
Gooseberries are invariably visited by these destructive pests, and late
pruning is our surest means of securing a fairly good crop on the large
breadths of bushes we have under our charge. This season only quite
the lowest branches will be cut away, and what thinning out may be
necessary will be done according as the green fruit is gathered. This
plan answers well, but is scarcely to be commended where only a few
bushes are grown, as in this case it is a simple matter to keep them
either coated with strained limewash applied through a syringe, or by
attaching plenty of cotton lengths to the outer branches, the latter
apparently much discommoding the birds who come into contact with it.

FRUIT FORCING.

Figs. — 'Early-forced. Trees in Pots. — The crop of Figs is now swelling
rapidly, and the trees will require to be well supplied with water at the
roots. They should also be syringed twice a day. If the pots are well
drained it is scarcely possible to apply water too copiously when the

trees arc in full growth. The night temperature may be continued at
60° to 65°, with 10° more by day, and from sun heat an advance to 80°
or 85°, affording plenty of ventilation when the weather is favourable.

Planted-out Trees. — The growth is rapid, hence the necessity of
frequent attention in stopping the shoots at the fifth or sixth leaf. As
a well developed spur gives the best results in the second crop, when a
number of shoots appear together they may be all removed but one. so
as to cause it to be sturdy and fruitful. Train and regulate the ter¬
minals as required. Keep the house moist by daily syringing and
damping the paths, &c., at closing time. This is a good time to propagate
young plants from cuttings. Select shoots from 5 to G inches in length ;
with a heel of last year’s wood attached they strike very freely in
bottom heat.

Bines. — The rooting of potted suckers will be indicated by the growth
of the foliage, but it is as well to turn the plants, or at least a portion of
them, out of the pots, so as to ascertain the condition of the roots and
the soil. The roots which issue from the suckers or plants subjected to
similar treatment are very tender and susceptible of injury from the
effect of too much bottom heat ; hence when they reach the sides of the
pots a temperature of 85° is ample, above which there is danger. When
the bottom heat is excessive the pots should be raised, placing some
loose tan under and around them, so as to allow the superabundant heat
to pass away. The plants must not be neglected for water at the
roots.

Established plants will now make roots rapidly, therefore have soil
in readiness for transferring them to the fruiting pots, it being
important that they be grown without check. Sound fibrous loam
in good-sized lumps is the best material for potting, pressing it firmly
round the roots of the plants, watering the plants with tepid water, and
plunging them in a bottom heat of 90° to 95° until the roots have
possession of the fresh soil, when 85° is more suitable.

Fruiting plants and those that are near the flowering state should
have a night temperature of 65° to 70°, and 75° by day, with 80° to 90°
from sun heat, closing at 85°, well damping all available surfaces in the
house at that time. Afford successional plants a bottom heat of about
85°, ventilating at 80° and closing at 85°, lightly sprinkling the plants
occasionally.

Melons. — Notwithstanding the cold, the early plants have made
good growth, and are showing fruits upon the first laterals, that admir¬
able variety, Eastnor Castle, being remarkably free, and Blenheim
Orange equally so. To ensure the setting of the fruit it is necessary to
afford a bottom heat of 80° to 85°, and sufficient moisture in the soil to
prevent the foliage flagging. This will arrest the growth, and in com¬
bination with a dry atmosphere, a circulation of warm air passing
through the house will favour the production of pollen. Fertilise the
female blossoms every day, and stop the shoots one joint beyond the
fruits. When the fruits commence swelling earth up the roots by placing
warm soil against the sides of the ridges or mounds. Apply water as
required, and avoid a sodden condition of the soil, maintaining a good
moisture by sprinkling, morning and evening, and syringing lightly at
closing time in bright weather. If a succession of fruit be desired in
the same house some of the plants should be deprived of the flowers
that appear on t-he first laterals ; stopping these at the first joint will
cause the sub-laterals to show fruit, which will be rather later and
finer owing to the increased vigour of the plants.

Plants in pits and frames with the shoots trained over the surface of
the beds will require treating in a similar manner to Cucumbers, lining
the beds and adding soil as the plants advance in growth. Train and
regulate the shoots, removing every alternate lateral, and apply water
sufficiently to maintain a steady growth. As soon as the successional
plants are ready plant them and pot the seedlings. Seed may be sown
to yield plants for planting in pits or frames as they become cleared of
early Potatoes, about five weeks being required to secure strong plants.

Cucumbers. — In houses the night temperature may be increased to
70°, watering more freely and increasing the atmospheric moisture. In
the daytime 85° to 90° from sun heat should be allowed. Once a week
thin out superfluous growths, not, however, removing lai'ge quantities of
foliage at one time. Plants that have been in bearing all the winter
may have the beds renovated by removing with a fork as much of the
soil as can be done without injury to the roots. Supply very rich lumpy
compost previously warmed.

Dung-heated beds which have been made up for a few weeks will
need good linings. Remove as much of the outside of the beds as can
well be spared, and if the heat has not greatly declined it will suffice
for the present if one-half the bed be lined, deferring the other half
until the heat is again on the decrease. Let it be applied to the width
of 2 feet. Thin linings are of little use, being soon spent and sooner
require renewal. When the heat is up in the lining see that there is no
accumulation of rank steam in the frame, especially when the sun is
powerful, preventing it by ventilation. A good night covering will be
necessary to maintain a temperature of 65° to 70° at night. Admit a
little air at 75°, and permit the temperature to increase to. 85° or 90°,
closing at 80° or 85°, not, however, to cause the temperature afterwards
to exceed 90° or 95°. Add a little more soil as the roots spread on the
surface. Attend to training and pegging the shoots, being careful not
to overcrowd them. Stop the leading shoots a foot from the sides of
the frame, and the laterals at one or two joints beyond the fruit. In
watering do not wet the foliage more than can be helped. A sowing
may be made to raise plants for growing in pits or frames that have
been occupied by early Potatoes, Radishes, &c. In four or five weeks the
seedlings are ready for planting.

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

221

Strawberries in Pots.— Although the Strawberry swells freely in
a high moist atmosphere, yet when the fruit changes colour a drier and
more freely ventilated atmosphere is most desirable, but there must not
be a sudden change, or the fruit will not finish satisfactorily. The
temperature for swelling should be 65° at night, and 70° to 75° by day,
advancing to 80° or 85° with sun. The second batch has set very well,
but thinning is often thought a needless operation, yet to produce fine
fruit not more than half a dozen should be left on each plant. When
the fruit is fairly swelling, and it is wished to forward the crop, the
plants may be moved to a house with a temperature of 60° to 65° at
night, 70° to 75° by day, with an advance to 85°, affording the plants
liquid manure copiously, looking over them twice, and in very
bright weather three times a day, .watering such as need it. Plants in
vineries and Peach houses, which are started periodically, will afford
successional supplies of fruit, thore being no need in such cases to
remove the plants except to meet special requirements. If plants be
placed in ground vineries or plant protectors, fruit very much finer and
about three weeks earlier than that in the open ground will be secured.

PLANT HOUSES.

Primulas. — Those raised from seed sown a few weeks ago will be
ready for pricking from the seed pot or pan into others. Fill the pans
with a compost of equal parts of leaf mould and loam, pass the whole
through a quarter-inch sieve, with a liberal dash of sand added. The
young plants should be placed about 1 inch apart, so that they will have
room to developc themselves until they are large enough for placing
singly in 2-inch pots. After pricking them out, give a good watering,
anil shade from bright sunshine. For the present they should be grown
close to the glass in a temperature of about GO0.

Double Varieties. — Some of the lower leaves may be removed from
those that have flowered, and the stems earthed with light sandy soil.
If the plants are kept in a moderately moist atmosphere in a temperature
of about 60°, they will quickly emit roots from their stems, and in the
course of two or three weeks can be divided. This is a more certain
method of increasing the stock than by means of cuttings. These are
liable to damp, but after they form roots from the stem above ground
they can be cut and potted singly in small pots without losing a plant.

Primula obconica. — Plants raised from seed sown as soon as gathered
are ready for placing in 3 and 4-inch pots. ' From this time grow the
plants on a shelf in a vinery just started or some similar structure,
those raised from seed sown some time ago will be ready for priclcing-
off singly. These should have the same treatment as the Chinese
varieties. For conservatory decoration no better or more useful plant
can be grown, for it continues to flower freely from October until June
in a temperature of 45° to 50°. Plants should be raised annually from
seed, which is freely enough produced during the months of May, June,
and July from plants that have not been too much exhausted by flower¬
ing previously. After they have done their duty convey them to the
rubbish heap, for they do not grow freely if they are subjected to division.

Primula 'Oeboidi (cortusoides amoena). — Many of the varieties are
invaluable for conservatory decoration during the months of May, June,
and July. Those that have been wintered in cold frames or a cool house
will have pushed into growth. These should be turned out of their pots,
the roots partially reduced, and repotted in good fibry loam three parts,
one part leaf soil, with one-seventh of cow manure, passed through a fine
sieve, ami a liberal dash of sand. These plants .are most serviceable in
a and 6-inch pots, but may be successfully grown in larger, or even in
pans. Divide the stock into two or three batches, allowing one to remain
in a cold frame with a south aspect, another in a northern position, and
a third place on a shelf in the greenhouse, where the temperature ranges
about 45° at night. Give air freely on all favourable occasions to prevent
the foliage drawing up weakly. Stock may be increased by division of
the rhizomes.

Primrose Harbinger. — Plants grown in pots for conservatory deco¬
ration must be eared for after they have done flowering. Grow them
for a time in a cool house, and finally remove them to a cold frame to
complete their growth. From this position they should be hardened and
plunged outside, where they will not be exposed to the sun during
summer. A good place for them is behind a north wall. They should
have liberal supplies of water.

«

HE BEE-KEEPER^

o)

CURRENT DISCUSSIONS.

THE HONEY MARKET.

In the first place let me thank Dr. Walker for the balance sheet of the
P.ritish Honey Company, Limited ; and in the second place let me tell
him and all others that I decline to enter into any discussion when the
areurnent is foreign to facts. Thirdly, 1 assure him that 1 neither thank
nor censure him for hrs bit of irony about my pious remark. But I
rebuke him for the mingling of subjects foreign to the question at stake.
Fourthly, it is not nationalism I want to discuss, but facts. Scotchmen
are as a rule patriotic, and few of them would, after assuming hospitality
and kindness to the Canadians, turn upon them and their produce after
they hail left this country. No, a thorough Scotchman would have told
i hem to their face what he thought of them.

1 have no intention of prolonging tke discussion further than making

a remark or two on what has appeared. Dr. Walker still accuses me of
being concerned in the proposed “ Bee-keepers’ Union,” which I
repudiate; but may tell him and all others that when self-interest out¬
side bona-fide bee-keepers becomes a thing of the past, and the British
Bee Journal allows both sides of the question to appear in its pages,
then will bee-keepers become alive to the snare they have been trapped
in. I feel certain, Mr. Editor, you -would be glad to see many more
persons engaged in profitable Grape culture, but 1 am also certain that
you would not like to encourage them in that pursuit ; then, when they
asked where the market was, you would turn round and tell them that
3d. per lb. was sufficient ; that that was a high price for American and
Almeria Grapes, and they must be content with that ; but for their sake
and “ your own interest ” you would start a Grape company. That is
exactly the position of the bee-keepers and the Honey Company. Apart
altogether from the profit question, the cultivation of fruit, flowers, and
bees raises both the mental and moral qualities of those engaged in
the put suits. We want to see more bee-keepers as well as fruit growers,
and less monopoly ; and when that occurs, and unanimity is established
amongst bee-keepers, then will the “British Bee-keepers’ Union”
appear. But even with all the opposition the proposed Bee-keepers’
Union was exposed to, I had numerous inquiries about it, from persons
ready and anxious to join it, and had it been but started I would have
given it and the promoter my hearty support. It is a scheme well
adapted for bee-keepers, and I trust it will find favour with bee-keepers
throughout the kingdom.

My argument from the first was simply for the purposes of bettering
bee-keepers by bringing consumer and producer together, so that
middlemen’s profits might be avoided ; but instead of the Honey Com¬
pany bettering bee-keepers they have simply done the reverse." I am
acquainted with some honey merchants who in one season bought more
honey than the Honey Company has done, gave the producer a good
price for it, and made a handsome profit on the honey ; but it must be
observed they would not sell an ounce of foreign honey. They kept
faith with their customers, and the customers in turn had" faith in their
merchant ; but it would have been otherwise had they sold or purposed
selling an inferior quality, like that which Dr. Walker condemns, but
which he and his colleagues mean to make money out of if they could
not buy British honey.

Then there is another thing, Mr. Editor, with which you along with
many others will agree, that bee-keepers as well as fruit growers should be
rewarded for their labours, even although it be during their pastimes.
The members of the British Bee-keepers’ Association have been very
loquacious in times past about what they have done gratuitously for
bee-keepers — which is also a question — yet they turned round and told
the bee-keepers of the United Kingdom that their time employed in
attending to bees was not to be taken into account. I do not feel
inclined to say more on this matter at present, but in conclusion say
that if Dr. Walker has overstrained himself attending to “ babies and
Chrysanthemums ” he should call in a physician.

Erratum. — At page 162, tenth line from bottom, instead of “ 20 lbs.
annually ” read £20 annually.

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES.

At page 202 “ Notts Bee-keeper ” gives some particulars regarding
his own and an expert’s bees. He also makes a quibble over the colour
of the bee, and puts a construction upon my words contrary to facts. As
to the colour of bees, they are not unlike some creatures, changing colour
according to circumstances. Like himself, we are all doing our best to
instruct the novice, which is, owing to so much diversity of opinion
often through want of experience, no easy task. So far as the nomen¬
clature of the colour of our native black, brown, blackish brown,
brownish black, or greyish bees are concerned, we need not bother nor
quibble about it. since everybody knows what is meant by the expression
common black bee. There is no black bee of a uniform colour. I
have some bees the progeny of a pure Carniolian, and I sent to a gentle¬
man in England last autumn another queen which also bred bees almost
black, which were so conspicuously so as to excite an inquiry, What was
the male parent? I could not answer, but I have often witnessed drones
from imported Ligurian queens jet black. There is something more than
the question of colour by which we can decide a pure race of bees ;
shape and character must be taken into consideration. I have known
apiaries of black bees so thoroughly ligurianised that judging from the
appearance few if any person could tell their origin. Yet after Ligurian
bees were discontinued to be kept in the neighbourhood, the colour, by
breeding back and intermingling with Carniolian drones, has entirely
disappeared. Yet the owner persists in saying his bees are pure black.

I have witnessed drones returning eight miles bee flight to their original
site after they were removed to the Heather, which gives us an idea how
the drones spend their time during their midday flight, as well as how
queens are so liable to mate with alien blood.

“Notts Bee-keeper” tries to make it appear that my Ligurians
gathered most honey, or rather that they are the best honey gatherers.

I said no such thing. It is true that the highest weight I have on record
is from a Ligurian cross, but neither the Cyprians, Syrians, nor Carnio-
lians had the opportunity of so good a season as the Ligurians had,
which have for long been the exception and not the rule, and what we
northerners have to contend so much with, which our brother apiarians
in the sunny south know little about, and which tells more in their
favour than even good management.

Your correspondent says, “‘L. B.K.’s’ best results appear to have
been from Ligurians and their crosses, but through being subject to

222

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 17, 1887.

a certain disease he has discarded them in favour of Cyprians and
Syrians, which do not appear to produce as much honey, but many more
bees.” That is not in accordance with facts. No variety has given me
more honey and with less trouble than the Cyprian blood has d).ie, and
the Syrians do not appear to be behind them. “ Notts Bee-keeper” seems
to be of the opinion of many others in the old school, that prolificness is
a fault in the eastern races of bees. If numbers are a fault, why do we
hear of bee-keepers advising the ioining of two or more swarms or
colonies, and proposing every conceivable plan, absurd and otherwise, to
promote breeding ? All the eastern races of bees .are as good collectors
and as fond of honey as ever the black bee was, and so prolific that
one swarm of either will do the work of two of the common variety.

The disease spoken of was experienced by the late Mr. T. W. Woodbury
nearly a quarter of a century since, the same time as I experienced it, and
it was recorded in this Journal at the time, notwithstanding the scepticism
of those whose discoveries are commonly made at a later date to that
of the first discovery made by someone they have no love for. Some
years since I wrote an account of a fresh outbreak of this disease in my
apiary to a contemporary (British Bee Journal), but the editor so garbled
and mangled the article as to make it ridiculous, and while sneering at
it tried to attribute the disease to full combs of honey, which he termed
“ slabs of ice,” although I showed plainly that it was a summer
disease ; but allowing bees to feed upon their own stores did not appear
to suit his ideas so well as “ stimulative feeding.” The expert who
“ italianised ” the whole of his hives then without giving them probably
a fair trial goes and “ anglicises ” perhaps, too, with half foreign blood,
has neither acted expediently nor very judiciously, and by acting so
rashly does not prove himself an expert in my opinion.

For the benefit of all concerned I advise every bee-keeper to
endeavour to procure one of the eastern varieties, either Cyprian or
Syrian, and cyprianise or syrianise a third of their hives and await the
result, which I feel certain will not be disappointing, providing a good
season comes and proper sized hives are used. It does seem strange that
I should have occasion to tell bee-keepers that the stronger the hives the
more honey is likely to be gathered, and that they should become
impressed with the fact, and to give no heed to those who say prolific¬
ness in the queen is a fault. Yet that is just what some impute to the
foreigners as being a great fault and cause of failure, but with me it has
been the means of harvests of honey that would have been nil from the
common variety, or I never would have allowed them to become ex¬
tinct, as I believe they nearly are in this part of the country.

After a week’s very foggy weather snow commenced to fall on the
10th, and also on the 11th March, and lies to a depth of 5 inches
and more. The wind is easterly. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

C3~ All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — Our friends who favour with communications
on controversial subjects will oblige by sending their articles as
soon after they receive the Journal as possible. Our space is prac¬
tically filled on Monday, and only articles that are “ expected,” and
which arrive on Tuesday, can, as a rule, be inserted in the current
issue.

Chemical Manures (IF. IF). — It is quite impracticable to give a com¬
parative estimate of value of the manures you name. We might find one
better than the other for our soil, but that one might not be the best for
yours. The manures are good and you can have little if anything to lose by
trying them all, and may thus gain more valuable information than is obtain¬
able in any other way.

Premiums in Gardens [No Name). — Your name and address must be
sent before we can consider and reply to your letter. We should also like
the name and address of the gardener to whom the premium was paid.

Dividing Tuberous Begonias [J. B.). — The tubers may be divided just
when growth is starting, dressing the cut parts'wcll with powdered charcoal
to dry the wounds, and taking great care not to overwater after the tubers
are potted. It is a good plan to start them in damp cocoa-nut fibre refuse,

with small broken charcoal next the sides that are cut. Some of them may
possibly decay.

Root Grub ( A Gardener). — The grubs you have sent are the larva of
the v ry troublesome weevil, Otiorhynchus snlcatus, which attacks a great
variety of plants. It may be killed by hellebore tra, or the petroleum
mixture so frequently detcribed in these pages. In about six weeks the
beetles will be emerging, and it is necessary to look after them, as they do
m'scbief, appearing at night in houses as well as out of doors. They shonld
be searched for with a lantern and shaken into a net or cloth.

Eucharisea (IF. J. C.). — The Eucharis leaf is very fine indeed, stout
in texture, and of that deep green colour indicative of robust health. The
flower is also of good substance. There can be nothing the matter with
plants that produce such fine foliage, and as the bulbs were formerly
seriously attacked with the mite, the remedy adopted must have been
effective.

Propagating the My robalan Plum (North). — To obtain stocks in great
plenty the long shoots from the stools of last year’s growth are laid down in
the spring their full length, and covered with soil ; almost every bud sends
up a shoot, and roots are formed nearly contemporaneously. In autumn the
shoot laid down is cut off, and then out into as many pieceB as there are
young shoots and roots. It may be increased also by cuttings, preferably
inserted in the autumn ; but you may try some now of firm young wood cut
in lengths of 9 inches nr so, embedding them firmly in sandy soil, leaving
only two buds of each above the surface.

Valves in Pipes (W. M.). — Your sketch is so small and imperfect that it
is practically impossible to trace the arrangement of the pipes. Had you
afforded yourself thrice the space you would have made the plan clearer.
We can only say that so far as we understand the case valves should be
p’aced in both the flow and the return pipes. The patent valve you de¬
scribe is new to ns, and we cannot express an opinion on what we have not
seen. As it is in we should not take it out without a trial, and its
efficiency or otherwise can soon be tested. We shall be glad to hear
whether it answers its purpose or not.

Gypsophilas (IF. B.). — Probably as you suggest, the sprays of these
plants were used in a dry state on the ocoasion mentioned, but they are ex¬
tremely graceful when fresh, and are often employed for vases in table de¬
corations at exhibitions. G. paniculata is taller than most others, and very
free. They are readily increased by seeds sown out of doors in the spring or
in pots under glass for earlier purposes. Seed can be obtained of most
seedsmen.

Vine and Marechal Niel Rose (Draper). — You have plenty of room in
your house for more than one Vine and one Rose, but by waiting one of
each will eventually cover the roof, under good management. If you wish
to cover the space quickly you may plant Roses 2 feet apart, and Vines
between 3 and 4 feet asunder, along the front, training them up the roof,
but if you prefer to wait till one of each occupies the deBired space by all
means do so. The mixture you describe is far too rich for Vines. Take it
out of the pit and well mix it with three times its bulk of good loam, andiit
will be suitable for both Vines and Roses.

Lilium neilgherrense (A. Spinks). — This specieB is not a very free
grower, and is better cultivated in pots in a light greenhouse or cool pit in
summer ttan planted out. The bulbs should bepotted in turfy peat, to which
a little loam and some crushed charcoal and sand may be added, embedding
and surrounding them with sand. The soil should be just damp enough for
compression when used, then if the pots are plunged just over their rims in
damp cocoa-nut fibre refuse the soil in the pots will be kept uniformly moist
without giving water till roots form and growth extends above th9 surface.
If you have only one bulb the pot containing it can be placed in one much
larger, the space between them being filled with fibre to be kept damp. A
pot twice the diameter of the bulb will be quite large enough. The price of
bulbs depends on their size, and can be obtained on application to nursery¬
men.

Grafting Pears (F.J.). — We do not understand your sketch and letter.
If yon have cordon Pears reaching as high as either “ a ” or “ b ” in your
sketch we fail to see how grafting could be an advantage for covering the
arch. If the varieties are inferior that is another matter, and you may cut
down the trees to any extent you like. It is quite true that scions should
be the matured growths of last year, but they can be attached to stems of
any age provided they are healthy. Probably the lower the grafting iB done
the better ; at any rate there should not be many, if any, growths on the
stocks below where the scions are attached. The scions must be cut off at
once, and kept cool and fresh in soil or fibre till the stocks take the lead in
growth. Grafting wax varies. If you can use clay better than the wax by
all means use it, mixing cowdung with it to prevent cracking ; it is then as
good as wax.

Reprinting Articles (Aliquis). — We do not think it likely the articles
referred to will be reprint d until a greater demand arises for them, for the
reason that the venture would most likely be the reverse of profitable.
Some writers are so ambitious to produce books and pamphlets that they
are williDg to risk some pecuniary loss in becoming “authors,” and not a
few lose more or less considirably by such venturee. Our correspondent is
free from vanity in that direction, and would not feel justified in doing what
you suggest through a solitary proposition. An inexpensive method of
preserving a few articles in compact form is to purchase two copies of each
number containing them, as they can then be cnt out and pasted in a book.
Several persons adopt that plan and find it satisfactory.

Ferns in Vineries (Constant Reader). — The species chiefly cultivated
at Chiiweil is Adiantum cuneatum, and there is probably more fronds of
this sold in the London and other flower marktts than of all other kinds
put together. It is one of the easiest of Ferns to grow, and one of the
most productive in yielding fronds. The plants are generally grown in pots
ranging in size from 5 to 9 or more inches in diameter, according to the
age and size of the plants. Small healthy well-established plants i»
3 and 4-inch pots are shifted into pots 5 and 6 inches in diameter, and in.
these they produce fronds abundantly under good management. These
plantB are either divided and the numbers increased early in spring, cr are
grown larger by being transferred to 8 or 9-inch pots. When in th's size

March 17, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

223

Ferns can be kept healthy for years with pood judgment in watering, in¬
cluding periodical applications of weak liquid manure and annual top-
drebeings of fresh soil. A supply of plants is best maintained from spores,
but only experts can rai-e them successfully, such pknts usually deve¬
loping better fronds than those established from divisions. The present is a
good time to commence growing Ferns. Young plants grow the most freely
in a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand, but stronger plant! enjoy more
generous fare, such as sound turfy loam, much-decayed manure, and a free
sprinkling of finely crushed boms, and if potted firmly they develops fine
firm fronds. They enjoy some shade, such as Vines afford, and a genial
atmosphere, but the more light they have the harder the fronds become,
and the longer they k ep fresh when severed from the plants. They soon
lose colour if not adequately supplied with water, or if the roots get dry
before a liberal application. It is not easy to give too much water when
the pots are densely packed with roots in the summer; but overwatering
must be avoided in winter, also in the case of newly potted plants, for if the
6oil is made sour roots will not readily take possession of it, and there can
then be no healthy growth, but at the same time the soil must never get
dry before water is given. A good wo k on Ferns is published by Mr.
B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway, London, N.

Inarching Camellias (Fork). — Inarching does not consist of taking
portions from one plant and attaching them to another, that being grafting,
but in placing two plants together and attaching portions of one to the
branches of the other, by taking slices from the stems of each, fitting the
growths carefully, and binding them wiih soft ligatures, not severing the

attach d portions from the parent plant
till the union of the two has been effected ;
that is inarching. But you appear to de¬
sire to have recourse to grafting. This is
easily effected in the case of young plants
rjised from cuttings and established in
small pots, because the plants can be con¬
veniently placed in close, moist, and rather
warm cases. Well-ripened, short-jointed
cuttings are taken of last year’s wood,
sliced and affixed to the stock a little above
the soil, and there secured with matting
and mos3, one good leaf and bud sufficing
above the ligature, though two are often
left. As suggested, they must be kept close
and damp, or the moisture will evaporate
from the leaves of the grafts more quickly
than it is supplied by the roots of the
stock, tbe union then being slow if effected
at all. If you desire to attach a number of
grafts to a large plant or plants, and you can¬
not lay these down in a cloje case, as sug¬
gested, you bad better try “bottle graft¬
ing,” which is very similar to inarching, the
only difference being the grafts are kept
fresh with water absorbed from the bottle
instead of with sap supplied by the parent
plant. The stock must be healthy and
commencing free growth at the time the
grafts are attached, the buds of which are
swelling, or, in other words, the stock
should be in advance of the scion. The
Fig. <0. plants thus operated on must be placed in

a shaded position in a warm house and
frequently syringed to incite quick and free growth. The small engraving
shows the method of bottle grafting, hut a little ingenuity may be
needed to sufpend a number of bottles in suitable positions on a large
plant.

House for Half-Hardy Plants (H. B.). — If you require an ornamental
structure it will be advisable to consult a horticultural bui der, who would
also be best able to judge as to the kind of rockery most suitable to the
situation. Houses of this kind have been devoted by a few amateurs to the
purpose named, notably the late Mr. G. J. Joad, Oakfield House, Wimble¬
don. and Mr. J. Broome, Didsbury, Manchester. The former had the houses
sufficiently heated to exclude frost in severe weather, with central and side
bed.-, in which tbe occupants were planted out, and succeeded admirably.
For the roof were employed Bomarea Caldasi, and B. Carderi, Oestrum
aurantiacum, Clematis iudivisa, Hibbertia dentata, Abutilon vexillarium,
Rhodochiton vo'ubile, Plumbago capensis, and Tacsonia insignis, any of
which would succeed with you, also the Lipagerias, Tea Roses, Lonicera
semi ervirens, and many others. In the b ds were numerous rare bulbs and
such ornamental plants as Abelia rupestris, Lasiandra macrantha flori-
bunda, Calceolarias, and a geneial collection of balf-bardy perennials, that
rendered the house attractive for the greater portion of th; year. At the
other establishment (Mr. J. Broome’s) the plants are mostly grown in pots,
and are brought into the house from frames in succession, so that the
arrangement can be frequently altered and tire old plants removed when the
flowers fade. There are many Ferns adapted for such a house. Any of the
■choicer varieties of British Ferns, such as the Athyriums, most of which are
very graceful, can be employed ; and some of the most effective of others are
the following : — Asplenium bulbiferum, A. dimorphum, A. flaccidum,
Blechnum australe, Cyrtominm falcatum, Davallia canari* nis, Dcksonia
antarctica, Gleicbenia dichotoma, Lastrea aristata, Loma ia pibba, Lygo-
'lium scandens, Nepbrolepis davallioides furcans, Platy cerium alcicorne,
PurLs serrulata crntata, Thamnopteris Nidus, and Woodwardia radicans,
Abundance of smaller growing plants will be found in tbe Adiantums.
Aspleninms, and Pterises. If you require any further information we shall
be p’eased to reply to any query.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated fiom seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.

(J. H. M.). — Your plant is Iris fimbriata, which is often grown in pots for
the greenhouse in old gardens. ( G . F. B.). — Brassavola nodosa. ( W.
Litt!e). — Cymbidium pendulum. (J. B. P.). — Dendrobium fimbriatum
oculatum, known in some gardens as D. Paxtoni. A fine specimen was
figured in this Journal, page 425, May 27th, 1886.

COVENT OARDEN MARKET.— March 16th.

Trade dull. Good samples of Grapes making better prices. A few
Strawberries to hand, with little demand.

FRUIT.

e.

d

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Apples

0

to 5

0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

Nova Sootia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

13

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

18

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries

0

0

0

Pears .

. dozen

i

0

2

0

Cobs

. 100 lb. 60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English . . tb.

i

8

2

0

Pigs

• . dozen 0

0

0

0

Plums .

£ sieve

i

0

2

0

Grapes

0

8

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

6

0

Lemous

0

15

0

Strawberries . . .

per Hi.

13

0

16

0

VEGETABLES.

8

d.

s. d

8

d.

Artichokes

dozen 1

0 to 0 0

Lettuce .. ..

0

to 1

0

Asparagus

bundle 8

0

0 0

Mushrooms ..

. . punnet 0

6

1

6

Beans, Kidney

per lb 1

6

0 0

Mustard and Cress punnet 0

2

0

0

Best, Red

dozen 1

0

3 0

Onions .. ..

8

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

bundle 0

0

0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

# .

) sieve 2

0

2 6

Parsnips .. ..

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

dozen 1

6

0 0

Potatoes . . . .

e

6

0

Capsicums

100 1

«

J 0

,, Kidney

.. cwt. 4

0

5

0

Carrots .. ..

bunch 0

4

0 0

Rhubarb . . ..

.. bundle 0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

dozen 3

0

4 0

Salsafy .. ..

0

i

0

Celery . . . .

bundle 1

6

2 0

3corzonera ..

.. bundle 1

6

0

0

Ooleworts doz. bunches 2

0

4 0

Soakale .. ..

per basket 1

6

a

0

Cucumbers . .

each 0

4

0 6

Shallots ..

.. .. lb. 0

8

0

0

Endive ..

dozen 1

0

3 0

Spinach .. ..

0

4

6

Heros .. ..

bunch 0

3

0 0

Tomatoes

0

a

0

Leeks .. ..

bunch 0

8

0 4

Turnips .. ..

,. bunch 0

4

0

e

PLANTS IN POTS.

6.

d.

a. d.

8.

d.

8.

4.

Aralia Sieboldi

dozen 9

0 to 18 0

Ferns, in variety

.. dozen 4

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 6

0

9 0

Ficus elastica

. each 1

6

7

0

„ (common)

dozen 6

0

12 0

Foliage Plants, var. each 2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . .

per

dozen 24

0

86 0

Hyacinths

per dozen 6

0

9

0

Begonias

dozen 4

0

9 0

Lilies Valiev. .

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Cineraria

per dozen 9

0

12 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6

0

12

0

Cyolamen

, ,

dozen 12

0

24 0

Myrtles . .

0

ia

0

Dracaena terminalia,

dozen 30

0

60 0

Narciss (various)

. . dozen 12

0

15

0

„ viridis

dozen 12

0

24 0

Palms, in var.

. . each 2

6

31

0

Erica, various

dozen 9

0

12 0

Primula sisensis

per doz. 4

0

6

0

Eucnvmus, in var.

dozen 6

0

18 0

Solan* m3

per doz. 9

0

12

e

Evergreens, in var.

dozen 6

0

24 0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots 6

0

9

0

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valiev, 12 sprays

0

9 to 1

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . . 12 bunches

2

0

6

Azalea . . .

12 sprays

0

6

1

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss. Paper-white bunch

0

4

0

Camellias

blooms

I

6

4

0

„ White English, bunch

1

s

1

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

0

0

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

Chrysanthemums 12 bebes.

0

0

0

0

Roses .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

l

0

2

Cornflower ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

Cyclamen

12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

8

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

7

Epiphyllnm ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Poinsettia .. 12 blooms

0

0

O

Eucharia . .

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

Gardenias

12 blooms 12

0

21

0

,, (double) per bunch

1

0

I

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Tropaeolam .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

3

0

4

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

Lapageria, red

. 12 blooms

I

0

2

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

6

i

Lilinm longitlorum, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

Lilac (white), French, bunoh

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

3

0

2

0

e

6

6

a

s

0

8

8

0

0

6

<

6

0

0

0

0

•

8

REFORM IN AGRICULTURE.

What is to be done with our farms under the depres¬
sion? This is a question often asked — more often
answered, for we are told repeatedly by those lookers-on
who are said to see most of the game, that we have only
to do this or that in order to overcome our difficulties.
Said a farmer of the old school after listening to a long
speech about possible improvements in agriculture, “ It’s
all bosh, what we want is better prices for our farm
produce.” Of course we want better prices, but with the
stern fact before us of increasing foreign competition, we

224

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Mi. roh 17, 1887.

can have no reasonable hope of getting them. Nor dare
we hope for full relief from Government, no matter what
party may be in power. It is possible that the heavy
burden of taxation now laid upon the land may be light¬
ened, and rents must be brought down so as to bear a
just and fair proportion to the price of farm produce.
But we may as well ci’y for the moon as to agitate for
State intervention in the form of protection or bounties.

Landlords have met their tenants’ cry for help by re¬
duction after reduction of rent, yet, notwithstanding this,
farm after farm has been thrown upon the landlords’
hands in wretched plight ; wet, foul, and poverty stricken,
it requires a heavy expenditure before the land can be
brought into that clean, dry, fertile condition necessary
for the successful cultivation oi any crops. It is not only to
arable land that this applies, but also to grass land, which
is so frequently found devoid of any cultivation whatever.
The falling in of farms in this way compels the landlord
to take them in hand, it may be indirectly through his
agent, but he undoubtedly has to find capital for the
undertaking. Well will it be if under the circum¬
stances the agent is a man of capacity and discretion. To
enable him to rise to the emergency and to turn it to full
account he must be energetic and have had a wide experi¬
ence of farming in different parts of the country. Good
sense, combined with the sound experience of middle age,
should enable him to come to the front now and assume
the post of a leader in agricultural reform. That is the
point. We have only to show farmers how by better culti¬
vation better crops may be obtained, and we shall find
them ready enough to follow leaders who not only talk
but act.

In carrying out such a reform there must be no livish
expenditure, not one penny must be spent wastefully.
Our course of action must be well considered, every plan
being matured before it is put in operation, cause and
effect taken fully into account, and due allowance made
for the influence of weather upon our work. Before all
things we must see that the soil is brought into thorough
cu tivation. Drainage, mechanical division, cleanliness,
fertility, timely cropping, pure seed, the saving of each
crop and turning it to the best account, economy of
cropping as well as of labour, are each and all matters to
be regarded as indispensable to success. There is the
soil before us, What do we know about its nature, condi¬
tion, or requirements ? How can we manage it so as to
obtain at least a full annual crop from it ? Regarding it
as we do as a medium for conveying food to plants, we are
bound to ascertain how best to store it with such food.
We must go farther than this, and learn what is the best
kind of jdant f >ocl to use, how and when to use it to most
advantage. Surely the off-nsive odours given off by a
heap of farmyard manure ought to convince the most
stoli 1 intellect that there is much waste in the use of plant
food in such a form. But this simple fact cannot be
realised till a farmer knows in what form plants absorb
food. Assuredly he ought to possess such knowledge, for
without it how can he work with economy and sureness of
purpose ?

Economy of labour must have more attention in our
scheme of cropping. By having mixed layers of Clovers and
strong-growing Grasses for three or four years instead of
annual Clover layers we effect a material ami permanent
saving of labour, and we get heavier crops of better forage.
By using chemical manures for such layers we keep them in
full vigour, and yet avoid the costly process of the manu¬
facture and carting of farmyard manure upon them.
Once established upon a farm, and brought into the

regular course of cropping, such layers enable us to work
with a reduced staff both of men and horses. It is the
heavy labour account and the food for horses which tell so
heavily upon farmers.

Improved cultivation of permanent pastures is another
matter pressing for immediate attention. One can tell at
a glance, even in midwinter, if pasture is neglected or
not. Many a neglected meadow has it been our lot to
reclaim, and we know no part of farm work more interest¬
ing, and none that repays the farmer better. Relieve the
grass land of superfluous water, store it with fertility,
either by the application of chemical manure, or, better
still, by judicious sheep-folding, take care that manure is
applied at least once a year, and the reward is not only
speedy and sure, but it becomes greater year by year, and
we have found that really fertile pasture is much less
affected by unfavourable weather than that which is
neglected and poor.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The long spell of fine weather has led to a change in some of our
plans for cropping. Care was taken, first of all, to get in the spring
corn ; this done, attention was given to foul land left to be cleaned if
the weather proved favourable, and then to be sown with roots. This
would have been an addition to the regular root crop with which we
could very well dispense. We shall now be able to do so, for the land is
clean, the twitch is burnt, and Barley takes the place of roots. The
main crop of Barley is sown, but we have many acres yet to sow on land
where sheep are now folded on roots. The ploughs and drills follow the
folds closely, and we shall doubtless see the beneficial effects of the
folding in the Barley. The White Turnips are almost finished ; there is
a capital piece of Swedes to follow, then comes the Rye, which is so
forward and strong that we can begin folding upon it even before the
Swedes are finished, should we wish to do so. After the Rye comes the
Winter Tares, of which there is an excellent plant, and by the time the
flock has got through the Tares the lambs should be ready for sale.
Very late Swedes will be followed by Oats, which may be sown later
than any other corn crop. The Rye will be followed by White Turnips
and Swedes to be left out on the land for folding next spring, and the
Winter Tares will be followed by Rye. Winter Tares, we may add, are
usually sown after Mangolds, tt will thus be seen that our cropping
for the flock is both sure, simple, and efficient. By it we are practically
independent of grass land till after the haying, and even then two or
three crops of Spring Tares would carry on the flock till late in August.
Land ploughed into ridges last autumn is now being got ready for
Mangolds, which we hope to sow early in April. If farmyard manure
is used it is put in the furrows and covered as quickly as possible by
drawing the double-breasted plough through the middle of the ridges.
Never have we known the soil of all kinds to be in better order at this
season of the year ; even upon our heavy land the surface is like a bed of
ashes, and much good was done before sowing the corn by giving it an
extra turn or two with the harrows, so as to bring perennial weeds well"
upon the surface. By doing this we both clean the land and avoid
much hoeing subsequently among the corn. Some faulty pieces of
Winter Beans have had a bushel or two of Peas per acre sown among
the Beans in order to insure a full crop upon the whole of the land.

METEOROLOGICAL O USER VAT IONS.
CAMDEN SqUAKB, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" M.; Lin?. 0° 8-0" W. : Altitude. Ill feet.

l> vTB.

9 A.M.

IN Tfl

k i>ay.

OJ ^ 35 _

Hygrome-

a .

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Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1887.

§•2* ►

ter.

aeg

peratare.

Temperature

33

32

March.

£ S a J

In

o«

Dry.

Wet.

as

Max

Min.

stia

gras*

Inches

d-»*

de<.

deg.

dee.

4**

deg

<te«

In.

Sunday .

80.200

38.0

37.3

N.TC.

37.4

49.9

33.9

71.2

34 4

—

Monday .

30 202

38.2

35.4

N E.

37.8

43.3

33.2

52 2

28.2

—

Taes lay .

K

3».l9 *

39.9

3s. 0

E.

38.2

42.3

38.2

49.8

37.2

—

Wednesday .

9

30.' >46

37.8

35 3

W.

38.3

43.2

35 9

52.1

38 7

—

Thursday ...

10

30.1114

38 8

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38 4

47 0

35 6

7o 2

32 7

—

Friday .

31

30.036

32.8

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N.E.

38.2

44 4

27 8

54.8

21.7

0.266

Saturday ...

.12

29.797

316

33.6

N.

87.5

41 8

32.3

84.0

23.2

0.011

30.095

37.0

35.7

38 0

41.6

33 8

62.0

30.4

0.277

REMARKS.

6tli.-Clondv early, bright at mid-day, solar halo in afternoon, clear night.

7th. — Cloudy all day.

8th. — Overcast throughout.

Dth.— Cloudy morning, fair afternoon but without sunshine,
loth.— Fine all day, .-unshine in afternoon.

11th. — Foggy till eleven, then dura with high fog, clearing again towards noon, sunshine
in afternoon.

12th. — Wet from 2 A.M. to fi A.M., wet snow from 8 A. M. to 9.30 A.M.; gradually cleared
and sun begun to shine abuut noon, bright afternoon and evening,
with the exception of about eight hours in the early morning of Saturday a ramies*
week, but with less sunshine than might he expected, l'res-ure -till high and tem¬
perature low, though about 3° above that ot tile preceding week.-O.'J. SYMONS.

March 24, 1887. ]

JOURjsaL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

225

5118

COMING EVENTS

\\A

24

TH

Royal Sooiety at 4.80 p m.

25

V

Quekett Club at 8 P.M.

26

s

Crystal Palace Spring Show.

27

SUN

5th Sunday in Lent.

2S

M

28

To

£0

W

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

AN EIGHT-MONTHS SUPPLY OF BROCCOLI.

AYING been requested to state “what
varieties of Broccoli to select, when to sow
the seed, and how to grow the plants so as
to maintain a succession of heads from the
time Cauliflowers fail until they are again
available,” I cannot do better than record
my experience by which the desire indicated
has been attained. Without being biassed in
any way I shall adopt the catalogue style, dividing the
sorts into sections, and detailing the treatment necessary
or advisable in each case. It will be seen by the heading
that I intend to keep closely to the text furnished, as in
reality it is only necessary to have Broccoli rather more
than six months in order to meet the Cauliflowers ; but
we prefer to have them longer in season, for reasons that
will become apparent as we go on.

September to February inclusive. This is rather a
long season for one variety to cover, but Veitch’s Autumn
Self-Protecting is fully equal to the emergency, and on
the whole may be said to be the most valuable introduc¬
tion of late years. Seed sown late in August or early in
September will give a supply of plants suitable for winter¬
ing in frames in common with Cauliflowers, and being
duly planted out in the spring on good well-manured
land the maj >rity will yield gtand white heads hard to
distinguish from Autumn Giant Cauliflower, and in close
succession to the latter, also autumn-sown. For ordinary
purposes there is no necessity for this extra trouble, but
those who are in the habit of exhibiting collections of
vegetables in August and September may, if they give the
plan a trial, be amply rewarded for their pains. Our
principal sowing of this variety is made in a frame early
in March, but those who require fewer plants may raise
them either in pans or boxes of common soil, taking care
to well harden off the plants before they become drawn
and weakly. As soon as they are fairly strong, or about
4 inches high, the best of them are pricked out 4 inches
apart on a warm border, the soil of which is tine and
light. They may need a little protection for a few days,
and should be finally transplanted when strong enough to
take care of themselves. These we usually plant between
the rows of early Ashleaf Potatoes, the latter being dis¬
posed 3 feet apart. They are planted with a trowel, and
if they have been moved carefully they soon grow strongly.
When the Potatoes are lifted the soil is wrell worked up
to the stems of the Broccoli, this steadying and otherwise
materially assisting them.

Late in April or early in May more seed is sown on
an open border, and the plants obtained are placed out
on warm borders or on high ground in rows 30 inches
apart and 2 feet asunder in the rows. Being a compara¬
tively tender variety it is almost useless to plant it in cold

No. 352. — Vol. XIV., Third Series

positions where an early frost might greatly injure it.
We commence cutting from the first raised plants early
in October, and from one large breadth the supply can be
drawn sometimes till late in December. To be certain of
a continuous supply, however, directly severe frosts are
imminent, or say late in November, all the most advanced
plants should be lifted and stored closely either in frames
or cold houses. We have a large pit in a second early
vinery, and this being filled early in December with
Veitch’s Broccoli fully grown and ready for forming
heads, these soon root strongly in the rich soil given
them, and afford us a continuous supply of valuable heads
until well into February. It is during the midwinter
months that Broccoli heads are most scarce and most in
demand, hence my dwelling at length upon the subject.
All cannot dispose the principal portion of their stock in
a house, but in most gardens some pit or frame can be
devoted to them from November until February, or a
rough frame might be extemporised for their protection.
Prior to the introduction of the Cauliflower like Veitch’s
Autumn, the White Cape, also a delicate variety, was
sown in April and again in May, and the majority of the
plants being lifted and stored in frames did good service.
No dependance can nowadays be placed on the stock of
this variety, and we have ceased to grow it. Webb’s
Autumn treated as advised in the case of the White Cape
has done us good service.

Snow’s Winter White, if sown early, will hereabouts
grow to a great size, but the majority of the heads are
useless monstrosities. We now sow the seed early in May
on an open border, the plants resulting being put out on
firm fairly good ground and frequently in succession to
early Peas. Under this treatment they make sturdy
hardy growth, and if part of the batch are lifted and
stored as soon as space can be cleared of the old stumps
of Veitch’s Autumn, a good succession will be maintained
even in such a winter as we are passing through. Should
the winter be mild Snow’s ought to be available in the
open ground in February and March. Osborn’s Winter
White is not hardy enough, otherwise we should grow it
extensively. It may be raised in the open ground in
March and April, and being of neat growth may be
planted in 2 feet apart and rather closer in the rows.
It is in season during February and till April, according
to the weather experienced, and the quality is good. This
sort also pays for lifting.

March to June. Some time in March or early in
April seed should be sown of sorts that are required for
use in about a year, for this is something near the time
the majorities of varieties are growing. At different times
we have had Webb’s Perfection, Cooling’s Matchless,
Carter’s Mammoth, and Veitch’s Spring White available
from the beginning of March till the end of the month,
but this year all are later in heading in. I mention so
many varieties in order to meet the seed lists of as many
readers as possible. We find one variety ample, and
prefer Veitch’s Spring White. With us it is quite hardy,
and we shall commence cutting from it by the time this is
in print. To succeed this and for affording a long suc¬
cession, sometimes lasting from the middle of March till
May, we have the invaluable Leamington. The seeds of
this variety, in common with either or all of the just
mentioned sorts, may be sown in the open ground thinly,
either in drills or broadcast, the aim being to secure as
many sturdy plants as possible, these invariably doing
better service than those long, weakly plants too often
placed out. Penzance Early White is sometimes included
No 2008. — Yol. LXXVI., Old Series.

226

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 24, 1867.

in the lists recommended for spring use, but it cannot be
depended upon, a moderately severe frost killing it.
During May such excellent varieties as Cattell’s Eclipse,
Wilcove Improved, Champion Late White, Veitch’s Model,
Ledsham’s Latest of All, and Late Queen are usually at
their best. We confine ourselves to the three last named,
and could dispense with Ledsham’s. Early in May we
find the best time to sow the seed, as if sown earlier the
plants a-e liable to spoil in the seed bed, the site for them
not being at liberty, while if sown much later they do not
generally grow so large as could be wished.

As all the Broccoli in the March to May section are
somewhat similarly treated, we will also consider them
together now. It is a mistake, as many have this winter
found to their cost, to plant on either very loose — say
newly trenched ground — or on very rich soil. In such
positions they certainly make rapid strong growth, but
plants thus grown cannot withstand a severe frost — their
stems being the most vital part — and a great loss may
easily result. The only way to save such overgrown
pi .nts is to heel them in with their heads to the west, and
the stems well covered with soil. This must he done
early in November, and if properly carried out will save
the majority. As, however, we do not follow this prac¬
tice, I shall leave that for others to enlarge upon who
may have been successful in saving their breadths in such
or somewhat similar a manner. In order to be certain
of a good breadth of Broccoli in variety, it ought always
to be planted in a good open position, and in succession
either to Strawberries, Beans, early or second early Peas,
Spinach, Lettuces, or any crop other than any member of
the Brassica tribe, that can he cleared off in time. The
ground having been well manured for these will be quite
rich enough for the Broccoli, nor is it advisable to dig it.
Planting in holes formed with a crowbar answers very
well in some instances, but we prefer to draw drills with
a heavy hoe, filling these with water, or liquid manure
if procurable, and in a few hours the planting can easily
be done with a trowel. It is also frequently advisable to
water the seed beds a few hours prior to lifting the plants.
In this manner sturdy well-rooted seedlings can be put
out, which will soon take to their fresh quarters and
gradually develope into strong yet dwarf plants. I should
add our distances are 30 inches from row to row, and
2 feet apart in the rows. We have several hundred plants
treated as above advised that have escaped destruction by
severe frosts, and I believe form the only good breadth in
the neighbourhood, the complaint of total losses by frost
being very general. The least injured of all is Miller’s
Dwarf White, this variety being naturally of a sturdy
habit ; but the heads, which are fit for use in May, are
usually very inferior to the other late sorts I have named.
It ought to be grown in all the coldest localities.

The latest supplies. In many districts Cauliflowers
are not fit for cutting before the middle of June, and if
Broccoli is to last until that time a little extra trouble
must be taken with it. Doubtless they might he kept still
later, or to near the end of June, but not hereabouts.
Since the introduction of Late Queen and Latest of All
the work of retarding has been much simplified, but one
of the best gardeners I am acquainted with usually cut
Broccoli in bygone years as late as the middle of June,
with only the good old Cattell’s Eclipse to work with.
Ilis method of culture I cannot do better than give in his
own words : — “ The seed was sown thinly the first week in
June, the plants being eventually put out in firm ground
and in an exposed position. In November they were all
dug up and relaid in a north border, a supply of small

valuable heads being cut from them till the middle of
June.” We cannot imitate this practice, as unfortunately
our inside north borders are at the bottom of the garden,
a severe frost invariably destroying any member of the
Brassica tribe we have yet planted or laid in there.
Another friend in charge of one of the largest gardens in
the West of England also annually lifts a great number of
Broccoli plants and relays in a north bonder. In addition
to the late varieties, lie usually lifts a quantity of
Leamington, and in this manner prolongs the season of
this excellent sort till late in May. Our latest supplies
of Broccoli will be drawn from June-raised plants placed
out in succession to Strawberries in one of the centre
quarters. These have not grown to a great size, but they
have kept their foliage better than those raised earlier
and planted on higher ground, and will give us many
useful heads. Large heads are not wanted only for the
markets, most employers of gardeners preferring neat
close heads about the size of a cricket ball. I hope to have
Model later than usual, this being the favourite variety
while in season. Its close conical heads are invariably
perfectly protected, and therefore of good colour as well
as quality. — W. Ig gulden, Somerset.

R03E-GR0WING FOR BEGINNERS.

C Continued from page 212.)

GROSS SEOOTS.

These come under the head of “disbudding,” for the amateur
who clo3ely watches his plants will detect them while in the young
state, and if necessary, remove them before they do any injury to
the plant. Now, to return for a moment to fig. 34. The two thick
black shoots there look remarkably like gross shoots. If all the
other shoots on a plant were as old as those in this figure are at the
base —it will be noticed that these are more than two years old —and
these two shoots appeared early enough in the season to ripen at the
lower part, then I should leave them t,o grow and ripen, and at the
next following pruning time I should cut away the older shoots.
But, as a rule, these gross shoots come up late in the year, and
often appear on plants already well furnished with young and
vigorous wood. They draw all the nourishment away from the
rest of the plant, and grow quickly to an enormous size ; but when
winter comes, the wood not being ripe, is destroyed, and the plant
has had all the work of growing them — and all at the expense of
its permanent part — for nothing. It is necessary, therefore, to
watch for these gross shoots during the season of growth. If they
come up early, and are required where they appear, let them grow ;
but if they come late, or where there is already an abundance
of young healthy shoots, then let them be removed at once. The
same gross shoot3 often appear on the heads of standards or on
climbing Roses, and the above remarks apply also to these plants.
In the case of a standard, if the head requires to be filled up, and
the coming shoot seems well placed for the purpose, by all means
let it remain on the tree. In the case of a climbing Rose, there
may be a piece of bare wall to cover ; but in every case, if there be
not time for the shoot to ripen, off with it ! It is no loss to the
plant, for if left on, it is at the expense of the other shoots, while,
if it be removed, its substance will go to swell and improve the
remaining branches.

RENOVATING AN OLD PLANT.

Sometimes casos arise where one has a lot of fine old trees, per¬
haps Gloire de Dijons, or other vigorous growing varieties, with
shoots 10 or 12 feet long. To transplant these would be to spoil them,
and though in such cases I might recommend fresh plants being put
in, there are many who would much prefer keeping their old
favourites. I will endeavour to give some ideas how this may be
accomplished, and how these old plants may be made to renew their
youth. One is a plan I read of some time ago. This is to procure
a thick iron bar, and drive it into the ground a couple of feet or so,
making holes in this way all round the base of the plant. These
holes are then to be filled in with a mixture of various manures and
soil : — I do not think anything better than my ideal Rose soil could
begot for the purpose. The roots are brought into contact with
this new soil, and a vig irons growth is the result. A liberal allow¬
ance of liquid manure, not put on in too strong a state would pro¬
bably complete th3 cure. I never tried this plan, but I should say

March 24, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

227

it would be successful. There are two objections to the plan, how¬
ever ; one is that wo cannot cut back the tap roots, and the other is
that we only renew a small portion of the soil. The other plan,
although it takes more time and is more troublesome, is, in my
opinion, the better of the two. This is to raise a portion of the
roots, say one side, or half of them one season, and the remainder
the following season. The roots should be loosened and lifted up,
and the whole or as much as possible of the soil removed and replaced
with new. After the roots have been shortened they should be put
back and the soil made firm round them. This might be done any
time when the plants are at rest, but early autumn is the best time for
the operation. The newroots may, and probably will, form before the
ensuing winter. An easier method of doing nearly the same thing
consists in cutting a trench round the base of the plant— not too
close — half way round one year, completing the circle the next.
The trench may be about a foot wide, and as deep as the roots seem
to go. The roots being cut off where they come into the trench,
grow vigorously in the new soil with which the trench should be
refilled. But here again the weak point is that we cannot cut
back all the tap roots.

GRAFTING ROSES.

There are tricks in all trades, we know, but I think that the
greatest amount of the trickery in Rose growing occurs in the
grafting, or rather I ought to say in the sending out in many
cases of such poor rubbish, such weak and miserable specimens of

Fig. 41.— Grafting Scion and Stock.

plant life, that anybody who knew what he was about, if asked the
question, would say, without one moment s hesitation, that the pot
was by far the most valuable part of the whole thing. •»

Grafting proper is not a business that many beginners can suc¬
cessfully carry out, but still one may wish sometimes to buy
grafted plants ; and such being the case, I think the beginner
should know something of how it is done, and so I propose now to
tell him.

There are two ways of grafting Roses — a right way and a
wrong way. I am going to give the beginner a description of both.
To start with, let us suppose it is early spring, and you step with
me into the garden. Here is an old standard Rose tree, which,
like most other standard Rose trees of its age hereabouts, has died
away at the top. Round the base you see there are a plentiful crop
of suckers or thin briars about the thickness of a lead pencil ; one
of these we secure with a bit of root to it. Now we step into the
greenhouse and cut a growing shoot from a Rose in a pot, but we
do not remove the leaves, as in budding. I cut the top of the stock
di;igonally, and I also cut a small piece off the branch of the Rose,
with a bud and leaf to it, diagonally also. I fit these two together
in such a way that the inner barks of both are in contact, and I
bind the two firmly together with roffea. Now I put the lot in a
small pot, and plunge it in strong heat, nursing it tenderly for a
few weeks, keeping the light from it, syringing it often, and
coddling it generally. In a very short space of time it begins to
grow. It grows so rapidly that I have heard it said that plants are
produced in six weeks ; and such plants ! Plants that carry
failure in their very appearance. Plants that are worse than worth¬
less ; plants that are frauds, for they take up room, and prevent us
utilising our space with plants that will grow. These will not.
This is the wrong way to graft Roses.

Now for the right way. This little briar stock has been grow¬
ing in this pot twelve months. On turning it out we notice that
the ball is one mass of fibrous roots. I slice the top off, as before
described, and I bind on a bud, and then plunge the little plant in
heat ; but note the difference. In the first case the plant had its
roots to make, and its branches simultaneously. It had to grow at
both ends at once — we know what burning the candle at both ends
means. Here the roots are all provided to begin with ; the plant is
complete from the first. As soon as the bud begins to grow we
repot into a larger size, the roots immediately grasp the new soil,
and the plant begins to grow in earnest. Now, here a great heat is
not detrimental — though it is just as well not to overdo it in that
respect — because the plant is an established one, as far as roots go.
(If the beginner have a greenhouse, a very instructive experiment,
illustrating the effect of heat on old potted and newly potted plants,
will be to grow two such plants side by side in heat ; the result
will be in the case of the old potted plant, success ; in the case of
the other, failure.) The latter-described system is the right way to
graft Roses.

If I were going to buy grafted plants, I should certainly wrant
to know whether they were grafted in the pots or not. Plants
grafted as described in the first case will never do any good, it is
contrary to common sense that they should ; they may make a puny
growth and bear a few small flowers, but they will never grow
vigorously or well ; they will gradually dwindle away and perish.
The best way to buy all Roses, in pots or out of pots, grafted or
budded, is by sample. If they look strong and healthy and are
growing vigorously — I am alluding to the grafted plants now — you
may depend upon it that they were propagated on the right
system.

Grafting, no matter how carefully it is done, as a rule never
produces the sound healthy plants that we get by budding. In the
one case the bud is inserted under the bark of the stock, tied over,
and in course of time the bark entirely grows over the cut, and the bud
is as firmly fixed in as if it had grown there naturally. In the case of
grafts the bud is simply tied on, and the bark unites sometimes on
one side, sometimes on the other, and in some cases, if the job be well
done, and the bud and stock accurately fitted, on both. But out of
a thousand stocks and buds how many can be got to fit accurately ?
If the union of the stock and bud be potted below the surface of
the soil, in all probability in a short time roots will be emitted from
there, and if this be the case the plant will be much more likely to
live and do well.

Grafting is only useful to the nurseryman. It enables him to
cut up a new Rose — for which he has paid perhaps a guinea, perhaps
more — to make the most of it, to multiply it quickly, and to dis¬
tribute it among the amateurs at a much lower rate than he could
afford to do if he adopted the slower, but at the same time surer,
method of budding. — D. Gilmour, jun.

fiTo be continued.)

PEACH-GROWING UPON OPEN WALLS.

Any remarks upon this interesting subject are perhaps open to criticism,
but what I have to say is based upon practical experience. We will
assume the trees are ready for nailing or tying, it is immaterial which
course is adopted ; in any case plenty of room should be left for the
■wood to swell. If nailing is resorted to, I advise all nails to be drawn
and cleansed previous to their being used again. Often we see the old
nails and shreds are allowed for years, and just the young growths
nailed in, which practice is a sure way of keeping some of the many
pests alive through the winter, and all who have not tried raffia as a
substitute for shreds I should advise to do so, for when shreds are used,
unless very narrow, the portion of the wood covered never ripens, and it
is here that the wood often dies back. If raffia be used the matting
should be just twisted round the nail and the branch brought to it ; the
trees look better and are less trouble to keep clean.

We have our trees covered with a double thickness of netting
stretched over poles which rest on the top of the wall, and are placed
4 feet from the base of the wall, so that it enables anyone to walk inside
and see how the trees are progressing from day to day. This covering
will remain on till the fruit is set and the trees covered with foliage, after
which time I consider they are safe. Strict attention must be paid to
the trees as the flowers are falling, at which time the aphides generally
attack. If such is the case the trees should be well syringed with the
garden engine, with tobacco water and a little sulphur, for if the fly be
allowed to gain a hold upon the young growth failure will undoubtedly
be the result. On the other hand the trees should be disbudded, and
that with a careful hand. The wood should be laid in regularly, thinly,
and systematically, allowing onlysuch to remain as is wanted. Nothing
is worse than to cross the wood or lay it thickly, for under such conditions
the trees cannot be kept clean. After this be done little is required than to
keep the trees right, provided they are syringed at least four times a week,
but if possible they should be done every day.

Thinning the Fruit. — This also requires judgment, and must be done
carefully, selecting those which are well placed and upon the most

228

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 24, 18S7.

mature portion of tlie tree. The final thinning should not be done till
after the fruit has stoned, and by the general condition of the trees.
Let this be your guide as to the quantity to remain after the stoning
process. See that they receive plenty of stimulant in the way of mulching";
liquid manure and an occasional supply of soot water will improve the
foliage, working upon it like magic. All laterals should be taken off
and the trees examined often. This is the way to keep Peaches always
in a presentable condition. When tbe fruits commence colouring
water should be gradually diminished, but after the fruit has all been
gathered keep the trees well syringed. The sorts I would recommend
arc good and few — Alexandra, Early Alfred, A Bee, Grosse Mignonne,
Royal George, Barrington, Walburton Admirable, Salwey. Nectarines
— Elruge, Lord Napier, Violette TI Stive, Pine Apple, Victoria. These
are all good and useful varieties. I had a good crop of Sea Eagle last
season, fine and handsome fruit, but in flavour very inferior. — W. A.
Cook. Holme W ooti.

PLANTING AND CUTTING BOX EDGING.

To my mind there is no edging for walks, particularly in the
kitchen garden, so suitable as Box, although some object to it on
account of its harbouring slugs, which it does if allowed to grow
wild, as is somet imes the case. In some gardens it is allowed to attain a
height of 101 inches and half as much through ; but if managed, in
a proper manner nothing makes so neat an edging. It has the ad¬
vantage over edging tdes of its natural green colour, which har¬
monises well with its surroundings, be they gravel on the paths or
the crops within the quarters. It certainly requires a good deal of
time to keep it in order, but if well and properly planted to
commence with it need not be objectionable on that account.
Where Box is used March is as good as any time for planting it.
There is a right and a wrong way, even in planting an edging of
Box. If treated as follows it will be found to give satisfaction. I
find that a little time spent upon it in the first instance is well re¬
paid in after years.

Let us suppose, then, that a walk is to be made in the kitchen
garden running alongside the border next the wall, and conse¬
quently parallel with it. The first thing to be done is to fix upon a
certain level at a given distance from the wall, according to the
width of the border, which varies according to circumstances.
Whatever width the border is to be, the farthest end of it must be the
same distance from the wall as the end near at hand, and the same
level must be maintained with the aid of the square edge and spirit
livol by taking a certain course of bricks in the wallas a guide. At
each end from this the same level should be found in the position
where the Box is to be planted from the wall by the instruments
named. If the border is to have a fall from the wall to the path
this must be decided upon, and noted at each end. In most cases
this is neither necessary nor wise, because complications may occur in
the intersection of the cross walks. The levels at the extreme ends
having been decided upon, the intermediate ones are easily obtained
with the use of T rods. The opposite edge of the Box in the same
walk must be of the same level, no matter the width of the path ;
then proceed to dig the ground to the depth of a foot where the
Box is to be planted, breaking the soil well and rejecting any stones
which may come in the way. If the soil is of a loose character
tread it firmly and rake it smoothly.

Now stretch a line in the exact position in which the edging is
to stand, and with a clean sharp-edged spade chop out a trench close
to the line about 6 inches deep in a perpendicular manner. This
should be done carefully, because much depends upon it whether the
Box will be planted in a straight line or not ; therefore, any pains
bestowed on freeing the soil from stones is well rewarded. Whore
the land is of a stony character it is a good plan to sift the soil
forming the edge. If the trench has been carefully cut the line
will no longer be of service to the planter.

The next thing to be done is to prepare the Box for planting.
Pull it into pieces ; every piece with a root attached to it will
. grow. It should be cut into uniform lengths of about 4 inches,
and care should be taken to keep the top level. If it is flat all
the better for the planter, as it lies closer to the trench. With the
l ight hand place the Box in position, and while the left hand holds
it there, with the right one place a little soil over the roots. If the
operator kneels on the right knee the left foot is conveniently
placed to keep the soil firm on the roots, as the left foot moves
along in the trench as the planter goes. The trench should then
he filled up to the proper level, and trodden very firmly ; this tends
to keep the Box straight. Some may think these details needless,
out I have found them important, and I have tried various ways.

f v®, Pj°Per metAod of keeping the edgings in good order when
established requires much attention. If well managed at the end
ot eight years it should not be much larger than when planted. To
keep it thus dwarf it will require an annual clipping, an operation
which should be done early in April ; this I consider the best time,

all things considered. Some do not cut the Box until July. This
is rather late, because the growth made after the clipping is not
sufficiently hard to stand severe frost the following winter. The
consequence is the young points of the growth are damaged, which
gives to the edge an unsightly brown appearance during the dull
days of winter, and at a time when the edgings of paths should
look their best, when they are supposed to be green. If allowed to
go two or three years without cutting it gets bare at the base, and
the wood becomes hard. It is then more difficult to cut, and takes
longer to get green again, as the old wood does not break so freely
into growth as the younger shoots do. Some cut their Box
with a scythe, commencing on one side and returning on the other ;
but this is not a good way, not equal to the one I will describe.
First stretch a line close to the Box at a given height from the
ground, say from 24 inches to 3 inches, then with a pair of hedge
shears cut off the top down to the line. Upon the flat top thus
formed fix the line straight from end to end, pulling it tight ; then
with a pair of shears, such as are used for shearing sheep, cut the
Box on one side in a slanting direction from the line to the gravel.
Repeat this operation on the other side, and the result will be a
wedge-shaped edging at the end of eight or ten years 2 ^ inches
wide and 3 inches high. This I consider the best way in which
to trim edgings of Box. — E. Molyneux.

rating greenhouses in nurseries and

MARKET GARDENS.

A DEC'isiOX of great importance to market gardeners and
nurserynien was arrived at in the Queen’s Bench Division of the
Supreme Court of Judicature on Saturday last, the 19th inst. by
Mr. Justice Day and Mr. Justice Wills. In 1885 we published the
following reply to a correspondent, |“ L. B.”

You ask if it is “ customary or right to assess nurserymen’s greenhousrs
for the poor rates.” We suspect it has become largely “ customary ” by
many nurserymen paying the rates, but the “ right ” to claim them is another
matter. Lord Kenyon decided there is no more right to assess the green¬
house of a nurt-eryman than the stall of a cobbler, because both are equally
necessary for obtaining a livelihood. This is an important question that
should be tested in a supreme court, and the case for nurserymen appears
good, though obviously no individual can he expected to act alone, but by a
combination of effort the cost would be scarcely felt, while the gain might
he great and permanent.

Mr. G. Purser of ‘Worthing has, with the co operation of
friends, “ tested the matter in a supreme court,’’ and merits the
thanks of commercial horticulturists. We do not anticipate that
the decision in question will affect the position of private in¬
dividuals who merely sell the surplus produce of their gardens ;
but the course of growers of plants and garden produce as a means
of livelihood is now rendered clear, and it will be their own fault
if they submit to the full rating as imposed by local assessors or
surveyors. We take the following abridged report of this import¬
ant test case from the Times : —

PURSER V. THE WORTHING LOCAL BOARD.

This case rais d the question whether glass houses and greenhouses in
which fruit, flowers, and vegetables are grown for market are to be rated at
their full rateable value, or only at one-fourth value by virtue of sub-sec.

1 (b) of sec. 211 of the Public Health Acl, 1875, which provides, inter alia,
that “ market-gardens or nursery-grounds ” shall be assess d in respect of
or.e-fourth part only7 of the nett annual value. The special case found that
George Purser, the app llant, was a grower of fruit, vegetables, and flowers
carrying on business at Worthing and describing himself as a “ market
gardener and nuiseryman,” and that he was the occupier of a piece of laud
of about one acre one rood upon which were sixteen glass houses or gretn-
Ijou-es of various sizes, used by the appellant for the purpose of growing
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Grapes, flowers, &c., in the course of his business.
The appellant had been rated at the full rateable value in respect of this
property under the description of “ greenhouses.”

Mr. Arthur Charles, Q 0. (with him Mr. Forest Fulton and Mr. A.
Glen), appeared for the appellant, and, having stated the point, was stopped
by the Court.

Mr. Lumley Smith, Q.C. (with him Mr. English Harrison and Mr.
Bartley Dennies), for the Local Board, contended this was in no sense either
a market-garden or a nursery-ground. This was a new industry which was
developing extensively on the South Coast, where in many places acres of
ground were covered with glaes houses in which plants were not grown in
the ordinary sense, but merely put in to be forced. The appellant’s premises
were covered in this way, with t.he exception of a few yards of ground, for
which he was not rated. All the greenhouses rated had brick walls, and
were attached to the soil as much as any other house is. The plants, though
in some cases they drew part of their nourishment from the ground, were
mainly nourished within the houses by artificial water and artificial heat,
audin three of the houses the entire soil was artificial. [Mr. Justice Wills.

— There may be artificial soil in an open market-garden.] [Mr. Justice
Day.— Is a mere forcing frame rateable?] Yes, if it rests on brickwork.
[Mr. Smith cited as analogous cases, “ South Wales Railway Company v.
Swansea Local Board ” (4 “ E. and B.,” 189), “Newport Dock Company v.
^Newport Local Board” (2 ‘ B. and S.,” 708), and “The Queen v. Midland
Railway Company” (“ L R.” 10, Q.B., 789.)]

Mr. Justice Day said he did not doubt for a moment that this ground

March 24, 1887. ]

JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

229

was within the exemption and should be properly rated on the one-fourth
scale. His Lordship conside ed this a market-garden. It was a place used
to garden in, and gardening was a term commonly applied to agricultural
production of any kind on a small scale. HU Lordship could not see that
the garden was less a garden because it was wholly or partly under glass,
or otherwise protected from the weather, or because it had walls or a roof.
It was still a garden, and in this case it was a market-garden, because it was
used for producing fruit, flower-1, and vegetables for market.

Mr. Justice Wills was of the same opinion, and the rat: was ordered to
be amended accordingly.

CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS.

As the result of the fine Asparagus annually imported from the
neighbourhood of Paris the culture of this vegetable has received
more attention in British gardens during recent years. Asparagus was
formerly planted much too closely, consequently the roots became
matted and the shoots small within a few years. Good practitioners
nowadays set the plants widely apart in deeply trenched and liberally
manured ground. With regard to the kind of soil most suitable, I
may say that I have seen first-rate Asparagus cut from plants
growing in a piece of cultivated bog in Ireland, whilst from planta¬
tions made in strong Worcestershire loam enriched with manure,
at Madresfield Court, Mr. Crump. Earl Beauchamp's excellent
gardener, secures the most satisfactory results. Mr. Crump grows
his Asparagus in the new kitchen garden in rows about 3 feet apart
and the same distance from plant to plant in the rows. Therefore
the stems of the plants thus grown resembled, in point of
size, stout walking-sticks when I saw them the end of August last.
However, as all gardeners cannot afford to give so muen room to
the plants as Mr. Crump does, I will enumerate two or three suc¬
cessful ways of planting Asparagus and leave the readers of the
Journal to adopt which they please.

The ground having been previously trenched to a unform depth
of from 2 to 3 feet, according to its nature and depth, and a liberal
allowance of good manure incorporated with it in the process of
trenching, open trenches 5 feet wide and 3 inches deep, leaving
alleys 2 feet (1 inches wide between them. In these trenches make
three rows of hillocks a couple of inches high and 3 feet apart, the
first hillock being made at 3 feet from the end, and those on each
at 18 inches from the central row and from the end of the trench,
thereby affording more room to the plants to grow than if they
were planted opposite to each other. On the hillocks arrange the
plants, spreading the roots out in every direction, covering them with
a few inches thickof pulverised soil, afterwards filling up the inter¬
vening spaces, and spread on a surface of short dung to the thick¬
ness of a couple of inches. In planting, press the soil firmly about
the roots with the hind, and, if practicable, the work should be
done in showery weather as soon as the crowns have pushed into
growth early in April ; otherwise water should be given through a
rose to settle the soil about the roots. Insert a yard long flower
stick 9 inches into each mound to which secure the young plants as
soon as they require support from the effects of wind.

The second method of procedure is to mark off the necessary
number of beds 4 feet wide, with alleys 2 feet wide between them.
Then draw two drills about 4 inches deep at 15 inches from the
side of the bed, which will give a space of 18 inches between the
two rows, and in these plant the roots 18 inches asunder in the
row, taking half of them in one hand and half in the other, with
th : crown slightly raised ; in other respects treat the plants as recom¬
mended above. For the supply of plants for forcing plant in rows
15 inches apart and the same distance asunder diagonally, so that
those in the second row' stand anglewise to those in the first, and so
on with each succeeding row. This method of planting will, as
already stated, give the plants more room. Should a spell of dry
weather follow', frequent supplies of water should be given until
the plants are established.

Summer and autumn treatment consists in keeping the beds free
from weeds, and, in the case of established plantations of
Asparagus, free from seedling plants, which should be pulled
up as soon as they appear. As soon as the cane-like stems are ripe
cut them off close to the ground, saving some containing seed,
suspending them in small bundles and in a dry shed for shelling
and washing out during inclement weather ; then draw 3 or 4
inches thick of the surface soil off the bed into the alleys, and
place on instead a like thickness of the best animal manure at com¬
mand. This shou'd be covered with 3 or 4 inches thick of soil
from the said alleys early the following March, breaking it fine as
the work proceeds, and afterwards rake over the surface of the
bed . with a medium-sized iron rake.

Cutting Asparagus. — This mast be done with care, otherwise
aln-ge per-centage of the heads will be destroyed before they appear
thr jugh the soi'. The knife should be w’orked carefully down to
the base of the stem to be cut, so as not to injure any of those
uniiveloped surrounding growths. We cut when the stems are

7 or 8 inches long, the top inch or two (which appears above the soil)
being green and the remainder blanched ; the heads washed, sized,
and tied up in bundles, then be stood on ends in saucers containing
a little water in a cool shed or house till required for use.

Raising Young Plants. — Sow' the first week in April in drills
2 inches deep and 12 inches apart, in light, rich, and sandy soil,
to supply young plants for transplanting the following year in per¬
manent beds, and also for supplying plants for forcing w'hen three
or four years old. Connover’s Colossal is a good variety to grow.
The seed should be sowm thinly in the drills, the soil closed over
with the feet, trodden, and afterwards be raked over with an iron
rake, and the young plants resulting from this sowing should be
kept free from weeds during the summer and autumn months. —
H. W. Ward.

THE PROPOSED GARDENERS’ ORPHANAGE.

I did not intend so soon again to encroach on your pages in refer¬
ence to this subject, but as discussion is asked for 1 venture to supple¬
ment my former brief remarks.

It is gratifying to find that the proposed effort by the gardening
subjects of Her Majesty is taking practical shape. It cannot be
anything than becoming the positioii in every gardener to do his
utmost, not only to prevent Mi-. Penny’s happily conceived scheme from
falling through, but to make it a success thoroughly worthy of the
occasion. At the same time the notion must not be entertained that the
copestone can be laid on it without a united and most determined
effort. Undoubtedly the greatest difficulties lie in collecting a fund
sufficiently gratifying and creditable, and not so much in administration
after it is in existence. The advice to “ first catch the hare,” &c., is
quite applicable here.

I hope every gardener will consider it a slight to his better feelings
if he is not afforded an opportunity of contributing according to what
he may consider his ability. In order to this the plans adopted to
bring the matter distinctly under the notice of them, and all interested
| in horticulture, will require to be very comprehensive if the scheme is to
| be carried through with the success of which it is worthy. Let there by
all means be as powerful and influential committees in London, Edin¬
burgh, and in Dublin as can possibly be formed, with the London one for
the heart of the ivhole. These three committees should make an effort
to have branch committees formed in every county town and in every
other town that can be looked upon as centres to a district, and an effort
should be made for visiting every garden in the district, and canvass all
concerned for their aid. Surely there is some gardener in the neigh¬
bourhood of every considerable town who would be willing at least to
try and form such committees, and these individuals should be appealed
to by the central committee.

Then nursefymen personally should be able to use great influence in
the cause. They, above all, are in constant touch with all horticulturists,
by correspondence at least, and could without much straining of their
resources bring the matter before their customers. In collecting for the
Gardeners’ Institution there was not one nurserymen I appealed to in
vain, and I think we may fully reckon on their help. Head gardeners
are in the best position for bringing the cause under notice of their
employers, and surely nine-tenths of them could venture to do this
without fear of repulse, to say the least, and in most cases it is to
assumed with success. There is another class, and a very numerous one
— too often ignored — that should be earnestly appealed to, and that could
do very much for the scheme if they could be got to put their heart into
the work for one week. I mean the under gardeners of the three
kingdoms. They are personally quite as able, and I think will be quite
as willing, to contribute their mite and collect, as are very many who
I hold head gardeners’ situations at not much higher wages, but with many
I more calls on them.

Reference has been made by Mr. Goodacre and others to the purchase
of land and the erection of suitable buildings. This is a matter more
for subsequent consideration. Rut it ought to be well considered whether
any such expensive investment should be attempted. We have in the
Benevolent Institution now a stable and good stock for a sister branch,
and it becomes a question whether it would not be wiser to administer
the funds for an orphanage on the same lines as that on which the
funds of the Benevolent Institution are administered. There are already
I orphanages and homes for children in thorough working order, and the
proceeds of the Orphanage fund and its annual subscriptions could be
directed to the placing of children in these orphanages and homes. The
two branches could thus be worked together economically, and with far
less complicated machinery than is necessary for land anil building, Ac.
— D. Thomson, Drumlanrig.

I AM pleased to sec by to-day’s Journal that this most deserving
scheme is likely to meet with a certain amount of support. I hope
the Committee appointed to work out the details will not be too
ambitious, for I, like “ D., Deal," am rather afraid that a scheme requiring
the expenditure of from £25,000 to £30,000, and an annual expenditure
of some £3000, is more than can be accomplished in these hard times.
I do not agree with those who would link this to the Gardeners’ Royal
Benevolent Society. Those who advocate this step, and who express
their surprise at the small proportion of gardeners subscribing to the
G.R.B.I., must remember that there are other societies equally deserving
of the ganlencrs’ support, such, for, instance, as the United Horticultural

230

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 24,1687.

Benefit and Provident Society, and the Leeds Gardeners’ Society. If
the Orphanage is to be united to the G.R.B.I., other men, who are doing
equally well for themselves and society generally by supporting other
deserving societies, will not be likely to join heartily in its support with
the fact staring them in the face that the “ Bairns would be placed on
the list by ballot similar to the pensioners,” as Mr. Abbey puts it. No,
I think it should stand on its own basis, and that a beginning be made
with whatever money is subscribed, be it in ever so humble a way.

With regard to site I hope they will look further afield than the
“ London smoke.” Why not settle on a piece of forest land that might
be bought for a tenth of what would be asked for nearer
London ? or take on lease a small farm with a good old farm
house on it, which might be altered and small cost to suit. Here the
“ Bairns ” would have fresh air, can be supplied with plenty of fresh
vegetables, milk, &c., &c., all very necessary to their welfare. I hope
the scheme may be wrought out on a foundation that will deserve and
receive the support of all gardeners. — R. Inglis.

Unity is strength, and there is no doubt that if all the gardeners,
head and under, could be induced to work harmoniously together and
subscribe, and continue the same yearly, a great benevolent object might
be accomplished. But difficulties of a character present themselves,
perhaps no more in this than in similar charitable schemes, in raising
ample funds to start so deserving an institution and to maintain it
afterwards. There may be no difficulty in reaching all the gardeners,
but can they be induced to support such a worthy institution as the
one proposed ? I do not believe they can, or they differ widely, I might
say nobly, from any other class of the community. I do not question
for a moment that many willing and generous persons will come for¬
ward to render all the assistance in their power. These are ever ready
to lend a helping hand in any good work. These, I hope, largely pre¬
dominate amongst gardeners ; but there may be many who are willing
to give, but who are not in a position to do so, and therefore I do not
believe one-half of the gardeners in the United Kingdom could be relied
upon to subscribe 5s. annually, or half that amount. If we glance for a
moment at the majority of the charitable institutions of a like nature
we find that they are not supported by the majority, but are mainly
sustained by a small minority. Those who give liberally and freely are
appealed to for support to aid every object that may be started, whether
charitable or otherwise, while the majority of the community escape
without rendering the slightest assistance. They may be appealed to,
and frequently are, but it is unheeded. If we contemplate for a moment
the humane work of the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution in
striving to aid the disabled and distressed members of our craft, we
cannot fail to be surprised at the lack of help and encouragement it has
received from the class it is intended to assist. Had it not been for
outside support it:could never have accomplished the good work that it is
doing.

With regard to the Orphanage, I hope that gardeners generally will
put their shoulders to the wheel and subscribe their mite, and use
influence with others to do the same. Funds ample for a " home could
not be raised and sustained by the subscriptions of gardeners only, out¬
side support would be largely needed from all lovers of gardens and
gardening. I am no advocate for arriving at hasty conclusions, even on
such a worthy project, but the bases upon which it is intended to launch
the scheme should be before the public as early as possible.

I strongly appeal to gardeners and others to make a special sacrifice
and exert themselves to raise a good round sum. I do not believe that a
gigantic institution can be started all at once ; all that could be raised
would be swallowed up in the building and management, while needful
cases would thus be practically unprovided for. If worked on the same
principle, or in connection with the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Insti¬
tution, a good start might be made, and the funds increased by special
appeals from year to year, until ample had been raised to meet all
deserving cases that come within its scope.

I must confess that I am no advocate for the founding of an
orphanage to be dependent upon annual contributions, for many who
might subscribe at the first would perhaps from a variety of causes be
unable to do so afterwards. Such a state of things would most certainly
cripple the institution and perplex the responsible committee, but much
care and responsibility would be removed if they had to deal with a
fixed income proceeding from invested capital. If the funds aftei wards
could be increased by yearly subscriptions all the better.

I would rather contribute one guinea as a donation at the commence¬
ment than pay 5s. or even 2s. 6d. annually, and I daresay many others
would do the same ; further donations being made from time to time as
our finances would permit. It appears to me that the sum mentioned
by Mr. Penny would be inadequate for building or buying a “ home
and managing it on the grounds set forth. Generally speaking I am not
in favour of these “ homes,” for to my mind the inmates are rendered
too conspicuous, or singled out from the rest of the community by
dressing the whole of them alike, very frequently in the most unbecoming
manner. The time certainly comes when children realise their unfor¬
tunate position, and I think their early life should be made as happy
and agreeable as possible. It is to be hoped that there are not many
cases where father and mother are removed almost together ; if so, the
cases are fewer still where there are no friends who would care for them
and train them. To all such I am in favour of outside support. A few
shillings weekly would be of greater advantage to the widow than
taking from her one of her children and rearing it after the foimal
manner- practised in, “ orphanages.” This scheme I will willingly support

and give a guinea to commence with, and undertake to collect fori the
same. Combined with this, “ D., Deal's ,” scheme is an admirable [one
for all who may be left homeless and friendless. Outside support to the
widows and friends of children who are left with them in straightened
circumstances would at once meet many deserving cases which would
have to be postponed to some very distant date if the building of a
“ home ” is undertaken. Then those who are left homeless and friend¬
less could be established in existing homes as “ D., Deal,'' pointed out. —
Wm. Bardney.

I have read the various letters that have appeared in your columns
on the above subject with considerable interest. I felt very doubtful at
the commencement whether such an institution was needed, but as so
many correspondents consider it to be necessary I will say no more on
that point. But, if a fund is really necessary for this purpose, why
spend the greater part of the money in erecting a costly building as
many propose.!? If this was done it would then cost quite as much to
maintain a child, and possibly more, than it would cost the mother at
home. I consider the better plan would be to invest all the money that
is subscribed at starting, add the interest of this to whatever is collected
annually, and distribute this in certain portions to as many of the
children as possible. This would prevent the mother— if living — from
breaking up her home, reduce the expenses of management to a minimum,
and if £20,000 or [£30,000 can be obtained, which l very much doubt —
instead of such a large sum of money being spent on a building and
bringing no return, £600 to £900, or more, would be available as interest
every year to add to the annual subscriptions. And if the annual sub¬
scriptions were reduced after a time, which is sometimes the case, this
sum of money invested would do more to prevent the whole affair col¬
lapsing than would be done by a costly building. — W. H. Divers,

Kcttun Uall.

As Mr. Barron of Chiswick has been appointed Secretary pro. tern.
I ask my friends who have so kindly promised their support in this
matter to be good enough to forward their subscriptions and communi¬
cations to him direct. — J. Udale, Eljord, Tamivorth.

Mr. Penny deserves great praise and credit in trying to promote
such a desirable object as the above. At the same time I concur in the
remarks made by Mr. Abbey and •* D., Deal," in last Thursday’s issue,
respecting the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. It is certain it
would require a large sum of money — many thousands of pounds — to
build and partly endow an Orphanage of any pretensions, and, as Mr.
Abbey says, there are many excellent orphan institutions already in
existence. If Mr. Penny and Mr. Barron, or a central committee in
London, opened a subscription list I think it would meet with a fair
amount of support. If enough were subscribed for an Orphanage well
and good ; if not, it could be handed over to the Executive of the Gar¬
deners’ Royal Benevolent Institution as a Jubilee offering for the pension
fund for aged and distressed gardeners or their widows. There are many
calls upon the purse this Jubilee year for local and other purposes, that
I for one certainly think that if gardeners give subscriptions to mark
their appreciation of our good Queen’s fifty years’ reign, it could not be
better invested than in the above Royal Benevolent Institution. — A.
Harding.

I have read with no small interest the various letters in the
Journal relating to the Gardeners’ Orphanage. Like Mr. Thomson, I
should be sorry to do anything that would in any way weaken the two
present existing institutions, each of which I support. I cannot under¬
stand gardeners possessing such an institution to wish for another. I
would beg to suggest that the capital raised be attached to the “ Royal,”
as I have every confidence in the management of that institution, and I
believe the members have generally. — S. Boyd, Ballugan.

A meeting was held in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Conser¬
vatory at South Kensington on Tuesday afternoon, to consider the Gar¬
deners’ Orphanage scheme, which has been discussed in the horticultural
press during the past few weeks. Mr. G. Deal occupied the chair, and
about thirty representative horticulturists were present, including Mr.
Penny, the promoter of the scheme. After some consultation it was re¬
solved that it should be entitled The Gardeners’ Orphan Fund. The
sense of the meeting was strongly against the erection of a building, the
object being to obtain a fund the interest of which could be employed
in obtaining admission for orphans to existing homes, or in affording
assistance in other ways, to be determined at subsequent meetings. A
provisional Committee was then appointed, comprising Dr. M. T. Mas¬
ters, Shirley IPibberd, G. Deal, J. Douglas, J. Fraser, C. Penny, C. H.
Sharman, Harry J. Veitch. J. Roberts, J. Woodbridge, A. F. Barron,
R. Dean, J. Matthews, B. S. Williams, W. Richards, and J. Wright.
Mr. W. Richards was elected Honorary Treasurer, and Messrs. A. F.
Barron, J. Wright, and B. Wynne Hon. Secretaries. It was arranged
that a meeting should be held on Friday next to consider the best
mode of creating a fumd and the method in which it shall be employed.

[We find that the firm of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, was
omitted from the list of supporters of the project that was supplied to
us last week. We are also requested to correct the name of Mr. “ White-
ley ” to Mr. Whibley. The list seems to have been hurriedly compiled
and probably Mr. Penny’s clerk had a difficulty in deciphering some of
the names. We corrected several. We do not think our correspondents,

March J4, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

231

and intending contributors need be under any apprehension that the
money collected will be expended on “ bricks and mortar.”]

THE LIVERPOOL SHOW.

March 16th.

Tar. fifth spring Exhibition of this Society was equal to any of its pre¬
decessors. The severs weather experienced of late was against the pro¬
spects of a good show, but exhibitors were not undaunted, and the
competition keen in most classes. The morning was piercingly cold, and a
dense fog overhung the city, which fortunately cleared by the time of
opening, and visitors attended in good numbers.

Hyacinths in Pots. — These formed an i mposing exhibition a’one, although
in quality they were generally below the average of past years. In the
class for eighteen Mr. James Kelly, gardener to R. Singlehurst, Esq., took
the lead with a capital collection, which comprised good spikes ; Mr. C.
Wearing, gardener to J. Aikin, Esq., Princess Park, was a good second;
Mr. A. Eaton was placed third with much lighter and thinner spikes. In
the corresponding class for twelve plants Mr. A. R. Cox, gxrdener to
W. Watts, Esq, Elm Hall, Wavertree, was well ahead with some of the
finest spikes in the Exhibition ; Mr. W. Kneale, gardener to Major Gaskell,
Hillcliffe, Woolton, was a good second; and Mr. J. V. Thompson, gar¬
dener to AY. P. .Sinclair, Esq., a very even third. For six plants the last-
named exhibitor was first, followed by Mr. J. Kelly and Mr. A. Eaton.
Fox six pots with three bulbs in each pot there was good competition. Mr.
P. Barber, gardener to M. Barnsley, Esq., Michael's Hamlet, was deservedly
placed first ; Mr. J. Bounds, gardener to A. L. Jones, Esq., Oaklands,
Aigburth, was second ; and Mr. J. Bound*, gardener to S. S. Parker, Esq.,
Aigburth, third. For twelve plants in glasses, prizes given by Mr. Henry
Middleburst, seedsman, Manchester Street, the prizewinners were Messrs.
C. Wearing, Barker, and J. Bounds. Five or six collections were [staged,
the first-prize collection being well grown.

Narcissus. — These were not stiged in large numbers, only two classes
being provided in the schedule. For eight pots, Polyanthus varieties
excluded, prizes given by Mes rs. R. P. Ker & Sons, Basnett Street, only
one collection was staged, which was rightly accorded the premier award.
Mr. C. Copple, gardener to S. Rogerson, Esq., was the successful exhibitor.
For six pots, not less than three varieties, the competition was good, and
some tine (xamples were exhibited. Mr. J. Lounds took the lead with
Mont Blanc, La Parfaite, and Queen of the Yellows. Messrs. P. Barber and
J. Hurst, gardener to AY. Bewaring, Esq., Aigburth, were second and third
respectively.

Tulips. — These were of average quality only. Mr. A. Collins, gardener to

S. S. Smith, Esq , Princess Park, was successful for twelve pots, not less
than six varieties; Mr. T. Stephenson, gardener to R. Cornelius, E*q.,
Aigburth, beiog second : and Mr. J. Leather, gardener to H. Nash. Esq.,
Princess Park, third. F^r six pots, the prizes being given by Mr. G.
Downes, Edge Lane, there was a good competition. Mr. A. R. Cox took
the load, followed by Messrs. P. B irber and J. Bounds. With ten pots of
double varieties J. B. Dixon, Esq.. Pr ston, was the only exhibitor, to whom
the first prize was accorded. With six pots Mr. P. Barber was first, fol¬
lowed by Mr. J. Lounds and Mr. W. Bustard, gardener to J. Lewis, Esq.

The Amaryllis staged for the three prizes offered were excellent. M’\
J. Hurst was deservedly first with two specimens, Mr. W. Bustard a good
second, and Mr. Bostock, gardener to E. Harvey, Esq., third with Empress
of India, Ackermani, and Andersoni.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants. — These were fairly numerous, and in
equally as good condition as has been the case in previous spring exhibi¬
tions. For three flowering and three fine-foliage plants Mr. J. Jellico,
gardener to G. Gossage, Esq , Camp Hill, Woolton, was well to the fore with
a magnificent plant of Pritchardia pacifica, Latania bo bonica, healthy and
well grown ; Croton Queen Victoria, 6 feet in diameter and well coloured ;
Azalea Reine des Pays Bas, well bloomed ; a fine Chorozema caadatum
splendens ; and a large plant of Azalea Fieldingi, white. Mr. A. Crosbie,
gardener to B. Hall, Esq., was a close second, having good Latania bor-
bonica, Erica Wilmoreana, very fine, 5 feet in diameter and profusely
flowered ; Croton Mooreana, also in superb condition ; Rhododendron
Gibsoni, 6 fe t high and I feet in diameter at the base, full of bloom ; a
good Cycas revoluta ; and Azalea indica alba. For one stove plant Mr. H.
Cunningham took the lead, followed by Mr. F. Fleetwood, gardener to T. F.
Harrison, Esq., Mr. A. Crosbie and Mr. J. M'Grath being placed equal thirds,
the former showing Phajus grandifolins, and the latter a large plant of
Eucharis grandifiora. The two first competitors also staged well flo vered
examples of Phajus. For one greenhouse plant Mr. G. Rhodes, gardener to
Mrs. Horsfall, was given the premier position fer a large specimen of Iman-
tophyllum miniatum ; Mr. A. Crosbie was second with Erica Wilmoreana,
S feet in diamet r ; and Mr. J. Loundes third with Chorozema caudatum
splendens, a large profusely bloomed plant. For one greenhouse Rhododen¬
dron Mr. G. Rhodes was first. Table plants were shown in excellent con¬
dition by Messrs. C. Evans, J. Jellico, T. Fleetwood, G. Park, Wigan, W.
Crosbie, and J. Hurst. Ferns were shown in good condition by Messrs G.
Rhodes, A. R. Cox, and Mr. Bustard, For three Palms or Cycads Mr. A.
Crosbie was first, also for one plant.

Azaleas. — These have been steadily improving every year, and the
examples staged for the prizes offered were considerably better than the
previous year. For six plants Mr. AY. AYilson, gardener to H. Cunningham,
Esq., Corsey Cop, Wavertree, was well to the front with large profusely
flowered specimens of Queen of AVbites, Broughtonii, Alba Stria'a.
Vesuvius, Criterion, and (Phoenix. Mr. Barber was placed second with
rather uneven plant*, and Mr. A. Crosbie third with muoh smaller plant!
of newer varieties remarkably well flowered. The same exhibitor took the
lead with small profusely flowered examples. Messrs. J. Bounds and

T. Gowan, gardener to J. Cunningham, Esq., were second and third in the
order named. M-. J. Lounds was first with three plants, followed by Mr.
Jellico and Mr. AY. Bustard. For one plant Mr. J. Lounds was to the fore
with a larze well-grown plant of Reine des Pays Bas, Mr. A. R. Cox second,
and Mr. AAr. Bustard third. Azilea molli3 was stag d in admirable condi¬
tion, and the various examples wore covered with their large striking
flow rs. For four plants Mr. J. Lounds was to the front, followed closely

by Mr. Jellico and Mr. W. Bustard. For one plant the same competitors
were successful, and in the same order as in the preceding class.

Roses were not numerous, but in better condit oo generally than has
been the case on previous occasions. Mr. A. R. Cox was first with four
plants — Homere, La France, Reine Marie Henristte, and Souvenir d'Elise,
Mr. A. Crosbie the only other exhibitor, was plioei second. For one plant
Mr. A. R. Cox was again first with Horn ire.

Forced Plants. — These were staged in grand condition. Forsixp'ants
Mr. J. Hurst was deservedly placed first with fine plants of Clematis Lady
Nevill, Deutzia gracilis, Azalea amoena profusely flowered, Azalea mollis,
and a very fine Ghent variety. Mr. A.Crosbie was a good second, having
Clemitis The Queen, Dlelytra spectabilis, and Azalea Purity. Mr. AY.
Bustard was third also with highly creditable example?.

Cinerarias wire much better than usual, some very good well-grown
examples being staged. Mr. J. Harrison, gardener to Mrs. Bateman, New
Hayes, Allerton, was first for six plants ; Mr. T. Fergusson, gardener to
Mrs. Patterson, second ; and Mr. AY. H. Jolliffe, gardener to Mrs. H.
Graham, Mossley Hill, third,

Callas were particularly good, especially those from Messrs. Jellico,
G. Rhodes, and Mr. T. Stephenson. Mr. J. Agnew. gardener to Mrs. AVatts,
secured first honours for six pots of Lily of the Valley. Mr. AY. Crosbie,
gardener to G. C. Gale, Esq., was first for six Cyclamens, and the plants
staged were all that could be desired. For six cut blooms of Roses Mr.
Hannagan, gardener to R. C. Naylor, Esq., Horton, was first, and also for a
dish of Seakale. For a dish of Mushrooms Mr. J. Lounds was successful,
and also for a dish of “ buttons.” For Fr nch Beans Mr. R. Singlehurst
gained the premier place, while Mr. J. Smeatham, gardener to F. D.
Nuttall, Esq., was first for two bunches of Grapes. The class provided for
groups only brought two competitors. The space to be occupied was sixty
square feet. Mr. A. R. Cox gained the premhr award for a very light,
tolling arrangement. Mr. Jellico was a very good second, but his group
was slightly more formal.

Orchids. — The schedule only provided two classes for these, but the com¬
petition was remarkably keen. Perhaps so many good Orchids have not
before been seen in St. George’s Hall. For four plants Mr. A. R. Cox was
first with a grand plant of Dendrobium nobile with over 350 flowers,
Phalsenopsis Schilleriana with two spikes bearing forty flowers, Cattleya
intermedia with eighteen fine flowers, and Cattloya Trianae, Popayan
variety, with six flowers. Mr. J. Edwards, gardener to H. Tate, Esq , The
Benches, All rton, was a close second, having a good O iontoglossum, being
a very dark form of O. triumphans, a fine form of Phalmnop is Schilleriana,
and a large Coe’ogyne cristata (Chatsworth variety). Mr. Moss, gardener
to AY. Holland, Esq., was third, having a very fine Odontoglossum Halli,
Lycaste Skinneri with seven flowers, and Odontoglossum Rossi majus (these
two collections were very close, and the one left out was well worthy of an
award). For one plant Mr. J. AYilson, gardener to R. E. Reynolds, Esq ,
AVest Derby, was first with a large pan of Ccelogyne cristata; Mr. D.
Heary, gardener to — Schintz, Esq., Mossley Hill, was second with Den¬
drobium densiflorum with fifteen spikes ; Mr. R. Ford, gardener to E. F.
AYigan, Esq., third, with Dendrobium primulinum, very good, with six or
seven well flowered pseudo-bulbs.

Hardy Herbaceous and Bulbous Plants. — In the open class for ten plants
only two collections were staged; one by Mr. Bostock, who took primter
honours, followed closely by Messrs. F. and A. Dickson & Sons, Chester.
Some thought th se should have had a higher position, for the Narcissi,
of which the collection was composed, were certainly well grown. The
oth' r collection, however, had mors varieties, being equally well grown.
The four collections staged in the class provided for eight plan's formed a
feature of the Exhibition. Mr. J. Hurst was successful with capital
examples of Scilla siberica, Lily of the Valley, Spiraea japonica, Narcissus
Bulbocodium, a pot of Polyanthus Narcissus, Dielytra spectabilis, and a
grand pan of Triteleia uniflora ; Mr. Bostock was a good second, having
imposing plants of Helleborus Dr. Denary, Iris re'iculata (very tine), ami
Chionodoxa Lucili® ; Mr. J. Bounds being third. Tne prizewinners for
six pots of Crocuses were Messrs. J. Hurst, W. Bustard, and P. Birber.

Miscellaneous Exhibits. — These were numerous. Messrs. R. P. Ker and
Sons staged a handsome group of Azaleas, for which they were awarded a
certificate of merit. Similar awards were made to the Horticultural Com¬
pany (John Cowan), for Cinerarias and other decorative plants ; to Messrs.
F. and A. Dickson & Sons, Chester, for a tine collection of border Narcissi,
Hepaticas, and other plants ; to Mr. H. Middlehurst, for Hyacinths and
Narcissus; to Messrs. T. Davies k Co., Wavertree, for flowering plants,
Lily of the Valley being especially fine ; to Messrs. Fishlock Brothers, for
a collection of wreaths, crosses, aud bouquets. Mr. Winkworth, gardener
to R Brocklebank, Esq., contribut id six pots of Lichenaba Nelsoni splen¬
didly grown, one bulb having produced nine spikes. Mr. J. M'Grath hid
an Oncidium named B meri with twelve spikes, bearing 1198 small flowers,
some of the spikes being 15 feet in length.

The Exhibition on the whole was most perfectly arranged, and reflect'd
great credit upon the Committee and tho=e in charge. The only drawba' k
was the non-lab lling of many of the plants. Tne Comm ttee in futun
would do well to bring into force their rule on this mitter, though som:
label the r exhibits in a highly creditable manner — for examp'e, Messrs.
A. R. Cox and C. Wearing.

The Snake’s Head Iris (Iris Tuberosa). — For three successive
seasons I have tried and failed to flower this Iris. Being a native of the
warmer parts of the south of Europe it does not usually receive sufficient
sunshine to ripen its tubers or rhizomes, but 1 have at last succeeded,
mainly, I think, by keeping this fact in mind. It cannot compare in
brilliancy with many others of the species, but is still very curious, and
not less so in flowering in the middle of March. It has a mild scent,
not so strong as Iris reticulata, with foliage similar, four-angled leaves,
but a month later in blooming, both being potted in a cold frame,
October 21st last. The shape of the flower is cruciform, with the
external divisions of the richest black velvety maroon. Puling to light
greenish yellow in the throat, internal divisions of a curious brilliant
I silvery sheer. Though it may be planted in a warm sunny nook or a

232

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 24, 1887

rockery, a few should be potted up and kept on a sunny shelf. — W. J.
Murphy, C onmel.

BARON SCHRODER’S ORCHIDS.

So carefully has the celebrated collection of Orchids at The Dell
been formed, and so well are they grown by Mr. Ballantine and his
assistants, that a visitor may always rely upon finding some plants of
special merit in flower, but just now there s a feast of choice flowers of
quite an exceptional character, even in “the Baron’s” garden. Every
house contains a number of beautiful plants, rare species, valuable
hybrids, choice varieties, many unique, and all possessing merits of
more than an ordinary character to obtain them a place in such a selec¬
tion. In the cool houses there are some superb Odontoglossums ; in the
warmer houses, the Cattleyas, Vandas, and Dendrobiums provide abund¬
ance of flowers with countless others, the details of which would fill a
volume ; but there is one plant of so remarkable a character that it at
once commands attention— namely, Cypripedium Morganianum — and to
this a special paragraph must be devoted.

CYPRIPEDIUM MORGANIANUM.

The plant of this magnificent hybrid Lady’s Slipper at The Dell
is the finest in existence at the present time, and shows the distinctive
characters of this Veitchian production to the best advantage. As indi¬
cated in fig. 42, prepared from a sketch of the plant, it has three
scapes, one with three flowers and the others with two each. The petals
are 4.^ inches long, three-quarters of an inch broad, boldly dotted with a
purplish hue; the dorsal sepal is broad, white, evenly veined with dark
crimson, the lower sepals being similar in colour, the lip 2\ inches long,
evenly and beautifully formed of a delicate pale purplish mauve tint.
The leaves are strong, faintly marbled with dark green, and the whole
appearance of the plant proves that it is one of the most free and robust
hybrid Cypripediums yet obtained. United with such habit are nearly
all the charms of the famous C. Stonei platytoenium, and it is not, there¬
fore, surprising that C. Morganianum has taken a place amongst the most
valued Orchids of the present day.

C. Morganianum was the result of a cross between C. superbiens (or
C. Veitchianam) and C. Stonei, the seed having been sown in April, 1872,
and the first flowers were produced about 1880. Baron Schroder’s plant
is a portion of the original specimen. Another fine example is in Mr.
W. Lee’s collection at Downside, and a third large healthy plant with
eight growths is included in Messrs. Veitch & Sons’ Chelsea Nursery. A
fourth plant was that which was recently sold in the late Mrs. C.
Morgan’s collection in New York, when it realised £150, though origin¬
ally presented to that lady when it was named in her honour. This has
now, however, been divided into smaller plants to give the numerous
wealthy Orchid amateurs an opportunity of including it in their col¬
lections. It is worthy of remark, as a proof that the cultural attention
accorded this Cypripedium at The Dell is well adapted to its require¬
ments, that during the four years it has been in Baron Schroder’s posses¬
sion it has flowered three times. It is grown with the other tropical
Cypripediums in a warm house, where it has a fairly high temperature
of 60° to 70°, increased by sun heat, plenty of moisture, and a pure
atmosphere.

One of the parents of C. Morganianum is variously named C. super¬
biens and C. Veitchianum, which is thus explained. It appears that two
plants were introduced, one by Rollissons from Java, which was subse¬
quently sold to Consul Schiller, and furnished the material upon which
Professor Reichenbach founded his C. superbiens. The other was intro¬
duced by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, and named C. Veitchianum, but no
botanical description was published under that title, so that the former
is now accepted. C. Morganianum is the only result of the cross
between C. superbiens and C. Stonei, but C. macropterum was obtained
from C. Lowi and C. superbiens, and C. superciliare from C. barbatum
and C. superbiens. Crosses between C. Stonei and C. barbatum produced
C. euryandrum and C. hybridum, the latter of continental origin, but
all the others are Sedenian productions in Messrs. Veitch’s collection.

DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM.

Passing for the present the many other choice Orchids at The Dell a
few words must be said about the Dendrobiums, of which there is a good
display in the stove. The plants are suspended from the roof, and as
there are something like forty flowering growths, each 3 to 4 feet in
length, and bearing a total of some hundreds of flowers, it can be
imagined that the effect is unusually handsome. Especially notable is
a plant of the supposed hybrid between D. erassinode and D. Wardi-
anum, which on one fine pseudo-bulb, 3 feet long, has forty-seven large
flowers, two of the spikes having four blooms each. The sepals and
petals are white tipped with crimson, the lip with a gold centre, two
maroon dots and a purple tip. It is an exceedingly beautiful form, so
bright in colour and bold in form. Of the other I). Wardianums one in
a 7-inch basket has seven growths, 3 to 4 feet long, with a total of 124
flowers, extremely richly coloured, another fine variety having flowers

41, inches in diameter. All these plants are wintered in the porch of the
vinery where the temperature is frequently down to 40°, but being
suspended near the glass the vigorous growths previously made are well
matured, and in this seems to be the secret of the success.

A VALUABLE ODONTOGLOSSUM.

At Messrs. Protheroe & Morris’s Sale Rooms, Cheapside, last
Friday, an exceedingly distinct and beautiful variety of Odontoglossum
crispum caused a little excitement amongst the numerous orchidists
present. The plant was a small one with three pseudo-bulbs in a small
48-size pot, with one raceme of two flowers, but these were remarkably
coloured. The sepals and petals were not so broad as in some of the
O. crispum type, but well formed, and the general contour of the flower
was pleasing. The colour— quite a new tint, that might almost be
described as a bright red — was distributed in roundish spots and blotches
over the sepals, petals, and lip, but forming a distinctly marked margin
to the sepals and petals, giving a curious appearance suggestive of
embroidery. As some of the leading Orchid amateurs were present it
was anticipated that a smart competition would ensue, and this proved
to be the ease. Starting at a bid of 30 guineas it rose rapidly to 80
guineas, at which price it was sold to one of the largest purchasers.

ZYGOPETALUM VEITCBT.

In Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ nursery at Chelsea an interesting hybrid
Orchid flowered last week, presenting another example of bigeneric
crossing. It was raised from seed obtained by crossing Zvgopetalum
criuitum with Colax jugosus, and sown in the autumn of 1882. Though
partaking largely of the mother parent in habit and growth, the pseudo¬
bulbs are more ovoid and less tapering at the neck than is usual in that
species. The flowers arc also those of a Zygopetalum, but neater and
brighter than Z. crinitum, with a shorter rounder lip, in which the lines
radiate from the base in a similar way, but the colour is different, being
more of a violet hue, and the hairs, so prominent in the Zygopetalum,
are reduced to a very fine pubescence. The flowers are 2 j- inches in
diameter, the sepals and petals half an inch in diameter and i | inch long,
the petals rather more acute than the sepals, both of a pale sulphury yellow
with reddish mottling and round dots. The lip is just over 1 inch in
diameter, rounded, white with fine violet-purple radiating hues. The
whole appearance of the flower is singularly neat. — L. Castle.

CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.

Having had the pleasure of reading in your Journal the interesting
remarks respecting the above useful winter-flowering Orchid, allow me
to state that we have at present three plants in bloom, two in 12-inch
pots, one in a 14-inch. One has sixty-five spikes of blooms with 365
expanded flowers ; one sixty-three spikes with 346 blooms ; one sixty
spikes with 350 blooms, bearing from five to ten blooms on a spike.
The above have been grown in an intermediate temperature. I have no
doubt Coelogynes may be grown in a cooler temperature, but I think it
is doubtful if with such great success. The blooms are as large and
fine as any that have come under my notice. — F. Rutland, Goodwood.

DENDROBIUM NOBILE IN SMALL POTS.

That the majority of epiphytal Orchids thrive better in propor¬
tionately small than in large pots is, I believe, the opinion of all, or
nearly all, successful cultivators of these beautiful and interesting
plants. Given suitable conditions of temperature, atmosphere, and
light, the size of the receptacle in which they are placed is not a very
material factor ; though the chemical and mechanical conditions of the
material employed about their roots are very important.

The mysteries of Orchid culture have nearly all evaporated under
the combined influences of greater knowledge and common sense, as
mists are dispelled by wind and sun. What was considered an example
of extraordinary success a few years ago is now an everyday occurrence,
and is attained by those claiming no special knowledge of the subject.
But sometimes we meet with instances of more than common success,
even for these days, being achieved by those possessing no special know¬
ledge of the subject ; and the other day I had the pleasure of seeing
and noting an instance of this kind. In the drawing-room at Broom
Leasoe, Whittington, near Lichfield (the residence of C. H. Inge, Esq.),
I saw a very fine specimen of Dendrobium nobile in a pot only 6 inches
in diameter. This plant was carrying seventy-two flowers nearly all in
panicles of three — and in one instance of four — flowers, and fully up to
the average in size and quality ; and one pseudo-bulb measured 30 inches
in length, the others ranging down to 2 feet or so, there being about
twelve in all. I believe that this example of success is uncommon,
especially where there is no Orchid house, and where the lady and
gentleman manage their greenhouses themselves in the intervals of pro¬
fessional and domestic duties ; and such success should stimulate others
under similar circumstances to go and do likewise. — J. Udale, JSford,
Tamworth.

BORDER CARNATIONS.

Now the time for spring planting has come, some of the first plants
that deserve attention are border Carnations. Why is it that we hear so
many complain that these beautiful flowers prove unsatisfactory ? The
fault is due in the majority of cases to the planting being done too
late, so that the plants do not have time to make proper growth, and
this is often done under the mistaken idea that they are tender. I have
for many years planted out large numbers of them, and my plan is to
commence about the middle of February, and continue the work in

March 34,1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

233

favourable weather to the middle of April. Plants kept in pots after that
time get starved, thin, and drawn, hence the cry, “Oh. I can’t glow
Carnations. Last year I bought some and they ran up with just one
flower stem, did not make any grass, and now my plants are all dead.”
To lay the foundation of success plant early.

The following is a selection that ought to find a place in every
garden — viz., Alice Ayres, pearly white, striped carmine. Comte de
Ohambord, pale flesh, large and sweet. Prince of Orange, yellow,
margined with carmine. General Stewart, deep crimson, fine form.
Gloire de Nancy, pure white, clove scent. Sailor Gordon, white striped
with coral. Guiding Star, bright scarlet. Sirs. Donaldson, rosy pink

1885, the destination of which was Cornwall, some (500 miles from here,
and the agent who bought did so at a higher than the current rate on
account of the sample being rather superior to the ordinary market
samples. Then the farmers who thus sell go further north for a portion
of their seed. In all these cases — but it is not likely — the persons pur¬
chasing may he doing so without having any good ground for so s ending
their working ca ital. My own ex erience is that a change of seed is
worth the outlay, provided care is taken to secure the tubers from a
different kind of soil. On the other hand, Potatoes grown on soil of the
same character are not worth troubling about. A few years ago I bought
a very fine sample which had been grown on light soil, much lighter

Fig. 42. — Cyi-ripedium Morganianum. (Baron Sch oJii’a specimen.)

beautifully shaded. John Barnett, beautiful bright cerise. Pride of
Penshurst, pure yellow self. W. P. Milner, pure white, very sweet.
Walter T. Ware, rose lake, striped yellow. — F. G.

POTATOES.

There are few things we are so little safe to dogmatise about as in
matters connected with plants and soils ; therefore, I should not like
to say that Mr. Iggulden is absolutely wrong when he, at page 208,
expresses the opinion that a change of seed in Potatoes is of no effect ;
but I am certain that the experience which has led him to form that
opinion is somewhat peculiar. I happen to be located in a Potato-
growing district, and the farmers find it profitable to dispose of a certain
quantity of seed Potatoes annually, these going to the southern counties
in bulk, where it is to be supposed the growers find it profitable to pur¬
chase on commission and pay freightage. I sold Myatt’s Ashlcaf in

than our own, but there was no difference in the produce. From a
strong soil, however, the result is markedly beneficial. Our own seed
Potatoes are all pro, erly | re ared. yet seed off soil of the nature just
indicated, through sprouted in “ pits,” and “cleaned” of the sprouts for
market, yields a better crop than our home-prepared sets. Fresh soil
on Potato ground influences the yield to about the same extent when
compared with ground not so dressed. The same remark applies to
ground which has been trenched as compared with that which has been
only dug, while the application of certain chemical agents as manures
exerts an influence alike in its effects as compared with ground not so-
treated. That is my experience in the matter.

I quite agree that there is no reason to suppose that varieties are
degenerating. In a certain sense all vegetable products degenerate.
Vines do, so do Apples, so do Orchids, so do Pelargoniums, so do hardy
flowers ; but the degeneracy is the result of a treatment which when
altcrc.l changes the effect.

234

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t March 24, 1887.

Then, as to varieties, there can be no doubt that some do better in
certain soils than in others. That is a question of locality. But,
further, some people consider the flavour of one sort good while others
would not. That is a question of taste. And, above all, Potatoes require
to be cooked with intelligence. The best Potatoes are easily spoilt in
preparing for table, and that is a matter of cookery. Champions I have
never yet tasted of high quality. They lack the flavour which makes
good samples of Myatt’s, Dons, Regents, and Victorias, cooked in their
jackets, so superior to most other sorts. Magnum Bonum should not he
eaten until May and June. It is then excellent. This requires to be
cooked very slowly and allowed a longer time than most varieties. B.

It has been suggested that the Royal Horticultural Society should
hold a Chrysanthemum Conference this year, and at the meet¬
ing of the Floral Committee on Tuesday last the matter was brought
under the attention- of the members. The majority were in favour of
the idea, and it was decided to refer it to the Council for further con¬
sideration. The middle of October was proposed as a suitable date, but
perhaps that would be found rather early.

- Testimonial to M. F. Bergman. — It is proposed by a

number of horticulturists in France to celebrate M. Ferdinand Bergman’s
fiftieth anniversary of service at Ferrieres, by presenting him with a
testimonial, and a Committee has been formed to carry out the project
The President is M. Duchartre, the Secretary M. raul Leboeuf, and the
Treasurer M. Charveroux, 84, Rue de Grenelle, Paris, to whom all sub¬
scriptions should be sent. The list will be closed on May 1st, and at the
Congress and Horticultural Exhibition to be held at Paris in May
M. Bergman will be entertained at a banquet.

- Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ Amaryllises at Chelsea will

in a few days be in grand condition. There is quite a forest of strong
spikes, and a large number of flowers are already expanded, including
many handsome novelties. The centre partition has been removed from
the house devoted to these plants, and the general effect is considerably
improved in consequence. Hyacinths, Azaleas, Cyclamens, and forced
flowering plants also occupy several houses, while the Orchids always
comprise numberless attractions.

- Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper

Holloway, has provided an extensive Exhibition of Spring Flowers
this season, consisting chiefly of Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs,
with Amaryllises of numerous fine varieties, choice Imantophyllumsi
Orchids, and innumerable other plants. The nurseries are now very
attractive and well worth a visit.

— — At the summer Exhibition of the Chiswick Horticultural
Society, to be held on Thursday, July 14th, this year in the Royal
Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick, prizes of the usual amount
will be offered in most of the classes, but a special inducement is
offered for groups of plants. In this class the first prize will consist of
the “ Jubilee Challenge Cup,” value twenty-six guineas, presented by
Mrs. S. A. Lee, which will become the absolute property of the exhi¬
bitor who is awarded the first prize in three years, not necessarily in
succession. A money prize of £4, with second, third, and fourth prizes
of £3, £2, and £1, will be presented in addition. The group must be
arranged for effect in a space not exceeding 100 square feet, and is open
to all exhibitors, non-subscribers paying an entrance fee of 10s. This
Exhibition has become widely noted for the tasteful groups entered in
competition, and such a substantial prize may be expected to add con.
siderably to its interest.

- Mr. W. Iggulden writes on the Severity of the Weather

in Somersetshire : — “Only the oldest inhabitants can remember
having previously experienced such severe weather in March, and I hope
it will never be my lot to chronicle another similar visitation. On
Tuesday, March 15th, it was snowing nearly the whole of the day, from
13 fo IS inches of it falling in a few hours. Early on Wednesday morn¬
ing the thermometer stood at lo°, and just before sunrise on the 17th it
fell to within 3J of zero. On the morning of the 18th it was compara¬

tively mild, the thermometer being at 18°, the next morning at 10° (this
being 4° lower than it had fallen in January). On the 20th it stood at
15°, and this morning (March 21st) at 15°. It is rather early to estimate
the amount of damage done, but Apricots, protected and unprotected, are
much injured, and that too, where in a hud state. I shall not be sur¬
prised to find Peaches, Pears and Plums also injured.”

- The annual Exhibition of the East Gloucestershire Rose

Society will take place on Thursday, June 30th, at Moreton-in-the-
Marsh.

- Mr. H. Cannell sends us eight varieties of Cinerarias,

four of them seifs, characterised by excellence of form, substance of
florets, and rich clearness in colour. They are very good indeed.

- Under the title of “ L’Horticulture Internationale,”

the Continental Horticultural Company of Ghent has been reconstructed
for the introduction and culture of new plants and Orchids, with .head¬
quarters at Brussels, aud a nursery in Ghent. The Society is under the
direction of M. Van Lansberge, Baron G. de Blerchroder, Comte Adrien
d’Oultremont, M. J. Linden, and M. Lucien Linden.

- The March issue of “The Essex Naturalist,” under which

title the Journal, Transactions, and Proceedings of the Essex Field Club
are now issued, edited by Mr. William Cole, Hon. Sec., contains the con¬
clusion of an article on The Deer of Epping Forest, the Past and Future
of the Essex Field Club, a Report of the Ordinary Meeting of the Club
on February 26th, with various notes.

- Messrs. Wood & Son, Wood Green, London, N., send us a good

sample of Orchid Peat, fibrous and free from coarse roots, which are
comparatively useless in such material.

— — Trade Prizes. — We are requested to state that Mr. William
Colchester is offering for competition this year at the exhibitions of
seventy-two horticultural societies in London and the provinces 100
guineas in cash prizes for flowers, fruit, and vegetables grown with pure
Ichthemic Guano, which, we are informed, is fast taking the place of
Peruvian.

- A correspondent writes: — “The death of Mr. James

Milford at Alphington on Saturday last carries off in the fulness of
years a notable landscape gardener. His connection with the Exeter
Nursery of Messrs. Lucombe, Pince & Co. extends over nearly forty years,
and many who remember the late Mr. Pince will recall this hale and
hearty old gardener. He was Mr. Pince’s right hand in all matters
relating to landscape gardening, and two men never better understood
each other. A number of the parks and gardens of the western counties,
especially along the south coast, owe their beauty in a great measure to
their taste and judgment.”

- Gardening Appointments. — Mr. Geo. Cliffe, for the last

eight years head gardener to Lord Belmore, Castle Coole, Fermanagh,
Ireland, has been appointed head gardener to H. B. Mildmay, Esq.,
Shoreham Place, Kent. Mr. William Rewbury, head gardener to
C. T. Cavendish, Esq., Crakemarsh Hall, Uttoxeter, has been appointed
head gardener to F. J. Myers, Esq., Charlton Lodge, Banbury. Mr.
F. W. Russell, late foreman to Mr. J. Willard, Holly Lodge Gardens,
Highgate, N., has been engaged as head gardener to E. T. Doxet, Esq.,
Woodgreen Park, Cheshunt, Plerts. Mr. W. Rutherford, for the last two
and half years foreman at Carton, Maynooth,has been appointed gardener
to Charles W. Barton, Esq., Glendalough House, Aranoe, Co. Wicklow.
Mr. F. W. Seers, late head gardener to F. J. Myers, Esq., Charlton Lodge,
Banbury, has been appointed head gardener to the Right Hon. the Earl
of Aylesford, Offeliurch, Bury, Leamington. Mr. F. Lockyer, late head
gardener to Sir W. Y. Guise, Bart., Elmore Court, Gloucester, has been
appointed head gardener to Capel Hanbury, Esq., Pontypool Park,
Monmouth.

- - Mr. A. Whibley sends the following note on A good Melon

— “For the amateur and small grower who do not possess the advan¬
tages of artificial heat Sutton’s Invincible Scarlet is one of the best
Melons which can be grown. It is prolific, with a good constitution, a
free setter, and deliciously flavoured, qualities possessed by very few of
the so-called cool house Melons. 0,ur plants were planted in the middle
of last May in a pit and trained up to the glass. A small quantity of
manure was used to give them a start, but the heat was all out of the
manure in a fortnight, so they had comparatively cool treatment from

March 34, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

235

the first. The first fruits were ripe the second week in August, quite a
fortnight earlier than Blenheim Orange and Hero of Bath, which were
planted at the same time, and the flavour was better than either of
these varieties. The fruit was of medium size, but this was probably
owing to the number left on the plants.”

- Brighton and Hove Chrysanthemum Society. — This

flourishing Society has issued their schedule of prizes for their fifth
annual Exhibition, which is to take place in the Dome and Corn Ex¬
change on Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th and 9th November. The prize
list is an excellent one, and will no doubt be the means of “drawing”
some of the best growers to Brighton on the occasion. By the balance-
sheet we see that over £ 100 was paid in prizes at their last Show, and
that they have added £16 to the balance. The Secretary is Mr. Long-
hurst (W. Miles’ Conservatory), 18, Church Road, Hove.

- Leeds Paxton Society. — The following is the programme of

essays, &c., to be read in the first quarter ending June, 1887. Meetings
are held weekly at the Society’s room, “ Greyhound Hotel,” Vicar Lane ,
every Saturday evening, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Exhibitions of cut
flowers and other products are held every alternate Saturday. April
9th. — “ Culture of the Cyclamen,” Mr. Richard Walker, gardener to E.
Calverley, Esq., Oulton Hall. April 23rd. — “ The Planting and Forma¬
tion of the Lawn, Shrubbery, and Terrace,” Mr. Lewis Twigge, nursery¬
man, Wakefield. May 7th. — “ The Vine,” Mr. E. H. Bradley, gardener
to Angus Holden, Esq., Woodlands, Bradford. May 21st. — “ The Phalae-
nopsis,” Mr. J. Collier, gardener to J. Firth, Esq., Manningham Thorpe,
Bradford. June 4th. — “ Notes on Gardening — some of its Difficulties,”
Mr. James Newman, gardener to Mrs. F. W. Kitson, Burley Hill. June
18th. — “ The Carnation and Picotee,” ,Mr. Geo. Armitage, Churwell.
Mr. George Hemming is the Hon. Sec.

- The Wimbledon and District Royal Horticultural

Society will hold their fifteenth annual Exhibition in the grounds of
Woodhays on Wednesday, July 6th, this year.

- Mr. J. Udale writes that “ Lachenalia tricolor is well

grown at Broom Leasoe, where plants bearing twenty to twenty-two
spikes of flowers are to be seen, and when grown so well as this they
are truly objects of beauty. I attribute a considerable amount of Mrs.
Inge’s success in plant culture to the use of unfermented leaf mould ;
but of course the best soils, unless accompanied by loving care and
attention, will not produce the most satisfactory results, consequently
Mrs. Inge is to be congratulated on the possession and cultivation of
such fine specimens of Lachenalias, & c. Mrs. Inge is a successful
grower and propagator of Azaleas, and from now onwards the green¬
house will be very gay with them.”

- The reports of the Botanist to the New York Agricultural Ex¬
periment Station, Geneva, N.Y., Mr. J. C. Arthur, for 1885 and 1886 >
furnish an admirable illustration of the value of such State appointments>
A large portion of both reports is occupied with an exhaustive history of
the Pear-blight (Micrococcus amylovorus), which is exceedingly
destructive to Pear trees in the Northern United States ; proofs that the
mischief is caused by the specific bacterium ; and suggestions for a remedy.
In addition to this, much information is given with regard to the follow¬
ing diseases, among others : — The Strawberry mildew (Sphaerotheca
Castagnei), the Plum-leaf fungus (Septoria cerasina), the Lettuce rust
(Septoria Lactucae), and the Lettuce mildew (Peronospora ganglifo rmis).
Woodcuts are given of these various fungoid parasites, and a very
useful summary is appended of the literature of the Pear blight. —
( Nature.)

- W. A. Cook writes : — “ I can sympathise with Mr. Goodaerc

respecting the Parsley. I have found that these most elegant curled
Parsleys are only of summer and autumn duration. I had several varie¬
ties last year, notably Veitch’s Prize Curled, a very handsome Parsley ;
in fact I never saw any equal to it. I cut down a portion of that sown
in March for the summer supply to get young growth, but to no pur¬
pose ; all has failed. The July and August sowing has also succumbed,
even one patch protected with frames. As regards the plain-leaved,
that has stood the winter well ; it was doomed last summer. I ordered
it to be dug in, but the operator pleaded for this little patch (which
had stood there several years) on account of it standing the winter so
well ; so for the future I shall grow a small patch for winter and spring
supply.”

- At a meeting of the Birmingham Gardeners’ Society on Wed¬
nesday, March 16th, Mr. Horton, gardener to Richard Chamberlain,
Esq., M.P., read an excellent practical paper on the Chinese
Primula, giving very full details of culture from the sowing of the
seed to the blooming time, as well as after treatment. Mr. Horton is a
very successful cultivator, devoting a good sized span-roof house to their
culture, and his plants of Emperor, The Queen, Princess Louise, Marquis
of Lome, and other varieties, showed plainly that he thoroughly under¬
stands the cultivation of this valuable winter-blooming plant. Speaking
of the early history of the plant, Mr. Horton alluded to an illustration
in the “Botanical Register” (plate 539), taken from a plant in bloom
in March, 1821, in the garden of a lady residing at Bromley. Illustra¬
tions also appeared in other botanical works. To a Captain Rowe belongs
the honour of its introduction from Canton in 1800, where it was found
in a cultivated state only. Mr. Horton advocates sowing seeds in well-
drained pots or pans, using a little sphagnum over good drainage, and in
a mixture of three parts thoroughly decomposed cowdung, previously
well baked in order to destroy any living organisms it may contain, and
one part sifted cocoa-nut fibre, plunging the pot to the rim in a
temperature of from 65° to 70°, covering the pots or pans with
paper until the seed vegetates. The after treatment of the plants was
thoroughly detailed as to repotting and general treatment, and the
mixture used by Mr. Horton for the final potting consists of turfy loam
one bushel, leaf mould half a bushel, marl (which has been exposed to
the action of ah and frost) one-third of a bushel, coarse gritty sand
one-third of a bushel, with a 36-size potful of Clay’s fertiliser, and the same
quantity of powdered oyster-shells. To this a 48-potful of soot, the
same quantity of lime, and a 9-inch potful of roughly broken charcoal
issued, well mixing the whole.

- The schedule is just issued of the Scottish Primula and

Auricula Society’s first Show, to be held in the Calton Convening
Rooms, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, May 4th, 1887.
Nineteen classes are provided, arranged similarly to those in the National
Auricula Society’s schedule, the prizes ranging from 20s. to 2s. Show
and Alpine Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and Primula species are provided
for, and certificates will be awarded for meritorious seedlings. A special
prize, consisting of a silver medal, is offered by Messrs. Wm. Wood and
Son, Wood Green, London, for the best specimen Auricula plant in the
Show. The Hon. Sec. and Treasurer is Mr. W. Stratton, Annfield,
Brough ty Ferry, and the Assistant Secretary is Mr. James Grieve, Pilrig
Nursery, Edinburgh. We are pleased to be able to record that the efforts
of the promoters of this Society have met with so much success. We
learn that there are now seventy members in all parts of Scotland, and
including some of the leading amateur and professional horticulturists.
Ample funds are guaranteed, and all that is now required is a satisfac¬
tory show in May next, which we have no doubt will be provided.

HARDY FUCHSIAS.

As it is well known, most Fuchsias will thrive out of doors in the
summer, and they are often used in flower beds, for which they arc
admirably adapted. The drooping habit of most varieties, with their bright
flowers, give them a peculiar grace. But the hardier class are much
neglected, and not grown so much as they should be in many parts of
the country. As a rule, it is only in southern England and near the
coast that the Fuchsia is seen doing well ; but if a little precaution were
taken they may be successfully grown in the north. It is the rule with
many gardeners to cut them down in the autumn, thus leaving them
without any protection whatever during the severe weather. When cut
down in the autumn a few coal ashes should be sprinkled over the
plants, which will afford sufficient protection ; but I find it is a good
plan not to cut down until the end of April, for by leaving the thick
bushes the frost does not injure the young growths if they start in the
early spring, for on many occasions when cut down in the autumn the
plant commences to grow early in the spring, and is then injured by
late frosts.

We have F. globosa growing as a shrub. It is over 8 feet high,
and with a stem 12 inches in circumference. It does not appear to be
in the least damaged by the late severe weather, and during the whole
summer it is a mass of richly coloured blooms.

F. corallina is a tall and slender variety, with large red flowers, suit¬
able for training on walls or pillars.

F. coccinea is a well-known Fuchsia of great beauty with crimson
flowers, which are produced in profusion during the summer months.

F. gracilis, a very distinct species, with long slender growths covered
with red flowers borne on remarkably long stalks. In mild districts it
grows to an enormous size.

F. lliccartoni is one of the hardiest species known. It will grow in
any part of the country, and is worthy of culture, being a plant of
compact growth, and covered with bright flowers.

236

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Maroh 24, 1887.

F. discolor is the hardiest of all the Fuchsias. It is of short sturdy
growth, which are covered with small scarlet flowers during the summer
months. — C. C.

NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS MINIMUS.

In the note of this lovely little winter Daffodil at page 19.") your
correspondent, “ R., Merton,” inquires “ whether any of the Daffodil-
growing readers of the Journal have ever tried raising the plant from
seed, or by growing it in richer soil to test how much the flowers and
general stature can be enlarged.” Before offering any reply to this
query, it must certainly be said that it would be impossible to have it in
too great a quantity, for it is such a welcome harbinger of spring that
it is pleasing everywhere. It is, however, much too scarce at present to
make much show in masses, on account of its miniature size and growth.
If your correspondent can procure seed 1 would advise him to do so by
all means and raise all he can, it will be most interesting to wait the
result. I have never had the opportunity myself of testing what may
be done by raising it from seed.

With regard to the best soil for these frame Narcissi, I have not
found an over-rich soil to be beneficial to them ; for the Corbularias
generally and N. triandrus I find a mixture of fibrous peat, loam, and sand
in about equal parts, with well-decomposed manure in about one-third
that of the other soils in bulk, suit them well ; for the charming
N. minimus I use a rather. sandy loam with manure added, and for N. nanus
and the remainder of the smaller forms of the pseudo section I give no
special treatment whatever. The ground in which they are planted is
well manured and the soil a light somewhat fibrous loam, which suits
them admirably. I may add that N. nanus is very pretty when used
either as an edging or in well-established clumps on the rockery. It is
better suited than N. minimus, which if left unprotected is always be¬
spattered after heavy rains ; in fact, all these smaller forms are injured
thus, and should receive some protection from pelting rains if not planted
on grassy slopes or the like. — J. H. E.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Makch 22nd.

The display of Hyacinths and spring flowers was not bo extensive nor
good as is usual at the second March meeting, owing r.o doubt to the
severe weather experienced fer some trine previous.

FkTJIT Committee. — Pr sent : Arthur W. Sutton, EFq., in the chair,
and Messrs. S. Ford, James Smith, W. Denning, J. Roberts, G. T. Mi'es, W;
Warren, Wm. Paul, R. D. Blackmore, Pbi ip Crowley, G. Bunyard, J. Wood-
bridge, T. B. Haywood, J. Fitt, and Harrison Weir. Major Shu'.tl worth.
Old Warden Pa'k, Biggleswadi (gardener, Mr. Allis) had sixteen dishes of
Apples, the fruits fine and remarkably well kept, the best varieties being
Striped Beefing, Dumelow’s Seedl ng, Wyken Pippin, AdamB’ Pearmain,
Blenheim Pippin, New Hawthornden, and three bunches of Alicante
Grapes. P’or th • former a cultural commendation and a vote of thanks were
accorded. L. A. Wallace, Esq., Leonard’s Lee, Horsham (gardener, Mr. S.
Ford) had fourteen dishes of Apples, which were highly commended, and a
cultural commendation was awarded. The fruits were extremely fine,
Golden Reinettp, Mere de Menage, Gold n Noble, Noifo’k Beefing, and
Adam’s Pearmain especially so. Mr. F. Barnetr, Decker Hill, S ifna1, s<nt
samples of a seedling Apple raised there twenty-six years ago, supposed to
be from Golden Rein t'e and Northern Greemng ; the Committee wish to
see more fruits on another occasion. Mr. W. Roupell, Roupell Park, was
awarded a vote of tlunks for eight varieties of Apples grown on small
bushes in Irs garden, with Cornish Gill\ flower from an unprut ed sta dard.
Northern Greeninr, Bedfordshire Foundling, Beauty of Kent, Lane’s Prince
Albert, Annie Eliz ibeth, and Five Crown Pippin were well represented.

Flobal Committee. — President — G. F. Wilson, Esq., in tbe chair ; and
Messrs. W. Wilks, Sturley Hibberd, G. Maw, H. Bennett, W. Goldring,
James Walker, H. Herhst, G. Paul, H. Bradshaw, J. Fraser, T. Baines,
It. Dean, B. Wynne, C. Noble, J. Domir,y, 0. Pifi'her, H. Ballantine,
J. O’Brien, A. F. L-ndy, E. Hill, H. Turner, and W. Holmes.

Only two groups of Hyacinths in po's were contributed, that from
Messrs. J. Veitch it Sons, for which a silver-gilt Banksian medal was
awarded, comprising 130 plants, representing a selection of the be t varieties,
and comprising some handsome massive spikes. The varieties will be
noted fully in another issue ; for the present we can only refer to the
following novelties. Fiv- were shown, La Belle being much superior to
the others, and w 11 deserved the certificate awarded. It is single, and has
larre bells in a bald but rather loose spike, of a delicate pale pink hue,
very beaut ful ; Charmer, single, dark blue, good; James Watts, single,
purplish mauve ; Admiration, double, a delicate salmon-tinted flower ; and
Criterion, dnub'e, mauve, neat bells. A silver Banksian medal was awarded
to Messrs. W. Cutbush it Son, Highgate, Ba-net, for a group containing
about the same number of plants and of similar merit, all the most approv d
varieties being included. DifEodils were ehown in strong numbers, and
the Daffodil Committee was busy during the d ty in comparing the numerous
varieties shown and correcting their nomenc’atur •. Messrs. Barr & Son,
Cavent Garden, had a most beautiful co 1 ction, the flowers being shown in
bunches, with the foliagi tastefully arranged and representing some
charming varieties Anemones, Chionodoxas, and other flowers imparted
some variety to the d'Fp’ay, and a Btlver-gi’t medal was awarded. Mr.
T. S. Ware, Tottenham, had a fine group of Daffodils and other flowers, their
example of Anemone coronaria attracting much attention. A silver
Banksian medal was awa. d’d for this collection, which included numbers
of the choice Narciss’ in all the sections. Messrs. Ci Uins, Bros., ife Gabriel,
Waterloo Bridge Road, were adjudged a silver Banksian medal for a similar
collection, arranged in Hyacinth glasses, but without foliage. A silver
Banksian medal was also accorded to the St. George’s Nursery Company,
Han well, for a group of wel-grown Cyclamens, and a b’ onze Banksian medal
to Mr. Drost, Kew Road Nursery for groups of handsome Spitsei japonica
and Lilies of the Valley. A silver Banksan medal was deservedly awardt d
to Messrs. Paul it Son, Chiswick, for a group of Roses in pots, chiefly dwarf

plants of Teas and H. P.’s, but inc’uiing a few standards of the grtceful
Polyautha Ro^es, Parqueritte and Mignonette, the former white, the latter
pink, both very free. Of the Tea Rotes beautiful specimens of Jean
Bucher, Pr esident. Sunset, Rubens, and Madame d • St. Joseph were shown ;
while of II. P.’s Marquise de Castrilane, Dr. Audry, and Victor Veraier
were similarly well grown and flowered

F. A. Philbrick, Ejq., Oilfield, Biekley (gardener, Mr. Heims), sent a
strong p'aut of Angrtecum citratum with two spikes, the floral portion of
which exceeded 18 inches in length, the best we have yet seen. A cultural
commendation was awarded for the plant, which Mr. Philbrick thinks may
he a natural hvbrid, at it has always shown this superior character since it
lias been at Oldfield. A plant of Cyprippdium Barteti, a hybrid between
C. barbatuiu and C. Chantini, was also shown and deserved a certificate.
The flower is neat in form, with a shining surface and a fine purplish tint
running through it, especially in the dorsal sepal. T. Harcourt Powell,
E-q , Drinkwater Park, Bury St. Edmunds (gardener, Mr. G. Palmer), had
flowers of Odnn'oglossum Pescatorei, tinged with purple, and O. excellent,
yellow, with rich brown spots. De B. Crawsbay, Esq., Rosafield, Sevenoaks
(gard ner, Mr. Cooke), had specimens cf Odontoglossum h-braicum,
O. glo io-um superbum, and 0. Rossi majus, good varieties ; a very fine
form of O. triumphans being certificated.

Me srs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited severahhindsome Amaryl¬
lises. Those named Hilaiious, rich scarlet; The Bride, white, with rose
streaks ; Paulina, of good shape, vt ined ec ulet ; Hon. and Rev. J. T. Bnscawen,
fight scar'et, with white central bars ; and H r Majesly, white, with scarlet
streaks, being noteworthy : but their p’ants of the cua'ming Boronia hetero-
phylla (cert i ti ated) were the sp c:al feature of the i xhitnt and wer- gr atly
admired. Mr. Todcnan, Rose Park Nursery, Upper Tooting, was adjudged a
vote of thanks for plants of his hybrid Chines • Azaleas. Fi efly, bright red ;
Snowflake, pure white; Formo-a. rich red ; Ethel Hibberd, a fresh rose
tint.; Robert Crook, red; and Maud Todman, double ro-e, very pretty.
Mr. Drost, Kew Road, had a vote of thanks for Tulips and Maidenhair Ferns,
and a cultural commendation for some fine tru ses of L lac. G. Maw, Esq ,
Kenliy, Surrey, sent a dwarfed Japanese Pinus from Yokohama, supposed
to be thirty years old, it was about 18 inches hub, with a much-twisted and
deformed stem. (Vote of thunks.) Mr. B. Gilbert, Bourne, Lincolnshire,
sent a very bright yellow Primrose ; and G. F. Wi'son, E.-:q., W yhridge,
showed a plant of Ccelogyne cristata with long p eude -bulbs and six flowers,
and flowers of hybrid Lenten Roses (Hellebores), for which a vote cf thanks
was accorded. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, had a basket of the handeome Violet
Wellsiana, with large sing'e dark-coloured fragrant flowers. (Vote of
thanks), and Messrs. Jam-9 Green & Nephew, 107, Queen Victoria Street,
showed a number of graceful glasses for cut flowers.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Odontoyhs-um triumphans, Rosefie'd Variety (De B. Crawshay). — A
handsome plant with two racemes of nine and thrteen flowers each, the
sepals and petals barred with dark tich shining brown and tipped w:th
yellow, the column and base of the lip white, tli9 upper portion of the lip
dark brown. The colour was more remarkable than the shape of the flower,
as tbe sepals and petals were not so broad as in some vari dies.

Rhododendron balsaminceflorum carneum (Veitch). — A double variety of
the greenhouse bybiid section, the flowers of good form, salmon tinged
with rose.

ZygopetalumVeitrhi (Ve'tch). — An interesting hybrid between Z.crinitum
and Uo;ax jugosiu de cribed on page 232, in the Orchid column.

Boronia ketcrophylla (Veitch). — An exceedingly handsome Boronia,
with tich r sy trio s in drooping bud-like flowers, of the B. elarior habit, the
slender grow hi being clothed with the flowers springing in clusters from
the axi's of the leaves. The leaves vary in form from trifoliate to pinnale,
with linear segments. It is a free grower, very flotiferous, and evidently a
thoroughly useful plant.

Hya.' inth La Belle (Veitch). — A single variety, with a bold tall spike, the
flowers large, and of a delicate pale pink colour. One of the most distinct
new Hyacinths of recent years.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair. — Present : Hon. and Rev. Mr. Bose. wen,
Messrs. Bennett, Michael, Wilson, Maw, Ridley, Murray, Dr. Lowe, and
Rev. G. Henslow.

Orch d Diseased. — Mr. Smith reported that the leaves submitted to him
c ntained no fungus nor insect. Mr. O’ Brien undertook to re-examiue it.

Narcissi. — Mr. Bowcawen brought wild specimens of double and Bingls
Telemonius from Roseland on south coaBt of Cornwall ; and also both
double and single wild forms of N. Pseudo-Narcissus from Lamorran.

N. rvpicola and N. juncifolius. — Mr. Maw remarked upon tlrose Bpecies
that in the former the ovary was sessile and the leaf keeled, while in the
latter the ovary was not sessile and the leaf half- cylindrical ; and while the
former is found in the Sierras, the 1st er only occurs in the Central Pyrenees,
and again in the South of Spain. He also exhibited the only white Daffodil
known wild, or N. moschatas cernuus, from the Spanish Py ennees.

N. v'ridijlorus and N. serotinus. — Mr. Maw obseivad that these bore no
leaves in autumn when flowering, but the small terminal buds had short
leaves be’ore arriving at the flowering condition.

Xiphion tingitan.um.~Mx. Maw exhibited dried speeimens of til's
snee’es, which is very abundant about Tangier, though o ten bears to
flowers.

“ KieJ.” — Mr. Maw brought specimens of the plant used for smoking in
Morocco, which was suppoted to be a variety of Hemp. It was referred to
Mr. Ridley for examination and report.

Chamcerops humilis. — Mr. Maw showed various economic uses to which
the fibre of the leaves of this Palm are put in Noith Africa, as mats,
brushes, ciga-cases, Ac.

Dwarf Pine— Mr. Maw exhibited a specimen of a dwarf Pine tree about
18 inches hull growing in a put, brought from Yokohama. It was apparently
Pinus parviflura. It was thirty years old, with a curiously twisted stem and
remark ib'e roots. Such dwarf trees are obtained by repeated ligatures,
thereby checking the development, as well as by restricting the root-growth.
A vote' of thanks was u ianim usly awarded to Mr. Maw for his intonating
commun'cationv.

March 24, 18S7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

237

Hybrid Narcissus. — A communication was received from Mr. John J.
Smith, and specimen of a supposed hybrid between N. Bulbocodium and
N. obvallaris, or the Tenby Daffodil. He raised about twenty bulbs. The
flowers were all of the character of Bulbocodium, but larger in flower, stem,
foliage, and bulb. The present appearance of tbe plants to ordinary
observers is that of gigantic Bulbocodinms, but there are many interesting
charges to be noticed, euch as some leaves assuming an upright growth, a
partial flattening of others, drc. Some doubt was expressed by Mr. Maw as
to its being a true hybrid, and further communication was requested from
the author.

Roots of Fern with Bulbs. — Dr. M. T. Masters exhibited a specimen of
Daplasium malaharicum with bulbs on the roots ; a rare occurrence.

A communicat on was received from Ed. B. Welder, Esq., thanking the
Committ' e for their expres-ion of condolence on the death of his father.

The Frost Report. — This report having been presented to the Committee,
a vote of thanks was given to the Rev. G. Henslow for the preparation of
the same.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE— A

CRITIQUE.

Some explanatory remarks were condensed from my paper which
would have more clearly shown the position I took up as Mr. Molyneux’s
critic, but still if he had been at ordinary trouble to calmly read and
interpreted fairly what I advanced he would have at once recognised
that the gist of the argument lay in the fact that climatic differences
were the chief factors in the results of our practice, and a want of appre¬
ciation of this fact was the cause of our difference of opinion. Mr.
Molyneux seems to have fumed a little at the audacity of anyone
questioning his teachings as expressed in his book, and his reply smacks
a little of injured innocence, whereas no injury was intended, least of
all that which would detract from the merits of the book as the best
publication on the subject. On receiving a request from the Secretary
of the Leeds Paxton Society to read a paper on the Chrysanthemum
about the time Mr. Molyneux’s book was published, I came to the con¬
clusion that to raise a discussion on the points at issue, so far as the
area which embraces the Yorkshire Union of Horticulturists was con¬
cerned, would be more advantageous to the members than would any
cultural paper of my own on so hackneyed a subject. Until after the
meeting 1 had no idea that my critique would be published. As I had
stated my opinions to the eighty gardeners who were present at the
meeting, I had no objections to face Mr. Molyneux, hoping that his
successful experience would help us to solve some of the problems of
bud formation and their complications, which to us, by the nature of Mr.
Molyneux’s reply, are of more consequence than he can appreciate. As
cordially as Mr. Molyneux I reciprocate his sentiments that honest
criticism and fair argument lead to improvement, but if all the im¬
provement possible is to be derived from the discussion of a complex
question like the one in hand, arguments, if conclusive, must be met
fairly and acknowledged to be so. I fail to see that mild sneers at York¬
shire gardeners and at scientific terms will help us to clear up the
l’ unaccountables,” and Mr. Molyneux places a very low estimate on the
capacity of gardeners when he assumes that they are incapable of under¬
standing the simple terms in which I chose to convey my meaning in
the fewest words.

Mr. Molyneux all through his reply has perversely altered the sense
of my arguments. To save repetition let your readers place them
parallel to each other. In his reference to the third of the sections
compiled by me I am made to set up certain varieties as “ criterions,” and
pin my faith to them as models of the highest class flowers, where I
simply included them in the argument in a class of a representative
collection for a definite and distinctly different purpose, the varieties
alluded to having no bearing in the sense put by Mr. Molyneux on the
argument. I know very well that the James Salter string upon which
Mr. Molyneux harps will not do to play on in good company, but how
long since did Mr. Molyneux discover that the other varieties named
were unfit for good society ? Surely if Henri Jacotot is good enough to
merit a place in a select list requiring special treatment, and Mr. Bunn,
which surely is one of the Beverley type, and was good enough material
to be placed in Mr. Molyneux’s very exclusive list of twenty-four in¬
curved varieties to be grown for a stand of that number for exhibition,
if I erred in quoting these varieties I at least erred in good company.

Again note Mr. Molyneux’s reply to what I stated in reference to his
little Peter the Great. After deliberately altering the sense of my
argument he labours hard and travels a long way backwards, only to
prove that my “ theories ” which I advanced in respect to this plant
were correct, but I never, as he puts it, absurdly compared such plants
in their relation to height and quality of bloom with those grown for
another purpose. At the beginning of the paragraph in which I referred
to this plant I distinctly brought it forward as an example that quality
■of bloom, be it good or bad, is in some measure due to the complication
of bud formation in the earlier stages of the plant from which the cut-
1 ing was taken. These complications were never mentioned in Mr.
Molyneux’s book, yet he coolly informs us that my argument is in his
favour, and then inconsistently goes on to tell us that it is unnecessary
for beginners to understand those complications. Why ? This is tanta¬
mount to saying that the Journal and the other gardening periodicals
may at once subside, that we may at once dissolve our gardeners’
mutual improvement societies, and that the benighted Yorkshire
gardeners must remain content to shine by the dim light of their own
experience and just that amount of information added which Mr.
Molyneux chooses to eke out to us.

_ Mr. Molyneux is equally unfortunate in his reply on the question of

topping plants indiscriminately at 8 inches high. I never inferred that
he was in favour of that practice, nor yet again inferred that he said
that the dwarf plants, which produced the unaccountably fine flowers,
are dwarf owing to their being topped or broken. If he had followed
the sequence of my paper, taking the second part of it t o better illustrate
my meaning, the fact could not have escaped him that I was reasoning
with a definite object in view, and used certain illustrations to show or
prove what I meant, and the paper taken in its entirety can in no
way be treated fairly as he has treated it by picking out here and there,
from which in each case to found an orthodox homily on, simply to show
how ignorantly heterodox his critic must be.

In the- paragraph referring to the question of dwarf plants producing
good flower’s, and tall plants producing poor flowers, Mr. Molyneux fully
admits what I stated to be correct, and then attempts to stultify both
himself and me by saying that his experience is the reverse of mine in
this matter. The only other construction which can be placed upon
his statement is the one that he is assuming, that I had stated that
dwarf plants generally produce better flowers than tall plants. In no
sense can I be charged with making such a statement.

In alluding to the style of my treatment of the crown bud formation,
how deftly Mr. Molyneux transfers the responsibility of teaching
beginners from his own shoulders to mine. He says I am very full but
not sufficiently clear, because I chose two or three technical terms, which
he grandiloquently magnifies into “ scientific terms,” to indicate that
certain consequences would accrue if the plants were not in a condition
which every gardener is supposed to be able to decide upon by ordinary
observation, whether it be a Chrysanthemum or any other plant. Really,
Mr. Molyneux, this is simply begging the question ; and to again answer
his query, What are the well known causes ? would be running the risk
of being put out of court by the Editor for attempting to monopolise
space, by reiteration of previous arguments which have been already
fully brought forward.

In answering a query which I put in reference to modification of
height as affecting influence on the flower, Mr. Molyneux has enume¬
rated a variety of causes to account for it ; but as affecting growers in
the north, the most important, and those underlaying the whole con¬
troversy, as advanced in my “ critique,” he never admits into his
calculations ; on the contrary, we are told that it is not necessary for
us to understand them. These causes are the earlier complicating ones,
which affect the setting at the proper time of that bud which is retained
to develope into the flower. If Mr. Molyneux can afford, owing to his
climatic conditions, to ignore these causes, we who are situated where
the autumn begins considerably sooner, and very often accompanied by
sunless skies — denying to us the necessary ripening influences to act on
plants already behind in this respect, owing to our smoky atmosphere
— cannot afford to ignore those complications, because if the buds are
not secured within a very narrow margin, on account of the above
causes, they never develope into good flowers, no matter whether topped
or grown otherwise. On the other hand, when secured at the proper
time, they are at least good enough to do us credit, if not exactly good
enough to bring us into the front rank of exhibitors. Although the
exhibition table may be the primary object with some growers, there arc
quite as many who grow representative collections for the pleasure of
having them in as high a state of perfection as is possible toatta:n
under the conditions under which they are placed ; and my contention
all the way through my paper was that having healthy vigorous plants
for our foundation, if they were topped at the time which experience
had proven to us as the most suitable for them, to make one instalment
of growth free from bud complications, which this topping would free
us from, as in the case of Eve and Mabel Ward, this growth made ar.d
ripened will produce us better flowers than that wood which I described
in my “ paper,” which is the result of chance complications, and which
would throw us too far into the autumn for us to secure the best remits.
In reference to Mabel Ward and Eve, it is no proof that the other
varieties are not amenable to the topping system, because the previous
sorts have proved more obstinate in producing good flowers when allowed
to break naturally, but the reverse if we are to reason from analogy ;
and practical experience, much as it may help us in clearing up this
matter, is no proof without all collateral causes affecting the result are
taken in consideration, many of which probably have had more influence
in the result than the simple process of topping or leaving: untopped.

Gladly I withdraw the statement that Mr. Molyneux “ made guesses
as to his dates for the guidance of growers in other districts,” but
second-hand information of that sort requires to be carefully considered,
because scarcely two practitioners can work in exact parallel lines in
their practice. In conclusion, I may add that I should have been glr.d
to have kept my own personality in the background, but Mr. Molyneux
infers that I am only a small grower, and I suppose he thinks that what
1 may advance on the subject is more theoretical than practical ; but
although personally unknown to “ Mr. Molyneux and to fame,” I cau
assure him that I have grown and made a study of the Chrysanthemum
for more than eleven years. — T. Gaknett.

VIOLET LADY ESLINGTON.

Enclosed I send you a few blooms of a new Violet, Lady Eslington.
It is not the value of the variety, but the way it has originated that has
induced me to send them. It is a sport from Marie Louise. You will
see the colour closely approaches the old beautiful Neapolitan. The
form is rather broader than that variety. The plant is dwarfer in habit
and the leaves considerably longer.

238

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 24, 1887.

I do not know the origin of Marie Louise, but this sport would almost
lead one to suppose that it may have been a sjnort from the Neapolitan,
as the one sent has so nearly gone back to the original. — Joseph
Oliver.

[The Violet blooms are very fine and the foliage good, indicating the
superior culture practised. It is a remarkably fine form of the true
Marie Louise, which is an improved variety of the type usually grown
in gardens under that name, and which is synonymous with New York,
Odorata pendula, Venice, Marguerite de Savoie, Duke of Edinburgh,
Madame Millet, &c. All are sports from the old Neapolitan, and being
liable to vary somewhat in different soils and localities names without
reason have been given to the variations. The varieties named are a
dirty mauve, with a white eye, and the base of the petals splashed with
red. Those are liable under superior cultivation to produce the true
Marie Louise, which is deep lavender, tinged mauve, white eye, and with
faint white lines up the petals. Such is your plant — not a reversion,
but an improved form of the old Neapolitan Violet. It is quite distinct
from De Parme — the best form of the Neapolitan extant, and most
constant.]

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

March 23rd.

This Society’s first spring Show of the year was a very satisfactory one,
the number of the exhibits being greater than usual, especially those not in
competition. The day was also a favourable one, being clear and sunny, in¬
ducing many visitors to attend. Quite an extensive display of Hyacinths,
Tulips, Narcissi, Cyclamens, &c., was provided, Mr. B. S. Williams being a
prominent exhibitor, Messrs. Cutbush & Son and J. Veitch & Sons also
having large groups. We can only give a brief record of the principal
exhibits.

Hyacinths were chiefly contributed by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea
(large bronze medal), H. R. Wright, Lee (large bronze medal), H. Williams
and Son, Pinchley (small silver medal), W. Cutbush Si Son, Highgate (small
silver medal), and B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway (large silver medal). In
the amateurs’ class for twelve Hyacinths Mr. Douglas won premier honours
with good plants, Mr. W. Eason following, and these exhibitors were placed
in the same order for twelve pots of Tulips. In the nurserymen’s classes
Mr. H. R. Wright, Lee, was first for Hyacinths and second with Tulips.
Messrs. H. Williams & Son obtaining the second prize for Hyacinths and
the first for Tulips, both showing well grown plants. The chief prizes for
Cyclamens were gained by Messrs. F. J. Hill, J. Odell, and J. Wiggins,
Messrs. H. Williams & Son and J. Douglas having the best Primulas, and
the last named was also first with Crocuses. The St. George’s Nursery
Companv, Hanwell, had a group of Cyclamens (bronze medal), as also did
Mr. J. Wiggins (certificate).

Azaleas were not very largely shown. Mr. H. James, Norwood, had
some rather roughly trained specimens, and Messrs. Todman & Sons, Upper
Tooting, had six neat specimens of their hybrids, Mrs. A. Heaver, double
white, being very noteworthy ; but the best plants were those from Mr.
Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., Highgate. In the Amaryllis competi¬
tion Mr. J. Douglas and Paul & Son were respectively first and second, the
former’s flowers being of capital size and rich colours. Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, exhibited Roses well, being first in the class, and also having a
group (large bronze medal). They also had a pretty collection of Alpine
plants. Mr. J. Douglas’s giant specimen Deutzias were as usual first in the
class for these plants, being much superior to the other entries.

Daffodils and miscellaneous flowers were contributed by Messrs. Barr
and Son, Covent Garden (large bronze medal), Collins Brothers & Gabriel
(bronze medal), and T. S. Ware, Tottenham (certificate). Messrs. H. Wil¬
liams & Son, Finchley, had the best Lilies of the Valley, very fine specimens,
large bells and long spikes. Mr. J. Douglas was the most successful exhi¬
bitor of hardy plants and Primulas, showing pretty collections. Messrs.
Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Mr. F. Clement, gardener to L. H. Hicks, Esq.,
Muswell Hill, also showing well. Mr. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross, had a
pretty group of Roses in pots (large bronze medal). Mr. Drost, Rich¬
mond, sent a group of Spirals, Lilies of the Valley, Tulips, and Isolepis
(certificate). Mr. F. J. Hill, gardener to H. Little, Esq., The Barons,
Twickenham, sent a beautiful collection of Lycaste Skinneri varieties and
other Orchids.

A large group of Camellias in pots, Clematis indivisa lobata, and eight
boxes of Camellia blooms came from Messrs. Wm. Paul it Son, forming an
imposing display. (Silver medal.) The Cinerarias from Mr. J. James,
Farnham Royal, Slough, were as usual extremely handsome and varied in
colour. (Large brongo medal.) Mr. W. May, gardener to F. C. Jacomb,
Esq., Stamford Hill, exhibited a beautiful group of Odontoglossums and
other Orchids arranged with Ferns. (Bronze medal.) Messrs. J. Cheal and
Son, Crawley, showed an excellent collection of Apples.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The Weather. — Recently the weather took a decided change for the
worse. We had 15° of frost on the 13th, and 8 inches of snow on the loth,
and our open-air crops have had to pass through it all ; but they were placed
in when the soil was in first-rate condition, and we do not think the severe
weather will injure them very much ; but checked they undoubtedly

will be, and the majority of the crops will be a fortnight or more later
than they seemed likely to be two or three weeks ago. The whole of
the crops we have recommended to be sown and planted have been
placed out by us, and we do not intend trying to remedy matters at
present, as a little good weather will soon do this, but more attention
will be given to crops under protection, as these will be our mainstay
for some time to come.

Kidney Beans. — Many are apt to discontinue sowing these under
glass about this time, as they think it will not be long before the open-
air seed can be sown, but Kidney Beans can rarely be gathered in the
open until the middle of June, and the recently sown seed will not give
a supply until then. More should be sown to fruit in May, but they
can be placed in more roughly than those sown in the short days. Any
old cutting boxes may be filled with rich soil and the seed dibbled into
it. They will germinate in a temperature of 60°, and as the bedding
plants are turned out of the frames in April the Kidney Bean boxes
may take their place, as the plants will bear freely in cold frames in May.
Where early Potatoes are being lifted from frames level the soil after¬
wards and fill with Kidney Bean seed, as sowings of this kind will bear
before the open-air plants, heavy crops and a long succession of
pods being obtained from such quarters. Repot those requiring this
attention, give those in bearing weak liquid manure twice weekly.
Throw away all plants that have ceased bearing. Ne Plus Ultra is now
bearing very heavily with us ; it is a grand variety for forcing, we do
not grow any other at this season.

Young V egetables Under Glass. — The plan of raising Cauliflowers,
Brussels Sprouts, Leeks, Lettuces, and other vegetables under glass is
an admirable one, and we have practised it for years. Just now when
our young crops in the open are looking anything but bright, we have
hundreds of young plants in shallow boxes under glass, and as these will
be planted early in April they will form valuable early crops. This
system should be followed by all who have the opportunity of doing so.
The great point is not to place them out too soon, and see that they are
well hardened first. If it is necessary to cover them at night always
remove the protection early in the morning and admit abundance of air
to them when the thermometer is over 40°.

Peas. — Those sown in December in the open are now 4 inches high,
others sown in February are well above the ground, and those reared
under glass are ready for planting. Altogether we are well supplied
with early Pea plants, and we do not attribute this so much to cultural
advantages as timely attention and forethought. Sow more seed of
main crop varieties as soon as the weather will allow. All our directions
are given subject to this condition. The plan of sowing main crop Peas
in trenches is an excellent one, but it is a mistake to begin it too early.
We have secured some good Pea prizes from time to time, but one year
we thought to surpass all our previous success, and we began by sowing
our Peas in spring in deep well manured trenches. A wet season came
immediately afterwards and three parts of the seed perished. Since
that time we have ceased sowing in trenches until the end of March or
beginning of April, then all are sown in trenches. They are thrown out
as if for Celery and well manured, and all such crops bear the warm
dry weather of July and August much better than any sown on the level
ground, as dryness at the roots not only hinders development but it
deteriorates flavour and generates mildew and other causes of premature
decay. Make the trench plan a system from the time named, and all will
be well. Plants which have been reared under glass may now be placed
out. If they are in pots plant a little mass of them from 4 inches to
6 inches apart, and plants in turves or any other form may be kept at the
same distance, as when they grow they will fill the rows. Give them
rich soil, a warm sheltered position, do not disturb the roots any more
than it is possible in planting, stake at once, and a good crop is sure to
follow.

Early Leeks and Celery. — Seed sown in boxes some weeks ago
has produced plants which are now ready to be transplanted. Fill
some shallow boxes with very rich soil, lift the young plants, and dibble
them into the boxes at a distance of 2 inches from each other. Water;
and place in a temperature of 65°, and an early supply of plants wilj
oon be produced.

Thinning Young Vegetables. — Of late we have had to keep the
Carrot and Radish frames somewhat close, and this has induced the
plants to develope top growth rapidly. Indeed they become crowded in
a very short time, and great attention should be given to timely thinning.
When this is neglected at first the crop suffers from it ever afterwards,
and close attention to early thinning is of the utmost importance just
now.

Broccoli. — The supply of these has been interrupted several times
during the winter, and just now they are at a standstill, but the plants
have stood the severe weather very well, and we shall yet have plenty of
heads. Where the ground on which the plants are growing is urgently
required for other crops, lift the Broccoli plants with a good ball of
soil to the roots, place them in a cool shady corner with plenty of soil
or old vegetable refuse over the roots, and they will produce their heads
as freely as if they were still in their old quarters. A good sowing
should now be made of Veitch’s Self-protecting Autumn Broccoli. It
is the best of all during November and December, and no garden should
be without it.

Tomatoes. — Our earliest plants are those from cuttings inserted and
rooted last October. Their crop is well advanced, and will be very valu¬
able in a short time. All plants fruiting, or about to fruit, should be
restricted to one or two main stems, kept well in the light, and supplied
liberally with liquid manure. Keep successional plants growing freely.

March 24, 18*7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

239

(rive them more root-room when necessary ; ilo not allow them to branch
into many leading stems, and they need not be forced too rapidly. The
whole of the plants intended for open air culture should be advancing
now, and a good supply of Laxton’s open air variety would be found
most useful in all parts of the country.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Early ILouses. — The weather lately
has been of the most wintry character, and if the protection of the out¬
side borders has not been attended to they will have been chilled by the
snow, which is certain to result in a check to the trees. Though the
weather may be favourable there is yet danger of sudden frost and snow
falling, therefore see that the protection is sufficient. In the earliest
house the stoning process will soon be completed, when the final thinning
of the fruit must be effected ; then see that the inside border is kept
thoroughly watered, mulching the surface with partially decomposed
manure 1 j to 2 inches thick, and the night temperature may be raised to
6S or 70°, 70° to 75° in the daytime by artificial means, and 80° to 85°
or 90° from sun heat. Still attend to tying in the shoots as they advance,
regulating them so as not to be too crowded, as by giving the young
shoots plenty of room the ripening fruit receives more sun for colouring,
and the wood becomes more solidified and better ripened for another
year.

Succession HuUses. — In these the routine will now be the thinning
of the fruit where too thickly set, first removing those that are badly
placed. This should be done gradually, as also should disbudding, com¬
mencing early, and persisting with it until no more shoots are left than
will be required for furnishing the bearing wood of another season, or
what is necessary for attracting the sap to the fruit, and for furnishing
the trees that are extending. There must not be any lack of water at
the roots of Peach and Nectarine trees in any stage of their growth,
therefore be not deceived by the surface appearing moist, but afford
water as required to keep the soil in a thoroughly moist state. Syringe
thoroughly in all houses morning and afternoon except when the trees
arc in blossom, in which case maintain a gentle fire heat in dull weather
so as to admit of moderate ventilation, as a. circulation of rather warm
(7)0° to 55°) dry air is conducive to a good set. If there are evaporation
troughs keep them filled with liquid manure when the fruit is swelling
freely after it has been thinned. This practice and sprinkling the
borders occasionally at closing time with guano water, 1 lb. to 20 gallons
of water, will assist in keeping red spider in check. Mildew sometimes
infests the fruit and foliage, in which case flowers of sulphur must be
applied to the infested parts. Aphides must be kept under by fumigation,
having the foliage dry, and being careful not to give an overdose.

Late Houses. — The trees are in capital condition. The buds are only
swelling in the case of trees from which the roof lights have been with¬
drawn, neither the wood nor buds having suffered in the least, but those,
the roof -lights of which are fixed, are in a more forward state, and will
need a genial warmth — enough at night to exclude frost, and in the
daytime a temperature of 50° with ventilation, to insure well-developed
flowers. This is essential to a good set after the anthers show clear of
the corolla. Unheated houses should be very freely ventilated in bright
weather, and some scrim canvas drawn over the roof when the sun is
powerful will do much to retard the flowering, whilst its employment at
night will insure safety from frost.

Vines. — Early Houses. — Colouring will be proceeding in the early
forced houses. With a view to insure well-swelled berries, afford a
thorough supply of tepid liquid manure, and mulch at once with 2 or
:S inches thickness of partially decayed rather lumpy manure. Nothing
answers so well as stable litter having the strawy portion shaken out.
This will mostly be sufficient for the Vines until the Grapes are cut, and
the stimulus given the roots will secure healthy foliage, its retention
being essential to prevent premature growth. Still continue damping
at closing time for Black Hamburghs until they are well advanced in
colouring, after which reduce the moisture gradually, not failing to
Huintain a circulation of warm air day and night. Those fortunate
enough to have a house of Madresfield Court, which is an excellent
early and midseason Grape for home and market, will add to the mulch¬
ing advised a 8-inch thickness of clean dry straw, or preferably rough
ch >pped straw, and exclude water from the house after the Grapes show
a decided change of colour, securing a circulation of warm air con¬
stantly. Treated in this way it does not crack. It is superb in bunch,
berry, and finish, and the quility unequalled by any except Muscat of
Alexandria.

Succession Houses. — Disbud ling, shopping, and tying the shoots will
need attention, not allowing this work to fall into arrear. Stop two
joints beyond the fruit where the space is somewhat restricted, allowing
four or five where there is spa^e for that extension, and allow the
laterals to extend, so as to insure an even spread of foliage having ex¬
posure to light, avokling overcrowding. After the space is occupied
keep the growths stopped, as large reductions of foliage at one time are
very prejudicial. On no account allow the thinning to remain undone
a day longer than is necessary to ascertain the best set bunches. Free-
setting varieties, such as Black Hamburgh, may be thinned as soon as
the berries are formed ; but Muscats and other shy setters ought not to
l>e thinned until the properly fertilised berries are taking the lead. No
rule can be laid down for thinning, as the size of the berries varies in
different Vines of the same variety. Healthy, strong Vines swell off
much finer berries than those that are not so vigorous ; but space should
be left, so that each berry will have room to swell without wedging #r
crushing. Yet they must be close enough to retain the form of the

bunch when placed upon the dish. Vines in flower should have a cir¬
culation of warm rather dry air, and a temperature of 65° to 70° at
night for Black Hamburgh and similar sorts, and 70° to 75° for Muscats.
The latter and similar shy setters should be brushed over with a camel’s
hair brush, so as to rid the stigmas of the glutinous substance about
the time the blossom is fully expanded, choosing a warm part of the
day after the house has been rather freely ventilated. Varieties defi¬
cient of pollen should have it applied, collecting it from those that
afford it freely. When the Grapes have been thinned and are fairly
swelling supply tepid water or liquid manure, and mulch with rather
fresh lumpy manure a couple of inches thick, kept moist by dampii g
daily, especially at closing time. Admit air early and liberally as the
heat increases, seeking to secure stout short-jointed wood and thick
leathery foliage. Close early, with plenty of atmospheric moisture,
raising the heat from the sun to 85° to 90°, and allow the night tempera¬
ture to fall to between 00° and 05°.

Late Houses. — If started as previously advised the Vines will be
swelling their buds. Ply the syringe freely ’twice a day, or more if
needed, seeking to secure a good break by closing the house with a genial
humid atmosphere at a temperature of 75°. The sap rushing to the
upper part of the rods will often cause the eyes to break unevenly,
especially young Vines, unless the canes be brought into a horizontal
position for a time. Let the inside borders be brought into a thoroughly
moist condition. The outside borders must have sufficient protective
material to prevent chill from snow and frost. A few inches thickness
of stable dung freed of the rougher portions of straw is sufficient.
Being lumpy, it will admit of the free access of the sun’s warmth, and
of rain and air.

We would again urge the importance of starting late varieties of
Grapes without delay, as a longer period of growth is mostly all that is
needed to produce good-sized and highly finished fruit and such as
possess good keeping qualities. Syringe the rods several times a day,
maintaining a moist atmosphere by damping the borders, &c., every even¬
ing, but not the Vines, as they should become dry at least once in the
twenty-four hours. It is decidedly advantageous to cover the inside
borders with fresh stable litter. Night temperature 50° to 55°, and 65°
by day from sun.

Late houses of Black Hamburghs may be allowed to break naturally,
it sufficing if the Grapes are thinned by early June and the fruit ripened
in late September. Ripened early they are liable to lose colour and
quality by hanging, which is not peculiar to Hamburghs but to all
black Grapes with thin skins, though none lose colour so badly as Ham¬
burghs.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 6.

It lias occurred to me that even now there may be
some of my readers who do not know the dimensions of
what is commonly known and spoken of as the “ standard
frame.” The following is the description given in the
“British Bee-keeper’s Guide Book,” and it is so concise
and lucid that it may with advantage be reproduced.
“ The outside dimensions are 14 inches long by 8^ inches
deep, the top bar being three-eighths of an inch thick, the
bottom bar one -eighth of an inch, and the side bars a
quarter of an inch thick, the width being seven-eighths of
an inch.” This is the Association standard frame. In
several respects the frame might he improved, but it is so
generally used in its present form that I am convinced
that the wiser policy is to make our frames according to
these dimensions, and remedy any defects by other means.
The enormous advantage of having one sized frame almost
universally used cannot be overrated !

The sections which are most generally used and are
most readily saleable are the one-pound size. The dimen¬
sions of these are 4£ by 41 by 2 inches. These may be
purchased at 11s. fora five -hundred case. This year a
rage seems to have set in for narrower sections. Any
one who would like to try a narrower section may pur¬
chase a few of the 4t by 41 by 11 inch size. No altera¬
tion in either “racks” or “cases” will be necessary.
The old racks are equally suitable for either size, except
that when the narrower Gze is used every rack will hold
| four in a row where it has hitherto held three only. I

240

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ March 24, 1887.

hardly expect to reap any benefit from the change, but
for the sake of testing the relative values of the two sizes
a few will this year be used in my apiary, and the result
shall be reported at the close of the year's work.

In constructing hives to winter out of doors, unless
double walls are used the wood must be 1 inch thick
before it is planed. Many bee-keepers think that single-
walled hives winter bees equally as well as those with
double walls. Mr. Cheshire speaks very emphatically in
favour of the space between the walls being filled with
cork dust, and points out that a dead air space is of com¬
paratively small value. There is no hive which I can
describe or claim to be the best of all, but in view of the
fact that there may be some who would like to know how
to construct a simple hive at a small cost, it is my inten¬
tion to describe in detail bow to make a hive which will
combine all the essential necessaries for successful
management with simplicity and cheapness. In such a hive
there will be nothing original, nothing new. A simple
case to contain a certain number of frames and so con¬
structed as to be useful for all purposes for which it may
be required. The old question will of course be raised —
What are the essential necessaries ?

The “ Woodbury hive ” is still in use in some parts of
this country : it is either made of wood or straw, and
usually contains ten frames. 4 hese frames are smaller
than tfie standard irames above described ; the dimensions
are 13 by 7 1 inches inside measurement, with projections
of five-eighths of an inch at either end; the inside mea¬
surement of the hive itself is 14£ inches square and
9 inches deep. The most novel feature in the hive is that
between the tops of the frames and the under side of the
crown board there is a three -eighths bee space left, so
that the bees can at all times travel over the top bars of
the frame and so have free access to the different combs.
This frame is less suitable to the requirements of the
apiary than the “Standard,” and it is only here described
because some may desire to possess a hive of the kind
which gave great results in past years. 4 he “Woodbury
super” is 13 inches square and 6 deep, and contains
eight bars, and is made of glass.

Every rack of sections will require “ dividers.”
These are made of wood or tin ; if of wood they must be
cut as thin as possible, wood are the better. Those used
in my apiary stretch from side to side of the rack and
rest on pieces of wood quarter of an inch high laid along
the sides of the bottom of the racks. The dividers
must be wide enough to extend within a quarter of an
inch of the top> of the sections, and will for the 41 by 4p
sections be about 13 inches long by 3J inches wide. Two-
pound sections are occasionally used, but unless in a
locality where a special demand exists for these larger
sizes it. will be wiser to discontinue their use, as they are
much less readily saleable, and there is considerably more
risk in transit. Large indivisible supers are of little
value, and are rarely saleable at a good price, although
occasional purchasers may still be found for the “ Crystal
Palaces ” in which bee-keepers only a generation ago
used to exult. Large divisible supers, such as the
“ Stewarton,” are easily sold in some districts and are
very beautiful to the eye, but for general purposes they
hardly seem to suit the taste of the consumer of to-day.
My experience does not extend to Scotland, where these
large divisible supers seem to be easily sold at good
prices. It has never been necessary for me to send my
honey far from home when I wish to sell it ; it is gene¬
rally sold a year before it is produced.

_ The above notes are somewhat discursive, and are not

arranged so methodically as they might have been, but
this article is meant simply to fill up, as it were, the in¬
terstices left in preceding contributions, and so make all
who have followed me in former advice to more readily
grasp what has been written in the past, and to prepare
them to receive what I hope to write during the next few
months on the practical management of the apiary. —
Felix.

BEES LEAVING THEIR HIVE AFTER BEING HIVED.

“ Felix,” some time ago, when speaking of bees leaving their hive
after being hived, said : “ Why it is has never yet, so far as I have
heard, been explained.” “ Felix ” may not have observed my remarks
on the subject, but I have frequently alluded to it, and in my essay
(page 05) some of my observations are recorded, and may be summed
up in the following : — The bees before swarming may have discovered
some untenanted combs, which they, after swarming, will attempt to
occupy, in spite of being provided with a suitable hive, unless the said
combs have been made distasteful to the bees by carbolic acid. Bees
swarming from a hive having little honey will be liable to leave their
hive unless immediately provided with food. Stranger bees and a
duality of queens, either from their own or another hive, causes the
queens to be encased or balled when the bees leave the hive, as if by
stratagem to save their queen. The foregoing are undoubtedly some of
the direct causes of bees leaving their hive. But there are other causes.
One of them is that the swarm is often queenless — oftener than many
bee-keepers suspect. The following is an instance which occurred here
last summer, and which will suffice for explanation. The hive in ques¬
tion was a top swarm about six weeks hived, when it threw a “ virgin ”
swarm. It was hived in a neighbour’s garden, and he appropriated the
swarm, joining it to one of his own. In this case, under these circum¬
stances, the bees remained, and fraternised with their neighbours in
their new abode ; but had they been placed in an empty hive they
would certainly have returned. An examination made on the old hive
shortly thereafter revealed the fact that the queen regnant, now very
heavy and of large size, had never left the hive, and the queen cells were
being destroyed. Such cases are by no means common, but are more
frequent than many may suppose.

Some years ago I had a hive of bees that persisted in swarming in
spite of every precaution on my part to prevent it. At length the old
queen was deposed, as well as every royal cell and young queen, unless,
one, which, according to the rule in swarming, should have ended it ;
but, strange to say, it did not until it had swarmed, and was returned
fi re times. Cases of this nature are so rare that bee-keepers need be
under little apprehension that any of their hives will suffer from such
an occurrence. My motive for mentioning it is simply to show the
strange aberrations that sometimes take place, and to induce bee¬
keepers to search in a wider field than they do for an explanation of
the mysteries that occur. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

®0° All correspondence should be directed either to “The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

LATE INQUIRIES.— It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Address (.4 Lady Reader).— Tbe address you require is Charles White-
head, Esq.. Banning House, Maidstone.

Strawberries in Pots (C. B. B.). — The precise information you require
was published at the top of the first column on page 221 last week. It is
not necessary to remove your plants from the present frame into one still
warmer unless you deBire to expedite the ripening of the fruit. The
variety you are growing is very useful, hut cannot be made to produce fruit
as large as ihat of Sir Joseph Paxtrn and Marguerite.

Lselia purpurata ( A . B. C.). — The peat should be covered with growing
sphagnum, and this w 11 give a good indication as to the water required, as
it must he kept in a fresh healthy condition. Only sufficient water is needed
to keep the peat moderately moist to prevent the growths suffering in any
way, but it must never he allowed to get into a soddened state. After the
flowering, when the growth is commenc ng, more water should be supplied.
Iu midwinter, when the days are short and there is little sun heat, less
water is requisite than at the present time, as with bright sun the plants a e
liable to si ffer if supplied too sparingly.

Saw oust for Mulching ( F.J. ). — We have not used sawdust from stables
I for mulching the soil over the roots of fruit trees. We think it might be

March 24, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER .

211

safely used for the purpose, but doubt it would be beneficial applied to
light soil, which it wou'd make still lighter, but it would hive a tendency
to improve the meehan cd condition of heavy land. You will have found
the information jou require on page 320 as to shortening long spurs on
fruit tree*, which number h id not reached you when your letter w is written.

Gladioli in Pots ( William). — We have seen numbers of Gladioli ad¬
mirably grown in pots and effectively employed in conservatory decoration.
In order to have the flowers early the plants may be s’arted in framep,
eventually plunging the pots in ashes or cocoa-nut fibre refuse, and growing
the plants in the open air as if they were Chrysanthemums. One large
corm may be placed in a 6-inch, and three medium-sized conns in a 7-inch,
and a greater number in larger pots if bold masses are. desired.

Vine Loaves Withering (Somerset). — If all the Vines are of the same
variety the shrivelling of the foliage of one only must be due to some local
cause. We once knew a similar ca-e, an 1 the evil was traced to the action
of frost on the st -m outside tin house through the slippinr of ihe hiybaud
with which it was wrapped. The cold arrestsd the flow of sap. We have
also known mice to nibble the s-ems of Vines and prevent sap flowing with
sufficient freedom from supporting these growths. In the case of your
Vine, the sap has been sufficient to support the sub-laterals but not the
large leaves, from which the transpiration of moisture would be con¬
siderable.

Bose Sporting ( Frank Ashram). — It is extremely unusual fora Rose to
throw such a distinct sport as the bloom you have sent represents — a dear
yellow Ro e from Souvenir d’un Ami. Are you certain that no one has
inserted a bu 1 < f M irdchal Niel ? The specimen resembles a small bloom
of that, and it is lesa pointed than the blooms are of the variety from which
it is cut. Assuming it is really a sport, by all means encourage it to grow
and establish it by budding on separate stock*, then when you obtiin good
well-developed blooms submit them to the Floral Commi.tee of the Royal
Horticultural Societv.

Market Gardeners Exhibiting (J. R. W). — We do not think that as a rule
market gardeners should be allowed to compete with gentlemen’s gardeners
and amateurs in cla-ses from which nurserymen are excluded. A market
gardener is as much a trader as a nurseryman is, and as such can purchase
produce for exhibiting, but whether he does so or not we think he is equally
with a nurseryman out of place in the amateur clas=e*. If it is the inten¬
tion of your Committee to place market gardeners on the same footing as
nurserymen, you can inform them of that when they send in their entries ;
then if they stage th*-ir produce in wrong classes the judge can bo instructed
to pass them when awarding the prizes.

Concentrated Manures (TV. J.). — The mixture to which you refer has
given gr at satisfaction to the accomplished author of our Home Farm
articles, who ha* proved th"ir value by experience ; at the same time o her
excellent authorities are of opinion that muriate of potash is more econo¬
mical than the nitrate, and better also than kiinita or sulphate of potash.
By all means try the dealer’s mixture against the other, employing either
the nitrate or muriate of potash. Mr. Cooke, you would perceive on
page 204, used the litter with extraordinary results. You mi lit perhaps
like to try the two forms of potish on separate plots, expending an equal
amount on each. Such experiments are both interesting and instructive.

Vine Borders Covered with Galvanised Iron Sheeting (J. D.). — It is
very unlikely to bring mildew on early Vines, but will probably prevent it.
The most likely cause of the mildew is the outside border beiDg “wet and
soapy,” which his thrown the Vines into ill health. We advise, as a
remedy, lifting the Vines, or rather the roots in the outside border, re¬
moving th? old soil, and rectifying the drainage and relaying the roots in
fresh compost nearer the surface. This may be done in August with Vines
that ripen the Grapes in May. If covered with a good thickness of dry
leaves and litter before forcing is commenced there is no danger of the
roots being injur d by cold.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of p’ants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plant*, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(8.). — 1, Echium fastuosum. 2, Gynura aurantiaca. ( B . IV) — Pittosporum
undulatum.

A Superbody ( F . <?.). — ‘ Felix,” in reply to your letter, writes: — A
‘superbody” is a hive placed upon another hive for the purpose either of
enlarging the brood nest or of giving room for the storing of surplus honey.
Many bee-keepers think that a hive containing ten standard frames is large
enough for the “ brood nest.” They think that at supering time every cell
in these ten frames should be filled with “ brood.” I think that bees are
only fit for snpering when the body hive contains at l-ast ten pounds of
honey and the other cells are filled with brood and po len. Now, if the size of
a brood nest consisting only often standard frames is diminished by several
combs containing a conside-able quan’ity of honey, further room must be
given for the purpose of giving the queen an opportunity of extending the
brood nest, aec -riling to her capacity for brood production. If a hive foms
12 inches in depth and 18 inches in diameter is used supers may be placed
when the be- s are ready to work in them. If a hive of ten or twelve frames
is prefe-red it is wiser to place a “ superbody ” also of ten or twelve frames
of the same size above the “ body hive,” and thus enable the queen to extend
her brood nest and the bees to store sufficient honey, to which the bees
can at all times have easy access without cramping the queen, and conse-
quent’y ruining the stock. Those who use hives containing twenty or other
large number of frames will not need to nse superbodies, it will suffice for
them to place upon the stocks when in proper condition “ supers of frames,”
from which the honey may be run or extracted. I have had hives of ten
standard fram. s which have given good results, but good results are not
what I require. I want the best ” results, and so it may be expected do
all bee-keepers. On a strong stock managed on the “non-swarming”
system at least five racks of twenty-one 1-lb. sections should be in various
stages of progress at once, and unless the season is unfavourable nearly
every section should be finished without trouble. The yield of section
honey will not be diminished by giving room for an extended brood nest ;

it will be increased, and the combs in the super body will not — if the section
arrangements are properly carried out — contain much honey. If you have
no f am s of comb these frames of foundation may be used, and will be
invaluable a* spare combs npon which to hive driven bees or for use in
superbodies in the f Mowing year, even if it is not thought desirable to
winter the stock on two tiers of frames. A strong stock will, with a little
aid, drt wout sheets of foundation very quickly.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET— March 23hd.
No alteration. Business very quiet.

FRUIT.

B

d

8

d.

8.

d.

0.

1.

Apples .

4 sieve

s

0

to 5

0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada,

per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries .

4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs .

100 lb.

GO

0

65

0

Pine Apples English . . th.

1

6

2

0

Figs .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Plums .

4 sieve

1

0

2

0

Graues .

4

0

8

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

6

0

Lentous .

0

15

0

Strawberries . . .

per lb.

8

0

12

0

VEGETABLES.

8

d.

8.

d

8

d.

Artichokes ..

. dozen

1

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .

. dozen

1

0

to 1

0

Asparagus ..

. bundle

8

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

8

I

6

Beans, Kidney

. per lb

i

G

0

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

6

Beet, Red .. .

. dozen

i

0

2

0

Ouions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen

bunche 8

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. 4 sieve

2

0

2

6

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

3

0

Cabbage .

. dozen

i

6

0

0

Potatoes .. .. .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums .. .

100

i

6

2

0

,, Kidney .

. cwt.

4

0

6

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

4

0

0

Khubarb .. «

bundle

3

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery .

bundle

i

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale .. .. per basket

1

6

a

0

Cucumbers . . .

. each

0

4

0

6

Shallots .

0

8

0

0

Eudive .

. dozen

l

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

6

Heros .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes .. ..

.. tb.

1

0

2

0

Leeks .....

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

S.

d.

8.

d.

0.

a

Aralia Sieboldi .

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Fern?, in variety .

dozen

4

0 to 18

Arbor vitfe (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elastic*

each

i

6

7

n

„ (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var

. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea .. .. per dozen 24

0

8G

0

Hyacinths .. per dozen

6

0

9

n

Begonias . . .

dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley.. ..

dozen

2

0

24

O

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy

dozen

G

0

12

n

Cyclamen . . . .

dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles .

dozen

6

0

12

n

Dracaana termiualis, dozen 30

0

60

0

N arcUs ( various) .

dozen 12

0

15

0

„ viridis ..

dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

each

2

6

21

n

Erica, various

dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Solan* ms

per doz.

9

0

12

o

Evergreens, in var

dozen

6

0

24

0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots

0

0

9

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d-

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

«

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Azalea

12 sprays

0

6

i

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardiis ..

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss. Paper-white bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias

blooms

1

6

4

0

„ White English, bunch

1

3

1

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

I

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

0

0

0

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

6

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

Roses .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

,, (indoor), per dozen

1

0

2

6

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

6

Cyclamen

12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

8

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

7

0

Eplphyllnm ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Poinsettia .. 12 blooms

0

0

0

6

Encharis

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias

12 blooms

12

0

24

0

(double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Tropseolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Latmgeria, red

, 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

6

i

0

Liliam longiflorum, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

2

0

2

<

REFORM IN AGRICULTURE.

To improvements in the direction pointed out in our
last paper we must add many others in order to effect a
reform calculated to be thorough in every branch and
detail of a farmer’s calling. It is undoubtedly owing to a
want of enterprise and energy that we have allowed so
much that is profitable in agriculture to be wrested from
us by farmers on the Continent and in the Colonies.
Shrewd men of business cater for popular wants, for
requirements of a sure, lasting, and frequently growing

242

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ March 24, 1887.

nature. Only a day or two before writing this article we
met a clever and successful farmer, who at the ripe age of
eighty-five still farms 1000 acres of land, holding his own
under the depression in a manner that would put to shame
many younger men. He had been to invest some of his
surplus capital in the shares of a flourishing water com¬
pany. “ For,” said he, “ I knew I could not go wrong in
that direction ; water must always be wanted, and no
invention can set aside or curtail its use.” Right enough,
was he not ? and we doubt not that the shrewd intelli¬
gence and sound common sense brought to bear upon
that investment have enabled him to hold his own in
farming even in these hard times.

We want to see more of sound business habits in rela¬
tion to the manufacture and sale of farm produce. How
frequently do we see samples of inferior corn offered for
sale ! They are either dirty, light, or of a sort which
buyers know to be inferior and will not give a remunera¬
tive price for. Now, to grow an inferior sort of corn or
to offer badly cleaned samples for sale is suicidal. A little
thought would soon show that the pure samples of our
leading corn merchants are only to be had by careful
selection and thorough cleaning. Said a farmer in our
hearing recently, “Forty shillings a bushel was the price
Webb would have given for my Red Clover seed , if there
had been no Dock or Plantain seed among it, and I had
to take 5s. a bushel less money for it,” or in plain
English he suffered a loss of from .£1 to £3 an acre from
foul seed.

Let it not be forgotten, however, that the careful
selection of seed must go hand in hand with the high
cultivation of the soil. Quite in > ain is it to pay a high
price for Giant or Pedigree Wheat if the soil is not dry,
clean, and fertile ; depend upon it fine Wheat ears are
never grown in poor soil, and for farms fallen out of cul¬
tivation we avoid using choice sorts of corn during the
first year or two of reclamation. This is a very simple
matter not at all difficult to understand, yet we fear that
much money has been wasted upon the purchase of choice
seed for land so low in condition as to prove quite un¬
suited to its culture. Failure follows, leading to an
unjust outcry about highly coloured descriptions of seed
merchants. Well might they retort by showing how-
faulty practice on the part of the purchaser led to
inevitable failure.

The same reasoning applies to the management of
live stock. Procure only the best, fatten quickly, and
sell at once when they are ready for market. Some five
months ago we purchased some home-bred bullocks for
£8 apiece ; by close attention to giving them full advan¬
tage of shelter, cleanliness, and a liberal diet consisting
entirely of food grown upon the farm, we were able to
sell them recently for £21 5s. a piece. The farmer of
whom we purchased them has still got some of the same
age, the best of which are not now worth more than £9
apiece, simply because they have been kept in a state of
semi-starvation all the winter. A diet of unchaffed
Barley straw and winter quarters in a yard open to the
north-east accounts for the low condition of beasts that
should now be ripe for the butcher. Need we wonder
that this farmer was loud in complaints about hard times,
and is behind with his rent ? In pleasing contrast to this
slovenly practice was the sight of some 300 pigs at the
homestead of another tenant farmer who keeps forty
breeding sows, and who told us that he got enough profit
from his pigs to pay the whole of the labour expenses
of his farm. The severe losses from swine fever which
have been so general will, we hope, induce greater atten¬

tion to the importance of cleanliness in pig mmagement.
Pigs may be said to answer better than any other live
stock at the present time. Recent quotations of prices
at Smithfield Market, per stone of 8 lbs. were: —

Beef ...
Mutton
Veal ...
Pork ...

s. d. s. d.
2 0 to 3

2 4 „ 4

3 8 „ 4 8

3 0 „ 4 (3

Of pork the skin, head, and feet are weighed in, but
of other animals the hides, feet, and head arc not weighed,
and therefore pigs have an advantage as a saleable com¬
modity which should not be overlooked, as that advantage
is clearly on the side of the farmer and not on that of the
butcher. It should also be remembered that pigs of
the size known as “Londoners,” are under good manage¬
ment ready for market at ages ranging from four to five
months, when they realise a better price than older pigs.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Advantage has been taken of the dry frosty weather to clear off a
large quantity of faggots and timber from the park and meadows.
Under ordinary circumstances this work would be done in midwinter,
but we have had so much extra tree trimming and timber felling that
the clearance could not be done sooner. So important is it to get timber
off grass before growth begins that we had to make a special effort to
finish such heavy extra work in time to avoid injury to pasture. The
culture and general management of timber is a branch of estate work
worthy of greater attention and care than is often given it. We regret
to see mismanaged and neglected timber so frequently, for our work of
estate management takes us far and wide, and we see much of other
estates, and our own practice renders the eye critical. Planting, trim¬
ming, thinning, are of equal importance among trees, in planting there
is a very general wish to produce a certain immediate effect ; this is
correct practice, provided care is taken to plant for the future as well.
We must so plant permanent trees as to allow ample space for full
development, as well as for shelter and picturesque grouping. In belt
planting this winter diagonal rows of trees run through the entire length
of each belt. Twenty-six sorts of trees have been so planted, one distinct
sort to a row, and between such rows alternately we have a mixed row
of Larch and Yew alternately with a mixed row of Box and Holly.
This arrangement is continued throughout the entire belt, our object
being to have the Larch as nurses, and Yew, Box, and Holly as game
covert. The permanent trees used are Wych Elm, Scotch Fir, White
Birch, Douglas Fir, Common Oak, Weymouth Pine, Horse Chestnut,
Pinus Cembra, Lombardy Poplar, Spanish Chestnut, Austrian Pine,
Tliuia gigantea, Pinus Laricio, Beech, Common Silver Fir, Robinia,
Pinus excelsa, Norway Maple, White Spruce, Abies Morinda, Lime,
Pice i Pinsapo, Sycamore, Picea Nordmaniana, Plane (P. occidental is),
and Cedar of Lebanon. The last named tree was introduced in the belts
to carry on a line of Cedars round the whole of the park. Some of the
old Cedars have been much broken by snow this winter, and it is worth
knowing that Cedrus atlantica suffers very little from damage in this
way. From our experience of the three Cedrus, Libani, atlantica, and
Deodara, we are convinced that atlantica is the most suitable for
general planting. It is very ornamental, grows very fast, and under
careful trimming its bole soon becomes massive an l imposing.

METEOROLOGICAL 0 43ERVATIOXS.
ClMDBS SiJUAKe, Losuos.

Lat. 51° 32' 40' N.; L mg. 0° S' 0" W. ; Altitule. Ill 'oat.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN TUB l>A.r.

i 5N cfl — .

Hygrome-

a .

OtJ

.

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

0“^ >

ter.

♦a d

O

cL— • o
ei -d o

perature.

Temperature

X

Mar.h.

££

iu

On

33 3 as

Dry.

Wet.

5 o

Max

Mm.

8nu.

laches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

d*g

deg

deg

In.

Sunday ....

.13

30.163

3L.0

30.2

N.

37.1

41.0

24 2

84.3

17.4

—

Monday ....

..14

23.961

29.9

23.3

N-

36.3

41.8

22.4

79 7

18.2

0.050

Tuesday ....

..15

29.802

3 *2

32.8

N.

35.9

84 3

27.3

33.6

23 8

0.373

Wednesday

..10

23.945

33.1

32.7

N-ifi.

35.7

42.9

28 G

87.3

#61.8

—

Thursday ..

.17

30.i '99

32.3

31.9

N.E.

35.4

38.4

2 i.2

67 6

21.8

—

Friday .

..18

30.209

33.6

31.3

N.

oo.6

41.1

26 4

82.9

22 2

—

Saturday ..

..11)

30.315

33 2

31.3

N.

35.2

41.4

23.1

82.6

19 2

—

30.070

32.3

31.2

35.8

40.1

25.5

74 7

• 22.0

0.423

» Tlie thermome.er was covered by the snow which fell early in the night.

REMARKS.

13th.— Cold, bright, and clear,

ltth.— Bright morning, cloudy a little in alternoon, and enough snow fell about 4.31 P.M.

to whiten the ground. A

15th.— Snow about an inch deep at 9 A.M , and falling all day and part of night; depth at
9 P.M. nearly 5 inches.

isth. — Snow 5 incr es deep at 9 A.M. ; glorious day, melting the snow very rapidly.

17th. — Bright and fine early, frequent slight snow showers all day, solar halo in afternoon.
18th.— Very bright early, sunshine with occasional slight snow showers during day.
19th.— Fine and bright, ’with flakes ol snow falling occasionally.

An extremely wintry week, with au unusually heavy fall of snow. With one excep¬
tion the coldest wee c of the year, the average minimum temperature being the lowest for
any week. Six degrees colder than the preceding week, and ten degrees below the
average.— G. J. STMONS.

March 81. 1?87. ]

JOURNAL Or' HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

243

81

TH

Royal Society at 4.80 p m.

1

E

y

s

Rryal Fo'anio Society at 3.45 p.M

8

KCN

Palm Sunday.

4

M

5

To

6

W

THE SPRING SHOWS.

IIE last fortnight in March reminds us that
the exhibition season has again commenced, to
be continued with scarcely any intermission
until December. The latter month, with
January and February, forms the only period
when the horticultural exhibitor has no
special calls upon his time and attention, but
from March onwards there is a succession of
showrs of more or less importance. 'J he exhibitions held
recently in the metropolis, and at some large provincial
cities like Liverpool and Bath, have been very satisfactory,
the two latter especially so. In addition to these we
have in and near London special displays at the principal
nurseries, such for example as Amaryllises, bulbs, and
Orchids at Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ and B. S. Williams’
establishments ; bulbs and miscellaneous plants at Messrs.
W. Cutbush & Sons ; Orchids and general flowering
plants at Messrs. J. Laing & Co., H. Cannell & Sons, with
many others. At this time of year the Hyacinths con¬
stitute the great feature both at the nurseries and the
exhibitions, but they have not been quite so fine as usual
as regards size of spikes, although there has been a more
general uniformity and fewer rough specimens than is
sometimes the case. Another very pleasing character in
all the contributions has been the freshness and bright¬
ness of colours, which for exhibition purposes has ren¬
dered them pariicularly welcome. Despite the tormality
of long rows of Hyacinths rising tier upon tier from the
stages, they are indispensable at these early shows, and
their individual beauty compensates for their collective
formality. At the same time it is regretable that some
attempt is not made to vary the mode of arranging such
plants. At present they are either placed in the parallel
line system, or they are “heaped” together with a
number of other brightly flowered plants that effectually
“ kill ” each other, and it is difficult to say which is pre¬
ferable. An exhibitor recently attempted a group of the
latter kind, in which, by a plentiful use of Azaleas,
Daffodils, and Cytisuses, the Hyacinths were rendered
dull-looking objects, and the general effect was a gaudy
mass of conflicting colours almost painful to contemplate.
In a tastefully arranged conservatory Hyacinths can be
employed to advantage by a judicious association with
Ferns, Lilies of the Valley, and other white or soft-tinted
flowers, and there is no reason why something of the
kind should not be seen at exhibitions.

The >arieties of Hyacinths are not increased with the
same rapidity as many other popular plants, and the
Dutch growers seem to find it difficult to improve upon
some of their older productions. Comparatively few
novelties make their appearance each year, and of these
No. 353.— Vol. XIV., Third Series.

but a small number take a place amongst those of proved
merit. A dozen varieties that are notable f r their uni¬
form good condition in different collections and imported
from different growers are the following, all single
varieties: — La Grandcsse, pure white, very large bells,
and handsome massive spike; King of the Blues, very
dark rich blue; Lord Derby, pale blue, fine spike;
Koh-i-Noor, pink, massive spike; Charles Dickens, blue,
light centre, handsome; King of the Blacks, intensely
dark bluish black ; Norma, delicate pale pink, very large
bells, x’ecurving segments ; Baron Van Tuyll, bright rich
blue, good spike; Vuurbaak, bright red, compact spikes,
very fresh and good everywhere; King of the Yellows,
bright clear yellow, compact spike ; Ida, pale yellow,
good; and Boi des Beiges, bright rosy red, very fresh
and effective.

Tulips have not been so numerously represented this
season, but Daffodils in all their varied forms have
occupied great space at the London exhibitions, and prove
how popular they have become within the past few years.
From the giant forms of the large Trumpet Daffodils to
the diminutive and graceful Bulbocodiums and Corbu-
larias the range of variation is sufficient to gratify any¬
one, and the gradations in many cases fine enough to
puzzle even the specialists. Admirably grown Cyclamens
have been shown, but we are now so accustomed to seeing
the vigorous “ market plants ” at exhibitions that they
do not attract so much attention as they would have done
a few years since, when really first-rate Cyclamens were
not so frequent in private gardens as they are at present,
thanks in a great measure to the rapid and excellent
system of culture adopted by trade growers.

The Roses have made their first appearance of the
season, not of course in their perfection of form and
colour, but beautiful reminders of what are to come later
on, and excellent for the time of year. The charming
varieties of the Polyantha type, Paquerette and Migno¬
nette, have been much admired, and well adapted as they
are for culture, either as standards or dwarfs and for
car'y forcing, they might be advantageously grown much
more extensively in gardens. They are exceedingly
graceful, very floriferous, and easily grown, and it is to
be hoped the rumour is true which leads us to expect
several important additions to the group this season.
Adding to these the Orchids, the Amaryllises, the Iman-
topbyllums, and the Cinerarias, it will be seen that there
has been no lack of material to produce the bright cheer¬
ing displays for which the spring shows are celebrated.

SPRING TREATMENT OF STRAWBERRY
PLANTS.

There are many gardens where Peaches, Apricots,
and other choice fruits cannot be grown with advantage,
but Strawberries can be grown nearly everywhere, and
with the exception of the Gooseberry they are more
popular than any other fruit. I know scores of amateurs
who find it very difficult to manage Apples and Pears
satisfactorily in their localities, but the Strawberries
never fail to reward them handsomely for the attention
they receive, and a good Strawberry bed is always a part
of the garden which is regarded with pride by small
holders. So far, I do not remember Strawberry plants
in the open to be more backward than they are at pre¬
sent. As yet they are more dead than alive in appear¬
ance, and their promise of being remunerative two
months or three months hence is remote enough ; but it
No. 2009.— Voe. LXXVI., Old Series.

244

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Maroh 81, 1887.

is aston'shing how rapidly they progress in the genial
weather of April and May. I am not inclined to find
fault with the backward state of Strawberries in March,
as they are well rested, and it argues in favour of their
starting freely and strongly into growth as soon as favour¬
able weather occurs. Late growth also enables those
who have been neglecting their plantations to put them
in good order before the season is too far advanced.

If the beds or rows are old, and have occupied the
same ground for many years, annual dressings of manure
should be applied to them, and these may be put on now
w.tli as much benefit as at any other time. If the plants
are growing close together in beds or wide rows manure,
it forked in at the outer edge, would not benefit the plants
generally ; but in such cases, if the manure is not dug in
but simply spread amongst the plants as a surface dress¬
ing, it will improve them greatly. Short manure is the
best for the purpose, as it soon settles down in the vacan¬
cies amongst the plants, and any which remains is by
fruiting time washed so clean that it acts as a mulching
and keeps the fruit from the soil Where the plants are
growing singly a small quantity of good manure should be
placed round each plant. Where they are in narrow
rows the manure may be forked in just under the sur¬
face and as close to the roots as possible.

I many cases Strawberry plants are allowed to grow
until all trace of a row or bed has been lost, and such
plants soon produce fruit of a very inferior kind, but they
may be improved wondt rfully by cutting the plants well
in with a spade, clearing the detached part away and
manuring heavily along the sides of the plants which
remain. This is an operation which should also have
immediate attention. Some of our Strawberries which
are growing in rows have extended until the rows be¬
came too close, and one day this week we ro >ted up
ever} alternate row, cleared them away, and manured
and forked the ground. Now the remaining rows have
plenty of space, and this and the manure will cause them
to improve so much as almost to become young plants of
the best quality, while the crop this year will be a full one.

I do not believe in the system of renewing Strawberry
plantations every three or four years. Some of the most
profitable plantations we possess have occupied their pre¬
sent quarters for fourteen years, and now that we have
been dressing them as above indicated the crop this year
will, I am sure, be as good as ever. I daresay s une of
y ur readers who intend forming a new Strawberry bed
last season may have allowed the time to pass until it was
too late to do so. This is a common occurrence with
many garden crops, but in the case of Strawberries they
need not wait until the autumn again before planting, as
this operation may be carried out in spring as well as in
autumn, and much better now than in late autumn. By
planting at once the young plants will soon grow and
make much progress in the early summer months. They
may not fruit much this season, but they will be in good
cond tion for bearing full crops next year. In large
gardens where ground is plentiful cultivators may plant at a
distance of 18 inches or more apart in rows, but in small
gardens where every inch of ground is valuable I would
not follow this jdan, but I would plant them ahoul G inches
apart in the form of beds 4 or 5 feet wide, and a much
heavier crop would be obtained from a given space in this
way than by wide planting. — A Kitchen Gardener.

DAMPING HOUSES.

Ik regard to “ G. L. B.’s ” question on this subject opinions differ,
but a bouse tbat is beated with flues will require more damping in order

to maintain a sufficient supply of moisture than a house heated with
hot-water pipes, for a hot dry heat is most injurious to the majority of
plants. No harm can be done in syringing Vines, especially where flues
are the only means of supplying the heat, as it will assist growth and
prevent the well known enemy the red spider becoming too abundant.
Your correspondent syringes Ferns at night ; but in this I do not agree,
for by damping them so late it will be impossible for them to become
dry before it is dark, and consequently the fronds would suffer from
damp. In cases like this I recommend damping the stages and floors
once or twice in the evening when going round.

I have learned from experience that syringing Chrysanthemums is
very beneficial in assisting their growth. In conclusion, I hope some
of your able correspondents will take this matter up and give us their
opinions, by which we may be able to profit. — R. Kirby, Hammerrvood.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

C Continued from page 227.)

STOCKS.

The question of stocks and their varieties is one that must
interest the beginner before he advances very far in Rose-growing.
With a knowledge of them he will be able to select the kind which
will be most suitable for his land and his requirements, at the same
time avoiding those which would be useless. The various kinds of
stocks are standards, dwarfs, cuttings and seedlings— all these are
Dog Roses — and Manetti and Grefferie stocks. These latter two
are always, as far as I know, dwarfs.

Standards are only suitable for sheltered situations. In windy
or exposed places it is difficult to keep them on their legs, and even

Fig. 43.— A standard Rose tree.

if securely staked and tied the branches are always getting broken
off during heavy gales, disfiguring the plant, and leading to dis¬
appointment and annoyance. The reader will have gathered from
my article on pruning that it is much more difficult for a beginner
to prune a standard than a dwarf plant. If the plain truth be told,
it really is a fact, that if exhibition blooms are desired, the proper
way to prune a standard is to cut the head off every spring, leaving
about three buds on each shoot. When standards came into fashion
it became necessary for the nurseryman *o bud all the varieties on
these stocks, the result being, in most cases, the production of a lot
of plants which resembled nothing in this woill so much as mops
on sticks. Strictly speaking, only such varieties as are of long
branching habit are suitable for growing in this way. When well
done, and planted in their proper position, there is no doubt that
standard Rose trees are beautiful objects, but we see the mop-stick
style of growth twenty times as often as we see the other. Fig. 43
gives my idea of what a standard Rose tree should be. With all
its disadvantages, and they are many, the standard has one solitary
advantage — the points where the buds are inserted, being so far
from the ground, and in such a convenient position for the operation,
the business of budding standards is really budding made easy. It
is when we get down on our knees in the endeavour to insert the
buds into a lot of seedling Briars or Manettis, that we begin to
find out what a very painful operation budding is, especially if the
operator is at all stout, or is troubled with a determination of blood
to the head.

If we want a lot of standard stocks for our own budding, the
best way to go about the matter of procuring them is to commission

March 81, 18*7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

245

some labourer in the neighbourhood to dig them out of the hedges
round about. The wild Briar, like most other varieties of Roses, is
constantly renewing itself by sending up from the base strong
shoots. These in their second year are what we want ; they should
be trimmed off close at the root, and it will only end in a wholesale
lot of suckers being produced subsequently if any of the club root
be left. The best way to remove this is with a saw, afterwards
making the part smooth with a sharp knife. Fig. 44 at a shows a
nice shoot ready for planting, and it will take root all the better if
it is ] lanted with about a foot of the stem in the ground ; but if it
will be required to stand permanently where planted, then it should
not be put in so deep ; the nearer the roots to the surface the better,
as I said before. Please note that the club root has been removed
entirely. A shoot like this one, even if it has been cut from the
hedges without any root whatever, may still be put in, after care¬
fully cutting out all the buds on the part which will be below the
surface when planted, and in most cases it will take root and grow
like the first mentioned. At b we see the kind of root favoured by
many nurserymen ; these gentlemen will in time no doubt learn
wisdom in the matter. The small black lines springing from the
root here show the subsequent crop of suckers which will in due
time arise to reward anybody who is foolish enough to plant stocks
with roots like these. The dotted lines show where the branches
to be budded during the following season will grow. All other
buds which will break up and down the stem during the growing

/

/

Fig. 44.— Briar sticks.

period must be rubbed off as soon as they become apparent, so that
all the vigour of the stock will go to strengthen the shoots that are

allowed to remain.

For the propagation of dwarf, or ground- worked plants, as they
are called, we must have the cutting or seedling Briar, Manetti, or
Grefferie. They are all prepared and budded in a similar way, and so
one common description may be made to do duty for the lot. A Briar
cutting is simply a branch or slip, cut from a Briar or Dog Rose,
and inserted in the ground — when rooted, it is to be budded below
the collar. The collar is where all the branches start from. The
bud being inserted here, in the root as a matter of fact, and the
collar being cut clean away at the proper time, it will be seen at
once that suckers are, to a great extent, done away with ; but
unfortunately a cutting can only be made of a piece of a branch,
which, like all other branches, is covered with buds. Where
there is a leaf, there is a bud. These buds require to be cut out
when the cuttings are being first prepared, and no matter how care¬
fully this may be done, there are sure to be a great many buds or
parts of buds left, and these will in time grow up into suckers.
Fig. 45 shows a cutting, which should be about 8 or 9 inches long,
and made of good firm wood ; all the buds, except the two nearest
the top, should be cut clean out as shown at c, the leaves being
retained on those that are left. The base of the cutting should be
cut off close up to a bud, as in the illustration. The cuttings are
to be planted as firmly and as deeply as possible, just allowing the
leaves to be above the surface of the ground. The longer the
leaves are retained on the cuttings after they are planted the better,
as the leaves assist the cuttings to form callus at their bases, and
once this is formed, which generally happens in a few weeks, the
cuttings are pretty certain to root and become plants. Cuttings
should be made and put in while the sap is in motion ; if deferred
until after that time, the number of failures will be numerous in
all probability. September is perhaps the most suitable month,
taking an average, but if the sun should shine very brightly, or the
weather be very dry after the cuttings are inserted, then it will be
advisable to shade them by means of branches cut and laid lightly
over them, or by some other means. As a rule Briar cuttings

require none of these attentions in ordinary seasons, and may
generally be left to take care of themselves.

The stock, in my opinion, which is bound to carry all before it,
is the seedling Briar. This consists of a plant grown from the seed
of the Dog Rose or wild Briar, which grows so freely in the
hedges. At the time of budding, indeed from the first, it is a
perfect plant, not a branch of one, torn from the hedges with no
root to speak of, as a standard is ; nor yet a part of a branch, with
a tuft of roots at the end of it, and a whole lot of dormant eyes or
suckers concealed about the underground stem, ready to start up at
intervals, as a cutting is. The seedling Briar, being budded below
the collar, like the cutting, and having the collar cut away after¬
wards, is, in that respect, quite equal to the cutting. But it beats
the cutting in the fact that there are no dormant buds on the roots
to spring up as suckers, though there is no doubt that some suckers
do come up now and again even with this stock. But its great
advantage seems to be in the fact of its great vitality and strength
of constitution, and this, in my opinion, arises from its being grown
from seed. Growth from seed is the true natural process of
increase, and I believe this is the source that we must look to for
our future stocks.

Mr. Edward Mawley, the Secretary of the National Rose Society,
and also, I believe, an ardent lover and cultivator of the Rose, in
his article in the “ Rosarian’s Year Book ” for this year, gives
what is to me a most interesting table, showing the comparative
state of a quantity of Roses planted in his garden, and budded on
different stocks as an experiment, and as his testimony favours my
argument I have no hesitation in copying it here. I hope I should
be honest enough to do so, even if it were against me, but in that
case I should probably, acting up to my convictions, try to upset it.

He says that he planted thirty-four varieties, twelve plants of
each variety, four plants of each on three different stocks — Manetti,
cutting, and seedling Briar, and in the table, which I give herewith,
he places each four in three divisions, according to the strength and
growth of the plants. It will be seen that the plants on the
seedling Briar take the lead in twenty-seven cases, against the
cuttings five, and the Manettis two.

First.

Second.

Third.

Manettis

2

18

14

Cuttings

5

13

16

Seedlings

27

3

4

The plants, at the time this table was drawn up, had been
planted eighteen months. I am not much of a prophet, but I
dare prophesy that when they have been planted twice as long,
the seedlings will be still going ahead, and the Manettis still going

behind. This little table represents a very capital experiment, and
one that conveys a lot of information, and if Mr. Mawley carries
out his experiments in all ca«es as he has done here, he may be sure
that when he speaks, Rose growers who are in earnest will be only
too glad to listen to what he has got to say.

To return for a moment to the seedling Briar — the great draw¬
back at present is the price. Boses on this stock appear to be dear.
I say appear to be so at first sight, but if we look into the matter
we si all not find it so. If we buy 100 plants on the Manetti
for £0s., and lose a quarter of them the ensuing winter, no un¬
common occurrence hereabouts, we shall have to buy twenty-five
more at 12s. 6d. in the spring to fill up the gaps ; and if we keep

246

[ March SI, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICU LTUR

on losing twenty-five more each following season, we shall still
have to keep on forking out 12s. Gd. each year. One hundred
Roses on the seedling Briar, all of which will most probably live
and flourish for years — yes, twice as many years as those on the
Manetti, will be much cheaper in the long run, even if we have to
pay 60s., or even 70s., for them. For my own part I cannot see
why seedling Briar Roses should be any dearer than those on the
Manetti, and it is my firm opinion that they will soon be to b9 had
at the same money.

The Manetti may answer on light dry soils where the Briar fails,
but for real business give me the Briar. The Manetti makes
grand plants the first year, even finer than the Briar in some cases,
and I am half inclined to think that this is the reason why so many
nurserymen grow it. — D. Gilmouk, jun.

(To be continued.)

SALADS AND S4LAD CULTURE.

[A paper read before the Liverpool Horticultural Society by Mr. F. Harrison, The
Gardens, Knowaley Hall, Prescot].

Among the many duties of a gentleman's gardener that of
providing a regular supply of salading for his employer’s table is
one of the most important, few things being more freely criticised or
more keenly relished than the salad. At some tables the salad is of as
much importance as the dessert; and as with a dessert so with a
salad, it is required to be not only good to eat, but pleasant to look
upon. Of course tastes differ occasionally as to what is good, and
opinions vary as to what looks best, but that only goes to prove the
truth of the axiom that appearances go for much. Before going
further, I beg to remark that it will be impossible for me, within
the limits of this paper, to enter into all the details of the various
branches and interests connected with the subject. I shall therefore
■confine myself to the routine of practice that applies to a gentle¬
man’s garden chiefly. The first thing I would like to impress upon
the mind of the cultivator of salading is, that what may be termed
the essential qualities of the produce can only be fully developed
by the careful and timely observance of a few leading rules and
principles of cultivation, and that mere cultural details are an
elastic and variable quantity, which may be made to fit in with the
circumstances of time and place; and, secondly, that whatever is
destined for the salad bowl should be grown well, and as quickly as
is consistent with the nature of the plant and the season of the
year, and this should be accomplished by what I will call “ fair
means.’’ I would deprecate the use of sewage under any circum¬
stances, and oven ordinary liquid manure should be eschewed in the
finishing stages of growth ; in fact I would insist upon the culti¬
vation being throughout of a cleanly and wholesome character, and
this it may be if the land is kept in good heart, deeply and well
worked, and the crop is allowed sufficient room for full develop¬
ment. These are what I will call “ fair means,” and by them we
• can surely and unfailingly raise salading of the necessary succulent
quality. Everything, then, should be fresh, clean, crisp, juicy, and
“nutty;” nothing of a woody, woolly, or fibry character is ad¬
missible. It is well, too, to provide as much variety as means will
afford, and though some portion of green is generally liked, wre
must never be short of well-blanched foliage. A Frenchman, whose
■salads used to be much admired and praised, once observed to me
that in England a salad is often spoiled by too much vinegar and
too much water. Well, I suppose the gardener has seldom anything
to do with the vinegar, but he may be responsible for some of the
water if his salading happens to require much washing, a condition
which I know full well is not easily avoided in a climate where
■clouds of dust and showers of rain come alternately. But that does
not matter ; what we have to bear in mind is, that the less washing
is requisite, the better. This remark, I need hardly say, applies to
such things as grow above ground only, and not to underground
parts. And now, having said so much upon leading rules and
principles and essential qualities, I will refer to the practical or
cultural part of the subject..

LETTUCES.

First as to Lettuces. It has been said, and with some truth,
that the heart and soul of a salad is a Lettuce, for it would be
difficult to find a perfect substitute for a good Lettuce, Cabbage
or Cos. Each has its patrons and admirers, and in each class there
are numerous varieties, some being most suitable for sowing at one
season of the year, and some for another. In early spring it is
desirable to sow such sorts as turn in quickly, as at that time there
is generally more or less of a scarcity of salading, and at the same
time a large demand for it. The Early Paris Market is one of the
best for the first sowing, and if put in early in February, and
brought on for a while in gentle heat, and finished in a cold frame,
is most useful. Another charming little Lettuce is Perfect Gem.

E AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

It also grows quickly, turns in rapidly, occupies but little space,
and it has the further good quality of hearting up so closely as to
insure blanching. Other good sorts of Cabbage Lettuce are — All
the Year Round, Brown Genoa, Brown Dutch, Hammersmith
Hardy Green, &c. The two last-named are most useful for sowing
for late autumn and winter use, as they are not only hardy, but
their size and habit of growth render them well adapted for culti¬
vation under handlights, a position in which they will survive the
hardest winter, provided they are strong to begin with and the
glasses are kept close. Among the best of the Cos Lettuces may
be named Paris White, which I fancy is the parent of, or the stock
from which has been selected numerous “ Superb Whites with
the vendor’s name prefixed. Be this as it may, it is an excellent
Lettuce. Sugarloaf, Brown Cos, Black-seeded Bath, and Hicks’
Hardy White are also good and reliable sorts, and of course there
are many others. Summer Lettuces require good rich soil, and I
prefer sowing them where they are to stand when that can be done.
Circumstances, however, will not always admit of this, and then we
adopt the next best plan of sowing thinly in a bed from which they
can be transplanted while yet small, care being taken to shade and
water them according to the requirements of the time. When the
young plants are well established and growing freely, a mulching of
old Mushroom bed, or something similar, laid on soon after a soaking
of water, is beneficial in several ways, and will help to develope
those fat-looking Lettuces that are admired and appreciated by
nearly everybody. If liquid manure is used, it should be applied in
a clear state, and only in the earlier stages of growth. There
should be no suspicion of anything of the kind about the Lettuces
when they come into use. Blanching must not be forgotten when
the time for it arrives, and it may be accomplished in a variety of
ways. Tying up with a piece of matting answers very well, and
is generally sufficient, but if a special pride is taken in this part of
the work, a clean flower pot may be turned upside down over each
Lettuce — a few at a time, according to the demand — care being
taken not to leave them on too long, or the Lettuces will very soon
either decay or “ bolt.” It takes about five or six days in the summer
time, and later in the season a little longer, to blanch a green
Lettuce of some of the Cos sorts, but such as have the habit of
folding closely over often require but little doing to. Seed should
be sown frequently during the spring and summer, and in July
three or four sowings should be made, as from these will come the
autumn supply, while sowings for winter use may be made during
August and the early part of September, perhaps a little later in
some localities.

ENDIVE.

Endive is indispensable for autumn and winter use, and about
three sorts are as many as need be grown. The Moss- curled is a
good sort to sow about the middle of June for early use, to be
followed i by the Hardy Green-curled and the Round-leaved Bata¬
vian about the first week in July and again about the end of that
month. These three sowings will cover the period when Endive is
most in request, but a small sowing a -week or two earlier, and one
rather later than the times named, may be made if circumstances
demand it. Very early sown plants are, however, given to run to
seed prematurely, while very late ones do not develope fully before
the cold weather puts a stop to growth. The cultural details for
Lettuces will apply equally well to Endive with a little variation.
Blanching is most easily effected by placing a piece of clean board
over as many plants as are likely to be required in five or six days,
pushing it on from time to time when a cutting is made, so as to
keep up a constant succession of well-blanched Endive. Tying
and inverted flower pots may be resorted to where those methods of
blanching are preferred. Some people lift a portion of the later
sowing of this crop before hard weather sets in and plant it out in
a cold frame or house along with some of the later sown Lettuces,
but I much prefer growing a batch of each in the frame where they
are to remain, as these seem les3 liable to decay during winter than
such as have been lifted when fully developed.

®To be continued.)

SIGNS OF SPRING.

The protracted winter has been remarkable for 3evcre and long con¬
tinued frosts, keeping hardy plants effectually in check. Scarcely any
plants are in flower yet out of doors save Winter Aconites and Snowdrops,
and these are always welcome. The only plant which has really never
ceased flowering throughout the winter is Viola Brilliant, in colour a
golden yellow, with dark blotch in centre. It is worthy of note that
the young plants of this particular variety, inserted as cuttings last July,
had bloom buds upon them when planted early in November in their
permanent quarters for this year's flowering. Many of these buds ex¬
panded after this time, and others were ready to open when the snow
came and hid them, but when the snow departed the buds still con¬
tinued to open in spite of all weathers, and indeed three blooms had

M«rch 31,1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

247

expanded with the snowy mantle above them. I am induced to mention
these particulars from the fact that it is the only Viola I jxissess which
has made any attempt in this direction, and coupling this with the fact
that the plants are only cuttings of last summer, leads me to believe
tluit it may prove a valuable variety for early spring betiding. I shall,
however, watch its progress among the rest, and will give the result later
on.

If we, however, desire a genuine bit of golden colour in the dawn of
spring, we have it supplied in the Great Pilewort (Ficaria grandiflora), a
plant as yet far from common, and deserving extensive cultivation. In
a sheltered position its lovely golden blossoms, which are fully 2 inches
across, are now most cheering, and it is certainly a first-class plant. It
is at home in a sunny moist position. It can, however, be grown on a
warm and sunny border, but it attains to much greater size in the first
named position. It may also be grown as a sub-aquatic ; indeed, if grown
as such it is most conspicuous in the early months of the year. It was
so grown some years ago at Tooting, and it is a rare occurrence to meet
it in grander form than it was there. Thus grown the foliage attains
almost the size of our native Marsh Marigold when found in a marshy
piece of ground. Its flowers are bright golden, erect, about a foot high,
anil borne in profusion for some considerable time, expanding best with
sunshine. It is a native of southern Europe, and, in short, a most
desirable spring plant. It is readily increased by seeds or by division
when the plant is as rest,

(Jhionodoxa Lucilite.— How truly this has been called the “ Glory of
the Snow 1” The few days of warm sunshine before the snow enticed a
few of its lovely blue and white flowers above ground. The cultural re¬
quirements of the plant are very simple indeed. It succeeds well in any
light sandy loam well drained ; and planted at 3 inches deep and allowed
to remain undisturbed, it soon forms a lovely carpet. Once planted it
gives no trouble, and may be allowed to seed at will. When dormant a
top-dressing of good soil and decayed manure in equal parts will greatly
benefit the bulbs in the future.

Bulbocodium vernum. — Regarding this plant at first sight, even the
well-informed might be pardoned for mistaking it for a Colchicum but
for the fact that these latter are strictly autumn bloomers. The Bulbo¬
codium pushes itself through the ground very early in the month of
March, sometimes even earlier than this if the weather has been excep¬
tionally mild. In keeping with the genus Colchicum, it pushes through
the surface leafless, and consequently is not so much looked for as the
majority of plants which send forth leaves first and then flowers. It is
quite distinct from all other spring bulbous plants in point of colour,
this being of a bright rosy purple and very attractive. It grows only
about 6 inches high — that is, the flower buds, the leaf growth assuming
similar proportions to some of the Colchicums when the flowers are past,
and is most charmingly adapted for associating with such things as
Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, and the like. It is not often seen in good
condition, and is yet a very old inhabitant of our garden, and it well de¬
serves encouragement. It is easily grown in any ordinary soil, and
should be planted towards the end of summer, so that the bulbs may be¬
come fairly established.

Saxifraga Burseriana. — This is another gem of early spring suited
best for the rockery, or may be grown in pots. It is of diminutive
growth, and is composed of numerous rosettes of spiny leaves of a
silvery grey colour ; it flowers during February and March, and is one of
the sweetest of all alpines, and certainly one of the most lovely of the
extensive genus to which it belongs. The flowers are pure white when
expanded, and of considerable size as compared with the plant gene¬
rally. Prior to expansion the buds are a bright red, the two forming a
striking contrast. A lovely pan of this charming plant was exhibited
at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, and which came
from the Society’s Gardens at CDiswick, and which clearly demonstrated
what can be done with these gems of spring if a little attention be
afforded them. It grows about 3 inches high, and may be increased by
division and cutting. — J. H. E.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

The preservation of fire bars by hot versus cold water was under
discussion at first, and if there are any “ fogs floating about” they have
been created by Mr. J. Riddell. From his own showing the bars are not
preserved by the aid of water beneath them, but the contrary. This he
demonstrated in his first article, and again on page 86. He appears
most anxious that this discussion should close ; is it because “ Wilson’s
Inorganic Chemistry ” fails to assist him much further in the theory he
has advanced ?

Before dissecting the last letter I will examine his vapour theory,
and give him a chance, if he can, of demonstrating practically whether
it really possesses ad vantages worth the labour, trouble, and first expense.
It appears that this vapour theory has been partly if not wholly put
into practice by Mr. Riddell, for his ashpits and boilers have been
erected for the purpose. He could have closed this matter long since if
he had shown us the advantages of his vapour method of heating in
pounds, shillings, and pence. If the cost for a year with vapour, and
the cost for a year without, as well as the external temperatures for the
two years had been given, futher discussion would have been out of the
question if there had been a good balance on the side of the vapour
theory.

It is well known that oxygen in relation to combustion is most
important, and because vapour beneath [the furnace supplies a double
quantity of this gas, the advocates would have us believe that the

economy of fuel is great. The formation of such ideas are more imaginary
than real, because combustion by the aid of vapour (steam) and atmo¬
spheric air are essentially the same ; they differ only in degree, and not in
kind. By burning- fuel in atmospheric air, or by its aid, combustion
would be slower, the light and heat less intense, but the same quantity
of heat in both cases would be evolved. The fuel by the aid of vapour,
or shall I say the extra supply of oxygen, would be burned more rapidly
and produce a higher temperature than when burned by air alone, but
in the end the results would be exactly the same ; for example, a given
quantity of coal or coke with a given quantity of oxygen, say, in a pure
state, would not heat more water or melt more iee than the same
quantity of fuel burned by the aid of oxygen diluted the same as it
occurs in the amosphere. Do we want in gardens a method of combus¬
tion that will burn the fuel rapidly without a greater quantity of heat
as the result ? An extra quantity of oxygen applied in the form of
steam might prove advantageous in raising the heat quickly in case of an
emergency, but beyond that no advantage worth the bother would be
obtained. We do not want the pipes in our houses made hot in a hurry
except after a breakdown, or any unforeseen circumstance. We generally
start the fire slowly, so that the temperature will be gradually raised,
and by evening the desired temperature has been attained. All that is
wanted after this is a steady fire to maintain the heat in our houses.
There are exceptional cases during very severe weather, when the fires
must be pushed on more briskly, when the vapour theory might prove
beneficial, but these cases are the exception and not the rule. With
sufficient boiler power and plenty of piping, when once the desired heat
has been attained, it is only neces-ary to maintain it, and in most cases
this can be done on slow combustion principles. On this principle only
can an economy of fuel be effected, and not by any method that results
in the rapid consumption of the fuel. This is what is achieved by
supplying an extra quantity of oxygen above that contained in the
atmosphere. Very frequently atmospheric air insures too rapid com¬
bustion, and we are compelled to largely check its entrance to the
furnace, and in such cases why is vapour needed to add to the evil ?

I see “ Albion ” differs from me, as he does not believe the same
advantages he now enjoys would have resulted from the admission of
more air to his furnace. Of course, he gives the whole credit to the
application of water beneath the fire bars. He first took a step in the
right direction when he used coke and anthracite together for fuel.
This kept the fire open, and allowed free entrance to the supply of
oxygen necessary for combustion. This he has obtained by vapour and
the atmospheric air admitted. The same results would have followed
the admission of more air. His fire will be slightly brighter by his
present method, and the fuel may be consumed more rapidly, but the
heat evolved under both circumstances would have been the same. If
“ Albion ” doubts this he can turn to Mr. Riddell’s favourite author
(“ Wilson’s Inorganic Chemistry,” page 173, art. 451), and he will there
see it explained.

Mr. Riddell has tried somewhat to anticipate me, for I have nowhere
said that red-hot iron does not decompose water. I was careful, on
page 46, to say heated piece of metal, not red-hot. As it appears to be
necessary to have iron red-hot before it decomposes water, it would be
indeed hair-splitting to try and define the quantity of water decomposed
by the bars beneath our furnace. Iron does not possess this power at
ordinary temperatures. What are we to understand by “ordinary tem¬
peratures ? ” The fire bars are very frequently at what I should term
“ ordinary ” temperatures, for I have never yet seen them anything
approaching “ red-hot.” This condition may be approached near the top
on which the heated fuel lies, but no great distance down the bar. If
thin bars are used, and they are kept perfectly clean, they will never
approach a red-hot condition.

Mr. Burton’s professed object is one of progress, and yet he withholds
the information asked for that would have placed us in a position to
judge the test to which his fire bars have been exposed. This informa¬
tion might have strengthened or weakened his position. If the former
I should have been inclined to believe that the vapour did assist in the
preservation of the bars, and that the very small amount of oxidation
to which they were subjected would only have been of secondary im¬
portance. I am certain that the bars would be a very long time rusting
away to be rendered useless by vapour beneath them. Under the cir¬
cumstances, then, I can only conclude that Mr. Burton’s position would
have been weakened by supplying the information sought.

Nearly all the points raised by Mr. Simpson on page 108 have been
previously discussed, and before he can properly judge my portion in
this matter it is necessary to see the previous articles that have been
written on both sides. The advocates of watertight ashpits for the pre¬
servation of the bars have not advanced any very strong proof of the
advantages that result by their method. If the heat in furnaces for the
manufacture of gas is much more intense than is the case in our furnaces,
which I do not dispute, this only weakens instead of strengthening their
case, for it shows that there is the less need for practising any such
system. Mr. Simpson prefers thick bars ; I shall in future only employ
thin o/ies for reasons previously stated. The beat system 1 have yet
seen connected with a steam boiler going day and night is a process that
keeps the bars constantly moving, by which the clinkers are passed to
the end of the fire and deposited in a box, and then by opeuiug a door
that divides the clinker box from the ashpit they can be raked out with
the ashes. The bars in use are considerably lighter than those I gave
in a previous article. With thin bars, a clean ashpit, and the bars kept
perfectly froe from clinkers, I do not think we should have to complain
about their lasting properties.

248

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 81, 1887.

With regard to water beneath tubular bars, I condemn very strongly
any such system. 1 see u Thinker” unknowingly, or the reverse, con¬
veyed the impression that I would advise a flow of cold water beneath
them to keep them cool. I have not done so, and as far as I can see
I have not written a sentence that will bear such a construction. W hat
good are tubular bars to a boiler to assist its power if an attempt is
made to cool them ? Tubular bars are generally wider apart than solid
bars, and therefore [ consider combustion would be increased rather than
otherwise by the admission of a greater volume of air.

More perfect combustion by the aid of air above the fuel can be
insured than when it is only admitted through the furnace bars. I re¬
ferred to this some time ago, but I see the subject is again brought up.
I am strongly of opinion that combustion with the least possible waste
can only be insured by the admission of air above as well as through
the bars. By admitting air only from the base there is a large, escape
of carbonic oxide, which, with the addition of atmospheric air from
above, will convert it into carbonic acid, in which form it escapes. But
different boilers require widely different management, for it is clear that
only about one-half of the oxygen of the air admitted really enters into
the process of combustion, which no doubt arises from the difficulty of
mixing the gases during their passage through the boiler. The longer
these gases are in contact and agitated in passing through the various
obstructions of the furnace, the more likely are they to abstract the
oxygen of the air.

Much more might be written on the combustion of fuel, for I am
convinced that there is greater waste in the passage of gases up the
chimney unutilised than is the case in the destruction of bars by burn¬
ing or twisting. But I have already trespassed too far on your valuable
space on this subject, and therefore have finished for the present, but
at some future time hops to revert again to the combustion of fuel. I
am glad to learn that the discussion has been instructive to others be¬
sides myself, as letters I have received testify. — Wm. Bardney.

[The publication of this article has been unavoidably delayed.]

ROSE SHOW8 IN 1887.

June 23rd, * Ryde.

„ 28th, * Bagshot.

„ 29th, * Croydon and Richmond

„ 30th, * Canterbury, * Moreton-
in-Mirsh, and * .Nor¬
wich.

July 1st, * Reigate.

„ 2nd, Crystal Palace, and
* Eltham.

„ 5th, * S.Kensington (N.R.S.l.

„ 6th, *Ealinv, Regent’s Park
(R.B.S.), * Sutton, and
* TunbridgejWdlls.

July 7th, *Bath,*Farnham,* Farn-
ingham, *Hitchin, ’'‘Ips¬
wich, ana* Winchester.

„ 8th, * Maidstone.

„ 12th, * Dies and Oxford.

„ 13th, * Edinburgh (N.R.S.).

„ 14th, Birmingham and Harles-
ton.

„ 15 th, * Helensburgh and Hull.

16 h, * New Brighton.

,, 20th, * Birkenhead.

„ 22nd, * Ulverstone.

Those exhibitions which are held by the National Rose Society or by
Societies affiliated with it are distinguished by an asterisk. The only
two-days Rose Shows in the above list are those at Birmingham and
Hull. In each of these cases the date of the first day’s exhibition only
is given. — Edward Mawley, Rosebank, BerJthampsted, Herts.

THE LITERATURE OF GARDENING.

An exhaustive and interesting paper on “ The Literature of Garden¬
ing,” was read by Mr. William Paul. F.L.S., before the Royal Society of
Literature, Delahay Street, St. James’ Park, on Wednesday, the 23rd
inst. The President, Sir Patrick Colquhoun, Q.C., was in the chair, and
there was a good attendance of members and visitors. We can only
briefly note the principal points in Mr. Paul’s lecture this week, but we
hope to refer to it more at length in another issue, and we understand
that it will be published by the Society in extenso.

After dealing very fully with the numerous scriptural references to
gardens, Mr. Paul reviewed the progress of gardening amongst the
ancients up to the time of the Greeks and Romans. Some quotations
from the works of the principal writers in the latter period were given.
On the revival of learning the Italians and Dutch were first in the field,
followed by the French, English, and other nations. The herbalists
seem to have been in the van, the six books of Dioscorides, written in the
time of the Emperor Nero, having held the sway down to the opening of
the seventeenth century. In the writings on gardening proper much
superstition was mixed up iwith practical gardening down to the time of
Bacon. At the end of the seventeenth century a new era in gardening
may be said to have been inaugurated. From the dawn of the present
century the progress has been most rapid, not only in England but in
all civilised countries, and great indeed has been our gain by the
uprising of the gardeners’ improved races of vegetables, fruits, and
flowers.

On the conclusion of the paper, the President, after complimenting
the reader upon the elaboration of its contents, discussed at some length
the ancient allusions to gardens more or less famous, particularly those
of Alcinous and of Nebuchadnezzar. Mr. E. Gilbert Highton, the
Secretary, alluded to and described the curious floating gardens of
Mexico, and likewise the hanging gardens of Babylon before referred to,
and then proceeded to enlarge upon and discuss the hints thrown out by
the reader in reference to the famous controversy between the artistic
and natural styles of landscape gardening at the beginning of the last
century — quoting the exquisite description of Eden in Book IV. of the

“ Paradise Lost,” as showing that Milton took his grand idea from the
very handiwork of Nature and her God. Mr. G-ilbert Highton took
occasion also to echo old Evelyn’s complaint of the paucity of gardens
in London, and expressed a hope that this paper might sow the seed of
future progress in this respect. A vote of thanks to Mr. W. Paul, moved
by Mr. J. W. Bone, and seconded by the Treasurer, Mr. J. Haynes
terminated the proceedings.

ORCHIDS AT AVYNCOTE.

In the gardens of Mrs. Neumann, Wyn oLe. Allerton, a narrow house,
formerly a passage to a stokehole, has been strikingly beautiful with the
delicate flowers of several Orchids. One of the most imposing plants
was Dcndrobium Wardianum Lowi with six pseudo-bulbs, varying from
18 inches to 3 feet, profusely flowered, a very line form of this lovely
Dendrobium. A background to this plant was a large Gleichenia. Not
less conspicuous was a fine plant of Dcndrobium Ainsworthi with 150
flowers in a basket, and several plants of D. crassinode, some of good
size, and all profusely flowered. The old D. nobile was also noteworthy,
and no less charming than many of the newer, and, at the present time,
more popular forms. D. crepidatum roseum with its delicate white
sepals and petals tinged with rose was well grown and bloomed. The
same may be said of the dwarf D. albo-sanguineum. Although less
striking in colour than many forms, it is nevertheless worth a place in
every collection however limited. Several forms of the free-flowering
Odontoglossum Rossi majus were suspended amongst other plants. Some
nine or ten plants of Cattleya Trianas with their large flowers added to
the charming effect in this little house. Perhaps most attractive of all
was Cattleya amethystoglossa, a remarkably fine variety, having two
spikes of large flowers, one carrying nine and the other ten. Very few,
if any, Orchids surpass this in beauty — that is, fine varieties with light
rose sepals and petals spotted with rich purple and a lip of the same
colour. There are many varieties of this plant, but the one Mr. Mease
possesses is the finest form I have yet had the pleasure of seeing. There
were several other Orchids in this little house associated with Ferns and
a few bright coloured Coleuses.

In another house the distinct Dendrobium Brymerianum was display¬
ing three of its deep yellow blooms with their conspicuous golden fringe,
which hangs majestically for 2 inches below the lip. Cymbidium
eburneum, with its pure white fragrant flowers, was in full beauty.
D. Devonianum in the stove would have in a few days several hundreds
of its delicate flowers expanded, some of the pseudo-bulbs being nearly
4 feet in length, and flowering over fully three parts of their length,
while D. fimbriatum oculatum was showing no less than 200 spikes.
The Phalsenopses, as usual at this season of the year, were remarkably
fine. Fancy a beautiful drooping raceme of rosy pink flowers, 120 in
number, as was borne by one plant of P. Schilleriana. Three or four
other plants were in flower, but with a less number of blooms. P.
amabilis had one fine spike, while P. Stuartiana, several plants in bloom,
varying in shade of colour, were producing their delicately spotted
flowers. One spike was carrying fifty blooms.

ORCHIDS AT ELM HALL, WAVERTREE.

There are many Orchids in the gardens over which Mr. A. R. Cox
presides, but they are mostly of small size, small imported plants only
appear to have been purchased. Very noticeable amongst a collection
of small plants was a very fine specimen of Phalasnopsis Schilleriana
with grand healthy foliage, bearing a large spike of fine flowers. A
young plant was showing on the flower stem. Young ones
raised by this means generally do well and possess greater vigour
even than the present. The best and most floriferous plant at Wyncote
was raised from the flower stem. Several forms of Odontoglossum
Rossi majus were in flower, growing in pots, shallow pans, and on blocks.
Several forms of Cattleya Trianse were in bloom, and noticeable amongst
them was one of the dark Popayan varieties bearing six fine flowers. A
very fine plant of a Cattleya named intermedia, but which, I think, is a
variety of Harrisoniae, had seventeen of its delicate rose-coloured flowers
with a slight tinge of yellow in the lips. There appears to be some con¬
fusion between C. Harrisonite and C. intermedia in gardens, for I noticed
in the Harvey collection a plant (428 according to the catalogue)
bearing three flowers of the same colour named the latter. Perhaps
Mr. Cox will kindly send you a flower, so that you could determine
really which it is. The flowers are totally distinct from the form of
C. intermedia that I possess, and of the various forms that I have seen
in several other gardens. The plant that Mr. Cox grows is to my mind
much superior even to the best forms of intermedia that I have seen.
The flowers possess more of that delicate pale rose-lilac tinge charac¬
teristic of good forms of C. Loddigesi than is to be found in C. inter¬
media. A very fine plant of Dendrobium nobile was in flower, carrying
over 300 of its delicate, useful, and showy blooms. It may be noted
for the benefit of others similarly situated that Mr. Cox was very much
troubled with yellow thrips amongst his Orchids until he commenced a
year or two ago a general and judicious use of the syringe. This simple

Maroh 31, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

249

method has entirely eradicated these troublesome little pests, while the
plants are cleaner and healthier by this method of culture. — W. B.

MR. SMEE’S ORCHID3.

Mr. Smee has an excellent display of Orchids at The Grange,
Hackbridge. The collection is noteworthy by the number of plants
rather than the size of individual specimens, and they arc in admirable
condition. The house in which the majority are arranged is very uncon¬
ventional and highly attractive. It is a span-roof, about 100 feet long,
the short southern side of the roof boarded, the northern side glazed.
Under the former is a forest of Ferns, the opposite side containing
Orchids and various other plants. The glazed roof is gay with Tropasolum
Ball of Fire trained at intervals ; and several plants of Thyrsacantlius
rutilans in pots stood in baskets suspended from the roof with their
pendant racemes of scarlet flowers minglingwith the Fern froiulsare highly
effective. Among the Orchids are several fine forms of Cattleya Trianse,
the colours having deepened considerably from growths made in the open
air. Odontoglossum Rossi majus is represented by distinct and good
forms, and amongst some twenty others of the genus in flower 0. retusum
is seen, and the charming white 0. Oerstedti majus that far excels the
type and is worthy of extended cultivation. A great number of others
must be passed in this picturesque structure. In a smaller house
Phalnenopses arc flowering freely, the plants having improved considerably
since being suspended over a bed of Selagiuellas and other trailing
plants, which, besides being of service as indicated, forms an attractive
feature. Prominent in this house are two plants of Cyrtopodium Saint-
legerianum, the one which was certificated last year bearing eighty
Sowers on a robust branching stem, some of the round stony pseudo¬
bulbs being 3 feet high. The companion plant is nearly as large and
has much deeper-coloured flowers. Dendrobium macrophyllum is very
fine, as are many others that cannot be enumerated. Mr. G. Cummins
assiduously studies the requirements of the plants, and scarcely one can
be seen “ out of condition ” in the mixed collection.

SERVING THE KITCHEN.

The above phrase is very common in a gentleman’s garden ; but
common as it is, it is not the least important among many duties. It
is often considered of minor importance, and frequently the duty
is performed by the garden boy for economy’s sake instead of by a
more experienced person ; and even when some persons of matured
age are entrusted to perform the duty I am inclined to think that
it is not always executed in the manner which its importance
requires. After trouble has been taken to prepare the ground, sow
or plant, as the case may be, the several vegetables required for use
in the kitchen, and growing them to the best possible condition.
I think sometimes a little more discretion should be used in the
selection of vegetables at the proper time, and to utilise them in
the most economical manner. How often vegetables are wasted
when a little timely thought may prevent it ! and at times when
those have been used indiscriminately are wanted they are not
forthcoming. The person who performs the duty of serving the
kitchen, after receiving his order, should make an inspection of
what stock is already in the scullery. Some vegetables are ordered
day after day without regarding what they have already, and con¬
sequently much is often spoiled and consigned to the pig tub. In
the selection of the different vegetables a certain amount of care
and thought is indispensable, especially with such vegetables as
Peas, Beans, Cauliflowers, and all kinds of vegetables that are eaten
in a young state. I have seen men, who might be expected to know
better, pull young and old Peas together, and take them to the
kitchen, where if they were cooked and sent to the employer’s table
as sent in (and I am afraid they often are) they would not make
an agreeable dish, for some of the Peas would be hard and dry,
while some would be almost smashed, and the chef be blamed for
cooking them badly. Peas and Broad Beans should be gathered as
nearly as possible of the same age, and while they are in a green
tender state, and if any become old they can be used in other ways.
The same applies to dwarf and runner Beans. If allowed to become
old and stringy they will defy the best cooks to make them tender.
That some good vegetables are spoiled in cooking I admit, but all
vegetables which are used in a young state should be sent in young
and fresh.

C mliflowers and Broccoli must not be left till fully opened
before sending them to table, and Cabbages are best before the
hearts get too hard. Carrots for a dish should be young, and
Asparagus must be cut before it is too long. Seaka'e soon grows
stringy and strong in flavour, if not cut at about 4 to 6 inches
long, and many good vegetables are spoiled through not being used
at the proper time. There is a vast difference between well
sebeted vegetables properly cooked and those indifferently selected.
There are few tables which a good dish of young Peas is not
app ’eciated, but if given badly selected with a few dry ones among
the n the whole dish is spoiled. As the finishing touch of the
paiaters brush often decides the fate of a picture, so does the
sel action of vegetables for the table at the proper time decide their

good qualities, therefore I feel certain that a little more discretion
is necessary in the matter. I am quite aware that in the majority
of gardens labour is so limited that to get through the work at the
busy time of the season in a satisfactory manner is a strain on the
most energetic, and serving the kitchen is looked upon as a secondary
consideration by many, but whether this is a wise course to adopt I
must leave my readers to determine. — W. Simpson, Knowsley.

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN IN 1886.

No. 2. — ROSES.

The same reason that has led me to take Gladiolus as the first sub¬
ject for my annual papers induces me to place Roses second, for in one
sense this is the time of Roses. All Rose-growers aro thinking upon the
important subject of pruning, and when any two of them meet you
may be sure that the first question will be, “ Have you pruned yet ? ”
When the answer is in the affirmative the expression will be, “ I am
sorry for you.” We have had lately as severe frosts as at any time
during the winter, but they are not so hurtful. The nights are shorter,
the sun has more power, so that it does not do so much damage as when
the frosts are continuous and the days dark and dreary.

The effects of the past winter vary very much on localities and soils ;
but of this I have not now to write, but only of its effects on my own
small collection. Here we have not had any lower temperature during
the winter than 16° of frost. We had also a nice fall of snow of about
3 inches, which protected the plants during its greatest severity, and as
a consequence I do not find any amount of losses amongst my plants.
They now look vigorous and healthy, while I believe the Teas have stood
it just as well as the Hybrid Perpetuals ; in fact, I believe that each
year is showing us that they are equally hardy. There are amongst
both classes some that are equally delicate, several H.P.’s, of which the
record is best on maidens, implying that after the first year they are not
to be depended on. They are too weakly to make fresh strong shoots,
and consequently they dwindle away. So with Teas. I think, however,
that those of late years have few delicate varieties amongst them ; at
any rate, I cannot find more blanks amongst my Teas, not even in those
planted last autumn, than amongst the H.P.’s, and as I have said there
are but few in either.

I mulched heavily in the autumn, mainly with pig manure, and
raked all the long stuff off in the spring, forking the rest lightly in, so
as not to disturb the roots of the Roses. This was done before pruning,
for as my beds are narrow there is no necessity for stepping on them to
perform that operation. They were pruned about the middle of March,
and pruned hard. A noticeable change has taken place in pruning of
late years. I recollect when the strong shoots, which we look for now
as “the hope of the flock,” were regarded as “robbers,” and were ruth¬
lessly cut out ; but nowadays it is the old wood we get rid of, and trust
to these vigorous young shoots, which were formerly despised ; hence
the idea of having large bushes of H.P. has to be abandoned, and if we
wish for these we must look to our summer Roses which may grow at
their own sweet will. My Roses broke well ; we had none of those May
frosts, at least to any extent ; the thermometer at 4 feet from the ground
never went below freezing point, and on the night of the 1st of April,
which was generally so severe, the thermometer stood at 37°, and during
the time when the cold wave usually passes over us, from the 15th to
the 22nd, it was never below 37°. The result of this was an excellent
bloom, although I think a shorter one in duration than usual. We had
very hot weather in July, but while the exhibition Rose season, if I may
so call it, was short, I never recollect a more favourable time in my
garden for autumnal Roses, while the Teas were an unceasing delight.
Day after day we could gather bouquets of these lovely flowers, and up
to the very approach of winter they were affording delight. There are
some varieties which from their excessive fulness are apt to succumb to
wet, and the buds do not open well, such for instance as Jean Ducher ;
the more pointed and less full flowers are those which afford the greatest
satisfaction at the later period.

The behaviour of certain Roses is remarkable, and I am sure the
more they are studied the more remarkable their mode of conduct will
strike one. Why in one season does the same Rose all over the country
come so well as to give its character to the year ? Why is it that two
Roses so alike as Alfred Colomb and Marie Baumann, so come that
in one year you will rarely see a good bloom, and in the following
year hardly an indifferent one ? Why is it, again, that during the past
year a Rose which many considered only a summer Rose — Madame
Gabriel Luizet - should have bloomed most profusely in the autumn
with me ? in fact, I gathered from it as fine blooms in August as I did
in July. But as I do not grow for exhibition probably in both cases an
ardent exhibitor would have pooh-poohed them.

I have not much to say on absolutely new Roses, and have to wait
for another season before pronouncing on such varieties as Clara Cochet,
Victor Hugo, Duke of Marlborough, Edouard Hervd, G enc'ral Appert,
Ferdinand Chaffolte amongst the Hybrid Perpetuals, and Comtesse de
Frigneuse, Souvenir dc Gabriel Drouet amongst the Teas. They have
not done much, as they were not had till late in the summer. I have
not had the two American Roses, The Bride and American Beauty. The
former 1 have seen ; but it does not so far deserve the title of a white
Rose,— nothing, for instance, like the white of Niphetos.

Following the prevailing fashion, and, indeed, quite in harmony with
my own feelings on the subject, I grew a few of the species of Roses
last year, and Mr. Geo. Paul has kindly enabled me to look forward to

250

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 31,1887.

the pleasure of growing some more this summer. R. berberidifolia Hardi
is exceedingly pretty, but I do not yet know whether it has succumbed
to the severe weather we have had. R. anemoniflora is one of the
rampant-growing so-called climbing Roses and very pretty, and there
is no need to sound the praises of those well known Japanese Roses,
rugosa and rugosa alba.

In visiting the rosery of Mr. George Mount, nurseryman, at Canter¬
bury, a little while ago I was struck with a remarkably idark variety of
Reine Marie Henriette, which he was propagating. It was certainly
much richer in colour than any I had seen, and made it the most
brilliant climbing Rose we have. His “ Mrs. Cooper’s strain ” of the
Marechal Niel was also sustaining its character. My own plant of the
Marshal did very well. Although nominally in a pot it has pushed its
roots through it into the soil, where it has got something that it likes.
It gave me nearly 180 blooms last year, and although not all that we
would like as to size and colour, yet they were very beautiful, and
amply rewarded me for all trouble. My plant of R£ve d’Or is rapidly
getting up to its old place, and covers at least 12 or 14 feet of the wall.
Longworth Rambler was again most satisfactory, while my plants of
Comtesse de Nadaillac on the wall gave me some richly coloured blooms.
It has not been dislodged from the position it holds in my opinion —
viz., as being the most beautiful of all the Teas.

So far I hope that no great injury has been done to my plants. We
had snow, which with the mulching has preserved them from frost. I
have not yet ventured to prune, but I find on examination that the pith
is, as far as I can see, uninjured ; and although we have now sharp
frosts at night, the nights are shorter, the sun warmer, and much injury
is not likely to be done to the old wood. Shall we have a normal season 1
Let us hope so, and that we may not have to make excuses for the bad
behaviour of our pets. — D., Deal.

The following candidates have recently been elected Fellows
of the Royal Horticultural Society — viz., Albert J. Cansten, C.
Fidler, James Henry Millard, Harry Turner, Chas. Cundy, Francis G.
Gledstanes, Chas. W. Cousins, and Frederick G. Saunders.

- Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society are informed

that they may obtain volume viii. of the Journal of the above Society,
entitled “ The Frost Report on the Effects of the Severe Frosts on Vege¬
tation During the Winters of 1879-80 and 1880-1,” by the Rev. George
Henslow, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., free of charge on application to the
Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, S.W.

- We regret to have to announce the death of General Samuel

Alexevitch Greig, President of the Imperial Horticultural Society,
St. Petersburg, a well-known patron of horticulture in Russia, as well
as in other lands. General Greig was descended from a Scottish family
in Fifeshire. His grandfather was an officer in the British navy, and
distinguished himself under Lord Hawke ; but in 1764 he resigned his
commission and entered the Russian service, where he greatly distin¬
guished himself and became the favourite of the Empress Catherine, de¬
feated the Swedes at Sveaborg, and was Governor of Cronstadt.
General Greig’s father was also an admiral in the Russian service, and
commanded the fleet at the battle of Navarino. He himself began life
in the service of the army as a guardsman, but eventually became an
admiral and Minister of Finance. Those of the British horticulturists
who visited St. Petersburg in 1869 will remember the cordial welcome
and the many courtesies they received from General Greig ; for though
a loyal and devoted son of the land of his birth he never forgot his
British descent, and was to the last a member of the English Church at
St. Petersburg.

- We regret to learn that Mr. John McHutcheon, who has for

many years been connected with the horticultural press, died on Satur¬
day last. Mr. McHutcheon was for a period of upwards of a quarter of a
century employed on the editorial staff of the Gardeners' Chronicle, and
has since occupied a position of responsibility in the conduet of the
Garden. He was assiduous in the discharge of his duties, and was much
respected by his co-workers in horticultural literature. He was a native
of Ayrshire, and in his young days he served in some of the best gardens
in the south of Scotland, including that of Oxenford Castle. About
fifty years ago he came to London, and after spending a short time in
nurseries, especially Messrs. Jackson’s at Kingston, he went to the Royal

Horticultural Society’s Gardens at Chiswick, where he attracted the
attention of Dr. Lindley, who selected him as an assistant.

- The Proposed Gardeners’ Orphan Fund.— The Provi¬
sional Committee that was appointed to consider the mode of creating a
fund for the benefit of gardeners’ children left without the means of
support, met on Friday night last at the Gardeners' Chronicle office as a
convenient central position, the room being obligingly granted for the
purpose by Dr. Masters. Mr. G. Deal ably presided, and brought a
mass of valuable information for the guidance of the Committee. A
line of action was sketched for printing and submitting to a meeting to
be held at South Kensington on April 12th. The President of the Royal
Horticultural Society has kindly granted the use of the Council room at
Chiswick for the transaction of business, and Chiswick will consequently
be the head quarters of the Committee. All communications to be
addressed there to Mr. A. F. Barron.

- Wakefield Paxton Society. — The following is the pro¬
gramme of meetings for the first quarter 1887. The meetings are held
at the Saw Hotel, Westgate, each Saturday e vening, at eight o’clock.
“ The Lily of the Valley,” Mr. L. iTwigge. “The Camellia,” Mr. J. G.
Brown. “ The Kitchen Garden,” Mr. Moffatt, Morley. These have
been read. April 2nd, “ A Tour in Belgium,” Mr. H. Oxley. Sale of
periodicals. April 9th, “Treatment of Imported Exotic Orchids.”
Part I. Mr. W. J. Ireland. April 16th, “ The Sagacity of Plants,”
Mr. T. Garnett. April 23rd, “ Cultivation of Roses in Pots,” Mr. Thos.
Gartery, Rotherham. April 30th, “ The Auricula,” Mr. G. Gill. Sale of
periodicals. May 7th, “ The Sparrow ” (with special reference to Rev.
F. O. Morris’ Book), Mr. A. Willis. May 14th, “ The Botany of Fruits,”
Mr. Geo. Bott. May 21st, “ The Functions of a Leaf,” Mr. G. W-
Fallas. May 28th, “ A Ramble in Search of Shells,” Mr. J. Hebden.
Sale of periodicals. Messrs. H. Chapman and Geo. W. Fallas arc the
Hon. Secs.

- At a recent meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society

at Councillor Lupton’s, the Saw Hotel, Mr. Arthur Goldthorp presided,
and Mr. Henry Oxley filled the vice-chair. Mr. J. G. Brown, gardener
to Mr. J. B. Charlesworth, J.P., of Hatfield Hall, read a most interesting
and thoroughly practical paper on the popular and beautiful flower
“ The Camellia.” Mr. Brown, who has had considerable experience in
the cultivation of Camellias both in Yorkshire and Kent, gave the
members of the Society the benefit of that experience. He explained
the various modes of propagating Camellias, and also minutely detailed
the treatment required in order to produce successful results. A long
and interesting discussion ensued on the paper, in which Messrs. W. L.
Skinner, T. R. Preston, L. Twigge, G. Gill, and others took part. On
the motion of Mr. B. F. Glover, seconded by Mr. E. Fenner, and sup.
ported by Mr. Twigge, Mr. Gill, and others, a very hearty vote of thanks
was accorded to the essayist.

- A well known and respected Belgian horticulturist, M.

Charles Louis de Smet, died on the 16th, after a short illness, at the
age of seventy-five. M. de Smet was Treasurer of the Syndica]
Chamber of Belgian Nurserymen, and for many years took a prominent
part amongst the horticulturists at Ghent.

- A correspondent informs us that “The Visit of the

Queen to Birmingham brought out considerable taste in the floral
displays. To Mr. William Spinks, manager to Hans Niemand, the
Reception Committee entrusted the plant decoration of the Town Hall,
and the private luncheon and retiring rooms for Her Majesty ; also the
whole of the extensive plant decoration at the magnificent pavilion
erected by Messrs. Edgington over the site for laying the foundation
stone ; and the interior and exterior of the Council House. The Mason
College Trustees also entrusted the exterior decorations to Mr. Spinks,
and he also supplied two magnificent bouquets for presentation to Her
Majesty and Princess Henry of Battenburg by the Mayoress. Very
high praise was given to these bouquets by the recipients. Mr. Charles
Winn, whose celebrated collection of Orchids at Selly Oak, near Bir¬
mingham, is so well known, contributed specially for the luncheon room
provided for the Royal party — fitted up in Oriental style and splendour
— a rich display of cut Orchids and Fern, which called forth warm
admiration. Messrs. Thomson, nurserymen and seedsmen, High Street,
were commissioned to erect a large floral arch from their shop to the
other side of the High Street, the large central arch spanning the road¬
way, with two smaller arches over the pavements. Rustic wood, taste-

March SI, 18S7. ]

J : URN AL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

251

Cully arranged and filled in with Ivy and other evergreens, with pro¬
jecting groups of plants in flower, created an effective display, which
was much admired. Mr. Vertegans, nurseryman, presented the Mayoress
with a bouquet, and supplied one for presentation to the Queen by the
-children of the Grammar School. The number of plants used by Hans
Xiemand was close upon 5000, amongst them many magnificent specimen
I’alms.”

- The March number of the Ken Bulletin contains some infor¬
mation on Kibue Plants, the principal subjects being Sisal Hemp
vlerived from species of Agave and Furcnea, and Mauritius Hemp from
Furcraea gigantea. Obtaining the fibre from the latter plant has de¬
veloped into an important industry in Mauritius, where this Furcrasa
has taken possession of waste lands and abandoned sugar estates. It
was introduced from South America in 1790, and has increased very
largely without any assistance from cultivators.

- The monthly meeting of Liverpool Horticultural Asso¬
ciation was held as usual in one of the lecture rooms of the Free Library
on the 26lh inst., when Mr. T. White presided. The subject of the
•evening was the “ Rhododendron,” by Mr. R. Wilson Ker, who treated
•Cully of the origin and history of the different species and varieties, the
■discourse proving extremely interesting as well as instructive. A good
discussion followed, in which Messrs. White, Mease, Ranger, Powell, and
Vox took prominent part Cordial votes of thanks to the essayist and
the chairman brought to a conclusion a most successful session.

- “ Bradwen” writes : — “ What a pity that the beautiful climber,

A'l ematisindi visa lobat a, is so seldom seen. No plant can be more easily
•grown, with just a little ordinary care to keep down thrips and black
fly, its worst enemies'; and, on the other hand, I can think of no plant
that produces such a profusion of acceptable blooms, chaste, white, and
the most useful size either for mounting in bouquets, buttonholes, or
any other purpose. Mr. Whitelegg, the able gardener at Oughtrighton
House, near Lvmm, evidently knows its value. There, a short time ago,
I saw a remarkably fine plant with all its foliage completely hidden by the
bloom. It was planted in a very narrow border just inside the green¬
house, the roof of which it covered, or at least all the woodwork in the
roof was covered, the plant being trained closely in so as to obstruct
little or no light from the other occupants of the house. By this means
the objectionable apjiearance of the woodwork gives way to a graceful
drapery of green, and, at the time of my visit, a glorious spectacle of
the purest blossom. By a judicious choice of plants of a trailing habit
much more could be done towards rendering our greenhouses attractive
than is the case at present. Bare walls and rafters cannot but detract
from the merit and beauty of specimens, however good, grown under
■such conditions.”

- We arc informed that Miss Gordon has presented to the

Museum of the Royal Gardens, Kew, the collections and drawings
made by her late brother, General Gordon, illustrative of the Coco de
Mer (Lodoicea seychellahum), a Palm peculiar to the Seychelles|
and remarkable, among other things, for possessing the largest known
seed in the vegetable kingdom. The seeds are well known in European
museums. One amongst General Gordon’s specimens is a model which
he had made of the fruit in its mature state, before the external fibrous
but perishable husk had become detached. Some of the specimens are
placed, with others already possessed by Kew, in No. 2 Museum. The
rest will be shown, with the drawings made by his own hand, in No. 3
Museum.

- We regret to have to announce the death of M. Jean Jacques

Kick.y, Rector of the University of Ghent, Director of the Botanic
Garden, and of the State School of Horticulture, President of the Royal
Botanic Society of Belgium, and Chevalier of the Order of Leopold. He
was born at Ghent on the 27th January, 1842, and died there on the
27th inst.

- Hyacinths at Bristol. — There are on view at the present

time in Messrs. Garaway’s Durdham Down Nursery, Clifton, a very
effective display of Hyacinths in pots. They are arranged in three lines
along one side of a span-roofed plant house, a background of Palms and
Ferns, and a margin of trailing plants serving to set off the Hyacinths
to the best advantage. There are 300 of them. There are a good
selection of new, or comparatively new varieties, many of which are
decidedly superior. Among the latter we noticed Lady Derby, white

and a fine bold spike ; Souvenir J. H. Vein, rich dark blue ; Chimney
Sweep, the nearest approach to black ; Incomparable, deep crimson, and
very attractive ; King of the Reds, bright red, very showy ; Sultan,
dark blue, spike compact ; Prince of Wales, blue with white eye ;
Primrose Perfection, the best of the yellows ; and Marchioness of
Lome, yellow, tinged and striped with red. Of better known sorts, the
best both as regards size of spike, pips, and the colour, were Garibaldi,
deep crimson ; Lord Derby, porcelain blue ; Grand Maitrc, porcelain
blue ; Nectar, white, good, distinct ; Queen of the Yellows ; Czar Peter,
light blue ; Lord Byron, porcelain blue ; Snowball, white, compact
spike ; Prince of Wales, rose, good ; Von Schiller, pale red, fine spike ;
King of the Blues, one of the best ; Prima Donna, bright red ; Sultan,
dark blue, close spike ; La Grandesse, white, good ; Madame Van der
Hoop, white ; General Havelock, dark blue ; Fabiola, bright rose ; and
L’Innocence, fine white.

- The ninth annual Show of the Maidenhead Horticultural

Society is fixed to be held on August 18th, 1887, in the grounds of
Braywick Lodge, by permission of the President, J. Hibbert, Esq. One
hundred classes are provided, including those for cottagers.

- A correspondent directs attention to the fragrance of cer¬
tain Primulas as follows : — ■“ Lovers of sweet-scented flowers find in
the large Primula family some of the very sweetest. A walk through
a Primrose-dotted lawn on a damp April evening is a delicious treat
The Auricula of the florist, if for no other reason, would be worth culti¬
vating for its scent alone, the old yellow border variety having the
Dusty Miller perfume in ics most concentrated form. Primula Monroi
is an exceedingly sweet-scented species, and for this feature alone we
grow a few plants. The leafage of the Chinese Primrose is possessed of
an extremely pleasing scent, though this fact does not seem to be
generally known, no doubt because it is not of a pronounced character.
But the sweetest of all the Primroses is that known as the Abyssinian,
a plant which was pretty common about fifteen years ago, but has now
been pushed aside by more novel though less interesting plants. This
species comes into bloom about this time and flowers in whorls, one tier
succeeding another for a lengthened period. , One plant will perfume
a good-sized greenhouse, and though not so “ gay ” as many other
flowers at this season, its yellow blooms and mealy foliage are suffi¬
ciently attractive to make it of value as a decorative plant. It is of the
easiest culture, a stock in the first instance being obtained from seed
which, if sown now, would under good culture bloom the year suc¬
ceeding. Old plants divide readily, and where only a few more arc
wanted this will be found the best method of keeping up a stock of
healthy young plants.”

- Katvre states that the botanical collections of the late

Thomas Moore, F.L.S., Curator of the Botanic Garden at Chelsea,
belonging to the Society of Apothecaries, have been acquired for the
Herbarium of the Royal Gardens, Kew. The most important portions
are : — 1, The general Fern herbarium, which contains the types of the
numerous species described by Moore, especially those introduced into
European cultivation. 2, The collection of forms and varieties of
British Ferns, which is probably unique in richness and completeness ;
it is especially interesting as the basis of Mr. Moore’s well-known and
beautifully illustrated works on the Fern flora of the British Isles. 3,
The Fern herbarium of R. Howard, F.L.S., which is especially strong in
West Indian species.

- At the usual monthly meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society, at the Institution of Civil Engineers, 25, Great George Street,
Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., President, was in the chair. M it J. Eyres, Mr.

J. T. Hotblack, and Captain C'. H. M. Kensington, R.E., were

balloted for and elected Fellows of the Society. The following

papers were read : — 1, “ Notes on taking Meteorological Observa¬

tions on Board Ship,” by Captain D. W. Barker, I'.R.Met.Soe.
The author makes Various suggestions as to the placing of meteoro¬
logical instruments on board ship with the view of securing uni¬
formity. 2, “ Marine Temperature Observations,” by Dr. H. R. Mill,
F.R.S.E. After briefly sketching the principal historical methods of
observing temperature beneath the surface of the water, Dr. Hill dis¬
cussed in some detail the relative merits and defects of the two instru¬
ments now in common use for this purpose. The self- registering
maximum and minimum'therraomcter on Six's principle, even with the
addition of an outer bulb to protect it from pressure, has certain
inherent defects. It merely shows the highest and lowest temperatures

252

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Mar 31. 1887.

passed through, the indices are liable to be shaken from their proper posi¬
tion, and it requires long immersion in order to attain the temperature of
its surroundings. Mr. J. Y. Buchanan has shown how, by the use of
mercury and water piezometers, the actual temperature at a given point
may be obtained, no matter how the temperature between that point
and the surface may vary. Such instruments have not been much used,
and now a modification of the mercurial outflow thermometer, patented
by Messrs. Negretti & Zambra as the standard deep-sea thermometer,
is largely used. When fitted in a frame which admits of the ther¬
mometer registering at a precisely known depth, admirable results are
obtained by it. The manner of using these thermometers in the Scottish
frame, and of conducting temperature trips in comparatively shallow
water, were described, and the best ways of recording the observations
and elaborating the results were alluded to, the work of the Scottish
Marine Station on the Clyde sea area being taken as an illustration.
The importance of marine temperature observations as bearing on
submarine geography, on navigation, on the distribution of animal life,
and consequently on fisheries, was alluded to. The paper was illustrated
by diagrams and by the exhibition of the apparatus, which was described.
After the reading of these papers the meeting was adjourned in order to
afford the Fellows an opportunity of inspecting the Exhibition of
Marine Meteorological Instruments and Apparatus which had been
organised under the auspices of the Society.

SPRING GARDENING AT KEW.

Now that the days are lengthening and the sun is becoming more
powerful the pretty flowers of spring are everywhere studding the
ground. The sight of these spring flowers, notwithstanding the perfec¬
tion attained in modern times, has the same fascination for us to-day
as they had for our predecessors fifty or a hundred years ago, much
of the pleasure derivable from outdoor plants depends, however, on
whether the position be a natural one or otherwise. A group so placed
as to position and surroundings as to give it a natural appearance has a
charm of its own that is quite lost in the slipshod way often practised
of dibbling in bulbs or plants anywhere and everywhere an open space
presents itself without the least regard to effect, associations, &c. In
planting even such common bulbs as the Wood Hyacinth, the
Daffodil, the Snowdrop, Crocus, &c., something more is required than
the mere effort of planting, however carefully that may be done. To
render the effect all that may be desired the surroundings, the position,
exposure, after effect, and a host of other and perhaps minor points
have all to be fully considered by the careful gardener before com¬
mitting his bulbs to the ground, and these are often the points left out
of count altogether. A natural style should be the gardener’s aim, and
although this has been to a large extent lost sight of in modern times,
the popularity of what is now termed wild or spring gardening tells us
that we are returning to the old state of things before the introduction
of ribbon and carpet bedding. In hundreds of gardens in this country
facilities are afforded for making this phase of gardening a grand
feature, and that, too, at a comparatively small cost in obtaining the
bulbs in the first instance. No greenhouses arc required for wintering
these harbingers of spring, and little or no trouble besides that of
keeping the ground free of rank weeds during the growing season.

At Kew, as the leading public garden, much has been done within
the last few years to show how this can be effectively carried out,
although from the peculiar and flat character of the ground generally
the task has been to all appearance the reverse of an easy one. The
grounds are hardly varied enough to show this style of gardening on
the extensive scale it merits ; such as they are, however, they seem to
have been taken advantage of at every point, as the present effect amply
testifies. Nothing of the kind we believe had been hitherto attempted
at Kew, and the interest it awakens in the visitors has already done
much to popularise this charming style. The wild garden, as it is called
at Kew, commands a prominent position in the form of a large mound to
the south of the rockery, and divided from the rockery by the main
walk from the Cumberland Gate, it borders No. 1 Museum, the pond
near the Palm house, the walk from the latter house to the T range
flanking the west side of it. Tall forest trees are a prominent feature,
and a clump of old weather-beaten Box trees show well on the slope.
One or two old Cedars on the east slope, underneath which the ground
is covered with Ivy, forming a fine natural evergreen bank. A few
clumps of mixed shrubs, Roses and Rhododendrons, with a fine bed of
Yuccas in a prominent position, help to brighten it during the dull
months of winter. On the highest point is the Temple of Alolus, of
which a peep is to be had only at intervals among the dense foliage. On
the slope and facing the Cumberland Gate are myriads of the quaint
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), showing how well it thrives on a
sloping position ; another portion is thickly covered with Squills, Scilla
sibirica and bifolia, intermixed with Winter Aconite and Snowdrops, on
a thin groundwork of the Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor), and behind
these are thousands of Snowdrops, the common single and double, and
G. Elwesi, the latter apparently not so much at home as G. nivalis. A
gentle rise behind this is covered with Primroses, and thickly planted
with Daffodils, which will be a grand sight, as we are told that some¬

thing like 30,000 bulbs have been planted of the common Narcissus
pseudo-Narcissus, besides thousands of wild Hyacinths, White Lilies.,
clumps of Gentians, and a fine patch of Cyclamen neapolitanum, which'
seems quite at home, hundreds of seedlings strewing the ground all/
around. Anemone nemorosa is also being introduced, as were Crocuses,,
the spring yellow and purple varieties covering the ground ; they pre¬
sent a welcome sight sparkling on their bed of green. A large
clump of Hydrangeas seems quite at home, as also do the Oriental’
Poppies, Mulleins, and other tall plants. A large bed of Cistuses has-
escaped the winter almost scatheless, notwithstanding its unusual
severity. On the Cumberland Walk an unusually large plant of Gun-
nera scabra, and another of Polygonum sachalinense, occupy the fore¬
ground, and handsome they look in their summer foliage with their
graceful arching leaves and stems.

The ground near the lake in front of Museum No. 1 has also under¬
gone a great improvement lately. Here we see the Japanese Iris-
(I. Kmmpferi) quite at home, with its roots almost in the water, speci¬
men plants of Gunnera scabra and G. manicata, clumps of Spiraea,
palmata, Ac. ; and the banks, almost to the water’s edge, thickly planted
with the Poet’s Daffodil, Fritillaria Meleagris, and the autumn Col-
chicum. All this and much more is being done for natural gardening;
at Kew, and although as yet in an embryo state, it will improve yearly
as the bulbs get established, and no doubt additions will be made as-
opportunities offer. — A Visitor.

MARIE LOUISE PEAR.

The engraving (fig. 16) illustrates a tree growing in the Elvastore
Castle G ardens, only planted eight years on a south aspect in a prepared/
border of good loam. When bought from the Upton Nurseries, Chester,
it had four pairs of horizontal branches with a good leader ; it is now
32 feet high, and has thirty-one pairs of horizontal branches, mostly
8 feet long from the main stem. This tree has not only grown well, but
has annually produced a heavy crop of fruit. Last season 4 bushels of
Pears were gathered from the tree, and this year it had fifty-seven dozen
fruit. The tree is well attended to with water, and receives supplies of
liquid manure from the farmyard. The fruits are thinned and rcgu>-
lated, and the tree is protected when in bloom. We begin to take the-
crop early in September, and put these first-gathered Pears into boxes-
to ripen, as this gathering is liable to shrivel if laid on the open shelves-
in the fruit room. The next gathering is made in October, clearing the
upper part of the tree. The fruit on the lower part is left to hang as-
long as possible, in order to prolong the season of this highly esteemed
Pear, and this year we had some hanging at Christmas. This system
enables us to have this variety in use for nearly three months. We
grow about 100 varieties, but the Marie Louise is the most appreciated
of them all. — J. H. Goodacre.

LONDON’S LESSER OPEN SPACES— THEIR TREES
AND PLANTS.

NEW SERIES. — No. 2.

It is pleasant to talk about our numerous and thickly populated
London suburbs, the many indications of a widely spreading taste for
gardening, which cannot but prove of great moral benefit to the people.
We see signs of it now, when winter is yielding to spring, and find old
and young busy in turning up their garden plots, which are frequently
decorated with early bulbs. Their culture is not devoid of its cares, for
these as they bloom must be protected from sparrows, cats, and petty
thieves. For the most part it is not the custom of the managers of our
smaller open spaces to attempt any display of spring flowers, except the
distribution of some Crocuses and Wallflowers, the reason doubtless
being usually insufficient funds for the purpose. Something might be
done at little cost with shrubs or trees that bloom early, but not in the
radius where London smoke much affects vegetation.

Clerkenwell and its vicinity may boast of many rural and horticul¬
tural memories, if now it presents few attractions. Rising above the
City it had, wc are told, on all sides but one a prospect of wooded hills,
which were vales of luxuriant verdure, and here and there a vineyard
or orchard. On the west, in a secluded dell, the river of Wells took
its rise, and flowed circuitously to the Thames, joining the Fleet and
the Old Bourne. Saffron Hill, at one season, was blue with the flowers
of that plant ; and about the City Road were many gardens, some in
which citizens grew Roses and other flowers, some where the early
costermongers raised vegetables to sell in Golden Lane. Somewhere in
Old Street the poet Daniel had his garden and rosery in the reign of
James I., and one John Milton had a nursery for choice plants. 1 had
a hope that Bartholomew Square, a small open space yet extant, might
prove to be a relic of one of the older greeneries ; but, alas I if so, it is
now converted into a place for refuse by its inhabitants, though it con¬
tains a few dismal shrubs.

To reach Clerkenwell from the City Aldersgate was the readiest
way, a gate so ramed, some say, because Alder or Elder trees grew
thickly just outside the walls ; but others think it alludes to the
antiquity of the gate. Part of the vacant space here became the

March 81, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

253

churchyard of St. Botolph, which is now free to the public and made
into a garden. Being only about half an acre it is at times so full of
people that gardening operations have to stop awhile. It has one
Poplar surviving of medium size, but once had several ; but some have

Yuccas and some varieties of the Privet and Holly ; also annuals came
up fairly, and that London favourite, the Mignonette, could be made to
perfume the air for awhile about the time when part of the borders,
were filled with choicer flowers. Early in March I found the Lilacs

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been lately planted, also Limes and Planes, which flourish, though in a
smoky air, and the evergreens have done well under the careful atten¬
tion of the present gardener, who occasionally cleanses the leaves of
Aucubas and similar species that are apt to have their pores clogged.
Thujas, he found, failed from some cause, but he was proud of h’8

were opening their buds. This shrub is recovering wonderfully from
the severe insect attack it had last autumn in the north suburbs of
London. A good plan has been adopted here : boxes are placed for the
reception of waste paper, or other litter. In these London enclosures
one trouble is with the grass plots ; even if they are not allowed to be

254

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 31, 1837.

trodden over, the grass r fuses to flourish. I notice some try the ex¬
periment of covering the surface with stable manure in the winter. I
do not think this is of much use ; occasional resowing seems the best
measure.

The larger part of the ground attached to St. Luke’s, Old Street,
about an acre, was thrown open nine years ago, a footpath dividing it
from the smaller, which is crowded with tombs, many of which, how¬
ever, are nearly concealed by the Ivy which has been freely planted.
Its Elms, comparatively small, are offshoots from the older trees which
once shaded the walks, and there are a few Black Poplars. In the
ground that is now a garden the centre is cleared of monuments, these
being arranged along the sides, and in some instances partly hidden by
stonework, amongst which not very successful attempts have been made
to cultivate Ferns and ornamental creepers. Beside the ordinary ever¬
greens there have been introduced some that are half-hardy, and these
it is necessary to protect during winter by straw or matting even in
this district, for the changes of temperature are apt to be sudden, so
that such plants as Pyrus japonica and Veronicas crave warmth at their
roots. Like some other London gardens this has a profusion of common
Iris and the familiar Saxifrage. By means of a slope towards the middle,
and the circuitous arrangements of the paths, the idea is given of a
greater extent than is actually the case. This is always to be studied in
laying out a small space, and too much formality is objectionable. When
seeds are sown it is necessary to protect them with a covering of prickly
boughs from cats and bipeds, feathered or bare, but only a few annuals
or biennials are tried in London borders, a slight stimulus is necessary
beside frequent watering.

Wilderness Row, in a line with Old Street, reminds one that it crosses
or skirts what was the wilderness or shrubbery attached to the Charter-
house, which yet remains untouched by the hand of improvement,
though the grounds are diminished. Within its ancient enclosure
doubtless the old Carthusian monks raised a variety of plants, for con¬
vents nursed horticulture through the dark ages. Amongst the many
changes this place has seen, it was once a school, and peeping through the
railings we may perceive the round playing green, one side of which is
shaded by Elms and Limes, but it is threatened by the march of im¬
provement. Close by is the three-acre space of Charterhouse Square,
for some centuries only a yard or exercise ground for horses, hence it has
no ancient trees, but some scattered shrubs and narrow flower borders,
and might be easily made a pleasant garden for the locality at a mode¬
rate outlay. Northampton and Wilmington Squares, Clerkenwell, a
little to the north, exemplify how a small space may be turned to good
account. Each is about an acre, and they were opened to the public in
1885, being the property of Lord Northampton.

Northampton Square is a fragment of a small park that was attached
to the family mansion, which stood at the corner of Ashley Street.
Having heard its Planes commended as some of the finest in London,
I found them scarcely equal to my expectation. There is a group of
nine and ten, tall ones certainly, yet I have seen many superior in girth.
This is one of the gratifying exceptions, where the beds are planted
with spring bulbs, and the same is the case in Wilmington Square ;
these are also labelled in legible characters for the public benefit —
another advantage. I have always considered the removal of the labels
formerly placed against many trees and shrubs in the royal parks was a
mistake, as thereby both young and old picked up easy lessons in
botany. The introduction of vases filled now with Crocuses, Tulips,
and Lilies, later on with Pelargoniums and summer flowers, helps to give
a cheerful appearance to a small enclosure like this, but I have doubts
about the pigeon house, which is a recent addition to this and some other
Squares. These birds are scarcely helpful in a garden. Both these Squares
instance the fact by their evergreens, that the large-leaved kinds, such
as the Aucuba and Laurel, cannot throw off the effects of London smoke
as do many small-leaved species. Close to Wilmington Square is the
enclosure of New River Head, with some extent of shrubbery, and where
the moisture favours the growth of Alders, Poplars, and Willows. It
also contains some fine Lilacs and old Hawthorns, but the latter respond
slowly to the touch of spring. — J. R. S. C.

BATH BULB SHOW.

March 23rd and 24th.

On this occasion the B tth Floral Fete Committee were fortunate in
having very favourable weather on the opening day, the much-needed
change of w ather occurring just in time. The Exhibition was undoubtedly
well ahead of any of the kind previously held in Bath, and as the attendance
was good the Committee have reason to be satisfied with the successful
termination of the first of the series of five shows to be held in Ba‘h
this year.

The first class in the schedule was for eighteen Hyacinths in pots,
distinct, and of these there were four good lots shown. The first prize was
well won by Messrs R. Veitch & Son, Royal Nurseries, Exeter, who hai
massive fr.-sh spikes of Gigantea, President Lincoln, Charles Dickens, La
Candour, Queen of the Blues, Garrick, Ida, Vuurbaak, King of the Reds,
Marchioness of Lorn", Grand Lilas, The Sultan, Garibaldi, Lady Derby,
King of the Blues, Lord Macaulay, and Nectar. The second prize was
awarded to S. Tredwell, Esq. (Me. Ode, gardener), Bath, who had an eve i
and goo 1 lot, which were certainly not improved by being shown in pots
known as “Long Toms.” S. P. Budd, Esq. (W. Taylor, gardener), took the
remaining prize. The last named gentleman was easily first for twelve
Hyacinths in six pairs, these consisting of Due do Malakoff, King of the
Blues, L’lunocence, Czar Peter, Gigantea, and Lord Macaulay, ail very
good in every respect. Mr. A. J. C. Biss was second for a credit¬

able exhibit. Messrs. Veitch & Son were again successful with nine
distinct varieties, among these being very fine examples of Minerva,
Leopold II., and other varieties previously named. R. B. Cater, Esq.
(F. W. Fisher, gardener), was a good second. In the amateurs’ class
for twelve distinct Hyacinths, M. Dunlop, Esq. (G. March, gardener),
Bristol, took the lead, having massive wel -developed examples of L’lnno-
cence, Leopold II., Koh-i-Noor, Queen of the Blues, La Grandesse,
Obelisque, King of the Blues, Faviola, Mont Blanc, Captain Boyton, and
Lord Macaulay. S. TredwGl, E«q., was Becond. The best six varieties were
staged by R. B. Carter, Esq , M. Dunlop, Esq., being a close second. Tu'ips
on the whole were not so good as usual. The best tw.lve pots were
staged by Mr. A. A. Walters, Bath, who had L’lmmacule, Chrysolora,
Keyers Kroon, Paragon, Duchesse de Parme, Roso Gris de lin, and
Eleanora in good condition, the second prize going to Messrs. Cooling and
Son, who also had a good lot. With four pots of Tulips, M. Dunlop, Esq.,
was easily first, having very fine Vermilion B -illant, Proserpine, White
Pottebakker, and Joost Van Vondel. Mr. A. A. Walters was second. The
best six pots of Polyanthus Narcissus were shown by S. Tredwell, Esq., who
had good examp’es of White Pearl, Gloriosus, G and Monarque, Soleil d’Or,
and Gonde Roemer. The Rev. E. Handley (Mr. S. Kerslake, gardener),
Bath, was second, and the last-named ought to have been placed first for
twelve pots of Daffodils, his collection being much greater than the first
prize lot shown by Mr. A. A. Waters. The best represented sorts were
Telamonius plenus, Maximus, Single Incomparabilis, Sulphur Phceaix,
Rugilobus, and Lemon Pcenix. T. Jolly, E-q. (A. Hawkins, gardener). Bath,
was first for Crocuses, and C. A. Dutton, Esq., second. Lilies of the Valley
were shown in large pots and were crowded with bloom, quail ’ ity rather
than quality prevailing. S. P. Budd, Esq, was first and Mes rs Cooling
and Sms second. There were severat good lots of Cyclamen shown. The
Rev. E Handley was well first with capital plants, the strain being of the
best, S. P. Budd, Esq., being second, and Mrs. Robertson (Mr. W. Porter,
gardener), Bath, highly commended. T. Jolly, Esq., was first for Amaryllis,
and S. Tredwell, Esq , second.

Three classes were provided for Orchids in each of which the competi¬
tion was close and good. For six varieties, H. Cruger Miles, Esq. (F. Perry,
irdener), Bristol, was first, having strong well flowered pieces of Dendro-
um nobile, Vanda suavis, Cypripedium villosum, Lycaste Skinneri, and
Cypripedium Boxalli. The Rev. E. Handley was a good second, Dendro-
bium thyrsiflorum, Cattleya TrianEe, and Dendrobium nobile being con=pi-
cuou8 in his group. E. E. Bryant, Esq. (W. J. Mould, gardener), was first
for three varieties, these consisting of a good Cattleya Trianae, Phalsenopsis
Schilleriana, and Odontoglossum gloriosum. Messrs. J. Cooling & Son were
Becond. Ia the class for one va-iety the Judges committed the strange
mistake of putting a large but not particularly well flowered pan of Coelo-
gyne cristata, staged by the Rev. E. Handley, before a Dendrobium Ains-
worthi, with nine beautifully flowered pseudo-bulbs, staged by H. Cruger
Miles.

Roses in pots were not quite so good as usual. R. B. Cater, Esq., was
first for six specimens, and S. P. Budd, Esq., second, the best represented
sorts being Madame Lambard, Isabella Sprunt, La France, Rubens, Madame
de St. Joseph, and Isaac Perriere. Several large well flowered Azaleas were
shown. The principal winners with these were E. E. Bryant, Esq., Mrs.
Jones, and Colonel Landon. The first-named had a very fine pyramid of
Roi d’Hollande. Stove and greenhouse flowering plants were well shown
by several growers. E. E. Bryant, Esq., was rasi y first for four specimens,
these consisting of Hybrid Rboiodt-ndron Veitchi Isevigatum, fully 4 feet
through and grandly flowered, Genetyllis Hookeri, E iostemum cuspidatum,
and Azalea Gloire de Belgique. Mrs. Doherty (S. Jones, gardener),
Bath, was second. E. E Bryant, E q , was aDo first, six fine-foliag d
plants and Mr. W. C. Drummond, Bath, second, both have large specimens
of well known Palms, &c. Exotic Ferns were also well shown, E. F.
Bryant Esq., being first and Mrs. Doherty second. A few good table plan s
were staged, H. Cruger Miles, Esq. being first and S. Budgett, Esq., second.
Cinerarias were well shown by S. Tredwell, Esq., who was easily first, the
second prize going to Mr. A. J. C. Biss. Mr. Treadwell was also first for a
pretty collection of hardy herbaceous plants in flower. There were two
collections of plants arranged on a space 12 feet by G feet, Messrs. G. Cool¬
ing & Sons being easily first with a capital arrangement, which included
varicur good Orchids, beautifully flowered Azaleas, Roses, Solomon’s Seal,
and other forced plants, Arums, Crotons, Palms, and Ferus. Mr. W. C.
Drummond was vecond. Three smaller groups were arranged by amateurs,
each comprising numerous well flowered Orch ds, Azal as, and various other
showy plants. Mr. E. E. Bryant was first and Mrs. Doherty second. The
best basket of plants was sent by R. B. Cater ; in this Odontoglossum?,
Amarylli?, and Hyacinths, interspersed among Maidenha’r Ferns, had a
very pretty effect. S. Tredwell, E q., was second.

Messrs. G. Cooling k Son3 had the best stand of cut Ro3es, among tli-ss
being good blooms of Lady Mary Fitz william, Countess of Pembroke,
Niphetos, Hon. G. Bancroft, Alba rosea, Mareohal Niel, and Duke of
Connaught. The second prize was well won by S. P. Budd, Esq. Vases of
cut flowers were of great excellence, the choict flowers with which thev
were principally filled being very lightly and tastefully arranged. Mr. E.
Thomas, Bristol, was first, and Mr. E. 8. Cole, Clifton, second, Mr. W.
Dobson, Bristol, being highly commended. The first prize for a bouquet
was awarded to Messrs. Perking it Sons, Coventry, wkoie exhibit wag con¬
spicuously large and beautifully arrang’d. Mr. C. Cypher, Caeltenham,
was second with a bouquet formed iu their well known style. Mr. Dobson
had the b st spray for a lady’s dress, and Mr. C. Winstone was second.

Apples admirably repr sented in the class provide 1 fo’ a difli of any sort
W. M. Baker, Esq , (J. A lin g irdener), Glouc star, was first fora h nlrome
and well kept diau of ltibstou Pippin, Mr. A. W. Southard being a good
second wi. h the sa me variety. Ia addition there were sound highly coloured
examples of B'enheiin Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, King of Pippins, and
Dutch Mignonne. Fewer Pears were shown. Mr. R. Hooper Taylor was
first for a good dish of Beurre Ranee, and Mr. E. Hall second with Easter
BeurrA Mr. R. T, Fisher was deservedly awarded the first prize for six
varieties of vegetables, these consisting of good Seskale, Asparagus, eaily
White Broccoli, early Potatoes, Carrots, and Parsnips. Mr. Evry, Bath,
was first for a basket of salading, and Mr. Fisher second, these exhibitors

March 81, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

255

occupying the same positions for Seakale, and Mr. Evry was also first for
Asparagus, and Mr. G. Garraway second.

There were several non competitive exhibits, the most noteworthy of
these being the group brought and arranged by Mr. J. Cypher of Chelten¬
ham. This occupied half of one side of the hall, and attracted much atten¬
tion, Orchid fanciers being especially interested. Messrs. R. Yeitch & Son,
Exeter, Messrs. Cutbush Jk Son of Highgate, and Messrs. Cooling <fc Son,
also exhibited attractive collections.

NOTES ON GRAPES.

My praise of Alnwick Seedling does not satisfy some writers, but I
still repeat that even in October it will be superior to Black Hamburgh ;
by keeping if well grown it is better still at Christmas, the briskness
and aroma being very marked. It has a certain sharpness or acidity
which some may object to, and perhaps if grown under unfavourable
conditions, such as low temperature, bad positions, and unsuitable soil,
it may probably be sour without being shanked. I well remember the
few telling words of Mr. Barron in December at Chiswick. He then
had it in good condition, being grown with Gros Colman, and he praised
the flavour much. K No Grape,” he remarked, “ is equal to it.” In
his book on Vine culture I find it reads thus : — “ Flavour strong and
sparkling, becoming rich and sweet when well ripened, in that respect
very much resembling the Black Morocco.” This Grape for some cause
has a tendency to slightly shrivel in the skin when the foliage is going.
I think possibly this may be due to extreme bright sun, together with a
want of water at the roots, or even atmospheric dampness. I do not
keep many Madresfield Court even till October, for the reason that they
lose colour, though I have a few in November. Here flavour, compared
with Alnwick Seedling, must undoubtedly have the day ; but Alnwicks
can be eaten after Madresfield Court, just as Loxford Hall Strawberry
can be eaten after British Queen.

It seems I must not praise that noble variety, the Alicante. Why
the public prefer Alicante in July, giving double price for it, compared
with Black Hamburgh, is a mystery. In a cold house we had a bunch
or two of Gros Colman, and kept them, but side by side with well
grown samples they will not do. The past season more than ever
confirms my supposition that Grapes can be improved by feeding not
only during the growing season, but up to the colouring of the fruit. —
Stephen Castle.

CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.

March 26th.

Although the exhibits were not quite so numerous as on some previous
occasions there were sufficient to make a bright and effective display, to
which the new competing contributions added materially. The Hyacinths,
Narcasi, Cyclamens, Cinerarias, and Daffodils occupied the greater portion
of the space in the centre transept, the groups of Roses, Orchids, and mis¬
cellaneous plants being disposed near the stage and the orchest a. Nume¬
rous plants were also included from the Company’s houses, which Mr. Head
arranged tastefully in suitable positions, one specimen of Brownea coccinea
hybrida attracting much attention from the visitors. The Browneas are
handsome plants, but seldom seen out of botanic gardens, and perhaps
one reason is that they do not flower so frequently as might be desired.
When, however, they do produce their great drooping clusters1 of brightly
coloured flowers they are very telling. In the one under notice the flowers
are of a glowing rosy scarlet hue and crowded in large heads, the leaves
being pinnate with twenty pinn®. A certificate was awarded for the plant,
which was in excellent health.

The Roses in pots from Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Wm. Rumsey,
Waltham Cross, formed two pleasing groups, the former having some
beautiful examples of Madame Victor Verdier, with the pretty Polyautha
varieties, Paquerette and Mignonette, while Mr. Rumsey had Madame
MontelB, Due de Montpensier, and General Jacqueminot, remarkable for
the brilliancy of their colours. Messrs. J. Laing «fc Co., Forest Hill, staged
an attractive group of choice plants, amongst which Orchids were largely
represented, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Odontoglossums, Ada aurantiaca, and
Phaius, with Imantophyllums, Palms, and Ferns. Messrs. Barr & Son, King
Street, Covent Garden, had a magnificent collection of Daffodils of innn-
merab's varieties, as also had Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm, Tottenham, both
including other spring flowers, such as Anemone fulgens, Ohionodoxas,
8cillas, &c. Messrs. H. Williams & Sons, Finchley, arranged a group of
Hyacinths, Azaleas, Pelargoniums, Cydsuses, and Daffodils, exceedingly
bright, with a preponderance of yellow that would be rather displeasing to
wm-. Mr. H. James, Castle Nursery, Norwood, exhibited a group of plants
arranged for effect, and was awarded the premier prize, the chief plants
employed being Epacrises, Azaleas, Richardias, Palms, Ferns, and Dracmnas,
edg- d with IsoTepis and Maidenhair Ferns.

In the classes for bulbs in pots the leading prizes were won by Messrs.
H. R. Wright, Lee, and Williams «fe Son, Finchley ; Mr James, Slough ; and
Mr. Salter, The Gardens, Selborne, Leigham Court Road, Streatham, having
the best Cin-rarias, Messrs. Paul <fc Son the best Amaryllises, Mr. Luff the
beet Lilies of the Valley, and Mr. J. Odell with the St. George’s Nursery
Company the finest Cyclamens. But the bulbs were not up to th ir usual
style, the spik s of the Hyacinths especially seeming deficient in size and
substance of the bells.

ON SOILS.

(Continued from page 172.)

Of the materials most valuable for applying to land some observa¬
tions relative to the different variety of soil may be made, as, for instance,
sandy loams have great absorbing power. They are hungry soils— that
is, the organic matter is quickly diffused and appropriated by the plants,
necessitating frequent renewals. According to analysis, the best possible
application that could be made for the current crop is phosphates and-

alkalies, or artificials yielding a large per-centagc of potass in some form,
say kainit, kelp, fish manure, and superphosphate of lime conjointly, and
large producers of such crops as Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, &c., result ;
but is the land better, or is it worse after, than it was before the crop ?
The most profitable succeeding crops are Brassicas or cereals, which
require lime, soda, and sulphuric acid. Instead of using phosphates and
alkalies give the land a surface-dressing of clay or marl, which generally
prevail under or in adjoining or intervening beds at the rate of 100 tons
pier acre ; disintegrated and divisably mixed with the soil we do many
things more than is effected by the artificials, the most important being
the increase of the staple, retentive power, and permanent improved
condition of the land, in that itVill in future he better capable of em¬
ploying the manurial matter committed to it. From the clay marl we
get potash, sulphur, salt, and phosphates, for amalgamating with the
silica and lime.

Clays are most benefited by applications of farmyard manure on
account of the silica contained ; in fact good loams and clays may be termed
soils to which nothing comes amiss in the shape of organic matter, but
the most important are silicates and lime. Dressings of road sidings
with an equal proportion of lime effect the most valuable and permanent
results ; indeed, dressings of lime are often magical in effect, especially
on garden soils long subjected to liberal manuring and heavy crops, more
particularly where the cultivation is of a surface character. Calcareous
loams, like clays, are benefited by farmyard manure, particularly from
cowyards, and even more so by sheep or horse manure, all of which are
more valuable for clays and good loams than either of the others, and so
are pigeon and fowl dung. The ammonia salts are most beneficial, but
the same objection to their employment applies as to sandy loams. They
are certainly better than nothing, but silicates being deficient manure is
very valuable. To a hot chalky or shallow sandy loam the most valu¬
able dressing is probably pond cleanings and ditch scourings, as they
furnish alumina, silicates, and humus. The value of such is greater on
chalk than on sand, but if care be taken to keep the softer parts for the
sands and the heavier for the chalks these substances effect a permanent
improvement. Clay also is a very important dressing for calcareous
soils, and it need not be of a marly description as advised for sandy
soils. There are peat and bog soils, the great corrective for which is
lime, and the changes effected by cultivation ; the most important factor
in reclaiming such soil is the conversion into ash of the primitive vege¬
tation, if woody, by burning, or if of an herbaceous character, turning
into the soil so as to enrich it by its decay.

It may be observed that no cultivator aiming at the improvement
and continued fertility of the soil will neglect opportunities of increas¬
ing its staple with such material as is accessible, and is lying idle and
injurious at his gates. Clay can be had for the digging for calcareous
soils, also marl for sands, and pond and ditch cleanings ; heaps of rub¬
bish only need putting on land of a shallow and hot nature to benefit
them. Clay will take almost any amount of road scrapings and sidings,
the debriii of old buildings — anything, in fact, containing silica and
lime, and even ashes or rubble, only fine enough as not to interfere with
the cultivation of the soil. These substances, in their several applica¬
tions, effect important mechanical changes in the soil. Before quitting
this part of the subject, I may remark that the use of artificials may be
characterised as unimportant from an improving point of view, and are
more likely to impoverish than to maintain the fertility of the soil.
As regards the mechanical texture, we have to consider its original, at least
the condition it obtains. There is in most a surface or crust of soil of
a mellow texture, the result of a long course of cultivation. Beneath
this is the pan. The surface soil is a few inches deep, as it has been
stirred by the plough or spade ; it may have been subsoiled — it will be
double the depth of the single-ploughed ; or it may have been trenched
— it will be much deeper than that under ordinary spade husbandry.
This pan may be called the sediment or dregs of the mellow surface,
which is inorganic substances washed or filtered out of the surface,
principally silica or lime, and it marks the division of the surface and
subsoil. There is a difference between the pan of virgin soil and that
of cultivation, but for all practical purposes none need be made ; there¬
fore we will consider the line of demarcation is to be there as regards
fertility and sterility. Above we have earth mixed in varied degree as
regards organic and inorganic substances, the staple having been broken
and manure applied ; beneath we have a stubborn mass of a varied
character which, as we express it, has never seen daylight, and it con¬
sists for the most part of inorganic matter that requires a gradual pre¬
paration to render it fit for plants.

But great caution is needed in dealing with the pan. It can be
brought to the surface by subsoil ploughing or deep trenching, the top
ameliorated, good material being buried under a stratum of crude
material, which will take as many years of manuring and knocking
about to render equal for profitable cultivation as it took centuries of
the combined efforts of the atmosphere and plants to produce naturally
to the original mellow surface, and now so ruthlessly buried. In break¬
ing up the pan the digging, dragging, smashing of the steam plough,
that effects no more than loosening and deepening, only mixing some of
it with the soil above, and bringing but a little to the surface, leaving
the major part of the stubborn material where it was for a time at least,
but in a different state — viz., impenetrable by rain, air, and roots, and
so by being freely knocked about without any radical interference with
the good material, the deep rooting of the plants, and the disintegration
will at once increase the food supplies, assist in their manufacture for a
considerable, if not all, time, or until such time as a pan is again formed,
and which ought to be prevented by the renewal of the process. Similar

256

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 31, 1887

remarks apply to trenching. The good soil ought not to be buried under a
mass of crude material, but the subsoil cannot be too deeply loosened
and broken, no harm accruing if a little is brought to the surface ; .in
fact, it will be more beneficial than otherwise through supplying in¬
organic substances, the surface being rendered deficient thereof by the
sifting and descent consequent on tillage or removal of crops. The
tendency of all inorganic substances is to descend. The tendency of
trenching is to deepen the good soil, to insure the full benefit of light,
air, and moisture, and this mechanical tillage, now woefully neglected,
is of the first importance in all operations in connection with the soil,
and guides all successful horticultural operations.

We must break up the staple that decomposition, whether of the
atmosphere, the soil constituents, plant and animal remains, may liberate
and accumulate more abundant supplies of plant food,, applying ferti¬
lisers that will rectify the natural deficiencies, or those resultant of
cropping. — G. Abbey.

GLOXINIAS PLANTED OUT IN FRAMES.

Taking into consideration the beauty and the many different and
striking colours of these flowers, I think it will be generally admitted
that there are few stove plants to surpass them. They can be had in
flower from April till October where there is a sufficient quantity to
stait them in succession, beginning with the first in January and the
last the latter end of May, draughting out those which are inclined to
-start first each time. Those started at the first mentioned time will
need the assistance of bottom heat, otherwise they will make but slow
progress. Those started later will come on fast enough in any properly
heated stove or pit if carefully attended to. This is the ordinary way
of growing Gloxinias.

The system of planting them out in frames was advocated in the
Journal of May 20th last year by Mr. J. Udale ; and having a batch of
seedlings at that time I was induced to try the plan, and I need hardly
say I was surprisingly satisfied with the result. It may be that there
are some new readers of the Journal since that time, and I thought it
would not be out of place to record my experience. The seed was sown
the 19th of February. In due time the seedlings appeared and were
pricked out in pans when large enough. They remained in the pans
until the leaves were about 1 .) inch long ; they were then planted out
on an old Cucumber bed in a pit without much ceremony, the rubbish
being simply cleared away, and a little peat and coarse sand and a small
quantity of wood ashes mixed with the surface of the soil the Cucumbers
•grew in. They were watered and shut up, air being given when the sun
■shone on the pit, and plenty of water when dry. I n about a month they
began to flower, and from that time till the end of October they were a
sight not easily to be forgotten — one mass of flowers with foliage as large
as ordinary sized Cabbage leaves. As soon as they died down the roots
were lifted and stored in boxes in sand ; and now, after resting all the
winter, some of them measure over 10 inches in circumference. I have
just potted a lot of them, and they promise to make very fine plants.
The great advantage in planting them out over growing them in pots is
-that we have a much larger quantity of flowers from them, and they
make much finer roots the first year. They should be planted a foot
apart each way, rather more than less, as it is surprising how soon they
fill up the space. — K. M.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page IDS.)

Infl., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— H.H , Half hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Macrochordidm MACRANTHBM. (Gfl. 188G, p. 297, f. 34.) Bromeliace®.
S. A fine Bromeliad, with long recurved and bent spinous-toothed 1., of a
dark shining green above, densely white punctate-striate beneath. Peduncle
shorter than the 1., white-woolly, with long narrow bracts, and a small
globose head of small yellowish id., which fade to black. Brazil.

Magnolia biflora. (B. H. 1885, p. 521.) Magnoliace®. H. tree. A
variety of M. grandiflora, which almost always produces the flowers in
pairs, which open in succession. Garden variety.

Mammillaria barbata. (Gfl , t. 1208, f. a-c.) Cactace®. G. succulen*,
with short cylindric stems densely crowded with cylindric mammill® ; outer
spines radiate consisting of fine set® and stouter spines mixed, central
spine longer than the otners, hooked at the apex. FI. about an inch in
diam., pale red with violet mid stripes. Texas.

Mammillaria echinata. (G/7., t. 1208, f. d. e.) G. succulent. A dwarf
tufted plant, very ornamental when in fruit. The stems are globose, about
li in. in diam., with crowded cjlindric mammilla crowned with short
radiating spines. FI. reddish outside, white within. Fruit Pear-Bbaped,
bright red.

Martinezia caryotasfolia. ( B . M, t. 6854.) Palmea. 8. A graceful
Palm, with a ringed and spiny stem, a little swollen at the base. L. 4-5 ft.
long, pinnate with a spiny rachis, leaflets 9-12 in. long, 3-4 in. broad,
cuneate, truncately 3-lobed at apex, with smaller lobules, and denticulate.
Spadix loosely branched ; fl scattered, small, greenish. Columbia.

Masdevallia Harryana, var. armeniaca. ( IF. O. A., pi. 224.) Orchide®.
A handsome variety, with rich deep apricot-coloured fl., veined with flame-
red. and having a yellow mouth to the tub?. Columbia.

Masdevallia hieroglyphica. (G. C. xxiv., p. 584.) A chirmim*

tpecDs much in the way of M. Arminii, but distinct in its triangular sepals,
with longer tails. The fl. are p irplo, with darker lines and spots on the
dorsal sep , and the lower pirt of the taTs are orange-coloured.

Masdevallia Lindeni, var. grandiflora. ( L ., pi. 34.) A fine large-
flowered form, with rich rose-purple fl. Columbia.

Masdevallia Roezlii, var. rubra. (IF. O. A., pi. 243.) A fine var.,
with large fl. of a creamy-yellow, transversely mottled with dark chocolate-
red inside, and with chocolate tails 3 4 in. long. Colucnb a.

Masdevallia senilis. (G. C. xxiv., p. 489.) One of the Chimaera group,
with comparatively small flowers of a reddish-brown colour, covered inside
with short yellow hairs, the pet. are white, with mauve-brown spots, and
the lip is pale purple and white.

Masdevallia striatella. (G. C. xxvi., p. 103.) A pretty, small
flowered species, in the way of M. chloracea, it has a closed white perianth
striped with cinnamon, and going off into three short tails ; the pet. are
lmoeolate with an angle on the lower side, white, with a brown mid line;
lip lanceo'ate acute angular at the base, white with the base and apex
yellow and having three purple nerves. The 1. is about 5 in. long, rather
thick, cuneate-oblong, blunt.

Maxillaria Endresii. (G. C. xxv., p. 680.) Orchide*. Something in
the way of M. setigera, with very broad elliptical bulbs. L. cuneate-ligulate,
blunt-acute. Peduncle rather Bhort. Sep. and pet. triangular-ligulate,
acuminate, aristate, light ochreous. Lip ochre-coloured, with a yellow
disk, and purpls border and veins on the side lobes ; callus triangular,
depress d.

Maxillaria Lehmanni. (G. C. xxv., p. 648.) A fine showy species,
with white fl., the lip has the si le .lobes light reddish-brown inside, and
covered with fragile hairs ; pale ochre outside with dark chestnut veins;
the front lobe is triangular, wavy, and sulphur-coloured.

Microphcenix Sahuti. ( R . H. 1885, p. 513. f. 91.) Palm®. H. A
hybrid between Microphcenix decipiens and Trachycarpus exc Isa, having
the habit and foliage of the former, with the violet tinted petioles and fruit
of the latter. The fruits are about J in. long, ellipsoidal, with rounded
angles, aud of a reddish-brown colour. Garden hybrid.

Microstylis Bella. (G. C. xxv., j). 9; III. H., pi. 581; Cat. C. C.
d’Hnrt., p 4.) Orchidese. A very large species, nearly 2 ft. high, wiih very
large cuneate-oblong undulate 1., and a raceme of numerous pale purple fl.,
the sep. losing t:pped with green; the lip has long sagittate ears, and nine
small teeth at the top. Sunda Isles.

Miltonia Peetersiana. (G. C. xxvi., p. 326.) Orchide®. A hand¬
some plant, with the bulb and leaf of M. Oiowesii, and fl. like that of M.
spectabilis, var. Moreliana; but the sep. and pet. are narrower, more acute,
and of a fine brown-purple colour; the lip is narrower at the base and
dilated suddenly and acutely at the tip ; it is of a rich purple colour, with
five unequal yellow keels at the base, and numerous dark purple pale-
edged blotches occupy the base and inside line of the disk.

Var. concolor. (G. C. xxvi., p. 360.) This is a distinct and beautiful
variety, with paler sep. and pet., and without the dark eye-spots on the lip.

Mimulus mohavensis. (Gfl. 1886, p. 99.) Scrophulariace®. H. A
pretty little annual 2-3 in. high, minutely viscid -pubescent. L. oblong-
lanceolate acute, entire, reddish. Calyx tube £ in. long. Corolla with a
stout tnbe scarcely longer than the calyx, and a very spreading limb ^ in.
in diam., whitish, with a dark crimson eye. California.

Mormodes Dayanum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 652.) Orchide®. A distinct
plant, with ochreous sep. and pet. marked inside with red lines, and a white
lip with very revolute margins.

Mormodes luxatum, var. purpuratum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 39.) A distinct
variety, with light mauve-purple fl., with dark pmple lines and spots on
the sep. and pet., and the side lobes of the lip much darker than the central
part.

Muscari Heldreichii. (Gfl., t. 1199, f. A.) Liliace®. H. bulb, with

3- 4, long, broadly linear channelled obtuse green 1., and conical dense
racemes of bright blue globose fl., with a whitish 5-toothed mouth. Greece.

Muscari Szovitsianum. ( B. M., t. 6855.) H. bulb, intermediate between
M. botryoides and M. racemosum. L. 6-9 in. long, linear, channelled down
the rather glaucous face. Fl. deep bright blue, with a white mouth,
arranged in a dense conical raceme. Perianth obovoid, one -fifth to
one-sixth in. long, constricted at the throat. Persia, Caucasus.

Myosotis dissitiflora, var. grsndiflora. (G/?.1886,p. 119.) Boragine®.
H. A superior variety, having its fl. double the size of those of the ordinary
term, and produced in great profusion in February. Garden variety.

Myrmecodia Beccarii. (B. M., t. 6883.) Bubiace®. S. A very
singular and interesting plant, inhabited by ants, who make their nest in
the large irregular tuberous bole which is covered with spine-bearing
tubercles. From the bole arise short stout spiny stems, with oblanceolate
fleshy 1., and small white fl. seated in depressions of the stem. Tropioal
Australia.

N.egelia achimenoides. (Gfl. 1885, p. 243.) Gesnerace®. S. A
pretty hybrid between N®gelia zebrina and Achimene3 g)oxini®flora, with
the habit of N. zebrina, but the fl. hang from the axils of the 1. as in
Achimenes. Fl. 2 in. long by 1$ in. broai, the tube is yellowish-rose out-
Bide, and yellow inside dotted with rose, ths lobes are light rose coloured.
Gardm hybrid.

Napoleona cuspid ata. (G. C. xxv., p. 659 aud 657, f. 147, B.)
Myrtace®. S. An ornamental shr. of interesting character, differing from
the better known N. imperial® in its very much larger 1., 8-10 in. long,

4- 5 in. broad, and larger fl. which are regularly 5 angled, with straight
sides, not 5-lobed as in N. imperial®, they are cream-coloured with a crim¬
son centre.

Narcissus Barri. (G. O. xxv., p. 648.) Amaryllidace®. H. bulb. L.
linear, twisted, glaucous, a ft. long, \ in. broad. Peduncle 1-flowersd,
2-edg d. Fl. horizontrl or ascending ; tube 1 in. long, limb pale sulphur-
yellow, spreading, segments U in. long, j in. broad, slightly imbricated ;
corona one-tbird in. long, lemon yellow below, orange-yellow at the throat,
plicate and crenulate. Garden variety.

N. Burbidgei. (G. C. xxv., p. 648.) H. bulb. L. linear, glaucous,
twisted, a ft. long, one-third to half in. broa 1. Peduncle and fl. as in N. Barrii.
Tube 1 in. long; limb white, spreading, segments oblanceolate-oblong ;
cuspidat ; 1 J in. long, £ in. broad, not imbricated ; corona one-sixth in. long,
plicate, yellow, with a creLulate bright red edge. Garden variety.

March 81, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

257

Narcissus juncifolio-huticus. ( G . C. xxv., p. 648.) H. bulb. A
probable hybrid between N. juncifoliua and N. pseudo-Narcissus var. muti-
cus, with narrow, linear, channelled 1., and a slender terete peduncle, bear¬
ing three fl. The two upper fl. ascending, lower one horizontal. Fl.-tube
greenish-yellow, five-eighth in. long ; the expanded limb horizontal, bright
lemon-yellow, lj in. in diam., segments ovate-oblong, much imbricated ;
corona obconic, J in. long, orange-yellow.

Narcissus Leedsi. (G. C. xxv., p. 648.) II. bulb. L. linear, twisted,
glaucous, a ft. long, 4 lin. broad. Peduncle 1- flowered, 2 edg d. Fl. hori-
lontal; tube J in. long, gretnish ; limb milk-white, spreading, segmentsob-
lanceolate oblong, cuspidate, 1-1 j in long, in. broad, not imbricated;
corona J in. long, pale sulphur-yellow, plicate and crenulate. Garden
variety.

Ne’fenthes amabilis. {Williams' Cat., p. 26.) Nepenthacete. S. per.
A hybrid between N. Hookeri and N. Rafflesiana, most resembling the
formor. The plant is of good habit, and freely produces its pitchers which
are beautifully mottled with dark crimson. Garden hybrid.

Nepenthes Findlayana. {Williams' Cat., p. 25, and p. 21 with fig.)
S. per. A pleasing variety, producing a profusion of medium-sizedpitchers,
mottled with reddish-crimson on a pale green ground. Garden hybrid.

Nerine flexuosa, var. angustifolia. {G. C. xxiv., p. 779.) Amarylli-
dacem. G. bulb. A very distinct plant, with linear 1. one-eighth to one-
sixth in. broad, pubescent pedicels, and pink fl. S. Africa.

(To be confined.)

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Frost and the Fruit Blossom. — The severe frosts recently experienced
will have greatly injured much of the Apricot blossom, this being
especially the case in the western counties of England. In later localities
none of the fruit buds were sufficiently advanced to be injured, and it is
to be hoped we may yet have a good fruit year. Not only is it advisable
to protect the Apricot and Peach blossom with either coping, blinds,
netting, or branches of Fir, but the most valuable of the Pears on the
walls may also be similarly treated with advantage. In most instances
there is an abundance of fine plump buds, and a very little trouble taken
now may be the means of insuring many dishes of good dessert fruit.
Not till the flowers are unfolding should they be protected, heavy
material being liable to render them weakly. It is when the flowers are
damp that they are most liable to injury by frosts, and for this reason
we prefer cotton or canvas blinds to doubled fish netting, the former
materials being capable of warding off a good shower of rain. A few
long poles let into the border at about 3 feet from the wall, and fixed
under the coping, will serve to support the blinds, and these may be
from 3 to 4 feet wide. All that is needed is something to check the
radiation of heat from the wall, and to lightly screen the trees. Small
pyramids are frequently the first to suffer from the effects of a late
frost. If a few strong stakes are disposed so as to meet well above the
trees the latter may at any time bn quickly covered with mats, blinds,
brown paper, or even branches of evergreens, and the crop saved. These
heavy protecting materials ought not to remain over the trees in the
daytime, weakened bloom being the most susceptible of injury. Plums
and Cherries against walls are frequently much injured by frosts, and
the choicer sorts especially will repay for any little trouble taken to
protect the flowers.

Boots of Forest Trees.— Screens, in the shape of a belt of trees, do
good service when judiciously arranged near to a kitchen garden, but
when forest trees, notably the Elm, Ash, and Beech, are principally
employed, the roots soon make their presence felt in the fruit borders.
It is really surprising to note how far the roots of such trees will travel,
the Elm perhaps being the greatest enemy to the garden. A heap of
good turfy loam disposed at a distance of 60 feet from a tree was
recently found completely ruined by Elm roots, these hungry foragers
ramifying thickly throughout the heap. An ordinary wall will not keep
them out of a garden, and even if they could not penetrate these they
come up from under the foundations. A single tree is capable of
exhausting a long fruit border of the greater portion of its fertility,
hence the necessity for preventive measures. We have tried several
plans for checking the spread of the roots, none of which is long
effective. The greatest offenders ought really to be cut down, but if the
owners object to this, the next best thing is to cut a deep trench at any
convenient position outside the walls, or where it may be done without
severing the larger roots. The depth of the trench must depend upon
the habit of the roots, the aim being to find all that run in the direction
of the garden. Where possible, it is advisable to leave the trench open,
but if this is objectionable it should be filled with clinkers or cinders.
The roots will pass through these in time, even if gas lime has been
freely mixed with them, and when this is found to be the case another
opening will be necessary. Spruce, Larch, and Balm of Gilead Firs are
of quick growth, and a good belt of these will afford the requisite
shelter without giving any cause to complain as regards their root growth.
A hedge of common Yew or Holly affords a capital screen for a frame
ground or a small plot of ground, the more vigorous Firs being required

for breaking the force of winds that otherwise would do much harm in
a large garden.

FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — The earliest plants have set fruits on the first laterals.
During the setting period water should only be given to prevent flagging,
and the atmosphere should be kept drier, with an increase of tempera¬
ture of about 5°, a circulation of warm air being conducive to a good
set. Fertilise the blossoms every day, pinching out the points of the
shoot one or two joints beyond the fruit. When the fruits are set and
about the size of a Walnut give a thorough watering ; in a day or two
earth up with rich, turfy, rather strong loam, previously warmed, press¬
ing it down rather firmly, and again supply water. Stop the subse¬
quent growth to one or two joints, removing superfluous growths. If
the bottom heat be increased 5°, or to 85°, it will assist the swelling of
the fruit, the night temperature 70°, and 75° in the day by artificial
means, ventilating from that point, increasing to 85° or 90°, and closing
at 85° sufficiently early to run up to 90° or 95° or 100°. Syringe mode¬
rately at 3 p.m. on bright warm afternoons ; damp in the morning, and
keep the evayoration troughs regularly filled with liquid manure. Fail¬
ing the evaporation troughs, sprinkle available surfaces in the house
with liquid manure before nightfall. Plants in restricted borders should
have liquid manure, always in advance of the temperature of the house,
and a mulching of rather lumpy manure on the surface.

Train the growths of later plants regularly, removing at least every
alternate lateral, rubbing them off directly they are perceived, the re¬
mainder being left at the right and left sides of the main stem, pinching
out the latter or primary stem after it has extended two-thirds of the
required distance, and increasing the supply of moisture both at the
roots and atmosphere as the days lengthen. In pots and frames a
bottom heat of 80° should be secured to plants that are growing freely ;
in newly made beds the bottom heat should be about 90°. Renew the
linings as required, and employ thick night coverings.

Cucumbers. — The season so far has been a trying one for Cucumbers,
but we may shortly expect plenty of sun, and it is probable the foliage
will flag under its influence, an evil which may be obviated by shading
with some light material for a couple of hours at mid-day when the sun
is brightest. Assist plants in full bearing with frequent applications of
weak liquid manure, and earth up the roots occasionally. Care must,
however, be taken not to apply the horse droppings too abundantly and
too often, or it will injure the foliage. Plants in bearing for any length
of time should have the old exhausted soil removed with a small fork,
not injuring the roots, and replacing it with good rich lumpy compost
previously warmed. Thin out the exhausted growths, and encourage
fresh bearing shoots. Expel worms with lime or soot water, a peck to
30 gallons of water, stirred well up, letting it stand forty-eight hours,
then watering with the clear liquid. Subdue canker at the collar and
in the old growths by rubbing quicklime into the affected parts. Damp
the floor at about seven o’clock in the morning, and again in the after -
noon at three o’clock, syringing the foliage gently on warm afternoons,
and keep the evaporation troughs regularly charged with liquid manure.
Stopping and training must be attended to at least once a week. Main¬
tain a night temperature of 70°, 75° by day, 80° to 85° from sun, and
close sufficiently early to run up to 90°, or even 100°, with abundance of
atmospheric moisture. Ventilate moderately and early, avoiding sudden
changes of temperature, and above all currants of cold air, which cripple
the foliage and cause the young fruit to become deformed and to swell
irregularly.

Keep a good degree of heat in pits and frames by the renewal or
application of good linings. Train the growths rather thinly, pegging
them down as required, stopping one joint beyond the show of fruit.
Add fresh warmed soil to the ridges or hillocks as the roots extend. Be
moderate in the application of water, as the nights are as yet cold, and
employ thick night coverings. Admit a little air early, so as to get a
change of air and the foliage fairly dry before the sun acts powerfully
upon it, keeping through the day at 80° to 85° from sun, and close early
in the afternoon, no harm accruing if the temperature rise to 90° or 95°
and more, only there is no rank steam, which must be carefully guarded
against, having a little ventilation constantly in case danger be appre¬
hended from it.

Figs.— Earliest Forced Trees in Pots.— The fruit of such varieties as
Early Prolific and Early Violet will soon be showing signs of ripening,
upon which syringing must cease and a lessened supply of water given,
or the fruit will be insipid ; but keep those swelling the fruit well sup¬
plied with water until ripening commences, when a circulation of warm
air will be necessary to secure well-ripened high quality fruit. The
temperature should be 60° to 65° at night, 70° to 75° by day from fire
heat, 80° to 854 with sun, advancing 5° to 10° after closing, admitting
air or increasing it from 75°, closing at 80° to 85°.

Feeding. — No other fruit tree produces surface roots so abundantly
as the Fig, if measures be taken to encourage them by means of a mulch
of 3 inches thickness of partially decayed manure given when the trees
are fairly in growth. This, if kept in a moist state, will be full of active
feeders by the time the trees need the most support in order to perfect
the crop. It is astonishing what heavy crops Fig trees will carry, only
they have not a large rooting space, a calcareous soil, thorough drainage,
mulching to encourage and keep the roots active at the surface, and all
the light possible. They will take and appropriate most any amount of
liquid' manure, therefore afford it liberally to trees swelling their crops.
Trees in pots will of course require it more frequently than planted out
trees, especially where reversed turves have been placed over the rims of

258

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March SI, 1887.

the pots to encourage surface rooting and increase the number of feeders
for absorbing the stimulants applied in liquid form.

PLANT HOUSES.

Acliimenes. — The best means of producing even specimens of these
plants, in pots, pans, or baskets for various forms of decoration, is to strike
cuttings in the pots, &c., in which they are to be grown and flowered.
Tubers started some time ago will now be sufficiently grown to yield a
good supply of cuttings. These should be taken above the lowest joint
of the parent, which in due time will break again freely into growth ;
two or three shoots will be produced in place of the one removed. It
is immaterial about the tops being cut just below a joint, as is general
in making cuttings, for Achimenes root freely from the stem, and the
tops may be inserted as they are taken without dressing. The pots or
pans should be filled within half an inch of the rim with fibry loam,
one-third leaf mould, one-seventh of decayed manure, and a liberal dash
of sand, a good layer of sand being placed on the surface. Insert the
cuttings as thickly as possible without crowding them. A good water¬
ing may be given, and the pots placed in the propagating frame or in
a shady position in the Cucumber or Melon house. They will root more
quickly in the first position, but a close frame is not absolutely neces¬
sary. Plants raised by this means do not become so tall before they
commence flowering as when the tubers with growth attached are trans¬
planted. When required for baskets they may be rooted thickly
together in pans filled with sand, and from these transplanted into
baskets. Our stock plants are topped several times — in fact, until the
necessary stock for the season has been raised, when they are allowed
to grow. These come in well for late flowering, and are reserved again
for stock. All the plants raised from cuttings are conveyed to the
rubbish heap as they cease flowering.

Gardtnias. — Young plants rooted last September and wintered in
3-inch pots may now be transfered into 5 or 6-inch pots. Pinch the
shoots from time to time as they extend until six or eight have been
formed, when they may be allowed to grow until they are 6 inches in
length, when they may be stopped and tied out towards the rim of the
pots. This will induce the formation of suckers from the base, which
must be encouraged if large well furnished plants are required by
autumn. If grown in moist brisk heat and placed in 8-inch pots
when ready there is no difficulty iu producing specimens 2 feet in
diameter by the time they are a year old. Those who have not plants in
this condition may select healthy growing shoots and insert them singly
in small pots in sandy soil, or three or four may be inserted in the same
pot and grown together. Divide flowering plants into two or three
batches, so that the supply of bloom may be prolonged as much as
possible. The earliest plants may be pushed forward in brisk heat,
while the latest must not be starved by keeping them in a lower
temperature than 55°. If starved the flower buds invariably are de¬
formed. A little artificial manure may be applied to the surface of the
soil, or feeding with liquid may be resorted to, but it must be used in a
weak state, or more harm than good may be done.

Ta bernte inont/i nag. — Where buttonholes, wreaths, and bouquets are in
demand few plants are more serviceable than the double forms of this
plant. A lengthened supply of bloom may be had by a system of push¬
ing some plants forward while others are retarded. Two or three large
plants are invaluable, but where room is limited and small ones only
can be accommodated grow them on the same as advised for Gardenias ;
the same treatment suits them exactly. Plants that have become bare at
the base may be cut hard back, and in the space of a season they will
make well furnished handsome specimens again. After cut-back plants
have broken well into growth they may be turned out of their pots, the
roots reduced, and repotted again in a smaller size. They will bear this
without the slightest injury ; in fact, will be benefited by having fresh
compost. They can be repotted as growth extends. Young growing shoots
root as freely as those of Gardenias, and will make bushy flowering
plants in 5-inch pots in a year.

Francises <*. — Few plants are more beautiful in the stove, for their
soft blue and deep violet coloured blossoms are most conspicuous
amongst others. Small bushy plants suitable for home decoration can
be grown and flowered as profusely as those of a larger size. Propaga¬
tion is readily effected by cuttings of the young wood, which should be
inserted in sandy soil and covered with a bellglass, or plunged in the
propagating box, where gentle bottom heat can be given. When rooted
the young plant must be induced to branch by pinching, which must be
practised until a dwarf bushy little plant has been produced, when the
shoots may be allowed to extend and bloom. While growing give
abundance of light, especially during the time the growth is being
formed from which flowers are required. Francisceas delight in heat
and moisture during the growing season, and while making their growth
should be syringed at least twice daily. When a number of plants are
grown together, and a portion of them are required for successional
purposes, this can be accomplished by retarding them in a lower tem¬
perature. These plants are of a very accommodating nature, and can
bo had in bloom for a considerable portion of the year ; in fact the
period can be regulated by a judicious system of pinching and pushing
the plants again into fresh growth. Plants that have enjoyed a good
period of rest may be pruned well back and pushed again into growth
in brisk heat. If well furnished with branches their shoots can be
allowed to extend until they come into flower, but if the plants are thin
pinch the shoots two or three times after a few inches of growth has
been made until they are well furnished. These plants do well in loam,
leaf mould, and sand, but good peat and sand is preferable.

Spheerogyne latifolia. — Plants that have become too tall for ordinary
ornamental purposes may have the leading growth removed from between
the last pair of leaves made. This will induce the formation of side
shoots, which, when large enough, should l>c taken off and rooted in
sandy soil in brisk heat in the propagating frame. Cyanophyllum mag-
liificum may be subjected to the same treatment.

, , , i . !■: , .ti , i I I . f,-|

1

If

mi

IE BEE-KEEPER.

* i *J -J • ' * > --i ' • .i --i --I. -■ 1 -.A- ' • ' • » •-

V liSM

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 7.

It is now necessary to point out the best method of
obtaining the bees with which to stock our hives. In
bee-keeping a good beginning is very conducive to a good
ending, and I am therefore most anxious to assist all who
desire this year to become bee-keepers to obtain either a
good stock or a good swarm. It may be noticed that a
swarm is the surplus population of a stock ; a stock is a
swarm which has become established in its hive. There
are three principal ways in which a bee-keeper may attain
the desired object. These are: — 1, By purchasing a
swarm ; 2, By purchasing a stock ; 3, By feeding driven
bees into a stock. Of these in their order. A swarm
must only he bought under the following conditions : —
1, That it is delivered before the 15th of June; 2, That
it weighs at least 4 lbs. ; 3, That the queen at the head is
only in her second year. An early swarm is valuable,
and the price will therefore he comparatively high. A
swarm fulfilling the three conditions above laid down will
cost at least 25s., often more. Such a swarm is, however,
cheaper at that price than a smaller or later one at a
much less sum. Who does not remember an old saying
once often heard in agricultural districts ? —

“ A swarm in May is worth a load of hay ;

A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon ;

A swarm in July isn’t worth a butterfly.”

Unless the man who desires to purchase a swarm such
as we have attempted to describe knows some local bee¬
keeper in whose honesty and judgment he can implicitly
trust, it is better to buy the swarm from one of the great
dealers, who will supply exactly what is required, at an
increase of price perhaps, but without the risk otherwise
incurred by one who, knowing nothing himself about bees,
has to trust to another who may be equally ignorant but
less ready to confess it. The advantage of stipulating for
a young queen in the prime of life and vigour is quite
manifest, but it maybe remarked that when a May swarm
is purchased from an ordinary bee-keeper the queen is
quite as likely as not to be in her third or even fourth
season. And why ? Because the stock from which such
swarm issues or is taken was probably itself an early
swarm of the preceding year, and therefore headed by a
queen of at least the year before. Now it has been for
many years, and still is, a very common custom to take
up old stocks from which swarms have issued, and to
leave the first swarms to form the stocks for the succeed¬
ing year. This habit largely prevails even in apiaries
managed upon new principles not thoroughly carried
out.

I do not advise anyone to commence bee-keeping by
the purchase of a swarm, for it is, I believe, needlessly
expensive without any corresponding advantage for the
increased outlay. For the price given for a swarm a
stock can be purchased in March, and in the stock we
buy the swarm ; we may, therefore, pass on to the second
means of starting our apiary.

V*rch SI, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

259

Stocks, combs, and bees together may be purchased
either in autumn or in spring. In autumn they are less
expensive than at any other time; in spring they are
more valuable. In purchasing a stock in autumn the
following points need special attention: — 1, The queen
must be in her first year, 2, The comb must be regularly
built and new, 3, The less drone cells there are the
better.

The strength of the stock and the amount of food it
contains is not so material in autumn as in spring. By
adding driven bees and giving a supply of food according
to instructions which will be given in due course these
defects may be easily remedied. I do not mean to say
that a wretchedly poor stock should be purchased, but if
the stock fulfils the three above conditions the purchase
may be concluded, but lues and food must afterwards be
added. The stronger a stock is, and the more honey its
combs contain, the greater is its value and cost. How¬
ever, if for a first venture the bee-keeper prefers to pur¬
chase a stock ready in all respects for wintering, the two
following points must also be regarded as essential in
addition to the other three, if the stock is purchased in
the early autumn — 4, The hive must contain at least
25 lbs. of honey. 5, The bees must cover at least nine
standard frames.

If a stock is to be bought in spring all these five points
must be observed, modified only in that 12 lbs. of honey
will be sufficient for a stock to contain on the 1st of
March, and if there are four or five large clusters of bees,
each cluster divided by a comb, the stock is in good con¬
dition. Such a stock in the early part of March is worth
from 25s. to 30s. Again I would advise a resort to a
first-class dealer rather than to a friend possessing but
little practical knowledge of bees and bee-keeping. The
third plan, and as I think the most preferable one, is to
feed driven bees into stocks in early autumn. Such
stocks winter well, and from them early swarms wdl
issue unless the bee-keeper prefers to keep all the bees
at work in supers. The cost of a sugar -fed stock is never
more than ill, and in districts where there is a surplus
of driven bees often very much less. This expenditure
consists of the following items : —

£ s. d.

30 lbs. of sugar at 3d. ... ... ... 0 7 6
10 lbs. of bees at Is. 3d. ... ... 0 12 ft

£1 0 0

A stock so formed is not expensive, and success in the
future is ensured. The most timid man may thus build
up a stock, and no particular knowledge or judgment is
necessary. It may be done by “ rule of thumb.” The
sugar must be made into a syrup, according to a recipe
which will be given in a future issue, and supplied to the
stock at the rate of about 6 lbs. a day. If foundation is
used we might, if we adopted the statement that 20 lbs.
of honey is required to produce 1 lb. of wax, knock off
20 lbs. of syrup at least, or a quantity in proportion to
every pound or portion of a pound of foundation used in
the hive. Such an idea must not be carried out, 'but if
1 lb. of foundation is used 25 lbs. of sugar will be suffi¬
cient instead of 30 lbs., and so in proportion to the weight
of foundation used. In those cases where bee-keepers
obtain their driven bees by “driving” or “bumping”
cottagers’ skeps, a sugar- fed stock will only cost 12s. fid ,
but in every case an addition to the cost must be made
in respect of trouble and time expended in feeding up
such stocks. If, again, stocks are. .purchased, there will
be an equal charge in most cases for “ carriage,” so that

this additional expense does not give a great advantage to
either means of starting the apiary. For certainty,
safety, and economy I recommend those who have not
done so in the past to try next autumn to build up a
sugar-fed stock, and if they carry out the instructions
here and in a former issue given upon this point, they
will have reason to be glad that they made the attempt,
and will probably repeat the effort in the future when
they desire either to increase the number cf their stocks
or to renew old worn-out comb. — Felix.

APIARIAN NOTES.

SPRING FEEDING— HIVES.

To all hives likely to be short of food I have given syrup, some
of them have taken 4 lbs. in twenty-four hours. I will give them at
least 6 lbs., which with that and what they have will tide them over
till the fruit blossoms yield both honey and pollen to meet the wants
of the bees and the wishes of the bee-master.

This is the proper season to investigate both properties and defects
of hives, taking a note of both, extending the former and remedying
the latter. Of these, in my own apiary, I observe one hive, but one
only, having more dead bees than I care to see. The cause of this
is, I observe, a sliding shutter in the floor warped so as to admit a
current of cold air. With this exception all the rest of my hives
have few dead bees, ranging from about two dozen to a hundred or
two. Single-cased hives covered with straw, and the sides with cloth
or felt, and a sheet of galvanised iron over all, are perfectly free from
damp, and the bees are healthy, having fewer dead bees than any
other hive. The only other defects in the whole apiary are one or
two of the double-cased hives bare of paint, through which the damp
has crept and spread to a distance. This will be remedied the first
opportunity after the weather becomes dry, painting both inside and
outside, so far as that can be done. A sun-cracked board of an
outside case will also be removed, as, like the two double-cased ones,
the damp has spread considerably from where the water entered, and
a piece of sacking on the top of the hive touching the case, has by
capillary attraction become wet, but not to the injury of either bees or
hive. Although of a trifling nature in my case, are not always so.
Very often, from such little defects, hives have perished by inattention
to them at the proper time. Beginners will therefore profit by paying
particular attention to have everything that is likely to induce or
retain damp in or about a hive removed.

VENTILATING HIVES DURING WINTER.

There is nothing of more importance to the health of the bees
than that of removing the moisture from the hive caused by the con¬
sumption of food and consequent perspiration by the bees, which
during the summer months is expelled from the hive by the entrance,
but during the winter months is liable to be condensed on some part,
of the hive or combs, and not unfrequently causes the destruction of
the bees. How to get rid of all this water without unnecessarily ex¬
posing the bees to a greater draught than they can bear is what has
exercised some of our minds for more than thirty years. Condensers
on the top of the hive have been advised, I think by the late Mr.
Taylor. “ A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper,” Mr. Langstroth, and myself
went in for porous materials being placed on the crown of the hive
and over the openings between the combs, because the spaces between
the combs on the top must be open, unless where slides are used nar¬
rower than the opening, or thin as in the Stewarton hive, through
which if the top is well covered the perspiration passes. Others again
prefer enamelled cloth, the use of which must necessarily prevent the
escape of any moisture, throwing it back upon the bees to be con¬
densed upon them, or upon anything in the hive of a lower tempera¬
ture.

The condensing apparatus might work very well if the combs ran
at an angle to converge in the centre, but with parallel frames cannot
be done without having a condenser to every seam of bees, which
would be apt’to ciuse a draught, making the remedy worse than the
disease. So far as I have heard or seen, there is nothing to equal our
original system of insensible upward ventilation. Since we introduced
that system nothing has yet appeared to come near it in effectiveness
in preserving the hive in a healthy state, but rather the reverse. But
even with insensible upward ventilation, all the vapour does not
pa^s in an upward direction — much of it passes off beneath the bees
through the ventilating floor and c mdenses upon the uader floor, ready
to rise again in a state of vapour when the tempera'ure rises ; but
when the bottom is covered with zinc or thoroughly pointed so as to
render it non-absorbent, the water runs off, and the bees are not again
troubled with it. When the temperature becomes high enough— say
to 60° — -most of the vapour passes out at the door, but when math

-GO

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 31, 1887.

lower than that is condensed before it leaves the hive, causes the
combs to decay, and the pollen to be affected by moulds.

The amount of water generated by a strong swarm is much greater
an many people believe. I have seen cloths that had lain upon a
ive of bees during three months of winter, and covered closely with
n almost air-tight cover, weigh nearly 10 tt>9. more than they did
hen put on. After I gave my bees the last feed of syrup in Novem¬
ber last, I was laid up, and did not get them removed. The most of
them it makes little difference whether they are removed or not, but
some of them have a tendency to cause a draught. When I examined
them after they had been six weeks on, two of them, tin ones standing
over a 3-inch space or opening, each contained 2 ozs. of water. A
third one of wood had none : the wood being warmer the perspired
air did not condense on it, but was carried beyond it, either at the
6ide or, as the wood was thin at the side, and a little space between
the wood and the glass, may have escaped there, as no damp is
about that hive, nor any of the other two, as with the exception of
the feeder all the rest of the top of the hive, as well as the floors,
were prepared, so that no moisture would find a lurking place, nor
anything that would cause a draught.

I observe the advice is often given to place a cake of candy on
the top of the frames and the quilt over all. Bee-keepers will do
well not to follow that example, as it causes a draught and makes the
bees restless. Space below does not injure, but above it does. The
foregoing is intended principally for the beginner, and if he becomes
impressed with the facts, and acts judiciously, many of the calamities
attending bees will never be known in his apiary.— A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

THE HONEY MARKET.

Judging from the letters of my critics it is perfectly clear that we
have not studied the same hooks, either in writing: English or keeping
accounts. I am quite willing to admit that the comma which has
slipped in between “ honey ” and “ which is only honey,” &c., warrants
the imputation that I accused the Canadian honey of being only honey
in name, but if they had taken the trouble to read on further they must
have seen that such an imputation was unwarranted, or how can they
reconcile their interpretation with the fact that I distinctly stated that
there was no vice in the Canadian honey ? No one could say this of
honey that was not honey — that is to say, adulterated. Moreover, no
one would be rash enough to brand any foreign honey with such a
wholesale condemnation. It is well known that a large quantity of
honey labelled “ Californian” is nothing but glucose ; still, he would be
a bold man who would say that all Californian honey was glucose. So
the whole accusation of my lacking courage to fight the Canadian bee¬
keepers face to face falls to the ground, for the very good reason that I
have made no complaint of the genuineness of their h'>ney.

Then with regard to accounts. I thought the traditional schoolboy
knew what gross profit meant, and the difference between it and nett
profit. The former, of course, is the usual term to express the excess of
what was received over and above the price at which it was bought,
while the nett profit is the gross profit less the working expenses. In
the case of the Honey Company the gross profit was £100, but the
working expenses (cost of starting the Company, rent, wages, adver¬
tising, &c.) being £600, there was a loss of £500. Then, again,
“ A. H. B.” says we made 15 per cent. We made, on the contrary,
nearly 17 per cent., as the profit was one-sixth, not one-seventh.

“Turnover” seems to be strange to “A. H. B.” He need not be
puzzled or accuse the printers of having . erred. We bought £1000
worth of honey, but only sold £600, leaving a stock of £400, and this
latter sum of course is not included in the turnover for the very simple
reason that it was not turned over, but remained in stock on the 31st
December, 1885. “ A. H. B.” cordially invites me to join the Bee-

Keepers’ Union and write to Mr. J. Hewitt of Sheffield. This I decline
to do, and I am not at liberty to explain my reasons for not accepting
the invitation, but they are known to the Editor.

It is not a fact that the Honey Company only buys the finest
samples. We bought £200 worth of honey, which was taken from
skeps, but there is little or no demand for it, and a large quantity still
remains on hand. The same thing happened with some Heather honey
that we bought. Our traveller could not sell it, as the grocers would
only take the light honey except in certain places where there was a
demand for the cheaper kinds. We have at least five different qualities
of run honey, and as some of these are dark in colour (red Clover for in¬
stance) I fail to see how we can be accused of only buying the finest
samples.

It is not the slightest use our trying to push the strong flavoured
honey if the grocers will not take it, and we cannot afford to throw
away our shareholders’ money.

It is not correct that there was nearly eleven months’ delay in pre¬
senting our first balance sheet, as it was sent out early in October. The
reasons why there was this delay proved quite satisfactory to our
shareholders, and I fail to see what ground non-shareholders have to
complain.

In conclusion, I have to apologise to “ Felix ” for having accused
him of praising to the skies the Bee and Fruit Farming Company. 1
only stated what I thought was the fact, but I see on referring to the

Journal of January 29th, 1885, that there is no signature to the short
notice of that Company. — Geo. Walker, Wimbledon.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Harrison ifc Sons, Leicester. — Annual Catalogue of Farm Seeds, 1887.
John Laing & Co., Forest Hill, S.E. — Price List of Clovers,' Grasses, 'end
other Agricultural Seeds, 1887.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIE3. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered

in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Books [Botanist). — Your question is a very indefinite one and difficult
to answer without further explanation. If you require a dictionary of the
same style as Paxton’s or Johnson’s you will not get them for the price
named, but dictionaries of botanical terms can be procured for a few
shillings.

Cacti (D.G.). — Write to Fred. Adolph Haage, jun., Erfurt, Prussia, for a
catalogue of the plants named.

An Unnamed Orchid [B. P. O.). — We cannot recognise the Orchid from
the sketch sent, but it is probably either a Cattleya or a Laslia, and may be
grown in a pot in an intermediate temperature.

Fumigating [T. F. IF.'. — We have seen the apparatus mentioned tried
in several house? with satisfactory results, and the firm who is advertising
it have employed it in all their houses without the slightest injury to either
Ferns or Orchids. Of course it should be used carefully, and especially at
first, until you become accustomed to it.

Small Rhubarb ( J . F.). — In all probability larger stalks will follow as
the season advances. If there are clusters of small crowns you may cut
some of them clean out in order that the strength of the roots will be
directed to the larger. It will probably be advisable to split a few of these
from the outsides of the stools with roots attached and plant them in rich
soil. It may be done now, but no etdks should be pulled from them this
s' ason. Doyenne Boussoch is a fine-looking Pear and good for a very short
time only. When once ripe it “ goes like magic.” The trees may be
inarched as you suggest.

Landscape Gardening (A Young Gardener). — We know of no paper
that will give you the desired information The book most likely to suit you
is Kemp's “ How to Lay Out a Garden,” which a bookseller can probably
obtain for you. It is published by Messrs. Bradbury & Evans, Bouverie
Street, London. AVe do not remember the price. We are pleased to find
the Journal is acceptable and useful to you in Nova Scotia.

Worms in Trees [A. B. G.). — You have done right in clearing away the
Ivy, and you have also no doubt scraped off the decayed bark, or yon could
not hive caught so many of the worms. Several may be destroyed by forcing
wire into the cavities, and you will do well also to wash the trunk with a
solution you can prepare by r issolving a quarter of a pound of softsoap, and
half an ounce of soda in a gallon of boiling rain water, stirring very briskly
in while hot a pint of petroleum. This may be applied at a temperature ci
150°, or so hot that the hand cacnrt be borne in it for a second. Force it
well into all crevices, and it will make shoit woik of all the worms it
reaches,

Strawberries Dying (IF. F. IP.).— Judging from the example you have
sent we find it difficult to account for the lots of so many plants. We do
not think the plant before us would have died, due judgment being exercised
in watering; but at the same time the fruit could not be large, because
several of the roots are dead, but others are sufficiently active to sustain the
plant though not to induce vigorous growth. Tin re are also signs of gan¬
grene round the Btem and at the base of tbe crowns. The roots may have
lost their vitality through being kept too dry at some time anterior to com¬
mencing to force ; or the evil may have been caused by an overdose of liquid
manure. We have known Strawberries injured by liquid manure given too
strong, and wl en it has been roughly poured on the crowns by young
men in a hurry the crowns have been damaged, as well as many of the
root? d'stroye^*

March £1, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

261

Cattleyas (A Beginner). — The brighter weather we are now experiencing
will probably indnce the growths to start as desired if the plants have suffi¬
cient strength. A slightly increased temperature with more moisture at
the roots and in the atmosphere will also assist them.

Clematis coccinea (D. C.). — This plant will grow well in a mixture of
two-thirds fibry loam, the remaining portion be'ng composed of equal parts
of leaf mould, crushed charcoal, and sand, provided good judgment be
exercised in watering, without which the best of soil is rendered compara¬
tively effete. As to whether you should repot the plants or not, that depends
entirely on its condition. If the present pot is so far filled with roots that
a few of them protrude through the drainage, it will be desirable to shift
the plant into a pot 2 or 3 inches wider ; but if there is space for the roots
to extend without shifting, and the soil is at the same time good and kept
in good order, the repotting will be better deferred for some time. When it
is done take care that neither the old soil nor the new is dry on the one
hand or very wet on the other. Pot firmly, and give water as often the soil
slight'y crumbles when rubbed, and only then, always pouring on sufficient
to pass right through the mass. The plant should be placed on a shelf close
to the glass of a very light house in which the tempt rature rar -ly exceeds
45° by fire heat alone, and a free circulation of air is also requisite for pro¬
moting sturdy growths.

Removing Plants (J. II.). — A person who grows trees, plants, and
flowers for sale as a means of livelihood — or, in other words, a nurst ryman,
florist, or market gardener — is entitled to remove them on the expiration of
his tenancy, as they are part of his stock in trade ; but a person who only
grows them for his private use or pleasure has no legal right to dig anything
out of the ground that is planted in it; nor has he any claim from a land¬
lord for compensation in respect to the value of wbat he (the tenant) can¬
not remove. But while that is the law it is exceedingly rare to find it en¬
forced in the case of removing a few flowers, and most persons would think
a landlord acted harshly in prosecuting a tenant for taking away with him a
“ small collection of herbaceous plants ” that he had procured and estab¬
lished. These matters are generally mutually arranged between landlord
an 1 tenant ; but, at the same time, when there is reason to suppose the legal
claim of the former will be exacted, a tenant would be unwise to dig up
anything to which may feel himself “ morally ” entitled to remove. Under
the Agricultural Holdings Act we think a tenant can either remove or claim
compensation for the value of fruit trees he may have planted with the
consent of the landlord given in writing, not otherwise. You can perhaps
procure a book that may be of pome service to you by writing to Messrs.
Macmillan it (Jo., Bedford Street, Strand, London.

Insects on Mushrooms ( J. B.). — If you can examine with a microscope a
small cluster of the minute insects that are infesting jour Mushrooms you
wi'l see a sight that will astonish yon, and you will at once determine to
destroy every Mushroom that is infested, as probably all of them in the
house are more or less seriously. You will find a mass of repulsive crab¬
like creatures clinuing and struggling as if attempting to devour each other.
The-e are thousands of them. They are under examination by an entomo-
logi-t, and pending his observations we translate the following from
Boisduval’s L’Bntomologie Horticole : — “ We have remarked, when we have
de cended into the catacombs or into the quarries occupied by the Mush¬
room growers, that the Mushroom of the beds, Agaricus edulis, was often
infested by an Acarus visible to the naked eye, which covered the gills. It
is round, of a reddish grey etiolated. It is perhaps known to the apterolo-
gists, but we have not been able to recognise it in their works ; it is, along
with a little Brachilyt-a that the Mushroom growers call Capuchin, a pest in
Mushroom growing.” The darker insect is probably a Podura that is prey¬
ing upon the acarids. We cannot conceive of any means of extirpation
short of clearing everything out of the house, filling it with the fumes of
sulphur, pouring boiling water into ev ry crevice, and washing the walls
with hot limewash. It is only by a vigorous cleansing that the obnoxious
and destructive pest can be banished.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(IF.Af.). — Dendrobium primulinum. (J. J. S.). — Narcissus incomparabilis
aurantius plenus, known popularly as “Butter and Eggs.” {E. H.). —
Ljcaste Hani-oniae. (J. H. P.) — 1, Davallia canariense ; 2, Polypodium
vulgare ; 3, Sedum Sieboldi. (A. H.). — 1, Polystichum capense ; 2,
Adiantum Capillus-Yeneris ; 3,Lastrea quinquangula1 is ; 4, Magnolia fuscata ;
5, Eleagnus refl xa variegata ; 6, Cibotium Scbiedei.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — March 30th.

Business still quiet, and with the holidays at hand will remiin so for a
week or two. Forced veg tables somewhat lvgher.

FRUIT.

i.

d

8.

d.

8.

d.

S.

e.

Apples

0

to 5

0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

u

Nova Scotia and

Oraugos •• ..

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

18

0

Peaches .

per dot .

0

0

0

0

Cherries

0

0

0

Pesra .

. dozen

1

0

a

0

Cob*

. 100 lb. 60

0

65

0

Pine Apples English .. Ib .

I

6

2

0

Figs

0

0

0

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

S

1)

Grapes

. Ib. 4

0

8

0

Sfc. Michael Pines

. . each

a

0

5

0

Lemons

0

IB

0

Strawberries . . .

per Ib.

8

0

12

u

vbgetabt.es.

Artichokes .. .

,. dozen

s.

1

d.

0

8.
to 0

d

0

Asparagus .. ,

,. bundle

8

0

ia

0

Beans, Kidney

. per lb

0

2

6

Beit, Red .. .

. dozen

i

0

2

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. 4 sieve

2

0

a

8

Cabbage .

. dozen

i

6

0

0

Capsicums .. .

100

i

6

2

0

Carrots .

. bunch

0

4

0

0

Cauliflowers .. .

. dozen

s

0

4

0

Celery .

. bundle

1

6

2

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

a

0

4

0

Cucumbers .. •

. each

0

4

0

6

Endive .

. dozen

l

0

2

0

Herns .

0

2

0

0

Leeks .

0

8

0

4

Lettuce ••

8.

1

d.

0 to

i

0

Mushrooms

.. ..punnet

0

8

i

6

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

6

Onions ..

0

8

0

0

Parsley ..

dozen bunches

3

0

1

0

Parsnips ..

i

0

2

0

Potatoes ..

4

0

5

0

,, Kidney .. cwt.

4

o

6

(1

Rhubarb ..

.. bundle

0

a

0

0

Salsafy ..

i

0

1

0

Scorzonera

.. .. bundle

i

•

0

0

Soakale ..

.. per basket

l

6

a

0

Shallots ..

0

s

0

0

Spinach ..

8

0

4

6

Toraatoas

1

0

3

0

Turnips ..

0

4

0

a

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Arbor vltce (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

„ (oommon)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Azalea . . . . per

dozen 24

0

86

0

Begonias . . . •

dozen

4

0

9

0

Cineraria . . per dozen

9

0

12

0

Cyolamen . .

dozen

IS

0

24

0

DracsBua terminals,

dozen

30

0

60

0

„ viridis ..

dozen

12

0

84

0

Erica, various

dozen

9

0

12

0

Euonymus, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

8

0

84

0

s. d. B. d.

Ferns, in variety . . dozen 4 0 to 18 0
Ficus elastica .. each 16 7 0

Foliage Plants, var. each 2 0 10 0

Hyacinths .. per dozen 6 0 9 0

Lilies Valley . . .. dozen 12 0 24 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0 12 0

Myrtles . dozen 6 0 12 0

NarcUs(various).. dozen 12 0 16 6

Palms, in var. .. each 2 6 21 0

Primula sisensis per doz. 4 0 6 0

Solanrms per doz. 9 0 12 0

Tulips .. . .per doz. pots 8 0 9 0

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Abatilons . .

12 bunches

a

0 to 4

0

Aram Lilies ..

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Azalea

12 sprays

0

6

1

0

Bouvardiia ..

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Camellias

blooms

1

8

4

0

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

# .

12 bnnehes

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

M

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Cornflower • •

12 bnnehes

0

0

0

0

Cyclamen

12 blooms

0

4

0

9

Dahlias ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Eplphyllum ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Eucharia ••

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

12

0

24

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

,, . . . .

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

3

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

..12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Lilium longiflorum,12 blras.

0

0

0

0

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

8. d.

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays 0 9
Marguerites ,, 12 bunohes 2 0

Mignonette ,, 12 benches 4 0
Narciss. Paper-white, bunch 0 4
„ White English, bunch 1 8
Pelargoniums, per 12 tmeses 0 0
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 0 6
Roses .. 12 bunches 0 0

„ (indoor), per dozen l 0

„ Tea . dozen 2 0

„ red (Frenoh) dozen 2 6
Parme Violets (French) 6 0
Poinsettia . . 12 blooms 0 0

Primula (single) per bunch 0 4
,. (double) per bunch 1 0
Stocks, various 12 bunches 0 0
Tropaeolum .. 12 bnnehes 1 6

Tuberoses ., 12 blooms 2 0

Tulips ,, .. doz, blooms 0 6

Violets . . . . 12 bunches 1 6

„ Czar, French, per bunoh 2 0

s. d-

to 1

6 0

4 0
1 0
2 6
2 6

Water Fountain for Bees [F. J.). — We supply our bees with water near
the apiary, to prevent their being lost in flyrng to a distance for water, or
«Ten when mar, if the situation is exposed, as a very little cold chills the
bees during the spring months. There are maDy wajs of supplying bees
withwat'r. They are specially fond of sipping the moisture oozing from
tar barrels, or anyoxydising substance, or fermenting material, especially
when impregnated with salts of ammonia. All open vessels or sheets of
water should be kept so that bees are not caught in them and drowned.
Vessels filled with sawdust, moss, or substances of like nature, then filled
with water, make capital drinking places ; or worsted, placed so as to be
constantly wet through capillary attraction, is also good. Any kind of
fountain answers the purpose well. The “ Renfrewshire ” Crystal Fountain,
with grooved delf slab and column, is ornamental and a useful bee fountain,
interesting at all times, and if in combination with peameal feeder is doubly
so. The latter, when made to fit neatly between the case of windows, and
glazed on the top and back, and made slanting to throw off the wet, and so
that the sash of the window in sitting-room, when raised a little shuts close,
is a very interesting thing for anv observer to watch the bees packing the
pellets of meal on their thighs. We are not sure of the price of the “ Ren¬
frewshire ” fountain, but think from 10s., minus the column or pedestal
Messrs. Ntighbour 4 Sons supply them.

PERMANENT PASTURE.

It is with no hope or intention of writing anything
novel or particularly uncommon that we sit down to
write this article, for the selection of permanent pasture
as the subject of our theme this week is really owing to
the letter of a correspondent asking lor advice about the
laying down to permanent pasture of a field of rather
poor stiff clay upon the lias iormaticn. The query is so
timely and seasonable that the perusal of it at once gave
rise to the thought, Why not make the answer to
“A. W. E. K.” so general, as well as particular, as to
render it useful to others also ? Our resolve to do so was
probably all the more prompt from the fact of our having
to lay down some clay land in pasture this spring, and

262

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Mnn k 31, 1887.

like our correspondent we intend doing so with a crop of
Oats.

We are asked to enumerate the names and quantity
of seed of each kind of grass to be used, the quantity of
Oats per acre, whether the grass seed and Oats should be
sown at the same time, the best manure, and how and
when to use it. Our answer shall be given at once. The
mixture which we intend using and can recommend for
such land consists of 4 lbs. of Foxtail, 8 lbs. Cocksfoot,
4 lbs. Catstail, 4 lbs. Meadow Fescue, 8 lbs. Tall Fescue,
3 lbs. Crested Dogstail, 2 lbs. Rough Meadow Grass,
2 lbs. Hard Fescue, and 1 lb. each of Yarrow, Perennial
Red Clover, Cow Grass, Alsike, and White Dutch
Clover, or 40 lbs. an acre in all. Of Oats drill 4 bushels
an acre, and as the season is so much advanced drill
Oats and pasture seeds at the same time. The best and
most expeditious way of doing this is to use one of the
new American Excelsior drills, by means of which corn
and grass seeds and chemical manures can all be sown at
the same time and with a single turn of the drill. We do
not, however, recommend the use of manure at the time
of sowing in this case, but rather prefer waiting till the
young plant is well above the surface, and then apply a
simple dressing of 1 cwt. per acre of nitrate of soda.

An extra amount of care must be taken in the pre¬
paration of the seed bed so as to avoid burying the grass
and Clover seed too deep. We must first of all eradicate
couch grass and all other perennial weeds, next stir the
land deeply, and by means of the cultivator, harrow, and
roller, render it so fine that the risk of burying the soil
too deep is reduced to a minimum. So important do we
know this to be, that rather would we forego having a
corn crop at all and sow in May or June than sow in foul
or rough land. So favourable, however, has the weather
been for cleaning land, that the preparation of the seed
bed should prove an easy matter now, and by taking a
corn crop we shall have some return upon our outlay this
year. Let it not be thought that once down in permanent
pasture the land will need little, if any, exj^enditure of
money or labour upon it. Pasture requires careful culti¬
vation quite as much as any other farm crop, and, what is
even more important, it repays us for the care bestowed
upon it even better than corn does. It is solely from
negligence that so much old pasture has such a brown
starved appearance at the present time. Drain it, enrich
it thoroughly with manure, and the herbage will be fresh
and green even at midwinter. The application of manure
to it must be no fitful haphazard process, but must be
done regularly every year, either by sheep-folding or with
chemical manure used in February or March. Of such
manure the mild dressing of a cwt. per acre of nitrate of
soda is sufficient for the first season, but the following
year we use a mixture of I cwt. nitrate of potash,
f cwt. nitrate of soda, 4 cwt. mineral superphosphate,
■g cwt. steamed bone flour, taking care to mix the manure
three or four days before applying it to the grass in order
that the sulphuric acid of the superphosphate may act
sufficiently upon the bone Hour to render it soluble and
quick in action.

Geological formation has very little influence upon
our selection of grasses and Clovers. The five principal
varieties of grass suitable for general cultivation, and
which should form the bulk of all mixtures, are Cocksfoot
(Dactylis glomerata), Timothy (Phleum pratense),
Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Tall Fescue
(Festuca elatior), and Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratenJs).
Use plenty of these strong -growing grasses, with a fair
proportion of Clovers, and with due attention to cultiva¬

tion you ought soon to have a flourishing pasture. If
you have a seedsman’s mixture insist upon the exclusion
of Rye grass and buy subject to analysis. Rye grass
imparts the aspect of a green vigorous growth to young
pasture that is as attractive as it is deceptive, for it fails
after a year or two precisely when we ought to have a
well-knit pasture. Sown alone or with Cocksfoot and
Clover, Rye grass answers admirably in alternate hus¬
bandry, giving more bulk per acre of excellent forage
than anything else, and we highly commend it for such a
purpose.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Good reason have we for satisfaction with our scheme of cropping for
the flock. While many farmers are at a loss for food, we have an ample
provision to carry us on till midsummer quite independent of pasture.
Our first field of Rye is quite ready for use now, but the folding on
Swedes will last another fortnight, and then the Rye folding will follow.
Ploughing for Barley has followed the Swede folding closely, as we are
anxious to get the drilling done as soon as possible. So eager was a
neighbour to finish drilling, that he carted the Swedes into heaps upon
his Rye for the sheep to consume the roots there. We did not do so for
two reasons — we wished to manure the whole of the Swede land by
folding for Barley, and we have the clamps of Mangolds, which were
made last autumn alongside both Rye and Winter Tares in readiness for
the sheep. Our first field of Rye affords a striking illustration of the
value of manure for the promotion of a robust and early growth, upon
which severe cold had very little effect. Sheep had been folded upon
Tares in this field before the Rye, which was sown in this and an ad¬
joining field on the same day. The second field was under Oats before
the Rye, for which no manure was used, and it is both weak and slow in
growth. A hundredweight per acre of nitrate of soda now would set
matters right, but it will not be given, as we shall not want this Rye for
several weeks, and it will answer tolerably well as a successional crop.
The outlay incurred for chemical manures this spring has been so heavy
that we are obliged to curtail expenditure wherever it is possible to do
so. Since last harvest we have certainly made a strong effort for a
successful season this year. We invested largely in sheep both for
folding to fatten and to add to the ewe flocks. The fat sheep have done
something more than pay expenses, and we have enriched a considerable
area of land by folding. Bullocks are not fattened except for a special
purpose. We have some at three farms to consume a certain quantity of
roots and Barley straw. A mixture of crushed corn is also given them
in order to finish them as soon as possible. Very narrow indeed is the
margin of profit upon the fattening of bullocks now even under the
most skilful management. Sheep and pigs are profitable, and we shall
use more and more of them to the exclusion of bullocks. The ravages
of swine fever have made us confine our store of pigs within somewhat
narrow limits, but it is our intention to procure many more gradually,
as we can do so with safety, by buying them from farms free from
disease, and not from dealers.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Grasses for Permanent Pasture (A. W. E. V.). — You will find this sub¬
ject discussed at some length in our Home Farm article this week. If any
further information is required we shall be pleased to afford it.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camdbn Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Lang. 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitu le. Ill feet.

DATE.

y A..M.

IN THE DAY.

* c t

OJ C-4 cj

Hygrome-

a .

3* ;

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

g-M® >

ter.

V a

o —•

r—. « O

o

peratnre.

Temperature

at

March.

03 Wl'g'-]

In

Oa

W2 <B

Dry.

Wet.

5 o

Max

Min.

sun.

gras-

Inches.

deg.

deg.

det?.

deg.

deg

dei?

de«

In.

S nnday . . . .

30.128

33.1

32.2

E.

35.0

38.6

29 6

62.1

23.2

— ■

Monday ....

29 852

32.0

31.6

N-

34 9

40.0

25.G

73 8

22.7

0.082

Tuesday ....

29.419

4G l

43.2

s.w.

34.9

53.6

28.7

98.3

28 7

0.275

Wednesday

. 23

29.070

46.5

43.1

w.

37.2

52.8

42.2

100.4

37-7

—

Thursday ..

. 24

29.853

44.0

40.7

s.w.

38.0

50.4

36.3

812

28.9

0129

Friday .

29.637

46.2

42.4

w.

38.3

50.3

36.0

88.1

80 2

0.059

Saturday .

..2d

30.092

45. S

41.9

N.W.

38.9

53.3

39.7

95.3

33 8

0.120

29.693

42.0

39 3

36.7

48.4

3L0

85.6

29.3

0.015

REMARKS.

20th.— Fine and bright.

2lst.— Fine and generally sunshiny, but rather hazy.

22nd.— Dull early, fine day with a good deal of sun, much warmer, heavy rain 5.15 P •>!■ to
6 P.M., gate at night.

23rd— Heavy rain in small hours, and overcast with gale In morning ; bright afternoon,
bnt still stormy.

21th.— Fine, but cloudy at time* in morning ; wet afternoon and evening.

25th.— Bright at times, but gusty and threatening ; showery in afternoon.

20th.— Fine generally, with rain in evening.

A pleasant spring week, much of the rain falling at night. Temperature about IF
above that of the preceding week, but still below the average.— G. J. SIMONS.

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

203

7

Tn

Linnean Society at 8 r.M.

H

P

Good Friday.

9

s

10

SUN

Raster Sunday.

11

M

B»nk Holiday.

11

13

To

W

Royal Horticultural Society. Finit and Floral Committees at 11 A M.

THE WEAK LINK IN FRUIT CULTURE.

HOUGH the biting winds of February were the
lr^ reverse of agreeable, and the “second winter ”
Ma\ in March generally mo-it unwelcome, the pro¬
tracted term of cold that was experienced
during those months may, by arresting vege¬
tation and retarding the blossoming of trees,
be the precursor of good crops of fruit. All
must hope that such may be the case, but at
the same time it will be conceded that late springs are
not the certain forerunners of golden harvests. Generally
speaking, the later the expansion of blossom the greater
is the chance of its escaping destruction, but with the vast
majority of trees its preservation is a question of chance
after all.

No matter how late the blossoming period, one or
two severe frosts may occur when the trees are in beauty
and destroy all hope of a bountiful crop of fruit in a
night, or even in the absence of frost a “ dripping week ”
at a critical time may equally result in barren orchards.
That late blossoming alone is not always a favourable
circumstance is evident from the fact that during some
years Plums and Pears are abundant and Apples scarce,
yet the blossoms of the former are very much earlier than
the latter. It is, however, an advantage for the earlier
blossoming trees to be late, as in that case not only is the
prospect of a good set of fruit better, but the contingency
of a subsequent term of cold weather occurring is more
remote, and it has not infrequently happened that trees of
all descriptions have been denuded of fruit a week or two
after the blossoms faded and the setting of the crops
accomplished.

There is of necessity a large degree of uncertainty in
fruit culture in orchards and gardens where protection
cannot be afforded, but at the same time there is a certain
amount of “ safety in numbers.” When the question is
asked, as it often is, “ What kind of fruit pays the best ?”
it will usually be safe to answer that no one kind can be
absolutely relied on, and to depend on one to the exclu¬
sion of others is highly unwise. Amidst all the uncer¬
tainty pertaining to the cultivation of fruit, there is at
least one reassuring element — while it is very rare to find
bountiful crops of every kind of fruit in one season, it is
equally rare the whole of them fail. In private gardens
mixed collections of fruit are a necessity, hence a due pro¬
portion of all kinds are planted. Jt is equally desirable
in growing fruit for commercial purposes that the same
practice be adopted. Those who are the most successful
do not rely on Apples alone, or Plums, Gooseberries, or
any other fruit, but provide against total failure by grow-
ing the best of the different kinds that succeed in their
soil and district. The importance of acting on this safety

No. 354. — Vol. XIV., Tumid Series.

principle is not sufficiently recognised by many persons
who are disposed to plant fruit trees more freely, but who
lack experience. The greatest obstacle to the production
of fruit is the liability of the blossom to be ruined by
frost or inclement weather, and by having kinds to expand
at different times the greater is the chance of some of
them escaping, because it is extremely unlikely that
“ bad ” weather will prevail over the whole term of
blossoming.

In the case of established trees in open positions the
owner or manager of them is helpless in respect to pre-
sei'ving the blossom. He is at the mercy of the elements,
and the trees must take their chance; but in instances
innumerable there has been great lack of judgment in the
selection of sites for fruit culture. Without a doubt
many planters were victims of “no choice;” they were
compelled to plant the trees where they stand or not
plant at all. But others have had large districts at their
disposal, and have chosen sites for orchards and chosen
w'rongly. They have preferred warm sheltered valleys to
more exposed elevations. Warm depressions expedite the
blossoming of the trees, and the greater humidity of the
air there than at a greater altitude intensifies the destruc¬
tive action of spring frosts.- Mr. R. Parker of Impney
recorded a striking example of that some time ago. More
than once Apple orchards in sheltered valleys in the south
of England have been barren, while trees in positions
300 to 500 feet higher, and 300 miles further north, have
been laden with fruit. Both the later blossoming and
the drier air on the northern altitudes were favourable,
though wet occurring in the south during the blossoming
season and not in the north may have exercised an
influence.

Another instance can be cited of the advantage of a
comparatively high position for fruit culture. Two
orchards of Apples chiefly, but including a few Pears and
Plums, are within a mile of each other. One is in a
valley, the watercourse of the district, the trees being as
well sheltered from the north as an orchard can be ; the
other is about 200 feet higher — the highest land in the
district, this orchard being sheltered from the south,
exposed to the north and the east. The trees grow and
blossom alike freely in both positions, and at the same
time, the coldness of the wet soil in the valley perhaps
retarding the movement of the sap there, the warmer,
because drier, soil on the hill exciting its flow. Either
that or something else causes the simultaneous blossom¬
ing of the sheltered and exposed trees. Up to that
point there is no difference, and the same weather
obviously prevails in the locality ; but the difference in
the two orchards in the autumn is very conspicuous, the
higher seldom failing to give tons of fruit, the lower often
affording none ; or, in other words, while one orchard is
profitable four years out of six, the other is unprofitable
four years out of five. In the exposed and productive
orchard the wood is ripened better than in the lower, and
spring frosts blacken the blossom in the latter, while in
the higher and drier site it remains uninjured. If, there¬
fore, the blossoms of orchard trees cannot be protected,
experience suggests that something can be done where a
choice of positions is afforded in selecting a site by which
adverse weather influences may be, if not evaded, greatly
mitigated, to the decided advantage of the cultivator.

The blossom is at once the most important as well as
the weakest link in the chain of fruit culture. Everything
that can be done should be done to relieve the strain to
which it is subjected. Trees on walls can be protected
No. 2010. — Vor. LXXVI., Oi.u Series.

264

[ April 7, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

where suitable material exists. It is a penny wise and
pound foolish policy to purchase open nets for this
purpose. They are useful for protecting fruit from
birds, but for protecting blossom from frost are delusive.
For insuring crops of fruit, such as Peaches on walls,
the trees should be covered when protection is needed
and only then, and then effectively. The trees being
healthy and well managed the plan indicated seldom
fails, but no gardener can be fairly held responsible for
barren trees when the requisite material for protecting
the blossom is not provided.

THE EARLIEST HYBRID FUCHSIA.

I have had by me for some time a memorandum to correct a
paragraph at page 318 of last year respecting my early experience
in raising Fuchsia hybrids, but have only now found the leisure to
do so. As Professor of Botany in the Society, it is my practice to
give the meeting an off-hand discourse on the objects exhibited.
The local reporter takes down what I say, but as I am reputed to
be a rapid speaker, I should be sorry to be responsible for all he
makes me say. You have evidently in some way met with this
report. As it is a matter of historic interest, I give you the correct
facts. In 1840 I was much interested in reading Thomas Andrew
Knight’s experiments in crossing Peas. I attempted to repeat the
experiment. I was then in my fourteenth year. Fuchsia fulgens
— not effulgence as the reporter has it — was then blooming for the
first time. I applied its pollen to a fine variety of F. coccinea, called
F. longiflora, growing against the wall of a cottage near the seashore
at St. Clare, in the Isle of Wight. The plants flowered the year
following. One of them was of enormous size, and a flower sent
to Dr. Lindley, who had about that time taken charge of the
Gardeners' Chronicle. The glowing terms in which Dr. Lindley
spoke of it produced a correspondence with Youell & Co. of
Yarmouth. This was named St. Clare. Although the plant was
raised by me, and in my own time, the plants were attended to and
cared for in the time of my father’s employer, Col. L. Y. Harcourt,
and my father, with that nice sense of honour which always actuated
him, insisted they were not my plants in any way. The stock was
therefore sold to Youell & Co., the money to be taken out m plants
for the grounds at St. Clare. One pound was, however, given to
me for my individual share in the work, and with this I bought
“ my first frock coat," to which the reporter alluded.

This was undoubtedly the first hybrid Fuchsia from F. fulgens
as a parent. Youell & Co., however, kept it a long time in order
to get up an enormous stock ; and I am not sure now but the other
early variety, Standishi, was put into the trade before it.

I should not think the matter worth correcting, only for having
appeared in a channel of permanent record like the Journal of
Horticulture. It is, in this case, due to history to be set right. —
Thomas Meehan, Philadelphia.

ASPARAGUS CULTURE— RABBITS.

A very seasonable article on Asparagus culture by Mr. Ward
appeared on page 229, and as from the present time to the end of
April, according to the locality, is a good for making new plantations
with one or two year old plants, or sowing seed to produce such,
Mr. Ward’s remarks come very timely for those who wish to have a
good supply of Asparagus.

There can be no question but that it is one of the most im¬
portant vegetables a gardener or anyone can grow. It comes in at
a time, and daily too, when, if the Broccoli have suffered much
from bad weather, there are not many good vegetables. My ex¬
perience of this vegetable has been that it does best on a light rich
soil, but as everyone has not that at command, means must be taken
to render the soil light and open with plenty of old hotbed
materials, coal ashes, ashes from burnt rubbish heaps or old potting
soil. A few years ago I had to deal with some rather stiff and
cold ground. At the beginning of November a good coat of coal
and burnt refuse with a sprinkling of charcoal was wheeled on and
spread about. After that a 3-inch coating of decayed leaves and
stable manure from old hotbeds was spread on and then dug a foot
in depth, mixing it as well as possible, and leaving the surface of
the land rough to await the action of the frost. In March it was,
agriculturally speaking, in good tilth, and was then marked out as
Mr. Ward describes in his second method — that is, into beds about
4 feet wide, with 2 feet alleys between. Then a good 6 inches
depth of soil out of the alleys was placed on the beds, so making
them appear a foot in height. In this condition they were left

until the young plants (two years old) in the seed beds began to
grow, about the second week in April, when two drills 4 inches deep
were drawn down each bed about 15 or 18 inches from each other,
and the plants with their roots spread out were placed a foot apart
in the rows, the fine soil being drawn around them with the hands.
As rain fell a day or so after, watering was unnecessary. The beds
were kept as free from weeds as possible, and the growth made the
first season was good, but still no heads were cut from them the
following season ; but the second year after — that is, when four
years old, the produce was good. The heads were not so large of
course as from the first method Mr. Ward describes — that is, putting
the plants a yard apart each way, a very good practice if extra
large heads are required; but it is one that takes time, for they must
be staked and tied, whereas when grown closely together they hold
each other up.

I have also had very fair Asparagus from rows a yard apart,
sown thinly where to stand permanently, and if I had light well-
drained land I should adopt no other system, giving them the usual
winter dressing of manure. The principal work, I consider, is in
well preparing the soil before sowing the seed. It is an old maxim
that well begun is half done. Such rows where forcing is practised
are very useful for digging up when five or six years old, and when
such is the case a few rows can be sown every season according to
the requirements.

From the headline of these few notes it may be asked by many ,
What have rabbits to do with Asparagus culture ? A large portion
of vegetable land under my charge is outside the walls where rabbits
can have access to it. It is true there are not many, but still if
even one rabbit in the night finds its way into a newly planted bed
of Broccoli or Cabbage, the cultivator may find next morning the
heads of a score or two eaten. I would like to ask Mr. Ward, or
any reader of the Journal, if he or they have found that rabbits
are partial to Asparagus ? When a large portion of the garden is
not rabbit-proof, it is difficult sometimes to have that correct
rotation of crops that would be desired.

The following vegetables I cultivate without very much trouble
from being eaten by these pests : — Yegetable Marrows, Broad
Beans, Spinach, Globe Artichokes, Jerusalem Artichokes, Leeks,
Rhubarb, Turnips, Seakale, Parsnips, Tomatoes, and Potatoes. I
have also grown Celery, Scarlet Runners, Carrots, and Onions, but
unless these last-named crops are wired round with netting at least
2 feet high they have been very much eaten. It is when the
plant is in its small or infant state that the mischief is done. I
have planted Colewort, Cabbage, and Cauliflowers, and although
the rabbits are few and seldom seen to be shot at, they have never¬
theless destroyed most of the Cabbage tribe, with the exception of
Seakale and Turnips. Last autumn I made a small plantation of
about sixty four-year-old Black Currant bushes, and although not
far from them some trees and shrubs were barked by rabbits when
the snow lay thick on the ground and hid all herbage from them
the Black Currants escaped uninjured. Would Strawberry plants
have escaped the same ? — A. Hardinh.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 2:6.)

OWN-ROOT R03E3.

Many cultivators talk mueh about Roses on their own roots, and
though a good number of varieties are said to do well grown so,
there are, on the other hand, many that will not. One of the
principal advantages of budded plants is that they are cheap, and in
an age like this, when quality seems to be entirely left out of the
question, and when, as happens in very many cases, the price of the
article is apparently the only consideration, budded plants must be
first in the field. These latter remarks are not intended to mean
that I prefer own-root Roses. I admit they might be interpreted
so. I am in favour of good well-budded plants, life is too short for
the others.

Another advantage that budded plants have is, as I hinted just
now, the amount of time that is saved by the purchaser. As far as
price is concerned, some reader may say, “ I can buy own-root Roses
for the same money as I can get seedling Briars.” Granted that is
so, we must remember that seedling Briar Roses are large well-grown
plants when delivered ; own-root Roses at the same price are gene¬
rally little better than rooted cuttings, and if these make as good
plants by the end of the following season as the others are to begin
with, the purchaser may think himself fortunate. Some of the
newer Roses, yes, and some of the older ones too, the flowers of
which are very desirable, are such puny growers that they must be
budded plants. We shall have to take them in this form or else go
without them altogether. I will give as an instance of this the
fine new Rose Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, which with me did not
make enough wood all last season to give one really good cutting

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

265

per plant. “ But,” says somebody — some Manetti man probably —
“ budded plants are always dying and leaving gaps to be refilled.”
Well, you will not avoid this by having own-root Roses ; these die
sometimes too, more especially in the young state. When once
established I admit that they take a lot of killing ; the winter frosts
may cut them down to the ground, but every bit of root is of the
same breed as the parent, and spring sees the apparently dead plant
return to life in the sending up of a lot of new shoots. Budded
plants under the same circumstances would give us a rich harvest of
suckers probably, but these would only be Briars or Manettis. Of
course I am assuming that the plants are killed outright, but where
they are planted properly frost in these parts rarely kills dwarf
Roses on the Briar.

Again, the uprising of suckers, which have to be contended
against and removed in the case of budded plants when they occur,
becomes here a blessing instead of a curse, as all the suckers that
arise from own-root plants must naturally be of the same varieties as
the plants themselves. Here the only care necessary is to remove late
sappy shoots as soon as they appear, shoots which experience tells
us can never be expected to ripen before winter.

I cannot see why the vigorous growing Roses grown on their
own roots should not do quite as well as they do when budded on
stocks, tho greatest disadvantage being, in my opinion, the length of
time that the plants occupy the ground before we can hope for any
result. Somebody has argued somewhere that if we compare the
date of the putting in of the cutting which is to form the future
stock, or the sowing of the seed of the seedling Briar for the same
purpose, with the date of the making and planting of an own-root
cutting, that we sha'l find that no time is gained by having budded
plants. Possibly not, but we can go into the market and buy stocks
ready for budding the same season we plant them, or we can buy
plants to give us blooms at once, thus repaying the nurseryman for
occupying his ground growing the stocks or the Roses for us, while
our own gardens may be better utilised by being kept gay with
Roses in the meantime. If a beginner wishes to make a collection
of own-root Roses, the best plan for him to follow is to propagate
his own ; for the time cultivating plants on other stocks. In this
way he will not sacrifice the present for the sake of the future,
while on the other hand he will be gaining useful experience as the
days pass by.

PROPAGATING OWN-ROOT ROSES.

Layering.

This is the most certain way of getting Roses on their own
roots. To carry it out it is only necessary to have a stock of dwarf
Roses planted and in full growth. The business is best done about
midsummer. It is done by bending down a branch of the growing
Rose, after making a cut as shown in fig. 47, which cut it will be
noticed has passed right under and beyond a bud. The cut part

being pegged down about 1 inch below the ground, and a piece of
flower pot or something similar having been inserted in the cut to
keep it open, after which the soil should be drawn over, roots will
in due time be emitted from the severed bud, and the branch when
cut away with the newly made roots attached to it will become an
independent plant. If the layering be done in early summer it will
generally be the case that roots will have been formed by autumn,
and, that being so, the branch may be cut off and planted. Where
it is found that roots have not made their appearance, the cutting
off of the branch had better be deferred until the following
spring.

In bending the branch down in the first instance great care must
be exercised so as not to break it clean off, the wood of many Roses
being very brittle. When a branch is cut half through to start with,
very little pressure is required to snap it off a' together. For

holding the branches down I find wire pegs, which can be easily
made, answer best.

Fig. 48 shows a plant one branch of which has been bent down,
the cut being made at a ; some of the leaves have been removed
from the branches. If there be any difficulty in keeping the

branch when bent down in its proper position a little stick should
be inserted in the ground, to which it may be secured.

CUTTINGS.

The smooth-barked Roses strike readily ; such varieties as John
Hopper, Etienne Le vet, and Ulrich Brunner are good examples of the
section. One or two shoots of nice firm half-ripe wood should be
cut off where they can best be spared, without crippling or dis¬
figuring the plants. If they can be cut with heels to them all the
better. The shoots should be cut up into pieces about 10 inches
long, rejecting the soft unripe tops ; each cutting should have two
good leaves to it, and be cut close up to a bud at the base, as advised
for Briar cuttings. In the case of those with heels there are
always a lot of buds, although they are not visible, round this part
of the branches. I may say here for this very reason that Briar
cuttings are not advised to be cut with heels. It is not necessary to
remove the lower buds from the shoots of Roses, as advised in the
case of Briar stocks, because in the latter case suckers would
be simply a nuisance, being part of the stock only, while in
the case of own-root cuttings suckers could only be part of the Roses
themselves, and therefore welcome. Still, I think some successful
Rose-growers recommend the removal of these lower buds, and so
the beginner had better take his choice, either to plant the
cuttings as taken from the tree, removing all the leaves but two at
the top. or else to cut out all the lower buds, as directed in the pro¬
pagation of Briar cuttings. A cold frame in a shady place and a
bed of sandy soil will be great aids to arriving at a successful issue
in this matter, but if these cannot be obtained the cuttings should
be put in very firmly — planting them as deeply as possible, still
allowing the leaves to be above ground — somewhere where the sun
cannot shine on them. If they can be lightly syringed with cold
water for a few days after planting this will assist them to retain
their leaves, which is desirable. Under these circumstances a fair
per-centage of the cuttings will grow, but a cold frame will add to
the number very considerably. Where a frame cannot be had
sometimes a square wooden box might be available. If a piece of
glass be procured to fit the top of this, and if, after knocking the
bottom out, the cuttings are put under this box, the glass being
afterwards made air-tight, or nearly so, by means of strips of paper
pasted round the edges, nearly all the cuttings put in will strike, ,
and the dead ones will be the exceptions. Mr. Taylor, the great
Grape grower, is, I believe, the author of this very excellent plan
at any rate, it was, I feel certain, from his writings that I picked
it up.

Cuttings must be put in while the leaves are on the trees and.
the sap in motion, if we intend to be successful with them. — D..
Gilmour, jun.

(JTo be continued.)

THE PROPOSED GARDENERS’ ORPHAN FUND.

All honour to Mr. Penny for projecting this scheme. That some such-
effort is required there is ample evidence in the length and breadth of
the land ; yet I, for one, must have kept aloof from it while there were
proposals to erect a home or central institution, with all the expenses
and chances of jobbery that such an institution would possibly
lead to.

What would meet my views and those of others I have heard speak¬
ing of the matter would be a central fund from which allowances could
be made to the natural guardians of the children of deceased gardeners,
whether these may happen to be the mother, aunt, or other relation,
such being, on evidence, fit persons to be entrusted with the care of the

266

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7, 1887.

children. ' This could easily be ascertained through the local horticul¬
tural societies and the local clergy.

It ahould be clearly defined what constitutes a gardener. At present
any man who works in a garden or nursery calls himself a gardener.
It should also be a condition that the orphans of all who have subscribed,
say, 10s. annually, should have prior claim. Unless this is made a rule
gardeners will have little confidence in the scheme. I write 10s., but it
may be found that a smaller sum may suffice. It should take the form
of an insurance society for gardeners’ orphans, and in that form it may
have a great future, but if it is to be a semi-benevolent Society I predict
its failure. — Wm. Thomson, Clovenfords.

[We readily insert this letter because it is brief and embodies the
views of many gardeners ; but it is desirable that future communications
on the subject be addressed to Mr. A. F. Barron, Royal Horticultural
Society’s Hardens, Chiswick, London.]

GEOWING CUCUMBERS FOR MARKET.

A FEW words on this subject may be of some use to a few readers of
the Journal, and I will therefore try and point out how I make my early
bouse pay. This house is 24 feet long, with six rows of 4-inch pipes, a
cistern at the west end ; two rows of pipes run' under the bed, and these
are covered with large slates, leaving a good air chamber below. The
first week in December I have the bed half filled with fresh leaves
pressed down very firm ; I then have a little soil brought in for raising
the seed upon, also for the plants when they are ready for placing out.
This is not put on the bed but placed in a large box. I then bring in
my first batch of 500 Lilies of the Valley for a start. These are placed
on the leaves, packed closely in boxes about 3 inches deep, and seventy-
five crowns in a box. They are covered with deep boxes, so as to exclude
the light and help to confine the moisture. These are sold at a good
profit. The other part of the bed is filled with Eucharises. These, like
the Lilies of the Valley, pay very well. Then on the back wall I have
two shelves filled with Spiraeas, which are now all cleared off at a good
profit, thanks to Mr. Jannoch of Dersingliam for his fine crowns both
of Lilies and Spine as. Azaleas are stood at the tank end, and these
being forced every year arc soon in flower. Alba Bluthana is the best
for early work, being a pure white with a pleasant perfume. Mr. Jannoch
grows more of this than any other variety. As a double white Deutsche
I’carlc is the best, being more like a Camellia. Adiantum Ferns are
stood on the floor to come in for cutting when the others are done.

This season I thought I would try a different way of treating my
Cucumber plants. When they had made their ninth joint I pinched
out the bud. They soon made the side shoots, and as soon as they
•showed the first fruit I stopped them, removing also the lateral shoots
from the fruit joint, and only leaving one maiden flower. Up to the
present they have done well. I cut my first fruit on the 14th of
February, and the plants are now carrying a fine crop of fruit. By this
system the plants do not get so soon crowded with weak shoots, and
although I have only nine shoots to each plant they are still thick
enough. Some might wonder how long they will continue bearing, and
think that 1 shall soon get plenty of old and superfluous wood. This I
was prepared for when I first thought of trying this system, but there
is always a certain amount of wood to cut out after the plants have
been growing some time. When I have to cut back I shall have young
wood to work on, as I see my plants are now breaking from joints where
the fir.st fruits were cut.

One writer in a contemporary talks of mildew being caused by
damping. This is unknown to me in a Cucumber house, although 1
syringe twice a day, and the house is full of plants until the end of
April, for I propagate all kinds of bedding plants by hundreds, and can
manage to keep the Cucumbers healthy and clean. Red spider is more
often caused by allowing the roots to get dry, and although the top of
the bed may be wet the bottom of it should bo examined if red
spider should appear. Whitening and lime is very well for shad in-/, but
Cucumbers like plenty of light, not a continual shade. The shading I
use is scrim. This can be bought at 6d. a yard, 2 yards wide, and with
care will last t*o or three seasons. I shall expect these plants to keep
fruiting until October. They will then be cleared off, and the house
thoroughly cleaned, ready for starting again. Cucumber-growing pays
very well if you can dispose of the fruits near home. — J. Wallace,
King’s Isynw.

[Two excellent Cucumbers accompanied this letter, and flowers of
the white Azaleas mentioned, Deutsche Pearle being much the better of
the two.]

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE— ANSWER

TO A CRITIQUE.

1 hoped that I had calmly read, and I certainly intended to have
fairly interpreted Mr. Garnett’s arguments against the practice set forth
in my book on Chrysanthemum culture. Mr. Garnett is altogether “at
sea” when .he says I fumed at the audacity of anyone questioning my
teaching on the subject in question. I felt satisfied when reading his
critique that I could safely leave it to the general public to decide
whether Mr. Garnett was more clear, plain, and practical in his teaching
than myself. I do not see that he has proved my practice wrong in any
respect. Had he brought forth any evidence I should have been pleased
to have accepted his reasons, but after all he has advanced I fear we are
as far from the desired point as we were before. If Mr. Garnett had

brought forward on page 237 any new evidence I should have been
pleased to reply to it, but he simply travels over the same ground and
tries to prove that I perversely altered the sense of his arguments. This
of course cannot benefit the general public in any way. I am of opinion
that I answered his arguments clearly and fairly. Mr. Garnett cannot
have the true variety Mr. Bunn, or he would not compare the quality of
this variety to that of either the Beverleys. If he had Mr. Bunn correct
he would at once determine that it is a much superior flower to Beverley,
although it may bo of the same type, hence my reason for placing it in
my selection of twenty-four varieties. I consider- it necessary to
have representatives of various colours to make up a good stand
of blooms, and were Mr. Bunn omitted what would Mr. Garnett
substitute I wonder ? That is my reason for placing Mr. Bunn there. —
E. Molyneux.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

After the very practical contributions of Mr. Simpson, “ Albion,”
and “ T. W. G.,’’ nothing further can be gained by extending the subject,
and I will keep to the matter as it stands between Mr. Riddell and my¬
self. Firstly, then, ho v does Mr. Riddell fail to grasp my meaning as
to the failing in his ashpit system? I distinctly stated that leakage-
must play an important part. Will your correspondent tell us to
what degree oxidation must take place in order to free the clinkers
from the bars ? It will be interesting to know whether the oxidation
spoken of takes place upon the bars in the gardens at Duncombe Park
or in the furnace Mr. Riddell has hired for illustration. It appears not
a little strange that Mr. Riddell must go outside his own domains to
find what ho considers a perfect system, or one so superior to ours. The
’specially constructed ashpit, Mr. Riddell says, is 4 feet 9 inches long,
1 foot wide, and 10 inches deep ; ours as referred to is 4 feet long, 19
inches wide, and 9.j inches deep, sloping about a foot from the front for
drawing out ashes. In measure it holds about 20 gallons ; at high-
water mark it is abont 10 inches from bars. That more or less water is
evaporated, according to intensity of fire, goes without saying ; this 1
termed in my first notes self-acting. But we are told that the specially
constructed ashpit is simply to aid combustion. Your correspondent
may think so, but combustion may be had by other means, and the
better the draught the more intense the heat, and the more the need of
keeping the bars cool. As a matter of fact, water is put thene first to pre¬
serve the bars, and what is added to combustion is a secondary yet
economical gain, to sa3r nothing of useful minor benefits. On this point
it may be useful to quote the following from a work by Mr. Samuel
Hughes, C.E., on manufacturing and distributing gas, pages 74 and 75 :
— “ The ash-pans below the firegrate are supplied with water, the
evaporation of which keeps the fire bars cool.” Is it intended to convey
that 1| inch is the usual distance of water from the bars ? If so, will
Mr. Riddell say for what purpose the furnace is employed, because such
is not the rule in gas furnaces, which appears to betaken as the standard,
and yet not one writer has even hinted at destruction of the bars by the
action of steam. [

If I thought Mr. Riddell was very sincere in his regret at the futility
of my endeavour to preserve our bars I should feel even more grateful
if possible. It is difficult to see why water in ashpits should have a
different chemical effect than in others. If our bars have by the action
of carbonised vapour in four years become partially converted into steel,
and the same system be continued, when are we to expect destruction to
commence ? — Edw. Burton.

Having followed very closely the long discussion on the above, I
had quite arrived at the conclusion that Mr. Burton’s able explanation,
strengthened by “ Albisn ” and Mr. Simpson, had quite satisfied Mr.
Bardney that as far as water was concerned it was better by far to
have it in the ashpit. Yet he again appears with a long statement.
Mr. Burton has said that water in the ashpits does preserve the bars,
and he has also proved it as clearly as possible. I hope all the corre¬
spondents that are writing, or have written, on this subject will once
more get a little nearer their own stokeholes, and give us their experience,
and let Wilson’s or any work on chemistry alone ; we younger gardeners
cannot always find all these works as quickly as they can be men¬
tioned. One word in conclusion, we have a boiler with a watertight
ashpit, and also one with a leaking ashpit ; the former has been working
for four or more years, and the bars are still as good as new, while
the latter has been working about six months, and already we have had
to put two new bars in as well as having to suffer much inconvenience
from the smell of sulphur and dust arising when cleaning the fire. I
hope this instance will help Mr. Bardney to be a little less unbe¬
lieving. — T.

CYCLAMEN CULTURE.

I READ in No. 2007, page 212, Mr. Dunkin’s mode of growing the
Cyclamen, which is good as far as it goes, but if he will try the following
mode I think he will find it better. We take for granted that August is
a good month to sow the seed. I winter my plants in shallow boxes,
pricking them out in a light compost, half leaf mould and sandy loam,
keep them close to the glass and always moist. They root more freely
in boxes and grow stronger. I harden them and plant them out in a
eold frame on a north border about the end of April, keep them close
for a >veek or two, until they get a start ; then harden them, taking the
lights off until the end of September, If the.flovvers are not wanted

Ai ril 7, 1187. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

267

early the lights can again be placed on, admitting air in mild weather,
and cover in case of frost. They grow freely in the autumn, and can be
potted when convenient in the same compost, using plenty of drainage,
but do not let the |>ots be too large. Grown in this way they are very
little trouble, and make useful plants. After they have flowered do not
dry them, but treat them in the same way as before — that is, plant them
out in frames and harden on a north border. I grow them with as many
as a hundred splendid blooms on a plant, in 6-inch pots. I also find that
the conns will last two, three, or even fonr years, treated in this way. —
G. A.

DEGENERATION OF THE CHAMPION AND OTHER

POTATOES.

1am glad this subject has, Since I drew 'your attention to it, attracted
the notice of so many able correspondents, ami particularly so that
among the number is Mr. W. Iggulden. ’Tins ■ satisfaction is not
diminished by his maintaining the negative in his Tecent paper on
the matter. Permit me to draw attention, in a summarised manner,
to what 1 consider defective conclusions therein, “If Potatoes are
degenerating why is so much value attached to one of tho oldest, the
Ashleaf Kidney?” This variety is generally grown in frames or warm
southern borders, for early use, and the “seed,” or “sets,” intended for
next season “greened” in the sun for weeks. If this treatment was
practicable, or would pay, for those grown extensively for farm and
market purposes, degeneration might be deferred in case of certain
varieties, but in nine cases -out of ten would ultimately sapervono. If
Mr. Iggulden denies this, let him look around and see where are the
varieties grown that had a preference fifty Or even twenty years ago.
My contention in reference to degeneration was, however, limited at
first to the Scotch Champion on account of its precocity in sprouting
almost as soon as it is lifted, and that growers of that fine variety thus
lose the first and often the second growths. This tendency to sprout is
not diminished if stored in open sheds and covered with fine-hay against
frost or if stored in Potato houses, as 1 had them ; and still worse, if pitted
in the open fields, as nine out of ten treat them in Ireland. This year,
for instance, I saw the buds, or sprouts, out through the pits — through
•I inches of covering — in January. No doubt the season -was abnormally
mild.

1 must confess I never tried Mr. Igguldeu’s method — “to leave a
certain breadth in the ground until wanted for planting,” — of preventing
the sets being weakened by sprouting. I am afraid' in iny own case this
would be impracticable, as in my rotation of crops as soon as the Potato
crop wa 5 lifted in October Wheat was sown, aud is- now several inches
high. Hut apart from this difficulty, or any risk from frost, or other
objections that might be urged, the Champion will commenoe to grow
as rapidly by being left untouched in the ground as if pitted, as I have
repeatedly noticed. The Magnum Bouum is exactly the reverse, and if
both are “ sown ” or planted the same day the latter will be a fortnight
later in reaching the surface of the bed or drill, all else being equal.
If leaving the Champion crop ■undug unlit planting time were a remedy
it would have been adopted long since in Ireland. Still I know no
other variety that can compare with this for general purposes in quality,
even admitting the fault of coarseness ; and it is a confirmation of this
view to have such authorities as Mr. W. Taylor and Mr. Iggulden
coinciding. Notwithstanding my views as to the degeneration of the
Champion, I am importing several tons of the best quality for a further
trial direct from Scotland, and shall have most of them planted, this
time in broken up new lea land, and with the tubers (large size) cut.
Last season I planted them whole, but will not do so again.

If I differ from Mr. Iggulden on some points, I am glad to agree
with him — notwithstanding the orthodox opinion — that “ change of
seed ” in some varieties “ is not always desirable.” Change the old Ashleaf
Kidney, and you may never succeed in getting the true variety again. I
am usingthe same “ seed ” of Magnum Bonum for seven years, and so long
as it keeps so good as at present use 1 shall not be tempted to change.
Instead of planting it last it ought., however, be planted first, and,
like Mr. Iggulden, mine were all down before the 10th March. I am
trying about three dozen varieties, chiefly new, including White Forty¬
fold, received from your correspondent Mr. lnglis, and shall report
results by-and-by ; but I am no sanguine, as I have already cooked
some of them.

I must thank Mr. Thomas Laxton, Bedford, for further answering
the appeal. The whole of his letter is most important, but shall only
ask space for the subjoined extract : — “ Herewith 1 send you ten distinct
varieties of my seedling Potatoes for trial, which I think may prove
suitable for your climate. They have been mostly grown on warm
forward land, but the quality is generally different on cool late 8>ils and
when planted late. Many growers here are disappointed with the
‘ Champion ’ type, and now, when it should be good, they have it with
‘ black eyes.’ It is my favourite Potato, and I do not believe there is
anything between Myatt’s Ashleaf and that variety to come up to either
in quality, and as a real nourishing foal. The T.apstone approache-’,
but is a poor producer ; all three are yellow-fleshed, and for quality give
me the yellow-fleshed. Magnum Bonum I do not like in any way but
as a producer.” Then follow the names of the varieties crossed to pro¬
duce those sent, closing with a request that they are not to find their
way to “ trade hands.” Need I say that will be a point of honour with
all sent me? Mr. Laxton concludes by saying those ten varieties have
been selected from 200 he lias in stock, and that number had been

tested from 1000 — facts that will show how difficult it is to get a really
good variety satisfactory in every respect. — W. J. Murphy, Clonme'.

DRAINING FLOWER POTS.

Too much attention cannot be devoted to this. No matter how good
and suitable the soil is for plants, nor how genial the atmosphere may
be, if the drainage is deficient perfect success will never attend the
operations of the cultivator. I do not think it would be difficult to
prove that three parts of the plants that- are in bad health throughout
the country owe the origin of their infirmities to imperfect drainage,
and where the rule is to pot plants only once a year deficient drainage at
the commencement invariably leads to serious results before potting
time comes again. So long as a plant continues in perfect health it is a
pretty sure indication that the drainage is all right, but as soon as it
exhibits the slightest sign of ceasing to thrive tho drainage is the first
point that should be seen to. There is nothing in the whole range of
garden operations easier than draining a flower pot. Boys who have not
reached their teens are often set to do the work, and they can fill a pot
to a certain depth with drainage as well as anybody, but draining pots
for choice plants, or indeed plants of any kind that arc expected to do
well, is no work for the inexperienced, but should be done by those who
fully understand the advantages and disadvantages attending the work.
As a rule properly placed drainage will always remain in good working
order for twelve months at least, and it is only when the soil is washed
amongst the drainage that it requires to be re-arranged.

The most common material used for drainage is broken pots. Oyster
shells are also excellent for the purpose, and broken bricks may also be
used sometimes ; .but the way of placing them all is just the same, and
there is really only one right way of draining pots, no matter what the
substance used for drainage may be. A large piece of the material
should be placed over the hole, smaller pieces being arranged over this,
finishing with small pieces, as this j revents the soil passing down.
There should be no putting the drainage in with a spade or trowel, or in
large quantities at a time, but each of the large pieces should be lifted
separately, and be put into its place with the hands. A few oyster
shells at the bottom of the ipot and a little small material over them
generally answers well as drainage for large-sized pots. — A GARDENER.

SCOTCH ROeE*

Before the Rose-planting season is over for another year I would
like to call attention to these pretty Roses, which ought to be seen in
every garden. They are not very rampant in growth, but assume the
form of well furnished handsome bushes, with small foliage not unlike
the Sweet Briar in its outline and size. The buds are small and they
have none of the huge proportions of a Hybrid .Perpetual, but they are
produced in the greatest profusion, and when open they cover the
plant with a perfect mass of blossom. The flowers arc about the size
of the wild Briar blooms, much more double and altogether more
showy. They are admirably adapted for massing in beds in the pleasure
grounds or by themselves anywhere, and although they vary in colour
I must say I am very partial to the yellow flowering variety. It is as
good in colour as the Marechal Niel, and is admired by all who see it.
We had two or three rows of it amongst our II. I’.’s in a border, but
they did not harmonise well with the large flowers, so we moved them
into a bed in the pleasure grounds, and in June and July they are
exceedingly attractive. Nothing could surpa-s their free flowering
habit, and although individually the buds and blooms are not of much
value, little branches may be cut with scores of blossoms attached, and
these may be used for filling flower glasses with charming effect. They
bear transplanting well, succeed in any rich soil, and I have never
known them fail. — J. Muir, Mnrgam.

SALADS A^D SALAD CULTURE.

{Continued from page 246.)

CELERY.

Tins is not only an important ingredient in the salad, but an
indispensable kitchen garden crop, and worthy of the best attention
that can be given to it ; and here I beg to repeat what I said in the
early part of my paper — that I do not intend going into exhaustive
details of cultivation, because that would be a paper in itself as
regards Celery. I will therefore only allude to those points that
are of most consequence to a gardener in a private establishment ;
market growers, and such as compete for prizes at Celery suppers,
have their own methods and their own varieties, and they may
confidently be left to take care of their own interests. The type
of Celery best adapted to our purposes is to be found among the
short, or medium and compact-growing sorts. These are w'ell
represented by Turner’s Incomparable, Seymour's Superb White,
Sandringham, Carter’s Ivory White. Cole’s Red Defiance, Major
Clark's Red, Standard Bearer, &c. Several of these have more or
less of the peculiarity of making nearly all their leaves of one
length, and so have little or no waste about them. The Ivory
White just named has this quality in a marked degree, and Standard
Bearer is the hardiest of all. Theso dwarf sorts of Celery admit

2G8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7, 1887.

of being planted much closer together and in shallower trenches,
and consequently require less earthing up than the taller and coarser
sorts. Sowings may be made from the beginning of March to the
end of April ; the early ones in gentle heat, and the later or last
in the open ground. I have already remarked that the quality of
salading depends largely upon its being grown freely from first to
last, and with Celery this is a point of first-rate importance. G-reat
care should therefore be taken that the young plants sustain as
small a check as possible in the one or two removals involved in
cultivation. Given a good variety of Celery, I believe that pipy
and stringy stalks and premature bolting may invariably be attri¬
buted to defective cultivation. Whether planted in single or double
lines, in trenches, or in beds with the rows crosswise, Celery requires
plenty of manure under it, and a bountiful supply of water or clear
liquid manure during early growth and previous to the commence¬
ment of earthing up. The earthing should not be begun too
soon, and preparatory to that each plant should have the side
growths and a few of the small leaves removed, and be somewhat
loosely tied round to keep the earth out of the heart, at the same
time pressing the soil rather firmly between the plants. A second
earthing will be required a few weeks later on, and when growth
has nearly ceased a fine dry day should be taken advantage of to
perform the operation finally, again taking care to keep the soil out
of the heart of the plant. In the spring of the year the remains of
the Celery crop may be dug up, and as much of it as is sound may
be laid in carefully on the north side of a wall where it can be
protected if necessary. The operation of removal is a check upon
growth, and the shady position still further retards it, and thus the
Celery season is considerably prolonged.

RADISHES.

Radishes require a generous soil, and in hot weather a somewhat
shady position. Wood’s Early Frame is a good one to sow in gentle
heat among early Carrots and Potatoes in February and March, and
there is no nicer Radish than the French Breakfast to sow out of
doors from March to the end of August. A sowing or two of
Black Spanish made late in August and early in September, where
they can have a little protection if necessary, are useful in the
winter months. When Radishes are required to be dished up by
themselves they look much better if, instead of chopping all the
leaves off to one length, two or three of the larger ones are re¬
moved entire and the green seed leaves left on.

CHICORY AND FRENCH DANDELION.

Chicory and French Dandelion sown in drills about the middle
or end of May, or even early in June, are quite invaluable for
lifting and forcing in a dark place in the winter time. If sown
earlier than the time named, these crops throw up their flower
stems ciuring the autumn, and are thereby either quite spoiled, or
at least much deteriorated.

BEET.

Beet, when in good order, exactly fulfils the conditions of a
salad plant, as it is not only good for food but pleasant to the
eye. It thrives best in a light friable soil that has been well
manured for previous crops. A good time to sow is from the end
of April to the 20th May. The Beet is a tender plant, and if sown
too early is liable to be injured, or even killed, by late spring
f rost3 ; it is also subject to run to seed, and thus become useless!
Small or medium-sized roots that are free from “ forks ” are the
best, and especial care should be taken at the time of lifting to
avoid all cuts, breaks, and bruises, as upon this depends the brilliant
colour aud fine flavour so highly prized at table. Three good sorts
to grow are the Egyptian Turnip-rooted, Pine Apple Short-top,
and Nutting’s Dwarf Red, and there are others equally good.

MUSTARD AND CRESS.

Mustard and Cress need but few remarks beyond this, that in
their treatment we must diverge a little from the good old rule of
‘‘sow thin, and sow often,” and instead we must sow thickly, and
often, and evenly, on a level surface in shallow boxes during winter
aud spring, and in summer a shady place out of doors will suit them
well. The two crops should always be sown separately, and the
seed should be kept dark and moist until germination takes place,
which will be a little quicker with Mustard than with Cress. Rape
is sometimes used in this way, but it is altogether inferior in aualitv
to White Mustard.

LAMB’S LETTUCE.

Corn Salad, or Lamb s Lettuce as it is sometimes called, is a
useful and easily managed salad plant. It may be sown at any time
in good free soil, either thickly, to be cut in the mass like Mustard
and Cress, or thinly, to be utilised when the individual plants are
big enough. It may also be pressed into service, if needed, by
being sown in shallow boxes and brought on in gentL heat.

RAMPION.

Rampion is a salad plant not often seen nowadays, and yet it is
easily managed by the timely observance of one or two points of
cultivation. Several sowings may be made during the spring and
early summer in very fine soil. This is an important point both as
regards the seed-sowing and the after growth of the root. The
seeds are very small and smooth, and the long white Radish¬
like root is liable to “ fork ” if the soil is lumpy. The seed is
best sown in very shallow drills, and the crop should be duly
thinned and kept free from weeds, and well watered during dry
weather. The root is the part eaten, and it should be peeled before
being committed to the salad bowl to add its sweet nutty flavour to
the rest of the appetising compound.

WATERCRESS.

Watercress may be utilised as a salad plant at any time, its
peculiar flavour and aroma being always agreeable. Boxes of any
sort or size filled with roots planted in ordinary good soil, and
placed in a little heat, or even in a cold frame, and frequently and
plentifully douched with clean water, will soon give plenty of
Cresses. Cucumbers, to do them justice, require a paper to them¬
selves, and my paper is, I fear, already too long, so I must pass
them by.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A green salad, consisting chiefly of Sorrel, Dandelion, and
Burnet, may be gathered in our meadows during the summer
season, and many such are gathered by the foreign workmen
resident amongst us. Burnet is said to give the flavour of
Cucumber to a salad, and curiously enough the foreigners seem
all to know the plant we call Burnet by the name of “ Pim¬
pernel,” while we attach exactly the same name to a plant which
is botanically and otherwise totally distinct, the one being Poterium
Sanguisorba, and the other Anagallis arvensis. The mixing of a
salad can hardly fail to be of interest to a gardener, even though
he is not called upon to do it, and here, as a rule, his interest
in it ceases. There are probably as many recipes extant for the
purpose as there are for curing a cold, and I will not undertake to
decide which is best, but here is one written a many years ago by
the Rev. Sydney Smith, a noted wit and divine, and not unacquainted
with the good things of this life : —

“ Two large Potatoes, passed through kitchen sieve,

Unwonted softness to the salad give ;

Of mordant mustard add a single spoon,

Distrust i he condiment which bites so soon :

But deem it not, thou man of herbs, a fau't,

To adl a double quantity of salt.

Three times the spoon with oil of Lucca crown,

And once the vinegar procured from town.

Ti ue flavour needs it, and your poet begs
The poundtd yellow of two well-boiled eggs.

Let Onion atoms lurk within the bowl,

And scarce suspected animite the whole ;

And lastly, on the flavoured compound toss
A mag’c teaspoon of anchovy Fauce ;

Then, though green turtle fails, though venison’s tough,

And ham and turkey are not boiled enough,

Serenely full, the epicure may say,

Fate cannot harm me — I have dined to-day I "

Vol. viii. of the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society is
devoted to the frost report, which has been in hand for a consider¬
able time, and is dealt with in a voluminous manner. It has been
prepared by the Rev. G. Henslow, M.A., and gives a great number of
summarised and tabulated reports “on the effects of the severe frosts
on vegetation during the winters 1879-80 and 1880-81.” Particulars are
furnished with each report as to the general character of the soil where
the observations were made, the altitude and exposure, the rainfall, the
minimum temperature, and a list of the plants injured, together with
general observations. A useful index is given to the names of plants
mentioned in the course of the 338 pages comprised in the work. An
index is also furnished to the counties, and an interesting introduction
by the Editor.

- Muscat Grapes in April. — When Muscat Grapes are kept

till April they are in our experience more or less shrivelled ; b it we h ive

April 7, 1867. ]

JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

269

received a sample from Mr. Stephen Castle of the West Lynn Vineyard,
clear, smooth, and firm, the footstalks as green and berries as fresh as
we usually find them at Christmas. We have not seen their equal at
this season of the year, and we congratulate the grower and “ keeper ”
of them on his meritorious achievement. We understand they were cut
from the Vines in December. They have been admirably preserved and
are of excellent quality.

- National Chrysanthemum Society. — The annual report,

the financial statement, and schedule of prizes of this Society is now
issued for the current year. It has become quite voluminous, consisting of
fifty -seven pages, and giving full particulars of the results of last year’s
proceedings, and the arrangements for 1887. Most of these have been
previously noted in our pages. The special prizes are numerous and
substantial in amount, and the competition in some of those classes is
likely to attract considerable attention. The schedule can be procured
from Mr. William Holmes, Frampton Park Nursery, Hackney.

- The Committee of the Leeds Horticultural Society have

'decided on having an Exhibition this year in the “ Jubilee week,” the
Show opening on June 21st and continuing for four days. The schedule,
which is very neat in design, contains a portrait of the Queen. Prizes
are offered in fifty -three classes, the most noteworthy being £24 in three
prizes for twelve specimen plants, £15 and £10 for groups, £12 for
Orchids, and £10 in three prizes for a collection of fruit. We trust
“ Queen’s weather” will prevail at the time, and make the event a great
success. Mr. J. H. Clark is the Secretary.

- A northern correspondent writes respecting the Weather :

•f March, 1887, although not so protracted as the same month in 1886,
has been the most severe I ever experienced. For ten days the tempe¬
rature ranged between 10° Fahr. (the lowest), and 25° Fahr. (the
•highest) during any night, and the mean day and night during that
period was 27° Fahr. Hepaticas, Primulas, and other hardy spring
flowers are totally spoiled for the season, and where plants were covered
a few days with snow (which starts them into growth) they are also
•destroyed.”

- Mr. W. A. Cook sends the following on Narcissi : — “ These

popular flowers are very useful for the decoration of the drawing-room,
greenhouse, and conservatory, yet we do not find many good collections.

I do not know why unless the expense is the drawback. Their cultivation
should be well understood. It is, any way, very simple, and they can be
had in flower from the end of December until the end of April and into
May. The Polyanthus varieties are all extremely sweet, and the large
Trumpet varieties are as graceful, and can be kept a long time in flower
•by placing them as they open their flowers in a house with a northern
aspect, I have had some in flower for six weeks. We have successfully
■flowered the following in pots, some of which have flowered three con¬
secutive years, and I believe, with careful management after the flowering
period, can be done for a long time — Bicolor, Empress, Horsefieldi,
Albicans, Exquisite, pallidus praecox, tortuosus, Telemonius plenus,
Uapax, plenus maximus, Obvallaris, Golden Spur, cernuus plenus, Leedsi,
C. J. Backhouse, Sir Watkin, Mary Anderson, Barri odorus plenus,
ornatus, Poetarum, Single Jonquils, Double Jonquils, Bazelmann Major,
Gloriosus, Grand Monarch, Paper White, Sir W. Scott, States General,
Jaune Supreme, and Sir I. Newton.”

- Late Dessert Pears. — A correspondent, “ Kilternan Abbey,”

desires to know if any of our readers can name for him one or two dessert
Pears of high quality. Very late (February to May) ; very hardy ; good
growers ; good bearers ; suited for bush culture in the north of England
or Ireland, in a windy exposed situation. or freestone subsoil. Winter
Nelis, Bergamotte Esperen, Bcurni Bose and Glou Mor^eau will not do.

- A Peterborough correspondent, referring to the Effects

of the Weather on Vegetables, states that “ It has been more
destructive to some vegetables, such as Lettuce, Endive, young Cabbage,
and Parsley, than I have known for the last fifteen years. Bullfinches
have also been more busy than usual at the fruit, attacking not only
Gooseberry and Currant bushes, but also Williams’ Bon Chrfitien and
other Pears badly.” The flower buds of early Pears in the neighbour¬
hood of Loudon are advancing fast now, the recent bright sunny weather
having hastened them ; also Gooseberries, Currants, Plums, and many
occupants of the borders.

— The new pjdigree seedling Tea Rose Princess Beatrice ,

was shown by Mr. H. Bennett at the Crystal Palace on the 26th ult.,
and awarded a first-class certificate, an honour that was previously
awarded it at South Kensington on June 23rd, 1885. The blooms
shown were notable for their neat form and good substance, the colour
being a soft yellow tint suffused with rose, especially in the centre and
towards the margin of the petals. Mr. Bennett describes it as “ a
vigorous grower, with stiff erect wood, thick handsome foliage ; free
flowering.” It is very pleasing in colour, and will probably be valued
for cutting.

- “ J. M.” regards Lobelia cardinalis as “ one of the most

useful flower garden plants. When once a root is procured it may be
lifted, divided, and replanted every spring until it becomes quite plenti¬
ful. When the stems are about 1 foot in height they begin to show
signs of flowering, and throughout July, August, and September it pro¬
duces many graceful spikes of dark red flowers. It is excellent for
cutting, and groups of it in the flower garden are particularly effective t
It is an agreeable change from Pelargoniums and Calceolarias. The
present is a good time to introduce it, divide it, or replant it. A rich
soil suits it best, and I never knew it to fail in any situation.”

- Owing to the Continental Horticultural Company

being in liquidation, a sale of the plants in the extensive nursery at
Ghent is announced to be held on May 16th next and following days. The
plants chiefly comprise Orchids, Palms, Ferns, Cycads, Azaleas, and
Camellias. The periodical works, “ L’lllustration Horticole ” and the
“ Lindenia,” with a number of Orchids and Nepenthes, have been
retained for the Brussels nursery of the new Company noticed recently.

- Home-grown Tobacco. — The Board of Inland Revenue have

just issued revised regulations governing the permission given by the Lords
of the Treasury in 1886 for the experimental cultivation of Tobacco in
the United Kingdom. Any occupier of land intending to plant Tobacco
must, on or before the 5th prox., give notice to the Secretary of Inland
Revenue setting forth the extent of land to be planted, and the place,
parish, and county where it is situated. After permission is granted a
declaration must be signed by the grower to the effect that the revenue
officers will at all times have access to the planted land, and to the
rooms where the Tobacco will be dried. All Tobacco grown and
gathered must be removed to a drying room, kept there until properly
cured, and then packed in bags, bales, or casks of an approved size.
After the packages are weighed by a revenue officer the duty must be
paid, or the Tobacco deposited in a Customs or Excise warehouse. The
penalty for growing Tobacco without permission, except in small quanti¬
ties for scientific or ornamental purposes, still remains in force.

- The Arrangement of Colours. — A Staffordshire corre¬
spondent writes — “ I agree with what is stated in the leading article of
last week’s Journal respecting the jumbling together of colours whereby
they kill each other. This is too frequently done not only at showsi but
also in conservatories and in the general arrangement of cut flowers.
Many seem to think that the most beautiful effects and the highest
excellence are only attained by placing together the greatest number
and diversity of flowers, but I believe such arrangements to be opposed
to good taste, art, and beauty. Hyacinths, Tulips, and Crocuses should
always be grouped either amongst fine-foliage plants or alone. The
black or purple-black Hyacinths ought not to be admitted in any mixed
group, and are only allowable for forming a contrast with white ones, or
in massing to give depth of shadow in artistic groups.”

- The Bedford Horticultural Society will hold their

fourth annual Show on Wednesday, July 13th, this year in a field on the
Goldington Road, Bedford Substantial prizes are offered in the leading
classes, especially for cut Roses, the best prizes in two classes consisting
of silver cups of £5 and £4 respectively.

- “ T. W. G.” writes on R03ES — “ What odd slip of the pen makes

‘ D., Deal,' refer to Ferdinand Chaffolte as an ‘ absolutely new Rose ’
(p. 249) ? It was sent out by Pernet in 1879, and though it once
received a first-class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society ;
the award must have been made on a dark foggy morning, or in winter,
when the appearance of any Rose was enough to make people con¬
tented, as the variety produces a coarse, dull red, cup-shaped flower of
little beauty, and is now rarely seen in public. The new Tea mentioned
is Souvenir de Gabriel Drevet, not Drouet.”

- Mr. John Carter, Keighley, has forwarded us a handsomj

[ April 7, 1*87.

£70

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

plant of Rhododendron caucasicum album, and remarks ttyat “it is.
the true variety, quite distinct from Cunningham’s Dwarf White. Both
were sent out many years ago by (I believe) the late Mr. Cunningham^
of Comley Bank, Edinburgh, and from whom I bought them and pro- ,
pagated by layering ever since. For either forcing or outdoor, in my
opinion, there is no Rhododendron to equal it.” The specimen sent is a
dwarf compact bush, bearing a score of neat flower heads, the corolla
white, with a slight greenish tinge in one lobe, and more suggestive of
an Azalea than a Rhododendron. It is unquestionably a handsome
variety, and evidently well adapted for culture in pots.

- - Gardening Appointments.— Mr. Alexander Black, who has,

been foreman to Mr. J. Riddell, The Gardens, Buncombe Park. Helmsley,
Yorks, for the last eighteen months, has been appointed gardener to the
Duke of Leinster, Carton Park, Maynooth, Ireland.

- Messrs. Oakshott & Millard, Reading, send us flowers of

CINERARIAS, representing their improved large flowering strain. The ,
flowers are large, varied in colours, and very bright, some purple seifs
being particularly good.

- The South Essex Horticultural Society have issued

their schedule for 1887, and announce that their Exhibition for the'
present year will be held as usual in the grounds of Knotts Green, by
the permission of J. G. Barclay, Esq. The prizes are of a similar
character to those of previous years, and we notice that there Is a balance :
of £17 in the .Society’s favour.

- Mr. E. Molyneux considers “Syringing Chrysanthemums

a very important detail in successful culture, both as a means of promot¬
ing a healthy growth as well as a preventive of the spread of insects, j
but I prefer, to do it once a day only, and that in the evening, I. do ,not
think it necessary to syringe the plants in the morning as well as in the
evening, for the reason that they are exposed to night dews. Syring¬
ing should not take place in a general way before the plants are placed
out of doors in May, nor in cold sunless weather should it be repeated,;
or mildew may be encouraged. It is best done in the evening after. a
hot day ; the leaves at the time are inclined to be soft and in some cases
flabby. Wet the under side of the leaves as well as the upper side, as
in such a position insects are most likely to lodge. A gentle dew,ing. on
the surface of the leaves does not remove them. Where the plants are
numerous and placed.in rows the garden engine is the best instrument
to use. The water should be directed to the foliage with some force by
going between two rows of plants and returning in the opposite direc¬
tion ; the plants then receive a thorough washing, which is far bet ter .
than a light sprinkling with the hand syringe. They should not be
syringed after the middle of September, the nights at that time becoming
cold.”

THE LITERATURE OF GARDENING.

[As noticed last week Mr. W. Paul, F.L.S., recently read a paper
upon this subject before the Royal Society of Literature, and of which
we now give some extracts. After dealing at some length with the
scriptural references to gardening subjects, the progress of the art
amongst the ancients, and the continental literature, Mr. Paul pro¬
ceeded to the consideration of the gardening literature of this country.
It may be here remarked that the author mentioned as Didymus
Mountain was really the Thomas Iiyll or Hill named below, and though
the late Mr. G. W. Johnson named them as distinct individuals in his,
“History of English Gardening,” he subsequently corrected the mistake
in “Notes and Queries” and in this Journal (page 449, vol. xxvii.,
second series, November 19th, 1874), when a portrait was given of
Thomas Hill.]

We now come to the literature of gardening in England. The
earliest work I have on the subject is by Maccr, written according to
some about the middle of the fifteenth century, but the first printed
edition appeared according to Pritzel in 1487. My copy is in Latin
verse, but 1 have seen, although I do not possess an English translation
of it. It is in the character of a Herbal, and is illustrated with rude
cuts of the plants it describes. Dr. Pulteney in his “ Sketches of
Botany ” states that there are several manuscripts on trees and plants in
the Bodleian library, which were written before the invention of print¬
ing, or at least before its introduction to England. Johnson in his
“ History of Gardening ” tells' us that the author of the first book
written on cultivation in England was Watton de Honley in the
reign of Edward III. In “ Arnald’s Chronicle” (1521) is a chapter on
“ The Crafte of Graffynge and Plantinse and Alterynge of Frutys.”
Thomas Tusser (1515-1580) wrote “ One hundred points of good
husbandry,” a book which has gone through many editions. I have the
modern edition by Dr. Mavor, published in 1812, dedicated to Sic John
Sinclair, at that time President of the Board of Agriculture. This work

. is principally .on agriculture, but he gives lists of forty-two sorts of
seeds and herbs for the kitchen, twenty-two sorts of herbs and roots for
salads and sauce, eleven herbs and roots to boil or to butter, twenty-one
, strewing- herbs, '.forty herbs, branches, and flowers for windows and pots,
seventeen herbs to distil in summer, and twenty-five herbs to grow in
the garden for physic. He also gives a list of twenty-seven sorts of
fruit trees to beset or removed. The book is written in verse, and is full
of wise preeepts on rural affairs in general. Dr. Bulleyn (1500-1576)
wrote on gardening, and tells us that we had excellent Apples, Pears,
Plums, and Cherries in his time, although it was customary to import
them from France and Holland. Henry Lyte published a translation of
Dodoens’ Herbal in 1578, an interesting book, because, although it does
not touch on cultivation, the enumeration of plants and trees, their de¬
scription and nature, is very full and valuable. Dodoens seems to have
borrowed much from Dioscorides, a Greek herbalist of the first century,
as our own Gerard later on borrowed much from Dodoens:

Didymus Mountain published the • first part of the “ Gardener’s
Labyrinth ” 'in 1571. He does not claim originality, and as a compilation
it is valuable, bringing together scattered fragments on practical gar¬
dening. A second part of this book was published in 1577, and
numerous editions succeeded at brief intervals. Thomas Hyll published
“ The Profitable Art of Gardening” in 1563, and there are other editions
of this book at about the same date. Sir Hugh Platt published “ The
Jewel-House of Art and Nature” in 1594, and “The Paradise of Flora”
in 1600,- subsequent editions of the latter having the title of “ The
Garden of - Eden,” I have both these books, but not the first editions of
them ; the former has little in connection with gardening, although the
afithor claims to have presented the Lord Mayor with fresh green
Artichokes on' Twelfth Day, with a score of fresh Oranges, which he had
■kept, from the previous Whitsuntide. “The Garden of Eden” ds really
a book on gardening. The author says in his epistle to the reader that
“ his collections are not written at adventure or by an imaginary conceit
in a scholar’s private study, but wrung out of the earth by the painful
hand of experience.” The publisher tells us there was “ not a gardener
in England of any note but made use of his discoveries and confirmed
his' inventions by their own experience, and whatever they discovered
and communioated he freely acknowledged by naming the author.” He
8pcaks.'of, trees and plants as “ God’s Vegetable Creatures.” The style is
clear and elegant, conveying much sound instruction ; but the author
was living in the twilight of gardening, and did not discern all things so
clearly as he - thought. He was in friendly communication with gar¬
deners "and .lovers of gardening, and seems to have scrupulously
acknowledged Jhe services of those he borrowed from. In 1578 appeared
a translation of Heresbach by Barnaby Googe, under the title of
“ Foure Bookes of Husbandrie, containing the Whole Art and Trade of
Husbandries Hardening, Graffeing, and Planting, &c.” of which Johnson
in his ‘“History, of Gardening” says, “It is a book replete with just
' observations, arid though short and imperfect, still superior to any work
that had preceded it.”

In' 1597 appeared “The Herbal or General History of Plants,” by
John Gerard, but - this work, important and valuable as it was in regard
to it-s influence on gardening, is botanical rather than horticultural. In
the Same year' was ' published “A New Orchard and Garden” by
William Lawson, and with it “The Country Housewife’s Garden.”
These two works are usually found together, and seem to have been
written by a man who had a practical knowledge of his subject. The
first is principally occupied with the orchard, the second with herbs, hut
here 'he recommends two gardens, one for flowers, the other a kitchen
garden. Gervase Markham, who wrrote in the early part of the seven¬
teenth century, seems to have been an author by profession. His chief
works are agricultural rather than horticultural. In “ A Way to Get
Wealth” he has, however, a division, “ The Making of Orchards, Plant¬
ing and Grafting, the Office of Gardening, and the Ornaments. Ac.,” but
which seems to be the same as Lawson’s “New Orchard and Garden”
already alluded to'. John Parkinson published his first book, “ Paradis
. in Sole Paradigus Terrestris,” in 1629. I have read somewhere that he in¬
tended the' title of this book as a play on his own name, “ Park-in-sun.”
This work seems to me a new departure in the literature of gardening,
for it not only recognises and figures the many varieties of flowers which
were springing into, life under the hands of the cultivator in his time,
but it has, a goad deal to say — and says it well — on the arrangement of
gardens and on the cultivation and preserving of the plants which they
contained. It is the work of a scholar, and one who did not look with
indifference or contempt on the practical operations of the art. Hi6
“ Paradise,” or “ Garden of Pleasant Flowers ” begins with the Crown
Imperial and ends with the Grapes. In the large list of flowering plants
which he enumerates are Tulips, 137 sorts ; Narcissus and Daffodils, 95 ;
Hyacinths, .50 ; Crocuses, 31 ; Irises, 73 ; Anemones, 67 ; R munouluses,
23 ; Geraniums, 9 ; Auriculas, 22 ; Primroses and Cowslips, 21 ; Car¬
nations and Gilliflowers, 52 ; Pinks, 20 ; Roses, 24 ; and smaller
numbers of other flowers. Continuing his work he takes up the
kitchen garden as a second part, and concludes with the orchard as
a third part. With both of these he deals somewhat briefly, but still
with no apparent diminution of interest, and in advance of what had
hitherto appeared on the subject of English gardening. We have no
time to giv.e- extracts, and this is the less important, as the “ Paradisi ”
although not- free from errors is a wonderful book for the age, and
should, be in the possession of every lover of gardening. In 1640
appeared the “ Theatrum Botanicum or Theatre of Plants ” by the same
author, which some would likely consider a greater work, but which is
botanical rather than horticultural. -

April 7, 1387. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

271

In 1654 was published anonymously “ The Countryman’s Recreation,
or The Art of Planting, Grafting, and Gardening.” This book, which
has a copious table of contents, touches on almost every point of
practical gardening, but while containing some good things abounds in
vulgar errors. Three years later appeared “ A Treatise of Fruit Trees,”
by Ralph Austen. This is a good book, and contains much sound advice
on the subject of which it treats. The author exposes the superstitions
and errors of the earlier writers on gardening. His “ Observations on
some parts of Sir Francis Bacon’s Natural History as it concerns Fruit
Trees, Fruit, and Flowers,” is still well worth reading. Walter Blith's
“ English Improver Improved,” my edition of which is dated 1652, is a
book much in advance of the times, and although principally agricultural
it treats of woodlands, orchards, and garden fruits. I have a curious
little book styled “ Adam out of Eden,” by Adam Speed, Gent. (1659).
In it he tells us that there are about London that do make £200 an acre
by gardening, but as he also tells us to graft Apples, Roses, and Vines on
Cherry stocks, he cannot be considered a reliable authority. Samuel
Hartlib’s “ Legacy of Husbandry” (1655) is a genuine book, although
not an original one. He says, “ Gardening is but of a few years’ standing
in England, and therefore not well understood and again that a Surrey
landlord feared the gardeners would spoil his ground by digging. About
this period'Dr. John Peale wrote several treatises on orchards and fruit
trees of considerable merit. “ The Gardens of Cyrus,” by Sir Thomas
Browne, attracted some attention at this time. But John Evelyn, by
the translation of “The French Gardener” and “The Complete Gar¬
dener,” and the publication of the “ Sylva,” Terra, and Pomona, and the
“ Kalcndarium Ilortense ” gave a great stimulus to gardening. These
works, as may be supposed, were elegantly written, and written by one
who understood the subject and took a deep interest in it. Robert
Sharrock, Fellow of New College, Oxford, was the author of two books
on gardening, one “ An Improvement to the Art of Gardening,” pub¬
lished in 1694, the other “ The History of the Propagation and Improve¬
ment of Vegetables,” in 1660. These are good books, and would doubt¬
less be very welcome to many in those days.

The “ Flora Ceres and Pomona ” of John Rea was published in 1665.
It is a folio volume illustrated with numerous formal plans for flower
gardens, and copious lists of flowers, fruits, and trees. John Worledge
wrote several works on rural affairs. “ Systema Agriculture,” 1669, and
“ Systema Horticulture,” 1677, both treat of gardening and are not
without merit. Drope published a small book on fruit trees in 1672. It
is full of sound instruction, which appears to have been gathei*:d from
experience. “ The Planters’ Manual,” by Charles Cotton (1675) is a
work on fruit trees only, and gives lists of the best sorts of fruits and
Pears for every month in the year. Moses Cooke wrote a book on
“ Forest and Fruit Trees” (1679), which was an authority in its day and
passed through several editions. Another work on fruit trees by T.
Langford (1681) was considered in its day a book of considerable merit,
and contains at the end a few pages of greens and greenhouses, with a
catalogue of choice fruits and evergreens to be had at Broughton Park.
Other writers of this time are Leonard Meager, Samuel Gilbert, and
John Reid. Gilbert, in his “ Florists’ Vade Mecum,” gives a list of no
fewer than thirty sorts of Roses which were cultivated in gardens at
that time (1683).

Sir William Temple wrote an essay on “ The Garden of Epicurus, or
of Gardening in the Year 1685.” It favours the Dutch style of gardening,
and is written with his customary case and elegance. London and
Win published two translations from French authors between 1699 and
1706, with alterations and additions, which made them standard works
in their day. William Fleetwood, Bishop of Ely, the greatest preacher
of his time, brought out in 1707 “ Curiosities of Nature and Art in Hus¬
bandry and Gardening." It is very well written, but much behind the
age, and the writer evidently knew nothing of practical gardening.
Other authors of this period are John Mortimer and William Salmon,
while translations of Van Oosten’s “Dutch Gardener” and “The
Theory and Practice of Gardening ” by Le Blond were offered to the
public.

The love of gardening displayed by James I., Charles I., Charles II.,
Queen Mary, and Queen Anne, and the means they employed to promote
it, had doubtless a great influence on its literature, and we now find
literary men helping it forward by occasional efforts. Cowley’s letter,
“ The Garden,” addressed to Evelyn, may be given as an example. In
the early part of the eighteenth century John Laurence wrote a series
of works on gardening, chiefly derived from his own experience, and
which were much in advance of previous writings on the subject. Switzer
is a great name in the garden literature of this age, and if we had the
time we might say a great deal in praise of his industry and intelligence
a* an author. He wrote “ Icnographia Rustica” (1718), “ The Practical
Fruit Gardener” (1724), “The Practical Kitchen Gardener” (1727),
all comprehensive in nature and sound in teaching, and numerous other
works. Richard Bradley was also a voluminous and distinguished writer
on gardening at this date. His “ New Improvements on Planting and
Gardening” and “Treatise of Husbandry and Gardening” are two
valuable works, although not distinguished by originality. Passing over
many writers of this period whose works were useful, but not remarkable,
we come to Philip Miller, the “ hortulanorum princeps ” of the eighteenth
century. His “ Gardeners’ and Florists’ Dictionary ” was published in
1724, in which work he was assisted by other gardeners of the period.
Successive editions of this work appeared, the ninth edition in 1792,
edited by Professor Martyn of Cambridge. This long remained a
standard work on gardeningand botany, and translations were published
in the French, Dutch^ and German languages. He published also the

“Gardeners’ Kalendar” (1731), which passed -through many editions,
and some papers on gardening which appeared in the “ Philosophical
Transactions.” Batty Langley wrote “ New Principles in Gardening ”
in 1728, and “Pomona,” with numerous coloured plates, in 1 729. The
“Scots’ Gardeners’ Director,” by James Justin, was a book of some -
repute in its time. Sir John Hill was a voluminous writer on gardening
and botany. His “Eden” folio, numerous coloured plates (1757) is
still an interesting book, and his “Vegetable System” (1759), twenty-
four volumes folio, full of plates, is a magnificent book, but of little
practical or scientific value. Thomas Hill wrote a sensible book on
“Fruit Trees” in 1757. Sir William Chambers wrote “Dissertations
on Oriental Gardening” (1744). Johnson in his “ History of Gardening ”
says it is “ puerile in the extreme,” but with all deference to this great
and good man, I must confess to have read it with pleasure, and I think
with profit. In 1769 the Rev. William Hanbury wrote “ A Complete
Body of Planting and Gardening,” two volumes folio, and which was
published in numbers. Numerous works appeared about this time which
it would serve little purpose to enumerate. The early writers on English
gardening were mostly scholars who had little knowledge of the subject;
the manner was consequently superior to the matter. Later on, when
practical men began to write, the matter was superior to the manner.
But as education became more widely diffused the union of the two
gave us a more satisfactory garden literature.

The “ Unconnected Thoughts on Landscape Gardening,” by Shenstone
the poet, published in 1764, deserve more than a passing word. They
were apparently jotted down at intervals while he was carrying out
improvements at his beautiful ferine orr.ee, “ The Leasomcs,” and might
be read with advantage by some of our modern improvers. Having
thus been brought by the sequence of time into the arena of landscape
gardening, we propose to diverge here to follow briefly but separately
the literature of that branch of the art, although we have no intention
qf taking part in the combat. The earliest gardens were simply spaces of
land enclosed with fences or hedges as a protection against cattle.
Then followed formal plans to please the fancy/ and for convenience of
access to the different objects which the garden contained. Gradually
following upon this rose up artistic or landscape, gardening. Men wrote
little on the subject, and the earliest literature of any importance on
this branch of the art seems to have been Lord Bacon’s “ Essay on
Gardens.” Later on came the essays of Sir Wm. Temple, AddPon, Rope,
Lord Karnes, G. Mason, and Walpole. Switzer also wrote on the subject
about this time from the more practical point of view, while Bridgeman,
Kent, and Brown were workers rather than writers. Whateley, W.
Mason, and Repton were also distinguished writers on this branch of the
art at a still later date, and their works even now take high rank with
those of Marshall, Gilpin, Knight, and Price. A fierce controversy
raged between some of these writers. Knight and Price on the one side,
Repton and Marshall on the other, were in the van of the contending
schools ; both wrote well, but neither seemed to succeed in making the
other understand him, and it seems hardly desirable here to open up the
controversy. The chief writings on the subject may be occasionally
met with on old bookstalls, and purchased for a few shillings, if anyone
should wish to indulge in the luxury of an intellectual puzzle. From
this time, however, it may be said that gardening took the position of an
art, although many years rolled by before it was' elevated to the rank of
a science.

To return. John Abercrombie (1744-91) wrote from experience, and
his works, which are numerous, had a great circulation and considerable
influence on the gardening of his age. It is related of this author that
he was invited to write his first book on gardening — “ Every Man his
own Gardener ” — by a London bookseller, and after much hesitation
consented to do so, on condition that Dr. Goldsmith undertook the revi¬
sion of it as to style before publication. Goldsmith consented, but
returned the MS. to the publisher, saying the author’s style was best-
suited to the subjects of which he treated. The number of books on
gardening continued to increase, many of them published without the
author's name. Garton, Weston, Colin Milne, Meader, Boutcher,
William Mason, G. Lindley, Bryant, Felton, and Kennedy are names
worthy of being preserved. William Speechley wrote “ A Treatise on
the Culture of the Vine, &c.,” (1790) ; “ Treatise on the Pear, Apple,
&c.” (1796), which in their day were standard works. Dr. Erasmus
Darwin is entitled to recognition here as the author of “ The Botanic
Garden, or Loves of the Plants,” (1781-89), a very flowery poem, and
of “ Phytologia, or the Philosophy of Agriculture and Gardening"
(1800).*

In 1787 William Curtis commenced “The Botanical Magazine,”
which has been published without interruption to the present day.
This work, which is beautifully illustrated, was for some years edited
by Curtis and Sim, then by Sir Wm. Hooker, and is now edited by
Sir Joseph Hooker, and although botanical rather than horticultural
can hardly be omitted from the literature of gardening. A copy of
this work sold three years ago for £92, and a copy this year for £118.
William Marshall, who took part in the Knight-Repton controversy on
landscape gardening, wrote a good book on “ Planting and Rural Orna¬
ment” (1796). Forsyth, Maddock, and McPhail arc also other writers
of this period.

(To be continued.)

PLANTING BOX EDGING.

WheS reading the article on Box edging by Mr. Molyneux, page 223,
it occurred to me that he had made an omission of some importance

272

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7, 1887.

immediately after the first clause of the third paragraph. Indeed I
think he should have given a little more instruction on getting up the
edge, as I suppose he wrote for the benefit of those who are unacquainted
with the work. The plan I adopt at this stage of the work — viz., after
the ground has been made firm by treading, which, by the way, I have
always found necessary even when it was not of a very loose character,
is to stretch a line in the exact position, then with a bright spade beat
along the line from end to end, being careful not to touch the level
stations. By this means the soil is slightly lowered, and the line will
then bear on all the levels. If, however, it should be seen that it does
not rest on all, high places are sought for and lowered. I then begin
at one end and place on as much fine soil as will when beaten down
bring the old surface up to the line. Of course the line must be kept
tightly strained, and the result will be a firm true top edge, which, to
me, seems a very important thing to have in order to finish the work neatly.
As to whether the trench is cut perpendicular or slightly oblique may
not be of much consequence, but I think the latter is both more easily
cut and planted. — T. S.

LEEDS PAXTON SOCIETY.

The first annual dinner of the above Society was held at the Green
Dragon Hotel on the 30oh ult. About eighty members and friends sat
down to an excellent repast, served in tde host’s best style. The tab! s were
beautifully decorated with plants and flowers, and called forth the highest
encomiums from the visitors present. The President of the Society, Mr.
Josh. Smith was in the chair, and Mr. J. AV. Frankland, Vice-President,
occupied the vice-chair. After the usual loyal toasts had been drunk, Mr.
J. G. Newsham, in appropriate terms, proposed “The Town and Trade of
Leeds,” and this was suitably responded to by Mr. J. H. Clark, Secretary to
the Leeds Horticultural Society. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Geo. Hemming,
submitted the report, which showed the Society to be in a very prosperous
condition, numbering five honorary and 121 ordinary members, with every
prospect of this number being greatly augmented. During the year twenty-
four essays on different gardening subjects had been read at the meetings,
and the average attendance had been thirty-3even. Excursions bad been
made during the summer to Clumber, Welbeck, Oakworth, and Cliffe Castle,
and these had been greatly enjoyed by those participating. An Exhibition
of Chrysanthemums was also held on the 10th December (on the occasion
of Mr. Garnett reading his critique), and this was of a very high order.
The Committee hoped soon to enlarge their sphere of operations, and
appealed to members to assist them in furthering the interests of the
Society. The balance sheet showed a sum of £8 16s. 8d. in Treasurer’s
hands.

Mr. B- Whiteley proposed the toast of the evening, “ The Leeds Paxton
Society. He congratulated the members on the excellent progress made
during the year, and predicted that the Leeds Society would become the
most powerful organisation of gardeners in the West Riding of York. The
President briefly responded, and said from the incre sed interest taken in
the Society s proceedings he was exceedingly hopeful as to its future, and
he assured the members generally that everything would be done by the
Committ.e, as far as lay in their power, to further the interests of the
Society. The \ ice -President proposed “Kindred Societies,” and this was
responded to by Messrs. Ainley and Bradley. “ 'The Officers of the Society”
was given by Mr. Wm. Sunley, Secretary to the Leeds Professional Gar¬
deners Friendly Benefit Society, who in eulogistic terms referred to the
principal ones individually. The President and th : Treasurer (Mr. Edward
Kay) replied.

Mr. R. b eatherstone, Chairman of the Leeds Horticultural Society, pro
posed J- he Yorkshire Association of Horticultural Societies,” and ex
pressed t_ie hope that by amalgamation the different societies comprising
the union might be the means of diffusing a great amount of knowdedgi
and instruction to their members, and encourage research into the liighei
walks of the art and sci;nce cf horticulture. Messrs. Eadon and Slanei
responded. “The Essayists,” proposed by Mr. W. Crossley and respondec
to by Messrs. Appleby and Massey. “ The Press ” was proposed by Mr
Newman and replied to by Mr. Ainley. At the close of the evening’s enter
tamment the greater part of the flowers used in the decoration of the tablei
were forwarded to the Leeds General Infirmary for the benefit of thi
patients.

i A?10?g8t ^ose attending as delegates from other Societies were Barns
ley Paxton Society, Messrs. Ballinger and Northrop: Bradford Paxtoi
Society, Messrs. E. H. Bradley and J. Collier; Leeds Professional Gardeners
Friendly Benefit Society, Messrs. T. Jamieson and Wm. Sunley ; Mori y ant
.District 1 axton Society, Messrs. Ainley and Spencer; Sh ffie'd (Floral ant
Horticultural) Messrs. J. G. Newsham and Jr,o. Eadon; Sheffield and Hal
larnshire Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society, Messrs. Hall and Slam y
Wakefield Paxton Society, Messrs. B. Whiteley and E. Fenn r.

BIGNONIA YENUSTA.

... This Bignonia blooms with us very freely during the winter mont
Its bright orange red flowers have a particularly cheerful appearance
January, when flowers of almost all colours are scarce. One defect
that it does not keep fresh long when cut ; this is regretable, as it h
such a rich appearance when placed in a mass in a vase with its own
other suitable foliage.

, The plant grows rapidly, almost too much so, where space is limite
but by judiciously thinning the growths as they are formed flowers
abundance can be had in a small space. Here it is planted in
Cucumber bed along with some Gardenias, which occupy one side
a small Cucumber house ; on the opposite side Cucumbers are grow
and the moist temperature required for them in the spring and sumra
SS?™ EUltS, t^'S Bignonia. It is growing in a compost co

sisting of two parts loam, one of leaf soil, some charcoal and bom
and it receives copious supplies of water and occasionally of liqu

manure in summer. During hot weather the foliage is vigorously
syringed twice a day. The young growths are trained over the path¬
way in the centre of the house, which is span-roofed, and thus managed
they do not interfere either with the Cucumbers or the Gardenias. The
strongest shoots are trained thinly on the wires, and all the weaker
ones are removed, thus allowing those retained to be thoroughly
ripened, and from their points and also from the axils of many of the.
leaves on the current season’s growths, flowers appear in profusion.
Brown scale is the only insect which attacks this plant, and an occa¬
sional syringing with lemon oil is the best remedy for it ; it can also be
removed by sponging with soapy water, but when the plant is large
this is a slow process. — E. Molyneux.

^Ilp^et)id5

THE BARRON3, TWICKENHAM.

Some fine varieties of Lycaste Skinneri were exhibited at the Com¬
mittee meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on March 8th,
especially three or four which were shown for certificates ; but though
they were not honoured with that distinction some competent judges
think them well worthy of that award. Considering the increasing
interest taken in collecting and cultivating Orchids, I am surprised that,
gentlemen, and growers too, do not unite and form an Orchid Society,
with a responsible Committee ; much good work would be accomplished
by its members. There can be no doubt if the scheme was once fairly
started there would be no lack of funds to carry the work on
successfully.

I am glad to see that Lycaste Skinneri is gaining more favour with
Orchid growers generally, and certainly the grand show in the houses of
Henry Little, Esq., at the present time would convince the most sceptical
of its usefulness. They are grown here by the hundred, and among them,
are some fine forms, many of the plants carrying fifteen and eighteen
blooms each, and a few even more, but I icould not perceive any two
exactly alike. Perhaps the most remarkable feature is the length of
time the flowers remain in perfection. One of the first plants to bloom
was exhibited in the first week in November last year, and the blooms
are still fresh and good. The plants do not suffer in the least with the
flowers remaining on so long, for they make larger pseudo-bulbs and
flower more freely each year. It is truly a winter flower, and gives
charming colour all through the dull months from November till the
end of April. The culture is well understood by Mr. Hill, the gardener,,
who is also very successful with Orchids generally. Large masses of
Cattleya Skinneri, imported last July, are well established, and showing
many sheaths. A fine plant of C. S. oculata has fourteen leads ; Catt¬
leya Mendeli. said to be equal in beauty to that grand variety Duke of
Marlborough, has eight flower sheaths ; large specimen plants of C.
Mossiac and C. Trianse, C. Eldorado, C. E. Leeana, C. Lawrenceana,
Laslia elegans Littleana, L. purpurata, and the rare L. intrica, supposed
to be a natural hybrid between L. elegans and Cattleya amethystoglossa.
Many fine pans of Coelogyne cristata ; Vanda suavis with eight leads-
and fifteen flower spikes ; large plants of Cypripedium Isevigatum, C.
Stonei, C. Lowi, C. niveum, C. Lawrenceanum, C. caudatum, C.
Veitchi, and Saccolabium Blumei. Dendrobiums, &c., are well represented
in fine health and varieties. Besides the show of Lycastes in bloom
there are Angracum citratum, A. sesquipedale, Cattleya amethystoglossa,
C. Trianse, Coelogyne cristata, C. c. Lemoniana. Cypripedium caudatum
roseum, C. Argus, C. Lowi, Dendrobium crassinode giganteum, D. Find-
leyanum, Oncidium Cavendishianum, Odontoglossum Alexandra, 0.
blandum, O. Litt.leanum, 0. nebulosum, 0. Pescatorei, 0. Rossi majus,
O. R. rubescens, Phalasnopsis amabilis, P. Luddemanniana, and P.
Schilleriana,— G. AV. Cummins.

CCELOGYNE OCELLATA MAXIMA.

Suspended from the roof of the Cattleya house at The Dell, Egham,
a plant of Coelogyne ocellata maxima has been extremely beautiful for
several weeks, and that the variety merits the high praise which has
been accorded to it may be judged from the illustration (fig. 49), ] re-
pared from a sketch of Baron Schroder’s plant. There is a considerable
difference between the type originally brought into notice in this country
and the variety appropriately named maxima, and a comparison of the
two is greatly in favour of the latter. C. ocellata is a native of Sylhet,.
it was introduced by Loddiges, and was described and named by
Bindley. It was figured in the “Botanical Magazine” in 1839, the
plant there represented being a rather poor sample of the species, or as-
Mr. AV illiams says, “ it was a starved specimen.” In that the racemes have
three flowers each, and this is the usual character of the type, the
flowers being small with narrow spreading white sepals and petals, and a
white lip with yellowish spots margined with a darker shade or
“ occllated,” and which apparently gave rise to another name the plant
bears — i.e., C. punctulata, though that is rarely seen now.

C. ocellata maxima is an introduction from India obtained by Mr-
B. S. AVilliams of Upper Holloway, with whom it flowered early in
1879, and was shortly afterwards distributed. The flowers are much

Aprfl 7. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

273

larger than those of the ordinary C. ocellata, and are borne in much
longer racemes, rarely with loss than four flowers, and commonly with
seven or eight each. The plant figured had seven racemes with five, six,
and seven flowers each, gracefully drooping round the pot, but the artist
with his usual modesty has scarcely shown so many. Like several others
of the genus, this Orchid thrives in a pot with peat and moss, and under
Mr. Ballantine’s care it seems perfectly at home in the Cattleya house
suspended near the glass. When resting slightly cooler quarters are
more suitable to its welfare.

This Coelogyne is a thoroughly useful plant, and for one quality
alone, its agreeable fragrance, it would be worthy of general cultiva¬
tion. Adding to this its freedom of growth and flowering, and it

centre b?d, and have one or two spikes each. Owing to the prolonged
severe weather this season the plants are a little later in flowering, but
their colours are much brighter than could have been expected, and the
three or four thousand flowers produce a most magnificent show. The
number of varieties is great, including the best of the older and well
tested forms, together with many handsome novelties that have flowered
for the first time this season. The progress that has been made in the
ten years devoted to the improvement of these plants at Chelsea is
astonishing. To realise the advance it is necessary to compare some of
the earlier certificated varieties with the recent productions, and it is
seen at once that in size, form, and colours the gain is considerable. A
dozen standard varieties can, however, be selected that are not likely to

e ■

Fig. 49. — CCELOGYNE OCELLATA MAXIMA.

becomes almost as deserving of attention as the popular C. cristata, con¬
cerning which so much has been written lately.

APRIL IN THE LONDON NURSERIES.

We have in several previous issues alluded in general terms to the
varied displays provided in the leading London nurseries, and a few
additional details may now be given to indicate the chief characteristics.

MESSRS. J. VEITCH <fc SOUS, CHELSEA.

The numerous houses devoted to Orchids in this establishment contain
as usual ample attractions for visitors. Then there arc the houses con¬
taining the forced flowering plants, such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Azaleas,
Cytisuses, and many other plants which constitute a most effective
display. But the great attraction at the present time are the Amaryllises,
which are in their best condition. The convenient span-roof house
devoted to these contains 2750 bulbs, of which over 1000 occupy the

be readily surpassed — namely, Empress of India, Milton, The Queen,
Wordsworth, Colonel Burnaby, Lady of the Lake, Star of India, Soutln yr,
Beethoven, Thomas Moore. The Giant, and Lord of the Isles. The fol¬
lowing is a selection of twenty-four new varieties flowering this-
season ; —

Emperor. — Bright scarlet, white centre bar, fine shape and substance.
An excellent variety.

Rupert.— Intensely red scarlet, grand colour, fine shape. Very hand¬
some. One of the richest and best of its type.

llermione. — A seedling from one of the scarlet varieties crossed with
Autumn Beauty. Feathered with rich rosy crimson and margined with
pure white, very distinct and pretty. The leaves faintly showing the
white central bar of A. reticulata.

Her Majesty. — This was certificated at the Regent’s Park Show
recently. It is white with a few scarlet streaks, very handsome.

Paulina. — Fine shape, scarlet streaks on a white ground ; strong
four flowers in a head.

274

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7, 1887.

Rip Van Winkle. — A charming variety, rich (lark crimson scarlet,
round margin, veined in the centre on pure white.

Favourite. — Another of the improved reticulata type, warm rich
crimson with white centre bars.

Empnst. — Pure white with a feathering of scarlet. Very large and
handsome. This must not be confounded with the older and handsome
Empress of India, which is a fine scarlet variety.

Ensign. — -Large, with recurved segments, rich scarlet. Four flowers
in a head. Very effective.

Diva. — A charming variety, the flowers streaked scarlet, on a white
ground. Neat shape and distinct.

Tennyson. —An improved form of a variety bearing this name, with
very large flowers and brilliant scarlet in colour. The flowers are 8 inches
in diameter.

Brightness. — Bright clear scarlet, and central pure white bars, petals
recurving ; very showy.

Hortensc. — Light orange, central white bars, good shaped flowers,
broad petals.

Eurasian. — A neatly formed flower, rich scarlet, the colour extending
to the centre.

Kepler. — Bright orange scarlet, the flowers of beautiful form, with
broad divisions.

Grandeur. — -An excellent scarlet variety, the colour extending to the
centre.

Dry den. — White, streaked and shaded with rich rosy crimson, central
white bars.

Symmetry. — Orange scarlet, with darker reticulation, white central
bar.

Cabell o. — Fine form, dark scarlet veined on white ground, white
centre.

Titania. — Certificated at the Regent’s Park ; light crimson purple,
very distinct colour, white central bars. Petals 31 inches across.

Jumna. — Very large, light scarlet, handsome.

Casino. — Flowers of great size, scarlet crimson, white central bats,
grand shape.

Arcanus. — Brilliant scarlet, flower of good size, not so heavy looking
as some of the large varieties.

Dardanus. — Crimson, white bars rich and beautiful.

MESSRS. WM. CUTBUSH & SONS, HIGHGATE.

For many years an annual display of bulbs and forced plants has
been provided during March and April at the above nursery, and the
custom is well maintained this season. The Highgate nurseries con¬
stitute the head-quarters of the firm, but at Barnet the greatest number
of plants are grown, particularly of Heaths, hardwooded plants, &c.,
for which they are famed. The houses at Highgate are chiefly devoted
to select representatives of the more extensive collection elsewhere, and
the conservatories at the entrance to the nursery just now contain a
bright display of Hyacinths, Tulips, Azaleas, Heaths, and miscellaneous
plants, arranged with fine-foliage plants such as Palms, Ferns, and
Aralias, the variegated form of A. japonica being represented by a
number of good-sized handsome plants. The Hyacinths comprise a
careful selection of varieties distinguished by their good qualities, and
amongst them we note the following— King of the Blues, uniformly
good ; The Sultan, large bells, dark blue ; La Grandesse, exceedingly
fine, as it is in nearly all collections ; Lord Derby, Czar Peter, Florence
Nightingale, Vuurbaak, Linnaeus, King of the Reds, a capital bright
colour ; Koh-i-noor, fine spike ; Cavaignac, handsome pale blue bells ;
Snowflake and Mont Blanc, white, the latter very pure ; King of the
Yellows, Bird of Paradise and Ida, yellow ; Baron Van Tuyll,dark blue ;
Madame Van der Hoop, white, large bells, massive spike, a well-known
and valued variety ; Blondin, pale blue, fine spike ; General Havelock,
dark blue ; Prima Donna, red, large flower, better than it is usually
seen; Prince of Wales, purple with white centre; Albus superbissimus,
white; and Prince Albert Victor, red, large bells. Of the Tulips a
smaller number are shown, but these are good— Ophir d’Or, yellow;
Fabiola, rose; Keizers Kroon, scarlet; White Pottebalcker, and the
white Joost Van Vondel being capital varieties. The yellow Chrysolora,
the bright Vermilion Brillant, the purplish Van der Neer, the scarlet
Rembrandt, the orange red Hector, the pale pink Rose Gris de Lin, the
rosy crimson Proserpine, the purple Wouverman, and the glowing
scarlet Couleur Cardinal, are all notable as useful varieties either for
culture in pots or for beds out of doors.

The miscellaneous flowering plants arranged in these houses comprise
numerous examples of the indispensable Deutzias, dwarf and standard
Lilacs, and Cyclamens. The useful Staphylea colchica, now employed
so much for forcing, is bearing its graceful white flowers in abundance.
Epacrises form another specialty with the firm, and have been very
beautiful this season, and some varieties like Lady Panmure (white),
\V ilmoreana (pink, tipped with white), Viscountess Hill (scarlet),
Hyaeinthiflora (pink, long flower’s), and Impressa are still in good
condition. Of the free-flowering Heaths, Erica Wilmoreana, E. reger-
minans, and E. melanthera form a trio of thoroughly useful plants, the
last named being one of the best that can be grown, and though differ-
ingigreatly from the favourite E, hyemalis, it is equally free and of
good constitution. Three excellent Azaleas attract attention, two double
white— namely, Bernard Andreas alba and Deutsche Pearle, and Madame
Van du Cruyssen, bright, rich rose. Azalea Deutsche Pearle is a first-
rate variety, one of the finest double forms in cultivation, the flowers of

food substance, and the petals arranged almost as symmetrically as a
ouble white Camellia. A large bank of Azalea mollis varieties occupies

one side of a smaller house, and with the variegated Aralias already
named and some large specimens of Azalea indica, make a brilliant;
display.

In the other houses are numerous plants of interest. In one is a
good stock of the beautiful Hedera madeirensis variegata, the leaves
having a broad pure white margin, contrasting with the dark green
centre. For culture in pots or boxes for training over trellises this is
an excellent variety, especially if used with some of the stronger
growing green-leaved varieties. A good companion for it is purpurea,
of which the leaves come with a rich purple hue when out of doors.
The charming, fragrant, and graceful Boronia megastigma is grown
in quantity, for it is always in demand, two or three plants perfuming
a large house. To Pernettyas, Camellias, Adiantums, and other Ferns,
Palms, and innumerable other plants, several houses are devoted, and
the grounds are occupied with large stocks of ornamental shrubs and
trees.

MR. B. S. WILLIAMS, UPPER HOLLOWAY.

The large conservatory in Mr. B. S. Williams’ nursery has had a
remarkably gay appearance for several weeks, one side being devoted
to Hyacinths, and the other chiefly to Narcissi, Tulips, and similar
bulbous plants. About 500 Hyacinths are arranged together, comprising
a large number of varieties, all the best being represented by several
plants, so that the uniform good qualities of the variety can be readily
j udged. Amongst these the following are prominent for their colours,
the size of the bells, or the massiveness of the spikes. They are all
single except where otherwise stated. King of the Blues, dark blue,
handsome spike ; General Pelissier, bright red ; La Grandesse, large
pure white bells, well formed, very constant and good ; Lord Derby,
pale blue, fine compact spike ; Koh-i-noor, pink, large spike ; Ida, pale
yellow ; Princess Helen, pale pink ; Charles Dickens, blue, light centre,
good spike ; King of the Blacks, intensely dark bluish black ; Mar¬
chioness of Lome, salmon tinged with pink, neat and good ; Norma,
delicate pale pink, very large bells, recurving segments, handsome ;
Baron Van Tuyll, bright rich blue, compact spike ; Eclipse, double,
bright red:; Vuurbaak, bright, good spikes, a useful variety ; King of
the Yellows, bright clear yellow, compact spike ; Obelisque, pale yellow ;
La Tour d’Auvergne, double white, fine ; Czar Peter, pale blue, delicate,
good bells and spike ; Roi des Beiges, light rosy rqd, very fresh and
neat ; Mimosa, dark blue ; Pierieman, very large drooping bells, loose
spikes, bright blue with a lighter margin ; Madame Van der Hoop, pure
white, large drooping bells; and Grand Lilas, pale blue, compact
spike. - .

In another house a beautiful display is afforded of Cyclamens, Lilacs,
Staphylea colchica, Azaleas, and Imantophyllums. The last named are
wonderfully fine, and well show the value of such plants for decorative
purposes. Even when out of flower their rich dark green leaves have an
imposing appearance, rendering them useful as foliage plants, but when
bearing their huge trusses of orange scarlet flowers they have a grand
effect. Much improvement has been effected amongst these in recent
years, the size and form of the flowers have been particularly improved,
the colours have also been varied and intensified. One beautiful variety
now flowering is Baron Schroder, others are Cruentum, Meteor, and
Ambroise Verschaffelt. Adjoining these is the house appropriated to
Amaiyllises, of which Mr. B. S. Williams has made a specialty for
many years. Amongst numerous varieties two stand out very promi¬
nently, one of which has been before the public several years, and the
other to be sent out in the present season. They are Dr. Masters and
Joseph Broome respectively, similar in shape, very neat, with solid rich
colour, but the former bright scarlet and the latter with more crimson.
As regards symmetry both are all that could be desired, and the type is
an excellent one for cultural purposes, as they are of moderate growth.

In one of the houses some plants of Ornithogalum arabicumhave been
very noteworthy, and the value of the species for forcing and general
culture in pots renders it worthy of much more attention than it has
yet received in gardens. It must be ranked amongst the old neglected
plants, for it was known to several of the old writers on gardening and
botany in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A year or two
ago its flowers began to be seen in the florists’ shops in Covent Garden
Market, not, however, from home-grown plants, but from continental
growers, and they attracted so much attention that a demand arose for
what many regarded as a novelty. The flowers are pure white, the dark
shining green ovary in the centre rendering the purity of the petals still
more notable. They are borne in trusses on long peduncles, and possess
a slight but rather agreeable fragrance. Grown in 48-pots the plants
succeed very well, and can be forced into flower soon after Christmas, -
lasting until far into the spring. When cut the flowers are also very
durable, an important quality in plants for decorative purposes. The
woodcuts (figs. 50 and 51), lent by Mr. B, S. Williams, show the general
habit of the plant, and the size of the individual flowers.

The Orchids comprise in the cool house a choice assortment of
Odontoglossums and Masdevallias, with Ada aurantiaca, Sophronitis,
and other useful plants. In the warm houses Cypripediums, Cattleyas,
Vandas, Oncidiums, Lycastes, Dendroblums, and innumerable others
contribute .their attractions, but to these we shall have occasion to refer
at a later period.

THE BIRMINGHAM SPRING FLOWER SHOW.

The annual Exhibition was held in the Town Hall, Birmingham,
March 30th and 31st, and although the entries were not so numerous its
previously, owing to a discontinuance of exhibiting by some well-known

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

275

growers, and others not being able to exbibit owing to the great demand
privately for flowers, <fc;., for the Queen’s visit the week before, this was
still to a great ext-nt compensated for by incretsed size in many of the
plants, and good quality ruled throughout the Exhibit'on.

There are very few prizes open to nurserymen at these exhibitions, only
Auriculas, Pansies. Polyanthus, and bouquts, everything else is for gentle¬
men's gardeners and amit“urs. In the class for eighteen Hyacinths, not
less than nine varieties, Mr. G. T. Blake, gardener to Henry Payton, Esq.,
Edgbaston took the first prize with evenly grown sturdy plants — Czar Peter,
Mont Blanc, La Grandest, Grande Maitro, a very fine blue ; Marie, Lord
Macaulay, and King of the Blues, being all fine. Second, Mr. Morgan,
gardener to A. W. Wills. Es<^., Wyld Green, who had good examples of
La Gr&nde-se, a very tine Koh-i-noor, and two splendid yellow s, Obelisk and
Marchioness of Lome. In the cl«ss for twelve Hyacinths, Mr. Cooper,
gardener to the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., was first with capital
plants of Leonidas, Czar Peter, Grande MaStre, and Mont Blanc especially

tine. For eix pots of single Tulips, Mr. J. Crook, gardener to W . Milward,
Esq., Edgbaston, took the fir^t prize for well-grown specimens of Cerise
Gris de Lin, Fabiola, Keizsrs Kroon, and Vermilion Brillant, not less than
three varieties being the restriction. For six pots of double Tulips, Mr.
Cooper was first with distinct varieties, also with six pots of Lily of the
Valley.

Die’.ytras were well shown, Mr Dyer, gardener to Mrs. Marigold, being
first with large plant*. Spirajas also were numerous and good, the first
prize for six specimens being taken by Mr. F. Cooper, gardener to Charles
Showell, Esq. The first prize tbr e Deutzias, staged by Mrs. Grice, Har-
borne, were very fine, and the second, from Mr. Dyer, were healthy, but
not sufficiently in flower. Tue Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain took first
prize for six Roses and six Cinerarias. Some excellent specimen Azaleas
were staged, Mr. Crooks’ six being so well done and flowered, Mrs. Grice
being second with fair plants, but not sufficiently in bloom. Mr. Crook was
also first for three Azaleas. Two grand specimen whites from the Right
Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M P., took first prize; second, Mr. Crook. Some
good plants of Azaha mollis were staged, and some unusually fine specimen
Cytisuses. The Cyclamens were good, quite up to the London standard,
Mr. Cooper taking the first prizes, as well as for stove and greenhouse
plants, and six plants of Primula cortusoides varieties.

Orchids were numerous and in greater force than before, and added
materially to the beauty of the Exhibition. In the class for six Chas. Winn,
Esq., Selly Oak, who contributed such a large quantity last week for Her
Majesty’s reception, staged an excellent collection, in which were Cattleya
Trian® formosa with five superb blooms, a grand variety; Dendrobium
crassinode, Cymbidium eburneum, Cattleya Trianae, Calanthe Rognieri, and
Odontoglossnm Roezli. A. J. Wills, Esq., came second with Dendrobium
crastinode, Oncidium Marshallianum, Cypripedium lmvigatum, Cattleya
Trian®, Odontoglossum Alexandrite, and a fine Dendrobium Wardianum.
In addition four fine groups were set up, not for competition, by Mr. Winn,
amongst them some fine varieties of Cattleya Trianae, Odontoglossum Pesca-
torei, Cattleya Mendelli, the upper part pure white, the lower half of the
dower bright rose, a beautiful form ; Odontoglossum Alexandra guttatum,
highly coloured ; and Oncidium Krameri, were conspicuous. Messrs. Pope
and Son, nurserym n and seedsmen, Birmingham, showed a fine collection of
Cattleya Trianas, ro ne fine forms amongst them, some Odontoglossum Alex-
andraj varieties, and some plants of O. Rossi majtts. Mr Cooper also con¬
tributed a well arrranged group, comprising fine plants of Cymbidium
eburneum, Cypripedium niveum, Phalaenopsis amabilis, Odontoglossum
triumphans, DenHrobium Jamesianum, the rare and beautiful Dendrobium
Brymerianum, ./Eranthis Leoni, with the spur 2$ inches long, but Mr.
Latham has a plant in the Botanicil Gardens with the spur from 12 to
18 inches long. Another pretty group of Orchids, not for competition, was
staged by A. W. Wi Is, Esq., the most striking being a good plant of
Masdevallia Shuttleworthi and D ndrobium primulinum giganteum.

It was much too early for Auriculas, and there was only one exhibitor,
Mr. J. Crook, gardener to W. Milward, Esq., who*e Alpines were flowering
well, but in the other classes some of the varieties were not sufficiently
open. In the gentlemen’s gardeners’ class for bridal and ball bouquets
Mr. George Fawkes was first in each class with well-made bouquets. Mr.
T. B; Thomson’s extra prize for eighteen Hyacinths in pots was won by
A. W. Wills, Esq., and for Messrs. R. Smith & Sons’ prizes for six dinner

table plants there were four competitors, Mr. Cooper of Highbury taking
the first prize. Mr. Hans Niemanl’s extra prize for six Azaleas in pots not
exceeding 6.J inches in diameter, brought forward two excellent exhibits ;
first, Mr. W. H. Dyer ; seoood, Mr. J. Crook. Messrs. Pope an t Jones and
Mr. Hans Niemand contributed splendid bouquets, Mr. R. H. Vertegans a fine
display of floral wreaths, crosses and anchors ; and Mr. T. B. Tnomson a
fine wreath and a cross, each of a large size. Mr. J. Crook sent a dish of
fine Mushrooms, Mr. Hans Niemand a group of p'ant*, in wh'ch artistic
arrangement was very noticeable. A background of Helms, and in the
group au exceptionally fine specimen Ara'ia Schulb-rti, 5 feet high, and
four very fine Azalia mollis of large size. The remainder of the group was
made up of Lilacs, Acers, Cleinati*, various Narcissus, Ericas, Primula
oboonica, variegated Fuchsias, Tillandsia zebrina, and other plants. Mr.
T. B. Thomson set up a bright handsome gn up in which Palm*, Azaleas
Indies and mollis, Spirneas, Cinerarias, Crotons, Dracmnas, Lily of the
Val oy, Adiantums, Golden Selaginella, and other plants Were used. Mr.
Mr. R. H. Vertegans sent some boxes of alpine plants in which the varie¬
ties of Saxifraga oppositifolia were conspicuous. Mr. T. B. Thomson also
Staged a grand group of Cyclamens, Hyacinths, and Tulips. Altogether the
Exhibition was one of considerable merit, and the Orchids were an especial
feature.

FLOWERS AND GARDENS.

At the Litton Hall, Leeson Park, Dublin, some time since, a very
interesting lecture on this Bubject was delivered by F. W. Burbidge,
F.L.S. The Rev. Dr. Maurice Nebgan presid-d. In the course or
his remarks Mr. Burbidge said — Once upon a time it was my duty to
travel in Borneo, where the natives have a custom of eating rats. An old
chief whom I questioned solemnly told mi the following story “ A long
time ago,” he said, “ all our villagers had marvellous crops of Rice. One
morning a host of rats appeared and devoured the grain left in the fields.
Then the head man arose and said, ‘ The rats have eaten up our Rice, and now
we must eat up the rats.’ ” And it was so. No* this story you can believe
or not, but something of the same kind of philosophy is going on amongst
plants to-dav. Animals have lived on plants ever sine* the creation, but it
is also true that some plants have begun to turn the tables on the animals
by entrapping and eating them whenever they can. As you know, Mr.
Darwin has proved beyond a doubt that some plants not ouly entrap, but
ao;ually digest insects or small portions of fresh animal f< od. But I think
it will be a long time ere evolution lands us into an age wherein the plants
generally shall enter into a league to eat up all the animals, in the way the
Borneans of to-day are trying to eat up ail the rats. But it is never¬
theless a fact that there are some few plants found in this and other
countries, which are all the better for a meat diet now and then.

Of all decorative arts, of all pleasant pastimes, gardening still remains
one of the most generally popular to-day ; and one reason why it has
afforded so much delight, and still remains to us as an attraction, may be
found in its ever-changing character. One of the great charms of ga-dening
is the inter st it excites, and the amount of pleasure gardeners obtain
during their rambles, for I need scarcely tay they will be most anxious to
see the plants grown in other gardens besides their own. Apart altogether
from the decorative or beautiful aspect of flowers and green leaves, such
things have a teaching power peculiarly their own, and this is especially so
where there are children. One of the best of lessons to instil into the
minds of young people is that all flowers are beautiful, for it is these that
our greatest poets have most delighted to honour. Daisies, Bluebells,
Primroses, Daffodils, Snowdrops, and Violets, wild Roses, and Woodbines,
have all been woven into song and story from the time of Chancer to the
days of Tennyson.

The one great charm which lingers round our garden blossoms is their

Fig. SI.— Ornithogalum arabicum (single flower natural size).

beautiful reality. They are essentially genuine In art and literature
generally the poor man must pat up with a makeshift, but a Lily, an Iris,
or a Pansy in a cottage garden is as real and as beautiful as if grown in the
garden of a Que.n. When we come to cor.a der the early history of flowers,
as used for decoration or personal uses, we find that the wild or native
flowers were first employed. Of course all plants are wild som-where »c
other in the world, and the most showy of these were at first selected for
decorative uses. The Champacs, Jasmine, Nelumbium, and Orchids of
various kinds were so used in India from the earli st times, while in the
Western tropics the most beautiful of the native will flrwcrs were aho

276

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7,1887.

employed, long, long before the woad-painted skin-clacl Briton saw aught
to admire in a wild Rosebud, or in the flowers of Honeysuckle or of Haw¬
thorn. It is very probable that the first of plants ever cultivated were
grown for use as food or for their medicinal virtues rather than for their
beauty ; but in the Herbarium of the Mueeum at Cairo, also at Kew and
the British Museum, may be seen to-day the mummy wreaths of Egyptian
flowers culled by hands and woven by fingers that tingled with the love,
warmth, and life blood of four or five thousand years ago. The oldest of
dried flowers in herbaria — that is, of flowers especially prepared for scien¬
tific purposes — do not date back further than the middle of the sixteenth
century, and yet we find that flowers were used in Egyptian ceremonies
some three or four thousand years ago. About sixty distinct kinds of plants
and flowers have been identified, and by placing these in warm water Dr.
Schweinfurth of Cairo has succeeded in preparing a series of specimens
gathered four thousand years ago. The blue Water Lily or Lotus, the Poppy,
the Larkspur, Flax, Charlock, Knapweed, and other flowers are perfectly
preserved, the garlands being woven together with strips of the Nile Reed,
or Papyrus of the ancient scribes.

I should like to see a garden of not less than a quarter of an acre around
every country cottage or dwelling house, and more especially it is to be de¬
sired that a garden should be attached to all country and suburban public
schools. In France, Germany, and even in Sweden this is to some extent
done already with the best results ; and I can only hope the day is not far
distant when the same may be said of our own public and national schools.
Ireland being so peculiarly dependent on land culture for her revenue, I am
convinced that elementary horticulture should be more generally made use
of as an educational subject of the highest practical or technical value (hear,
hear). Nor is this love for cultivated plants and gardens confined to our
own country alone, for whoever visits Paris cannot fail to notice the rich
profusion of Palms, Dracaenas, Cypresses, Ferns, and Daisy bushes or
Marguerites with which the windows and apartments there are most taste¬
fully decorated. In Germany, Russia, and also in America the love for
beautiful plants and fragrant window flowers is rapidly increasing. Indeed,
the knowledge essential is so easily obtained by observation that we can
only wonder why every window and balcony is not gay with ornamental
plants and flowers for a considerable portion of the year. Sweet-smelling
things, such as Lavender, Wallflowers, Thyme, Carnations, Rosemary, and
Mignonette should be around every country house ; and it is possible that
in years to come some part of every town dwelling will be constructed ex¬
pressly for the culture of plants and flowers within it. A small conservatory
or, at least, window cases, as fixtures, will be considered as essential as a
good kitchen range or a bath room. At the present time we have a few roof
conservatories and gardens, and, doubtless, in time these and other ap¬
pliances will become universal, especially in towns where space is
valuable.

The best evergreen plant for a room is Aspidistra lurida, of which there
are green and variegated varieties. A specimen here has been grown in a
shady window in the Haddington road for the last four years, and when first
brought into the house it had six small leaves only, and it has never been
repotted or manured during that time. No other plant I know does better,
and it is an especial favourite in France and Holland where freBh and
healthy evergreen room plants are highly appreciated. The Indiarubber
(Ficus) i3 another good room plant, as is also the graceful Grevillea robusta.
•Several kinds of green-leaved Dracaenas are thoroughly reliable, as also are
small plants of the Australian Blue Gum or Fever Tree. I have seen a fine
plant of this in the window of a drawing-room in Clare Street for the past
three or four years. Some small Palms grow well in warm rooms, and
none better than the Corypha australis. Another favourite, especially at
this season, is the Arum Lily, while the Scarborough Lily (Vallota) is very
attractive when it throws up its cluster of scarlet Lily-iike flowers in the
autumn months just before the Chrysanthemum comes into bloom.
Temperance and good gardening generally go hand in hand. Some at least
among the audience here to-night will have observed those cosy Fuchsia-
c'ad cottagf s which nestle here and there on the Powers Court domain, and
from which the occupants get ample supplies of good vegetables and small
fruits as well as flowers. Such gardens must prove great counter-attrac¬
tions to the public-house or shebeen. Another large landed proprietor told
me quite recently that his own experience in the building of cottages had
proved to him that the addition of a piece of garden ground had a most
beneficial influence on the social, moral, and religious life and welfare of the
inmates.

Of all modern writers it is Ruskin, as I believe, who sums up the whole
substance of our knowledge of plants with one dip of his pen. This is his
estimate of them — “Timber for the builder’s yard, corn for the granary or
the baker’s oven, flowers for the bride’s chamber, and moss for the grave.”
In a word, food, shelter, and beauty for all of us, living or dead, is really
the sum total of the world's vegetation.

Rev. Dr. Haughton, in moving a vote of thanks ta Mr. Burbidge for his
interesting and practical address, congratulated the audience on having had
the advantage of listening to the remarks and observations of a man who
■was an expert in his subject — a man whom, he might add, he had the great
pleasure and privilege of calling his friend, and who had so much know¬
ledge of scientific botany and practical gardening. Apropos of the Bornean
rats, he might say that he had himself been in countries where they eat rats,
but, instead of asking the people why they eat rats, he asked them what
was the best ragout to eat them with, and he then adopted the custom of
the country, and enjoyed the rats very much (laughter).

Mr. W m. Deaker seconded the motion, which was carried with accla¬
mation.

GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND HORTICULTURAL
- SOCIETY".

The annual spring Show of this Society was held in St. Andrew’s Halls
on Wednesday, 30th nit. Although the entries were not so numerous as on
some former occasions, the general excellence of the exhibits was not
inferior to preceding shows. Indeed the Hyacinths, Tulips, and Azaleas
were all the most fastidious could desire, and showed great care and skill in
•staging them in such a high degree of perfection.

Orchids were shown in greater numbers than has been the case for a

long time, and the specimens shown reflected credit on the growers. A
word of praise is due in this respect to Mr. Thomas Hogg, gardener to John
Gordon, Esq., Aitkenhead, Cathcart. Mr. Hogg has been a most successful
competitor for a great number of years, and has never failed to bring forward
some choice specimens of the Orchid family, and is doing his best to educate
the public into a love of these interesting plants.

The plants from nurserymen greatly increased the interest of the Exhi¬
bition. Large specimen Palms, Cycads, and Araucarias were shown by
Messrs. J. & R. Thyne, Great Western Nurseries, and also by the same
firm a large floral wreath and anchor, very tastefully designed, a department
they have quite made their own in Glasgow.

Messrs. Austin & McAslan, Coplawhill Nurseries, decorated the plat¬
form, as is their custom at the spring show, many fine varieties of Azaleas,
Rhododendrons, Ghent Azaleas, Lilacs, and many other interesting green¬
house plants forming a sloping bank, the giant Palms of Messrs. Thyne
making a splendid background. Messrs. Smith ifc Simons, Kennishead
Nurseries, filled a table 24 feet by 6 feet, most admirably arranged. Rho¬
dodendrons and Azaleas were in good bloom and of the finest variety.
Azaleas Marquis of Lome, Flambeau, Empress of India, and Francois
Vervaene were well shown. This collection was highly commended.

Mr. John Sutherland, Victoria Nursery, Lenzie, was the largest exhibitor
of bulbous plants, carrying off all the honours in the nurserymen’s olass. He
had first for a collection of bulbous plants in bloom, table 12 feet by 6 feet,
far surpassing similar collections of former years. A splendid table of
Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Palms, Ac., was also put up by him and was
very highly commended. The prize for eighteen Hyacinths was also
secured by him. The spikes were very even and the foliage as it should be.
Some of the best were La Grandesse. Mont Blanc, Princess Amalie, Koh-i-
noor, King of the Blues, Garibaldi, and Lord Derby. Mr. Sutherland was
also first for twelve table plants, Pandanus Veitchi, Aralia (Jhabrieri, and
A. Veitchi being favourite plants for this purpose. Mr. J. B. Young,
Bridge of Allan, exhibited a plant of Dendrobium Wardianum and a choice
assortment of cut Orchids in basket, the most conspicuous being a splen¬
did variety of D. Wardianum. In the class open to all Mr. Geo. Meston,
Murciar House, Pollokshields, had first for specimen Tree Fern. Mr. W. B.
McNeill, 3, Witlowbank Crescent, was first for hand bouquet ; Mr. Alex.
Raeside, gardener, Yorkhill, second ; and Mr. Walter Buchanan third. A
bouquet of splendid flowers was disqualified as it was built on a clay mould,
certainly not a desirable addition for a lady to carry.

Gardeners’ and Amateurs’ Class. — Collection of stove and greenhouse
plants to fill a table 12 feet by 6 feet. The first prize was deservedly awarded
to George Mtston. Two splendidly bloomed plants of Dendrobium nobile
were conspicuous. Mr. James Clotworthy, gardener, Langside House, was
a good second. For six stove or greenhouse plants Mr. Wm. McLachlan,
gardener, Violet Bank, Langside, had first place ; he also secured first prize
for three stove or greenhouse plants, three specimen Azaleas, first for Roi
Leopold, Mrs. Turner, Due de Nassau, and one specimen of Azalea amcena,
Messrs. T. Hogg and J. Clotworthy being second and third in the order
named. For three specimen Orchids Mr. Thos. Hogg was first, a well-
flowered Dendrobium albo-sanguineum attracting much notice. For three
Azaleas in 8-inch pots Mr. Hugh Miller, gardener, Langside, was first ;
Mr. Thos. Hogg, second ; and Mr. James McCrae, Scotstown House, third.
Three hardy Rhododendrons, Mr. Thos. Hogg, fir.- 1. Three Ferns, distinct
varieties, Mr. Geo. Meston was first with good specimen of Gleichenia
dicarpa, G. Speluncae, and Adiantum Williamsi. For three Amaryllis, Mr.
Thos. Hogg was first. With six plants for table decoration Mr. James
McCrae had the first place, Mr. Alex. Raeside being a good second.
Chinese Primulas were fine. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Wm.
Thorburn. gardener, CaBtle Semple; Mr. Wm. Cowan, gardener, Killehan
House, Campbelltown, second ; and Mr. Thos. Hogg, third. Mr. James
Clotworthy was first for specimen Deutzia, a very fine plant, and Mr. Wm.
McLachlan second. The class for twelve Hyacinths was well competed
for, six being staged. First honours went to Mr. Donald McBean, gardener,
Craigends, Johnston, with superb spikes of the following varieties— viz.,
The Sultan (which was probably the best spike in the Exhibition), Leonidas,
Howard, Mimosa, Lord Wellington, Grand Lilas, Baroness Van Tuyll, King
of the Blacks, Florence Nightingale, Lord Macaulay, Blondin, and Charles
Dickens ; Mr. Robt. Millar, Netherhill, was second ; and Mr. Hugh Millar,
Pollokshields, third. For six double Hyacinths, distinct varieties, Mr.
George Irvine, gardener, Italian Villa, was first with good examples of
Koh-i-noor, Blocksberg, Van Speyk, Lord Wellington, Garrick, La Tour
d’Auvergne ; Mr. Hugh Millar was second ; and Mr. John Mathieson, gardener
to J. L. Henderson, Esq., Partick, third. Six single Hyacinths, distinct
varieties: Mr. John Mclnnes had first with good spikes of La Grandesse,
Koh i-noor, Mont Blanc, King of the Blue, Gigantea. In the class for
three pot Hyacinths, three bulbs in each pot, Mr. Hugh Millar had first,
and Geo. Meston the second place. For the best arranged and most
meiitorious basket of spring flowering plants Mr. Hugh Millar was first,
and Mr. Thomas Leslie, Lenzie, a good second.

With four pots of Tulips Mr. Thomas Hogg was first; second went to
Mr. James Heron, Pollok Gardens; and Mr. Alex. Raeside, third. For
three pots single Tulips Mr. James Heron had first; Mr. Thos. Hogg,
second ; and Mr. John Mathieson, third. The Tulips were a fine show, the
variety Proserpine being shown to great perfection. Four pots Polyanthus
Narcissus : Mr. Hugh Millar, first, and Mr. James Heron, second. The
Narcissi were very much behind those of former years. Four pots of
Crocuses : Mr. Hugh Millar, first ; and Mr. Alex. Raeside, second. Six
Alpines in flower, distinct varieties : Mr. John Meiklem, 19, Hope Street,
first; and second, Mr. John Nicol, Paisley. Poor compared with former
years. Three Spiraea japonica : Mr. Geo. Meston, first; Mr. Wm. GowaD,
second; and Mr. James Heron, third. Two potB or pans Lily of the Valley :
Mr. Hugh Millar, first ; Mr. James Heron, a good second; and Mr. Wm.
Gowan, third. For three pots, not exceeding 6 inches in diameter, Mr.
"Wm. Gowan had the first place; Mr. James Heron, second; and Mr. Hugh
Miilar, third. These were extremely well shown.

Cut Flowers. — Six blooms Camellias, distinct varieties : Mr. G. Harris,
Crossford, Lanark, first; Mr. Wm. McLachlan, second; and Mr. Thoe.
Hogg, third. Six trusses hardy Rhododendrons : Mr. Hugh Miller, Mr.
Wm. Cowan, and Mr. Thos. Hogg, were first, second, and third in the
order named. Collection of vegetables in season, eight varieties : James

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

277

Heron was first with splendid Brussels Sprouts, Rhubarb, French Beans,
Seakale, and Parsnips ; Mr. Donald McBein was a good seeond, the size of
his Leeks being something extraordinary. Amateurs only. — Amateurs
made a very creditable display. For two stove or greenhouse plants, dis¬
tinct varieties, Miss M. Hodge, 38, Aytoun Road, Pollokshields, was first ;
Mr. John Nicol, second; and Mr. John Gordon, jnn., 61, Main Street,
Rutherglen, third. Mr. Samuel Allison, 8, Allison Street, was first for one
specimen Azalea ; Mr. Wm. Watson, Rutherglen, second ; Mr. John Gordon,
jun., third. Three plants for tible decoration was won by Mr. G. C. Gordon,
Knightswood, with handsome plants ; Mr. Henry Dixon, Maryhill, second ;
and Mr. John Gordon, jun., third. For the specimen Deutz'aMr. John Nicol
was first : Samuel Allison, second. Mr. G. C. Gordon had first for Cycla¬
mens ; Mr. Wm. Barrie, Hamilton, second; Mr. John Nicol, third. Mr.
John Campbell had first for two Feins; Mr. John Nicol, second; Mr.
John Gordon, jnn., third. Two Cinerarias : Mr. John Nicol, first. Six
Hyacinths in pots were well shown by Henry Dixon, for which he had
the first prize, Mr. Wm. McIntosh, 2, Pirpark Terrace, Dennistoun, had
second, and Mr. John Smellie, Langrigg Farm, Meams, third. For three
Hyacinths in pots Henry Dixon had first, Mr. M'Laren had second, and John
Smellie third. Ssme very good spikes were shown in these, but the foliage
in some instances was considerably drawn. For three Hyacinths grown in
water Mr. Wm. Sharpe, 21, Herriot Street, Pollokshields, was first with
splendid spikes, and Mr. Jno. Nicol second. Mr. Heary Dixon had first for
two pots Tulips ; Mr. Jno. Nicol, second ; and Mr. Wm. McIntosh, third.
Mr. Samuel Allison had first for two pots Polyanthus Narcissus ; Mr.
McIntosh, second ; and Mr. Jno. Nicol, third. Mr. G. C. Gordon had first
f>r two pots Crocus ; Mr. Wm. McIntosh, second ; Mr. Henry Dixon, third.
For two pots hardy Primulas Mr. John Meiklen had first ; Mr. Jno. Nicol,
second ; Mr. G. C. Gordon, third. Mr. Samuel Allison was first for two
pots Spiraea japonica ; Mr. G. C. Gordon, second ; Mr. Henry Dixon, third.
For two pots Lily of the Valley Mr. Henry Dixon had first, and Mr. Jno.
Nicol second. Open to ladies only.— One Hyacinth grown entirely in water,
Miss L. Sutherland, Lenzie, first ; Miss Sharp, 21, Herriot Street, second ;
and Mrs. Leslie, Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie, third. Mrs. Leslie gained first
for two pots Dutch bulbs in bloom, and M;ss Hutcheson, Paisley, second ; and
for three Hyacinths grown entirely in water, Miss A. Millar, Bothwell, had
first ; Miss Sharpe, second ; and Miss Sutherland, third. Mr. James Bryson,
Parkend Nursery, Helensburgh, showed a number of Roses in pots very well
bloomed, a plant of Chas. Lawson being very well grown ; a splendid stand
of cut blooms, particularly good for this time of year, Niphetos being extra
fine ; the stand was most tastefully decorated with nice trusses of red and
white double Hawthorn, altogether a most meritorious collection. Mr. Frank
Gibb Dougall, the energetic Secretary of the Society, as usual superintended
the arrangements, which were admirably carried out under his direction, to
the satisfaction of all. — G. R.

NEW PLA.NTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 257.)

Infl., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— H.H., Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Nerine flexuosa, var. Sandersoni. (G. C. xxiv., p. 779.) G. bulb,
differing from the type in its stouter peduncles and pedicels, broad 1., and
the less crisped perianth segments which are more united into a cup at the

base. S. Afrioa.

^Nerine Mansellx. (G. C. xx?., p. 101.) A fine hybrid between N.
flexuosa and N. Fothergilli, with bright green 1. 1$ in. broad, and a 10-20-
flowered umbel of bright rose-red fl. Garden hybrid.

Nerine sarniensis, var. Planti. ( G . C. xxiv., p. 779.) G. bulb. A
variety with dull crimson fl., and more distinctly clawed segments.

Neumannia abcuata. (A. H. 1886, p. 108, with plate.) Bromeliace®.
S. epiphyte. An ornamental species ot distinct character, with petiolate
lanceolate acute L. 2J-3 ft. long, 3-4 in. broad, the petioles spiny ; fl.-stem
arching, as long as the 1., clothed withlanceolats bracts, which are brownish-
red on the lower part of the stem, and bright carmine on the narrow
cylindric flower spike. Fl. 3 in. long, calyx carmine and yellow ; pet. pale
yellow. Andes of Columbia.

Nidularium rutilans. (B. H. 1885, p. 81.) Bromeliaceae. S. This
is distinguished from the other known species by its vermilion-red fl.,
which are disposed in a contracted panicle nestling among the bract -leaves,
which are of a beautiful red, shaded with rose. The smooth 1. are spotted
with dark green. Brazil.

Odontoglossum aspebsum, var. spiloglossum. (G. C. xxv., p. 456.)
Orchide®. A variety with alobed lip marked with brown blotchrs.

Odontoglossum constrictum, var. castaneum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 712.)
A variety with brown sep. and pet., having on ; or two greenish-white lines

at the base.

Odontoglossum cordatum, var. Keinastianum. (G. C. xxv., p. 456.)
A variety remarkable for the few broad blotches on the sep. and pet. The
lip i« very dark brown in front.

Odontoglossum crinitum, var. sapphiratum. (G. C. xxv., p. 752.)
A fine variety, having the white lip covered with light mauve-bluish spots.

Odontoglossum vbxillarium, var. album. (IF. 0. A., pi. 227.) A
variety with white fl., marked at the base of the lip with light yellow.

Columbia.

Odontoglossum Wilckeanum, va-. albens. ( L ., pi. 35.) A very
handsome plant, with a fine raceme of showy fl. 2}-3 in. across, white, hand¬
somely blotched, and spotted with red-brown, and having a yellow area at
the bate of the lip. 8ep. lanceolate acute ; pet. broadly ovate, very ucu‘e,
toothed on the margins ; lip pandurate, with crisped margins. Garden
hybrid. Ju*Oj*.cU.

Olearia macrodonta. (G. C. xxvi., p. 304 and 305, f. 62.) Com-
■positm. H. An exceedingly ornamental free- flowering shr. or tree, with
elliptic-oblong, undulate, coarsely toothed L, somewhat Holly-like in appear-

auce ; and large hemispherical corymbs of small Daisy-like white fl. New
Zealand.

Olearia nitida. (G. C. xxvi., p, 41 and 45, f. 10.) H. shr. of orna¬
mental character, neat and compact in habit, and free flowering. L. elliptic
acute, with 3-4 teeth on each side, silvery tomentose beneath. Fl. heads
radiate, in oompact corymbs, white. New Zealand.

Oncidium Hubschi. (G. C. xxiv., p. 650.) Orohide®. One of the
pyramidale group, with a much-branched panicle of yellow fl. with a brown
tint, the lip is narrower in front than at base ; its chief mark consists in
the bipartite orange-coloured column-wings. Ecuador.

Oncidium lepturum. (G. C. xxv.. p. 41.) One of the gr*up with tufts
of abortive fl. The properly formed fl. are light yellow, spotted with
brown. Sep. and pet. cuneate-oblong, acute. Lip with a very broad heatt-
shapea base, narrowed into a small bifid apex, at the base is a cushion of
finger-like calli.

Oncidium pardoglossum. (G. G. xxv., p. 617.) An interesting species,
with narrow chestnut-coloured fl., much marked with yellow on the lip,
and having a very obscure yellow band on the dorsal sep. The column is
very long, light yellow, with brown-purple wings.

Oncidium Pollettianum. (G. C. xxvi., p. 326.) A fine showy species,
with a many-flowered raceme of large fl. The lateral sep. are connate and
two-toothed at the apex, dorsal sep. oblong acute ; they are yellow, with
brown bands. Pet. brown with yellow borders. Lip with small roundish
auricles at the base, a long narrow neck, and broad 4-lobed blade, the outer
lobes broadest, colour not stated.

Oncidium sarcodes, var. discoidale. (G. C. xxv., p.488) A trifling
variety without spots on the front lobe of the lip.

Oranea nivea (Cat., C. C. d’ Hort., p. 8.) Palm®. S. Palm of vigorous
growth, with large shining green 1., white on their under surface.

Orchidantha borneensis. (G. C. xxvi., p. Cat., C. C. d'Hort.,p.l.)
ScitamiDse. S. per. A very remarkable and interesting plant, resembling a
dwaif Heliconia in foliage, but with ft-, resembling those of an Orchid. It
is of dwarf habit, with e’liptic-oblong acuminate, bright green 1. 6-8 in. long
by 2^-3 in. broad, on petioles 5-10 in. long. The fl. are produced in short
spikts close to the ground. Sep. narrow linear-lane date, acute, 1 in. long,
yellowish at base, purplish towards the apex. Pet. linear obtuse aristate, 3}
lines long, blackish-violet. Lip linear-acuminate, lin. long, blackish- violet.
Stamens 5. Borneo.

Obixa japonica ( GJl . 1. 1232.) Rutace®. H. shrub, with oblong, acute,
slightly bullate, dark green 1. 1-1} in. long, and racemes of inconspicuous
green fl , arising from, the sides of the branches some distance above the
leaf- axils. Japan.

Ottelia ovalifolia (B. B. 1885, p. 469; G. C. xxv., p. 753, f. 165.)
Hydrocharidace®. S. aquatic, with a spreading rosette of elliptic-oblong
floating L, something like those of Aponogeton distachyon, and large white
fl. with numerous yellow stamens. Australia.

Palicourea jitgosa. (Bull Cat., p. 8.) Rubiact®. S. shr., of orna¬
mental character, with opposite elliptic-oblong, dark satiny green 1., with
depressed midrib and veins ; under surface purple. Brazil.

Pancratium parviflorum. (GJl 1885, p. 310.) Amaryllidace®. G.
bulb. A small flowered species, with broad linear acuminate 1. about a ft.
loDg ; a scape that is shorter than the 1; and a 7-8 flowered umbel of white
fl., 1} in. in diam. The stamens have a broad base with an erict tooth on
each side.

(To be continued.)

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Potatoes. — Planting the second earlies was quite stopped recently,
but it may be resumed and finished as soon as possible. Nothing is
gained by close planting, 2 feet between the rows and 18 inches between
the sets being the best distances. The Potatoes succeed on heavy wet
soil, and light manure suits them better than adhesive soil. We are
about to clear off a large piece of Brussels Sprouts, when a good dress¬
ing of hotbed manure will be given to the soil previous to planting
with Potatoes. In this instance the ground will not be dug first and
planted afterwards, but planting will be done as digging progresses.
This is a quick way of putting in crops, and it answers well when the
soil is thoroughly broken up as it is turned. Frame Potatoes are now
yielding heavily. Those planted in a south border a month or more ago
are peeping through, and as a few good days will bring up large numbers
of them care should be taken that a little soil is drawn over the growths
with a drag hoe until all danger of frost is past. It is astonishing how
much protection this affords. We have saved our first Potato crop
repeatedly in that way.

Vegetable Marrows. — Where these can only be grown in the
open air the seeds need not be sown too early, and the present is a suit¬
able time to raise plants to be placed out by the middle or end of May.
Fill a number of 3-inch pots with good soil, make two or three holes in
each with the forefinger, drop a seed into each, cover with soil, and
place them in any dry pit or frame. Robust plants are soon produced
in a temperature of 60°. We do not approve of raising them in too
much heat, as they are often weak. Where frames are becoming empty
from digging Potatoes and other early vegetables, a few Vegetable Mar¬
row seeds may be sown in the centre of the lights, and with a little
protection until May early fruits will be obtained. We have ceased to
cultivate large Marrows, as being coarse and not very prolific, while

WORKjoiithe WEEK .

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

L April 7. 1887.

278

the small ones, like Ten-y-byd, are extremely free and of first-rate
quality;

Carrots. — Those in frames arc growing rapidly and require frequent
attention in thinning. Some may think that the closer they are grown
the more plentiful will be the supply. That is a mistake, as closely
grown frame Carrots inv-ariabl-y-fail to1 make roots freely or well, and
the most profitable beds are those which arc never allowed to become
crowded. We begin thinning our plants when they arc about 1 inch in
height- and they are thinned more and more if necessary until they are
almost ready for drawing for use. Some of our readers have been
anxious as to the condition of their Horn Carrots that w ere sown in the
open before the recent frost and sno-v came ; but judging by the free
way our crops are showing on- a south border there is no danger of their
failing. The seed for the -maimerop of Carrots should be sown as soon
as the w eather will allow. James’s Scarlet Intermediate is the best
variety for a general crop, and Sutton’s . Improved Intermediate is a
useful sort. The soil for this crop should be rather of a light character,
free from rough manure and containing no worms. We have a large
quarter that produces admirable Celery and , good Carrot-. The. place
the Carrots occupied last year .wiU .be given to Celery this time, and v at
versa. This system has been, followed .for years with the. best results,
and as the Celery is always heavily manured,. as well as receiving liberal
additions of sand arid- ashes in being -earthed up, it comes in well for
the Carrots afterwards witljgjit further dressing, excepting applying a
quantity of lime, gas lime, soot, or salt to make sure of destroying the
grubs. The main crop rows may be 15 inches apart, the seed, being
about 1 \ inch belowr tbe. surface, tint} the whole rolled after sowing and
covering. , , , . , , ; . i . ,

Celery. — Our crop., of -last- year ids drawing, to a close, and prepara¬
tions are being- .carried ou;to get tljenew crops on as quickly as possible.
The early plants which have been -raised .in heat should be hardened as
soon as they attain a height of 3 inches or 4 inches. Keep them near the
glass, well in the light, and on no account allow them to suffer by want
of moisture at the roots. Through close attention to this point we have
not lost a plant by seeding prematurely for many years, but the plants
in question will be ready for use in 4ugust, and they will be oypr by
November, and a quantity of seed should be sown at once to produce
plants which will maintain the supply . during the winter. This may. be
termed the main crop of Celery, as the next sowing will be made to
procure plants for late spring use. A few ti-inch pots or an old cutting
box will raise as many plants as will plant out many trenches. Sow
good seed thinly, let it germinate in a temperature of 60°, and give the
plants plenty of air from the time they come through the soil.

Lettuce. —So long as the weather is cold and wintry the majority
of people do not think of using Lettuces, but when the warm weather
sets in the demand commences, and there neetl be no difficulty in having
abundance. Seed to yield Lettuces in June and July should be sown
at once. A little patch in any favourable spot in the open ground will
soon produce many plants, and we, never think of sowing our Lettuce
seed anywhere after this time, but in the open ground. Stir the surface
of the soil between advanced -Lettuces from seed sown last autumn, and
plant out those which were reared. under. glass this spring. Place them
in rich soil and a sunny position, and they will be large, crisp, and
tender in a few weeks. We are just planting out promising Lettuces of
the Early Paris Market variety.

Tomatoes. — Give those maturing fruit abundance of liquid manure.
Pot a successional batch. Give thpse intended for open air culture more
root room, and keep them in a temperature which will induce them to
grow, as it is a great advantage to have open air plants to a good size
before placing them out,

Radishes. — Those in frames are advancing freely. They bring a good
price in the market and ai'e very acceptable at the table. There should
not be any falling off in the- supply now, and a little bed of seed should
be sown once a fortnight. Make the surface very firm after sowing,
and see that , birds do not pick up the seed or pull out the young
plants.

Kidney Beans. — Cooling’s Ne Plus Ultra has been our best variety
under glass this spring. It is excellent, being compact in growth and
very prolific, but thpse who have plenty of them now and more plants
coming on may be inclined to think that -they need sow no more under
glass, as the open air crops may soon be placed in ; but this is not correct,
as it will be the end of June before- the open air crops bear fruit, and
all plants in leaf now under glass will have finished fruiting before that
time. It is therefore necessary to sow more seed under protection, and
if in any old boxes or empty frames, many pods will be produced before
those in the open air are formed. Kidney Beans are now so easdy
grown under glass that everyone who owns a frame should try a
batch.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — The suckers or plants which were started early in March
now require attention. The pots must be full of roots, but before the
plants are root-bound shift them into the fruiting size, watering them a
day or two previously so as to have the soil moderately moist when they
are potted. They may be shifted into 10, 11, or 12-inch pots. Take
advantage of the removal of the plants to examine the bed, replenishing
it if needed by the addition of fresh tan, mixing it with the old to a
depth that will afford the temperature required — viz., 95° at the base of
the pots until the roots reach the sides, when 90° is more suitable.
Keep the air about such plants well charged with moisture during the
time the house is closed, employing no more fire heat than is absolutely
necessary to maintain a night temperature of 70° to 75° on mild nights.

Ventilate slightly at 80°, liberally at 90°, closing with sun heat at 85°,
at which time syringe the plants. This treatment will be available for
fruiting plants, except such as are in bloom, which should not be
syringed. Examine the plants twice a week, and water those that
require it.

Strawberries in Pots. — The weather until lately has been very
unfavourable for plants in flowers, which are liable to get chilled by an
iuflux of cold air acting directly oil the flower, as is the case with plants
on a level with the ventilators. It is well when the ventilators are above
the plants or beneath the pots ; in such positions we have the Straw¬
berries doing well, whilst those on a level with the ventilators are doing
as indifferently. In dull and wet weather it is well to shake the flowers
occasionally when the pollen is ripe, and where fine fruit is wanted it is
desirable to thin the flowers, leaving from eight to a dozen on a plant,
and selecting the boldest for retention, which are usually the first to
expand, the centre fruit of the truss being usually the largest, and not
unfrequcntly cockscomb-shaped. It is also advisable to thin the fruits
after they are fairly swelling. We find that if we have a dozen or more
fruits to a plant, about a third are fairly good fruit and the others
small, the total weight being no more than when the fruits arc thinned
to half-a-dozen. Fruit of 1 oz. weight are useful, but the larger the
better, though we have not had them exceeding 2 ozs. weight from pots,
and only once had twelve fruits weighing a pound before June. Colour
must accompany size in a forced Strawberry. This makes Sir Charles
Napier so esteemed for market, and La Grosse Sucree will bring far
more per pound than President. There is no question that appearance
has a great deal to do with fruit, whether for home use or marketing.

The great secret in forcing Strawberries is keeping them properly
supplied with water. They should be examined twice a day, and in
bright weather three times, and any wanting water must have it liberally,
giving liquid manure two or three times a week when the fruit is swell¬
ing. There is nothing like slow and progressive growth for Strawberries
up to and past the flowering, then they swell best in a high temperature
and moist but not very confined atmosphere. Hard forcing does not
suit such varieties as Dr. Hogg and British Queen, they with Cockscomb
being the best late varieties for forcing. Sir Joseph Paxton and Pre¬
sident are excellent for home use, but they do not take in the markets,
and they will not bear forcing to anything like the extent of La Grosse
Sucree, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Keen’s Seedling, &c , and later Sir
C. Napier and even Marguerite are superb. We grow Strawberries (five
thousand) in all our fruit houses, and have two shelves in each house.
One shelf is occupied with an early variety and the other with a mid¬
season sort, or a midseason and a late variety respectively, so that there
is no break in the succession. A house 100 feet long gives a number of
Strawberries. In the later batches the trusses are coming very strong,
and with them green aphides, which must be kept under by fumi¬
gation.

Cherry House. — If the trees are heavily laden with fruits the
demand for nutriment will be greater, as such trees will be less vigorous
than those with fewer fruit, and whilst the former will be benefited by
the application of liquid manure, the latter should have clean water. A
good soaking of those elements most suited to the requirements of the
trees should be given, and as often as required, to maintain the soil in a
thoroughly moist condition. Inside borders are most suitable for fruit
trees subjected to early forcing, as they afford a better temperature,
more corresponding to that in which the trees are growing, and. rendering
the progress of the crop more certain and satisfactory, provided due
regard is paid to affording the needful supplies of water. Attend to
ventilation and temperature as advised in our last calendar, syringing
the trees twice every day, and keeping the surface of the borders con-
stantlv moist. As soon as the shoots have made four or five joints
they should have the points pinched out so as to form spurs, but those
required for furnishing the trees should be tied in position early and be
carefully trained in their full length. Aphides must be kept under by
repeated fumigation, as if they obtain much hold they are not only
difficult to exterminate, but spoil the appearance of the fruit.

PLANT HOUSES.

Tree Carnations. — If sufficient cuttings have not been already rooted
for the supply of flowers during the autumn, winter, and spring, a num¬
ber should be inserted at once. To insure a good strike select firm
sturdy cuttings from plants that have been grown under cool conditions.
Cuttings from plants drawn weakly in a close atmosphere will nearly all
fail, so that if plants are in this condition, thoroughly harden them be¬
fore an attempt is made to strike them. Firm, sturdy cuttings will root
as freely at this season, if inserted in cocoa-nut fibre refuse, where a
night temperature of 65° can be maintained, as they will under bell-
glasses and handliglits. The cuttings must be dewed occasionally and
shaded from the sun. It is useless to insert them in a structure that is
not kept perfectly close ; under such conditions they must be under bell-
glasses. Directly they are rooted, place them singly in 2-inch pots, in a
compost of leaf mould and loam in equal proportions, with a liberal
addition of silver sand. If returned to the same structure for ten days
or a fortnight they will commence root growth in the new compost.
They may then be removed to a vinery at work, where the temperature
does not exceed 60°, and from this position gradually hardened to cold
frame treatment. A good method of preparing them for cool treatment
is to make a slight hotbed in a frame, and either stand them on the sur¬
face or plunge them in it. By this treatment the plants can be hardened
without the risk of checking them. A number rooted now will make
excellent plants in C-inch and 7-inch pots for flowering next spring.

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

£79

Mignonette. — Where plants trained as standards on trellises are re¬
quired by the end of October, sow the seed at once. Two-inch pots
perfectly clean should be drained and filled with a mixture of good loam,
leaf mould one-third, one-seventh of cow manure passed through a sieve
and sand. A few seeds may be sown in the centre of each, covered with
fine soil, and the pots placed in a temperature of 60°. Under these con¬
ditions' the seed will quickly germinate, and when large enough the best
plant may be selected and the others pulled out. If pyramids are re¬
quired, the seed may be scattered thinly over the surface of the pots and
four plants selected, one in the centre for leading upright, and the re¬
mainder near the side of the pot. One plant will make a good specimen
in a season, but four will make a larger one in less time. From the pre¬
sent time there should be an abundant supply of fine spikes, if plants
have been wintered well. Arrange those on trellises on a stage contain¬
ing moisture-holding material, for on a dry stage or in dry atmospheric
conditions the foliage will not long retain its green, healthy appearance.
Be careful that these plants, in whatever stage of growth they may be in,
do not suffer by an insufficient supply of water at their roots. All that
have been in their pots since last spring should have a little artificial
manure ap lied to the surface at intervals of a fortnight. Clear soot
water is very beneficial, and may be given every alternate time water is
needed. Those in 6-inch pots in frames must have abundance of air on
all favourable occasions to insure strong sturdy growth, which is the
secret of large fine spikes of bloom. If the plants are coming forward
too rapidly to keep up an unbroken supply until plenty can be had from
outside borders, pinch the whole of the blooms from' them, and induce
the plants to make fresh growth by keeping them close for ten days or a
fortnight.

Rhodanthrx. — To form a succession to those sown some time ago, and
which are now about an inch high, sow seed at once. Fill the required
number of 5-inch pots with any moderately light fertile soil, and scatter
the seeds thinly over the surface, so that the plants will be about half an
inch apart, cover with light soil, and place the pots in a temperature of
30° until germination has taken place, when they may be grown in cold
frames. From seed sown now the plants Wilt be’ ready for decoration in
three months. If a few seeds are sown at intervals of four or five weeks
until the end of July a good supply of plants suitable for decoration can
be obtained.

Static r Sumoromi. — When well grown this is one of the most serviceable
annuals for various decorative purposes. We have found that the young
plants are seriously checked by sowing the seed in a pan, pricking them
out singly into others, and finally transplanting them into pots. The
best method of culture is to sow two or three s6eds in the centre of 2-inch
pots, only just covering the seeds, placing- them in a temperature of 60°
until the young plants show signs of active growth, when they should
have intermediate treatment. By the time they have filled the small
pots with roots they will do in cold frames. This position may "he
accorded them from the time they are transferred from the small into
5-inch pots. After potting they should be kept close for a fortnight, and
then grown cool. From seed sown now beautiful plants will be had
fit for any purpose by the end of June or early the following month.
They do well in good loam, one-third leaf mciuld, sand, and one-seventh
of decayed manure. When first placed iii their largest pots they must
be very carefully watered.

: FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

Work in ShnlUbcriex. — Directly it is found' that the ground will work
fairly well no time should be lost in completing the work of planting,
transplanting, and thinning out. If a new Shrubbery is formed the site
ought first to be drained if at all cold anti damp, and then well and
deeply broken up. A series of holes dug in comparatively solid ground,
and only just large enough to hold the roots of the trees and shrubs,
may be the quickest way of forming a plantation, but very rarely
indeed will trees or shrubs make any real progress under such conditions.
Where single specimens are planted let the holes be double dug and of
a much greater diameter than the present spread of roots. None of the
poor subsoil, especially if it be of clayey nature, should be brought to
the surface, but it may frequently with advantage be well broken up
And made more congenial to the roots by the addition of any decayed
or decaying material. Our old heaps of decayed grass from the mowing
machines, as well as leaf soil from the woods and shrubberies, are freely
added to the fresh soil, and this appears to just suit the trees and shrubs.
A little good -oil ought always to be disposed about the roots of newly
planted trees, nor should they be buried too deeply or more so than they
have been previously. In forming new shrubberies present effect only
ought not to be the principal consideration, but due regard must be paid
to the habits of the different trees and shrubs. The sites of those
intended to be permanent should be first staked out, and as these will
naturally be of the choicest description, the more commonshrubs may
be employed for filling in the intervening spaces.

Thinning, -out and 1'ransplanting. — Many shrubberies arc well and
carefully planned, only to be spoilt by neglect in after years. If left
just as they were planted the chances are that a confused massof shrubs
soon results ; whereas, if judiciously thinned out before they had
disfigured each other all round, plenty of good shrubs and trees would
have been available for planting elsewhere, arid the original shrubbery
have been greatly improved in appearance. Conifers of all sorts are
most effective when well separatee! from each other, and not a shrub or
tree can be named that is not most ornamental when kept just clear of
its neighbours. For our part we prefer a clear course round all the
trees and shrubs, this admitting of their assuming handsome proportions,
each being an ■ attractive feature, instead, as it too often happens.

hying merely a contributor to the medley. These timely thinnings from
the shrubberies may usually be safely transplanted to any other
part, of the pleasure ground without the necessity f r employing any
expensive tree-moving machine. If a trench is , opened at a good dis¬
tance from the tree, and well below the principal roots, the soil may
gradually be forked away from them, the tree undermined and left
standing on a small pedestal of earth. From this it can readily be slid
on to a mat or mats, and with these lifted on to trolly, stone, or hand
barrow, the mats being then well secured round the tree, and the re¬
moval soon completed. For a short distance mats for either lifting or
preserving the roots and soil about them may be dispensed with, and the
tree be lifted and carried either with a short strong board or a legless
hand-barrow. It is unwise to attempt to secure a large ball of soil
about the roots, as this is apt to drop away wholesale, carrying some of
the best roots with it. Save as many roots as possible, and be content
with a moderate sized ball, from which all unoccupied surface soil has
been carefully forked away, the under side being also made as flat as
possible. No tree should be dragged out of the ground, but after being
well undermined they will slide readily on to the mats or boards, from
which they may again be safely slipped off to where they are to remain.
All bruised portions of roots to be cut away, and all broken ends will
heal more quickly and surely if trimmed with a sharp knife just prior
to their being disposed in good fresh soil. A small tree or shrub may be
frequently lifted by two or three men, each having a strong fork well
inserted in a sloping direction under it, and all lifting together a good
ball and plenty of roots are secured. At this time of year very few
transplanted trees require to be watered, the soil of the ball, as well
as that of the fresh site, usually being quite wet enough. All, however,
are benefited, by mulchings of Strawy manure, liberal soakings of soft
water being given early in the summer of before the trees flag from
drought.

' Rigging among the Shrubberies should be an annual proceeding. Only
the surface ought to be skimmed over, or onty just sufficient to bury
weeds and leaves, this really benefiting the' trees and improving the
appearance of the shrubberies. Where the ground is thickly covered it
may be a difficult matter to dig the ground, but as the leaves are con¬
stantly blowing out or are scratched out by birds, these should be raked
together and buried, and the borders only dug. When Portugal and
common Laurels and Aucubas do not Cover the ground so’ well as wished
for, many of the branches may be pegged down to the- ground, where
fliey soon strike root and spread. Plenty of useful plants may be pro¬
pagated- in this way. We do not advise digging among beds of Rhodo¬
dendrons, these being more surface-rooting than many other shrubs.

p. ■» . _ A — .i.i1. i’. |. i-7 t -~7~ i . i .

4®

14

m

IE BEE-KEEPER.

. ... . ... fr 1 1 E standard frame.

At pages 239, 240, “ Felix” touches upon the “ Standard ” and
“Woodbury” frame. He says, regarding the former, “In several
respects the frame might be improved,” &c., but does not say in
what respect it should be so. There can be little doubt that frames
of one size and sort in any apiary have advantages, but other people
having frames of a different size from the standard are not put to
any disadvantage thereby, therefore let every person use the frame
that suits his fancy best. For my own part I would not put bees
into a hive having standard frames, nor would I advise anyone to
adopt them, for the following reasons : — First, because those who
originally proposed to have a standard frame did so for their own
benefit and not that of the public ; secondly, since the standard
frame was first adopted many have made an attempt to break
through the rule ; thirdly, there is a movement at present amongst
the promoters to have it altered ; fourthly, I read somewhere lately
of one of the largest bee-keepers in England speaking unfavourably
of the standard frame. I cannot recall who it was, but think it was
Mr. Simmins. The objection he had to it was the same as I have —
viz., the top bar was too light, which upon the slightest pressure,
accidentally or otherwise, yielded, and if the comb was filled with
honey, it was sure to run, and in all probability ruin the hive, espe¬
cially if the comb gave way under a high temperature. The top
bar is not only too thin but it is too narrow, exposing by far too
much of the combs, not allowing the bees a proper breadth to attach
their combs ; besides, when a hive of that sort is wholly exposed on
the top, the bees are commonly more infuriated and liable to sting
the operator.

There is still another objectionable point with these narrow
frames — they are by many kept too close together, ten being crushed
into a space that Nature allows for nine. I remember when tl e
late Mr. T. W. Woodbury adopted that plan, a hive so arranged was
sent by him to Scotland. I saw the hive and inspected it, and the
bees sent in it, and so persistently had the bees striven to adhere
to their instincts, they had gradually swelled the inner combs
outward until the outer ones were so hampered for room that they
were neither fit fpr storing honey nor for brood. Of all parts of
the hive the top bar should be of a proper strength and width.

280

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 7, 1887.

Passing from the top to the bottom bar or rail, the standard s
bottom rail is only one-eighth of an inch thick, which is too flimsy,
and serves little or no good purpose. It also requires to be stronger,
so that it will support the comb in the frame, and made so that the
bees fasten their combs firmly to it, for if not done it is better not
to have any bar below. This is always the case with, or should be,
with shallow horizontal boxes, commonly about 6 inches deep in
the clear, and apparently it will before long be the standard hive.
Many are now adopting them, and undoubtedly they offer the most
advantages to bees and bee-keepers, and are the cheapest. I saw a
joiner the other day who has been long out of work. I showed
him one of my hives, and asked him what he could produce similar
ones for. He made two, and sent me one of them, stand, and three
body boxes, frames, and ventilating floor complete for 8s. 6d. I may
inform all who read this that I am in no way concerned in the sale
of these hives, and if the maker wishes to obtain a few orders he
must advertise. I only mention it to show their cheapness.

Returning to the standard frame, while the top and bottom bar
are too light, the end pieces, where there is the least strain, are out
of proportion to the other parts, but are a proper strength for
frames of a better and heavier make. When the standard frame
and hive was first sent out it was simply a half hive. Happily it is
not far from being near the proper size when two are used as one
hive, only the frames as used have the grave faults mentioned in
the foregoing. I feel certain shallow divisions will give greater
satisfaction, especially Mrhere the extractor is used, while the risk
of combs collapsing through heat, pressure, or when in transit, is
reduced to a minimum. This is no trifle in bee-keeping, especially
where the hives have to be moved about ; at least that has been the
experience of — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

POISONOUS HONEY— INFORMATION WANTED.

In several localities I am acquainted with (one at Greenock,
another in the Highlands) the bees annually, about the month of
May, die in great numbers both out and inside the hive, on their
return from the fields. They expire convulsively after the manner
some animals die from strychnine poison. At both places Rhodo¬
dendrons are plentiful, but although some attributed the fatal
results to the honey collected from these shrubs, I never ventured
an opinion. One gentleman at Greenock who has paid particular
attention to this calamity for many years, tells me that he observed
it occurred only during the east winds, about the time previously
mentioned, and only when the wind blew directly over certain
sugar refineries, but that at other seasons, when the wind blew in
the same direction, the bees were not affected. How is this ? Will
the carbonic acid gas emitted at these works be more fatal to bee
life during spring than at any other time ? Is it a disease, or do
certain flowers secrete honey that is poisonous ?

We have various accounts of people being poisoned with honey
— to wit, the Grecian soldiers, and later, the fatal cases in America.
It is of great importance to the bee-keepers of this country that
this question should be thoroughly understood. If the rumour
spreads abroad that honey is sometimes poisonous, the public
will cease to use it, and bee-keepers will find a difficulty in dis¬
posing of honey, however wholesome it may be. In the first place,
then, is there any poisonous honey that bees will gather, and, if so,
have bees an immunity from certain poisons ? If we believe that
Rhododendrons or Azaleas yield poisonous honey, and are the cause
of the death of the bees aforementioned, then they have not an
entire immunity from death through sipping the nectar, even
although it goes no further than the stomach, as we see poison acting
on fowls. In the case of the honey that poisoned the Grecian soldiers,
the bees could not have been injured, neither at the gathering nor
after, because if so, there would have been no honey stored. Which¬
ever way we look at the evidence it is mysterious and conflicting.
I can offer no solution whatever, but I suggest that it is possible
that the poison may not be in the honey, but in the pollen. While
the Grecians were only intoxicated, the Americans were killed.

We want evidence, however, whether the honey was eaten in a
liquid state or direct from the comb. If the latter, then I think it
probable that the poisonous effects may be traced to pollen, and that
honey is safe at all times to be used when from it. Many people who
never saw bees do not know honey from brood comb, and I saw some
policemen at an exhibition eat brood and apparently relish it greatly.
I only regretted that it was out of my power at the time to let them
taste genuine honeycomb. If any of your numerous readers can
throw any light upon the subject it will be hear lily welcomed by
many. Perhaps Dr. G. Walker may be able to enlighten us, and
give particulars upon the points of this letter. — A. L. B. K.

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES.

With all due deference to “L. B. K. ” I will call brown bees black
in future, but I must agree to differ with him as to his view of the facts

he gives. We must judge of these from what he has written. In one
letter he distinctly gives figures which prove that Ligurians and their
crosses have, as far as he has a record of, given the largest quantity of
honey in a season. In his next letter he says I have put a construction
upon his words contrary to facts, and then in his next sentence corro¬
borates what I did say by admitting that the Ligurians were the largest
yielders, but excusing the Cyprians and Syrians on account of seasons
not being so good. Since the question of foreign v. black bees has been
raised in this Journal, Mr. Simmins has followed suit in the British Bee
Journal, and opens the ball with an article on Cyprians. After giving
their good qualities, he admits they are no good for section work, as
their cappings are thin and lie close upon the honey, giving it a dark
damp appearance. Mr. Abbott follows with a letter, in which he gives
nothing in their favour, but everything against them. Nearly all writers
agree that they are not bees for beginners, as they require very carefully
handling, for when roused they are unmanageable, and of course a novice
would be much more likely to rouse their tempers than an old hand would.

It appears to me. then, that the great point in the favour of foreigners
is their greater prolificness than the generality of blacks ; while the
points in favour of the blacks are — first, that they are keener after honey
than any other race, for when the glut comes they will fill the brood-
nest with honey, and will even sometimes tear out brood to make room
for it ; and second, that they seal their honey the best of any race. The
only fault the general run of black bees have, is that in a honey glut
they work themselves down too fast. A weak black stock will store
honey, but it appears that until a foreign stock becomes extraordinarily
strong, it stores none, but devotes its whole energy to rearing brood.
Looking at it in this light, does not much of the bee literature of to-day
do wrong in advising that blacks should be put on one side to make
room for foreigners? I like “ L. B. K.’s” advice better when he says
parties ought to cyprianise or syrianise a third of their stocks ; but I
would go further, and say if we must have these pretty golden bees, let
us keep them in the proportion of one stock to six black stocks. We
should then get a race of bees having the good qualities of both races,
but having, what I still hold would be best, a preponderance of the.
good qualities of our black bees. In a honey glut I have particularly
watched the Syrians and Ligurians when working alongside blacks, and
it has appeared to me that the blacks have brought far the heavier loads
individually. Are we, then, to replace at great expense our native bees
by foreigners which we do not understand, but which we know have
their bad traits, or are we to improve those we already have? This1
question wants facing and thoroughly sifting, for it is the most
momentous question of the day with us bee-keepers who want to be
honey gatherers as well. “ L. B. K.” and I have had this to ourselves
so far, cannot someone else give us a little of his experience? — Notts.
Bee-keeper.

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

Books (W. R). — It will not be necessary to add many works to the:
list you have given, but all the books published by Mr. B. S. Williams,
Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, will be found useful,
as also will Veitch’s “ Coniferae.” Burbidge’s “ Propagation and Improve¬
ment of Cultivated Plants” (W. Blackwood) might also be added. The
prices can be had on application to those firms. The address you require is
Whitefriars Street, London, E.C.

Rating Market Gardens (W. Pitis). — The decision to which you refer
will, we think, apply to general as well as to local rates, but for precise-
information you had better apply to a solicitor.

Vines not Breaking ( J . B.). — We are unab'e to account for the canes-
not starting, assuming they have not been dressed with anything deleted-
ous that has injured the buds. You give no particu'ars whereon we can
found an opinion, neither as to the temperature of the house, position of the-
roots, or general treatment. You do not even say whether the old rods
were cut out or not, and if not whether they are starting — tte young
canes alone reining ti break. Depress them, syringing twice or thricer
a day according to the weather, aud maintain a brisk temperature. It
is, however, most difficult to answer with precision in the absence cf in¬
formation that is necessary for the purpose of a satisfactory reply.

Wateiing Vines (D. H.). — The Vine roots being restricts d to the brick
pit water will be required frequently. It should be given after the Vinea
are in full leaf and have set the fiuit, once a week— a thorough supply each
time, a 4-gallon wateringpotful per square yard not being too much, and
when the Grapes are swelling freely after setting and until the colour is
changing it should be suoplemented by a similar quantity of liquid manure,
with good surface mulching. With good drainage th s is not too much, but
much depends upon the weather and the condition of the Vines. In bright

April 7, 1887. ]

JOURjsaL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

281

■weather the Vines will require water more frequently. After the Grapes
change colour lessened supplies will be needed,, and when ripening is
advanced and completed it will suffice to keep the soil moist.

Camellias with Yellow Foliage (Idem). — The Camellias are not, we
think, in good health. They are probably in a bad state at the roots. It
would be desirable to examine the drainage, and if defective rectify it. At
the same time examine the soil, and if not wtll occupied with healthy roots
it would be advisable to remove it from amongst them and supply freBli.
We use fresh turfy loam of a light nature, cut about 2 inches thick and
turned up roughly. In this we pot rather firmly. Good drainage is neces¬
sary, as the plants should not be more frequently disturbed than every third
or fourth year. Failing the loam, Camellias thrive well in fibrous peat,
small plants doing admirably in leaf soil alone with a free admixture of
sand. With the roots in a healthy state the now growths will produce
better foliage. If the roots are in good condition afford soot water, which
will improve the growth and colour of the foliage.

Destroying Slugs (Inquirer). — In your case we should try the effects of
lime water. Place a peck of lime in lumps fresh from the kiln in a tub
holding 40 or 50 gallons of water, stirring well; then allow the lime that is
not taken up to settle at the bottom of the tub. If there is a light covering
the water will be as strongly impregnated with lime as it can be. Apply it
to wherever the slugs abound through the rose of a garden can precisely as
if you were giving the ground a good watering after a dry day. Do tbis an
hour or so after nightfall when the marauders are engaged in their foraging
expeditions, and unless your slug3 are of a harder kind than ours all will be
killed that receive a good drenching. The lime water will do no harm to
the soil or the plants. By a few nightly applications the enemy will, we
think, 60on be decimated.

Burned Bones (J. H.). — By burning bones the organic or animal
matter is consumed, and that undoubtedly possesses manurial value, but the
phosphates remain, and these may be regarded as the chief constituents of
boms. Burned beef bones have been fonnd to contain in 100 parts, phos¬
phate of lime and fluoride of calcium, 90 70; carbonate of lime, 2T6 ;
carbonate of magnesia 110; carbonate of soda, 5'74. This bone earth is
thus decidedly valuable, especially for fruit trees, and app’ied to soil rich in
animal matter would be practically equal to bonemeal, but to soil rich in
phosphates and poor in animal matter burned bones could not be of much
service. It will be apparent, therefore, that the question of burning or not
must be determined in accordance wi h the nature of your soil and the
crops to which you desire to apply the manure. By breaking the bones
moderately small they are more quickly dissolved by the acid.

Top-dressing for Roses (A. B.). — Dissolved bones and soot form a good
manure. It is not advisable to mix the lime with them as proposed, but the
lime alone would be a good addition to the soil. It should be applied fresh
or newly slak d at the rate of a bushel per rod (30^ square yards). It is
best applied in March or in the autumn, but it may be given now and lightly
pointed in. As a surface dressing you could not have anything better than
dissolved bones, soot, and the artificial manure you name, using them in
equal proportions. If you add half a part of sulphate of ammonia it would
improve the mixture. A dressing early in May, about the middle of June,
and towards the close of July, would probably be sufficient, half a peck per
rod being a proper dressing of the mixture. We are pleased to learn that
we have been of some service to you in securing “ fine Chrysanthemums
up to the middle of December,” and that the Tomatoes planted after them
enabled you to “gather the first dish on March 29th.” We congratulate
you upon your well merited success. -

Peach Wood not Ripening [No Name). — We assume the trees grow
luxuriantly, though you do not say so. You merely say the wood does not
ripen, and there is a paucity of pollen, also that you train tlrnly. We once
inspected some Peach trees in the charge of a garden°r, and he undoubtedly
considered the growths were disposed thinly over the trellis, but there
were at least thrice the number of shools that ought to have b en retained.
The result was immature wood, in which little nutriment could have been
stored, small buds, and the year following not half a crop of fruit. If the
6hoots of your trees are so arranged that the leaves of one do not overlap
those of the other the wood ought to ripen under good management.
Perhaps the border is too rich, loose, and deep, also deficient in calcareous
matter. If that is so, and the tr.e3 grow grossly, you will probably not
find the topping and pinching process advantag ous. It is desirable to
know something about the nature of the growth and condition of the
border for advising in a case of this kind ; but the probability is that the
root-action is excessive, in which case lifting the trees soon after the crop
is gathered, and placing the roots in firm soil containing a liberal addition
of lime rubbish, would result in improvement.

Melon Plant Diseased (31. C.). — The plant is attacked by the disease,
and it is not of fungoid origin but due to nematoid worms at the roots, and
the swellings indicate the presence of nematoids on the growths. It arises
in most instances from an excess of organic matter in the soil, or a de¬
ficiency of inorganic matter so often essential for the conversion of inert
organisms into available aliment. We find all plants subject to tubercles
or knobs on the roots fall a prey to nematoids when there is a deficiency of
lime in the soil. Last year we were consulted by an octogenarian culti¬
vator about his Melons, which he could not induce to grow and set satisfac¬
torily. The plants had every appearance of nematoids at the roots. We
advised a dressing of quicklime to the surface, allowed to lie a few days
before stirring it in. Our friend wrote us lrter on : “ The lime acted like
magic. I have a splendid crop of Melons.” We advise lime to be added to
the soil. If the plants are too far gone with them, clear out the soil and
start afresh. Either char the soil before using, which wilt not only
destroy any nematoid or fungoid germs, but will cause excessive organic
matter to pass off ; or an equally goo! corrective is quicklime at the rate
of a sixth, which causes the inorganic matter to bs converted into nitrate
of lime, an essential in the successful cultivation of all plants with excres¬
cences or knobs on the roots.

Cucumber Leaves Scorched (A Constant Header). — The leaves are
destitute of tissue, and in a condition to be extremely liable to scorching on
a bright sunny day succeeding a term of dull weather. Though we avoid
the use of artificial shade as much as pos-ible, it is often advisable to have
recourse to it judiciously under the circumstances indicated, as the lesser of
two evils, the greater being the destruction of the foliage. The temperature

you name is not the cause of the evil, though 65° at night is not too much
when the pipes are only moderately heated, but we prefer a few degrees
lower rather than make the pipes very hot indeed. We suspect the atmo¬
sphere of the house has been kept too dry at times ; and we should not be
surprised if the soil at the bottom of the bed is too dry also. Dig down and
ascertain whether that is the case or not. If it is in the least dry make some
holes in the bed and pour in water as fast as it drains away till the soil at
the bottom of the bed is as moist as that at the top. We are led to think
the house has been too dry by the condition ©f the Kidney Bean leaves you
have sent, whioh are seriously infested with red spider, and would not have
been in the condition they are if they had been systematically and effectively
syringed. Some of the insects have also found their way to the Cucumbers.
The Beans that are still bearing should be laid on their sides and heavily
syringed. Very early in the afternoons of sunny days syringe the Cucumbers
also, and every part of the house, closing so that the temperature rises to
90° afterwards ; with a slanting sun and much moistura in the atmosphere
the plants will not be injured if the temperature rises to 95°.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April Gth.
FRUIT.

8.

d. b. d.

B.

i.

s.

a.

Apples .

. * sieve

2

0

to 5 0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

11

0

Canada

per barrel 10

0

IS 0

Peaches .

perdoz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries .

. h sieve

0

0

0 0

Pears .

dozen

l

0

2

0

Cobs .

. 100 lb. 60

0

65 0

Pine Apples English . . lb.

i

e

2

9

Figs .

dozen

0

0

0 0

Plums .

4 sieve

i

0

2

0

Grapes .

4

0

8 0

St. Michael Pines

..each

2

0

5

0

Lemons .

0

15 0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

8

0

12

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s. d

8.

d.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0

to 0 0

Lettuce .

dozen

l

0

to 1

0

Asparagus

.. bundle

8

0

12 0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

6

1

6

Beans, Kidney

. per lb

2

0

2 6

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

6

Best, Red

. dozen

i

0

2 o

Ouions .

bunch

0

8

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

9

0

s

Brussels Sprouts

. 4 sieve

8

0

2 6

Parsnips .

dozen

i

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0 0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums ..

.. 100

1

6

a o

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb .. ..

bundle

0

s

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

8

0

4 0

Salsafy .. ..

bundle

i

0

i

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2 0

Scorzonera . . ..

bundle

i

6

0

0

Coleworts doz

bunches

2

0

4 0

Seakale .. .. per basket

i

6

Cucumbers . .

. each

0

4

0 6

Shallots .

0

3

Endive .. ..

1

0

2 0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

6

Herbs . . . .

0

2

0 0

Tomatoes .. ..

X

0

2

0

Leeks .. ..

0

8

0 i

Turnips .. ..

bunch

0

4

0

e

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

8.

d.

s.

d.

B.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi

.. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Fern?, in variety . . dozen

4

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Ficus elastica each

i

6

7

0

,» (common) dozen

e

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . .

per dozen 24

0

86

0

Hyacinths .. per dozen

6

9

9

0

Begonias

. . dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley . . .. dozen

12

0

24

0

Cineraria

per dozen

9

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

12

0

Cyclamen

. . dozen

2

0

24

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Narciss (various). . dozen 12

0

15

6

„ viridis

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

Erica, various

. . dozen

9

0

12

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

e

0

18

0

Solanrms per doz.

9

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

8

0

21

0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

0

Arum Lilies . .

IS blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunobes

2

0

6

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

0

6

1

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvftrdias ..

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss, Paper-white bunch

0

4

0

8

Camellias

blooms

1

6

4

0

White English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 tmeses

1

S

1

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

0

0

0

6

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

6

1

6

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

Roses .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„

12 blooma

0

0

0

0

t, (indoor), per dozen

l

0

2

6

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

0

Cyclamen

12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ red (French) dozen

2

6

8

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

7

6

Epiphyllum ..

ioz. blooms

0

s

0

0

Poinsettia .. 12 blooms

0

0

0

6

Eacharis

por dozen

4

0

6

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

12

0

24

0

(double) per bunch
Stocks, various 12 banches

1

0

1

0

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

0

0

0

0

•a • • • •

Lapageria, white

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Tropmolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

, 12 blooms

a

0

4

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red .

12 blooms

l

0

2

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

0

6

i

6

Lilinm longiflorum, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

2

0

2

6

PRUDENTIAL CROPPING.

If it were only possible to impart precision to our
plans, or rather to results, what a delightful occupation
would farming become. Subject as it is to the uncertainty
of times and seasons, our best laid plans, our most
strenuous efforts, are beset with the doubt and difficulty
that must always attend the pursuit of agriculture in our
fickle climate. True it is the seasons follow in due order,

282

[ Apiil 7, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

but when “ winter lingers in the lap of spring,” as it has
done this year, bringing us frosty nights late in March
of a severity unrivalled by any we had in the depth of
winter, and April comes in with a heavy snowstorm,
ordinary plans and calculations are bound to be upset,
and many a farmer finds himself at a loss where to turn for
sustenance for his flocks and herds. It is precisely at
such a time as this that the full value and importance of
prudential cropping in conjunction with high farming is
realised. Happy indeed is he whose pastures are fresh
and green with upsprmging growth, whose Rye is ready
for cows as well as ewes and lambs, whose store of roots
and fodder is still so bountiful that all the live stock may
be kept upon a full and liberal dietary. No better proof
could we want or have than this of prudential cropping,
of well-considered purpose and plan, resulting in action
having a much greater degree of certainty than usual.

To be more particular, we may explain that by pru¬
dential cropping we mean a system which provides for
emergencies, and takes fully into account the risks of un¬
kindly seasons, of long periods of drought and heat in
summer, of frost and snow in winter and spring. Under
such a system we are not content with just enough of any
crop, but we require a surplus of such a kind as need not
be wasted, but which can always eventually be turned to
good account for some useful purpose or other. Take for
example winter Tares : the crop is a good one, and may
prove sufficient for our requirements ; but then it may not,
and in order to make sure, one or a succession of sowings
of spring Tares will be made. To them we can turn at
midsummer for sheep folding, or later still for a supply of
fresh succulent green food for cows, when pasture may be
parched and brown by drought. Then, too, a surplus
both of winter and spring Tares may either be harvested
for seed or turned to account for silage, and it should not
be forgotten that a surplus green crop may be turned to
excellent account by ploughing it into the soil, which it
stores with fertility for another crop. Certainly the
ploughing in of green crops for manure is highly worthy
of mention here, for it holds a leading place in our system
of prudential cropping. For land that is foul and poor
there can be no better treatment than ploughing, harrow¬
ing, rolling, and repeated stirrings till it is fairly clean
now, followed by the immediate sow ng of 20 lbs an acre
of White Mustard, to be ploughed in when the seed pods
are well developed and yet are still green. A second crop
may be ventured upon if the weather is favourable to seed
germination and free strong growth, but in a hot dry
summer it does not answer.

Perennial Rye Grass is another crop requiring attention
now. A few hours before sitting down to write this article
we were walking across a field of it which was sown about
a year ago, and which was in so flourishing a condition
that the bailiff suggested turning it to immediate account
for sheep folding. This, however, was a mistake, as the
Rye comes first, and then the Rye Grass forms an admir¬
able connecting link between it and winter Tares. If not
wanted for grazing Rye Grass makes excellent hay, and it
affords a stout second crop for either purpose. It also
enters largely into our mixture of Grasses and Clovers for
two or three year layers, but it requires generous treat¬
ment or the fertility of the soil soon becomes exhausted
under it. We make particular mention of it here, for
though we condemn its use in permanent pasture, yet,
rightly used, it is one of our most valuable forage plants,
yielding under good cultivation a bulk per acre much
heavier than that aff Tiled by meadow glass.

To have a really vigorous early growth of the crops we

have mentioned in such a late spring as the present one,
the soil must be well drained and rich in fertility. With¬
out this we cannot induce earliness and vigorous growth;
with it we may reckon upon both those desirable advan¬
tages. That this simple truism is not understood by
farmers generally we have abundant proof now in brown
bare pastures, in Rye weak and stunted in growth. Loud
is the outcry about the scarcity of food and the lateness
of spring, but we fear little attention is given to making
such provision for the future as shall prevent a recurrence
of difficulties 1 or which blame is laid altogether upon the
weather. Earnestly do we hope that our readers will
strive to show how by improved practice much may be
done to mitigate the evils of a late spring, and how by the
prudent exercise of a due amount of foresight neither
suffering nor loss may arise from it.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

March winds hindered the distribution of chemical manures on land
sown with spring corn, but advantage has been taken of every
favourable turn of weather for this work. On the whole we have
reason to feel satisfied, for the weather has been showery as well as
windy, and the manures have been dissolved and washed into the soil,
which is now stored with fertility in readiness for the corn. In a wet
season there is so much risk of manure sinking too low in the soil that
we prefer applying it as a top-dressing after, and not before the corn is
sown. Barley sowing is now over, and the plant from early sowing is
now well up. Wheat looks well generally, especially on heavy land
farms. Winter Oats, too, are full of promise, though somewhat stunted
in growth. Exceptionally dry weather induced many farmers to roll
winter corn a month ago. Where this was done on land in bleak open
situations the plant has suffered from the abnormal severity of the
weather in March. Far better is it to leave the surface unrolled till
April in order that some shelter may be afforded to the corn. The
sowing for Clover, Lucerne, Sainfoin, Trifolium, mixed layers, and
permanent pasture should now be done. We intend sowing a field of
Lucerne near a farm homestead specially for a supply of green food for
the horses. The rows will be far enough apart to admit a horse hoe, as
the Lucerne is intended to remain upon this field for several years.
Sainfoin sown last spring is n»w a good plant, and it will probably
answer well if left over for another year. We have some of this useful
fodder plant on the home farm, and we have provided seed for a fair
proportion of it upon two of our off farms. Under high culture it
answers well for two or three consecutive years, but we do not hold
with leaving it so long that much of the Trifolium plant dies and the
land becomes infested with weeds. Well will it be now to consider
carefully how much land can with advantage be sown for two or three
year layers, not simply to provide fodder for home consumption, but for
sale. If onl j a farm be within reasonable distance of a good market,
there is every reason for growing large quantities of fodder. A shilling
a rod can always be had for the first crop of green fodder on farms
within a mile or two of a town, the buyer doing the mowing and carting.
As this crop is cleared the prompt application of manure easily soluble,
so that it will act quickly, brings on a second growth of equal vigour
and abundance. The best manure of all for this special purpose is
sewage or other liquid manure applied by means of a water cart with a
spreader behind similar to that in use for watering roads in towns.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Ling. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitu le, 111 faet.

DATE.

y A.M.

IN THK DAY

Hygrome-

a .

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

gw3Q >

ter.

^ d
o —

ci.^ £

perature.

Temperai-ur*

X

March and April.

gS ~ pi'-1

In

Oa

Dry.

Wet.

Co

Max

Min.

sun

gra*

Inches

deg

deg.

deg.

deg.

d«*g

deg

dea

In.

Sunday ....

.27

29 940

47.8

43.2

s.w.

40.0

57.5

44.1

99.1

39.0

0.010

Monday ....

8- MIG

469

42.0

N.W.

40 7

57 3

38.2

95 2

32.3

—

Tuesday ....

V»

30.3.53

41 9

39.3

X.

412

561

40.2

92.1

33 1

—

Wednesday

3»

30.31 '5

4 > 8

44 2

N.

41.7

53.4

40.0

80 6

351

—

Tbnrsday ..

31

30.1 >58

45.3

42 9

S.w.

41.9

53.1

35 8

73 2

31.1

0317

Frmay .

.. 1

29 59.J

33.5

33.5

X.

41.8

478

32.7

94.1

31 9

0.1 93

Saturday ..

.. 2

29 913

42 3

39.0

s.w

41.2

53.3

32.8

97.1

268

30.069

43.5

41.0

41 2

54.1

37 8

90.6

32.8

0.425

REMARKS.

87th. — Wet early, clondy morning, bright sunshine with slight sho ers in afternoon.
28th.— I.ore1 v morning, cloudy afternoon with spots of ruin.

2 Ith —Bright and fine.

30th.— Fine with some sunshine.

3Ist — ( loudv, with glimpses oi sun ; showery after 4 P.M.

1st.— Ra n insiuali hours and heavy wet snow from before 8 A M. to about 10 A. M, wet
morning, showery afternoon witli glimpses of sun, gusty all <1 y.

2nd.— Fine and bright.

With the exception of Friday morning, which was very wintry, a week of pleasant
spring weather Tern neratnre about the average, and nearly 4° above that of the pre¬
ceding week.-G. J. SYMONS,

.April 14,1887. ]

JOUR X A L OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GA RD FIXER.

283

u

Tn

15

F

16

s

Royal Fot&n'o Soc'ety at 3.45 r M

17

SUN

Lutv Sunday.

18

U

19

Tu

SO

W

Royal Botanic Society, Second Spring Show. NeweaeUc-on-Tyne Show.

RHODODENDRONS.

MON GST hardy evergreen shrubs Rhododen¬
drons must he accorded the most honourable
position in gardens. When in full beauty
they are unsurpassed by any flowering ever¬
green, and when out of flower their shapeli¬
ness and bright green foliage render them
fitting specimens for the lawn or for massing
in beds. They are at home in any position,
whether in the neighbourhood of a town or the pure air
of the country ; under trees, or in the open ; in sheltered
nooks, or in exposed situations, they are alike suitable,
and thrive if their simple requirements are attended to.
They, however, do not like soils in which lime and chalk
prevail, and in such instances special preparations must
be made for them. They are worthy of all this, and of
much more care than is bestowed upon them in many
gardens.

Rhododendrons will grow under forest trees, hut
should be planted at the same time, for after trees become
large and the soil crammed with roots there is great
difficulty in establishing them. Before they have a chance
of taking possession of the soil by their roots they suffer
by drought, and often die the first season after planting.
If the large growing trees have been well thinned, and
large stations are prepared by digging as deeply as the
soil will allow, incorporating with it leaf mould, manure,
loam, or even the refuse of the potting shed, or a quantity
of the whole mixed together before planting, success can
be insured, especially if the shrubs are wrell watered for
the first season until they have taken possession of the
soil. In the front of plantations of forest trees there is
less difficulty in establishing them. When once established
in woods or plantations in which the leaves of the decidu
ous trees are allowed to remain they will need but little
care When both are planted together and the trees duly
thinned they grow rapidly if the soil is of a fertile nature
or rendered so by preparation. For undergrowth, as well
as for the margins of woodland walks and drives, no other
plant equals It. ponticum.

In whatever position they may be planted, it is a great
mistake to prepare only a small hole and render the soil
just surrounding the roots fertile to give them a start.
Under this treatment the shrubs grow well only for a few
years until the prepared soil fails to supply them with the
requisite amount of food. They decrease in health and
vigour in proportion as the soil beyond the station made
for them is rich or poor. In naturally fertile soils they
flourish without farther trouble, but in the majority they
become thin and hire, while in others they linger between
life and death, only to succumb the first time their
energies are severely tested by a long spell of drought,

No. 355.—' Vol. XIV., Tiihid Series.

cutting winds, or severe frost. They frequently succeed
better in woods when left to nature for their supply of
food than they do in borders and dressed portions of the
pleasure grounds. It is in these positions that Rhodo¬
dendrons, instead of gi owing luxuriantly, become bare
from exhaustion. Every particle of material that would
supply them with food is brushed away for the sake of
appearance. This I should not object to if the shrubs
were supplied with food to sustain them in health and fit
them to withstand the adverse circumstances to which
they are often subjected. Thousands of Rhododendrons
that should now have been very ornamental in gardens
are in a deplorable condition, and only fit to be burnt.

I have seen these shrubs grow with wonderful vigour
in G inches depth of heavy soil resting on a bed of clay,
and equally well in light sandy loams, also on peaty soils
when left to nature. In each instance, as is natural to
the Rhododendron, they root closely on the surface, and
their own leaves and those that are drifted under them
soon produce a mass of fibres, and the fallen leaves also
protect their fine silk-like roots from destruction by
drought. In gardens their food is removed, and annually
numbers of the surface roots are cut off by the too general
practice of digging amongst them. In summer they
suffer by drought, and with such treatment well may they
be poor, thin, and unsightly. To insure success digging
should never be practised about the roots ; it is only done
to give a neat appearance, and prevent leaves that have
drifted in from being blown out and carried on to the
lawn. This is to save labour, which can be accomplished
by another method, if not perhaps quite so quickly, with
benefit to the shrubs. The loose leaves can be brushed
out or drawn out with a rake unless the necessary material
is at hand for top-dressing them as the work of cleaning
proceeds. Refuse from the garden, such as leaves, the
mowings of lawns, and the edging of walks, make capital
material for top-dressing. The refuse from the potting
shed, the surface soil removed from vineries and Reach
houses — in fact, all soils after they are useless for indoor
work — are excellent for this purpose. Often old hotbeds
are available, and a few loads of soil after the most fibry
portion has been removed for potting and other purposes,
can be purchased in the neighbourhood of towns for
covering leaves or material that might blow about. In
large gardens the quantity of refuse from the various
departments amounts to a large heap in twelve months,
which if thrown together and turned will be found to be
ample for top-dressing many clumps and single speci¬
mens of Rhododendrons. They root freely into leaves
or garden refuse, which generally consists of a quantity
of rich fertilising material. On light soils I prefer a
dressing of cow manure with a thin sprinkling of soil on
the surface, because it retains moisture much longer than
a dressing of refuse.

The best time for top-dressing is during the winter
or early spring while the roots are moist, and then the
material used will keep them in that condition throughout
the summer. Instead of the shrubs being injured, as is
usual during dry weather, by the destruction of their
surface roots, it will be found on examination that the
old surface is a mass of white fibres that are taking pos¬
session of the fresh sod. If the top-dressing is about
4 inches thick it will last for at least three years before it
need be repeated. Since we started top-dressing clumps
that had never been touched probably since they were
planted have become dense and thick, so that leaves that
No. 2011. — Toe. LXXVI., Olo Series.

jm

I

234 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r ap>,i 11. im.

are drifted in are seldom disturbed by strong wind?. All
this work should not be left for one year, but if ft little
is done annually the whole may be supplied with fopcl and
a proper medium for the roots without throwing in arrears
work in other departments.

Not only do Rhododendrons grow with greater Vigour,
and retain a fine, dark, glossy appearance by being top-
dressed periodically, but they brave cutting winds in exposed
positions in many cases without the slightest injury. In
exceptional cases if they are browned they quickly recover
before the season is over. Plants in poor soil subjected
to the evil conditions pointed out are certain to be cut
very much, and seldom recover — in fact they always pre¬
sent a thin, naked appearance. Some of our clumps and
plants on the exposed side were very thin, but with cutting
them well back and top-dressing they are equally as thick
as those on the sheltered side.

It is not wise to cut back Rhododendrons that are in
an exhausted condition. They should be allowed to grow
for one season after top-dressing, and then may be cut
hack during the early spring months. It is a mis¬
take to delay pruning them until after they have

; i

INCURVED

flowered, for they are then late before they start their
growth, which is not well ripened before winter, and in
severe weather the shoots are often killed. With plants
in a partially exhausted condition the flowers must be
removed directly they fade, and not be allowed to
remain to ripeA their seeds. This is necessary in any
! case, both for appearance and the well-being of the
shrubs.

Planting in exposed positions should be done during
the month of September. In sheltered positions Rhodo¬
dendrons can be planted at almost any season of the year
provided the soil is moist ; if not, considerable labour is
occasioned in watering. — A Northerner.

INCURVED AND JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT

THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

The number of incurved and Japanese Chrysanthemum blooms at
| the principal exhibition of the National Chrysanthemum Society last
‘ year was 2134, or nearly 500 more than at the same exhibition in the
i previous November. Taking the two shows together, no fewer than
3810 flowers were in all staged for competition, of which 1920 wen;
j incurved and 1890 Japanese varieties.

VARIETIES.

I

wj

u

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3

d

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O

cu

To

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o

oc

00 ~

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w

Numbe

of

iss Sh

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$3

rH £>

H

r

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*

W a

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£ o

<D -D
rd *d

4-3 •— t

• 1
i

1

. i

Name.

Date of Introduction.

Raiser’s

or

Introducer's

Name.

Colour.

1

57

47

104

1 .9.59

Laing .

Pure white.

2

49

44

93

Golden Empress of India .

1875

Loader .

Pale yellow.

3

42

42

84

John Salter .

Salter .

Cinnamon, orange centre.

4

38

44

82

Queen of England .

1819

Salter .

Blush.

f)

29

50

79

1ft«t

Lacroix .

Blush, tipped rosy purple.

6

42

34

76

Lard Alcester .

1882

Fremantle .

Pale primrose.

7

28

44

72

Lord Wolseley .

1882

Orchard .

Bronzy red.

8

24

47

71

19(>2

Smith .

Dark orange red.

9

34

35

69

Mr. Bunn .

1879

Bunn .

Bright golden yellow.

10

29

39

68

Princess of Wales .

1864

Davis .

B ush, tinted rose.

It

27

40

67

Pr'nce Alfred .

1864

Davis .

Rosy carmine.

12

24

27

51

Alfred Salter .

1856

Salter .

Lilac pink.

13

20

29

49

Jardin des Plantes .

I860

Salter .

Rich golden yellow.

14

21

25

40

Prince of Wales .

1865

Davis .

Purple.

15

22

22

44

Lady Hardinge .

1861

Clrrk .

SiUery rose.

15

21

23

44

Mrs. Heale .

1866

Heale .

White, tinted rose.

15

19

25

44

Princess of Teck .

1868

Pethere .

White, tinted pink.

10

15

27

42

Cherub .

1862

Smith .

Orange, tinted rose.

17

21

20

41

Hero of Stoke NewiDgton .

1871

Forsyth .

Rosy pink.

18

20

19

39

Mrs. W. Shipman .

1877

Shipman .

Fawn colour.

18

23

16

39

Refulgens .

1871

Salter .

Bright purple maroon.

19

17

21

38

Barbara .

1872

Salter .

Bright orange amber.

20

12

22

3t

Mr. George Gbnny .

1870

Waters .

Bright primrose yellow.

21

5

24

29

Golden George Glenny .

1876

Dixon .

Bright rich yellow.

22

8

20

28

Venus .

1865

Salter .

Lilac, tinted peach.

23

8

18

26

Mrs. G. Handle .

1867

Rundle .

Pure white.

23

12

14

26

White Venus .

1872

Shrimpton .

Pearl white.

24

13

1L

24

Golden Queen of England .

1859

Salter .

Canary yellow.

25

It

12

23

Emily Dale .

1872

Dale .

Pale straw colour.

25

12

11

23

Golden Eagle .

186?

Davis .

Dark orange.

20

7

15

22

Beverley .

1863

Smith .

Cream white.

20

7

15

22

Lady Slade .

1864

Smith .

Lilac pink.

20

5

17

22

Mr. BruDlees .

1865

Smith .

Indian rfd, tipped gold.

20

11

11

22

Princess Beatrice .

1868

Wynes-s .

Rosy pink.

27

4

15

19

Eve .

1865

Smith .

Creamy white.

28

4

11

15

Baron Beust .

1868

Petbers .

Chestnut red, tij ptd yellow.

28

9

G

15

Empress Eugenie .

1866

Pethers .

Rosy lilac.

29

2

10

12

Antonelli .

1862

Salmon orange.

29

5

7

12

Mabel Ward .

1881

Martin .

Buff yellow.

iiO

5

5

10

Abbd Passaglia .

1863

Smith .

Brassy amber.

30

1

9

10

Novelty .

1860

Clark .

Blush.

. 30

4

6

10

White G obe .

1858

Salter .

Pearl white.

. I

April 14,1887. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND I COTTAGE GARDENER. 285

After a season such as that of last year, which was generally con¬
sidered a very unfavourable one for the proper development of the
blooms of many varieties in this section, it may be interesting to com-
pare the relative positions held by some of the leading kinds at the two
exhibitions. For instance, Jeanne d’Arc, which in 1886 was more fre¬
quently shown than any other kind, stood in the previous analysis no
higher than No. 6. Again, Lord Wolseley has risen four places as com¬
pared with its position in 1885, Nil Desperandum seven places, Prince
Alfred three {daces, Cherub six places, and Golden George Glenny as
many as fourteen places. On the other hand, Empress of India no
longer occupies the premier position, having to give way as before
stated, to Jeanne d’Arc ; while Lord Alcester loses five, Mr. Bunn two,
Lady Hardingc three, Hero of Stoke Newington four, and Refulgens ten
places. In making these comparisons it should be clearly understood
that no reference is here made to the positions accorded to the different
varieties in the above list, these positions being regulated by the total
number of times they were staged at the two exhibitions taken together.

exhibition. On the other hand, there are many kinds which do not take
such good positions as they did at the preceding show. For example,
Criterion loses twelve places, Monsieur Ardene thirteen ]>laces, Agre-
ments de la Nature no less than twenty-one places, Dr. Macary thirteen,
and L’Incomparable fourteen places.

The best of the 1883 varieties, judging by their positions at last year's
exhibition, come out as follows : — Monsieur Astorg (No. 7), Flamme de
Punch (No. 16), Monsieur Tarin (No. 21), Dormillon (No. 22), Roseum
superburti (No. 23), Monsieur Henry Jacotot (No. 25), and Margot (No. 26),
while whose sent out in 1884 arrange themselves in the following order :
—Fernand Fdral (No. 16), Monsieur John Laing (No. 20), Madame de
SAvin (No. 21), and L’Incomparable (No. 28). Among the more recently
introduced may be named L’Adorable (No. 20), Mdlle. Paule Dutour,
Souvenir d’Angele Amiel, and notably Maiden’s Blush, which, as before
mentioned, taking its 1886 form alone, already stands No. 18 on the list.

The leading varieties in the reflexed section place themselves in order
of merit as follows : — Cloth of Gold, Cullingfordi, King of Crimsons,
• I

JAPANESE VARIETIES.

Position in Analysis.

3

Tim

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S3

w

'fumbe

of

es She

a

o o

oo -rs

00

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w

r

wn

*

M

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* .2

•3

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♦» XI

<

Name.

Date of Introduction.

f ,

Raiser’s

or

Introducer’s

Name.

f [

Colour.

1

41

54

95

Madame C. Audiguier .

1879

Marronch .

Deep mauve.

38

35

73

Jeanne DOlaux .

1882

Dhlaux .

Data velvety brown.

2

34

39

73

•Mdlle. Lacroix .

1880

Lacroix .

Sulphur while.

3

34

31

1872

Downton .

Pure white.

4

23

32

55

Comte de Geimioy .

1881

Veitch .

Nankeen, striped crimson brown.

5

21

31

52

Elaine .

1871

Downton .

Pure white.

6

20

31

61

Peter the Great .

1876

Carey .

Lemon yel'ow.

7

17

29

46

1 888

DOlaux .

White, rose violet centre.

4

18

28

46

Soleil Levant .

18749

Dr. Audiguier ? .

Pali yel'ow.

V

22

24

46

Th’unberg .

1881

Veiteh .

Pale golden yellow.

7

13

33

46

Val d’Andorre .

1880

Marrouch .

Chestnut', shaded orange.

8

23

22

45

Madame B. Rendatler .

1877

D61aux .

Orange, shaded to yellow.

9

28

15

43

Criterion .

1868

Sa'ter .

Amber.

10

11

29

40

Triomphe do la Rue des Chalets .

1876

fertuzes .

Salmon red.

11

17

20

37

Marguerite Marrouch .

1878

Marrouch .

Crimson, edged gold.

12

13

18

31

Japonais .

1878

Dolaux .

Bronze ye low.

12

14

17

31

Triomphe du Nord .

1857

Crimson maro in.

13

11

19

30

Boule o’Or .

1882

Bernard .

Yellow, tipped bronze.

14

15

14

20

1819

Rylaux .

Cream white, tinted ro3e.

15

11

16

27

Album Plenum .

Delicate creamy white.

]6

14

12

26

Meg Merrilies .

1870

Sa’ter .

Sulphur white.

17

17

8

25

Monsieur Ardene .

1878

Lacroix .

Ro*e lilac.

18

14

10

24

Monsieur Tarin .

1883

DAaux .

Silvery violet rose.

19

13

10

23

Fanny Boncharlat . - .

1879

Ddlaux .

White, with pink tinge.

19

8

15

23

Flamme de Punch .

1883

Ddlaux .

Orange, shaded red.

20

20

2

22

Agrenents de la Nature .

1881

De aux .

Golden yellow, shaded brown.

21

8

12

20

Baronne de Praillv .

1868

Salter .

Rose blush.

21

9

11

20

Monsieur John Laing .

1884

DMaux .

Crimson brown and gold.

21

8

12

20

Monsieur Brunet .

1879

Lacroix . . .

Yiolet mauve.

22

4

15

19

Fernand FO'al .

1884

Dd'aux .

Rosy mauve.

22

9

10

19

Madame de S6vio . .

1884

D£laux .

Rosy purple.

22

12

7

19

1877

Dthaux .

Crimson, with yellow centre.

22

3

16

19

Striatum .

1862

Fortune .

White, striped plum colour.

23

8

10

18

Comtesse de Beauregard .

1868

Salt* r .

Light rose.

24

6

11

17

1876

Carey .

White, shided violet rose.

25

5

H

16

Ifi

1878

DAaux .

Rose purple.

25

12

4

187ft

Rose, tinted white.

25

8

8

16

Roseum Superbum .

1883

De'.aux .

Soft rose, white reverse.

25

4

12

16

1882

Delaux .

Orange, shaded gold.

*6

3

12

15

Bouquet Fait .

1879

Dblaux .

Bright rose pink.

96

2

13

15

Grandiflorum .

1862

Fortune .

Bright yellow*.

26

12

3

15

L’lncomparable .

1884

DC aux .

Bronze, spotted crimson.

26

9

6

15

Monsieur Henri Jacotot .

1883

IlOlaux .

Crimson, tipped gold.

27

7

6

13

1881

Marrouch .

White, edged rose.

27

6

8

13

1867

Salter .

Bright yellow.

27

2

11

13

1885

DMaux .

Canary yellow, shaded violet.

27

0

13

13

Maiden’s Blush .

1886

gtevens . .

Creamy wli te, tinted blush.

27

8

5

13

12

1883

DAaux .

Rose chamois.

28

3

9

Dormillon .

1883

Lacroix .

Rosy purple.

The most noticeable feature in the above analysis is the prominent
position taken up by Madame C. Audiguier, this tine flower having been
at the two exhibitions shown in twenty-two more stands than any other
variety. Taking the two shows separately and comparing them, we
find Monsieur Astorg gains three places, Val d’Andorre nine places,
Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets eight, Boule d’Or three, Fernand Feral
five, and Striata seven places, while Maiden’s Blush, which in the 1885
analysis did not appear at all, stands as high as No. 18 in last year’s

Phidias, Chevalier Domage, Christine White. Christine Golden, and
Felicity, As regards the large Anemones, the following were most
frequently to be seen in last year’s show : — Empress, Georges Sand, Lady
Margaret, Acquisition, Gluck, Mrs. Pethers, and Prince of Anemones;
while the best of the large hybrid Anemone varieties appear to be
Fabian dc Mediana, Mdlle. Cabrol, and S<eur Dorothee Souille.

My best thanks are due to Mr. Harman Payne for supplying me with
the datep and raisers’ names of those Incurved and Japanese varieties

\

286

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apiil 14, 1837.

hicli are tabulated *in the present analysis, but which did not find a
place in the one which appeared in the Journal about this time last
year. — E. M., Birkhamstcd

CUCUMBER CULTIVATION.

The cultivation of the Cucumber outdoors is largely practised
on the silicious and oolitic soils of Bedfordshire and Huntingdon¬
shire, Sandy and Biggleswade in the former, and St. Neots in the
latter county being the centres. The cultivation of the Cucumber is
practised in those localities without any artificial heat whatever.
The seed is sown in early May — mean temperature 531°, June C>0°,
July G3°, August Gl°, September 5G°, which allows through the
whole period of a safe minimum or decline on the mean of 15°, but
the temperature sometimes suffers a considerably greater decline in
May, early June, and late September, when the plants are more or
less injured or destroyed by frost. In the silicious soil the seed
is in a more favourable medium for vegetation than in soils of
closer texture ; it will be sooner heated than clay, alluvial, or
moisture-holding soil, in fact much warmer at the surface than
lower down, and as the season advances and the heat increases the
soil is warmed as the roots grow, so that in open air culture we
treat the Cucumber in precisely the same manner as if it were
indigenous. For outdoor culture varieties succeeding in a mean
temperature of 60° (the mean of our climate from the middle of
May to the middle of September inclusive) are selected, and for
artificial cultivation those that grow in a mean of 70° in winter and
75° in summer. We therefore get outdoor Cucumbers with a mean
of G0°, winter fruit with a mean of 70°, and summer fruit with a
mean of 75°, a difference equal to the maximum or minimum range —
viz., 15°. Is not this highly suggestive ? The Ridge Cucumber
has been so acclimatised as to succeed in a country with a mean
summer heat of GO3. Is not the Ridge Cucumber identical, and as
little changed as when grown in frames heated with dung, and
covered with talc by the Romans ? Certainly it is similar to those
treated as Ridge and grown in oiled paper or canvas-covered frames
a century ago by Abercombie. Efforts at improvement have in¬
duced tenderness in a much enlarged plant and fruit. Much is
clearly due to variety, and is alluded to as suggestive of a wide
field of exercise to the cross-fertiliser with a view to improvement
of the fruit of the Ridge Cucumber, and implanting some of the
hardiness of that in the frame varieties.

Then, in respect of soil, manure is applied in quantity to the
silicious soil, the silica attracts the heat, the manure absorbs and
retains moisture, humus, or nitrogenous matter for sustaining the
vigour of the plants under powerful sun, the Vine is strengthened
by the silica. In frames moisture and humus is present in the fer¬
menting beds, silica or lime is not clearly patent, and the plants
gum, gangrene, and collapse without assignable cause. In houses
moisture is sought in soils having retentive power — peat, loamy
turf -decomposing food evolving matter, and the plants sometimes
collapse suddenly — their tissues full of fungus threads and spores.
It is a cultural defect — want of silica and lime in the structure of
the "Vine — therefore old mortar rubbish containing both silica and
lime in the carbonate state is added to the soil and manure avoided,
food being supplied in surface dressings or in liquid form.

Light is essential for the elaboration and assimilation of the
sap. The higher the cultivation the greater need of the foliage
having full exposure. Under artificial heat growth is effected inde¬
pendent of the weather. In dull cloudy wet weather — mnfavourable
alike to evaporation and assimilation — the plants grow most, the
temperature being favourable, and the foliage flags upon a return
of bright weather (even outdoors), it not being adapted for bearing
the full force of the sun’s rays, and the light needs modifying by
shading, gradually diminished as the plants from the solidification
of the growth become hardened. The foliage of the Cucumber
evaporates much moisture when growing in the open air or naturally
and the plants are invariably healthy, at least as long as the evapo¬
ration conditions continue, but a period of dull wet weather so
impedes evaporation that the plants become unhealthy. Artificially
we cause evaporation by ventilation or a dry atmosphere, and so
secure a sturdy healthy growth, by keeping the house close and moist
so that evaporation is arrested the plants become unhealthy. Cu¬
cumbers do not require any air, some may say. I know they are
grown well without air as it obtains on the orthodox system, and it
needs no saying that Cucumbers. have been grown the past thirty
years and longer with scarcely any ventilation from September
to April. I have seen examples of Cucumber growing without air
through the hottest months of the year, and I have seen a house
lOfi feet long and 14 feet wide both sides of the span-roof hung
with fruit. The only danger is from the sun scorching. The
foliage lacks solidity, it is the same in texture as plants which in a
dull period have not had air, soft and incapable of withstanding

sun. The danger of scorching is not in the morning but in the
afternoon, through the leaves not having evaporated sufficiently
through the day ; they are gorged with moisture and are scalded, a thing
practically unknown at that period of the day under the ventilation
system. When scorching occurs on the ventilation principle it is in
the early part of the day — the atmosphere having been kept close,
stagnant, and laden with moisture. The ventilation system is
Nature’s plan ; moisture at night for absorption, its dissipation by
the sun’s influence for effecting elaboration and assimilation ; the
non- ventilating system is moisture in the daytime to keep back
evaporation and secure growth of fruit, consequently the foliage is
overladen with moisture in the afternoon, and the sun acting upon
it in that condition causes it to be scalded. We get a maximum of
growth of fruit by the non-ventilating system, and quality (as
we accept it in other fruit) is not of consequence ; in fact, the less
flavour a Cucumber has the better it is liked. It is sufficient if the
fruit be fine, short necked, of good colour and bloom, straight and
long, and grown quickly so as to be crisp and tender.

MODES OF CULTURE.

Cucumbers are grown in four ways. 1 , In houses or pits heated
by hot-water pipes, with bottom heat by those solely, or a combina¬
tion of fermenting materials. 2, In pits or frames heated with
fermenting materials. 3, In houses, pits, or frames without artificial
heat. 4, In the open air. The first-named is far the most important
from a cultural point of view. I will treat of them in that order.
1, Houses or pits heated by hot-water and having bottom heat.
These are usually employed for supplying fruit from October to
May inclusive, being defined as autumn, winter, and spring fruiters
respectively, the autumn fruiters giving fruit up to Christmas, or
until the winter fruiters take up and continue the supply, and the
spring fruiters continue the supply from April.

The House ok Pit. — I think the span-roofed house is the most
suitable. A lean-to has its advantages in the dull murky weather
prevailing from November to F ebruary, but they are disadvantageous
at other times of the year, therefore I give preference to the span-
roof for all seasons, with the ends of the structure north and south.
The side walls 4 feet G inches high above the floor level, 9 inches
thick, except the top four courses on the outside, which should be
44 inches built in cement. Side lights are not necessary. Venti¬
lators 2 feet by 12 inches should be fixed in the side walls under
the wall plates, one in the centre of each light when the width is

14 feet, and every other light when the width is 10 feet, the lights
to be 4 feet or 4 feet G inches wide. A pathway 2 feet 9 inches
wide should be allowed. The walls for forming the sides of the
beds 44 inches and 3 feet high above the floor, the top course built
in cement or having a stone capping. This will give beds in a
house 14 feet wide of 4 feet G inches width, and in a pit of 10 feet
width of 2 feet G inches. The height in tbe centre of the 14- feet
house must be 8 feet 6 inches, and in the 10-feet 7 feet G inches to
the under side of the rafters. Every alternate light of the roof
should be moveable, available alike for ventilation or removeable for
handiness of getting in soil and vice versa. At the apex should be
a lantern ventilator with a 12 inches wide opening, and raising
64 inches for the larger house, and 9 inches wide, and lifting 5 inches
for the pit. The rafters and light bars should be provided with
drip-proof grooves. A trellis will be necessary fixed 12 inches to

15 inches from the glass. No. 10 galvanised wires supported by
stays at every rafter so as to be 7j inches apart are best. The
wider house will require six rows of 4-inch pipes for top heat.
Two rows may be fixed on the ledge of the side walls, one above
the other, and a row on each of the bed walls. The latter should
have evaporation troughs. Six rows of 4-inch pipes will be required
for bottom heat, three rows in each bed. In the smaller house or
pit four rows of pipes wrill be required for top heat, all 4-inch, one
row on the ledge of the side walls and one on the bed edges, these
being provided wdth evaporation troughs. Four rows of 3-inch
pipes will be required for bottom heat, two in each bed. Fix the
pipes for bottom heat on the flat, dividing the distance equally, and
they should be fixed so that their upper side is 18 inches below the
level of the bed edge, so that they can either be covered and sur¬
rounded with rubble or with flags or slates so as to form a chamber.
The heating must be so arranged by means of valves that the
bottom heat can be worked separately or together. If fermenting
materials are to be used for bottom heat the beds must be deepened
for tan to 3 feet and for Raves and dung to 4 feet, in addition to
the foot depth required for soil. Sometimes hot-water pipes are
employed in addition to the fermenting materials, in that case two
rows in the 4 feet 6 inches wide beds, and one row in the 2 feet
6 inches wide beds are sufficient, and should be fixed 18 inches from
the intended surface of the beds.

Varieties. — There is plenty of choice and there is no great
difference, therefore if any are omitted it is not because they are bad, but
because a moderate number of varieties is better to select from than

April 14, If 87. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture axd cottage gardener.

287

a great number. Small varieties. — These are of the Syon House
nice, having fruit on an average about 12 inches long. Carter's
Champion, Monro’s Duke of Edinburgh, Masters’ Prolific, and
laylor s Montrose No. 1. Medium sized. — Cardiff Castle (Petti¬
grew), 'V eitch s Perfection, Telegraph (Rollisson’s), and Paragon
(Kelway). Long or large sized. — Tender and True (Douglas),
Sutton s Duke of Connaught, Carter’s Model, and Cox’s Volunteer.
Large varieties for exhibition. — Carter’s Model, Sutton’s Duke of
Connaught, Pearson’s Long Gun, and Douglas’ Tender and True.
Varieties for market. — Rollisson’s Telegraph and Cuthbert’s Per¬
fection. Varieties with green fruit. — Maclndoe's Verdant Green,
Cardiff Castle. Rollisson’s Telegraph (in a true carefully selected
stock) is the finest Cucumber ; taking constitution, cropping, and
reliableness into consideration, it has no equal either for winter or
summer use.

Times of Sowing. — For autumn fruiting the first week in July.
These will fruit through the autumn to Christmas. For winter
fruiting the first week in September ; these will fruit through the
spring from Christmas. For spring fruiting the first week in
January ; these will fruit by April and onward. Instead of sowing
in July and again in September, one sowing at the beginning of
August is made to serve for both, and these give fruit prior to
Christmas, and a full supply then and through the spring months,
or until the January sown plants fruit in April, or until fruit is
furnished by plants in pits or frames. — G. Abbey.

(JTo be continued.)

CULTURE OF TURNIPS.

I am taught by experience that strong soil liberally dressed
with farmyard manure produces, as a rule, large coarse Turnips, and
that light soil enriched with Peruvian guano, and which has had a
sprinkling of fresh soot raked into it prior to drawing the drills 1 inch
deep and 12 to 15 inches apart, invariably produces clean medium¬
sized roots. The seed should be sown thinly, the soil closed over it,
trodden with the feet, and then raked in the same direction as the
drills, afterwards protecting the seed from the ravages of birds with
apiece of garden netting supported by short forked sticks. From
the first week in March up to the middle of May the seed may be
sown in a border having a south aspect and a dry rather than moist
subsoil ; but after this date aspect and conditions of soil the reverse
of those indicated will during the summer months produce more
satisfactory results. Sow seed for yielding late supplies of Turnips
in the same situation as advised for eaily crops from the beginning
to the middle or third week in August.

As soon as the young plants are large enough thin them to 3 inches
apart in the row, afterwards thinning them to 6 or 9 inches before
they get crowded. This method of procedure is better than thinning
the plants to the proper distance in the row at first, because it is
pretty certain that all the plants left to form the crop at the second
thinning will grow. The Dutch hoe should be run frequently between
the rows, as much with a view to accelerate growth as to destroy
weeds.

As to varieties, having tested many we confine ourselves to the
following, which may be relied upon to give satisfaction — viz , fer
first crop, Extra Early Milan Strapleaf, of fine shape and excellent
quality ; Purple-top Munich, resembling the above in every parti¬
cular except in the leaf, but a few days later sown side by side on
the same date ; and Early Snowball, flesh white, sweet and tender,
and of handsome shape. The last-named variety is the only one
grown for summer and early au!uoin use. Veitch’s Red Globe, Cbhk
Castle Black Stone, and Orange Jelly give every satisfaction for
winter use. The Turnip fly is sometimes very troublesome, but on
its first appearance on the young plants the latter while damp should
be dusted with a mixture of lime and fresh soot. This appli¬
cation will not only have the desired elect, but will also prove bene¬
ficial to the crop.— H. W. Ward.

NARCISSUS CYCLAMINEUS.

Among the many bulbs introduced to our gardens of late years, few
have been so full of interest to the cultivator as this one, not only from
the distinct character of its flowers, which seem, on first appearance, to
be a combination of the triandrus and trumpet groups, but also on
account of the length of time it remained undisturbed and unidentified
in a wild state in its quiet home near Oporto. Those versed in Daffodil
lore have identified the present plant with descriptions and figures
belonging to the seventeenth century. The first of these is dated 1623,
Xo. 47, Jardin du Roy, under the name of X. liispanus minor amplo
calico foliisreflexis. It is also figured in Rudbeck’s Theatrum Florae, 1637,
tab. 20, as X. hispanicus minor luteus amplo calice foliis reflexis ; in

Parkinson’s Theatrum Botanicum, under its present name, 1640; and by
Haworth as X. minor cyclamineus. It is very remarkable that this plant
had been quite lost sight of fur upwards of 200 years, notwithstanding
that the figures and descriptions above quoted very accurately represent
the plant as we know it to-day. Herbert, in his Amaryllidaceae, page
306, quotes Rudbeck’s figure, but says that this is ‘‘another absurdity
that would never be found to exist. It is probably an execrable repre¬
sentation of Ganymedes Capax, with the margin of the cup incorrectly
given, and, looking at all the rest of ltudbeck's figures, I have no hesita¬
tion in recognising it as a nonentity. There is no account of the quarter
from which it was obtained.” With living specimens before us, and
also a copy of Rudbeck’s figure, we have not the slightest doubt as to
thir identity.

Its native habitat is in the neighbourhood of Oporto, where it was first
discovered by E. Johnston, Esq., bulbs were collected by Mr. A. W. Tait.
well known in connection with Portuguese plants, and distributed in this
country. It flowers in March and early in April, and in its native home as
early as February, growing in sandy loam on the banks of a stream, at
an altitude of 3000 feet above sea-levei, and, we arc tohl, perfectly
solated from all other Daffodils. The corona is orange yellow, very

long and narrow, and spreading at the mouth, the perianth reflexed,
lighter in colour than the corona, and in this respect only resembling
the triandrus group. The tube is almost absent, the perianth and
corona growing directly out of the ovary. It is likely to prove as
tender as N. calathinus, &c., but that group we find to thrive fairly well
in the open air, if placed in well drained soil in a warm sheltered spot.
N. cyclamineus ripens seed freely, and no doubt before long it will be
within the reach of all who care to possess it.

The engraving (fig. 51) was prepared from a specimen growing at
Kew, and a first class certificate was awarded at South Kensington on
Tuesday last for specimens from Messrs. Barr & Son, King Street,
Covent Garden. (Syn. Narcissus Henriquesii). — M. S.

LATE-BEARING MUSHROOM BEDS.

Mush room-growing lias almost become as fashionable a subject as
Grape-growing, and nobody ever tires of that. It is not my intention
to enter fully into details of general Mushroom culture here, but my
remarks will refer to a point which is common in the experience of all.
The winter has been a long and severe one, and in no way in favour of
Mushroom culture where the means of carrying it on are not of the
best. Indeed, the weather since Xovcmber has been such as to check
the growth of Mushrooms in many instances, and I have no doubt some
of your readers have beds that were made up in November and Decem¬
ber that have not produced Mushrooms, or anything like a full crop.

288

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 14, 1887.

“ W. D. B.” wishes to know whether Rhododendron Cun-

11 very thing being right, beds ought to bear in five or six weeks after
spawnings and when few are produced in eight, ten, or twelve ’weeks
the cultivator is apt to conclude that the bed is a failure ; it is broken
up, and the manure used for other purposes. At certain times this
mwlit be the correct thing to do, as a bed which in favourable wjeather
failed to bear in eight or nine weeks may be treated as useless ; but I
would never consider a bed which was late in bearing in winter a failure
until I had seen what the more favourable weather in spring projduced,
and all beds at the present time which have failed to bear in (season
ought to be retained until May at least. . j

Occasionally, again, we have had beds in cool sheds which have failed
to produce Mushrooms at the proper time in January, February, and
March, but which in April and May have produced them in abundance —
in fact., as freely as if they had never lost a week or a month, and I would
strongly advise all who have had to deal with unsatisfactory; crops
during the last three months to give the beds another chance. Beds,
however, which do not bear are always liable to become too dry, and
before anticipating any Mushrooms they ought to be well soaked with
water at a temperature of 90°. This water cannot be given to penetrate
the bed at one watering, but a little must be applied at intervals for
perhaps a whole day, then cover the bed with a thick coating, of hay,
and look out in a week or two for useful little buttons and large fleshy
heads. — J. Muir, Margam Park , outh Wales.

At a General Meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society
held April 12th, Dr. Maxwell T. Masters, F.R.S., in the chair, the
follpwing candidates were duly elected Fellows — viz., Arthur H. Easton
J. T. Hazeldine, F. T. Daniel.

- With regard to the “Frost Report,” we are desired to state

that any Honorary, Foreign, or Corresponding Member of the Society
may obtain a copy of this work free of charge by applying to the: Secre*
tary of the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, S.W. Mr.
Geo. Maw, F.L.S., of Benthall, Kenley, has been elected a Member of
Council vice Mr. A. B. Mitford, C.B., who has resigned. It hais been
decided to hold a Chrysanthemum Show on the 8th and 9th of November
next. The idea of holding a Conference on Grapes has been abandoned
for this year. Arrangements will shortly be made by which residents
in the neighbourhood of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens at
Chiwick, who are not Fellows of the Society, will be admitted to the
Gardens on easy terms.

- The Proposed Gardeners’ Orphan Fund. — A wcll-atiteuded

meeting was held at South Kensington on Tuesday last, Mr. (g. Deal
presiding, at which the draft scheme prepared by the Special Conjimittee
was revised and ordered to be printed for distribution amongst gardeners,
with the object of gaining their adherence to the project.

- We are desired to note that Mr. Benjamin Field, dealer in

horticultural requisites, has established a central office and sales room
at 75a, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., his goods depot remaining,
as usual at Swan Place, Old Kent Road, S.E.

- Rating Nurseries and Market Gardens.— Mr. W. Piercy

Forest Hill, sends the following note “ At the Greenwich Police
Court on Wednesday, April 6th, 1887, before Mr. Montagu Williams, the
Overseers of Lewisham v. Henry James Cobb of the Derby. Villas
Nursery, Forest Hill. This was an application by the Overseers for the
payment of £2 11s. for rates in respect of his cottage and nursery
grounds, Derby Villas, Forest Hill. Mr. Coxwell of 15, Walbrook,
appeared for Mr. Cobb, and contended that after the decision of
Purser v. the Worthing Local Board, heard in the Division Court before
Mr. Justice Day and Mr. Justice Wills, reported in The Times of the
21st of March, 1887, Mr. Cobb could be assessed in respect of the
nursery grounds at one-fourth only, but as regards the cottage occupied
by him at the full value. This was opposed by Mr. Clutty, the col¬
lector, on the grounds that there was one assessment only. Mr.
Montagu Williams, after considering, said that there should be separate
assesssments for the land and cottage, and having reference to the In¬
habited House Duty Act of 1881, adjourned the case to allow the parties
to come to terms.”

- • I |

NINGHAM’S Dwarf White is a distinct variety from the Old Cunning¬
ham’s White? If not, was it not raised, or at least sent out, by the late
Mr. George Cunningham of Liverpool ? Cunningham’s White is a fine
forcing plant, but will Mr. Carter please say if the variety he alludes to
is distinct.

- We are requested to announce that Mr. George Willers of The

Nurseries, Trumpington Road, Cambridge, has been appointed florist to
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales by special and Royal
warrant.

- - Slag as a Manure.— A new industry, says the Standard, is

being established in South Staffordshire in connection with the steel
trade. A complete plant has just been laid down at the works of the
Staffordshire Steel and Ingot Iron Company, Bilston, for the grinding of
basic slag for agricultural fertilising'purposes. A slag house, 140 feet long
by 50 feet, has been built for the accommodation of grinding machinery.
The process is divided into three stages. The last completely pulverises
the slag, making it of such a fineness that it will pass through a mesh of
10,000 holes to the square inch. The slag, being composed of 40 per
cent of lime, and from 15 to 20 per cent, of phosphoric acid, its value as
an agricultural fertiliser is becoming increasingly appreciated.

- Messrs. J. Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, have

issued the fourth edition of their essay on “ Lawns, Lawn Tennis, and
Cricket Grounds,” in which much condensed useful information is
given on these subjects ; preparing the soil, sowing the seed, and after
management are discussed and elucidated.

- - A Buckinghamshire correspondent sends us an example of

what he terms a Feathered Cyclamen, in which the lobes of the
corolla are furnished with a kind of crest formed of deeply and
irregularly cut segments, imparting a very peculiar appearance to the
flower. It cannot be regarded as much more than a monstrosity in its
present condition, but it might develope into something of an orna¬
mental character.

- Rhododendrons in Pots. — “ I have often wondered,” writes

a southern gardener, “ why Rhododendrons are not more generally
grown in pots, especially seeing what capital plants can now be pur¬
chased at a comparatively cheap rate. Recently I saw a large number
in the show house at Gara way’s nurseries, Clifton, Bristol, many ef
them in full bloom and others advancing. They are very dwarf, and
nearly every shoot is furnished either with a bud or a beautiful truss of
blooms. Some of the best varieties were Cynthia, Boule de Neige,
Madame Wagner, Blandianum, John Waterer, Joseph Whitworth, Prince
Camille de Rohan, Henry Bohn, Cunningham's White, Michael Waterer
Concessum, John Spencer, and Sherwoodi.”

■ - - Gardening Appointment. — We learn that Mr. Joseph

Godseff, who has for the past sixteen years had the management of
Mr. William Bull’s nurseries at Chelsea, has been appointed manager
of Mr. F. Sander's extensive Orchid establishments at St. Albans.

- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society, 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wednesday, the 20th
inst., at 7 P.M., the following papers will be read : — •“ The Storm and Low
Barometer of December 8th and 9th, 1886,” by Charles Harding,

F. R.Met.Soc. “Report of the Wind Force Committee,” drawn up by

G. Chatterton, M.A., M.Inst.C.E., F.R.Met.Soc. “ A New Form of
Velocity Anemometer,” by W. H. Dines, B.A., F.R.Met.Soc. “ Descrip¬
tion of two Maximum Pressure Registering Anemometers,” by G. M-
Whipple, B.Sc., F.R.Met.Soc. The three latter papers will be in type
before the meeting. Any Fellow wishing to take part in the discussion
can obtain a copy on application to the Assistant Secretary, Mr. William
Marriott.

- - The third edition of Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ work on “ The

Culture of Vegetables and Floivers from Seeds and Roots ”
has just been issued. The main portion of the book continues the same
as in the previous edition, but it has been carefully revised and enlarged
by about 100 pages, including a useful chapter on “ Lawns from Seed,’’
with several others on flowers that were only incidentally mentioned
before. The instruction is of a thoroughly practical character, full and
simple. In the 406 pages the leading chapters are “ The Culture of
Vegetables,” “ A Year’s Work in the Vegetable Garden,” “ The Rotation
of Crops in the Vegetable Garden,” the “ Chemistry of Garden Crops,’’

April 14, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

2S9

“ The Culture of Flowers from Seed,” “ The Culture of Flowering:
Bulbs,” “ Flowers all the Year Round,” “ The Formation of Lawns
from Seed,” “ The Pests of Garden Plants” (illustrated), “ Eradication
of Garden Vermin,” “ The Fungus Pests of Garden Plants" (illustrated)i
and “ The Fungus Pests of Certain Flowers ” (illustrated).

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the following Summary of

Meteorological Observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop,
Notts, for March, 1887 : — Mean temperature of mouth, 38‘3° ; maximum
on the 29th, 57-4° ; minimum on the 21st, 18'8°. Maximum in the sun
•on the 12tli, 121-23 ; minimum on the grass on the 18th, 1 1 *3°. Mean
temperature of air at 9 A.M., 37'8°. Mean temperature of soil 1 foot
deep, 38-5°. Nights below 32°— in shade sixteen, on grass twenty-
one. Sunshine — total duration in month, 105 hours, or 29 per cent, of
possible duration. Rainfall in month, L29 inches. Rain fell on fifteen
days. Wind— average velocity, 9-0 miles per hour. Velocity exceeded
400 miles on four days, and fell short of 100 miles on seven days.
Approximate averages for March. — Mean temperature, 4 1'3°. Rainfall,
i”6I inch. Sunshine (six years) 104 hours. A cold dry month of
average sunshine ; mean temperature rather lower than in February.
Vegetation very late.

The April number of the “ Kew Bulletin ” deals with Fibre-
ti elding Plants, special mention being made of the Manila Hemp, Musa
textilis. It is said that the imports of this material to Great Britain from
the Phillipinc Islands amount to 170,000 bales, to the United States about
180,000 bales, equal to 50,000 tons per annum. The fruit is useless,
being hard and green, so that the plant can only be cultivated for the
fibre, and this does not seem to have been found sufficiently profitable
where it has been introduced from Kew, for while the return from a
fruiting stem of the common Banana or Plantain would be from fid. to
2s., depending upon the size of the bunch, the return from the Manila
Hemp plant would, according to experience in the Phillipines, be about
5 lb. of fibre, the local value of which would be only 2d. or 3d.” The
Banana fibre and Pine Apple fibre are also noted at some length.

- There has been an abundant supply of Flowers in

Covent Garden Market during the past week, those most in demand
apparently being Richardias, White Lilies, Eucharis, and Roses. Lilies
of the Valley, Gardenias, Narcissi, and Violets have also been supplied
flu large quantities, while for choicer work — wreaths, buttonholes, Sec. —
Orchids have been freely employed. Dendrobium nobile is a particular
favourite, and a few well-coloured flowers arranged with Fern fronds
for a lady’s shoulder wreath have a charming appearance. Odonto-
glossums crispum and Ros?i, with Coelogyne cristata, are favourites for
«imilar purposes. The plants in pots chiefly comprised Pelargoniums,
-Heaths, Cytisuses, Spiraeas, Hyacinths, Tulips, and Richardias. The
Tulips, associated with Lilies of the Valley and small Ferns in the same
pots, had a more agreeable appearance than when seen crowded together,
as they are usually.

- Mr. G. Russell, The Gardens, Redlands, Glasgow, sends

flowers of Rhododendron Veitchianum with seedlings for com¬
parison. The flowers of the seedlings are slightly tinted with rose, the
lobes less crisped, and very fragrant. The large pure white flowers of
the original type are very beautiful, and it is not surprising that this
fine Rhododendron is so great a favourite. In the description which
appeared in the “ Botanical Magazine” in July, 1857, two months after
it was first shown by Messrs. Veitch & Sons at South Kensington,
strangely enough no mention is made of its fragrance, yet this is one of
its most pleasing qualities. Mr. Russell also sends flowers of Azalea
General Gordon, an excellent seedling of the Amoena type with large
bright crimson flowers.

- “ T. S.” would be glad to have “ the opinion of any reader of

the Journal on Strawberry King of the Earlies as a variety for
early forcing. When started at the beginning of the year it lias proved
with me a very hard setter ; in fact, I may say, it would not set at all,
ns there were but three or four perfectly formed fruits on t vo dozen
plants. A similar number of Black Prince started at the same time and
on the same shelf set a full crop. A later batch of King of the Earlies
appears to be setting fairly well. There is a variety known in this
neighbourhood as Princess of Prussia ; it is very free, a capital setter,
and will, I believe, bear more heat in the early stage of growth than any
(OSher kind, but it has no flavour. I think, however, it would be worthy

the attention of raisers of new varieties to endeavour to blend its good
early-forcing qualities with the better flavour of other varieties.”

- The beautiful Violet Wellsiana was recently exhibited at

South Kensington in capital condition, and referring to this excellent
variety ‘‘J. H. E.” writes, “This is certainly the best of the single-
flowered varieties. In general habit it resembles the better known kind,
Victoria Regina, the latter also being an approach to it in point of
colour. For freedom of flowering, length of stalk, colour, fragrance,
and large handsome flowers it is far superior to all the rest under pre¬
cisely the same conditions. To mention its complete hardiness as com¬
pared with Victoria Regina, Neapolitan, Marie Louise, and some others
which have suffered from the effects of the severe weather more or less,
is only to add another point in favour of its more general use. It is in
full flower now in the open, and puts Russian, Czar, and several others
of the same type quite in the shade. It takes no more room than
ordinary varieties ; it produces a greater number of flowers, which are
considerably larger, and consequently so many are not required to form
a good bunch, and then the great length of stalk will make it a ($>n-
sideration to growers in quantity. If any other Journal reader can
furnish further points in favour of Wellsiana he should do so, for now is
a good time to make fresh plantations.”

- Nature says that “ British Field Botanists will be glad

to learn that the Scottish Rights of Way Society has been successful in
its action brought in the Court of Session a jainst the proprietor of Glen
Doll in Clova. Lord Kinnear has found that “ the pursuers had esta¬
blished a sufficient use and possession of the road for more than forty
years to entitle them to a judgment.” There is probably no portion of
the Highlands of Scotland from which botanists would feel it a greater
hardship to be excluded. For years it has been so well watched by keepers
that access to it has been impossible, except to such botanists as are
swift and sure of foot. The present owner is the first who has denied a
right of way through it, and, if we are not mistaken, the action only
concerns this right to use the road. It is to be feared that efforts will
not be wanting to confine the public to the road, and to deny all access
to those parts so interesting to the field botanist.”

- The Birmingham Gardeners’ Society. — The closing meeting

of the winter session was on the 6th inst., when Mr. Walter Jones,
gardener to C. E. Matthews, Esq., and a very successful plant exhibitor,
read a comprehensive excellent paper on the Erica and its culture. In
speaking of the early history of this plant, Mr. Jones referred to the
Cape of Good Hope becoming an English possession. Many beautiful
varieties of the Cape Heath were sent to this country by Mr. Masson,
and Mr. Loudon in his “ Encyclopedia” referred to the fact that we are
indebted to him for their introduction. Especial reference was made to
the form of houses most suited for growing specimens — namely, a lightly
built span-roof, running from north to south, with side and lop
ventilation, with plenty of ventilators so arranged that cold air should
not act too strongly upon the plant or pots, and especially sheltering the
pots from the sun’s rays. Young, healthy plants in 48-pots to start
with were recommended, and not too tightly root-bound, thoroughly
examining the balls, selecting well burnt clean pots. These to be well
drained with clean crocks, with fine pieces over the rougher ones, sifting
out the dust. For specimens Mr. Jones uses a liberal supply of
drainage, much depending upon this and its being so arranged that
the soil is not washed into it. Care must be taken in repotting that the
ball is not dry or too wet, and potting most firmly. The soil recom¬
mended consists of good sound peat, not too spongy or too adhesive^
breaking it into lumps according to the size of the pots to be used, not
riddling the soil, but using all together, adding one-sixth of silver sand,
a little broken charcoal, adding also a good sprinkling of the dust¬
like bits of broken pots sifted from the drainage crocks prepared for the
repotting, for by keeping the soil porous and sweet the roots soon fasten
to this gritty matter and enjoy it. Mr. Jones recommends repotting at
almost any time rather than in very hot summer weather. Not to pot
too deeply, keeping the ball a little higher than the soil, but taking care
that this is quite half an inch below the top of the pot, so as to allow
plenty of water space. Ericas require careful handling, so as not at
any time to be allowed to get too wet, and never too dry, and in hot
weather frequently syringing about the pots, not the plants. Mr. Jones
is no advocate for the use of artificial manures, although admitting that
in some cases it may be beneficial. He uses only soot water, the soot is
placed in a bag, and the bag placed in water, using the water in a com

290

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 14,1887.

paratively clear state. It was an excellent paper, treating thoroughly
the subject, and it was followed by a capital discussion by several
practical gardeners present.

PROPAGATING HERBACEOUS PHLOXES.

April is a very suitable month for the propagation of these Phloxes?
and a good place in which to strike the cuttings is a dung frame. I f
freely supplied with water the cuttings will emit roots in a fortnight or
three weeks, when the plants may be potted singly. After having fairly
rooted into the new soil may be transferred to a cold frame, and even¬
tually planted out. The most suitable cuttings which it is possible to
have are those young shoots, which at this season are being produced in
quantity. Select these when 3 or 4 inches long, and insert in sandy well
drained soil, Cither in pots or boxes. The cuttings of these Phloxes need
so little preparation that they may be inserted almost as removed from
the stock plant, for they root freely not only from the joint but up the
stem between the joints, so that if the lower are removed the operator
will have done all that is requisite. They thoroughly enjoy generous
treatment, and if they have abundance of water during dry weather the
result will lie a rich and varied display in the coming autumn of their
massive heads of flowers. Like the Chrysanthemum, they should never
receive a check. Few plants are more effective when well done, and
none so miserable when neglected. Another point of importance with
these plants is to make new plantings annually and discard all stools at
four years old, as by this time they will have impoverished the soil,
and will have become a thicket of young and weakly shoots.

In planting dig deeply, apply manure freely, and plant somewhat
deeper than usual with most plants, on account of their making a great
quantity of surface roots. If they can be given a position where they
may be saturated two or three times weekly so much the better. A
good selection of these plants will be found in the following list
Whites : Jeanne d’Arc, Independence, Queen of Whites, Virgo Marie,
Thos. Chisholm. Of mauve or lilac shades, Hendersoni and Mauve
Queen are good ; vermilion scarlet, Coccinea ; purple, Purple King and
Pius Ninth ; salmon red, A. F. Barron, Lothair, Roi des Roses, and Louis
Van Houtte. Of whites with coloured centres : Edith, David Syme,
Richard Wallace, Jenny Grieve, Madame la Comtesse de Turenne are
among the best ; while from crimson we would take Madame Verschaf-
felt, Gloire de Neuilly, Countess of Breadalbane, and Splendour ; and
apart from these there are numbers of intermediate and varying shades.
— J. H. E.

ROSE STOCKS.

I gather from Mr. D. (lilmour, jun.’s remarks on this topic that
he has not himsdf tried budding on the seedling Briar. If he has,
surely he can understand why Roses thus budded should be some¬
what more expensive than others. The Biiar or Manetti cuttings grow
out chiefly at the top of the cutting, not so the seedling Briar. Some
years ago when I could stoop fairly well, mv kind friend, Mr. G.
Prince, at my request sent me 200 seedlings in the autumn. Each
hundred formed a little bundle about the size of my arm, and a crow-
quill was much larger than the s’ze of many in the bundle, the length
being ahout a font. My first impression was to throw them all away
as useless ; but, however, 1 thought better of it, and having at that
time plenty of room in mv garden I planted them in rows 3 feet
apart from row to row, and G or 8 inches between the plants. There,
thought I, you are not w< rth mu h, but you may take your chance.
I did not expect any would be budded. Taking care that the earth
kept close to them through the winter ttuy did take their chance,
and when budding time arrived it was a sea of Rose branches
Thorns! Yis, a few. Sharp, raiher. I was simply thunder struck
at the growlh. These little crowquills were the following autumn
sending out shoots in all din ctions, and many of these as thick as my
little finger ; and th se shoots, instead of growing upwards as in
cuttings, started from the ground ; not a few beneath the surface if
the plant had been put in too deep.

"Well, when I began to attempt budding, the scratches were lovely.
Taking the end of a row, I began by clearing off the shoots that were
near the surface of the ground and only leaving two or threo that
grew upwards ; hut when I came to clear the stem for the bud I
found another difficulty, that was that in half the stocks it was im¬
possible to find II inch of the stem sufficiently straight and smooth
for an adept to bud in, let alone a tyro. Buds as pushed onwards in
the slit soon slipped out and down, and the buds were on the gr. und
and had to be sought for so frequently, and, if they remained, the
tying them in bruised them in ad ipting them to the twisting stem,
that I inwardly remat ked I did not wonder that Roses on seedling
Briars were more expensive. Apparently they are so, but I believe
in the end it is far and away the cheapest stock, and it. is also in my
experience the best. — Y. B. A. Z.

NOTES AT OXFORD.

There is now flowering, for the first time in the Oxford Botanic
Garden, a fine specimen of Beauc.irnea glauca that has been in the col¬
lection for many years. This interesting Yucca-like plant is growing in

the succulent house, and measures from, the rim of the pot in which it is
growing to its crown about (i feet, and is surmounted with a dense spike
more than 3 feet in length, bearing myriads of miniature whitish flowers
having anthers covered with clear yellow pollen, and present altogether
a conspicuous cloud-like mass of creamy pale amber-tinted inflorescence;
the effect of which is particularly pleasing.

A re-arrangement of the hardy plants is being carried out in this
garden, the beds throughout having been designed anew for this purpose,,
and when their transformation is completed lovers of this old garden —
and there are many — will hail with satisfaction improvements on what
has been cherished by them as ' representing that which has now
become the historic order of things in the one-time Oxford Physic-
Garden.

One of the alterations effected that may be noticed by visitors is.
that affecting the hitherto Ivy-clad trunks of trees which have been so-
systematically denuded of their superincumbent growth as to severely
alter their aspect. One may/ however, hope in respect to these old
trunks that their present appearance will not be allowed to be
permanent.

It is here, as is the case with other gardens of its kind, we always,
see something that sets one longing to write in praise of to some par¬
ticular plant-loving friends, although it may be that, their names are by
no means unfamiliar to them. At the present time a few gems may be
seen in flower that would delight the most fastidious cultivator, and they
should be remembered by those who do not already possess them, so that
they may be secured when an opportunity offers. They are as follows :
—Narcissus minimus, Iris reticulata, Chionodoxa Lucijias, Saxifragas
oppositifolia alba, and Bur'seriana, Galanthus plicatus, and Primula
rosea. — A Correspondent.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

,{Co<itinucd from page 60.)

I RELATE the following as instances of how rapidly some plants
foreign to a country when once introduced will adapt themselves to their •
new conditions, becoming eventually as closely identified with the
scenery of the country of their adoption as plants of indigenous growth.
During the early days of Coffee planting around Manan toddy, a good
number of flowering trees, shrubs, and plants were introduced from the
plains, Ceylon, and elsewhere, and cultivated in the gardens surrounding
the houses of Europeans. Amongst these plants were several varieties •
of Lantana, v’hich at once found a congenial home, flowering and
seeding most profusely, and quickly extending from isolated garden
bushes and hedges surrounding gardens and patches of cultivated- land,,
to covering hundreds of acres of land with a dense mass of thorny and
all but impenetrable scrub, giving shelter to numerous reptiles, vermin,,
and many dangerous wild beasts, eventually changing the character of
the landscape for miles around in a marked degree. The bushes forming
this Lantana scrub reached an average height of about 10 feet, and
included some three or four very pretty varieties, so that wdien the
plants were in flower — -and they are nearly always so — the ever-
increasing area taken possession of by the plant presented a most
striking appearance. But this intruder was by no means welcomed
either by Englishman or native, the floral display not being considered
sufficient compensation for the drawbacks it entailed. In addition to-
liarbouring noxious animal life, the scrub was supposed to have an
injurious effect on the salubrity of the climate. When I first knew
Manantoddy it was a very pretty town, the native portion of which
formed one long street half a mile in length, running down to the
banks of the river Cubbany, a large stream rising on the eastern side of
the western Ghaut range, taking a winding course through the Wynaad
country, and eventually joining the sacred canvary in the province of
Mysore. The houses of the European officials and resident Coffee
planters were situated on the tops of the neighbouring grass hills, the
green and beautiful slopes of which were dotted with clumps of
graceful Bamboo, Rose Apple,. (Eugenia) Jack, and other trees. From
the tops of these hills views could be had of the winding Cubbany, its
banks fringed with belts of the liveliest green, produced by diversity of
plants from the Osmunda regalis up to the wild Mango tree. The soil'
of these hills is of a very poor kind, but with the assistance of the
invigorating rains of the south-west monsoon, they produce an abundance
cf grass for the native cattle and goats which browsed on them. But so •
steady had been the advance of the Lantana that before I left India in'
1877 all the beauty of these hills and grassy slopes had vanished, or at
least given place to the steady encroachment of the interloper : and
doubtless this advance still continues, and will continue till perhaps
every open space in the Wynaad is taken possession of by the Lantana
shrub. Something of this kind of encroachment has, I am told, taken
place in Ceylon at the lower elevations, and it is considered there that
the plant, in the course of time, improves the nature of the soil. This
may be the case, as the scrubby plants always present such a mass of'
evergreen foliage, reaching from their tops down to their ground, no
jungle fire seems to run through or damage the thickets, so that a large-
deposit of decayed twigs and leaves must be yearly produced, which in
the course of time may form a sufficient coating for the efficient cultiva¬
tion of such plants as Coffee and Tea. It may not be a very wild idea
to suppose that in some future time a new race of planters may find
profitable employment in the clearing and planting of land held so long
iu possession by the renovating Lantana plant.

A tree, Poinciana regia, was almost unknown in the Wynaad till
about 18(17, at which period it was planted on many Coffee estates at

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GAR DEFER.

291

April 14, 1887. ]

regular intervals of 10 or 12 feet apart amongst the Coffee plants, and
over the whole area cultivated. This was done with the object of sup¬
plying shade to the Coffee plant, as a preventive of the evil effects of
long continued droughts, and the still more destructive effects of the
larvae of the Coffee beetle, or borer as it was usually called. The I’oin-
■ciana was raised from seed, and was of rapid growth, attaining the
height of 15 to 20 feet in the course of two and a half years, and form¬
ing wide heads. Subsequent experience proved that the tree was useless
for shade, losing its leaves, or most of them, in the dry season, or just
at the time they were most required, so that about the year 1875 it was
not uncommon to see in the Wynaad estates from which every trace of
the Coffee tree had vanished, and with only Grasses and low undergrowth
-beneath the spreading arms of the Poinciana trees, which covered the
■whole of the land originally planted with Coffee. When it is stated
that not a few of these extinct Coffee estates were from 100 to 200 acres
•each, the glory of the Poinciana when in full flower may be more easily
imagined than described, doubtless excelling in grandeur anything ever
■seen in its native island of Madagascar.

Before completing my remarks on the Bamboo district, I would like
to make further reference to the borer insect mentioned above as an
-agent that has played no inconsiderable part in the fortunes of the
English Coffee planter in southern India of late years. With Coffee
realising £100 per ton and upwards, with the rapid and full maturity of
the tree on Bamboo soil, and the splendid yield of from 10 to 15 cwts.
of berry per acre, which was at one time no unusual crop, planters for
a time might lac excused if they looked upon the district in something
■ of the light of a future El Dorado. But whilst hope was high, and the
planter exerting all his energy on the cultivation of the plant from
which he hoped ere long to derive a competency, a tiny enemy was
secretly at work which was destined at no distant date to blast his
brightest hopes, and bring him, in many instances, to financial ruin, the
ansect working incalculable havoc among Bamboo estates wherever they
were situated. In fact, to such an extent did the mischief increase that
■estate after estate was abandoned in despair, and it is extremely doubt¬
ful if kt the present time there is in existence a single Bamboo estate
in the district I am writing of. The author of all this widespread
destruction was the larva of a species of the Coleoptera, and although it
really began its work on the Coffee plant about two or three years after
planting, it did not usually reveal itself by the death of the trees till the
fourth or fifth year. The perfect insect, in the form of a winged beetle of
•about an inch in length, with brown wings and brown and yellow body,
made its appearance about the month of May, but was never seen in any
great numbers. The eggs were most likely deposited under the bark of
the Coffee trees during that month, the larva afterwards making its way
into the interior of the stem, the larger branches, and even the roots,
till these were so completely eaten and tunnelled that it required but
very slight exertion to break the tree off, which usually happened at
the collar or close to the ground. This could be done before the actual
•death of the tree, and so completely was the tree gnawed and eaten in
most instances that its existence for many months must have depended
solely on the comparatively uninjured state of the bark.

The attacks of the insect were by no means limited to the Coffee
trees grown on the Bamboo land, those on the Ghaut slopes receiving a
fair amount of attention on the part of the beetle, but with rather
•different results. Instead of the tree perishing in the fourth or fifth
year of its growth, as was the case on the Bamboo land, it maintained its
health and strength — at least to all appearance — and kept on bearing
crops for a great many years, although eaten by the larva to as great a
degree as trees on the neighbouring Bamboo estates. This might pro¬
bably be traceable to the cooler and moister nature of the climate,
higher elevation, nature of the soil, and other causes.

The state of affairs at last became desperate with those who had in-
■rested large sums of money in the opening up of Bamboo land from the
•destructive inroads of this puny insect, and planters began to complain
loudly both through the medium of the newspaper press of the Presi¬
dency and the Planters’ Association of Wynaad. These complaints and
discussions eventually arrested the attention of the Government of
Madras, and some time about the year 1866 they deputed Dr. Bidie, M.D.,
of the Madras Medical Establishment, to proceed to the Coffee-growing
-districts of Coorg, Wynaad and the Neighherries, and make a thorough
investigation into the cause of the widespread destruction by the borer
insect. Dr. Bidie was well known for his scientific attainments, and in
the opinion of the Government performed the work allotted to him ably
and well. At the conclusion of the tour his report on the matter was
printed and published by the Government, who also accorded their best
thanks to Dr. Bidie for the way he had conducted the inquiry. The re¬
port was not received by the majority of planters at the time with any
great amount of favour, it being thought that the Doctor did not spend
sufficient time in the different districts, and instead of visiting represen-
■tative estates, as it were, only in each district, he ought to have made
a more comprehensive examination of the subject by visiting Coffee
estates labouring under more varied conditions. I remember, however,
that my impression at the time was that Dr. Bidie’s report was an excel¬
lent and valuable one, and contained numerous hints with regard to
sites of estates, manuring, and general cultivation that it would have
been better had the planter more fully and promptly acted upon than he
■did. On one point of the report, however, planters of all shades of
opinion agreed — namely, that the recommendation of growing the Coffee
plant under living shade so urgently pressed by Dr. Bidie as the greatest
hope the cultivator had of holdi ig the borer in cheek, and thus prolong¬

ing the existence of his plantation, was a sound one, and one that was at
once taken advantage of by both Europeans and natives.

Trees of various kinds were allowed to grow up spontaneously on old
plantations, whilst such trees as Artocarpus, Ficus, and the splendid
Poinciana above alluded to were raised in large quantities from seed,
and the seedlings planted simultaneously with the Coffee on youngclcar-
ings with more or less success. Dr. Bidie admittedly obtained his idea
of the beneficial effects of living shade on the Coffee plant from
observing, during his tour of investigation, small patches of Coffee of
great age and luxuriant growth nestling close around the stems of the
Jack tree (Artocarpus integrifolia) neat- many a native dwelling, and
yielding fair crops when not a single Coffee tree was to be seen in the
open in the near neighbourhood. He took up this fact and pressed it
upon the notice of planters with considerable success and benefit ; and
although the subsequent system adopted of cultivating Coffee under
shade did not prove a complete death blow to the borer, it was un¬
questionably a step in the right direction, extending as it did the limit,
of the plant’s existence, planters being compensated for the reduced
annual yield of crops by the diminished growth of weeds and conse¬
quent reduced annual working expenditure.

Dr. Bidie was also a great advocate for high cultivation as a means of
sustaining the plant in robust health, and thus enable it to resist more
effectually the attacks of the grub ; but as there was in many cases a
difficulty in obtaining manure in sufficient quantities to be of any real
service over a large area, shade was resorted to as a substitute. The
Poinciana proved useless as related, but better results attended the
planting of the Jack tree and numerous species of Ficus. F. glomerata
was amongst the best, as it was a deciduous tree, losing its leaves during
the cloudy weather of the monsoon, by the end of which a new crop had
developed. Coffee under this tree always looked green and healthy,
although of course not so robust in stem or branch as that grown in the
open. Seeds of these numerous species of Figs were largely deposited by
birds over the ground, and wherever the seedlings appeared they were
carefully attended to, and pruned as they grew up, and as their growth
was very rapid an estate was soon covered by what appeared at some
distance to be simply a part of the surrounding jungle. Several species
of Artocarpus which are found wild in the district were allowed to grow
up in a similar manner, as were many other kinds of trees. The Jack
tree was either raised in nurseries, or the seeds were placed in the pits
prepared for the young Coffee trees, and allowed to grow up together.
This for some reasons, was considered the best shade of all, but the
branches and leaves formed such a dense head that they required
pruning at intervals. Cattle, and deer too, were extremely fond of
browsing on the leaves, so that the young plants required considerable
tending before they got beyond the reach of their enemies. The trees
fruited freely, and generally began to bear about the fifth or sixth year
after planting. There was a considerable variety to be found on an
estate where great numbers of the tree were planted distinguishable by
habit of growth, form of fruit, and shape of leaves. It was really a
strange and wonderful sight to see a large area covered by these trees in
the fruiting season. The huge fruit (in many instance a single one
being quite a load for a man) hanging in clusters from the stems and
thicker branches. The seeds are much relished by the natives, and are
not despised by some Europeans. They are usually roasted before being
eaten, and the yellow pulp surrounding them is also eaten.

The system of growing Coffee under shade was not, I believe, first
practised in the Wynaad and Coorg, but was adopted many years before
in the district of Munzerabad in the province of Mysore ; but rather a
different plan was adopted. Instead of the land being at first entirely
cleared of jungle preparatory to the planting of Coffee, only the under¬
growth was cut over arid burned. The remaining trees of higher growth
and various kinds were thinned out only, and the Coffee plants put in
rather thickly under the shade of those that were left. The drip from
the high trees retarded the growth of the Coffee considerably ; but
eventually it got a good hold of the ground, but always displayed stems
and branches of attenuated growth, estates yielding regular but small
annual crops.

The shade experiment in the Wynaad though, as I have stated above,
did not prevent but only delayed the destruction of the Bamboo estates.
By degrees the trees got thinner and thinner, and as it was sheer folly
to attempt to replant with any hope of success plantations were gradu¬
ally left to themselves, it being no longer of any use continuing their
cultivation with a view to profit. Grass and other noxious weeds soon
gained the mastery, the jungle fires of the ensuing dry season completing
the destruction the borer had begun. Before the total extinction of
the Bamboo plantations the leaf disease had made its baleful appear¬
ance, assisting the borer in the work of ruin, and no amount oE shade
was of any avail in keeping off its attacks in the slightest degree. —
Planter.

(To be continued.)

CALCEOLARIAS IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Calceolarias arc familiar to all who have had anything to do with
(lover garden embellishment during the last twenty or thirty years, but
they are not now so common as they were. Like the good old Holly¬
hock, they have not succeeded so well in recent years as they did at one
time, but they are as valuable for flower-bed decorat ion as ever they were,
and both the dark brown and yellow-flowered varieties arc exceedingly
showy in July, August, and September, and even later. We have
always kept them, and have several beds of them in the flower garden
annually. They are wintered in cold frames, and do not require any heat.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ April 14, 1887.

£92

As a rule, much leaf soil and light material is forked into flower
beds. This suits many plants, but not Calceolarias. In fact, I am of
opinion that their failure in many cases has been brought about by sand
and leaf soil, as in our case we not only succeed in keeping them in
masses throughout the whole season, but we rarely lose a plant. We
avoid leaf soil and sand or light soil for them, as a cool rather heavy
soil suits them. Cow manure is the best for them, and a good quantity
of this may be dug into the soil previous to planting them. If the soil
is very light a good dressing of heavy soil may be added with the
manure, and they can all be planted out by the middle of April. This
is another great advantage in dealing with Calceolarias, as they can be
planted early, and do not take up valuable space in the houses or frames
in April or May, when every available inch of accommodation is required
tor other more tender plants. Their early planting also enables them
to make a e rand display early in the season, and this is very desirable
in the majority of gardens. The growths of Calceolarias are somewhat
brittle, and if allowed to become tall are apt to be blown over and
broken, but if the young growths are pinched a time or two the plants
beeome very dwarf and bushy, and this is the best form they can
assume. — M.

CYPRIPEDIUM HIRSUTISSIMUM.

. Though familiar to most Orchid growers now Cypripedium hirsu-
1 issimum invariably attracts much attention when in flower, its distinct
appearance rendering it prominent even in a large collection. Varia¬
tions are occasionally seen, but these are not usually so marked in
cnaracter as (hose of other species, and the divergence from the origin-
,7 lntr°duced type is slight, A comparison, however, of the remark-
a lie variety from Baron Schroder’s garden (fig. 52) with the “ Botanical
Magazine plate of 1857, or with any of the ordinary varieties now in
cultivation, will show that in all respects it is greatly superior. The
size is especially noteworthy, the petals being 3 inches long, the apical
\or ',on orming a broad rounded lobe 1| across and about the same in
< eptn. 1 lie dorsal sepal is also of great size, being 2 inches in diameter.
I he colouring is similar to the usual forms, but much darker, the petals
gieemsh at the base, then a few dark spots and a deep purple tip. The
dorsal sepal is margined with green, and has a purplish black centre,
tne lip neat in form, green, with a purple tinge. The margins of the
sepals and petals, with the peduncle, are thickly clothed with short
black hairs, to which character the plant owes its specific name.

„ v u T hirsutissimum is a native of Java, and was sent to
ew y Hr. l arker of Hornsey, who it is said, purchased it at a sale,
was named by Bindley. 1 1 requires a good temperature, like the
other tropical Old-World Cypripediums ; but at The Dell it thrives in
the Coelogyne house. — C.

_ AN ORCHID SOCIETY.

I Ail glad to see in your last issue that Mr. Cummins draws atten¬
tion to the want of an Orchid Society. It is indeed remarkable that so
laige, so wealthy, and so intelligent a body should never have yet banded

themselves together to form such an association. No doubt the R.H.S.
has always aspired to supply this want, but how it succeeds in the
attempt requires no comment from — B. D. Knox.

ORCHID FLOWER3.

Mr. James Cypher, Cheltenham, sends a few choice Orchid floweis
remarkably fresh and bright, and amply proving how well they travel
when carefully packed. One of the stout cardboard parcel post boxes
was employed. At the bottom of this was placed a layer of fresh,
slightly damp, moss. This was covered with tissue paper, and upon
that the flowers were placed firmly, and over them another sheet of
tissue paper. The flowers arrived as fresh as if just cut, and included
the following — Cattleya Trianae, a very handsome variety in the way of
Leeana. the petals 2,j inches broad, of a soft pale rosy hue ; the lip is
bold, If inch across intensely rich crimson running into the throat
1) inch, beyond is a fine gold band and a nearly white base with pale
crimson margin ; Cattleya intermedia, extremely elegant and well-
coloured, the apical lobe of the lip of a similar warm crimson hue to
the best forms of C. Trianas, contrasting beautifully with the pure white
throat anil column and the delicate purplish pink hue of the lateral lip ;

archino over the column and the equal sized sepals and petals.
This Cattleya is one of the most admired when in its best condition, and
a specimen in Mr. Cypher’s nursery with fifty-four flowers indicates its
good qualities in a striking manner. Dendrobium Wardianum, a
distinct and handsome variety, with broad slightly reflexing sepals and
-petals, white tipped with dark crimson, and of glossy wax-like substance;
the lip is great size, over If inch in diameter, open, rich golden yellow in
the throat, with two large maroon spots at the base, one each of the
column, with a white band towards the apex and a purple tip. Den-
drobium nobile pulcherrimum is a pretty and elegant variety, the flowers
of moderate size, but the exceedingly dark crimson blotch in the centre

of the lip is bordered with pure white, the sepals and petals also being
very slightly tinted with crimson towards the tips. Dendrobium Far-
meri album is pure white except the lip, the lower half of which is
bright yellow ; and Odontoglossum aspersum, the supposed natural
hybrid between 0. Rossi and 0. maculatum, is represented by a much
darker and finer flower than is usually seen.

THE LITERATURE OF GARDENING.

(MR. W. PAUL’S LECTURE.)

(Continued from page 270.)

We have now reached the opening of the present century. Th*
Horticultural Society of London was founded in 1804, and this gave a
great impetus to the literature of gardening. Thomas Andrew Knight
was an early President of this Society, and wrote many valuable papers
in its “ Transactions.” William Salisbury’s “ Hints to the Proprietors
of Orchards” (1817) was a book much thought of in its day. Henry
Andrews’ “Engravings of Heaths” (1802), “The Botanists’ Reposi¬
tory ” (ten vols. 4to), “ The Heathery ” (1804-14), and works on Rsses
and Geraniums, are valuable, as containing beautiful coloured
engravings of the popular flowers of the time. Walter Nicol wrote a
series of rood books — “ The Scotch Forcing Gardener” (1798), “ The
Practical Planter ” (1799), “ The Villa Garden Directory” (1809), “ The
Gardener’s Kalendar” (1810), and “ The Planter’s Kalendar” (1812).
William Pontey was also one of the best writers of this period. “ Rural
Recreation; or, The Gardener's Instructor” (1802), “The Forest
Pruned” (1808), “The Profitable Planter” (1809), and “The Rural
Improved” (1823), were practical works held in much esteem, and ob¬
tained a large circulation.

We come now to the greatest name in the whole range of garden:
literature — John Claudius Loudon, the friend of Jeremy Bentham. His
“ Encyclopaedia of Gardening ” is an extraordinary book of nearly
1500 pages octavo, closely printed. The first edition was published in
1822, the fifth in 1827. ft is written in a clear pleasant style, profusely
illustrated, and enters more or less fully into every branch of gardening.
The value, too, is much enhanced by the fulness and accuracy of the
general index. Loudon wrote also an “ Encyclopaedia of Plants
“ Hortus Britannicus,” a catalogue of all the plants indigeneous to, cul¬
tivated in, or introduced to Britain ; “ The Arboretum et Fruticetum
Britannicum — a splendid work in eight octavo volumes, profusely
illustrated. I have heard it said, and think it probable, that this work
cost £20,000 in bringing out. His accomplished wife states that on the
conclusion of this work in 1838, “ In addition to the large sums in
ready money he had paid to the artists and other persons employed
during the progress of the 1 Arboretum,’ he found at its conclusion
that he owed £10,000 to the printer, the stationer, and the wood-engraver
who had been employed on that work.” Loudon wrote several other
works, all worthy of his high reputation, and was for some time editor
of the Gardener’s Magazine ” and the “ Magazine of Natural His¬
tory.” There is nothing in my life that I look back upon with move
satisfaction than that I had the great honour of reckoning Loudon and
Bindley — another great writer on gardening, of whom by-and-by —
among my personal friends. Loudon, though chary of his time, was-
naturally a sociable man, and had many friends, and was always ready
to recognise and lend a helping hand to rising talent and merit of every
kind. The writings of his amiable, accomplished, and clever wife, prin¬
cipally addressed to ladies, are still in much request, especially “ The
Ladies’ Flower Garden,” in six quarto volumes, beautifully illus¬
trated.

Other writers of this kind were Griffin, Haynes, Hooker (who pub¬
lished “ Pomona Londinensis,” quarto, a book on fruits, with forty-nine
beautifully executed plates), Cushing, Hogg, Lyon, Emmerton, Mean,,
and Brookshaw. The “ Transactions ” of the Horticultural Society of
London and of the Caledonian Horticultural Society now began to play
an important part in garden literature, some valuable papers being
contributed thereto by various authors.

Robert Sweet earned by his writings the gratitude of lovers of plants
and flowers. “ The Botanical Cultivator” (1820), “The Hortus Britan-
nicus ” (1825), “ The Geraniaceae ” (1820-30), “ The Cistineas ” (1825-30)r
“The British Flower Garden,” “Flora Australasica ” (1827-28), and
“ The Florists’ Guide ” (1827-32), arc beautiful and useful books.

Henry Philips published a series of well-written and interesting
books. “ Pomarium Britannicum” (1820), “ The History of Cultivated
Vegetables” (1822), “ Sylva Florifera” (1823), “Flora Domestica ”
(1823), “ Flora Historica ” (1824), “ Companion to the Orchard ” (1831)-
William Cobbett wrote “The American Gardener” (1821), “The
Woodlands,” a good book (182(1), “ The English Gardener ” (1833), which
are distinguished by the strong common sense and clear style of this
author. Other writers of this time are Patrick Neill, Morris, Harrison,
Chandler, Billington, and Loddiges.

Harrison commenced “The Floricultural Cabinet” in 1833, a useful
and elegant work, which was published monthly, and extended to twenty-
seven volumes. Loddiges began “ The Botanical Cabinet,” a high-class-
work, in 1817, which stopped in 1833; it contains coloured plates of
2000 different plants. “ The Botanical Register,” also a high-class
periodical, commenced in 1815, and stopped in 1847 with the thirty-
third volume. The later volumes of this periodical were edited by
Dr. Bindley. “ Maund’s Botanic Garden,” my copy of which, in
thirteen volumes, is not dated, is also a beautiful book, the illustrations
numerous, artistic, and life-like. “ The Horticultural Register,” edited

April 14, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

293

1)/ I’axton and Harrison, and began in 1832, extended to six volumes
only, and “ The Floricultural Magazine,” by Robert Mamock in 1836 to
a like number. “The Magazine of Botany,” by Paxton, begun in 1834,
had a longer and more successful run, extending to fifteen volumes, and
these have been re-edited and republished recently. George Glenny,
for some time editor of “ The Gardeners’ Gazette” and “The Horti¬
cultural Journal,” and author of many treatises and papers on florist’s
flowers, was a clear and forcible writer, and helped much to popularise
that particular branch of the art. The “ Pomological Magazine” begun
in 1827, is now usually met with in three volumes, and contains coloured
plates and descriptions of many of our best fruits.

“The Florist,” commenced by Edward Beck in 1848, closed in 1882.
As 1 was for sometime part proprietor of this periodical I will only say
that contributions to its pages were made by some of our soundest and
best writers on gardening, and the illustrations of fruits and flowers
were generally acknowledged to be faithful representations creditably
executed. Works of this period entitled to high commendation are
Johnson’s “History of Gardening” (1829), McIntosh’s “Practical
Gardener” (1828), McIntosh’s “The Book of the Garden” (1853),
Thompson’s “ Gardener’s Assistant ” (1859).

Mr. W, Paul "then referred to the establishment of the horticultural

fruits who has evolved our delicious eating and culinary Apples from
the wild Crab of the hedgerows, and improved so many other fruits and
vegetables? and among flowers only consider the increase in size and
beauty of our Roses, Pansies, Hollyhocks, and others, when measured
a ainst the wild forms from which they are descended. The value of
these acquisitions will be best appreciated by imagining the blanks that
would be created by their withdrawal from our hearths and homes.
Now it. must be admitted that these improved Roses are the work of the
gardener, and if their value be fairly and impartially estimated, I think
none will deny that he has reason to rejoice over the fruits of his labour.
I claim for him no creative power, but merely the intelligent use of the
powers given to him by his Creator, whereby he exercises a dominion,
more or less complete, over all created things.

In the progress of which we have spoken, we find evidence which we
cannot ignore, that gardening, viewed either as an art or a science, is
capable of indefinite extension and improvement ; while he who labours
in this field cannot but be alive to this important fact, the mere on-looker
has not hitherto fairly and fully recognised it. But as alchemy was the.
forerunner of chemistry, and astrology of astromony, so surely will the
practical gardening of the past and present ages result in a grand future
of horticulture. Thanks to the literature of gardening, there is already

Fig. 52 — CYPRIPED1UM HIRSUTI3SIMUM.

papers, and after giving a long list of works by recent and living authors
he concluded hi* lecture in these terms : —

We have seen that the literature of gardening commences with the
earliest historic period. The work goes on through Jews, Assyrians,
Persians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and Romans to the fall of the Roman
empire, the beautiful as well as the useful attracting the notice of
these several people. On the revival of learning in the Middle Ages the
Italians and Dutch are the earliest in the field, and are followed by
other nations — the gardener, the herbalist, the botanist, sometimes
working on their own individual lines, and sometimes on mixed lines,
succeed in due order. Finally gardening and botany separate so far as
literature is concerned, although the gardener then, and more than ever
now, furnishes the physiological botanist with facts, while the botanist
renders the gardener essential service by his labours in the fields of
systematic and physiological botany. The botanist’s figures and de-
criptions of Nature’s plants, and above all his discoveries and publi¬
cation of the facts of vegetable anatomy, disclose to the view of the
gardener new fields for the exercise of his industry and skill, which he
joyously avails himself of, and the surface of the earth grows more pro¬
ductive and more beautiful by the successive uprising of new forms and
tints. While claiming for the gardener the larger share in this work of
progress, I have no wish to depreciate the labours of the botanist, or
the flowers of Nature — the botanist’s flowers. 1 admire their simple
beauty. 1 have often paused in wonder at their adaptability to the
situations they naturally affect. I have revelled amid their pleasant
and fascinating associations. But as a gardener I am now looking at
the question from the gardener’s point of view. Amongst vegetables,
who has devclo|>ed our present valuable forms of the Potato from the
small and unpalatable tuber introduced from South America 1 Among

at hand a vast chaos of unarranged facts, which only require assorting
and systematising to form a solid structure of correct proportions and
rare beauty. It is not the materials, but the workman — a horticultural
Davy or Newton — that is wanted.

SILICA IN SOILS.

Mr. Abbey in an article on soils (page 255), in which he gives much
valuable advice, says, amongst other things, that it is advisable to apply
farmyard manure to loam and clay soils, but he assigns a very peculiar
reason for so doing, and that is — because such manures contain silica.
Further on, in the same paragraph, he states that. “ silicates being
deficient [in loam and clay] that [farmyard] manures are very
valuable.” . ,

I do not wish Mr. Abbey to think that I am anxious to pick holes in
what he says — after all it is only a question of theory — but I think he
is wrong about the silica.

Dr. Voelcker’s evidence. Three analyses of soils from clay pastures,
by this eminent authority, give respectively seventy-two, sixty-nine,
and seventy-seven per cent, of silica ; and further, referring to gram
crops, and I know no other crops that contain such a quantity of silica
as these, he sajs, “Nearly two-thirds of the total amount of mineral
matter in the grain and straw of Wheat consist of silica, of which there
is an ample supply in almost every soil. The restoration of silica need
not trouble us, as there is not a single instance on record of silica, even
in a soluble form, being applied to the land with the slightest advantage
to Wheat crops.” ,. , .

Now what does Johnston, edited by Yoelckcr, the two edited by
Cameron, say 1 “ Silica is abundant in all soils. ' Three analyses of soils

294

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 14, 1887.

by Johnson give respectively sixty-four, eighty-three, ancl seventy-seven
per cent, of silica. Going back to 1840 Sir Humphrey Davy says,
i: Silicic acid occurs. . . . and forms a large t art of almost every

soil.” If these authorities are right, I do not think we “ need trouble
much about silica.”

Now to another little matter. Mr. Abbey, I think, may fairly be
understood to infer that land cannot be kept up to the mark or improved
by means of artificial manures alone. If the readers of the Journal are
interested in the matter they may be surprised to hear that on clay land
near Sawbridgevvorth, in Hertfordshire, a gentleman named Prout has
been growing corn, crop after crop, rather extensively too, on the same
land, using only artificial manures (something besides the ammonia
salts though) since 1861. He has acted under the advice of Dr. Voelcker,
who states that the soil is now richer and in a better state to produce
corn than it was the first year of the experiment.

I grow Roses, or try to do so, and I admit that up to now my experi¬
ence is like that of the old farmer, that “ there’s nothing like muck,”
but in the time to come I look forward to the production of Roses and
all other crops, whether for the gratification of our mental or physical
appetitespby means of artificial manures properly applied, and with a
full knowledge of the constituents of the plants and flowers we wish to
produce. — D. Gilmour, jun.

THE COLOURS OF LEAVES AND FLOWERS.

The fifth lecture of the season at the Lincoln School of Science was de¬
livered by Dr. G. M. Lowe recently, the subject being “ The Colours of Leaves
and Flowers.” A number of experiments added greatly to the interest of the
lecture, which was further illustrated by diagrams, &c. ; valuable assistance
being also rendered by Mr. Henry Mantle with bis oxy-hydrogen lantern.
A beautiful collection of choice plants and flowers was likewise kindly lent
by Mr. Joseph Ruston for the purposes of the lecture.

Dr. Lowe said that fortunately for him the most difficult part of his sub¬
ject, that of light, had been carefully explained by Dr. Griffiths in that room
a fortnight ago ; therefore, it was only necessary for him to refer to that
point very briefly. What he wished them to remember was this, that white
light, streaming from the sun upon the earth, gave to natural objects an
immense variety of colour, which disappeared at sunset, or when the light
•was withdrawn. If, instead of sunlight, the white light derived from burn¬
ing magnesium, the oxy-hydrogen limelight, or the el c trie light, was sup¬
plied, the colours were again manifested ; but if the light of the coal gas
flame was substituted, then many colours, such as the violet and purples,
were altered, or were altogether lost. This fact was still more strikingly
shown by means of the yellow light of the sodium flame. He also pointed
out that if a ray of sunlight was received on a properly arranged prism, it
was immediately broken up into the colours of the rainbow ; it was, in fact,
analysed ; and if a white screen was placed at a convenient distance, the
colours would be received upon it, and could be examined. Those colours,
they would see on the diagram, were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo,
and violet. It would be observed at once that green occupied the centre of
the system, and from it the colours ran through blue to violet on the one
aide, and through yellow to red on the other. He called especial attention
to this fact, because it greatly explained his case. Green combined in vary¬
ing proportions with blue or violet would produce one set of colours, and,
similarly, green combined with red produced an entirely different class. He
(the lecturer) did not know of a single instance in the whole range of the
vegetable kingdom where those two classes were visibly mixed.

If a green leaf was examined optically by means of the modified prism
called a spectroscope, it was found that extreme red was present ; then
occurred a deficiency of coloured light, followed by orange red; next came
orange, then the yellow, greenish yellow, and yellowish green ; after that
followed a little full green, the rest of the spectrum consisting of a little
weakened blue and violet. They would recollect that all these colours
existed in a green leaf, but yet that it appeared green. An inspection of
the diagram showed that the yel’ow occupied a position b< tween the red
and the green. This suggested the probability that the yellow was a com¬
bination of those two colours, and this was found to be so by experiment,
for although red and green pigments would not by mixing form yellow, it
might be obtained in other ways, either by using two prisms, or by placing
red and green colours on a disc and rapidly rotating it. This was demon¬
strated by two prismB, and by means of rotating colour discs. By making
a disc composed of red and green — 50 per cent, of each — taking the semi¬
circular form, and laid on a black ground, on setting the disc in ranid
motion a yellow was the result. The lecturer here paused to point out that
the old theory maintained by Sir David Brewster that yellow was a primary
colour had exploded, as it had been shown that yellow was a compound
colour, composed of red and green. On the other hand, it was proved that
green, which was formerly regarded as a compound colour, composed of
yellow and blue, was a primary colour, for it was impossible by mixing the
coloured lights from any known yellow and blue surfaces to form green.
On setting a zone of yellow and blue in rotation, they found accordingly
that, instead of green, whit: light was produced. Hence the three primary
colours were green, red, and blue — not yellow, red, and blue. Reversing
the spectrum of a green leaf, they found the result was a yellowish green —
as it was generally seen by daylight.

Although it seemed reasonable to assume that vermilion and emerald
green, combined in certain proportions, would produce leaf green, it was
found that an important element must be added — viz., black. Black entered
argely into the structure of leaves, and its presence was not difficult to
account for. On examining the lower surface of a leaf by the aid of a micro¬
scope, thousands of little openings or mouths were seen, called stomata.
As many as a quarter cf a million had been computed in a single square inch
of the lower suiface of a Lilac leaf. It was through these openings that the
carbonic acid, which was so largely distributed throughout the atmosphere
by the respiration of animals, was absorbed. It appeared to enter in a
gaseous state, passing into the cells, where it became chemically decom¬
posed into its two elements, carbon and oxygen ; the carbon was retained

and blackened the leaf, and the oxygen was set at liberty to purify the air
They had now three elements to start with ; and by way of preliminary
trial the lecturer placed them in varying relative proportions on discs, and
set them in rapid motion. The first disc, red and green in proportions of
one red to two green on black ground, produced leaf green. But if the
proportion were so altered that the red preponderated, the green quite dis¬
appeared, as in the following disc, which represented the reddish brown
tints of autumnal leaves, as in the leaf of the Hornbeam — red 20, green 10,
black 70. When equal, the yellow element prevailed, and the browns
partook of cinnamon in their colour.

The lecturer said he would now gently touch on a difficult subject. In
addition to the colours reflected from surfaces, there was also reflected a cer¬
tain quantity of white light, and different colours reflected different quanti¬
ties of white light, which was called their luminosity. Thus, taking the
luminosity of white paper at 100, emerald green reflected 48'6 per cent.,
English vermilion 25'7 per cent., and so on. They would here inquire why
a leaf was gr<:en, a Geranium scarlet, or an Arum Lily white. In a globe
before him was a fluid which appeared perfectly black. By adding pounded
chalk it changed immediately to a blue colour. Why was that ? Because
the white particles acted as mirrors to reflect the light, and reflected the
light after it had gone to some depth in the fluid. This was what took
place in the green leaf and petals of flowers. In the case of the white Lily,
if the petal was a sheet of thin glass, they would not have seen that white
colour; a little light would be reflected from the front and back surface,
but the petal of the Lily was composed of a vast assemblage of little cells,
from the walls of each of which partial reflection took place, so that it
resembled finely powdered glass, which appeared white because each little
surface reflected the light, although a polished sheet of glass would not be
white. The little cells of the Lily resembled the minute fragments of glass,
and reflected white light. The same thing took place in the case of the
Geranium ; the light was absorbed and reflected by the cell surfaces, but the
light became tinted by the coloured juices in the cells of the leaf structure.
It would therefore, said the lecturer, be easily understood that a certain
amount of light escaped the influence of the colouring matter, and what
was reflected from this was luminosity. A method of estimating the
amount of luminosity had been discovered by Dr. Gorham, of Tunbridge,
to whom he (Dr. Lowe) was indebted for much valuable assistance in pre¬
paring this lecture. Dr. Gorham effected this by means of a circular zone,
composed of equal parts of white and black — which when set in rapid
motion gave a grey — which was the medium grey of scientists, the half
tone of artists. Its utility depended on the property it possessed in common
with other grey tones of developing and rendering visible to the eye the
complementaries of colours, and of black and white. What was a comple¬
mentary ? It was that which was wanting in a given colour to complete or
supply the deficiency of white light. White light was composed of seven
colours ; four were composed by intermixture of the other three, which were
called primary — viz., red, green, and blue — which together made white light.
If they took any one of them, the other two mixed gave the complementary
colour. This was practically tested by interposing pure grey between the
eye and the colour, the complementary colour being found to be of pink,
green; of green, pink ; of white, black ; of black, white. By means of the
ring it was possible to test exactly the amount of luminosity given off by
coloured surfaces, and still further by haves themselves, and thus to esti¬
mate the proportions of the colours that made up the tint of the leaf or
flower under examination. *

The lecturer went on to inquire a little into the cause of the colours o
leaves and flowers. Taking green as the basis, they found it the universa1
tint throughout the vegetable world. It appeared to be due to the presence
of a highly organised substance called chlorophyll, or leaf green, which was
not soluble in water, but highly soluble in alcohol and bisulphide of carbon.
It was transparent in solution, and underwent change of colour under cer¬
tain conditions. Chlorophyll appeared to bear similar relations to plant
life that blood does to animals. Under the influence of light it decomposed
the carbon and oxygen into its elements, and elaborated the juices of plants.
In the absence of light it changed to a lighter colour. In the presence of
vegetable acids, such as tartaric and malic acids, it passed from a green to
a yellow, an orange, cr a red. In this condition it appeared to lose its vital
or chemical influence over carbon and oxygen, as oxygen appeared not to be
evolved from coloured leaves and flowers. In the presence of alkalies, chlQ-
rophyll was converted into green blues, blues, purple, and violet. Vege¬
table colours generally showed these peculiarities with regard to acids and
alkali' s, the blues becoming red under the influence of acids, and the reds
blue on the addition of alkalies. The nearer the colour was to green the
less sensitive to their influence it became, green itself remaining obstinately
green or yellow brown unless operated on in its living state. The remark¬
ably beautifully colours of flowers was, with the exception of garden varie¬
ties, the result of the survival of the fittest. Since the days of Darwin
they had ceased to say that the ornamentation of plants and animals was
for the delight of mankind. Of all created beings man alone was inde¬
pendent of colour, whilst to plants and fishe9, birds and insects, quadrupeds
and reptiles, colour was essential to their existence as species. The bril¬
liantly coloured petal or leaf of the plant was Nature’s signal to the nectar¬
eating insect that the repast was ready, but the entrance to the refectory
was to arranged that the recipient must perform the work of the fertilisa¬
tion of the plant in repayment for its meal. When the flower was incon¬
spicuous, coloured leaves acted as the decoy, the Poinsettia and the Croton
being examples. Plants that had no such attractive colours would often
be lost but that they had other means of propagating their species, as by
limners or suckers underground— the Nettle, for instance. Cultivation un¬
doubtedly also determined the colours of leaves and flowers — the first by
appropriate feeding, the latter by selection and cross-fertilisation. Experi
meets in cultivation by starving and feeding were in operation, and he (the
lecturer) hoped to have an opportunity of describing the results on some
future occasion. — ( Lincoln Gazette.)

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The spring Show of this old established Society was held in the
Waverley Market, Edinburgh, on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the

April 14, 1887. ]

295

JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUll

present n o ith. Owing perhaps to the very cold and unseasonable weather
m Scotland for a few days previous to the date of the Exhibition the plants
staged were less in numbers than wo have seen in former years. In the
nurserymen’s division Messrs. R. B. Laird it Sons of West Coates Nurseries
wrre (except with Conifenc) the only exhibitors. With Hyacinths,
Cinerarias, Primulas, <fcc., the competition was better, but in no case was it
so brisk as we have seen. The prizes for black Grapes and Apples were the
most keenly contested. Vegetables were fairly well represented for the
season of the year. Cut flowers were not so good.

The following were the exhibits most worthy of note : — For a table of
plants 20 feet by 5 feet, arranged for effect, Mr. J. Donaldson, Munayfieli,
received the fiist prize. Messrs. It. B. Laird & Sons were the only ex¬
hibitors in the corresponding class for trade growers, and were awarded tho
highest premium for a massive table 10 feet by 10 feet ; large loosely
trained Azaleas in flower with a few Palms being the plants arranged for
effect, the “ ground ” being freely doted with smaller Azaleas and Ferns.
For a table of hardy spring floworing plants Mr. RobertBon Munro, Porto-
hello was first, and Mr. Geo. Sinclair, Pr.stonkirk, second. The first had,
among plants of an interesting character, a new Saxifraga, the counterpart
of Burseriana in all except colour, which is of a lemon shade of yellow. It
was raised by Mr. Boyd, Faldonsid<*, Melrose, and named Boydi, after the
raiser. It would also appear to be later flowering than is the type. The
four Azalea indica, as well as the single specimen Azalea f ran Mr. Patter¬
son, gardener, Millbank, were largo and in grand condition. Model,
Charmer, Iveryana, and Stella were the sorts staged, with The Bride as a
single specimen. The other plants staged were quite small in comparison
with these. The same exhibitor took first for four plants in 8-inch pots,
also for six stove or greenhouse plants in bloom. Among these were magni¬
ficent specimens of Azalea Due de Nassau, Ericas profusa and coccinm
minor, and Tremandra ericoides. Mr. Grossart, gardener to Jas. Buchanan,
Esq., Oswald Road, was first in the cl»ss for four plants of the same kind, a
very good Coelogyne being included. For four Cape Heaths Mr. Patterson
was easily first with large and will flowered specimens.

The three classes devoted respectively to six, three, and one Orchid brough t
out some notably good specimens. Mr. Curror, gardener to G. Douglas, Esq.>
Eskbank, was awarded first for six, his most notable examples being Vanda
suavis, bearing four spikes ; Cattleya Triame, with over two dozen blooms ;
a grand Dendrobium timbriatum oculatum, with about fifty racemes. Mr.
Gossart second, a large Cvmbidium eburneum with over thirty blossoms,
and a fine Dendrobium nobile being tho best specimens. In the class for
three Mr. Patterson was first with not very large but freBh specimens of
Cypripediuin hirsutissimum and Masdevallias Veitchi and Lindeni. Mr.
Findley, Osborne Terrace, second, and Mr. Dougal, Talbot House, Leith
Walk, thiiM. Mr. Grossait, with a six-bloomed Lycaste Skinneri alba, was
first for one Orchid ; and Mr. McIntyre, The Glen, Innerleithen, second
with Cymbidium Lowi with six spikes. Mr. Grossart also took first prize
for four exotic Ferns, the specimens from Mr. Forbes, gardener to P. Neil
Fraser, Esq., Canonmills, to which the third prize was awarded, being
perhaps the best examples. Mr. Hunter, Lauriston Castle, was first for two
plants, and for three Gleichenias Mr. Patterson was first, being the only ex¬
hibitor. Mr. Grossart had the best Adiantums, and Mr. A. W. Paterson,
Pilrig, the best Filmy and dwarf British Ferns. Foliage plants were fresh,
but not of large size. Mr. W. Bennet Hanley, Corstorphine, having the beBt
four, and Mr. McIntyre, The Glen, the best eight in small pots. The six
Roses in pots from Mr. Patterson were fresh, well bloomed specimens, and
to th' se the first prize was awarded. The best six Cinerarias were staged
by Mr. Harkness, Broadmeadows, Berwick, hut to these the second prize
was given, the first going to much inferior examples. Lilies of the Valley
was shown in fme condition ; Mr. Grossart being first for three pans, and
Mr. Pearson, Bentwood, Corstorphine, second. Several classes were devoted
to hardy plants, but of these there is nothing special to record. However,
in the case of six alpine plants, Mr. Forrester, Woodcockdale, Linlithgow,
staged some well grown plants. The best of these were the pretty
Soldanella alpina, a beautiful potful of Primula viscisa nivea, and equally
fine P. marginata and P. decora, the other plants being P. rosea and the
white Grape Hyacinth, neither in such good condition. These were passed
over for common plants and awarded the second prize. Dutch bulbs were
not numerously represented. For twelve Hyacinths Mr. Sirne, Ridge Park,
Lanark, had the first place with good even spikes, Mr. Kerr, Sunlaws, Kelso,
second, and Mr. Pearson third. Mr. Sime was again first for eight spikes,
and Mr. Kerr Eecond. For six Hyacinths confined to cultivators who grow
the plants without the aid of a gardener Mr. Barnie, Jock’s Lodge, Porto-
bello, had the first prize, though we thought those of Mr. Stewart of
Haddington rather superior to them. For nine pots Tulips, Bix of Polyan¬
thus Narciss, and nine pots garden Narcissus, Mr. Grossart was first in each
Case.

In the cut flower section Roses were the best exhibits. For twenty-four
blooms Mr. Walker, gardener to J. M. Richards, Esq., Clarendon, was first
with a box of rathtr small but quite fresh bads ; Mr. Bowman, Pittendreicb,
Lasswade, second. Some of his individual blooms much larger, but on the
whole not so good. For twelve blooms Mr. Henderson, gardener to W.
Macfic, Esq., Clermiston, was first, several of them being large and good.
Mr. Pearson, gardener to Lady Lucy Dundas, Beechwood, staged twelve
beautiful Marechal Niels, to which the first prize was awarded. Gloire de
Dijon in the same number were email, Mr. Walker being first for these. In
the nurserymen’s classes Mr. James Bryson, Helensburgh, was first for twelve
blooms, and Messrs. R. B. Laird it Sons second. Not for competition, Messrs.
Dickson of Belfast set up the most beautiful collection in the Show, a
stand of twenty-four. For twelve trusses of Orchid blooms and for twelve
trusses of stove or greenhouse plants Mr. Grossart was first, and Mr.
McLeod, Brentham Park, Stirling, second. A few beautiful bouquets were
staged, those arranged by Mr. G. McLure, Trinity, being by far the finest,
botb hand and tabic bouquets getting the first prizes respectively. For six
buttonhole bouquets Mr. McLeod was first, hut in the large number of
those staged nothing of special note was found.

In the frnit classes Mr. Murray, Culzean Castle, Maybole, had the best
Pine Apple, Mr. McIntyre, The Glen, being second ; both fruits were good.
Mr. McKelvie, Broxmouth Park, Dunbar, had the best dish of Strawberries,
good Vicomtesse H. de Thury, as also the best black Grapes, not large,
but fine examples of Lady Downe’s. No whits Grapes were shown. Some .

E AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

very fine dbhes of Apples wers staged, several exhibitors setting up large
and fresh examples. To Mr. Brunton, Gilm.rton, Drem, first prizes for
both dessert and kitchen Apples were awarded. The former were, however,
largely composed of kitchen varieties, Cellini, Beauty of Kent, and Small’s
Admirable using represented. Of vegetables there was a fairly good show,
Mr. G. Potter, Seacliffe, North Berwick, getting first prize for a really fine
collection of twelve sorts. These comprised among others good young Peas,
French Beans, young Potatoes, Carrots, ansi Rhubarbs, besides good un¬
forced produce. From Mr. Milne, Sunnyside, a large collection of salada
came. Mr. Potter was also successful for French Beans nod Onions, which
were fine. A splendid dish of Mushrooms from Mr. Gordon, Niddrie,
secured to him the first prize. Among miscellaneous exhibits Messrs. W.
Thomson it Sons, Clovenfords, Galashiels, had a table of flowering Orchids,
with PalmB and Maidenhair Ferns. Among the Orchids were several good
forms of Cattleya Trianee, C. Lawrenciana, a good variety of C. Mendelli.
Among many Odontoglossums were Ruckeriauum, Sanderianum, Ander-
sonianums, Rossi majus in several forms, many of Alexandra. A beautiful
plant of Trichopilia suavis with numerous flowers was quite lovely. Among
many Cypripediums were Dominianum and its variety roseum.&c. Messrs.
T. Methven & Sons, 15, Princes Street, had a very large table very bright
with decorative stove and greenhouse plants. Messrs. Ireland it Thomson,
82, Princess Street, a smaller table on which many pretty Orohids were
staged. Mr. G. Sinclair, Prestonkirk, had an interesting stand of Daffodils
in great variety. Huge specimens of Rhododendrons from Messrs. R. B.
Laird it Sons surrounded the band stand in the middle of the market, and
formed an important feature of the Exhibition.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I regret to say I have only seen the last letter of Mr. Bardney on
the subject of watertight ashpits, therefore my remarks on it may have
been already anticipated in the previous correspondence. I understand
Mr. Riddell to advocate the use of water, in ashpits to generate steam ;
if he does he is the best of allies for all boiler manufacturers, for were
his idea generally adopted the horticultural public would require about
double the number of new boilers now bought yearly. My experience
is that far more boilers rust out than fairly wear out, and if w-ater be

Fig. 53.— Hollowed Fire Bar?.

kept standing under a boiler this cause of failure must be very largely
increased. I [believe that the heating power might be very slightly
increased by the steam rising from the water that would be far more
than counterbalanced by the damage to the boiler and brickwork. A
head gardener has something else to do than personally superintend the
stoking every day, and therefore the working of boilers ought to be-
made as simple as possible. Now, if this arrangement were adopted all
the water ought be removed when the boiler is not at work, or it w ill
quickly be absorbed by the brick-setting and make the whole outer part
of the boiler damp. To drive out this damp will consume more fuel
than was previously saved by the water, irrespective of the damage to the
boiler. Can any gardener insure that his stoker will always remove this-
water ? From what I see of greenhouse boilers I think not. Let a
gardener keep his boiler constantly well cleaned out — he will save far
more fuel than by having water in the ashpit, and will greatly increase
the “ life ” of his boiler.

I should like to point out to gardeners one very serious cause of
waste of fuel. I have found it the practice at many — I had nearly said
the majority of gardens — to leave the firing door wide open the greater
part of the day in all but severe weather. They tell me this is to prevent
the pipes getting too hot, and I have no doubt it thoroughly answers-
that purpose. Do they ever think of the enormous stream of cold air
they are allowing to pass over the fire and under the boiler ? l’ut a
candle in a boiler where there is no fire but. the damper open, and it will
often be blown out by the draught. This draught is far more rapid
when a fire is in the boiler. Think, then, what chance the heated air
has of touching the boiler. Never let a stoker have his fire door open

296

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 14, 1887.

under any pretence ; if he has too much heat he should shut the ashpit
door and damper until only just enough air passes to keep the fire alight.
If they do not fit well enough to control the draught — they often do not
— then have them made to. I believe gardeners as a class study their
employers’ interests more than most employes, and if they once realised
how much fuel is wasted by an open fire door they would discharge the
first stoker they caught doing it. Mr. Bardney’s remarks about narrow
bars are correct : narrow bars are far the best when they are carefully
used, but unfortunately those who stoke greenhouse boilers are not
usually trained men like those who stoke steam boilers. I enclose section
of a bar (fig. 53) we have used for some years andjfound to answer. It com¬
bines a narrow surface for the fire to rest upon with considerable strengtt >
and allows the air to circulate well under the fuel, so the bar is not
burnt away so quickly. — Henry J. Pearson (of Foster fy Pearson).

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

April 12th.

The exhibits of plants and flowers in the conservatory were varied and
interesting, but in point of numbers the Daffodils preponderated, and the
Committee appointed to rectify their nomenclature and to regis'er approved
varieties was busy for a considerable time. Orchids, hardwooded plants,
and Amaryllises constituted attractions, and one feature of particular
interest were the blooms of Rose Toe Puritan from A.m rica, which excit-d
much attention, as they had been cut for about twelve days. They had,
however, been carefully packed, and consequenilv seemed little the worse
for their journey. With regard to the groups of Daffo lil flowers more taste
is displayed in their arrangement than was the case at one time, but even
now if more foliage was empl yed it would afford a relief, and those who
have adopted this sy.stem stage groups that are much more endurable than
those consisting of crowded v ssels of bright yellow Daffodils, margined
with the equally bright scarlet Anemones, alternating, perhaps, with the
blue Chionodoxa Lucili®, all beautiful, but somewhat clashing without a foil
x>f green.

Fruit Committee. — Present — T. Francis River-1, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. J. Lee, J. Fitt, G-. Norman. J. Woodbridge, G. T. Miles, Philip
Crowley, J. Burnet’, W. Warren, Wm. Paul, R. D. BUckmore, Harry J.
Veitch, T. B Haywood, and J. Willard. The duties of this Committee were
■exceedingly light, only two exhibits b ing submitted to them. Mr. D.
Inglis, The Gardens, Howick Hall, Lesbury, Northumberland, sent some
specimens of Cabbage Howick Stono, with compact firm conical hearts, and
evidently a good early variety ; the Committee thought it a very promising
Cabbage, and it is to be tried at Chiswick (vote of thanks). Mr. A. Barker,
The Gardens, Hindlip Hall, sent fruits of an Apple for name, but it was not
recognise i, and was thought to be a local variety.

Floral Committee.— Present : G. F. Wilson Esq., F.R.S., in the chair ;
the Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. M. T. Masters, Major A. F. Lend-', and M-ssrs. J.
Douglas, Shirley Hibberd, H. Bennett, J. Walker, Amos Perry, W. H Lowe,
J Fraser, A. Bradshaw, R Dean, Charles Noble, H. Ballamine, C. Pilcher,
J. Domioy, J. O’Brien, E. Hill, Harry Turner, B. Wynne, G. Paul, W. Gold-
wing, James Hudson, and G. Duffield.

A group of hardwooded plants f om the Royal Gardens, Kew, formed a
very interesting contribution, and comprised a number of useful plants,
some very rarely seen except in botanic gardens, but worthy of more atten¬
tion. The most noteworthy were the f allowing : — Cy isas filipes from the
Canary Islands, with small white flowers scattered along s’ender gracefully
drooping branches; several Boronias, including the ch rmingly fragrant
B. megastigma, the pale pink B. te randra, aud B. polyga'ffifolia, with rosy
-star-like flowers ; the free-growing and profusely flowering Tetrath ca
ericoides hirsuta ; Agapttes buxifoia, with bright scarlet tubular flowers ; a
very showy Ericaceous plant, figured in this Journal page 339, May 17th, 1881;
Pentapterygium rugo.-um, with wax-like flowers, a reddish calyx, and strongly
ribbed corollas irregularly barred transversely with brown on a semi- rans-
parent surface; Epaeris microphylla, with dense clusters of small white
flowers ;Darwiuia tulipifera; Erios’emons cusp:datum and scabrum ; the free
-bright yellow Acacia linearis ; Agafcbosma rugosa, with purplish flowers iu
close heads; Vaccinium myrsinites ; Choroz ;mas vartum and elf gins;
Grevillea pulchella ; and Darwinia fuchsioides. Several Primulas were
-also shown, including the new species, P. Reidi, which has small bell-like
flowers ; the y- How P. Obristi ; aud P. ma-ginata. Flowers of a re 1 variety
•of Rhododend’on argenteura were shown; a'so of the pecul ar Kennedya
nigricans, which has the ke 1 and wings black, the staniard recurved,
greenish yellow in the centre bordered with black. The exhibits from
Flew were much appreciated, and similar collections would be welcome
more frequently.

Messrs. J. Veitch 4 Sons, Chelsea, bad a small group of choice plants,
including several that were certificated, and are described at the end of tins
.report. Plants of Pieris (Andromeda) japonica were fl awering freely,
Azalea obtusa with n atlv formed bright red flowers, and A. obtusa alba,
pure white, were shown in good condition, and awarded votes of thanks.
Amaryllises HerMaje-ty, Helvetia, and Illustrious w. re other good varieti a,
besides those honoured with certificates. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Hollo¬
way, sent a collection of new ra-e or choice plant1, a large specimen of
Rhododendron Vtitcbianum, having numerous fine pure white fragrant
flowers. Several good Sarracenias were shown, su h as Courti, with bright
red flowers ; Maddisoni, dark re i ; Drummondi alba, very Irlght red; and
Crispata, large, also red. Ochna multiflora, a curious plant illustrated in
this Journal some time since, the green and black ovaries are placed on a
scarlet receptacle, the pers’gtent calyx being of a similar colour. Boronia
megastigma, Vt ry healthy and profusely flowered ; Pandanus elegantissimus,
a graceful, narrow, green-leaved plant, useful for decorative purposes ;
Vanda cristata, a distinct Orchid, with greenish flowers, veined with maroon
in the lip ; Imantophyllum aurantiacum, a bold variety ; the beautiful
Phalmnopsis Stuartiana nobiiis (vote of thanks), and the blue flowered
Trillandsia Lindeni. Messrs. J. Laing 4 Co , Forest Hill, contributed a few

choice Orchids, comprising Dendrobium Ainsworthi with over a dozen
flowering growth*, bearing sixteen to twenty-four large flowers each (cul¬
tural commendation), and Cattleya Lawrenciana, of unusually rich colcur
(vote of thanks). Mr. H. B May, Upper Elmonton, was awarded a bronze
Bankrian medal for a group of Ferns tastefu.ly arranged, and including
some useful Pterises, Adiantums, Davallias, and Lygodiums. Messrs. Page
and Son, Tedding' on. showed some Odontogl assums. Messrs. W. Paul and
Son, bad blooms of Rose The Puritan, described elsewhere, and Rose Mrs.
Johu Laing, of beautiful form and soft rosy pink in colour (vote of thanks)
aad Messrs. Paul 4 Son, Cheriiunt, showed a bloom of Tea Rose the Bride,
white with a faint lemon tinge.

G. F. Wi'son, Esq.,F.RS, Weybridge, exhibited flowers of dark coloured
hybrid Hellebores aud seedlings of Primula denticulata with large trusses
of flowers of deep colour, and large panicle of flowers of Andromeda fieri-
bunda. The Hellebores had received some protection ia severe weather,
but the Primulas were fiom the open border. F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q G.,
Oldfield, Bickley, showed flowers of Cymbidium eburneum Philbrickianum,
pure white, and of moderate size. F. Wigan, Esq., Clare Lawn, East Sheen,
sent a plant of Dendrobium Findleyanum, with eight well flowered growths.
Mr. F. Ross, Pendell Court Gardens, Bletchingley, exhibited a varied collec¬
tion of interesting flowers, comprising Fuchsia arborescens, with small
purplish flowers in dense heads and large leaves; Kennedya (Hardenbergia)
ruonopliylla, with violet-purple Pea-shapei flowers, an old favourite, but
one of the neglectid plants now ; Salvias boliviensis, rutilans, elegans, and
gesnermflora, a'l useful, especially the la-t-named ; Augraecam sesqaip ida’e,
very large flowers; Eorybia atgophylla, the Musk Wood, Dendrobium
fimbriatum oeulatum superbum, a handsome variety, flowers large and
richly coloured; Streptocarpus polyantha, a small, purple flowered, free
plant ; Myriocarpa stipitata, a curious Urticaceous plant, with large leaves
and long pendulous filiform inflorescence ; Vanda tricolor varieties,
Paulownia imperialis, from under glass, with a number of large purple
tubular flowers and brownish calyxes ; Eranthemum eboracense, pure white
flowers ; and the strange Xylophylla speciosa, with lanceolate phylloies,
bearing small flowers on the margin. Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to J. Whit-
bourn, Esq., Great Gearies, Ilford, E-sex, sent several of his seedling
Auriculas, two of which were certificated ; the others were Sunshine yel'ow
self, Innocence, curious manve self; Montrose, grey edge, purple body
colour; Snowdouns Knight, and Lady of the Lake, white edge, all meri¬
torious varieties. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, sent a plant of Primula longibarda,
a dwarf form, with purplish flawers and a white centre. J. T. Gabriel,
Esq., 6, Palace Road, Streatham Hill (gardener, Mr. E. Ranson), exhibited
varieties of Cattleya Trian®, and Odontoglossum Andersonianum (vote of
thanks).

Daffodils and hardy flowers were strongly represented as a’ready stated,
the chief collections being those from Messrs. Barr 4 Son, Covent Garden,
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, and Messrs. Collins Bros. 4 Gabriel, Waterloo
Bridge Road, to each of whom a silver Banksian medal was awarded. A
great number of varieties in all the sections were included in these collec¬
tions similar to those we have noted on previous occasions. Messrs. H.
Lane 4 Son, Berkhampstead, had a groap of Azalea mollis varieties iu
diverse tints of yellow, orange, and red (silver Banksian medal.)

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Cattleya Ttiance Schrcederce (Baron Schooler, F. Wigan, Esq., Clare
Lawn, East Sheen, and Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Waddesdon.). — A
few monthi sines thi3 handsoms Cattleya was introduced to the notice of
cultivators, and it has amply fulfilled the expectations then formed respecting
it. Three exhibitors showed specimens of the variety and a certificate was
awarded to each, there being but little difference between them, though the
Waddesden flowers had rather large fl >wers and a deeper coloured golden
blotch in the lip, while Barou Schroder’s flowtrs were remarkable for their
b autiful shape and soft colour. In all caseB the sepals and petals were
broad, the lip open, a soft rosy blush like some of the Warscewiczi group,
with a bold rich golden centre. It appears to be a good grower and very
f.ee.

Odontoglossum crispum Mr. TP. Thompson’s Variety (W. Thompson, E-q.,
Walton, Stone, Staffs, gardener Mr. Stevens). — A superb variety, one of the
large-t heavi'y spotted types we have seen. The flowers were ce irlylb inches
in diameter, the petals being about 1J inch across and deeply fringed on the
margin. Sepals and petals and lip were white with numerous large reddi-h
brown spots mnning in some instances into irregular bars across the sepals
and petils. The raceme had nine of these grand flowers and showed the
character of the variety to the best advantage.

Odontoglossum Pescatorei virginals (Baron Schroder). — A pretty variety
with large well-formed flow.rs, pure white, except a yel ow crest at the base
of the lip.

Cypripedium leu orrhodum (J. Veitch & Sons). — A hybrid between
C. Roezli aud 0. Schlimi albiflorum, raised in th; Chelsea Nursery. The
dorsal sepal tinged with pale crimson, the petals having a narrow median
while line bordered with rose. The lip is large, of a light yellowish tint in
front and crimson at the sides.

Bose the Puritan (W. Paul 4 Son, Waltham Cross). — A “ Hybrid Per¬
petual ” Rose raised by Mr. H. Bennett, of Shepperton, some time ago, from
seed obtained from Mabel Morrison crossed witn the old Devoniensis. It was
sold to an American firm, and tbe variety has obtainei considerable reputa¬
tion in the United State". The blooms are white, of good substance and
form, the petals slightly recurving at the margin ; it is fragrant, and ia de¬
scribed as a f ee growing and flowering variety, a statement borne out by
small plants shown from Waltham Cross. Two dozen cut blooms were
staged, all of which had beenreceiv d from Amerioaintbe '• Etruria,” which
Itft New York on the 2nd inst., and arrived in Liverpool on the 11th inst.,
the bloom being conveyed thence to London by rail. Half tbe number of
blooms wtre conve.ed upright in tubes of wa er, and the others were firmly
packed in damp cotton-wool in tightly closed tin boxes, and these travelled
belter than the others, arriving iu a remarkably fresh condition.

Amaryllis Nonpareil (J. Veitch & Sons). — A superb variety, with flowers
of medium size but exquisite form. The colour, an intensely rich shade of
scarlet, extending to the centre of the flower.

Amaryllis Edith Wynne (J. Ve'toh 4 Sons). — A beautiful and distinct
variety obtained from A. reticulata, crossed with one of the scarlet forms.

Ap:il U. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

297

The flowers are mo>t symmetrical, the petals crimson in the centre, mar¬
gined with white. One of the b<st of its type.

Cineraria Alexander Warwick (Gordon & Sons, Haymarket, Edin¬
burgh). — Quite a novel departure amoDgst Cinerarias, and one that was
much admired by the members of the Committee. The florets are of an
extremely rich crimson hne, quil'ed at tli; base, where they are also lighter
in colour, imparting a curious appearance to the blooms.

Adiantnm cnneatnm Gordon’s Tassellcd (Gordon & Sons). — One of the
■grsudioeps typ’, and considered by some judges to be inferior to that when
well grown. The tips of the fronds are much divided, their we:ght causing
the fronds to droop gracefully.

Cineraria William rratt (\V. Pratt, Longleat Gardens, Warminster). —
A df u le variety, with v ry large globular purple blooms. A good type of
double Cinerarii. the heads bring borne well above the foliage.

Hose minutifolia alba (R.Bennett, Shepperton). — Described as a pedigree
seedling from Rosa polyantba. v ry dwarf, about 6 inches, with very small
leaves, and neat white double flowr rs. A pretty miniatur e Rose.

Hose Golden Fairy (H. Bennett). — Another of the same type as the pre¬
ceding, and a rcod companion for it, though slightlv etronger in habit. The
flowers are small, of a bronzy yellow hue, not unlike a diminutive William
ATen Richardson.

Violet Victoria (J. Chambers, Isleworth). — A double dark blue form of
good shape, and free in habit.

Cyclamen Queen of Crimsons'J. Odell.Hd'ingdon). — Flowers well formed,
■with broad rounded petals, of an exceedingly rich crimson, one of the bert
.coloured varieties.

Auriculi Abbe Lizst (J. Doaglis, TheGar’ens, Great Gearie3, Ilford). —
A beautiful green-edge variety with symmetrical pips, edge, paste, and tube
well proportioned and even, the tube rf good colour and paste pure.

Auiicula Sir William Hewitt (J. Douglas). — A self with large flowers,
rich maroon body colour, paste dense and pure, but rather narrow.

Narcissus cyclamineus (Barr A Sou, King Street, Covent Garden). — V
most interesting and graceful Narciss with a long straight golden corona
notched at the margin, the petals lighter and slightly greenish in colour,
nar or, and strongly reflexing. It is somewhat suggestive in form of a
Cyclamen, or the flowers individually have some resemb’ance to single
flowers of the larger yellow Lachenalias such as L. pendula aurea. An
illustration of this species is given on page 287, this issue, together with
some particu'ars of its history.

WORK.^theWEEKJ

w

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Strawberries. — Many delay mulching their established beds of
these until near flowering time, but, according to our experience, it had
better be done much earlier. Too little moisture at the roots is the
most frequent cause of a partial failure to mature good crops of fruit,
■and if a good mulching of rough strawy manure is applied at the
present time the best jiortion will be washed in by April rains, while the
covering will greatly check loss of moisture by evaporation. The rains
will clean the straw and render the surface fit for the fruit to rest upon,
-or it may be faced with clean material just before the flowers open.
Poverty at the roots also causes some failures. No matter how well the
ground has been manured and otherwise prepared for this crop, it soon
becomes exhausted of much of its fertility, the Strawberry being of
gross feeding habit. Liquid manure may be given with advantage any
time during the winter and spring months or up to the fruiting period,
sewage water being especially beneficial. In too many instances there
is no provision made for collecting any kind of liquid manure, and
recourse must be had to artificial manure. A great number of these
manures are now advertised, and it is our belief that any one of them
will greatly assist the Strawberries. It should be applied soon at the
rate recommended by the vendors, and lightly stirred into the surface
with the aid of a flat hoc. The rains will do the rest. Where slugs are
troublesome it is advisable to take some precautionary measures against
these. The flat or Dutch hoe is their greatest enemy, and prior
to mulching the rows of plants, should be freely or repeatedly employed
around them. If wood ashes are plentiful these may also be hoed into
the surface, or a good dusting of newly slaked lime be given in either
■case before the mulching is applied. Never use the spade among Straw¬
berry plants, this destroying many valuable surface roots, and besides
the most fruitful plants are always rooting in firm ground.

Nef r Plantations. — It is not absolutely necessary to trench ground
for Straw'berries, but unless it is well manured and deeply dug they soon
become exhausted and unprofitable. Nor do the plants so soon suffer
by want of moisture if they have the benefit of a deep and congenial
root-run. In many gardens there is no time to be spared for the
laborious work of trenching, but Celery trenches are formed everywhere,
and these are bound to improve the depth and fertility of the soil. Let
the Strawberries follow the Celery, and this is really the best time of
year for planting. It is true many prefer forming new beds early in the
autumn, but unless strong well rooted plants are available and the work
generally well done they do not make much progress. If there are no
rooted runners left on the old beds, plenty can be bought at a cheap
rate, and these being planted out firmly will, with very little further
trouble beyond picking off the bloom as it forms and keeping the ground

clean, grow into fine plants capable of perfecting heavy crops the follow¬
ing year. We do not advise giving up the ground solely to the Straw¬
berries, but if the latter are planted as they ought to be, in rows 3<>
inches apart, 2 feet dividing the plants in the row, the intervening
spaces can be profitably cropped with either autumn or spring-sown
Onions, Kidney Beans, Lettuces, or Spinach. Autumn-planted Straw¬
berries, unless they made good progress and have stout crowns, ought
not to be allowed to fruit this season. It is better by far to pinch out
all the blooms and crop between them as just advised.

Selection, of Varieties. — When well grown the old Keen’s Seedling
is yet one of the best for the early supplies. A batch of this sort may
well be grown on an early border. Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury is very
vigorous and hardy, and in many gardens is grown for affording early
fruit. La Grosse Sucree crops 'heavily, the fruits are fine and of fairly
good quality. It is a second early variety, and is closely followed by the
ever popular Sir Joseph I’axton. The latter is a robust, prolific sort, the
fruit large, firm, and good in quality. President succeeds this, and alto¬
gether may be said to be one of the best varieties in cultivation. Auguste
Nicaise promises to become equally as popular, and will be found a very
profitable variety. Sir Charles Napier is not hardy enough for many
gardens. Where it succeeds it crops heavily, the fruit are large and hand¬
some and of a brisk or rather acid flavour. Dr. Hogg ought to be tried
in every garden. It is of sturdy growth, crops well, the fruits are large
and of the best quality. British Queen is very fickle, but where it can
be grown it is preferred to any other variety. Oxonian and Loxford
Hall Seedling are valuable late sorts, both possessing a good constitution
and crop heavily. We prefer the last named in point of quality. A
loose rich soil suits none of them, this tending to produce luxuriant
foliage at the expense of the bloom. Therefore always plant on well
levelled and trampled ground.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines — Farly Houses. — In the earliest house if hard forcing has
been practised red spider may be expected. Upon its first appearance
paint the return hot-water pipes with sulphur mixed with milk. Where
the Grapes have commenced colouring give the border a thorough
watering, mulching afterwards. This refers to the inside borders. The
water or liquid manure should be applied early in the day, so that surplus
moisture may pass off before closing time. Early Grapes do not always
colour well, the defect arising from hard forcing, and is only avoidable
by a constant supply of dry warm air and a moderately low night tem¬
perature. Where Grapes are fully ripe only afford sufficient heat to
prevent the temperature falling below fiO°. A moderate moisture should
be maintained for the benefit of the foliage, it will not injure the Grapes
provided free ventilation is afforded.

Succession Houses. — Attend to thinning the bunches and berries.
Stop and remove laterals gradually, as a large reduction of foliage at
one time results in a check, very often inducing shanking at a later
period. See that the borders have plenty of water, and weakly Vines
will be benefited by tepid liquid manure. Where Grapes are swelling
the inside borders should have a thorough soaking of liquid manure or
water, and it is a good plan to give the liquid rather thick and follo w at
once with tepid water. Supply it early in the day, mulching afterwards,
and ventilating freely to allow any superfluous moisture to escape. A
full crop of Grapes is a great strain on the energies of the Vines, and
though perfection in colour is not always attainable with a full crop,
much may be done by a liberal and constant circulation of warm rather
dry air, combined with a moderately low night temperature. Vines
swelling their fruit should have a moist atmosphere, damping the house
two or three times a day, particularly at closing time, and if a little
guano be added to the water it will improve the Vines and act as a
check to red spider ; 1 oz. guano to a gallon of water is ample, at which
strength it may be used for filling the evaporation troughs. Syringing
the foliage, except for special reasons, after the Grapes are set must not
be practised. Admit air early, maintain through the day a good tem¬
perature (80° to 85°) from sun heat, and close early so as to rise to 90°
or more, and admit a litt le air at the top of the house before nightfall,
which will prevent the deposition of moisture on the berries through the
night, and is a safeguard against scorching.

Late Houses. — The Vines will now be making rapid progress. Disbud
and tie out as they require it. Close the houses early in the afternoon with
sun heat, and maintain plenty of atmospheric moisture by frequently
damping the house, syringing the Vines at closing time, but not after
the bunches show. Examine late Grapes hanging in the fruit room at
least twice weekly for decayed berries, and the bottles must be duly
replenished with water.

Young Vines planted last spring will now be breaking naturally, and
when the buds have grown about half an inch a little fire heat will
prove beneficial, especially on cold days. Remove all buds except one
at each break, retaining the strongest, and crop lightly, but su, er-
numeraries may be heavily fruited. Leave the shoots on the permanent
Vines about 18 inches apart on both sides of the cane.

Planting Vines. — This is the best time for planting young canes.
The borders, we presume, have been made some time, if not they may
yet be formed. We prefer the borders partly within and partly outside,
planting the Vines inside where practicable. Except for very early
forcing we do not advocate confining the roots to inside borders. The
border should be concreted at the bottom, unless it has a substratum of
gravel or other porous substance. Place on the rubble 1 foot thick on
the concrete, and proper drains and outlets must be provided. Three
feet depth of soil is ample. Turf 3 inches thick taken off loam, light

2C8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 14, 1887.

rather than heavy, broken up tolerably small, and mixed with a tenth of
old mortar rubbish, a twentieth of half-inch bones, and charcoal in the
same proportion as the lime rubbish, form a suitable compost, but well
drained and fertile garden soil will grow serviceable Grapes. The
Vines, it is presumed, were cut back in early winter, and have been kept
in a cool house, the eyes now having grown 2 or 3 inches long. Turn
them out of the pots, remove all the soil, carefully preserving the fibres.
Spread the roots out straight and flat, the soil of the border being
brought to the required height, covering the roots to a depth of
3 to 4 inches, working the soil well amongst them with the hand, and
giving a good supply of waiter at a temperature 90°, mulching with a
little short litter. If the canes have not been shortened do not shorten
them now, but remove the buds from the upper portion down to where
fresh growth is desired to issue, and shorten the canes at the winter
pruning. Six feet width of border will be sufficient to commence with,
confining the roots to the inside border until that is fully occupied with
roots, when they may be admitted to a prepared width of outside
border. Sprinkle the vines and house twice a day, but avoid forcing. A
steady temperature is necessary, so as to afford time for the formation of
new roots afterwards, and when they have started freely every
encouragement to growth should be given. Until the Vines recover the
removal to a temperature of 05° by day, advancing 10° to 15° from sun
heat, and 55° at night, will be sufficient.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest House. — In the case of early
varieties like Alexander, Waterloo, and Early Beatrice, the fruits will be
swelling rapidly, and will need to have the leaves drawn aside and the
fruit raised by means of thin laths placed across and secured to the
trellis so that the apex will be exposed directly to the light. Syringing
must cease directly the fruits commence to change for ripening. Con¬
tinue, however, to syringe twice a day until the fruit begins to ripen,
which with such varieties as Hale’s Early and Royal George will not be
for some time yet, and if there is the least trace of led spider apply an
insecticide, it being important that the foliage be thoroughly clean by
the time syringing ceases, as it must when the fruit commences ripening.
Afford thorough supplies of water as required to inside borders, and give
liquid manure to weak trees swelling a heavy crop. Keep the shoots
well attended to in tying, thinning where required so as to give the fruit
all the sun and air possible for the colouring process.

Trees Started Early in the Year. — The fruit will soon be stoning, and
will require care to prevent sudden check by cold air in the day and too
high temperature at night— 60° to 65° at night, 5° less on cold nights,
and 70° to 75° by day with sun are sufficient. Trees started in February.
The fruit is all set and swelling freely. Allow a night temperature
of 55° to 60°, ventilating above 65°, allowing an advance from sun heat
to 70° or 75°, but with full ventilation.

i Disbudding. — This should be attended to early, but not too early, as
when it is practised before the fruit commences swelling or setting there
is danger of the shoots being rendered gross, which is fatal to future
crops. Therefore, as soon as the shoots can be displaced with the finger
begin, and continue day by day until only the shoots required for future
crops or the extension of the trees are retained — viz., one from the base
of the shoots now fruiting and another above the fruit, which last should
be pinched at a few joints of growth. In the case of trees not fully
grown it will be necessary to leave shoots about 15 inches apart, calcu¬
lating from the base on last year’s growth to form the bearing shoots of
next year, the terminals being trained in their full length as space
permits. Closer training is often practised, resulting in weak over¬
crowded growths, not nearly so satisfactory as growths fully exposed to
light and air.

Thinning the Fruits. — In all cases, this should be attended to when
fairly set and commencing swelling, removing the smallest first and
those on the under side of the trellis, beginning with the weakest parts
of the trees, thinning proportionately more there than on stronger wood,
which from carrying more fruits will tend to the equalisation of the
vigour of the trees. Perform thinning gradually, and only leave a few
to meet casualties after the fruit attains the size of Walnuts. One fruit
to every square foot of trellis covered by the trees is a fair crop.
Nectarines may be left a little closer.

Tying-in the young shoots should also commence early, which is of
the utmost importance where symmetrical training is considered, and in
securing the growth to the trellis space must be left in the ties for the
swelling of the shoots. Avoid after this very close tying-in of the
growths until the final one before the fruit commences ripening.

Syringing must be practised twice daily on all trees not in flower or
with the fruit ripening, so as to keep red spider in check, which must
not on any account be allowed to retain a hold, or it will materially
affect the present and the succeeding crop. The afternoon’s syringing
should be done at closing time, so as to have the foliage nearly dry before
night. In very dull and wet weather syringing should not be practised
in the afternoon, particularly in the case of vigorous trees.

Feeding. — Beyond giving water whenever necessary to insure a
thorough moist condition of the borders, weakly trees swelling their
fruit may be assisted with weak manure, mulching the border with short
partially decayed manure, which will keep the roots at the surface, but
will be of little use unless kept moist.

Lata Houses. — The trees are in full bloom or fast approaching that
condition, and as the flowers are very abundant they should be well
thinned, particularly on the under side of the shoots. Failing bees (the
best fertilisers) dust every blossom when the pollen is ripe with a camel-
hair brush, feather, or some other light soft substance, selecting the
early part of fine days for the operation. Where there are means of

affording heat the temperature should be maintained at 50° to 55° by
day and 40° to 45° at night, in all instances accompanied by slight
ventilation at the top of the house, which should be increased when the
temperature reaches 50°. In unheated houses commence ventilating at
the same temperature, and close at 05°.

FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

TTardy Ferns. — Groups of these, whether near to the dwelling house,
in the flower garden, or about the pleasure grounds, are very ornamental
during the summer, and besides arc very useful for cutting from. Many
of the rarer smaller varieties succeed best when planted among rock-
work or a tastefully arranged group of tree stumps and roots and stones,
but the taller vigorous sorts grow equally as wrell in ordinary garden
soil. In the first instance a little leaf soil may be added to the common
soil, this encouraging the roots to take more readily to it, but later on
as they spread a strong loamy soil greatly improves the size and appear¬
ance of the plants. This is especially the case with the Athyriums,
Lastreas, Osmunda regalis, Polystichums, and Scolopendriums, while the
Blechnums, Cystopterises, and Polypodiums do better -when established
among stones and roots. Now is the time to transplant and divide all
of them, and with a very little trouble and expense either in the shape
of collecting or purchasing the requisite number of plants, many an ugly
spot might be quickly transformed into a charming feature.

Boses. — Full and valuable instructions as to pruning and other
requisite cultural details have recently appeared in these pages, and it.
only remains for us to add that all pruning should now be completed.
The frosts will have anticipated the pruning knife in many instances,
innumerable standards being killed, while the dwarfs were injured down
to the snow line. If it leads to the planting of more dwarfs in prefer¬
ence to standards this destruction will not be without its compensation,
for it is very certain that dwarf Roses are the best in every way. It is.
rather late to purchase fresh plants from the open ground, but for walls
and other prominent positions they can be had in pots. In addition to
being freely pruned back all climbing Roses in hot positions ought to
receive a liberal mulch of good manure, and this being disposed just
under the surface soil is not unsightly, and is more effective than when,
spread on the surface.

Climbers. — The majority of these require to be pruned and otherwise
attended to every spring. The summer or earliest flowering Clematises
to have all dead and weakly growth cut away and the remainder neatly
laid in, as'it is the well ripened growth formed last season that produced
the flowers this year. Those of the same habit as Jackmanni flower on
the strong young growth formed this year, and in order to prevent
unsightly thickets of growth and to keep the lower part of the walls,
pillars, or archways to which they are fastened well furnished, it is
advisable to freely cut back all the young growth formed last season to.
within three or four joints of their starting point. Magnolias must be
properly secured to the walls, and only straggling shoots removed.
Wistaria sinensis must ha ve all long laterals spurred back to near the main
stems, and leading growths laid in where needed. Passion Flowers, what
few have survived the winter, have all lateral growths cut back to.
near the principal branches, and the latter ought to be securely fastened
to the walls, as they have to support a great weight of flowering growths,
that will form during the summer. Jasminum nudiflorum being now
out of bloom may be freely pruned back, the bloom being formed on the
young shoots that mature during the summer. The common Jessamine
to be cut closely back, the flowers being produced on the young shoots
resulting. The Loniceras also are improved by annual thinning out and
shortening back. Crataegus pyracantha and Pyrus japonica also to be
kept rather closely pruned, or otherwise a thicket of growth and not
much bloom results. Forsythia viridissima now at its best to be cut back
after flowering, and the Chimonanthus fragans ought to be freely cut in,
plenty of spray and not much rank growth being required in this case.
Virginian Creepers should have all loose growth cut away, no other
attention being then needed, but the coarser sorts if over-weighted with
much loose growth are apt to break away from their natural fastenings.
It is the same with the Ivies, these requiring more attention than is
usually accorded them. Besides having all growth approaching the
eaves of a house removed, they should have all lateral growth also either
pulled out of their sockets or cut away. Thus treated they are neater
in appearance, do not break away from the walls in a wholesale manner
and there is no harbour for birds and vermin.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.— No. 8.

In the old times it was not nearly so necessary to pay
attention to feeding as at the present day, when nearly
every stock in the apiary requires an artificial supply ol
food to take the place of the honey which the intelligent
bee-master appropriates to his own use. We will first
point out some of the occasions when feeding will almost
certainly be necessary, and then describe the kind of
feeders which appear to be most generally useful for all

April 14, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

299

purposes. Immediately upon the removal of the last
super at the close of the honey season every stock must
be examined and an estimate formed of the amount of
food contained in the brood combs. If less than 15 lbs.
is found in August an immediate supply must be given,
but if there is a quantity sulhcient to tide over until the
middle of September it will be quite as useful to give the
syrup required for use in the winter at that time instead
of in the preceding month. The well-being — the very
life in fact — of every stock depends upon a copious supply
of honey or syrup, with which life may be sustained until
the following year affords a new supply, being given in
autumn. Every stock in the middle of September must
contain at least 20 lbs. of honey or syrup stored in sealed
cells. If the cells are not sealed disease may probably
attack the stock. If the supply is given later than the
month of September some of the brood which will be
raised under the excitement of food coming in in quantity
may be chilled and the stock weakened when above all
other times it should be strong.

Again, in April there should always be at least 10 lbs.
of honey in every stock, so that the bees may be rendered
to some extent independent of the new supply. If there
are no sources of honey in April or the weather is bad a
supply of syrup must be given to make up the deficiency.
Throughout the summer, indeed, the brood combs should
always contain sufficient honey to last the stock for at
least ten days even if the supplies from the fields should fall
very far short of what may be expected. To keep stocks
supplied with food sufficient for a day or two only, to
attempt to raise stocks filled with brood and bees without
a supply of honey to keep them in health and full vigour
when a season of failing honey supply comes on unex¬
pectedly, perhaps in the very middle of the summer, is an
insane management. The difficulties experienced in such
a case when, say, a hive has sixty sections tiered upon it,
the anxieties to which such a state of things give rise, can
only be conceived by those who have experienced them ;
for in the early season even sixty sections on a hive with
comb drawn out may contain but very little honey, and
this honey in bad weather the bees are unable to utilise
in the brood nest because the cold prevents their fetching
it from the upper combs. To remove these tiers of
sections at every break in the honey flow is both impolitic
and impossible, and when there is a sufficient supply
below unnecessary. A stock to be in good condition for
supering must be filled with bees and brood and honey.
Ten pounds of honey is perhaps enough, but 12 or even
15 lbs. is not too much for even the brood frames to
contain in the early part of the supering season. The
bees then use this honey stored in the brood combs, and
it suffices to maintain them when outside supplies fail. In
a lengthened period of scarcity an extra supply must be
given and continued until a natural supply can again be
obtained. The question of stimulative feeding in spring
and autumn is so important that it must be reserved for
special discussion. The chief points to be remembered
in connection with feeding bees are —

1. Too much is better than too little.

2. At no time of the year must bees experience want.

3. At the time of removing the last super special
attention is required.

4. All swarms should be fed for some days after hiving
however favourable the weather may be.

5. Supered stocks should always contain honey in the

brood frames.

C. To last from September to April 30 lbs. of sealed 1
store is sufficient. i

The advantage derived from feeding swarms is so great
that it can hardly be over-estimated, but we must return
to this point on a future occasion. In autumn, when food
has to be supplied in quantity sufficient to last over some
eight months, it is necessary to give a large supply of
syrup, unless the combs already contain a larger amount
than may usually be expected when supering arrange¬
ments have been successfully carried out. Such a supply
can be given by an ordinary bottle feeder, but it is easier
and much more practical to give the syrup in a feeder of
which the following is an accurate description : —

The feeder itself consists of a round tin 6 inches in
depth and 10 inches in diameter. In the bottom there
should be a hole 2 inches in diameter. To the sides of
this hole should be attached a tube of perforated zinc of
double thickness, arranged so that liquid will not pass
through it. This tube must be 5 inches in height only.
To the outside of the tin a funnel 2 inches by 3 inches
should be attached, having connection with the bottom of
the inside of the feeder by means of a slit 2 inches wide
and 4 inch in height. This slit must be covered with a
small piece of perforated zinc to prevent the ingress of
the bees into the funnel. The top of the funnel must be
covered also with a'moveable lid of tin or other material.
A float quarter of an inch or less in thickness and
9^ inches in diameter, with a hole in the centre 2 k inches
in diameter, must also be made. This float must be
pierced with holes a quarter of an inch in diameter about
half an inch distant from one another. The lid of the
feeder may consist of tin or wood or glass, but if glass is
used it must be well covered with some warm material.
With a feeder such as we have described a glass lid is
wholly unnecessary and more expensive than a plain and
equally useful covering of tin or wood. When the feeder
is empty the float lies at the bottom of the tin, but as the
syrup is poured in at the funnel the float rises. As the
syrup rises in the feeder it will also rise correspondingly
in the funnel, so that it is unnecessary to lift the lid to
see how much syrup has been taken, and therefore the
feeding can be accomplished with ease and absolute safety.
The sole object of the tube which rises in the centre of
the feeder to within an inch of the top being made of a
double thickness of perforated zinc is to enable the bees
to have a firm foothold, the space between the top of
the tube and the lid of the feeder being of course left for
the purpose of the ingress and egress of the bees to and
from the feeder and the hive. Such is the most useful
feeder it has ever been my good fortune to use ; a better

1 never expect to see and do not desire. If stimulative
feeding is practised in spring, the wisdom of doing so
will hereafter be discussed. A. small bottle, holding about

2 ozs. of syrup, will be required, and the top may be
covered with “cheese cloth,” the bottle being inserted
on a piece of perforated zinc placed on the top ot the hive,
and the whole kept warm and snug by wrapping with
warjn material. Other feeders there are for this pur¬
pose, but they are no more useful and a great deal
more expensive than the now despised “ bottle.” For
use in summer, when the outside supplies fail, a bottle
holding about 2 lbs. of syrup may, with advantage, be
used, but in all other respects the same plan must be
adopted as with the smaller bottle feeder.

How must the syrup be made? This is of course a
most natural question, and admits of a very short reply.
For ordinary use in the apiary a syrup made of a
cheaper sugar may be used, but lor the purpose of
winter food the best loaf sugar is, although rather more
expensive, the cheapest in the end. In all other respects

300

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[ A pi il 14, 188".

the syrup for use in spring, summer, or autumn may be
made the same. My recipe, and it is a good one to judge
by the results following upon its use, is : —

An equal weight of sugar and water boiled two
minutes, a wineglassful of vinegar being added to every
6 lbs. of syrup when the liquid begins to boil. Such a
syrup is equal, so far as my experience goes, to the
best honey for all bee purposes. Stocks which contain
not 1 oz. of flower honey winter as well, if not better,
than those containing honey gathered in the fields. To
add salicylic acid and borax and other ingredients is not
in the least necessary, unless there is a fear that disease
is present or may be expected to break out. Care must
be taken when making syrup not to allow it to burn, and
care is also necessary to see that it does not boil more
than the time specified. The longer it boils the more it
wastes, and the less fit it becomes to be given to bees.

Those who desire to learn new methods of feeding,
those who have the money and desire to .experiment with
comparatively untried novelties, must go elsewhere for
their information. These papers are specially devoted to
the study of “ practical bee-keeping,” and in them the
attempt is being made to give instructions as to the pur¬
chase of hives and general management which shall be
ntelligible to all, and to show that a small capital only is
required to commence bee-keeping; that from this outlay
a good return may be expected with little expenditure of
labour ; and that an intelligent bee-master will, with his
simple yet practical appliances, outstrip the extravagant
bee-keeper supplied with all that the ingenuity of man
can devise to assist him in liis work. — Felix.

POISONOUS HONEY.

In your impression of 7th April, “A.L.B.K..” discusses the question of
poisonous honey. I am afraid it is too true that certain kinds of trees,
shrubs, &c., produce poisonous honey, such as Rhododendrons, Ailantus,
Azalea pontica, Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel, &c. Judging from the
symptoms described by Xenophon, and by writers at the present time,
the diagnosis seems to point to poisoning by prussic acid.

Dr. Grauncer relates his own experience : — “ Some time after eating,
a queerish sensation of tingling all over, indistinct vision, caused by a
dilatation of the pupils, with an empty dizzy feeling about the head,
and a horrible nausea that would not relieve itself by vomiting.” And
he narrates cases of some soldiers, who, after eating some of the same
honey, which was gathered from the Mountain Laurel, “ that they ap¬
peared to be dead drunk, with a total loss of power over the voluntary
muscles.”

Prussic acid is contained in the kernels of the Peach, Nectarine,
Cherry, &c., in the pips of Apples and Pears, and in the leaves of the
Cherry Laurel, and cases of alarming illness have occurred from eating
Bitter Almonds too freely ; while the essential oil obtained by distilling
the pulp of these Almonds with water is a powerful poison. The dis¬
tilled water obtained from the leaves of the Cherry Laurel has been
known to cause death half an hour after swallowing four tablespoonfuls.

In cases of poisoning by honey, an emetic of mustard and warm
water (a dessert-spoonful of each) should be given at once, and a towel
soaked in cold water applied to the head and neck, constantly repeated,
and half a teaspoonful of sal volatile in a wineglass of water to be
taken, and repeated if necessary.

It is a very difficult question to answer why the bees should be able
to gather this poisonous honey without any harm to themselves. It is
most probable that the small amount of prussic acid contained in the
amount of honey in the honey sac of the bee acts only medicinally, and
not as a poison, just as the dilute prusSic acid is extensively used in*the
treatment of disease, the dose varying from one-tweDty-fifth to one-sixth
of a drop of the strong acid.

Again, it is a well-known fact that the lower the vitality of an animal
the less, as a rule, is it affected by poisons. This is especially the case
with prussic acid, as the pulse is really imperceptible a few seconds
after a poisonous dose has been taken. The poison, I believe, is in the
nectar of the flowers, not in the pollen, but this can easily be determined,
as the tests are very delicate, and will show the presence of a very small
quantity of prussic acid.

I will carry out some experiments on this subject, and will let your
readers know the results, though I cannot promise to experiment on my¬
self with honey and prussic acid, for the latter of which I have the
greatest possible respect.

If “A.L.B.K.,” or any of your readers could forward me some of the
bees, presumably poisoned, it will be, as the old writers had it, of much
avail. — George Walker, Wimbledon.

ti0° All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIE3. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Feathered Cyclamen (C. H. G. C.). — By all means preserve it, for
though it cannot be considered beautiful in this form it might prove the
originator of a distinct type if you could perpetuate the character from
seed.

New Plants [B. I). K.). — The fist does not include all certificated plants,
but deals specialy with those that have been figured or described in
botanical publications. The plant you mention has been repeatedly noted
in this Journal.

Wasps (S. N.) — The wasp you have sent is a queer, as a1! wasps are at
this sea-on of the year, and they should be destroy td, as the possible pro¬
genitors of thousands. It does not follow that everyone escaping capture
will be the originator of a nest, as several sue umb to adverse weather
influences during some seasons, but it is none the less advisable to secure
all that can be serz d. Youm is not the first we have sien this year.

Plants for Shady Borders ( L . T.).— Gladioli will not do well in the shade
If not actually oveihung and the soil not made very diy by the roots, you
could not have anything better than Vioias. Begonias (tuberous) are also
good. Liliums would not succeed well. If you wish for herbaceous plants
employ the following: Aconitum jiponicum, Anemone apennina,
A. nemorosa alba plena, A. nemoro a cce ulea, Helleborus, Hepatica,
Daffodils, Snowdrops, Winter Aconite, Primroses, die., are useful in Bpring.
Doronicmn caueasicum, Hetnerocallis fluva, German Iri-q Hypericum
calycinum, Megasea cordifolia purpurea, Oxalis floribunda rosea, Papaver
nudicaule, Preonies, Pulemomum Richardsoni, Ranunculus aconitifolius
plenus, R. amplexicaulis, R. auemonoides, R. speciosus, R. acris fl. pi ,
Spiraea Aruncus, S. filipentula p'ena, S. j iponica, Symphytum officinale
varbgatum, Trillium grandiflorum, Trollius japonicus fl. pi., T. asiaticus,
T. uapellifolius, V;ola cucullata, and Vincas. Those would be suitable for
the east border.

Jumping Insects on Mushrooms ( J . B.). — These evidently belong to
the family of the Springtails, and this particular sped s seems to be the one
bearing the name of Achoreutrs purpuraseen* ; it is nearly related to tbe
species found often in swarms about Cucumber beds. That some of these
Springtails are rather injurious to seedliDga under glass is admitted, but it
is supposed that they indulge in a mixed diet, and also prey on the mites in
whose company they are frequently observed, as in the present instance.
We presume the larger, sptd- r-like insect you describe is the mite first
noticed, but in the lati r stage of its history — a stage which, according to the
students of this group, is not reached by the majority in this genus Rhizo-
glyphus — as yet, however, we have not definitely ascertained the facts of
their s:ngular life. Some think that the one species is parasitic upon the
other. There cannot be a doubt that bo’h mites and Springtails travel from
place to place, in manure not uncommonly. As to eradication, we tbiuk
you will find, by experiment, that water cm be applied sufficiently hot to
destroy the insects without injuring the Mushrooms; if not, pour toiling
water on 2 ozs. of hellebore powder, then add sufficient water for making
a gallon of the solutior, and with this sprinkle the beds and manure.

Strawberries (E. H. B.). — Tbe question of the durability of Strawberries
is, in our experience, very much a question of soil. We have grown them
in a garden in which it was decid-dly advantageous to plant a certain
number of rows annua’ly, and uproot a corresponding number after they
had produced two good crops. The soil was light, in a dry district, and
heavily mu'ebed with manure, or the plants would have been comparatively
weak and the crops poor. In another garden we could take three full crops
from the plants, the soil of medium t xture, and fertile. In a third gardin
of strong soil we gathered excellent crops for seven consecutive years, but
thinned the crowns somewhat when cleaning the plants after gathering.
We generally point up the soil and apply manure in the autumn, and as.
you appear to have done tbe fame it wnl not be necessary to dig some in
between the rows now ; but if nothing were done to the plants in the autumn
we should not hesitate to carefully fork good short manure between the
rows very eatly in spring, and at the same time cover the surface with less
decayed manure, that would wash quite clean before tbe crop approached
the ripening process. But please to understand that digging ruthlessly
with a spade in late spr ng with the plants in free growth is one thing,

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JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

301

pointing manure oa-efully in, just as signs of growth are visible, quite
smother matter. We have seen splendil crop3 follow this latter practice,
and plants seriously injured by the former.

Vines Breaking Irregularly (4 Constint Reader). — The vngiri-s of
Vinei is proverbial. They mostly start at the upper part fir- 1, but lifted
Vines usually break from the bot’om upward, so that there is nothing
uncommon about them ; and it is not only a characterise of Vines, but all
Uted tr es. It dep nds on the amount of the root reduction and the vigour
or otherwise of the Vines. If the roots were in bad condition, and conse¬
quently only a few wer • retained in proportion to the head, then they will
only be able to supply sap for the support of part of the Vine, and growths
■will proceed from the base upwards, according to the amount of sap ava 1-
ab'.e. That is one reason. There is anoth r— viz., the upper portions of
the Vines are not only youngest lint strongest. They have 1 irger pores or
rap-vess Is, and are not so soon fi led as the lower, heucc the buds on the
lower half of the Vines have the sap needful for their development. There
is a third reason — viz., the lower half of the Vines from being least vigorous
have more concentrated sap, aud this acted on by heat and moisture will
vause the buds to devdope more rapidly than on stronger and less ripened
wood. To insure an even break we advise that air be admitted by the side
ventilators only, which will keep a moist condition of the atmosphere at the
upper part of the bouse, and so induce the sap to extend to the extrem t es,
causing the buds to dcvelope equally with the lower part, especially if the
Vines are syringed three times a day. A light shade would also bs advan¬
tageous in bright weather to lessen evaporation. Watering the out-ide
border wou'd only tend to aggravate the evil, as it would be moist enough
and much colder than the air. The water u*ed for syringing should be
t»pid, and any given the roots should also be warm, but outside borders are
this year wet andcold enough. Even established Vines are breaking badly.

Vines Dying ( 0 . E.). — We regret to inform you that the Vine roots sent
for examination are seriously att eked with the phylloxera. They are not
only covered with small tuberosities that indicate the presence of the pest,
but clusters of eggs were clearly visible uoder the microscopy, also insects
in the f ru of a “small ovoid miss,” described by M. Fiancbon, who
observes : — “ When the insect is about to lay i‘s eggs (that is, in the adult
fema'e state), it forms a small ovoid mass, having its info rior surface flat¬
tened, its dorsal surface convex, being surrounded by a kind of fillet, which
is very narrow when it touches the thorae’e part of its body, which, formed
by five ra'her indistinct rings, is hardly separated from its abdominal part
of seven rings. Six rows of small blunt tubercles form a s ight protuberance

Fig. 64.— Phylloxera vaRtatrix.

Female specimens and their eggs. a. Antenna:; 6, horns or suckers; c. egg plainly
vitibie in the body of the insect ; /, witged form of the insect. All magnified.

on Ihe thoracic sezmen's, nnd are found very faintly marked on the abdo¬
minal segments. The head is always concealed by the anterior protuberance
of the buckler; the antennse are almost always inactive. The abdom-n, often
short and cou'racted,becom<s elongated towards laying time, and there can
be easilv seen one, two, or sometimes three eggs, in a mo-e or less mature
state. The egg sometimes retains its yellow coljur for one, two, or thrt e
days after it has been laid ; more often, however, it changes to a dull grey
hue. From five to eight days generally elapse before it is hatched. The
duration of this period depends a good deal on the temperature. The
quantity of e^gs. aud the rapidity with which they are produced, are. pro¬
bably determined by a variety of circumstances — the h alth of the insect,
the quantity of nourishment it is able to obtain, the weather, and pe-haps
other cause-1. A female which had produced six eggs at 8 o’clock a m. on
the 20th of August had fifteen on the 21st at 4 P.M. — that is, she laid nine
ia thirty-two hours. Other females lay one, two, or three eggs in twenty-
four hours. The maximum quantity is thirty in five days. Tee eggs are
generally piled up near the mother without any apparent order, but she
rometim-s changes her po ition so as to scatter them all around her. They
have a smooth surface, and adhere lightly to each other by m-’ans of a slimy
matter which attaches to them. Hatching takes p’ace through au irregular
and often lateral rent in the eg?, the empty and crumpled membrane being
fauud among eggs in different stages of hatching.” With Vines in such a
bad stats there is only one safe method of procedure, and that is to clear
them out. also the bo-der, and, after thoroughly clean -ing the house, to
plant new Vines in fresh soil. Possibly on reflection you may be able to
tir.d how and when the scourge was introduced.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
ra ist in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent bv post or not. The names are not necessarily’ required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
nmed at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
( .4 Con tant Reader, Per shore). — The Apple is Lady Henuiker.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of p'ants, not
vaiieti s that have originated fiom Beed and termed florists' flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should heir spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(.1 K. C.)- — Dendrobium Farmeri aureo-flavum c rlainly, not D. timbriatum.
{T>. J. o. H)— Fre sia refracti. IE. II B). — We consider your plant an
erdinary variety of Dendrobium Pitraicli.

Placing Section Racks upou a Hive (A. B.). — When admission is {liven
the bees to supers from every comb there is a risk of a drought being
caused through the brood nest, and should the weather be unfivourab'o
the progress of the bees is greatly retarded, and larvie may be eaten. The
qu en is liable to ascend if the brood ne3t is anything too small, and the
combs will be much darkened. The crown of the hive is b;st in all cases to
be closed by slides, as in the Stewarton, or with slips of wood to drop
between frames, and all hives should be constructed so as to admit of that
beiug done, a:;d the bees should be admitted to supers from the outside
space, or not more than two. This method is not only better in every
respect, and particularly for producing a more d-lieate sample of honeycomb,
but it eotirely obviates tb3 use of excluder zinc, honey-boards, or ticking, ail
of which annoys and retards the bees ia their labours more orles1, and in¬
creases 1 ibv.nr to them by the propolis required. Not having tbe knowledge
of the sort of frame you use we cinnot advise how you can accomplish what
we advise, but you will find inslruotions in back numbers describing the
cheap hive.

COVENT OARDEN MARKET.— April 13th.
FRUIT.

*.

d. 8.

d.

9.

d.

8

d.

Apple* .. ..

2

0

t) 6

0

Melon .. ..

0

0

to 0

0

„ Nova 8

cotia and

Oranges

6

0

it

0

Canada, per Parrel 10

0

n

0

Peaches . .

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears .

I

0

9

0

Cobs .

60

0

65

0

Pioe Apples English., tb.

1

6

2

0

Figs .

. dozen

0

0

0

0

Piuma .. ..

1

0

3

0

Grape* .

4

0

8

0

St. Michael Pines ..each

9

0

8

0

Lemons .

0

IS

0

Strawberries ..

. • per tt>.

8

0

12

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

9.

d

s

d.

Artichokes

.. dozen

l

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

1

0

to 1

0

Aspara&ua

.. bundle

8

0

13

0

Mushrooms

.. punnet

0

6

1

1

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

n

0

2

6

Mustard aud Cress punnet

0

2

0

6

Beit, Red ..

.. dozen

i

0

2

0

Ouions . . ..

0

*

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 1 sieve

8

0

9

8

Parsnip3.. ..

1

0

3

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

6

0

Capsicums . .

.. 100

I

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. owt.

4

9

0

0

Carrots .. ..

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb..

.. bundle

0

3

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

• • dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. .

#. bundle

i

0

1

6

Celery . . . .

I

<

8

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle

1

6

0

o

Coleworts doz. bunches

8

0

4

0

Scakale •• ••

per basket

i

6

0

O

Cucm»ber9 ..

.. each

0

4

0

6

Shallots .. ..

0

s

0

0

Endive «. ..

1

0

9

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

4

Herns . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes ..

.. .. tb.

i

0

2

Leeks .. ,.

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ,.

0

4

0

6

Aralia Sieboldi ..
Arbor vitae (golden)
,. (common)
Azalea .. .. per

Begonias .. ..

Cineraria . . per

Cyclamen . . . .

Dr&csena terminal!*
„ viridis ..
Erica, various . .
Enonymus, in var.
Evergreens, in var.
Ferns, in variety . .
Ficus elaaiica
Foliage Plants, var.

dozen 9
dozen 6
dozen 6
dozen 24
dozen 4
dozen 6
dozen 12
dozen 30
dozen 12
dozen 18
dozen 6
dozen 6
d ozen 4
each 1
each 2

PLANTS IN POTS,
d. s. d.

0 to 18 0
0 9 0

12 0
81

9 0
10 0

24

60

24

43

18

24

18

7

10 0

Fuchsia . dozen 9

Oenista . dozen 8

Hyacioths . . per dozen 6
Lilies Valley . . .. dozen 12

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6
Mignonette'.. .. dozen 6

Myrtles . dozen 6

Narcisa (various) . . dozen 12
Palms, in var. . . each 2
Pelargoniums .. dozen 12
„ scarlet dozen 6
Primula sisensis per doz. 4
SoIanrm3 par doz. 9

Spirma . dozen 9

Tulips .. .. per doz. pots 6

d, «. a.

0 to 12 0

0 12 0

9 0

24 0

12 n

•9 0

12 0
IS 6
21 0
24 0
9 0
6 0
12 0
12 0
9 0

CUT FLOWERS.

Abntilons ,. 12 bunches
Aram Lilies .. IS blooms
Azalea .. .. 12 sprays

Bouvardiis .. per bunch
Camellias . . blooms
Carnations , . 12 blooms

.. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

,. 12 blooms

Cornflower •• 12 bunches
Cyclamen . . 12 blooms

Daffodils, various, dz. bchs
Epiphyllum .. doz. blooms
Encharjs .. per dozen

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays
, .. .. 12 sprays

Lapageria, white. 12 blooms
Liliura loogiflorum, 12 blms.
Lilac (white). French, bunch
Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

s. d.
2 0

1 6
1 0

0 0
0 4

s. d.
to 4 0
6
1
1
4
8
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
6
s
0
0
0
6
7
1

Marguerites.. 12 bunches
Mignonette .. 12 bunches
Narciss. Paper- white bnnch
,, White. English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses
» scarlet, 12 trusses
Primroses ..dozen bunches
Parme Violets (French)
Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

Primula (single) per bunch
,, (double) per bnnch
Roses . . 12 bunches

„ (indoor), per dozen

Tea . dozen

„ red (French) dozen
Stocks, various IS bunches
Tropreolnm .. 12 bnnehes

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms

Tulips .. .. doz. blooms

Violets . . , . 12 buuohes

„ Czar, French, per bunch

s. d.

a

4

0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
t
2
1
0
1 8
2 0

s. d.
to 6 0
6
0
0
1
0
0
8
0
0
1
0
8
4
2
0
t

4
1
1

5

o

«

o

0

9

8

<

6

0

0

0

6

0

0

0

0

0

THE ROOT CROP.

The sowing of spring corn is over once more ; winter
corn has had its spring dressing of manure and the roller

302

.JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 1-1, 1887.

has been passed over it ; foul land has been cleaned with
facility ; and we are now in the full swing of preparation
for the root crop. There should be no uncertainty about
any detail of this important part of spring farm work, for
at Michaelmas the whole of the cropping for the ensuing
twelve months was well considered, and the area of the
land to be devoted to each crop was definitely arranged.
It was then decided if any alteration or addition was
advisable, but our decision then may be modified in some
degree now, for the long hard winter and late spring have
taxed our resources severely, and it may be that many a
farmer may have good reason to try and enlarge his store
of roots for another winter.

Mangolds were an abundant crop last year ; the roots
were large and of good quality, but we know several
farms where the store of Mangold is almost exhausted,
and the frequent inquiries at market for Mangolds which
we have heard recently prove this to be the case very
generally. Yet so abundant was the crop in the Fen
districts that large quantities have been sold at the extra¬
ordinary low rate of 5s. a ton, or 10s. a ton less than
the average price in ordinary seasons. Sown in the second
or third week of the present month Mangolds may be
regarded as a safe crop, provided due care is taken in the
preparation of the soil, 3 lie best way of doing this is
to ridge plough the land in autumn. This is done by first
of all throwing it into ridges, which are immediately split
by passing a double-breasted plough along through the
middle of each ridge, throwing the soil right and left so as
to form other ridges, and to stir up the whole of the
surface, which is thus left fully exposed to the action of
the weather throughout winter. By doing this we achieve
two objects, which are the free admission of air, rain, and
frost into the soil, and the making of furrows between the
ridges to contain farmyard manure for the roots in
spring. Nor would we have manure put in them before
spxfing, no matter how great may be the temptation to
cart out the manure in winter. We repeat here that to
cart manure, to spread it in the furrows, and leave it
exposed often for several weeks, is bad practice. There
must be a serious loss of the very essence of the manure
so exposed to the air, and the mass of humus which
remains to be covered by the soil contains comparatively
little nutriment. The quantity of farmyard manure to be
used per acre is 14 tons; with this use a mixture of £ cwt.
muriate of potash, 1 1 cwt. nitrate of soda, 2 cwt. steamed
bone flour, 1 cwt. common salt, and 1 cwt. mineral super¬
phosphate per acre. Procure the chemical manures
separately and mix them at the farm three or four days
before use, then apply the mixture by scattering it along
the furrows upon the soil and farmyard manure, and
immediately cover by drawing a double-breasted plough
through the ridges. Sow the seed at once while the soil
is moist at the rate of 7 lbs. to an acre.

Sowing on ridges gives such an additional depth of
soil that any sort of Mangold may be sown. We have
had excellent crops of Long Red upon poor thin soil
under ridge culture, and we have now upwards of 100 tons
of this sort which were grown in poor gravelly soil last
season. But soil that is naturally poor undergoes a
radical change when treated with chemical and farmyard
manure in this way. Yellow Globe is the most popular
variety among farmers in East Anglia, and under high
culture it answers so admirably that they have ample
reason to like it. Preference for particular sorts is, how¬
ever, a matter of fancy rather than of practical utility,
and so long as due attention is given to all other im¬
portant points of culture, our chief care is to obtain really

good well-harvested seed, either home-saved or from a
reliable source.

Speedy germination of the seed and quick growth is
most important. If drought sets in after the sowing the
soil may become so dry that much harm may follow, for
if germination is induced, and there is a want of moisture
in the soil to sustain the seedlings, they may perish out¬
right. In a dry season this risk is avoided by the use of
water barrels or carts with a clever arrangement behind
the barrel, whereby a spray of water falls upon the top of
each ridge as the water-cart is drawn along by a horse.
If, however, the soil continues sufficiently moist to enable
the plants to become well established in it and to grow
freely, it is altogether best to avoid using a water cart.
The roots soon reach the farmyard manure among which
they spread, and the moisture which it contains goes far
to ensure a strong quick growth. It is for this reason
that we continue using a certain quantity of farmyard
manure in preference to a larger quantity of chemical
manure.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Easter lambs have sold 'veil at prices ranging from 40s. to 55s. apiece.
Such (trices are exceptional, and though the transaction is not on an
extensive scale as regards the number of lambs sold, yet it is somewhat
pleasant to effect even one good sale amid the prevalence of low prices
generally for farm produce. The loss of two of the strongest lambs
puzzled us at the moment, and we were some little time in ascertaining
the cause. The ewes have had a liberal supply of Oats with chaffed hay
and Barley straw while folded upon Swedes. The lambs have run
forward, and have not only cleared off the tops, but have also eaten the
greater part of many of the roots ; they have also had Mackinder’s
lamb food in troughs outside the folds. Now a small proportion of the
Swedes have become rotten, the strongest lambs have eaten heartily of
the roots, and have, of course, had most of the lamb food. In point
of fact they have gorged themselves with food to repletion, the
rotten roots have induced scouring, while the rich full diet has forced
them on so fast as to affect them in a very similar manner to that of
calves and young stock under high feeding. The shepherd declared that
inflammation was the cause of the loss, but such a conclusion was alto¬
gether too vague to satisfy us, and we believe we should not be far
wrong in terming the ailment apoplexy. The outcome of our cogitations
was an order to discontinue using the lamb food for a few days, to
move the flock on to the Rye, and to give a moderate quantity of crushed
Oats mixed with bran, care being taken to see that the strongest lambs
did not get an undue share of it. The late spring affects the price of
hoggets as well as of bullocks. Excellent hoggets were sold at our last
market for 35s. apiece, and very few bullocks reached so high as £20
apiece. There is no “ keep ” upon pastures, cattle must still be kept in
yards and hoggets in folds : this fact, combined with a pressure for
money to pay the Lady-day rents, has forced much stock upon the
markets, and has, consequently, tended to keep down prices. “ After all
there is nothing like pigs,” said we, after watching the sale of some of
our porkers for 50s. apiece at the last market. If only they can be kept
free from disease, and be really well managed, nothing answers better,
few things so well. We must, however, again and yet again insist upon
the importance of cleanliness for pigs if we would avoid disease.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden sqoahe, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Ling. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitu 1e, 111 feet.

DA.TB.

y a.m.

IN THE DAY.

Rain

1887.

April.

& 3* C3_
pco « o>

£ <tj

x - x •—

a2§

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

1 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max

Min.

iu

sun.

On

gras-

Inches.

deg.

de«.

deg.

deg.

deg

dea:.

deg

In.

Sanday ....

3 U24

4 '.7

4 '.0

X.W.

41.8

55.9

35 3

92.3

28.8

—

Monday ....

20 842

43 6

40.6

s.

42 2

563

35.7

04 7

31.3

— .

Tnesilay ....

2 9.58 L

4)3

3<7

X.

42.9

43.8

40 3

57.7

30.6

0.1 1C

Weinesday

.. 6

21* 770

41.3

37.6

N.ifi.

42.2

45.6

j7.0 .

80.4

36.2

—

Thursday ..

. 7

20 027

43.7

38 7

N.E.

41.6

53.3

35. C

90.2

31.7

— ■

Friday .

30.112

43.9

3-U

E.

41.1

54 0

33.2

98.6

27.2

—

Saturday ..

. 9

30.182

4L.4

39.6

N.

41.7

53.1

36 7

101.5

30.2

—

20 9-7

42.1

39.0

41.9

51.7

36.3

87.9

32.1

0.116

REMARKS

3rd.— Wa-m, bright. and pleasant.

■till.— Fine and generally bright.

Jib.— Dull (lamp morning, wet afternoon,
e r h . — Overcast throughout, with strong wind.

7th.— Bright and fin”, with cold ht.E. wind.

8th. — Btiliiant all Jay.

9th.— Dull and damp early, but cleared gradually, and the afle'noon ar.d ev.ntng weie
line and bright.

A variable week, but with little rain. Temperature about 2 J below the average, and
the same amount below that of the preceding week.— G. J. SYMONS.

April SI , 1987. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

303

21

TH

Linnean Society at 8 r.sr.

22

F

SB

s

21

SUN

2nd Sunday after Easter.

3 >

M

2d

Tu

Uoval Horticultural Society. Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 A.M

27

W

[National Auricula Society’s Show

AZALEAS.

13 E cultivation of Azaleas to. meet the exten¬
sive annual demand for them in this and
other countries has become an important
horticultural industry in Belgium, and per¬
haps can only be ranked second to the bulb
farming of Holland in numbers and value.
We are familiar here with the usefulness of
these plants for decorative purposes, and
visitors to the large metropolitan or provincial nurseries
have also some idea respecting the numbers required to
supply British gardens. A journey to the nurseries at
Ghent, however, any time during the summer or early
autumn, when Azaleas in various stages of growth can be
seen by acres, will convey a very different impression,
and after visiting a few of the establishments where these
plants are made a specialty the feeling becomes one of
astonishment as to what can be done with such multitudes
of plants. There are hundreds of thousands, and probably
collectively they might be numbered by millions, not all
of saleable size, but from those grafted in the current
year through all the grades of three, four, or five year old
plants up to gigantic specimens that when seen in the
spring are massive standards or cones of brilliant flowers.
From such a visit may be gained an adequate idea of the
popularity of Azaleas and their importance from a com¬
mercial point of view ; with their beauty and usefulness
all gardeners are acquainted.

The advance of Azaleas in the favour of cultivators
cannot be described as having been rapid, but it has been
continuous and less subject to the changes of popularity
extended to plants which have at times evoked a greater
enthusiasm. More than a century ago Kiempfer and
Thunberg made known to botanists the existence in Japan
and China of the beautiful Azalea indica, which had been
cultivated there in gardens for many years and was
represented by numerous varieties, twenty-one being
enumerated by Ksempfer. These were described in
glowing terms, but a considerable period elapsed before
plants were introduced, and it is probable that the first
were obtained on the Continent, the earliest recorded in
this country having been received during the first decade
of the nineteenth century. Mr. W. Anderson, curator of
the Chelsea Botanic Garden, obtained a plant in August,
1810, from China, the only one of several that were sent
in the same ship, all the others having died on the voyage,
the passage being greatly prolonged owing to the stormy
weather experienced when rounding the Cape of Good
Hope, an example of the difficulty attending the intro¬
duction of plants when only sailing vessels were at com¬
mand Mr. Anderson appears to have been successful
in tire culture and propagation of this plant, as several
No. 3oG. — Yol. XIV., Tiivkd Series.

years later he described his practice in the Transactions
of the London Horticultural Society. Then and for a
long time afterwards, however, Azalea indica was only
increased by layers, a method also employed for some
years in raising stocks when grafting was adopted. Ac¬
cording to the second edition of Aiton’s “ Hortus Kew-
ensis,” the first plants were introduced by the Directors
of the East India Company two years before this, but I
have found no other mention of the circumstance.

Plants increased in numbers but slowly, and writing in
1812 Dr. John Sims in describing the first one figured in
the “ Botanical Magazine,” plate 1480, said: — “This is
a very rare plant which has been anxiously sought for by
cultivators of curious and scarce exotics. We believe
there are not above three or four individuals of it in the
country, and of these only the one in the collection
of James Vere, Esq., from which our drawing was taken,
has as yet flowered.” The gardener to the gentleman
named, who resided at Kensington Gore, Mr. D. Blake,
grew the plant very successfully, and was one of the first
who forced the Azalea, for on February 16th, 1819, a
specimen was exhibited at one of the London Horticul¬
tural Society’s meetings “ upwards of G feet high and in
full bloom.” The variety figured had one medium sized
single deep red flower, giving a very poor idea of the attrac¬
tions that were to be afterwards developed.

In 1819 two other varieties were introduced from
China by Barr & Brookes, nurserymen at Balls Pond,
through his collector Mr. Poole, one known as purpurea
plena, the other as indica alba, both considered valuable
additions at that time, and which may be still found in
some collections. The variety purpurea plena is very
distinct, and in colour is still unique, though the shape
of the flower would not satisfy a modern florist. It has
something of the hose-in-liose or rosette character, the
outer petals being narrow, oblong, and spreading, the
inner much smaller and less distinct. The colour is a
peculiar but rather pleasing purplish mauve. The old
single white, indica alba, had good sized pure white
flowers, was profuse flowering, and even now is not de¬
spised in some old gai'dens. In the following ten years
several other forms were introduced, some being described
as species, but nil closely allied to A. indica, such as
aurantiaca in 1822, phoenicea and variegata in 1824;
lateritia was introduced about the same time by a Mr.
McKelligan, and in 1830 Danielsiana, with others, was
brought over by Capt. Daniels to Mr. Tate of Sloane
Street, Chelsea.

The attention of some cultivators both in England and
on the Continent was soon directed to the improvement
of the Azalea by crossing or hybridising, and as those
obtained differed considerably in colours, it was speedily
found that crosses could be readily secured. One of the
earliest was Azalea pulchra, or Rhododendron pulchrum
as it was named by some authors, which was raised about
1830 by Mr. Smith, gardener to Lord Liverpool at Coombe
Wood, Kingston-on-Thames, between A. ledifolia and
A. indica. This was something like a single form of
purpurea plena, with mauve-coloured flowers and narrow
petals, and could scarcely be considered as an improve¬
ment upon those already in cultivation. Azalea Rawsoni,
however, obtained shortly afterwards by Mr. Menzios,
gardener to Christopher Rawson, Esq., Hope House,
Halifax, was an excellent addition to the list. It was said
to have been obtained from a cross between A. phoenicea
and Rhododendron dauricum atrovirens, but no exact
account appears to have been kept, and there is some
NO. 2012. — Yoe. LXXVL, Old Series.

304

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apsil Jl 1837.

doubt if the latter really was one of the parents. The
flowers were much larger than those hitherto obtained,
exceeding 3 inches in diameter and of a scarlet crimson
colour, scarcely surpassed even now in richness of colour¬
ing. These formed the commencement of long series of
varieties raised in this country, as in the following twenty
years some thirty or forty were added to the lists, mostly
forms of great beauty, and some of which have retained a
high position until the present, notwithstanding the hosts
of novelties that have been produced on the Continent.
Messrs. Ivery & Son of Dorking, Knight of Chelsea,
Pince of Exeter, Kinghorn, Frost, Pawley, Smith, and
Lee figure amongst those who took a prominent part in
improving the Azalea in the fifth decade of the century,
while shortly afterwards Mr. Todman secured several
crosses which, like Flag of Truce, enjoyed a long term of
popularity. The best of those grown at the time named
were Admiration, from Iveryana and lateritia formosa;
Criterion, from Iveryana and Exquisita, both raised by
Ivery & Son and beautifully figured in “The Florist,”
1852 ; Duke of Devonshire, Apollo, Fielder’s White, which
has been most extensively grown both here and on the
Continent, especially in France, where it was a great
lavourite with the Parisian floral decorators for many
years ; Iveryana, Murrayana, Gledstanesi, Modesta, Rosea
punctata, Rubra plena, ltawsoni, Triumphans, and
Yivicans.

One of the pioneers in raising seedling Azaleas was
Mr. Falconer, gardener at Cheam House in Surrey, and
an experienced cu’tivator who knew him well informs
me that many of the seedlings were afterwards distri¬
buted by Ivery of Dorking and Mr. Kinghorn, the latter
obtaining the variety already mentioned as Murrayana,
which was one of the best of its time. Mr. Falconer
was also one of the first Azalea exhibitors with Mr.
Carson and Mr. Green, who were also in charge of gardens
at Cheam, and were well known to exhibitors of a
quarter of a century ago.

Then followed the exhibiting period, during which
visitors to the chief horticultural shows became familiar
with the grandly flowered specimens that still render our
early summer exhibitions so attractive. At the larger
shows they are indispensable either in collections of stove
and greenhouse plants, or in classes specially devoted to
them, as is the Regent’s Park, where they produce a most
imposing effect. Some of the largest specimens have
disappeared from the British shows, but there are still
sufficient from private growers to render the exhibitions
very brilliant, and providing classes for plants in smaller
pots has induced a partial return to the style once cus¬
tomary, when Azaleas were restricted to 8-inch pots.
Beautiful plants are staged in these classes, and from a
decorative point of view they are much more useful in
ordinary gardens than the larger specimens. There are
now so many varieties, and they are so diverse in colours,
that the selection of a few is a difficult matter. The
following dozen have, however, been chosen with special
regard to their free flowering qualities as exemplified in
a large collection of the best forms obtainable : — Jean
Vervaene, Bernhard Andrea Alba, Madame Lefebvre,
Bernhard Andrea, Model, Due de Nassau, Prince Albert,
Alba Illustrata, Stella, Sigismund Rucker, Comtesse de
Flandres, and Madame Yander Cruyssen. To these
might be added Deutsche Perle as a beautiful double
white; Narcissiflora, a neat double white, good for early
forcing ; and Souvenir du Prince Albert as a late variety.

The group of hybrids raised between A. amoena and
A . indica constitutes a valuable addition to the cultivated

Azaleas, and interesting experiments have also been
tried with regard to obtaining a hardy race of Azalea
indica varieties, but some consideration may be devoted
to these matters in another issue. — L. Castle.

CULTURE OF LETTUCES.

The production of a plentiful supply of large solid heads of
crisp Lettuce during as many months of the year as they can be
had is what all kitchen gardeners should endeavour to accomplish.
Sowings and plmtings of approved varieties must be made at
intervals from the middle of January to the middle of August,
the first sowing being made in heat, either in boxes placed near the
glass in a forcing house, or in a brick pit filled to within 6 inches of
the glass with well-trodden leaves, and having over them 4 inches
thick of light rich mould. As soon as the young plants appear,
sufficient air should be admitted to prevent their making a weakly
growth, and when large enough to handle prick them out in a
similar position, or in a warm corner where they can have the pro¬
tection of a few old sashes. They should be placed in rows 4 inches
apart, and the same distance asunder in the rows, being watered and
shaded from sunshine for a few days until the roots have taken to
the soil. Towards the middle of April the plants may be thinned
before they get crowded, making plantations in a warm border in
rows 12 inches asunder, and the same distance between the plants
in the rows. Take them up and transplant carefully with balls of
earth adhering to the roots of the plants. In transplanting Lettuces
in spring, which I am now doing, I always strew a little fresh soot
over the ground, which is raked into it before setting the plants
therein. This application of soot not only purifies the ground, but
also enriches it, as well as saving the roots of the plants from the
attacks of grubs. The Lettuce plants left undisturbed under
the glass lights will supply a succession of salading to that now
obtained from autumn-raised plants under glass in cold pits and
frames.

About the middle of February a pinch of seed should be sown
in a warm situation out of doors, and a piece of garden netting
placed over the beds to prevent the birds interfering with the seed.
The young plants, like those raised under gla33, should be pricked
out in nursery beds, or even in their final position as soon as they
are large enough to handle, and then be watered to settle the soil
about their roots. However, where the ground is to be had, there
can be no question about the finest, the largest, and most solid
heads being secured from untransplanted plants — that is, from
plants the seed of which avas sown thinly in drills 12 inches apart,
and afterwards thinned to a foot in the rows. Thus grown, the
plants experience no check.

The sowing made in February should be supplemented by small
sowings the first and last week in April, and after that date at
intervals of a fortnight or three weeks up to the middle or third
week in August. In every case the Lettuces should be transplanted
before they become crowded, the soil being made firm about the
roots in planting, and in the absence of rain then, and during the
time the plants are growing, water must be frequently given at the
roots, so as to insure rapid growth and crispness of leaf in the
plants. With the same object in view, as well as the destruction of
weeds, run the Dutch hoe frequently between the plants. If the
above simple cultural details are not attended to satisfactory results
need not be looked for.

During the summer and early autumn months the best results
will be secured from plants set in a moist, cool, but not shady
situation. However, we have obtained annually large solid heads
of excellent Lettuce from Celery ridges, the plants, two rows on
each ridge, having been kept well supplied with water at the roots
while growing. With most varieties, in order to secure perfectly
blanched heads, it will be necessary to tie the leaves together with
a band of matting when they have nearly attained their largest
dimensions. Those for yielding salading through the late autumn
and winter months should nearly, if not quite, have attained to full
size, and be taken up with balls of earth adhering to their roots on
the approach of frost, be planted a couple of inches apart in a cold
pit from which frost and rain can be excluded, and should have
abundance of air admitted to them in the absence of frost and rain.
Good plantations of plants raised from seed in August can be made
in cold pits, frames, and on warm dry borders where the plants can
be protected from the effects of frost by a covering of dry fern
being put on at night and removed during the day, for cutting as
well as transplanting in early spring.

With regard to varieties, I find the following to be all that could
be desired: — Grand Admiral, the least liable to “run” of any
Lettuce that I am acquainted with ; and All the Year Rru d,
heads compact, beautifully white, solid, and crisp (Cabbage) ; a ;d
Paris White and Paris Green Cos, for spring and summer use.

April SI, 1887. ]

305

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

For late sowing and planting, and for standing through the winter
for early spring planting. Cooling’s Improved Bath Cos, Hicks’
Hardy White Cos, and of Cabbage Lettuces Lee’s Immense Hardy
Green, with Stanstead Park, have given entire satisfaction. — H. W.
Ward.

BEDDING PLANTS.

Bnnnixo plants are often a great trouble in the spring. We
are afraid to turn tender plants out of hothouses, or the more
hardy out of doors, our glass structures becoming hopelessly
™ed. It has been the practice here for several years to place
all the more hardy material, such as Violas, Calceolarias, Eche-
*c-> where they are to flower about the beginning of April.
We thus not only obtain room in protected structures for other
yui!*^8’ ^ose Pu^ out do very much better than if left later.
When flowering plants are placed out a little Mushroom dung is
mixed with the soil about the roots, and this proves of great
advantage later on. Calceolarias are protected with Fir branches,
which are later on left to support the plants. The disease pre¬
viously had rendered the growth of these a matter of great risk,
but since adopting the early planting not one out of a hundred has
been lost. We also save much in labour by transplanting young
rooted plants directly from the propagating pit to cold frames,
where they are dibbled into beds of soil. No doubt this may
appear a certain mode of rendering such plants, at the very least,
unsightly or worthless, but provided proper precautions are taken,
k° results follow. The worst thing that can happen to
bedding plants is to half stew them in crowded houses, and then
turn them out in commonly accepted warm weather to the mercy
of sun and wind. It is under such circumstances that we find
hapless objects long-stemmed and crowned with half-frizzled
foliage, which hesitate a week or two after getting into their
flowering quarters whether it is worth their while to attempt to
grow just a little. But short healthy rooted cuttings transplanted
as recommended after a few days seasoning begin to grow, and have
no cause to stop growth until checked by the cold of the not far
absent winter. The soil should be rather dry than moist as a first
precaution. It must be made firm about the roots. The frames
must be closed tight as the planting proceeds, and matted night and
day until it is found that they are making themselves at home, then
allow them light, air, and plenty of water.

Another mistaken practice is having cuttings quickly rooted
early in the season. The present is a capital time to strike cuttings
of many quick-growing plants. They root rapidly, and the growth
they make is strong, firm, and more branching than if they had
boen coddled.

About two months ago I saw it advised to propagate Dahlias.
We grow these by the hundred, and find no inconvenience arise
from delaying propagation to the present month. The growths
come away short and thick in a comparatively low temperature,
roots are quickly made, and by the beginning of June we can have
piants with roots filling 6-inch pots with shoots, short-jointed,
close in the foliage, and dwarf in habit, which start away rapidly
when planted out, and the reason for that is on account of the
plants never receiving a check. Size is not everything by any
means. . We have repeatedly proved that small plants properly
dealt with will altogether surpass large plants which have suffered
a check. This is especially the case with seedlings. If Asters,
Zinnias, &c., are sown now under the protection of a cold frame,
and the plants dibbled into their places at the proper time, the
grower not only saves labour but he secures better plants. But
it should be mentioned that in all these cases of beds of soil in
frames the depth should not be great ; 2 j to 3 inches on a hard
bottom is quite sufficient, the bottom being covered with dung
which is not fresh ; and care should be taken in the matter of
seed«, especially that the whole of the dung is kept at the bottom.
In all cases, in fact, the less dung in contact with the plants the
better. As they make roots they find their way in good time down¬
wards, and when wanted, the whole soil, plants and all, may be
taken out in one mass. — B.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

In reading the interesting and useful analysis of Chrysanthemums
in last week’s Journal, which will be eagerly scanned by the ever-
increasing number of growers of the Autumn Queen, 1 was rather sur¬
prised to find that at the last National Show Jeanne d’ Arc was exhibited
more times than any of the incurved varieties — in fact, any one sort.
Although so popular, this variety is to me disappointing. I have grown
it in the hope of obtaining some such beautiful flower as that grown by
Mr. Molyneux and figured in the Journal some time ago ; but with all
my kind attention I am not pleased with it, nor have I seen a bloom of
it that quite took my fancy ; indeed, it often mars an otherwise good

stand, notably among that dozen of wonderfully fine incurved flowers
shown at the Aquarium last autumn by Mr. Doughty of Cranbrook,
which won the first prize. Jeanne d'Arc, like the other eleven, was deep
and solid, but the petals appeared to me thin, dirty, and confused.
“ Cassio, I love thee ; but never more be officer of mine.” I shall grow
but one plant, just for acquaintance sake. I learn, too, from “ E. M.”
that Val d’Andorre was raised by Marrouch. Belle Paule, Madame C.
Audiguier, Marguerite Marrouch, and Val d’Andorre — what a splendid
quartette from the seed-bed of one man I

lias there ever been an election of the best varieties of exhibition
( hrysanthemums in your pages I I have not been a constant reader of
the Journal many years, so the flower may have been favoured, as
Auriculas, Carnations, and Roses have, before my time. — H. Shoesmith,
Saltwood, llythe.

ASPARAGUS AND RABBITS.

In reference to Mr. A. Harding’s communication (see page 264), I
have no experience of rabbits eating Asparagus. However, I will take
this opportunity to refer to a method practised by Mr. John Garrett,
Whittinghamc Gardens, Prestonkirk, for preserving choice trees from
the attacks of rabbits, as I have not seen it mentioned in the Journal, and
the information may be usef ul to its readers. It is as follows Pieces
of bark from the timber yard, such as Fir, Spruce, and Larch, are secured
round the stems of the individual trees desired to be t rotected from the
attacks of rabbits by pieces of tar string, Willow, or Hazel. This remedy
for preventing rabbits barking trees is as effectual as it is simple
and inexpensive. Whittinghamc is well known to many readers of the
Journal of Horticu ture as being a first-rate gardening establishment,
having numerous glass houses of modern erection, extensive and beauti¬
fully undulated grounds, as well as for the beauty and excellent condi¬
tion of the choice collection of Conifers and other trees they contain, and
concerning which I may have a word to say later on. It was while
looking through this beautiful place, which, 1 may remark, is the East
Lothian residence of the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., Chief Secretary
for Ireland, in September, 1885, that Mr. Garrett drew my attention to
the use of bark as a means of preventing rabbits injuring choice trees by
gnawing the stem*.— H. W. Ward.

BOSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 265.)

BUDDING.

Thin operation, which is the usual method, and the best, of
propagating the Rose in the open air, is, like nearly everything else,
very easy when one knows how to do it. There is not the least
doubt, either, that the best way to learn how to do it is to watch
somebody else at work who does. But many persons have not the
opportunity of doing this, and so, for their benefit, I propose to
give plain instructions, which will,. I think, enable any average
person to succeed. Before we can bud, however, we shall want
stocks, and these will require to have been planted at an earlier
period, so as to be in full growth at the time we wish to bud them.
The reader had better refer to the remarks under the heading of
“ Stocks.” All we need say about them here is that they may be
planted any time between October and March, but like Roses
themselves, the earlier they are in the ground the better.

In budding, we transfer a bud, or future branch, from one tree
to another, the buds inserted being generally from some named
variety, and the stocks or plants into which the buds are inserted
being in most cases the wild Briar or other strong growing kind.
The principal difficulty that beginners have to contend with is to
avoid spoiling the bud in the process of removing the wood from
it. In my opinion, providing the branch from which the bud is cut
is in a proper stage of growth, or ripeness — in other words, if the
buds are used at the proper time — there will be little difficulty in
the matter. Budding may be performed any time while the sap is
running, which is generally the case in this locality from beginning
of July onwards to the end of September. But the sooner the
buds are inserted, and the matting, or other material used in the
tying, removed, the better, as this gives the buds more chance of
becoming ripe, by being exposed to the air and sunlight, and enables
them to withstand the frost of the following winter better. The
riper the buds are, the greater will be the number of plants the
following year.

Now we will suppose that we have a nice lot of standard and
half-standard stocks, on each of which two or three shoots or
branches for budding have been allowed to grow. Suppose also
that we are armed with a sharp-bladed budding knife. These can
be obtained from most nurserymen and ironmongers. The shape
of the handle is not important, but the edge of the blade should be
rounded at the point. Now when we have procured a nice half-
ripe shoot of the variety we wish to multiply we are all ready to
begin. “ If you please,” says somebody at this point, “ what is a
half-ripe shoot ? ” Now this is just the point where all beginners
fail. If I can give instructions so that all can easily distinguish

306

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 21,1837,

and procure this necessary half-ripe shoot, then the remainder of
the business will be easy. All my failures in former times, and I
had some, arose over this half ripe shoot. Well, here goes for a
bold attempt at the solution of the mystery. If we break the
prickles off a ripe shoot, we shall find that they are hard and dry,
and when broken off, which may best be done by pressing them
sideways, they leave a brown mark or scar on the bark of the

Fig. 55.

shoot. When in that state the buds on that shoot are too old for
our purpose. If, going to the other extreme, we break a prickle off
a young branch, we find that very often the prickle will not break
off clean, but brings away some of the bark with it ; there is no
scar, but the bark is broken and the sap exudes, or, as Rose-growers
say, the bark bleeds — in other cases, at a little further advanced
stage, the prickle comes away pretty easily, but the bark bleeds as
before, though not so much. The buds on both these examples are
too young for budding. Later, the prickle may be broken off, and
the bark will be found nearly dry, but quite green and fresh-looking,
this is the branch for our purpose, and these are the buds we want.
I should say that sometimes one portion of a branch may be too
young for budding, while the other part is quite suitable ; in this
case the only way is to use the suitable piece and throw away the
other. Now if you will refer to fig. 55, you will see just such a
branch as you require. You will observe that at a the leaf still
remains attached to one of the buds. It is absolutely necessary
that all tho leaves should be removed from any branch we wish to
bud from the moment the branch is cut from the tree. The reason
for this is not far to seek. We wish to retain as much sap and
moisture as possible in the buds and the bark surrounding them ; if
dry, the bark will not leave the wood ; the leaves if left on will
keep on exhaling the moisture as long as there is any left. I have
kept branches for budding with the leaves removed for a week in
damp moss, and at the end of that time the buds worked beauti¬
fully. But to give an idea of the amount of ignorance there is in
this world, I have known nurserymen send out branches of buds
for budding with the leaves on, which, when they arrived at their
destination, were, as a matter of course, found to be dried and
withered. I do not wish anybody to take my word for all I have
said here, but let him try for himself. Cut two branches, trim the
leaves from one of them immediately, but allow the leaves on the
other to remain, place them both in the sun for a few hours, and
then see which is in the best condition for budding. The leaves
should be removed at x as shown in the figure. In addition to the
removal of the leaves, if many shoots are cut at one time, they
should be placed in water, or damp moss, or something similar,
until they are required.

Now take the knife in your right hand— except you are left-
handed, like me, in which case you’ will hold it in your left — and
holding the shoot in the left hand, cut a bud exactly as shown in
fig. 55 at b. Do not cut the bud clean off, but when you have
nearly cut through — that is, as far as the figure shows, turn the

knife blade back towards you, and the bud with it, and then tear it
away, drawing it still towards you ; it will come off with a long tail
of bark with it. Fig. 56 at c shows a bud cut so, and you can see
the bark at the lower end drawn away a little from the wood.
Now drop the shoot and take the bud in the left hand, holding it
between the finger and thumb as shown, the bud pointing towards
the palm of the hand, and the long tail towards your right. Now
insert the point or edge of the blade of the knife between the wood
and the back of the bud, just at the extreme end or tail (at h ),
press your thumb on the blade, holding the tip of the wood firmly
between the two, and then, moving the hand with a drawing and
gradually turning motion from right to left, drag away the wood
from the bud. Be sure always to begin drawing out the wood from
any bud at the back, or behind the bud, as by so doing you are less
likely to spoil it. If the bud is in a proper state, and the sap
flowing freely, the wood will come out without any difficulty, and
in this case the bud is almost certain to be whole and good. If
the weather be dry, it sometimes happens — and this often occurs
on dry soils — that although the buds seem to be of proper age
and appearance, when we come to use them the wood will not
come away from the bark without a lot of coaxing, in consequence
of the absence of sap. If the soil be dry, therefore, it will be as
well to give the roots of the plant from which we propose to cut
our buds a good soaking with water about four hours before we
cut the buds. In nine cases out of ten, in ordinary weather, and
on ordinary soils, buds cut as advised above will be perfect, but it
will be as well to explain how it sometimes happens that they are
not so. We cannot always get just the buds we want in exactly
the proper stage for budding, and in the case of choice varieties we
must do the best we can, even if the buds are past their best. Now
if the reader will procure a shoot of some common variety — about
which he is not very particular— in the proper state for budding,
and will cut aud prepare a bud as advised, he will see, on inspecting
the interior or cut side of the bud, after removing the wood, a tiny
piece of pith like a grain of sand, right in the centre of the bud.
This little germ may be seen at i. If in drawing out the wood the
operator draws this out with it, adhering to it, then the bud will
be blind, and can never grow. Up to a certain age the latent bud
seems to adhere to the bark, afterwards it sticks more closely to
the wood, and at this latter period of its existence it is next to
impossible to get the wood out without bringing the bud with it.
In the same figure g shows a bud badly cut.

Having got the wood out of our bud, we now proceed to cut

the end or tail off, when it will present an appearance like f in
fig. 56. Place it lightly between the lips, taking care not to touch
the wet or sappy part, then make two cuts in the form of a T (see
h in fig. 57) ; turn the handle of the knife to the long cut, and run

Apr!] 21.1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

307

the point up and down, and so open out the bark on either side of
the cut. Xow holding the bud between the finger and thumb by
the leafstalk, gently insert the end of it under the bark as shown
at l, and then with the handle of the knife, or with the fingers, the
bud may be pushed home with a light pressure, as at m. Very
little practice will enable the beginner to do this quickly and with
ease. Lastly, if the bark of the bud, or shield as it is called, pro¬
trudes beyond the cross cut when in position, it should be cut
across level with the cross cut, so that the bark of the shield and
the bark of the stock just meet. In making the cross cut in the
first instance, great care must be exercised so as not to cut deeper
than just through the bark, otherwise, the wood being very brittle,
the branch is almost certain to get broken short otf at this point,
and in that case the result is generally the death of the inserted
b id. Now hike a piece of raffia or tying grass about a foot in
length. Let it bo damped, because in this shite it can be made to
fit round the bud much better than when it is used dry. Bind the
bud in tightly — you cannot bind it in too tightly, so long as the
raffia holds together, but you can very easily bind it in too loosely
■ — do not fear wrapping it up too much ; the tip of the bud and the
leafstalk are generally allowed to protrude (see fig. 57 at m ), but it
is much better to tie in both than to allow a lot of the cut portion
of the bark to be uncovered ; if this be so, the bud will in all pro¬
bability fail. Let the knot with which you finish off be on the
under side of the shoot, otherwise it will be the means of collecting
rain, which, making its way into the cut parts of the bark, may
cause our work, in every other respect correct, to end in failure.
Fig. 57 at n shows the bud tied in.

The cutting of the bud, the removal of the wood therefrom,
the making of the incisions in the stock, the inserting and tying in
of the bud, should all bo accomplished as quickly as possible. To
avoid breaking and tearing the bark, to be careful not to touch the
sappy parts of either stock or scion, and to keep all dirt and sand
out of the incisions, are all points that should claim our attention
if we aim at success. In about three weeks the buds may be gone
over, and the tying material removed. If the buds appear healthy
and plump no further attention is necessary, but if any of them
are dead and shrivelled up, then it will be necessary to rebud them.
To enable the operator to do this in the shoots budded before, it is
as well at the first budding to make the cut in the shoot a little on
one side — that is, suppose a first bud put in a little to the right side
of a shoot, then a second, if found necessary, could be put in quite
easily on the left or opposite side. If we bud right on the top at
first, and the bud fails, it is next to impossible to insert a bud
underneath without standing pretty nearly on one’s head to do it.

Budding dwarf or ground stocks is not near so agreeable an occu¬
pation as the foregoing. Here the operator has to kneel down.
It is no joke for him to occupy* this position, even for an hour at
a time, with his bick in a curve and his head bent nearly to the
ground. A pair of old trousere are most certainly a sine qua non
for the work. If new ones are worn they will be apt to bag at the
knee afterwards more than is desirable. A sack filled with straw
and hay forms a good cushion to kneel upon, and will be found a
boon.

In planting dwarf stocks for budding every care should be taken
not to put them in too deep ; the roots should be as near the
surface as possible, so that the buds may be inserted, low down,
close to the roots. Suppose a cutting is made, say 10 inches long,
with the end or top of it just out of the ground, then the base of
that stock or cutting will be about 9 inches deep. Suppose the
bud be inserted just below the ground line, the result will be that
when the plant is taken up and transplanted to permanent quarters,
if it be planted properly, with the union of scion and stock about
2 inches below the surface, the roots will be about a foot under¬
ground, and much too far a-sfray from air and sun. No, let the
stocks be planted with the roots as near the surface as possible ; it
is better to have to draw the soil round them as we do round
Potatoes, if necessary to keep them moist during the growing
season, than to have them put in too deep. We should be able to
put the bud in immediately over the roots, not with 8 or 9 inches
of stock between roots and scion, which, as stated before, necessi¬
tates deep planting. I spoke somewhere of the collar of a plant,
and described it as being the part where the roots joined the
branches ; we must be careful to insert the bud below that, other¬
wise we shall be everlastingly tormented with crowds of suckers
rising at all times. A plant of this kind should be got rid of at
once ; it can never be cured if budded above the collar. Stay ! if
very badly budded, should it happen to be on a Briar stock, it
might be converted into a little dwarf standard.

When we are prepared to bud the stocks we must first draw
away the soil round them, so as to lay bare the bark where we
intend to insert the bud. The best tool for this purpose is a hoe,
but in using it care must be exercised so as not to bruise the bark,

which is very soft and tender. A cloth will also be necessary to
wipe the grit and dirt from the stems, otherwise these work into
the cut parts and are very objectionable. In budding in a wholesale
way, only a few should be uncovered at once, as the contact with
the air and sunshine quickly dries the bark, and then it will not
work so satisfactorily. If the stocks are in full growth — their state
may be easily ascertained by cutting the bark and raising it — the
bark will rise freely, in many cases even more so than that of the
branches of standard stocks. The bud is to be inserted and tied
just in the same way as directed for standards, the only difference
in the two operations being, that in the one case we bud the branch,
and in the other the root or lower part of the main stem. As in

the ose of standards, so with dwarfs, the buds may be, indeed
should be, untied in about three weeks’ time, and if alive and doing
well they will need no further attention until spring comes. If
any of the buds are found to have failed it is an easy matter to
rebud the stocks on the opposite side of the stem. — D. Gilmoue, ju.n.

(To be continued.)

GROWING PRODUCE FOR MARKET.

If there is anything that will try a gardener’s ability it is growing
for market as well as to supply the private establishment. He must
not only be able to grow fruit, flowers, and vegetables, he must also be
a good salesman, and be able to keep accounts. I feel sure there is
plenty of room in our markets for home-grown produce, or how is it
we have to compete with so much foreign produce, not only fruit but
vegetables as well, much of which is grown under glass, and the houses
are worked so that they get two and three crops in the season ?

I will try and point out how I work my early vinery so as to make
it pay. This house is started the first week in January. I have Vines
on the south side only ; on the north side I grow Tomatoes. Boxes are
stood on the stage, and are half-filled with good maiden loam and a
small quantity of manure taken from an old Cucumber bed. In these
are placed, about 2 feet apart, good strong plants struck from cuttings
the previous autumn, and these plants, owing to the want of sun, will
be sure to become di-awn. As I have . only about 6 feet of rafter to
spare for them, owing to the Vines, I have to bring them down so as to
get my first setting of fruit close to the . soil, and this is done with great
care, so as not to snap the plants. Last year I coiled them down,
then filled the boxes with good loam, and I never wish for a better crop
of Tomatoes. This year, instead of coiling them, I have bent the first
plant down and made it fast to number 2 stake, and number 2
plant to the first plant, and so on. We then fill the boxes with loam
pressed firmly, taking care to remove all side shoots as soon as they
show themselves. Tomatoes that are grown in pots for early use are
all coiled down, and the pots then filled with loam. If this is properly
managed we have first setting of fruit close to the rim of the pot. I
only grow one variety of Tomato for early work, and that is a selected
Old Red. I always get two good crops of Tomatoes from this house
during the season, and this comes in very useful for the Ferns when
they have made their growth in the Cucumber house. They are brought
in here so as to harden them, and I do not find that the Tomato affects
the Grapes in the least.

When Tomatoes are raised from seed great care should be taken in
selecting the plants. If any of the seedling plants produce a bunch of

308

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apt il SI, 1 £7.

small leaves at their joints before side shoots issue, the plants should be
thrown away. I have taken particular notice that when they fruit they
only show two or three bunches at the most, and these fruits are much
deformed ; plants that make a quick growth and throw their side shoots
out clear from the main stem arc those to keep for a future crop. — J.
Wallace, King's Lynn.

CUCUMBER CULTIVATION.

{Continued from page 287.)

Raising Plants. — The seed is best sown in large 60’s or 3^-inch
pots. A little more than half filling these with soil pressed firmly.
Place a seed in each and cover them about half an inch deep. The
pot may be covered with a small pane of glass, and the soil being
moist no water will be necessary. In a temperature of 70° to 75°
artificially the plants will appear within a week, and the glass must
be withdrawn. It is essential that the plants be kept near to the
glass. They cannot have too much light. If placed in bottom
heat it must not exceed 90° at the base of the pots— 80° is more
suitable. Add soil as the plants increase in growth and water as
necessary, only giving it to prevent flagging. Shift into 6-inch
pots when the 3i-inch pots are filled with roots, watering a few
hours previously so that the roots will turn out clean. Pot mode¬
rately firm, and place a small stick to each of those required for
trellises, and secure them loosely with matting as the growths
advance. Remove laterals as they show in the axils of the leaves
up to the height of stem required to reach from the bed to the
trellis. The plants will be fit to place out in their permanent
quarters in four to six weeks. They must not be allowed to become
root-bound, but if the bed is not ready at the proper time shift into
larger pots. Seed of some age is occasionally used, it should be
avoided. Plants are sometimes raised from cuttings ; they are
equally as objectionable as plants from old seed through impaired
vitality. New seed thoroughly ripened gives the healthiest and best
plants.

Soil. — Turfy loam of medium texture cut 2 to 3 inches thick
laid up until the grass is killed, three parts, fibrous peat of a sandy
nature the top 2 or 3 inches only, one part, charcoal broken up so
as to pass through an inch sieve half a part, old mortar rubbish
broken up, the pieces of wood picked out, and passed through a
half-inch sieve, half a part. The loam must be broken in pieces an
inch to 2 inches square ; the peat the same, and the whole
thoroughly incorporated. The soil should be in that condition
known as neither wet nor dry. If wet it must be placed under
cover and have time to dry slightly before being broken and mixed.
A bushel of soot may be added to every thirty of compost. It is
good against worms, and adds immensely to the colour of the
foliage and fruit. Clay’s, Beeson’s, Jensen’s, and other manures
are excellent, and may be applied at half the rate advised for soot,
• or one part in thirty. The whole to be thoroughly incorporated.

Good loam alone will grow Cucumbers well, the top spit being
used, and with its turf if any. Even ordinary garden soil will
answer, having some fresh horse droppings mixed with it to the
extent of one-fifth. The debris of the rubbish heap reduced to
mould, the woody portions picked out, charred, and returned make
a capital compost, especially if it has had a tenth part of lime added
to it and the compost has been turned a few times so as to become
mixed. I have seen the top few inches of land found near rivers
liable to be flooded used — in one instance it was used for more than
fifty years without any admixture, and the results were very satis¬
factory. I have used the top 3 or 4 inches of peaty loam — i.e., the
parts covered with short grass and fed off by sheep, both on the
lias and limestone formations, finding it very suitable laid up until
the turf was reduced and not adding anything. It was largely fur¬
nished with crystal sand. Roadside turf cut 2 or 3 inches thick
and laid up in narrow ridges or stacks until the turf is decayed is
also suitable. Manure of any kind is not advised when the com¬
post consists in part or wholly of turfy materi 1 — decomposing
matter.

The Beds.— If the bottom heat is furnished by hot-water
pipes and rubble used, the roughest should be placed under, about,
and over the pipes, the top 3 inches being finer, similar to road metal,
having 6 inches of material altogether over the hot-water pipes, and
this may be secured over the surface with a layer of turves, grass
side downwards. The intention being to have a chamber, then the
6ide walls should have a ledge, obtained by bringing up a 4i-inch
wall to such a height that the curving or bottom of the bed will be
exactly an inch clear of the sockets of the hot-water pipes. On
this ledge the covers will rest. Flags, slates, or boards 2 inches
thick may be used, oak being best. The joints must be left open,
and if boards are used strips of wood being placed between at the
ends to keep them a quarter of an inch apart. Some rubble, about
2 or 3 inches thick, should be placed on the boards or flags and

secured with a layer of turves grass side downwards. Instead of
having a dry bottom heat a moist heat is readily secured by having
the bed cemented at the bottom and sides up to the level of the
ledge for the flags or boards, filling this space with water. An
over-flow pipe will be required on a level with the upper side of the
hot-water pipe sockets, and be conveyed to a drain. The water
from the roof may be conducted into these bed cisterns, and warm
rain water will always be available for watering and syringing. It
can be removed from the cisterns or tanks by making a cesspool
in the pathway, about 2 feet square, and the depth or a little more
of a large watering pot, or 18 inches, cemented round and at the
bottom, and a tap fixed 3 inches from the bottom of the tanks will
allow of water being drawn from them at will. This is a very
simple contrivance. I had water laid on so that the cisterns could
be replenished when th9 rainfall was inadequate.

If fermenting materials are used for bottom heat the tan should
be had under cover, kept dry, and turned a time or two before being
placed in the beds. Three feet depth of it is sufficient, and it must
be trodden down to lessen the sinking afterwards a9 much as pos¬
sible, making an allowance for settling by keeping the bed somewhat
higher in the first instance, but 3 feet of tan is ample even at the
commencement. Leaves and dung being employed, they must be
thrown into a heap in the proportion of two or three parts to one
of stable dung, watered if necessary to make them moist, and when
they are warmed through turn them, adding water to any dry parts,
thoroughly shaking out any lumps and incorporating the materials.
If the turning is repeated once or twice the materials will be in a mild
fermentation, having parted with the rank steam, and should be put
in the bed 4 feet thick very evenly and firmly, allowing about a
fourth for settling. In the course of a week the heat will have
reached its maximum in the materials, and if it does not exceed 903
or 95° a couple of inches beneath the surface the soiling operations
may be done, but if the heat is violent make holes in it 9 to 12 inches
distance apart and 18 inches deep to let out the heat, and when it
has declined to 90° or 95° close these. Cover the fermenting
materials with a thin layer of turves or an inch thickness of soil so
as to keep back the vapour or modify it.

Hillocks and Ridges. — Form hillocks where the plants are
intended to be placed 12 inches deep, 1 foot across at top and 2 feet
at the base, cone shaped, with a flattened top. The soil made
moderately firm. In a ridge the soil is continuous, the whole length
of the house, 12 inches deep, 1 foot across at the top and 2 feet at
the base. The centre of the hillocks or ridges 9 to 12 inches from
the side walls of the house. With hillocks they must be at such
distance apart as will suit the plants, with ridges the plants can be
placed anywhere to suit the wish of the cultivator.

Distance for the Plants. — One plant to each light, 4 to
4£ feet, this for the 14 feet wide house. For the 10 feet house
6 feet. The distances are calculated on the principle that the plants
will not be kept after they have borne a full crop or been in fruit
for a period of three or four months. If intended to be kept
longer, bearing over an extended period, the plants must have space
for extension so as to keep up a succession of young growths to
replace old or exhausted growths. This of course can be effected
by cutting away every alternate plant. Sometimes plants are grown
in pots, alternating with those planted out for early fruiting— an
admirable arrangement, the permanent plants not being weakened
by early fruiting. In this way a house furnished with plants from
an August sowing will furnish fruit from the pot plants in autumn
sufficient for the supply to Christmas. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

CUNNINGHAM’S DWARF WHITE RHODODENDRON.

In reply to “ W. D. B.,” I have several reasons for thinking that
this Rhododendron was sent out by M-. Cunningham of Comely Bank,
Edinburgh. My father brought it from there about fifty years ago, and
at the same time plants of It. caucasicum album. Mr. Fraser of Comeley
Bank writes me respecting Dwarf White : — “ This Rhododendron was
raised at Comely Bank by my uncle, the late Mr. Cunningham, more
than half a century ago, a fact I never before hoard disputed.” I am
aware that caucasicum album is now named Cunningham’s Dwarf
White in some nurseries, but anyone who looked at the two sorts grow¬
ing near each other would see the difference. The Dwarf White lias
smaller foliage, later in flower, and more pink in colour. I consider
caucasicum album one of the most useful shrubs, as it is more hardy
than ponticum, a most profuse bloomer, beautiful habit, and by having
a succession of plants and a good heat easily had in flower from Christ¬
mas until May, a season when white flowers are not very plentiful. It
is also a good plant for banks instead of Laurels, the habit being com¬
pact and growth sturdy. For town gardens and planting on graves it
is invaluable. I should" not speak with such confidence, but have kept
both varieties true by layering for many years, and increased caucasicum
album by tecs of thousands.— John Carter, Keighley.

April 51, 1S37. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

309

At the meeting of the^ Linnean Society to-night (Thursday)
at 8 p.m., a paper by P. Geddes will be read, entitled^11 The Nature and
Causes of \ ariation in Plants and Animals.” The subject is a very in¬
teresting one, and was dealt with fully in Darwin’s “Animals and Plants
under Domestication.” A discussion will follow the reading of the
pirper.

- United Horticultural Benefit and Pbovident Society.

—It has been proposed by the friends of the late Mr. J. F. McElroy, the
devoted Secretary for a long period of the above named institution, to
erect a “ memorial stone ” over his grave, as a tribute of their respect,
*ml contributions to the fund— about £20 will be required— will be
thankfully received and acknowledged by Mr. W. Collins, 5, Martinhoe
Terrace, Martindale Road, Balham, S.W.

- Change of Fikm. — Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul and Mr. James

flendall, Rose Lane Works, Norwich, inform us that the partnership
which has hitherto existed between them, under the style of “ Boulton
Aiid Paul,' has been dissolved by mutual consent, aud that in future the
business will be carried on by J. J. Dawson Paul alone, under the same
style. All debts due to or owing by the late firm will be received and
paid by J. J. Dawson Paul.

- Late-beaeing Mushboom Beds. — “ Juvenis” writes, “ I con¬
cur with all Mr. J. Muir has written on page 287 regarding late-bearing
Mushroom beds. It has been our practice for some years past to make up
a few beds in an unheated structure in a cold place during August and
aJeptember, a time when we can secure material for them. Having been
made and watered a little dry litter is thrown over them, aud there they
.remain the whole winter without the least sign of vitality. A few
genial days in spring, however, work a speedy transformation, and when
April comes the surface of the beds is covered with Mushrooms in all
.stages of development. We find these beds produce better Mushrooms
and remain in bearing longer than any others we make at any time in the
year."

stems for those of their customers who do their own budding. Provided
they are not too deeply planted there is no difficulty in budding seed¬
ling Briars, but your correspondent speaks of a cut lj inch in length.

I have seen little bits of scions less than half an inch long put in
and do as well as those of the orthodox length. It would be a very
crooked stock indeed that would not give enough smooth bark to
accommodate one of these. It is a great mistake to remove any shoots
from the stocks at the time of budding. When I expressed the 0| inion
that seedling Briar Roses would soon be as cheap as Manettis, 1 had
fully considered the whole question. Time will show whether I was
right or wrong in the conclusion I arrival at.”

- “ H. S., Salttvood, II y the," recommends as a good selection of

Bbussels Spbouts foe late use Northaw Prize or Non Plus Ultra
(Veitch). “ They have been grown side by side and are the same.
Whilst all other sorts have ‘ run,’ this is in use at the present time
(April 18th), and produces sprouts of medium size and very mild in
flavour.”

- A eecobd of each year’s work amongst Chrysanthemums in a

compact aud condensed form is certainly desirable, and a commencement
by Mr. L. Castle in the form of The Cheysanthemum Annual is
before us. It is a neat sixpenny manual of thirty-two pages. Besides
containing a review of the Chrysanthemum season of 1880, useful
articles are included from Messrs. Molyneux, Bardney, Udale, Iggulden,
Gibson, Orchard, Herrin, and Davis, concluding with the most compre¬
hensive list of certificated Chrysanthemums, and the dates when the
honours were granted, that has yet been compiled, and a list of Chrys¬
anthemum Societies. The Chrysanthemum Annual is almost certain to
increase in size yearly, and to meet with acceptance from cultivators of
the favourite autumn flower to which it is devoted.

- Me. J. Woodgate, The Gardens, Warren House Gardens,

Kingston Hill, Surrey, sends us some blooms of Double Cinebaeias
of considerable merit, full, globular in form, and varied in colour. One
variety with bright rosy crimson blooms is very cheerful aud pleasing,
the others are chiefly shades of bluish purple from light mauve to dark
purple. It is a good strain, and such flowers would be useful for
cutting.

— — Gaedening Appointment. — Mr. Wallen, foreman in thj-
plant department, Ashton Court, Bristol, has been appointed gardener
to T. Sudbury, Esq., Wonersh Park, Guildford.

- “ W. K.” writes respecting the weathee in Peethshiee,

M We are having clear bright days and frosty nights, 7° on night of 16th.
From 4° to 8° the rule for last eight or ten days. Vegetation is making
little progress, although in sheltered places the hedges begin to show
green. Early- flowering Rhododendrons injured. Farm work is getting
rapidly forward.”

- In a box of flowers received from Mr. H. Cannell are a number

of blooms of Lilium CANDIDUM of full size, as if grown in the open
air, pure, and deliciously fragrant. They afford conclusive evidence of
the suitability of the old garden favourite for forcing, and plants well
burnished with such flowers as those before us would be an acquisition to
conservatories at this period of the year. It would be interesting to
know how these delightful flowers have been so plentifully produced.

- In reply to “ T. S.,” “ J. L. B.” observes that “ King of the

FI a ri.ies Stbawbebby has not been satisfactory either as an early
forcer or in the open ground. Pauline, a variety sent out three years
since by Mr. Paul, is much better both for forcing and in the open
ground. The fruit is large, but not handsome in shape, and with us last
year it was the first in the open ground, but they were not tried fairly
together in forcing. As Pauline proved so good for first early the year
before, our first batch was all of that variety. If ‘ T. S.’ will forward
•me a plant of Princess of Prussia I shall be glad to try crossing with it.
1 have several seedlings fruiting this year for the first time.”

- Replying to “Y. B. A. Z.” on budding seedling Beiaes,

Mr. D. Gilmour, jun., writes — “Your correspondent is wrong in sup
posing that 1 have not buddec this stock ; I and my merry men worked
v>ome thousands last season, and I am not aware that we ex| erienced
any greater difficulty than is encountered with the cuttings or Manetti.
Seedling Briars when grown on suitable land are as straight as cuttings,
ibut m experience is that nurserymen reserve such as have crooked

— •— Nubseby Rating. — At the Greenwich Police Court on
Wednesday, before Mr. Montagu Williams, the case of the Lewisham
Board of Works versus Cobb, noted in this Journal last week, was
resumed. It was contended on behalf of Mr. Cobb that under Section
211 of the Public Health Act he was entitled to be rated at only one-
fourth of the assessment for his nursery grounds, but it was objected
that the Public Health Act did not apply to the Metropolitan district
except where specially provided, and that an objection which was raised
to the mode of assessment would be outside His Worship’s jurisdiction.
Mr. Montagu Williams did not consider his Court was the place to
decide the question Mr. Cobb raised, and made an order for payment
of the rates, remarking that the case at Worthing, to which reference
was made last week, did not appear to be exactly like the present one,
and he believed there was no dwelling house on the property in that
instance. It was intimated that possibly there would be an appeal
against His Worship’s decision.

_ The monthly meeting of the Belgian Hobticultubists

was held in Ghent on April 11th, when the following were present —
MM. Baudu, L. Desmet-Dtivivier, Ernest Delaruye, F. Desbois, Moens,
A. Rosseel, Ch. Spae, with M. Ch. Van Geert of Antwerp as chairman,
and M. Jules Hye as Secretary. Certificates of merit were awarded for
Cypripedium Hyeanum from M. J. Hye-Leysen ; Oncidium Papilio
giganteum and Odontoglossum triumphans var. from the same ; Vanda
Denisoniana from M. Ad. D’Haene ; Anthurium Andreanum maximum
superbum from M. B. Spae ; Azalea President Comte O. de Kerchove from
M. Jean Dc Kneef ; Ailiantum fragrantissimum from M. Edouard
Pynaert ; Imantophyllum miuiatum Louis Van Houtte from M. L.
Van Houtte ; Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum magnificum from M. I .
De Smet-Duvivier ; Odontoglossum (hybrid) from MM. Vervaet et Cie. ;
Cypripedium Io from M. le Notaire Moens ; ami Odontoglossum luteo-
purpureum from M. De Smet-Duvivier. Honourable mention was

310

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 81,1887.

accorded to Cypripedium hirsutissimum and O lontoglossum luteo-
purpureum, var. , from MM. Yervaet et Cie. ; Cattleya Trianas splendens
from M. L. De Smet-Duvivier ; Odontoglossum odoratum from M. Jules
Hye-Lcysen ; Imantophyllum miniatum gandavense from M. Ed
Pynaert ; Cypripedium ciliolare from M. le Notaire Moens ; Odonto¬
glossum Alexandras from MM. Yervaet et Cie. ; and Phalienopsis
Stuartiana from M. Paul de Hemptinne.

DEATH OF MRS. PEMBERTON HEYWOOD.

\Ve record the death of Mrs. Hey wood, who was a true patron of
gardening. She was the widow of the late John 1’emberton Heywood,
Esq., of Norris Green, Liverpool, Cloverley Hall, Whitchurch, and 15,
Hyde Park Place, London, and died at her Shropshire residence on the
evening of Wednesday, the 6th inst., near the close of her seventy-fifth
year. The deceased lady only left Norris Green on the previous Friday
in her usual health and spirits ; she caught a severe chill, which ended
fatally only two days later. Her remains were interred in the vault at
Corra by the side of those of her husband, who died ten years ago.

The funeral procession was arranged to pass through the pleasure
grounds and along what is known as the “ Church Walk,” with its
avenue of stately Conifers, to the church, about one mile distant from
the Hall. The procession was a very large one, and some hundreds of
people lined the road to witness the last remains of one deeply loved,
who will be widely missed for her innumerable acts of kindness and
benevolence. Mr. Heywood, speaking at Cloverley, on behalf of himself
and wife on the occasion of a presentation not long before his death,
said, “ It has always been our anxious wish to do as we would be done
by, in endeavouring to make every one around us happy and comfort¬
able.” He succeeded, and the deceased lady, after his death, carried out
to the letter the same noble and -honourable principle. She was most
amiable and the very essence of kindness to servants as welt as friends.
On several occasions we have heard from one of her servants, a well
known gardener (Mr. William Bardney), “ It wasa pleasure toserve her,
for a better employer, or one more worthy of true and faithful service,
could not be found.”

By the death of Mrs. Heywood gardening has lost one of the truest
patrons. Although the gardens at both establishments were well kept
during Mr. Heywood’s lifetime they have been considerably improved
during the ten years these establishments were presided over by the
deceased lady. Norris Green may truly be called the “ home for
flowers,” for in scarcely any other private establishment have we had
the good fortune to see so many flowers at one time during the winter
months. From the 1st of November to the end of April the conservatory
was a paradise of flowers. Through all the changing fashions of gar¬
dening for foliage and other plants Mrs. Heywood never changed, and
truly loved such old-fashioned flowers as Mignonette, Lily of the Valley,
and Hoses. These were three special favourites, and the same may be
said of Sweet Peas, Violets, and Clove-scented Carnations. Among the
many wreaths sent to the funeral an appropriate one from Norris Green
Gardens was noticeable ; it was formed of Marshal Niel Roses, Lily of
the Valley, and Mignonette — an uncommon combination, but sweet,
beautiful, and much admired.

A quotation from the letter of one who was for four years in Mrs.
Heywood’s employ, but who now holds a position of trust in the northern
counties, may fittingly close this brief notice. He says, “ Although I
am not now one of her servants, I feel deeply concerned and am truly
sorry to hear the last of one so worthy the name of a lady. In the
present age there are few so worthy to conduct the affairs of large
establishments as she has done. I mourn her loss, because one of the
noblest and best friends of gardens and gardeners has passed away.”

THE LONDON NURSERIES IN APRIL.

MESSRS. J. LAING & CO., FOREST HILL.

Though the name of this firm has been identified with the greatly im¬
proved race of modern Tuberous Begonias, they have also made specialties
of other plants, and assisted in increasing the number of useful varieties.
Caladiums may be mentioned as one of the features ; florists’ flowers
generally, Ferns, fine-foliage plants, and many others, all have houses
appropriated to them. Orchids have for some time received considerable
attention, and a large collection of the best useful species or varieties
for general culture has been formed. Like everything taken in hand by
'Mr. J. Lairig they are well grown, and the Dendrobiums, especially D.
Wardianum, are remarkable for their vigorous health, their long, stout
pseudo-bulbs, large flowers, and rich colours. In one of the houses a
pretty group of choice Orchids had been arranged recently, very
prominent in which was the 'excellent specimen of Dendrobium Fal-
coneri in a 9-incli pot, bearing over 200 fine flowers. This plant was
recently shown at South Kensington and greatly admired. Cattleya
Trianm was represented by a variety with large flowers, 8-J inches in
diameter, the petals 3 inches across, the lip 2£ inches in diameter, of a
rich crimson colour, the sepals and petals deeply suffused with a rosy
hue. Of Cattleya Lawrenci* there were several varieties, all more
highly coloured than the majority of. varieties, one having a pure white
throat, a beautifuli contrast with the rich lip. ’ C. Waracewiczii delicata
as its name implies, very delicately tinted, like C. Trianaj Schroderae.’
Several Dendrobiums, comprising the golden and maroon spotted D, Cam-

bridgeanum, D. Dcvonianum, D. primulinum, and giganteum, the. showy
D. fimbriatum oculatum, the white D. Jamesianum, D. coerulescens,
D. lituiflorum, D. aggregatum and its variety majus, D. Wardianum,
several fine varieties, one with the lip 1 \ inch in diameter, D. crassinode
and its beautiful variety Barberianum, which has its sepals and petals
deeply tipped with crimson. Lycaste Skinneri and L. Harrisonise were
also included in the group, and as some of the plants were suspended
from the roof, others standing on the stage, the tallest at the back, a
very agreeable effect was produced. The Cattleya house’ contained a.
large collection of species and varieties, C. intermedia being still in
flower, also a larger and better coloured variety named Laingi in which
the lip is deep crimson and the sepals and petals purplish. The bright
orange scarlet Laelia harpophylla was attractive, Cattleya Trianse having
also afforded abundance of its flowers, some 200 having been open at
once. The cool house contains some choice varieties of Odontoglossum
crispum, O. Peseatorei, O. Cervantesi, O. Rossi majus, O. Oerstedi majus,
O. pulchellum, and 0. luteo-purpureum, while in a warmer compartment,
are some healthy plants of 0. vexillarium, showing flowers freely, and
proving by their vigorous growth how they appreciate the treatment they
receive. Anguloa Clowesi thrives surprisingly at Forest Hill, having
pseudo-bulbs 8 or 9 inches long. Pleiones are also in excellent condition,
with Coelogynes, Masdevallias, and innumerable others. -

A capital span-roofed house, 100 feet long, has been erected for the. -
double -Tuberous Begonias, another house, somewhat larger, being- •
devoted to the single varieties, so that every provision is being made for
an even more extensive show of these plants than usual. About 120,000
seedlings have been raised this season, many of which are now being
gradually pricked off into other boxes, or potted singly. The houses willi .
be devoted as before to the best named varieties and novelties of excep¬
tional merit, but the great bulk of the stock will be planted out in beds,
as in previous seasons. A very large demand has sprung up for bedding
' Begonias in recent years, and extensive as- is the supply provided they ,
have repeatedly found it insufficient to meet the demands.

Caladiums when well grown are handsome plants, and if they have-
been somewhat neglected in recent years it is not because they are diffi-.
cult to grow. It is somewhat too early yet to see Messrs. Laing’-s collec¬
tion at its best, but these were the most notable of the early plants.
Mithridate, crimson centre, green edge ; Elsie, white flushed with,
light crimson ; Comtesse de Condeixa, very large leaves, rich crimson,
one of the darkest ; Albo-luteum, pale yellow and white ;.Luddemanni-.
anum, crimson-veined, spotted with white on green ; Madame Kcechlin,
semi-transparent, white, with red veins ; minus erubescens, dwarf, smalB
leaf, red edged with green, of similar size to argyrites, -for which- it form*
a good companion ; Raymond Lemonier, pale yellow, like albo-luteum,
with purplish mauve spots ; and Comte de Germany, similar with red
spots.

Amongst the flowering plants the Imantophyllums are extremely
6howy, sulphureum being a very fine variety, as also is Mrs. Laing.
Azaleas comprise a choice collection of the best varieties in cultivation,
with Epacrises, Heaths, miscellaneous hardwooded plants, Wistaria-
sinensis, with its graceful pendulous racemes of flowers in abundance.
Acacias, Boronias, Chorozemas, &c. At the Vineyard Nursery, a short,
distance from the Stanstead Park Nursery, large numbers' of Vines ia-
pots are grown, as well as Figs in pots, with quantities of bedding
plants, chiefly Zonal and Bronze Pelargoniums, Aspidistras, and Rosea
for cutting. At the Rutland Park Nursery the general ’stock of Roses,
shrubs, &c., is grown, and a. fourth nursery is devoted to miscellaneous!
Crops. — VlSITOB. ....

CLAY SOILS AND THEIR IMPROVEMENT.

[ A paper read by Mr. Joseph Badfleld, Manch House Garden, Brmningtoiv Stockport*
before the Manclicbtcr Horticultural Mutual Improvement Society-X.

It very often happens that a gardener in taking a fresh place has=
a number of difficulties to contend with ; for how often do we see a>
piece of ground set apart for the production of vegetables in some-
out-of-the-way corner, or if the situation is favourable then the soii
is perhaps unsuitable, yet in some instances the gardener is. expected
to produce vegetables as satisfactory as those of his neighbour
whose kitchen garden is more favourably situated. It is of course
the duty of the gardener to face these difficulties, and to try to over¬
come them if possible. It is one of these difficulties to which I wish
to draw attention. Professor Donaldson in his work on Clay Soils,
says, “ Clay, in the proper derivation of the word, means an unctuous,
tenacious earth, that will mould into various foims." It is the-
“ kley ” of the Dutch, the “ clai ” of the Welsh, and the “ claica" of
the Saxon ; which terms have all a similar origin with the Teutonic-
“kleven” to stick or to adhere, because of the clammy adhesive
quality of the substance. Now, clay soils are stiff, cold, and very
tenacious, and it is these qualities which we wish to combat, and'
which I purpose briefly to take in consideration.

Drainage is of the first importance. Clay soils are very retentive
of water, thereby producing coldness ; for if not drained the water
has to be evaporated through the surface of the soil. Now, it is a
well known fact that water in evaporating carries away with it much
of the heat of the soil, but draining it helps to remove the water from
the soil in another way, and air takes its place, which maintains the
temperature of the soil. In draining, the first point is to ascertain

April 21,1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

311

where the best place is for the outlet of drains, and let it be if
.possible at the lowest part of the ground. The depth of the drain
will have to depend on circumstances, and it should consist of 4-inch
round tile pipes, and, ordinarily, should be from 3 feet to 4 feet in
depth. The secondary drain pipes should be from 15 feet to 18 feet
apart, running parallel with each other, but in very heavy clay soils
I prefer them 15 feet apart ; they should be from '2 feet 6 inches to
3 feet in depth, and have a fall a quarter inch to the yard, and more if
the ground will allow. They should consist of round tile pipes, 2^
or 3 inches in diameter, and in filling the drain I would recom¬
mend that they be filled for 12 inches to 18 inches depth with ashes
.such as come from our mill boilers, or with clinkers from the stoke¬
hole, rough gravel, and failing these rough brashwood, as these have
a tendency to keep the drains open, and they draw the water from
<he soil more effectively than by the old method of placing the clods
•over the pipes and filling with the material taken out. Some years ago
it was necessary to cut through a drain such as I have, recommended,
«nd we found it as clear as on the day it \vas put in, and doing its
•work effectively. w

Another means of improving soils is by the use of lime. Lime
has the property of loosening the texture of the soil, of driving off
offensive matteiufrom the soil, and also of releasing the plant food
stored up in the soil. The best way of using lime is to work fresh
lime from the kiln in the soil while digging. I have seen old gardens
very much improved by an application of fresh lime used as above.
Professor Donaldson says : — “ A loamy soil of the richest kind will
be formed by the mixture of clay lands with lime, as the aluminous
earth affords a strong durable base for the constitution of the soil,
day is the chief element in the composition of all rich lands ; in duo
proportion it imbibes and retains the necessary moisture, and the
(presence and action of the other ingredients prevent the hurtful
•excess, husbanding the use and regulating the expenditure.” Cal¬
careous matter is also an essential ingredient in soils, and it will be
.■supplied by the lime that is used to effect the new formation. By
this process a most productive soil will be produced. Although clay
in superabundance is by no means a good soil, yet clay and lime
when mixed tend to form an artificial marl, of which, when occurring
Jiaturally, the fertility' is well known. The nearest artificial approaches
to it are made in the way now recommended.

Burning is another mode of improving clay soils, but not having
had any experience in the matter I cannot speak about it. Thompson,
an his “ Gardener’s Assistant," says : — “Burned clay is extensively
csed in the heavy lands of Essex, Suffolk, and other parts of England,
®nd the practice is attended with great success. The beneficial action
«f burned clay is chiefly due to its altering the texture of the soil,
rendering this less compact, and consequently more permeable to air,
water, and the roots of plants ; and to the burned clay containing a
ouch greater proportion of soluble alkalies, more especially of potash
and soda, than unburned clay, a considerable portion of the alkaline
eubstance contained in the latter being rendered soluble in the process
of burning. Burned clay, by improving the texture of the soil and
supplying a greater amount of alkalies to plants, must prove beneficial
to all crops, but it is more especially on Turnips, Carrots, and Pota¬
toes, or on plants requiring a large amount of potash, that the
beneficial effects of this manure are visible.

Sand should also be used, but not alone. There should be plenty
•of manure used, horse manure being the best ; it prevents the sand
•and clay from forming into a kind of mortar, which they would do
if sand alone were used ; besides, the manure lightens the ground as
well as fertilising it. I also get all the sweepings from the gravel
walks, weeds, Cabbage-stalks, and any refuse from the kitchen garden,
cuttings of grass, old soil from the potting bench, in fact any rubbish
of this description is put in a heap and kept turned over and allowed
to decay, and this would be improved by the mixture of quicklime,
lu frosty weather this is wheeled on the ground, and afterwards dug
in ; and I have also used fine coal ashes, in fact anything which
would tend to lighten or improve the soil by making it more
porous.

Working the soil is a very important factor in the successful
management of these soils. It used to be the custom for a man to
dig with a spade roughly, and it was a sign of his skill in this work
to arrange each spadeful in rows perfectly level and straight, or to
illustrate it like 60 many bricks placed on end in a row, leaning
-against one another. I think that this is one of the worst ways of
working clay soils, especially after it has been trodden and made
solid in the previous year, for by thus simply delving it over with a
epade you are only turning it over top to bottom without working it
up and disintegrating the solid lumps that have just been turned over.

Another way is to ridge it in rows in autumn as soon as the
ground is cleared, and then in the spring to fork these down and
■dig in manure where wanted. I have tried this plan, but the
better method is, I think, to form a treneb, say 2 feet wide ; I then
get a 6 tout fork and raise up the subsoil ; I then turn the soil with

forks, only using spades for throwing out the loose soil at th
bottom of the trench, and then forking up the subsoil as before. B
this means the soil is thoroughly broken up, thus admitting air t
the soil, and you can better work in manure and other ingredients.
Hence ihe soil is in a better condition for supplying the plants with
a constant supply of that food which is so nectssary for the health of
plants. I think that forks ought to be more used in our kitchen
gardens than they are ; they are far better in working soils of a heavy
nature, and spades ought not to be used only in cases where we
cannot use forks.

In conclusion, I would recommend that in this class of soils too
early a sowing should not be practised. Take Peas for instance ; I
never sow before the first week in March, yet I have gathered Peas
before those who have sown a month earlier. By being planted under
more favourable conditions seeds sown in this way have fewer checks
and are not 60 liable to injury by frost or damp as those sown earlier,
and they grow stronger and give better results.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 291.)

Bombax malababica is a tree of enormous size, throwing out large
buttresses from the lower part of the stem, and producing the valuable
silk cotton of the bazaars. When covered with its bright scarlet
blossoms, in some cases 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and towering above its
forest companions, it forms a truly striking feature in the jungle. There
are several species of Eleocarpus, mostly of low stature, but conspicuous
from their wealth of white and pink flowers. Of Leguminosse there are
numberless examples; two, Butea frondosa and Erythrina indica, making
the jungle blaze with their masses of orange-scarlet flowers. Pterocarpus
marsupium yielding the kino of commerce, Acrocarpus f raxinifolius,
Albizzia Lebbek, and many others. Eugenia jambalana producing large
quantities of fruit, about the size of small Damsons. Bassia elliptica
and many other trees of great value on account of their timber and
other products. Teak and Sandalwood trees abound on the confines of
the Mysore Territory, and are the only two kinds of timber monopolised
by the Government ; other timbers are very seldom exported, owing to
the difficulty and cost of carriage.

Ferns in great variety abound all over the district, from the tiny
Hymenophyllum on the rock to the Alsophila or Tree Fern. Lygodium
scandens grows amongst low scrub on the borders of Rice fields and
swamps, climbing up the bushes and covering them with its graceful
fronds, keeping bright and green all the year round. Drynaria
quercifolia is found abundantly clinging to the branches of large trees,
overhanging rivers, and is a magnificent plant when seen just after the
rains. Osmunda regalis grows in thick masses on the muddy banks of
the large rivers, and during the monsoon is completely submerged, the
rivers rising from 20 to 30 feet above dry weather mark. On the water
subsiding the Osmunda at once throws up an abundance of its pale
green fronds, which quickly fringe and beautify the river banks. Tree
Ferns are only found in the Ghaut forests and the higher range of the
Bramagherry Hills. I have noticed that Ferns in the Wynaad country,
with such exceptions as Lygodium scandens, which revels in the bright
sunshine, and one or two species of Asplenium, which seek the darkenerl
retreats of the deep st forest, where the sun’s rays never penetrate, are
invariably found in greatest perfection where they are quite shielded
from the direct rays of the sun, whilst at the same time enjoying an
abundance of light. They are frequently seen in great beauty on road¬
side cuttings, overhung by jungle trees on the one side, but clear and
open on the other. I have seen Davallia tenuifolia in large masses and
with fronds a yard long under such conditions. Openings in the jungle,
caused by the uprooting of large trees, or natural landslips, are also
favourite haunts of Ferns, and are always seen in such situations at
their best, the same conditions being present— viz., shelter from the
direct rays of the sun and plenty of light. I cannot but think that the
plan adopted at Kew and other places of using tinted glass in the culti¬
vation of exotic Ferns is a mistake. It not only gives to the plants a
somewhat ghastly hue, but, I think, is not conducive to their well-being.
Shading of some kind is doubtless necessary, but in this, as in many
other things, Nature should be pretty closely followed if success in a
high degree is to be attained.

A few words may be said with regard to the plants not indigenous to
the locality, but that have been introduced and are found growing
luxuriantly in gardens and plantations. As hedge plants the Rose,
Gardenia, Hibiscus, Lantana, and others are much used, and require
little trouble in their culture, branches merely stuck in during the rains
will immediately take root and grow. The double scarlet Hibiscus
makes a splendid hedge, flowering profusely all the year round. Many
others, both single and double, are common. The double scarlet variety
is called by Europeans the “ Shoe Flower,” from the fact that the juice
from the crushed flower is used as a substitute for blacking in polishing
boots and shoes. It also gets the name of “Subaltern’s blacking,” the
meaning of which term is obvious. Crotons and Caladiums flourish in
the gardens, the latter being in perfection all through the heavy rains.
They are also grown in pots placed in the verandahs of houses, and
always grow luxuriantly with very little care, the colours coming out in
rare beauty. Dracaena terminalis is a very common plant, and is won¬
derfully easy of propagation, branches simply lopped off and roughly
inserted in the ground striking immediately. The colour of the leaves

312

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

L Apr'l 21, 1867.

of this plant during the dry season is of the most brilliant description.
Poinsettia pulcherrima, Allamanda, Clerodendron Balfourianum, Plum¬
bago, Maranta, Alocasia,'Aralia, Bougainvillea glabra arc all represented,
the latter at an elevation of 3000 feet changing its trailing habit to that
of a shrub, flowering freely, but the flowers not so bright and showy as
on plants grown at a lower elevation. On the Malabar coast this plant
is seen to great advantage, growing in gardens and climbing its way up
trees of a stronger growth, which it hides with its clouds of gaudy
flowers throughout the dry season, forming one of the great floral
features of the seacoast line.

Although the fact will not be disputed that horticulturists have given
frequent proof that cultivated specimens of plants can be produced,
surpassing individual examples of the same species found under strictly
natural conditions, yet this assistance of Nature, as it is frequently
called, has, to some extent at least, led cultivators of the present day
into the mistake of almost, if not altogether, ignoring even the very
slightest imitation of the natural conditions under which plants are
found in a wild state, and in so doing, as I imagine, of fostering in very
many instances a disposition to disease, and hindering longevity. That
a long season of rest is a natural condition of most plants found wild in
India is a fact patent to all who have lived in that country, and that
this period, dependent as it is upon the rains, is not unfrequently
extended to even six months out of the twelve is also a fact not unworthy
of note.

Amongst the numerous tribes of plants that annually pass through
this long season of drought and consequent rest in the Wynaad, the
stems and leaves, in some instances, becoming so dried and shrivelled as
to be almost beyond recognition, and in others disappearing altogether,
the roots alone surviving. I would give the names of a few only as
striking examples :: — Adiantum lunulatum, Saccolabium guttatum,
Cissus discolor, Impatiens Jerdonise, and one or two species of Dendro-
bium. The first named, Adiantum lunulatum, is a deciduous plant
certainly, but the fact of the roots surviving unscathed this severe
climatic test, situated, as they frequently are, in unprotected situations,
fully exposed for milny months to strong easterly winds and burning
sun, points, I think, to the likelihood of one of the absolute requirements
of the plant being a long season of uninterrupted rest. Immediately
the first showers of spring have fallen on the baked and | arched earth
the plants reappear, as if by magic, in abundance all over the Bamboo
jungle, springing from the clefts of trees, rocks, and stumps, or nestling
in thick masses close around the stems of large trees, or the bases of
boulders and rocks, and quickly draping all these objects with a rich
mantle of graceful verdure, which contributes in a marked degree to the
general beauty of these jungles all through the rainy season, but as
quickly vanishing with the breaking up of the monsoon clouds and the
reappearance of the sun. — Planteb.

(To be continued.)

DEATH OF MR. RICHARD CARR.

We have to record with much regret the sudden death of a well-
known gardener, Mr. Richard Carr of Welbeck Abbey, who for the past
eight years has had charge of the Duke of Portland’s gardens on that
estate. Mr. Carr visited London on Wednesday, the 13th inst., and
returned by the fast train from King’s Cross, due at Retford at 8.16,
and had to change at Retford to get into the slip carriage for Worksop.
When entering the station he tried to get out of the carriage, but instead
of alighting on the platform he fell off one of the short high steps on
the continuous footboard below, and was dragged along some distance
and crushed against the platform before the train pulled up. It was
then found that he was so fast that it was impossible to extricate him
without removing one of the short steps, and this was unscrewed as
quickly as possible. When released Mr. Carr was sensible, and asked
that a telegram might be despatched at once to Welbeck, and his wish
was complied with. He was terribly bruised, but the most serious in¬
juries were internal, and before a medical man could be summoned he
had lapsed into an unconscious state. He was removed to the Queen’s
Hotel, and Dr. Pritchard attended to his injuries, but he died from
the shock about half -past ten o’clock. Upon receipt of the news at
Welbeck Mrs. Carr and a son of the deceased were driven to Retford
as speedily as possible in the Duke of Portland’s carriage, but they did
not reach the Queen’s Hotel until eleven o’clock, too late to see Mr.
Carr alive.

A correspondent who was an intimate personal friend of Mr. Carr’s,
sends the following note : —

“ When Mr. Carr took charge at Welbeck, eight years ago, in the late
Duke of Portland’s time, the garden and grounds had been kept as
distinct departments, and they were more like a large manufactory
than a private place. When the present Duke came to the estate Mr.
Carr took the whole of the gardens, pleasure grounds, and surroundings
to level, turf, seed, plant, and keep them in order (including the roads),
several hundred acres in extent. This certainly must have been a very
heavy tax upon any one individual, besides all other duties, in the per¬
formance of which I believe he gave every satisfaction to his noble
employer. He also planted avenues and extensive shrubbery borders and
herbaceous borders, that at one time were heaps of stones. * The kitchen
and fruit gardens at a very recent date were like so many large fields,
but are now planted with the best fruit trees that show promise of good
crops ; new walks were formed and open quarters that will produce
vegetables in quantity for a large establishment. These gardens are

some 36 acres in extent, and are now in good working order. Fruit, trees
under glass have been well cared for, so that a good supply of the best
fruits was always obtained, also plants and flowers which have been ia
great request. Mr. Carr never shrunk from his duty, was always up and
doing, in fact, a straightforward, hard-working man, and very much
respected by the Duke of Portland, by whom he was presented some
three yeais ago with a valuable gold watch in appreciation of his
services. He leaves a widow with seven sons and a daughter to mourn
his loss. He was interred at Cuckney Church April 16th, age fifty-sis;
years, and was followed to his last resting place by the heads of all
departments on the Welbeck estate, and carried to his grave by the:
garden labourers, &c. Friends that followed included : Mr. Taft
(D. B. and Tait), seed merchant, Manchester ; Mr. O. Thomas, Chats-
worth ; Mr. A. Henderson, Thoresby ; Mr. M. Gleeson, Clumber ; Mr. W.
Elphinstone, Shipley Hall, Derby ; Mr. Thos. H. Sutton, Worksop Manon,
with others.”

r>el)id3

DENDROB1UM CRASSINODE x WARDIANUM.

Last year, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society cn
March 23rd, Baron Schroder exhibited a plant of this remarkable Den-
drobium in good condition, and a first-class certificate was unhesitatingly
awarded to it. After another season’s trial it has again flowered, and
has been even stronger and more handsome than it was before. The
characters both of the growth and flowers afford clear evidence that it is
a hybrid between the t*o well-known species D. crassinode and Dw
Wardianum, and for that reason alone it would be very interesting, as
D. crassinode does not appear to have been employed as a parent of any
artificially raised hybrids. D. Wardianum was employed with D. lituK
florum in the production of D. micans, but this I believe is the only
hybrid in which D. Wardianum has been concerned, D. nobile and EL
heterocarpum having been the principal species hitherto experimented
with, or which at least have produced the best results. The plant repre¬
sented in the illustration (fig. 58) had a growth 3 feet long bearing forty-
seven large flowers, two of the racemes having the unusual number of
four flowers, several three and some two, there being fifteen racemes in
all. The flowers are not so large as some of the D. Wardianum giganteuia
type, but they are of better form, the petals and lip broad and beauti¬
fully proportioned. The sepals and petals are white, tipped with crim¬
son, the lip also tipped with purplish crimson, golden in the centre, and
two maroon dots at the base, one each side of the column. There is a
brightness and freshness about the flowers that is very pleasing, and
grown as it is at The Dell, the beauty of the plant is quite exceptional.

The other plants of D. Wardianum are similarly strong, and have
flowered nearly equally as well, several having growths 3 to 4 feet long,
in baskets 7 inches square, and one grand specimen has had as many as
124 flowers open at one time. The magnificent effect produced by these
plants has been previously noted, but it can scarcely be imagined what a
charming display is afforded by thirty or forty such specimens suspended
from the roof of the stove with their pseudo-bulbs hanging down like
long wreaths of flowers. These plants are treated generously, and repay
for the attention they receive by their wonderful success. They have %
good season of growth when they are encouraged by plenty of heat,
moisture, and by weak liquid manure. Then they have a good season of
rest and ripening in the porch of the vinery, close to the glass, and fully
exposed to the sun, and where during the winter the temperature is often
down to 40°. From these in February some are removed to the stove,
anil a succession is maintained by introducing other plants at intervals.

-c.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ROSSI MAJUS.

It is unnecessary to commend this Orchid to the attention of your
readers, but it seems to me that all its good qualities are not fully recog¬
nised, and like some other Orchids its capacity for enduring rough treat¬
ment is much greater than is imagined. To test the hardiness of
Odontoglossum Rossi as fully as possible I decided this winter to place a
strong plant in an unlieated house, and there it remained until the eni
of February. On several occasions there were 5° or 6° of frost in the
house, and a Camellia was killed near the Odontoglossum ; the latter,
however, seemed quite free from injury, and commenced producing its
flowers. It was then removed to a room where there is a fire daily, but
no gas, and the flowers are as fresh still as if they had only been ex¬
panded a week. It has been in the room for about seven weeks, and will
probably last for several weeks longer. The long period during which
Lycaste Skinneri will last under similar conditions is well known, and I
have repeatedly proved its qualities in that respect, also Cypripedium
insigne, but I confess this Odontoglossum has surprised me, .as its flowers
have not the substance of the Lycaste nor the Cypripedium, and few
would expect it to possess such powers of endurance. I should like to
know whether any of your readers have tested the amount of frost the:
hardiest of the cool Orchids will bear. We read of some been found
white with frost, and I believe that Messrs. Veitch & Sons state in their
‘ Manual of Orchidaceous Plants” that Odontoglossum Rossi is found

April 31, 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

313

rubbish, and I fail to see even in the very glowing descriptions
(which we must always heavily discount) there is anything to make
us look to it with much anticipation of surprise. It may be as I
once heard a person say when someone, speaking of a very
voluminous writer of the seventeenth century, “ It is only a sea of
mud.” “ Yes,” was the reply, “ but there are fine eels in it so it
may be now. Arranging them under the growers’ names, I place
first,

M. EUGENE VERDIER, FILS a1n£.

Due de Braganza. — Poppy red, strongly shaded with violet, a
new colour, large, full, globular, of very fine shape, very vigorous,
superb ; yes, but one dreads these shaded violet Roses.

Fig. 58. — Dexdrobiuji crassixode X WARDIAXUM.

growing on stunted Oaks in Mexico, but we have not much information
upon the matter as regards other species. Perhaps Mr. Smee has learnt
something of this in his experiments with Orchids out of doors. — Ax

Amateur.

NEW ROSES.

HYBRID PERPETUALS.

The indefatigable manner in which our neighbours across the
Channel send out yearly a number of worthless Roses to tempt the
unwary rosarian exhibits a zeal worthy of a better cause. I
say worthless, for this is evidenced by one simple fact. The

National Rose Society published its catalogue of exhibition Roses
in 1884. Since then about 260 new Roses have been sent out, ex¬
cluding a very few of English and American origin ; yet when it
was debated the other day whether the Society should publish a
supplement to their catalogue it was decided in the negative, as
there were so few of any real value amongst them, and thus the
Society is endeavouring to the best of its power to protect Rose
growers by not encouraging them to buy what can only end in
bitter disappointment.

In looking at the lists which have been circulated I do not think
that there is much to cause a flutter amongst Rose lovers.
Lacharme has nothing ; Guillot only a Hybrid Tea which sounds
something like Her Maiesty, which I see an American writer in a
contemporary describes, as far as America is concerned, to be an utter
failure. Charles Verdier has nothing ; Eugene Yerdier of course
plenty ; and while he has given us some excellent Roses we must
always remember that they are weighted by an immense amount of

Duciiesse de Braganza. — Very delicate satiny rose, shaded
brighter rose, extra large, full, well shaped, and vigorous.

Edouard Lefort. — Velvety crimson, shaded, and blotched with
fiery reddish purple, of good shape, vigorous ; a fine new Rose.

Jules Barigny. — Reddish crimson, back of petals paler, large,
very full, of good shape, vigorous, superb.

Madame Edouard Michel. — Very bright fresh rose, very
large, full, with large petals, well shaped, vigorous, Tea-scented ; a
superb variety.

Mdlle. de la SEiGLikRF.. — Apparently raised by a M. Main-
dron, and sent out by E. Verdier, very fresh and delicate silvery
rose, large, full, of good shape, cupped, vigorous. A seedling
from La Reine.

Prince Henri d’Orleans. — Clear cherry carmine, large, full,
of beautiful shape, and vigorous ; an exquisite flower when half
expended. I suppose from this that, although called full, it is not
what we call so.

314

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 81,1887.

Prixcesse Helene d’Orl£ans. — Brilliant fresh rose, large, full,
of a nice rounded shape, capped, vigorous, and very sweet.

Princesse Louise d’Orl£ans.— Fresh satiny rose, bordered
with silvery rose, large, full, of good shape and habit, with large
petals, vigorous, superb. I am afraid if this Orleans family has
any permanence (which I very much doubt) there will be no end of
confusion.

Madame Lurean-Escalias — A joint concern with M. Main-
dron, beautiful delicate rose all over, full, of good shape and habit,
vigorous ; of the Victor Yerdier class.

GTJILLOT.

Madame Joseph Desbois. — This is called by the raiser a
Hybrid Tea, but following our rule it must be classed among Hybrid
Perpetuals. Its parentage is not unlike the reported parentage of
Her Majesty — Baroness Rothschild X Madame Falcot — and seems
to be much of the same type. It is said to be very large, measures
from 5 to 7 inches across, tieshy white, with delicate rosy salmon
centre ; very full and of good shape and habit, very vigorous.

LEVEQUE.

Alphonse Drawiel. — Blackish poppy red lit up with carmine ;
large, full, globular, and of perfect shape ; one of the best dark
Roses yet brought out.

Aly PAsnA Cherif. — Bright fiery vermilion shaded with
velvety crimson ; large, full, well shaped, and very vigorous ; extra
good.

Comte de Paris. — Poppy red, shaded, and illumined with
bright purple, brown, and vivid crimson ; large, full, of very good
shape, and very vigorous ; a grand new Rose.

Baronne de St. Didier. — Reddish crimson or bright cherry
shaded with lilac, and purple ; edges of petals often edged with
white ; large, full, and of vigorous growth.

Madame Edouard de Bonni£res de Wierre. — What a name
for English gardeners ! Amaranth red illumined with carmine and
poppy red ; large, full, of good shape and vigorous ; a grand new
Rose.

Madame Leon Halkix. — Bright reddish crimson shaded with
■dazzling purple ; large, full, globular, of perfect shape and vigorous ;
extra good.

Madame Thibaut ain£. — Bright rose cherry, petals often
bordered with white ; large, full, of beautiful shape and vigorous ;
quite a distinct variety.

LIABAUD.

Iamile Masson. — Velvety reddish purple ; large, full, very
vigorous and free-flowering.

Jules Derondiliie. — purplish crimson ; large or medium, full ;
very vigorous and free-flowering.

Madame Treyve Marie. — Clear red shaded orange, and
turning to bronze in its prime ; very vigorous and very free-
flowering ; a new and distinct colour. Quite correct if description
goes for anything.

Mademoiselle Marie Dauphine. — Beautiful delicate rose
with a fresh lilac reflex in the centre ; very large, full, and of very
vigorous growth ; a new and distinct colour.

VIGNERON, FILS.

Bijou de Couasnon. — Bright velvety red ; large, full, of good
shape and habit, very vigorous and free-flowering.

Madame Marcel Fauneau. — Rosy lilac, centre darker ; very
large, full, globular ; vigorous and very free-flowering ; a seedling
of Alexis Lepere. This last was brought out twelve years ago,
and as I do not believe that it was ever seen in England, and cer¬
tainly never regarded as an acquisition, it does not appear a
great distinction to say that John Smith was the son of Thomas
Smith.

Monsieur Richard. — Bright velvety fiery red ; large, full,
vigorous, and very sweet.

DUBREUIL.

Attractiox. — This is one of the so-called Hybrid Teas. Clear
carmine shaded China Rose, petals edged pale rose with a yellow
base ; flowering in clusters from three to five flowers on a fine
stem ; vigorous, with an intermediate scent between the Damask
and Tea Roses ; very free flowering, extra good.

VEUVE SCHWARTZ.

Jean Baptiste Casati. — Very delicate rosy lilac, centre white,
large, cupped, of good shape ; vigorous and very sweet-scented.

Monsieur M. Baron. — Dark reddish violet; large, full,
vigorous, and very sweet.

BERNAIX.

Madame A. Schwaller. — Another so-called Hybrid Tea ;
rosy flesh, paler at the base and deeper on the edges of the petals ;

globular on opening, and becoming cupped when expanded ; of
bushy growth and very free-flowering.

BESSON.

Docteur Antoine Joly. — Brilliant rose, deeper at the base,
and shaded salmon ; large, very full ; cupped, and of good shape ;
vigorous ; a seedling from Baroness Rothschild.

Orgeuil de Lyon. — Dark velvety crimson, illumined with
vermilion, with a fiery reflex ; large, full, of good shape and
vigorous.

GONOD.

Louis Rollet. — Reddish purple ; large, full, and of most
remarkable vigour of growth.

Stephanie Charenton. — White, the three outer rows of
petals slightly rose-coloured, the centre ones being bright rosy
cherry ; large, full, of beautiful shape and very vigorous.

PERNET, PERE.

Madame Desir. — Bright rose, shaded orange and salmon ; a
completely new colour ; large and nearly full, very vigorous, free-
flowering, and sweet-scented.

BERRIEDE.

Madame de Silve. — Bright red with lilac reflex ; very large,
well-shaped, and very vigorous ; a seedling from M. Fillon.

Madame Jeanne Bouvet. — Flesh colour or silvery rose ; of
medium size, well-shaped and vigorous ; a seedling from Jules
Margottin, with the same wood and habit of growth.

MOREAU ROBERT.

Souvenir de Capitaine des Mares. — Very bright cherry
shaded gooseberry red ; very large, globular, well-shaped ; full,
of very vigorous growth, and very free-flowering ; extra good.

Vicomtesse de Serves. — Delicate rose glace on the edge of
the petals, the centre being darker in tint ; very large, full, and
of perfect shape ; exceedingly vigorous, and flowering in clusters ;
a good new Rose.

SOUPERT ET NOTTING.

Theodore Liberton. — Dazzling carmine, shaded with a light
changing to darker rose, back of petals light purple ; large, full,
shaped like a Damask Rose ; vigorous, and very sweet-scented.

C. LEVET, JEUNE.

Madame Honore Defresne. — Beautiful dark yellow with
coppery reflex ; large, full, of good shape and vigorous growth.

Reading the above list in the light of the National Rose
Society’s catalogue, I fear that the greater proportion of the
raisers are unknown to fame as having raised a Rose deemed
worthy of a place in their catalogue of exhibition Roses, although
some of them have been engaged in sending out new Roses for
twenty or thirty years, while many of them seem to be new hands,
who may perhaps give us something better than their forefathers.
If, however, there are amongst these varieties anything that is
worth growing, yve may perhaps expect it from Guillot, Liabaud,
and Leveque. Amongst English Roses, I think the most promising
that I have seen is Great Mogul, which may be described as a very
dark shaded A. K. Williams. There are two Hybrid Perpetuals
from a new source of which I have heard (especially of one) a good
deal. I mean the north of Ireland, where Messrs. Alex. Dickson
and Sons of Newtownards have been for some years engaged in
raising seedling Roses. The two I allude to are —

Earl of Dufferin. — Hardy and vigorous habit, with dark
green foliage, an early autumn and late bloomer ; flowers large,
full, and finely formed ; colour rich brilliant velvety crimson
shaded with dark maroon, the finest dark Rose ever produced. It
was awarded at Helensburgh the pi ize for the best Rose in the show
out of 1250 blooms. It has already received seven first-class
certificates.

Lady Helen Stewart. — Very strong grower and a most
continuous bloomer, flowering freely until late in autumn ; colour
bright crimson scarlet, with beautifully smooth petals of great
substance. — D., Deal.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Apbil 12th.

Scientific Committee. — Present: Dr. M. T. Masters, in the chair; Pro¬
fessor M. Ward, Professor A. Church, Mr. G. Maw, Dr. Lowe, Mr. G. F.
Wilson, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Maclachlan, Mr. W. G. Smith, Mr. A. Smee, Pro¬
fessor Boulger, and Rev. G. Henslow (Hon. Sec.).

Hybrid Bulbocodium {Supposed). — Mr. Smyth forwarded flowers as
requested at the last meeting, but which proved to be exactly like forms
exhibited by Mr. Maw, who bad no doubt they were from true seedlings and
not a cross.

Crocus sp. — Mr. Maw exhibited the following :—C. biflorus var. Pesta-

April 21, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

315

lozzto, from near Constantinople, with a very small white perianth ; C.
minimus, DC., from Ajaccio, Corsica, with dark purple outer petals and
lighter coloured ones within ; C. imperati, from Bavillo, South Italy, the
o >ly species with a rose-coloured perianth ; also a white variety of the same,
first introduced by Dr. Lowe, who sent it to the late Rev. H. II. Crewe.

Corbularia oltesa. — Mr. Maw observed that the obesa ” form — not a
distinct form — was characteristic of many, as of C. nivalis, both of larger
and smaller kinds, N. nanus, found wild near Bewiley, Salop.

Chionodoxa sp. — Mr. Maw also showed specimens from Crete, having a
much smaller flower than C. Lucilice. Dr. Masters obs rved that the latter
will degenerate in a wet soil so as to assume a diminished stature, which
was, therefore, probably solely due to its habitat. A Fritillaria from
Erzeroum, Armenia (chocolate-flowered), and which was figured in the
“Botanical Magazine ” with a yellow form from mountains near Smyrna ;
also a vernal form of Colchicum from the Dardanelles.

Kief. — Mr. Ridley reported upon his examination of the plant producing
th:s intoxicant, which proved to be a dwarf form of Cannabis sativa, or
Hemp, due to its growth in a poor soil. It has smaller and darker coloured
fruit than that of ordinary Hemp.

Radulum. — Mr. O'Brien exhibited specimens of a form of this fungus
growing on imported Orchid blocks, and also a young form of some species
•f the Locustideae on Dendrobium Palconeri.

Primula sp. f — Mr. G. P. Wilson exhibited a 6mall species of Primrose
which had come up amongst Himalayan seed, and several blossoms of
seedlings of Scott Wilson, showing the retention of the blue tint, though
exhibiting great variety of colours.

Primrose, White Variety. — Mr. W. D’Arcy Godolpkin Osborne sent a
plant of a white Primrose found wild near Biarritz. Though a common
cultivated form it is probably rare in a wild state. It was growing in
red clay.

Primula, Tlybrid. — Colonel Clarke exhibited blossoms of a hybrid of
P. ciliata crossed by pollen of a dark Alpine Auricula. The colour closely
resembled the latter, but the corolla was very large, being quite half as
large again as the Auricula, while the centre was of a deeper yellow.

Rhuibarb, Hybrid. — Colonel Clarke also showed a leaf of a hybrid between
Rheum palmaium and the common garden Rhubarb, R. undulatum.

Cattleyas, Malformed. — Mr. Ridley reported upon these as follows : —
(1.) The lip was twisted 90°; there was one petal only, three stamens, and
one rostellum, with all the pollen aborted. (2.) One petal was somewhat
labelliform, and apparently two rost Ila were present.

Roses hypertrophied. — Professor M. Ward reported on these. The pro¬
tuberances were very remarkable. He detected a pla-modium within the
cells, showing a definite relationship to the outgrowths. In partial culti¬
vations there was a definite plasmodium outside the cells ; it was accom¬
panied by a Myxomycete, seen in yellow accretions of spores. It somewhat
resembled the growth in Turnips, but was of an unknown form. Ho pro¬
posed to investigate it further.

Hyacinths, Malformed. — Mrs. Lee sent bulbs of Hyacinths from which
the short undeveloped spike of buds had prematurely fallen by a con¬
striction of the peduncle, about an inch below the base of the flower
buds. They were referred to Professor M. Ward for further examination
and report.

Azalea Sport. — Rev. G. Henslow exhibited a mauve-coloured blossom
which had appeared on a shrub with nearly scarlet-coloured flowers. The
foliage on the sport was much larger and more hairy than on the usual
branch. Moreover, in the sport there was a tendency to doubling, but not
in the normal flower.

Portugal Narcissi : Notes on, by Mr. A. Tait. — A communication was
read, giving details of Mr. Tait’s and Mr. Barr’s observations in North and
South Portugal. Corbularias. — Of these was found a large form, perhaps
conspicua or serotina in marshy ground, and in sandy woods of Pinus mari-
tima, edging the marshes ; there was a much dwarfer form, varying in
colour from a rich orange to pale yellow, distinctly striped with greenish
white ; all probably of one species, but with variations, due to environment,
as some of the larger kinds, planted in 1886 in a dry situation, have become
reduced this year.

On higher grounds in North Portugal the Corbularias are small, with
Rush-like, twi-ted, and drooping leaves ; but at 3000 feet in the Gerez
Mountains was C. nivalis, with erect leaves and small flowers, varying from
a rich yellow to pale sulphur.

In February a flue form, probably C. obesa, Salisb., was found in
Estremadura at Moutegil. Mr. Tait remarks upon the varying length of
the styles in this species, and thinks that it is an unstable character for
classificatory purposes. He notices — what has been already observed by
others — a similar unstability in the stamen of N. triandrus, an approxima¬
tion towards heterostylism. It is rare, he adds, to find the style deep down
in the Ajax s 'ction.

A small-flowered form of Ajax, transplanted in 1885, has now borne
flowers equal in size to the larger form, the small size being attributed by
Mr. Tait to poverty of soil. He notices great variation in the form of the
flower representing “ Maximus,” “ Major,” and the “ Tenby,” suggesting to
Mr. Barr that these forms originally came from Portugal. Near Braga
forms with the perianth paler than the crown, as in the English and Scotch
wild form, were met with. Ajax bicolor occurred in abundance, and was
the nearest approach to pi, 1187, “ Botanic al Magazine.” Mr. Barr has
found N. Johnstoni in several localities in North Spain. N. triandrus is
specially remarkable for the extraordinary variations in form of flower,
foliage, size of bulb, <tc., together with the curious trimorphism of the
sexual organs. N. triandrus var. concolor was found in a few mountainous
situations by Professor Henriques, and Mr. Tait identifies it with Parkin¬
son’s N. juncifolius flore luteo reflexo (Par ad., p. 92), remarkable for its
golden yellow colour. N. Jonquilla, a remarkably large form, has flowered
with Mr. Tait.

Mr. Tait concludes his interesting communication with some remarks on
hybrids, all of which are of a creamy-white colour when due to the natural
crossing of Pseudo-Na-cissus and N. triandrus. Other hybrids from Gerez
are uniform in size, colour, <fca,aad partake of the features of both the parents
— viz., C. nivalis and N. triandrus. He asks, Why aie these hybrids so rare,
and do they die out ?

CAMELLIAS AFTER FLOWERING.

The plants are going out of flower now almost daily. Indeed the
whole stock of Camellias will soon require to be treated as plants
that have done flowering, and as this treatment bears more directly
on their subsequent success than the attention they require at any
other time a few hints may be acceptable to many amateur readers.
When Camellias are not in flower they may be syringed frequently
with advantage, and this generally keeps the foliage clean and
healthy ; but glutinous matter sometimes adheres to them, and syring¬
ing will not remove it, yet it is absolutely necessary for the health of
the plants that it be removed, and it should be cleaned immediately
flowering ceases. Sponging is the surest way, using a mixture of
Gishurst compound, 3 ozs. to the gallon of water. Before beginning
to sponge syringe the bushes several times with water to soften the
dirt, .and during the operation of sponging the whole of the foliage
may be kept constantly wet, as it is so much easier to remove the dirt
when it is 6oft and wet than when hard and dry.

Equally important is having the roots in proper order. No-
Camellia should be planted out in a bed or border without the greatest
care being devoted to the drainage, as it is only in the first instance
that this can be properly treated, and there is no easy way of rectify¬
ing the drainage of plants which are growing in a bed. Effective
drainage in their case is everything at first, but it is different with
plants in pots, as they can easily be turned out without breaking the
ball of roots, the drainage renewed or replaced, and the plant returned
without feeling a check. Wherever the soil has become stagnant
or in bad condition do not fail to examine and rectify the drainage.
Planted-out specimens are very liable to suffer from being too much
disturbed at the roots, and in trying to improve the drainage it can
best be placed round the sides than directly under the plant, and if
the vacancy made to permit this is filled with good soil an improve¬
ment will soon take place. Firm soil is also very necessary to the
success of the plants, indeed they will not remain long in good health
if the soil is loose. Seeing that the drainage is right and the soil
firm should have annual attention as the plants cease flowering. The
soil may be allowed to become slightly dry before beginning to work
with it, but after the operations I have suggested are finished it mast
not on any account be allowed to become dry, and from the day the
plants begin growing until th9 flower buds are well developed the
soil at the roots may be kept constantly sweet and moist. In some
cases the growth begins before the bloom3j are all over, but the main
growth rarely commences until then.

Apart from cleaning the foliage in the first place the}' should be
frequently well syringed with clean water afterwards, and once daily
is not too often to syringe them in good weather. I do not approve
of keeping them very close, as the growths are rather liable to become
long and weakly, and this also applies to plants grown under a dense
shade. We have not shaded a Camellia for many years, and we
have always plenty of blooms from November until April. Besides,
the present being a good time to clean the foliage and to place the
plants in proper condition for another year, repotting and planting
may also be done. Sometimes when plants are in bad health in pots
their growers think they would thrive better if planted out, but my
experience leads me to say that it is easier to improve a Camellia in
a pot than when planted, and 1 should not be inclined to plant a
specimen in a half dead condition. The plan would be to get it into-
good health in a pot and then plant. The object of planting out is
to secure large specimens which will require less attention in watering
than those in pots, and all the finest Camellias in the country are
planted out. Success is certain when good plants are used and the
operation carefully performed, but all depends on that. The bed
must not be less than 2 feet 6 inches in depth, and at least 6 inches
of this should be taken up with carefully arranged drainage. A layer
of fibrous turf may cover this. The plants need not be placed too
deeply, and the whole bed filled firmly with a mixture consisting of
equal parts of peat and loam, to which has been added a liberal dash
of coarse sand. This mixture will suit Camellias under all conditions
of culture.

The plants requiring potting most may be divided into two classes,
one being those which have outgrown the limits of their pots and re¬
quire more root room, and the other those which have not taken advan¬
tage of their root room, have become sickly and failed to fill their pots
with roots. The remedy for the first is to give them larger pots, and
the best thing to do with the second is to turn them out, removing
all loose or useless soil from their roots and repot in smaller sized
pots. There is no better way than this of improving the condition
of sickly Camellias. All plants that are repotted must be shaded foT
a time, keeping the atmosphere in which they are placed very
humid. About this time last year we had a plant at the corner of a
bed that had become so large as to block the way, and it had been
cut in so often that it was rather stumpy and not very ornamental,
but being a useful variety we were not willing to throw it away.
The only thing to do with it was to move it from the corner. This

316

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April SI, 1887.

we dii) in the manner indicated above, and abbough it was almost
destitute of small fibrous roots it recovered, and has lately been a
mass of flowers. — J. Muir, Margam.

THE INSECr ENEMIES OF OUR GARDEN CROPS.

THE GRAPE.

If amongst the flowers of our gardens the Rose holds that pre¬
eminence which entitles her to the name of Queen, the Vine may
«urely be accounted king amongst the fruits we cultivate. For this
reason it receives special attention from the gardener, and its insect
enemies are better known and more diligently hunted up than those
cf many plants that are in still larger cultivation and of greater
importance as producers of food. It is a curious fact that the
English climate some centuries ago favoured the outdoor growth of
Vines in a way it does not at the present time, if we take as authentic
the records of the existence of numerous vineyards, especially on
the slopes about the metropolis. Grapes now obtained throughout
Britain in the open air are a small proportion to those lipened in hot
and cool houses ; but if by culture under glass the Vine escapes
some conspicuous insect enemies it has still perils from persistent
though smaller foes. Taking it generally, the Vine does not with
us receive much harm during the fruiting season ; it is otherwise in
several of the chief Grape-yMding countries of Europe, where the
blossoms, unripe and ripe fruit, are attacked by hosts of destructive
caterpillars hard to eradicate.

Taking first its wingless enemies, m'st of them small in size yet
often rapid in multiplication, we no ice that the long-bodied many¬
legged millipedes of the family Julidae may occur in the borders about
Vine roots, but seldom numerously enough to do appreciable harm.
These creatures may be killed by clear lime water or soot water, and
a very weak solution of carbolic acid has lately been recommended
for destroying them, say ten or twenty drops to a gallon of water.
Moisture suits these insects, as it does woodlice, which get sometimes
into vineries, though I doubt whether they do any miechief there.
Undoubtedly they commit damage to the roots and underground
Stems of various plants. Of all things used to kill insects the most
unpleasant to them is gas tar, even at a good distance off, which would
show that they possess the sense of smell. The more active centi¬
pedes, well-known visitors to stone fruits, seldom enter Grapes, and
as during the early part of their life they certainly devour insects
that come in their way, they scarcely rank as foes of the Vine.

This plant, both in and out of doors, has a fascination for flies of
numerous kinds, and not merely at the times when its flowers and
fruit may be supposed to attract. It has been thought some of these
come to prey upon minute insects, but they seem fond of walking
over its leaves and branches, leaving undesirable marks. Here is
where the spiders come in, and if their webs cannot be tolerated
amongst the Vines they might, perhaps be allowed to remain in spots
where they are little noticed, as the quantity of insects that spiders
entrap is considerable. A wandering spider which seems to like the
•warmth of the houses, and is grey with whitish bars, is called Salticus
,8cenicus ; it leaps upon flits, running up to them with a sideling
movement. This should never be killed. Then another not unusual
speeies, supposed to be a naturalised foreigner, is the brown and
"black Tberidion tepidariosnm, which makes an ingenious tent-like
.structure on a leaf to enclose its eggs. As this is a web-spinner we can
scarcely expect it to be left undisturbed. On the Continent, how¬
ever, its relative T. benignum (so called because the sexes are able to
live near each other without quarrelling) is positively encouraged
.amongst the Vines, because its slight but plentiful webs, thrown over
the clusters of ripening Grapes, are deemed to keep off insects that
are harmful. And of course the spindly Pholcus, often called Daddy
Longlegs, perambulates over vineries sometimes, and may be let
alone, as its web is mostly in odd corners where it is not vtry notice¬
able.

We come now to a p^st which is popularly known as the red
spider, but which is properly a mite of the spinning group, and apt
to be troublesome, though the Vine sustains less injury from this
than do some other plants of more delicate growth. Bed is the
adjective applied to it, yet many of these are not red, tints of green
or brown being not uncommon ; in fact, the colour varies according
to the fluid they have been imbibing, it is also thought that while
young they are generally greenish, and acquire the rusty red colour
as they mature. Th s species is probably a native of Britain, but a
few naturalists think it may have been imported with exotics, it is at
any rate no stranger wherever plants are cultivated, and occurs upon
those in the open air, if it prefers the shelter of houses. These
mites, on the “happy family " plan, live under the screen of the webs
they spin on the leaves, sometimes on flower buds, as in other in¬
stances they are chiefly found on the under side of Vine leaves,
which become patchy and curled. Possibly as much damage is done
by the fluid secreted by the mites upon the leaves as by their suction,

and their multiplication is rapid. The larval is distinguished from
the imago stage by the possession of only six feet, and it appears to
be the fact that the last brood of the autumn pass through the winter
as larvae, retiring from the leaves, or falling with the dead leaves, to
the soil where they congregate beneath stones or clods. Boisduval
has noticed asecon I and much smaller species of mite on Vine leaves,
besides this Tetranychus telarius, spinning a much looser web. I do
not think it has yet been observed here.

Sulphur has been spoken of as the cure for red spider attacks ;
being in the position that tobacco holds with regards to the aphis and
some of its kin, lecentiy doubt have arisen on the point, from the
sulphur failing of its end unless so used that, it is perilous to the
Vines. This is also true of the fumes of ammonia, which, obtained
by heating certain kinds of manure, will kill both spider and thrips,
but may possibly affect the growth of any p’ant also exposed to them
There is of course not much dang r in trying these in vineries when
there are no leaves, and the buds are quiescent. A correspondent
commends the application in winter of the vapour to be obtained by
first making about a pound of sulphur into a paste with boiling water,
then adding 2 or 3 gallons of water and some lumps of unslaked
lime ; this removes spider and mildew. Mr. Iggulden advises dusting
the foliage with sulphur by means of a dredger should the insect
show i 'self during the early summer, and washing the branches or
rods with a strong decoction of quassia made soapy destroys this and
other insects. Fir-tree oil does not seem very efficacious, nor soms
of the advertised compounds. Whatever solution may be adopted for
cleansing the leaves must be thoroughly applied to the lower side ;
injudicious syringing may scatter, not kill, -'nsec's.

Mites of the genus Rhizoglyphu*, allied to the cheese mite, have
been taken on Vine roots, though they are commoner on bulbs,
rhizomes, and conns ; they seem to cause swellings, but in the case
of the Vine do no appreciable injury. One of these has received
the specific name of phylloxeras, because it was not only found in
company with that pest, but from examination was believed to feed
upon it in some stage ; this has been questioned, and further inquiry
is needed as to its habits. When young the mite certainly imbibes
the juices of plants, and probably follows the phylloxera as a matter
of convenience, and to breed it as a check upon the spread of phyl¬
loxera, though seriously proposed in France, looks a doubtful enterprise.
Of the numerous and perplexing gall mites one at least, Phyllerium
vitis, occurs on the leaves of the Vine ; seldom visible on the upper
surface, there are small warts or flat patches containing parties of
mites invisible except magniSed. — Entomologist.

NOTES FROM LILLESDEN.

The gardens connected with Lillesden House, Hawkhurst, Kent
are always worthy of a visit ; at any rate, whenever I call on my friend
Mr. Channing I invariably derive much pleasure during the time well
spent with him. My last visit occurring in midwinter, the principal
attractions were the plant houses, and notably the grand conservatory
adjoining the mansion. This fine structure is nerrly 100 feet long and
30 feet wide, and contains many valuable flowering and fine-foliaged
plants, as well as a capital assortment of climbers and wall plants. The
Camellias are very well managed, numerous large handsome bushes of
the best varieties being dotted about the large centre beds. They are
planted out, and a free use of the knife keeps them in good shape. One
large specimen against a high end wall covered a space fully 12 feet
each way, and had expanded hundreds of fine blooms, yet this was
rooting in quite a narrow border. Lasiandra macrantha, a very showy
greenhouse plant not often met with, also covers a great amount of wall
space. It flowers abundantly during the late summer and autumn
months, and if cut back freely flowers again in the winter. When I saw
the plant at Lillesden it was flowering beautifully. Luculia gratissima
planted in a narrow peaty border and trained up a low back wall and
on to the roof was at its best, and very effective it was. Numerous
plants in small pots were also flowering freely, each having about six
large trusses.

Both the red and the white varieties of Lapageria are in the best
possible condition. The red variety is planted in a narrow border
against a cool back wall, and trained from this on to the roof. Alba isestab-
lised in a large slate tub, and is a very fine plant, plenty of the growths
attaining a length of 8 yards. A quantity of seed has been saved from’
this plant, and some of this sown in heat as soon as ripe germinated
in six weeks, the seedlings, when I saw them, being about 2 inches high.
Lapagerias usually thrive best in confined borders or in tubs, a rough
peaty compost, good drainage, and abundance of water being tbeir other
principal requirements. Habrotliamnus elegans, of which they appear
to possess a superior form at Lillesden, is particularly well adapted for
covering pillars. It does best planted out, and yields abundance of
bright clusters of bloom during the dullest part of the year. Mr.
Channing strongly recommends Stigmaphyllum ciliatum as a green¬
house or conservatory climber, and it does remarkably well at Lillesden.
It flowers most abundantly during the summer and autumn months,
and if cut back and an intermediate temperature maintained, it would
flower again through the winter. The Hybrid Rhododendrons are also

April 51, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

317

grown against thi low wall previously mentioned, and very useful and
ornamental they prove. It. jasminillorum and the It. Veitchi are sorts
preferred, and these grow vigorously with only a narrow peaty border to

root in.

Among the numerous well grown Ferns the most noteworthy were
Lomaria zamiajfolia, which would be good for exhibition ; Gleichenia
■Spelunc®, to which the same remark applies ; Pteris straminea, a free-
growin r useful Fern ; Cibotium regale, a noble Tree Fern ; Adian-
tum Williamsi, of free handsome growth, good for exhibition ;
Adiantnm cuneatum grandiceps, a very graceful crested variety,
beautiful either in baskets or pots, and easily raised from
spores ; Osmunda palustris, very serviceable ; and Lastrea Itichardsi
moltitida, a nearly hardy crested variety. All the foregoing succeed in
a greenhouse or conservatory temperature. Of the Palms grown in this
conservatory the most effective is Kcntia Fosteriana, this, in my estima¬
tion, being one of the very best that can be named either for conserva¬
tory or house decoration, and “takes” well in the exhibition tent. A
great variety of flowering plants are grown in pots ; but for the conser¬
vatory during the winter .none are found to surpass the Cypripedium
insigne, and of this there is a large stock at Lillesden. Some of the
strongest pieces had about fifty expanded blooms, and these remain
fresh in a cool house for many weeks. After they have done flowering
they are placed in a warm greenhouse to form fresh growth, plenty of
light and air being given subsequently. This treatment never fails to
induce free flowering.

Considering the amount of supply such a large conservatory requires
there are scarcely enough forcing and plant houses available, and it is
only by good management that the supply of flowering plants can be
maintained. Large numbers of Salvias, Eupatoriums, Arums, Itoses,
Tritomas, and various deciduous and other shrubs are planted out
during the summer and potted for the winter and spring, the vineries
largely assisting in bringing them into bloom. In the plant stove, in
addition to the Gardenias, Bouvarilias, Crotons, Dracaenas, and other
useful plants, there are also numerous good Orchids, a quantity of I. Delia
anceps being most noticeable. The good old Dendrobium nobile is
extensively grown, and there is a line lot of Cuelogyne cristata. The
latter are principally in pans, some of these having as many as forty
spikes of blooms developing. During the summer they are kept in a
cool and rather shady greenhouse, where they seem especially happy in
company with various Odontoglossums and other cool house Orchids,
batches of them being introduced into heat in October, these flowering
in February and onwards.

Eucharis grandiflora and the smaller-flowering E. Candida and E.
Bind eri, are well and extensively grown, and nowhere else have I seen
such a fine lot of Pancratium fragrans. Many of the bulbs are like large
Onions, and must throw up grand spikes of bloom. They are not
actually dried off during the winter, but only kept rather dry at the
r. o" s. What potting is necessary is usually done when there is a good
heat in the vineries, this just suiting these Amaryllis, Eucharises, and
other bulbous-rooted plants that are to be brought into Rower or
assisted to form fresh roots.

This brief notice by no means exhausts the list of plants cultivated
under glass at Lillesden ; but enough has been said to show that Mr.
Channing keeps pace with the times, and those probably who may feel
disposed to visit Lillesden during the summer and autumn will perhaps
admit that he is rather ahead of the times, both with regard to the grand
'collection of herbaceous plants, and the carefully named and well-
cultivated collections of Apples and Pears under his charge. — Visitor.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

(Continued from page 277.)

Ind., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — FI., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— H.H , Half hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — Lin., Line = One-twelfth of an inch. —
Ft., Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — ret., Petals. — Sep , Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove epiphytes.

Pandanus Kf.rchovki (111. H., pi. GOO; Cat. C. C. d'Hort , p. 10.)
Fandam®. S. An exceedingly beautiful Pandanus, with long and veiy
narrow bright gre- n 1., armed with whitish spines. Admiralty Isles.

Papavkr pavokisum (G. C. xxvi., p. 328 9, f. G7). Papnverace®. H.
annua'. A beautiful Poppy of dwarf habit, being about 1 ft. high, and very
free flowering. L. bipinnafisect. Buds two-b< rues, one hrrn on each s»p.,
by which character it is well marked. FI. 3-4-in. across, brilliant scarlet,
marked near the base with a zone of gossy black. Afghanistan and
Turkestan.

Paphinia Randi ( L ., pi. 80'. Orchih®. A striking Orchid, alii. d to
P. cristata, with ellipsoid bulbs an inch long, lanceolate acute ; 1. 3-4 in.
long, acd a peduncle bearing two fl., 2i in. in expanse. Sep. and pet.
lanceolate-acuminate, purple-red, transversely barred at the base, and
dongitudinally striped along the margins with white. The cristate lip
marked with the same colours. Syn., P. cristata, var. Randi.

PassIFLoba vioi.acf.a (II. B. 1885, p. 468, with pla'e). Passiflorace®.
G. cr S. c'itnber. A beautiful species with 3-lobed 1., large oblique y semi-
cordate itipules, and long peduncled fl. 3 in. in diam. Sep. and pet. oblong
obtuse, pale 1 lac ; outer coronal filaments bine in the middle, white at the
-brse and tips; the inner coronal fi aments shorter, violet. Brazil.

Pescatokka Ruckeriana (G. C. xxiv., p. 424). Oribide®. Much in
the way of P. Dayana, with twisting undulate acute sep. and pet., which
■ore white with a large l ght purple area near the green apex. The lip
appears triangular, being revolute on each side and rul ed ucd rneath at
the top. It is purple wi.h a white callus, and some yellow at the base of
■he Bide lobes.

Phacelia Parry j (B. M., t. 6842; Gjl. t. 1207; B.H, 1885. p. 557)
Hydrophyllac ®. H. A beautiful annual hi rb, clo'hed with v sc'd hai-s.
L. 14 in. long ovate, coatsely toothed, pttiola e. F . in e'ongating, ter¬
minal, scorpioid racemts. Corolla 1 in. in diim., campanulatt -rotate,
shortly 5-I« bed, violet, with five yellowish spo‘8 at the tLroat of the shoit
tuba. Filaments hairy. California.

Phal.enoi’sis Schilleriaxa, var. splexdens (It. H., 1886, p. 896 with
plate). Orcbidt-ffi. A charovng variety with handsome rose-coloured fl.,
washed with darker, the side lobes of l p white with purplj Epots and
wash* d with rosy. PI ilij p:nes.

Philodendron Akdreanum (B. H., 1836, p. f 6, with plate). Arace®.
S. A tine Aroid of climbing habit, with ornamental foliage. The pendu¬
lous 1. are 2-3 ft. L-ngby 10 iD. broad, elorg ite cordate-lanceolate acute, dark
sb ning gretn with coppery r flee ions. Columbia.

Phlox Drummosdi var. flore pleno (Gjl , 1886, p. 404, f. 50). Pol -
moniact®. H. A pafy double-flowered form of this charming annual.
Garden variety.

Phrynicm variegatcm (III. H, pi. 606). Scitamine®. S. per. A
beautiful foliage plant about 1 ft. high, with erect whitish pet!olea striate
with green, and oblong acute 1., 5 7 in. long, white, irregularly banded with
green. Fl unknown. Malacca (?).

Picea Bheweriana (G. C. xxv., p. 497 8, f. 93). Conifer®. H. tree,
growing to 80 90 ft high, somewhat resembling P. excelsa, with long droop¬
ing whip-like puberulous branchlets, 6 8 ft. long; 1. 5-12 lines long, J-l line
broad, rounded or slighily carinate above, stomatoso beneath on each side
the prominent midrib, obtuse. Cones slender, 3 in. long, with thin ent:re
scales. North California.

Picea Parp.yana (Gfl. 1836, p. 199). H. tree, intermediate betwreu
P. alba and P. Eagelmanro, also allied to P. pungens, but the characters net
definitely stated. Cones unknown. N.W. America.

Pilumna nobilis (L., pi. 59). Orchide®. This is a synonym of Tricho-
pilia Candida, also known as T. nobilD, and T. fragrans var. nobil s.

Pinanga decora (Cat. C. C. d'Uort., p. 8). Palm®. 8. A beautiful
Palm with two-parted 1. of a dark red colour, passing insensibly into a
transparent glaucous green, clouded as in some Dracmuas.

Pinanga spectabilis (Bull Cat., p. 9). S. An ornamental Palm, with
daik green 1., mottled with light green, silvery beneath. The young 1. are
two-lobed, the older ones pinnate. East Indies.

Pleurothallis Regellvna (Gjl. 1886, p. 51). Orchide®. Allied to
P. r cerva, with a climbing branched stem, coriaceous oblong 1., round d at
the base, and a recurved several-flowered raceme of slightly tomentose fl.
Upp>r sep. ochraceouq connate sep. reddish; pet. whitish ; lip rosy with
a pu-pla cushion at the base. Minas Geraes.

Plumbago capensis var. alba (Williams' Cat., p. 26). Plumbaginem.
G. sbr. A useful variety with white fl.

PoDoCAt.rus vtTiENsrs (G. C. xxv., p. 464 5, f. 89). Conifer®. G. shr.
or tree of ornamental character, with drooping graceful frond-like branch- s,
thickly beset with small, distichous, ovate-lanceolate, acute, bright green
1. Fl. and fr. unknown. Fiji.

Pogonia pdi.cheli.a (B. M., 6851). Orihid ®. 8. terrestrial Orchid.
Tuber sub-globose. L. solitary, close to the ground, roundish-cordate
acute, of a fine bronzy green, purple beneath, hairy on both sides. Fl.-stem
produced after the 1, two-flowered. Sep. and pet. J inch long, narrow
lanceolate acute, dull yellow-ochre with three darker nerves; lip rosy with
darker lines. Hong Kong.

Polybotrya Lechleriana (G. C. xxv., p. 394 and 400-1, f. 79-80).
Filices. A hand.-ome 8. Fern, with creeping stem and largs broadly
deltoid ovae, acu'e, 4-pinnate fronds. Pinn® oblong lanceolate, acuminate,
overlapping. Pinnules almo-t sessile, oblong, acute, cut into blunt oblong
pinnatifid pinnul cs. Peru, Ecuador.

Polygonum sph.Erostachyum (B. M., t. 6847). Polygonace®. H. per.
herb of dwarf habit, allied to P. affine; very attractive, and suitable for
rock work. Stems 4-10 in. high. L. 3-5 inches long, lin ar-lanceolate
acuminate, gl iucous or pubescent beneath, stipular sheaths large. Fl.
oblong, crimson, in dense eylindiic-oblong or sub-globoss heads. Himalaya

(To ba continued.)

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

April 20th.

Favoured by bright sunny weather this Society held its second
spring Show of the season on Wednesday last, both exhibits and visitors
being numerous. There was more diversity in the groups shown in the
corridor than usual, considerable taste being displayed by some of the
exhibitors, the banks of Primroses, Cinerarias, stove and greenhouse
plants, Daffodils, &c., having a beautiful effect.

New plants were not quite so abundant as on some previous occasions,
but certificates were awarded for the following, several of which have
been previously honoured at South Kensington- Botanical certificates
for Primula obtusifolia Gammieana, a beautiful variety with deep pur¬
plish crimson flowers from Mr. J. Douglas. It was found in Sikkim at
an elevation of 15,000 feet in a sunny position. Pteris cretica Mayi and
P. tremula flaccida from Mr. II. B. May, and Narcissus cyclamineus from
Messrs. Barr A Son. Floricultural certificates were awarded for Auriculas
Montrose, Rev. C. Kingsley, and Tiresias, with Amaryllis Hilda from Mr.
J. Douglas ; Cinerarias Eclipse, Royalty, Jubilee, and Ariel from Mr.
James, Woodside, Slough ; Amaryllis Edith Wynne from Messrs. J.
Veitch & Sons ; Amaryllis R. D. Blackinore from Messrs. Paul k Son ;
Rose The Puritan from Messrs. W. Paul k Son, and Cyclamen pcrsicuin
majesticum from Mr. Odell.

Azaleas contributed materially to the brightness of the Exhibition,
both indica varieties and the hardy varieties of the mollis type, which
were principally shown by Messrs. H. Lane k Son of Berkhampstvad ;
Rhododendrons from the same firm constituting beautiful groups, and

318

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 21, 1887.

secured the first prize in each class. The best six greenhouse Azaleas
were shown by Mr. H. Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., Hope Cottage,
Highgate, Mr. G. Wheeler, St. John’s Lodge Gardens, Regent’s Park,
following with very poor specimens, and Mr. R. Wells, Sydenham, was
third with similar plants. In the nurserymen’s class for six greenhouse
Azaleas, Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was first with neat conical specimens,
well flowered, of Madeleine, semi-double white ; Roi d’Hollande, brilliant
red ; Madame Van Houtte, Comtesse de Elandres, Apollo, and Mrs.
Turner.

Cinerarias were extremely bright, especially those from Mr. James,
Woodside, Farnham Royal, Slough, who had his customary handsome
plants, and was easily first, followed by Messrs. Douglas and C. J. Salter.
Alpine plants from Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. T. S. Ware, who were
respectively first and second with choice collections of plants, well
flowered. With twelve Show Auriculas Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F.
Whitbourn, Esq., Great Gearies, Ilford, won chief honours with strong
plants of Sir Lancelot (eighteen pips), Rev. F. D. Horner (eleven pips),
Heatherbell, Abbe Lizst, George Lightbody, Mrs. Douglas, Conservative
(eight pips), Rev. C. Kingsley (eleven pips), Dr. Kidd (ten pips), Mont¬
rose (ten pips), Mrs. Moore, and a Green-edge Seedling. Mr. C. Turner,
Slough, was second in this class, but first with twelve Alpine Auriculas,
followed by Mr. J. Douglas and Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. Mr.
Douglas also had the best twelve Polyanthus, Messrs. Paul <fc Son having
the first prize collection of twelve hardy herbaceous plants, Viola pic-
turata, Primula Croussei plena, and Fritillaria aurea variegata being the
best. Mr. D. Phillips, Langley Broom, Slough, was the only exhibitor of
nine Pelargoniums, gaining the first prize for well-flowered plants,
Duchess of Edinburgh, Madame Thibaut, Rosetta, and Martial being the
best.

Messrs. Paul & Son were first with nine forced Roses in pots,
specimens 3 or 4 feet in diameter and well flowered, especially Madame
de St. Joseph, Celine Forestier, Madame de Montchaveau, Marie Van
Houtte, and Catherine Soupert. Mr. W. Rumsey was second with
smaller but vigorous plants. Mr. J. Douglas was first with twelve
Amaryllises, comprising several new varieties ; Messrs. Paul & Son were
'second with brightly coloured flowers, but rather smaller than those in
the first prize collection.

Miscellaneous collections and groups not for competition were very
numerous, and of considerable merit as usual. Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, Chelsea, sent a handsome group of Daffodils and Amaryllises.
Amongst the former the Corbularias were very beautiful, especially as
they were arranged with their own foliage. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper
Holloway, staged a magnificent group of Stove and greenhouse plants,
comprising numerous good Orchids, Azaleas, Crotons, Draemnas, Palms,
Ericas, Boronias, Amaryllises, and Imantophyllums (small silver medal) ;
Mr. C. Turner, Slough, sent a group of well grown tree Carnations in
pots bearing large flowers (certificate). Messrs. Barr & Son, Co vent
Garden, had a very large group of Daffodils, Anemones, Chionodoxas,
and choice hardy plants (large bronze medal). Mr. H. B. May, Upper
Edmonton, had a group of Ferns in pots similar to that recently shown
at Kensington, and very healthy (large bronze medal). Messrs. John
Laing & Co., Forest Hill, showed a large and tasteful group of Orchids,
Ferns, Palms, Anthuriums, Wistarias, &c., imagined with Selaginellas
and small Ferns.

Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had an exceedingly good group of
standard Roses in pots( remarkably well grown, and flowering beauti¬
fully. Both Tea and Hybrid Perpetual varieties were represented in
about equal numbers (silver medal). Mr. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross,
staged a pretty group of standard and dwarf Roses in pots, margined
with Adiantums (small silver medal).

A charming group of Piimroses and Polyanthus was sent from Mr.
Anthony Waterer, Knap Hall, Woking, most varied in colours from
white to the richest crimson (small silver medal). Mr. T. S. Ware,
Tottenham, contributed an extensive collection of Daffodils, representing
a large number of' varieties, including all the best in cultivation (large
bronze medal). Mr. J. Chambers, Isleworth, had fine plants of Violet
Victoria, double dark blue (certificate). Messrs. Collins, Bros., and
Gabriel showed a group of Anemones and Narcissi, of many varieties
(bronze medal). Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, sent a box of
Odontoglossum crispum varieties, including some fine forms, Dendro-
bium Wardianum Lowi, a very large-flowered variety, a bright-coloured
Dendrobium lituiflorum, well-flowered plants of Cypripediums eiliolare
and Lawrencianum, and a box of Odontoglossum Roezli varieties.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Seakale. — This vegetable is easily propagated by dividing or cut¬
ting the old roots or from seed. If the roots which have been lifted for
forcing, or any others, are cut into pieces 3 inches to 4 inches in length
and planted they will soon produce leaves and roots, and form useful
plants before the season is over. The crown pieces, as a matter of
course, will do best, or at least they will be soonest in leaf, but it is

astonishing how soon the cut parts throw up foliage. They should
be planted in good soil at once at a distance of 2 feet apart each way.
Seakale seed is about the size of Peas, and the present is a good time to
sow it. They should be sown in twos or threes at a distance of 1 foot
apart, and this will allow part of them to become a permanent planta¬
tion, while the others can be lifted and planted elsewhere. A deep
rich soil suits the young seedlings best, and when well treated in this
way they will often supply produce for the table when twelve
months old.

Peas. — Too much attention cannot be given to this favourite summer-
vegetable. Our February-sown seed has produced capital rows, but
later sowings are not pushing on so fast, as the soil has become very
dry. Main crop varieties should now be sown everywhere, and as the
seed sown now will produce plants which will bear in-July and the
hottest and driest time of the season, a little extra attention should be
given to them. We have sown Peas in trenches in February ; wet
weather followed, and the whole of the wrinkled-seeded varieties
perished. But there is no danger of this now, and from henceforth all
Peas should be sown in trenches. These are formed as if for Celery, to-
the depth of 1 foot, and well manured before sowing. They prevent
the plants suffering from drought, and are altogether highly in favour
of producing tender sweet Peas, which are often difficult to get in
excessively dry weather when surface-sowing is practised. As a rule,
we try a score of new Peas every year, and our batch this year is larger
than ever ; but we do not sow these until now, as the best part of the
year is always the proper period to test their qualities, and give all a
fair chance.

Broad Beans.— Earth up those which are from 3 inches to 6 inches
high. When the soil is well drawn up on each'side it steadies the plants
and prevents their being blown over. Sow more seed for a July supply.
The heaviest soil in the garden will be found to grow the best Broad
Beans.

Turnips. — We sowed Early Milan the second week in February*
We lost sight of the soil in which they were in for some tiine in March
as it was covered with snow, but immediately this melted the young
Turnips appeared ; but they have not made much progress since, and the
seed we put in on April 1st has now produced plants that are as early
and high as the February-sown ones. This ought to be noted as a hint to
those who have sown early. ; the more so, as we believe Turnips sown in
April will be ready first and prove the finest roots ; but none of those
hitherto sown will be long in “ bolting” after the roots are formed, and a
few rows should be sown once a fortnight from now until August, as
this is the only way to secure tender roots throughout the hot dry summer
weather. Sutton’s Snowball and Veitch’s Red Globe are two excellent
summer varieties. Sow in rich soil, and thin the plants as soon as they
are large enough.

Spinach. — The whole of our winter Spinach perished in March, but
the seed sown in the early part of that month has done well,' and the
young plants are now showing the rough leaf. They will be ready for
the kitchen early in May, but the early ’plants soon run to seed, and if
a constant supply is desired a sowing must be made every three weeks.
We never thin any of our Spinach plants until they are large enough
for use, then those drawn up are sent to the kitchen, and those which re¬
main are allowed to grow until they seed, as it is only the side leaves
which are taken.

Sorrel. — This is not unlike Spinach in the leaves, and.it is a good
vegetable, as the cook we have at present converts it into “a dish”'
which is greatly relished by all who taste it. Of late we have been in¬
creasing our stock with the object of having more of it as a vegetable.
It is a perennial, the roots remain in the ground quite sound year after
year, and it is increased by lifting these, dividing them and replanting.

Capsicums and Egg Plants. — We know of one or two localities
where the former are shown as a dish of vegetables, but the chief object
of growing them is either to use the plants for decoration with their
red and yellow fruit, or as season pickles. Egg Plants bear fruits that
are excellent in the hands of those who know how to cook them. The
Capsicums and these require the same Culture. Sow the seed in a
gentle heat, prick off the seedlings singly into small pots as soon as the
plants are 4 inches high, grow them in a temperature of G5°, repot when
necessary, and they will begin to flower and fruit freely when about
1 foot high. Good plants may be grown in 6 inch and 8 inch pots.
They root freely, require plenty of water, and must be frequently
syringed, as they arc very apt to become infested with thrips and green

fly-

Broccoli. — Nothing is gained by sowing Broccoli seed too early.
The present is a good time for sowing the main crops. Select a good
piece of soil in the form of a long narrow bed, open drills across it at a
distance of 9 inches or 10 inches apart, and about 2 inches deep ; sow
rather thinly, cover firmly, and the young plants will appear in eight or
ten days. Do not allow the birds to destroy them, and they will all be
in prime condition for planting out by the end of May or early in
June.

Savoys. — As yet we have not sown any of these, as in some former
years we have found our early April plants form heads in October anil
burst before midwinter, whereas they ought only to be becoming haul
in November and remain sound until March, but to have plants of this
character do not sow the seed until the end of April. They are treated in
all respects like the Broccoli already noted. Green Globe and Webb’s
Little Wonder are two splendid Savoys, the Drumhead is too large and
coarse.

Kidney Beans. — Hitherto our remarks on these have been confined

April •!, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

319

to plants undet glass, but we are now dealing with the first sowing in
the open air. Many who have no glass to devote to them will be glad to
make the first sowing; this may be done at once. Give them the most
comfortable corner in the garden. Do not sow extensively, a few short
rows of an early sort will be enough for this month. Open the drills to
the depth of 3 inches, keep the rows 2 feet apart, and sow rather thickly,
as if cold weather occurs some of the plants may perish. It is too early
to sow Canadian Wonder, as it is more tender than Ne Plus Ultra or
others of this type. In very favourable localities a short row of Runner
seed may be put in, but the second week in May is early enough to
begin with them in most districts.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — Closing houses in which young plants are in course of pre¬
paration for fruiting at a high temperature causes soft, drawn, •weakly
growth, which should be carefully avoided by the employment of as
little fire heat as practicable, husbanding the sun heat and maintaining
a moderate moisture in the house, by which means robust growth, com¬
bined with sturdy habit, is secured. Sprinkling will be necessary occa¬
sionally, especially at closing time, but do not close at a high tempera¬
ture, and syringe about twice a week. Employ no more artificial heat
than is needed to maintain the temperature at 65° or (50° by night and
70° to 75° by day. Commence ventilating at 73°, gradually increasing
with the temperature to 85°, keeping it by day from sun heat at 85°, 90°,
or 95°, but with abundance of air. Keep the bottom heat steady at 83°,
or between 80° and 90°. Examine the plants regularly, and when water
is required apply it liberally. Weak liquid manure may be applied with
advantage to plants swelling, but not ripening their fruit. If the
plunging material settles down from the pots apply fresh to the surface
to keep the pots from being acted on by the atmosphere prejudicially.
In the case of large panes of glass and the sun very powerful a slight
sliade for an hour or two at midday will be of service, but with small
squares of glass is not needful. As the fruit ripens both plant and fruit
may be removed to a cooler house, which will permit its being kept
sound for a lengthened period — longer at this time of year than any
other. When the suckers of fruiting plants become large enough screw
out the centres of those not required for stock ; one, or at most two,
suckers should only be retained to a plant.

Figs. — To obtain well-ripened fruit it is necessary to ventilate very
freely whenever the weather is favourable, admitting air constantly day
and night, lessening the supply of water and atmospheric moisture
when the fruit is fully ripening. When the fruit is swelling the trees
can hardly have too much water, especially those in pots, also keeping
the atmosphere moist by sprinkling the house and syringing the trees
twice a day. Liquid manure should be given to trees carrying a heavy
crop of fruit. Attend frequently to tying in, thinning, and stopping the
shoots at the fourth or fifth leaf of such as are required to form spurs,
pinching the laterals succeeding at the first or second leaf , avoiding over¬
crowding the shoots, which is fatal to good crops and fine fruit. No
fruit tree is more benefited by the full rays of the sun than the Fig ;
any kind of shading, whether by other plants or too much of their own
foliage, is injurious and must be strictly guarded against by pinching
out the young growths in the later-started houses and thinning all the
overcrowded shoots. The borders should have a mulching of half de¬
composed manure, and this, with copious waterings, will impart vigour
to the trees. The night temperature, when tne trees are in full leaf,
should be maintained at 60° to 65°, and 70° by day, allowing it to rise to
80° or 85° from sun heat. The cuttings having been inserted some time
ago as advised, and it being intended to grow them in pots for fruiting,
they should be shifted into larger pots, so as to afford time for their
forming good well ripened bushes before autumn. From the cutting
pots they may be transferred to 6-inch pots, and as they get larger, which
they will do rapidly, they may be transferred to 9-inch pots, and have a
final shift into the fruiting pot — viz., 12-inch. Turfy loam, with an ad¬
mixture of a sixth of old mortar rubbish, a sprinkling of half-inch bones,
and a little decomposed manure, the whole well incorporated, will suit
them admirably, employing plenty of drainage, as it is necessary that
the water pass away freely.

Melons. — The earliest plants, notwithstanding the adverse weather,
are now swelling their fruits. Secure to them every ray of light
by keeping the glass clean, and water liberally at the roots, providing
plenty of atmospheric moisture. Avoid overcropping ; it not only
diminishes the size of the fruits, but is fatal to high quality, which
is everything in a Melon. Apply liquid manure liberally when the
fruit is swelling and nearly ripe, but avoid stimulating plants before
they have set their fruit. When the fiuit commences ripening lessened
supplies of water will be needed ; avoid, however, allowing the soil to
get so dry as to affect the foliage prejudicially, and admit a little air
constantly with lessened atmospheric moisture. While observing a
drier condition of the atmosphere and roots when the fruit is setting,
do not allow the foliage to flag ; attend regularly to setting the fruit,
and do not prune if possible during the setting period, but stop the
growths as the flower upon each is fertilised. Maintain a night tempe¬
rature of 70° to 75° by day, and 83° to 90° with sun heat, ventilating
moderately, avoiding as much as possible sudden fluctuations of tem¬
perature.

Later plants, especially those in pits or frames, will now lie showing
fruits, and unless they are in abundance remove the first, for it is im¬
portant that the female blossoms be nearly of one stage of growth, a
condition tliat cannot always be secured ; but there will be no difficulty
with plenty of foliage in securing five or six female blossoms of simul¬

taneous growth on each plant which should be fertilised. Maintain a
good bottom heat, ami maintain a dry condition in the atmosphere
when the fruit is setting. After the fruits are set let them be placed
’ on a piece of slate, and ultimately raised on a flower pot above the
foliage. Continue to earth up the plants as they advance in growth to
make new beds and to plant out, potting, and otherwise preparing for
planting successional beds. Look out for canker at the collar, and
prevent its spreading by rubbing quicklime into the affected parts.

Cucumbers. — Water abundantly in houses, and keep plenty of
moisture in the atmosphere all day by frequent damping, syringing both
ways about 3.30 P.M., closing at the same time. Shading may be neces¬
sary in the middle of the day for an hour or two in bright weather to
prevent flagging, but with the roots healthy and abundant very little
shading will be necessary. In watering plants in pits and frames do so
sufficiently early to have the foliage dry before nightfall, maintaining a
good bottom heat. Ventilate early and moderately, husbanding the sun
heat by early closing, employing a thick night covering, as the nights
are yet cold. Avoid overcrowding, keeping the shoots stopped to one
joint beyond the fruit, removing bad leaves as they appear. Keep
young plants near the glass. Wireworm is often troublesome ; baits of
Carrot, Turnip, or Potato cut into thick slices and pressed gently into
the surface of the bed will attract them, the baits being examined every
day and the wireworms destroyed. For woodlice place boiled Potatoes
wrapped loosely in a little hay in flower pots, and stand the pots where
the woodlice abound, examining them every day and destroying those
secreted in the hay. A toad or two placed in a frame will soon destroy
many woodlice. To secure straight fruits employ glass tubes.

PLANT HOUSES.

AbutV&ns. — Plants that are trained to cover walls or pillars in various
houses may now be well pruned back if they are to be in good condition
until next season at this time. When the plants are expected to bloom
over a long period of time hard pruning should be resorted to. This,
combined with a judicious system of thinning during the growing
season, will insure a succession of bloom for at least eight or nine
months of the year. If the roots are restricted in borders remove a
good portion of the surface soil and top-dress them with equal parts of
good loam and manure. A good batch of cuttings of dwarf free-
flowering varieties may now be rooted singly in 2 or 3-inch pots, and
afterwards transferred into 5 or 6-inch pots. These, if grown for a
time in heat, will make valuable plants for the decoration of the con¬
servatory during the summer months. Plants rooted some time ago may
be transferred into the last size, and as soon as they commence flowering
may be removed to the conservatory.

Habrothamnux eleganx. — A very useful plant for covering walls and
pillars; for the latter few equal it when trained 10 or 12 feet high,
and then allowed to form a large head. Such plants that have done
flowering should be cut hard back, for by this means only can they be
kept clean and presentable. Those pruned now will before another
autumn make shoots 6 or 7 feet in length, which will droop gracefully,
and will flower from the axil of every leaf. The flowers of this plant
during the winter are invaluable for the system of table decoration now
in vogue. By lamplight the flowers have the appearance of coral, and
are most striking on the white tablecloth.

Clematis indivisa, lobata. — If not already done plants that have
ceased flowering should be well pruned back, especially large established
plants that would become crowded if the whole of last year’s shoots
were left. This plant flowers on the ripened wood of the current sea¬
son’s growth, therefore every endeavour must be made to produce
abundance of growth, which after flowering may be thinned and pruned
back. If the roots are restricted top-dress with rich soil and feed
liberally with stimulants after they start into growth. Young plants
that it may be necessary to extend need not be pruned.

Big non ia grandiflora. — This and other varieties that are used for
furnishing the roof and pillars of the conservatory and greenhouse
should be examined, and their shoots tied and arranged for the season.
Prune all that flower from ripened wood, and train the branches thinly,
so that light and air can penetrate freely to harden and ripen them. It
is useless to plant Bignonias in houses densely shaded, for they will
not flower. The wood must be thoroughly ripened if a profusion of
bloom is expected. B. venusta and some others make capital evergreen
pillar climbers for those houses that are heavily shaded.

Lapagerias. — These will now be growing freely and require
abundance of water at their roots. If confined in small borders weak
stimulants may be given every alternate time water is needed, clear soot
water being very beneficial. Keep the shoots from the glass, but not
tied in too tightly. They flower better, and present a more striking
appearance when all the small growths are drawn below the wires on
which the main branches are trained. This process somewhat arrests
growth, and the shoots become finn and hard, and large racemes of
bloom are the result. Young plants that are to be extended should have
the whole of the shoots trained vertically or horizontally, according to
the mode of training adopted. Keep the house in which these plants
are grown cool and airy, for the ends of the shoots quickly discontinue
growth when the atmosphere is close.

Tacsonias and Acacias. — These, as well as other greenhouse
climbers that have flowered, must be pruned and their growths re¬
gulated. If left for a season or two they become crowded, and light is
excluded from the plants below. Arrange the main branches thinly, so
that the roof will be evenly covered by the end of the season ; but with
well established plants of Tacsonias and Passifloras the shoots require

320

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apiii 21, 1887.

attention at intervals of a month during the season. If the newly made
growths are allowed to hang from the main shoots in large houses a very
picturesque appearance is obtained when the plants are in flower.

Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. — Few plants equal the double and semi¬
double forms as climbers for the sides of houses and pillars in light, open,
exposed positions. It is useless to plant them in shady places, for they
will grow but not flower ; but when fully exposed to light and sunshine
they yield a large profusion of delicate and beautiful flowers for cutting,
either for home decoration or for packing during the London season.
They have a more delicate appearance than Zonals.

Greenhouse Rhododendrons. — All that have started into growth must
be repotted if they need more room at their roots. With good treatment
several varieties grow rapidly provided they are carefully watered and
repotted occasionally. During the season of growth they are benefited
by a close, moist atmosphere, in which they root and grow freely. Stand
the pots upon some moisture-holding material, and syringe freely
amongst the pots to keep them moist. It is also necessary to shade them
from bright sunshine. The fine silk-like roots of these plants are
quickly destroyed if the soil is allowed to become dry. If any thrips
appear wash the plants in a weak solution of tobacco water, or they
will play sad havoc with the foliage after the plants are placed in
warmer quarters. Pot these plants firmly in good peat with a liberal
dash of sand added.

HE BEE-KEEPER.

£

NOTES ON BEES.

THICKNESS OF COHBS.

So far as the brood combs are concerned we need not
trouble much about them. Probably before a hive was
made the bees fixed the law that the distance from centre
to centre shall be H inch, exactly what we find them in
a state of nature at the present day, and any attempt on
the part of the bee-keeper to alter that distance or turn
the combs upside down is simply useless interference.

Bees do not adhere strictly to any fixed size in super
combs, but swell them out according to circumstances and
the weather, the latter and the number of bees being the
chief controllers, and we find them varying in thickness
sometimes from 1 to 6 inches. One super of the latter
sort was exhibited by Mr. Templeton at Dumfries Show
in 1878. The super was iully 12 inches in thickness, and
two combs filled it from one side to the other. Notwith¬
standing these extremes I have found that when bees were
numerous and left to their own devices during a honey
glut the combs were as a rule about 1J inch in thickness,
or about 2 inches apart from centre to centre. At that
latter distance I have always had the most regular and
evenly built combs, and with the use of guides or comb
foundation can always cause the bees to make uniform
combs with less likelihood of eggs being laid therein than
when thinner. To obtain pretty and uniform combs I keep
all as nearly as possible at a uniform distance of 2 inches
from centre to centre as formerly. It is more profitable
to have combs of that thickness than thinner, and appa¬
rently nearer the wishes of the bees.

When the late James Anderson of Dairy and myself
took our bees at first to Arran, we, as well as our bees,
discovered that it was a land rich in honey. Whatever
errors I have committed I never committed that one of
smothering my bees in transit, providing them always
with extra room and ventilation above and below. Imme¬
diately the bees were set down and released they set to
work in earnest, both in filling supers and extending their
brood combs downwards, keeping strictly to the 2 inches
above and the 1} beneath, never having any occasion
to deviate from my original plan. But it was not
so with Mr. Anderson, as he failed in providing his
bees with breeding space below, and the bees finding
themselves cramped disregarded the guides and made
their combs, doubtless with the intention of breeding

therein, but the abundance of honey prevented that, con¬
sequently were filled with honey and sealed. We viewed
this occurrence differently, Mr. Anderson holding that it
was the abundance of honey that caused the bees to make
their combs, and not on account of too little breeding
space as I suggested. Subsequently he had his supers-
altered to nine bars instead of seven. I held to my
original way, and neither my bees nor myself found any
need for a change. The last time I spoke to Mr. Ander¬
son on the subject he held to the nine bars, so we were
both satisfied.

When honeycomb is thin there is more wax to be
secreted by the bees and more for the consumer to con¬
tend with. When thick comb is cut more honey drips,
than when it is thin, but altogether I think the massive
comb about 2 inches thick is the one that is most preferred.

I have never seen any utensil suitable for placing honey¬
comb on the table. I think if such a thing were made it
would meet with a ready sale. Such an article may be
of crystal, metal, plain or ornamental, of silver or electro¬
plated. It ought to have a rack to keep the comb on its
edge, with a drainer beneath so that the loose honey
would flow into a crystal dish, and so avoid smearing
the whole comb, as it necessarily does when_ lying flat
on a platter. If a utensil of that sort was introduced
guests would have the option of drained or comb honey
from the one utensil.

INTRODUCING BEES TO ARRAN.

It may interest some of your readers to learn that
bees were first introduced to Arran within the past hun¬
dred years. About eighty or ninety years ago a Mr. W.
Henderson, architect and contractor under the Duke
Alexander of Hamilton and Brandon, observed there were
no bees on the island, suggested that it seemed a good
place for them, advised their introduction, and if I re¬
member aright what Mr. Henderson told me, he sent oir
took over a hive or more about the beginning of the pre¬
sent century. Since that 1 was asked for a hive to re¬
stock the island as all the bees were dead. I did not
trouble to satisfy myself whether that was correct or not,
but I gave the party a hive for Is. 6d., which in two years
after were increased to upwards of fifty hives.

The island of Skye, too, where we hear of so muclr
distress amongst its crofters, about eight years ago had
but one hive of bees, but of enormous weight and dimen¬
sions as stated by its owner (an officer of the Excise) to
me, and to whom I sent a second one for the purpose of
crossing. From the glowing descriptions given me of the
place and bees, I am of the opinion that some good might
accrue to these crofters if they kept a few hives, and
from the scope of land they possess poultry farming would
be more remunerative than the few sheep and cattle they
possess. I feel certain that the proper advice to be given
to the indigent crofters upon this subject would not be
misdirected, and might ultimately prove of more value
than a reduction of rents, but they must be led and
assisted by willing and experienced hands.

TIN CRATES.

While all the bee world seems excited about the future
standard frame and section, and the originator of con¬
trivances in connection with bee husbandry, I will describe
the crates of tin I had seven years ago. Of all material
for hive-making, metal of any sort I consider the worst „
still, we are often disappointed and frequently surprised
at the unexpected, and what could be more surprising to
some than to see beautifully filled supers made wholly of
tin? A tinsmith near me uses nothing but tin supers*

Afril 21, 18«7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

321

and they are as soon and well filled as his neighbours’
wooden ones, and not so fragile as glass.

My tin crates were made to economise space and keep
the comb free from smoke, dust, and vermin. They were
of two kinds; the one sort were in three, and the other
in one piece, with covers on lids, top, and bottom. They
were made of stout tin. The sides were bent or kneed at
the top, so that the end of the section stood a quarter
of an inch free from the sides of the crate, and the under
■edge kneed half an inch in, so as to give the section a
bearing of a quarter of an inch. The sections were made
all one breadth of 11 inch, kept separate by strips of tin
bent at the proper distances to keep the sections rigid
and in their place. Two pieces of wood, one at each end,
reduced the surface of tin and filled the space, when with¬
drawn allowed the sections to be easily lifted. When
■emptied of bees, and the lids put on and paper gammed
around they were impervious to everything hurtful and
light to be sent by rail. Paper pasted inside the back
and front destroyed the conducting nature of the tin ;
but, even although it is left exposed, it is no worse than
tin separators, which I never sized nor never will.

The crate covering the whole of the hive was made in
the same fashion as the above, but was braced together
by angled tin to support the sections at bottom and single
tin at top. As the bees had access to every part of the
crate, the outside ones only had the quarter-inch space
at ends for bees to travel round, which causes them to
complete their sections better than when the section is
kept close to the crate.

ORIGIN OF FRAME HIVE 3 AND SECTIONS IN ONE PIECE.

I think it quite within my province to give some evi¬
dence on the above. One says we get all our appliances
from America, while others say the reverse. Who was
the originator of making boxes all in one piece of wood ?
It is an old art in joinery. I have seen coffin sides-made
in one piece, and it is only a pity that one could not be
filled with the whims of disturbers of the peace, and
buried out of hearing.

Thirty- five years ago I made hundreds of octagon
supers as well as quadrants for the octagon hive all of one
piece, and have still the machine that made them and
samples of the boxes beside me, which anyone may see.
In 1857 the Germans had in this country frames made
from one piece of wood, and in that same year both the
French, Germans, and English exhibited moveable-comb
hives at the International Show, while about the same
date I could be seen manipulating my moveable-comb
hives on board the steamer from Arran and doling out
honeycomb to the astonished spectators, while in 1855 I
put into a Buchanan Street Station warehouse in Glas¬
gow some hundred pounds of honeycomb in frames of
sectional supers, the first that appeared in Glasgow. I
quite agree with the very sensible advice given by
“Felix” not to squabble over who was the original con¬
triver, but accept things as they are. Still, I have a
strong desire to give information, as well as to give due
credit to continental and American bee keepers for what
they are entitled to, but for nothing more. — A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper.

THE HONEY QUESTION AND THE BEE-KEEPERS’

UNION.

Dr. Geo. Walker says, page 260, that he “ thought the traditional
schoolboy knew what gross profit meant, and the difference between it
and net profit. . . . Net profit is the gross profit less the working

expenses.” I £ Dr. Walker will leave the “ schoolboy ” alone, and go
aud inquire of the first youth he can find who is in a mercantile counting
house, he will learn that there are other items to be deducted besides

working ex|>enses from the gross profits before the net profits can be got
at. The aforesaid youth will tell him that “ net profit ” is the balance
on the debit side in the profit and loss account.

Then he takes me to task for saying they made 15 per cent, gross
profit, instead of 17 per cent. In his eagerness to prove me wrong he
does not see that seventeen is greater than fifteen, while I named this
latter as being an exorbitant rate of profit ; but I am correct for all
that, as it is the rule in all business houses to calculate their profits on
the gross selling price and not on the buying price. By so doing they
do not sound so large for one thing ; then it is more correct. For
instance, an article which costs 6d. and is sold for Is. is called 50 per
cent, profit — vide Dr. Walker it would be 100 per cent.

Then he grasps at the word “ turnover.” They bought £ 1000 worth
of honey, and sold £700 worth at a profit over cost of £100, thus leaving
at cost price £400 in stock ; yet he says they only turned over £600.
Here again his “business ” is at fault. How could he buy £1000 worth
of honey and pay for it, and not turn this sum over ? This £400 worth
he has in stock it seems he cannot sell. He may have to take £200 to
get rid of it, yet it does not seem to have been valued except at cost
price ; if it had^been, perhaps, the balance sheet would have looked
worse.

I hinted that they only bought the finest samples of honey. He says
this is not so, as they bought £200 worth of inferior honey, which they
cannot re-sell, nor can they sell Heather or any dark coloured or strong
flavoured honey, saying, “ It is not the slightest use our trying to push
the strong flavoured or dark honey if the grocers will not take it, and
we cannot afford to throw away our shareholders’ money.” Here we see
he denies the impeachment, then admits it, and sets up a plea of
“extenuating circumstances but he also unconsciously shows that his
company has failed to accomplish what it promised to do for the benefit
of honey producers — viz., provide them with a ready money market for
all their produce to the extent of its funds, and create a demand for
British honey in particular ; but instead of doing this, they are wasting
their capital and energy in competing in price and appearance with
foreign honey, as instead of appealing to the public to use their honey
like Hoge does with his “Horehound Honey,” they just have a traveller
selling to grocers, who, of course, only buy what is in demand. Did
Holloway sell his pills for less because others made pills ? No, he
caused a demand for them amongst the class who used them, and then
dealers kept them in stock to supply that demand ; and this is what the
Bee-keepers’ Union will do. In 1885 Dr. Walker said they would turn
over their capital six times yearly ; this would be a “ turnover ” (with
£6000 capital subscribed) of £36,000, rather a slight difference between
this and the fact. Even the Canadians could do more business in six
weeks in a strange country than the company could do in twelve months
in their own town, and not undersell them either.

A word about honey. If it is light coloured it is praised, if dark it
is condemned ; here prejudice or ignorance — chiefly ignorance — is the
cause. I produce a honey which is a dark olive green colour, and my
Clover honey is a pale straw colour, and all who can judge Clover
honey say it is matchless. If I sold by looks only to strangers the

Clover would always go, but if I first let them taste, then the dark

would sell fifty times to one of Clover, and the buyers always after¬
wards associate the dark green colour with the honey they like.

Dr. Walker says he declines to do anything to help on the

N. B. B. K. U. If I consider him in the relation of Director of the

H. Co., it is quite natural and likely for him to do so, as no sensible
person would think of sending his produce to the H. Co. for 6d. per lb.,
and have his name carefully taken off and replaced by the Company’s
labels if he could sell with his own name on through the Union for
Is. per lb. ; but Dr. Walker is a member of the executive of the
B. B. K. A. which is established to teach bee-keeping “ as a means of
bettering the condition of cottagers and of agricultural and other
labouring classes,” and how they propose to benefit them, except by
getting them a good price for their honey, does not appear ; yet this is
the banner they have hoisted for thirteen years, and what has drawn
support from the gentry and clergy. A little reflection should show
Dr. Walker and his friends that any scheme calculated to put
a greater price in the producer’s pocket for his crop should be
looked on with great favour, for good paying prices would in¬
crease the number of bee-keepers on the one hand, and those
already keeping would largely increase their stocks on the other,
subscribers to their funds would feel their money was doing some
good, and the associations could consinue to flourish. Asa member of
the B. B. K. A. we certainly expect Dr. Walker to give the Union all the
moral support he can, as we shall create a demand for the members’
honey, and, without advancing the price to the consumer, get a greater
one for the producer. The H. Co. need not complain, as they can then
deal in foreign honey, or even in bee-keepers’ supplies to supply the
extra demand.

I am afraid some are thinking the Bee-keepers’ Union proposes
receiving the members’ produce at one centre, and then re-selling it.
Oh no ! we shall not do anything so foolish. We shall provide labels for
him to put on himself, and if he cannot sell it himself at his own price,
then he can send it to the fairs. These will be the talk for miles round,
and will be visited by thousands of people, who will get a taste of pure
honey, and will buy, perhaps, a pound or two. These will have the
producer’s name and address telling the buyer where to get more like the
sample, and a caution against buying honey except it has the Union
labels on. The producers will thus have constant and ready markets
perhaps hundreds of miles away, and, except the first and the surplus

322

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ April 21.1SS7.

lots, he may never send to the fairs. The Parcel Post will carry it for
him to the most remote places at a less cost than the gross profit made
by the H. Co., and he will pocket the dealer’s profits, which is 4d. to Gd.
Personally, I may say the Union would neither get me a better price or
a better market, as, being in a town of over 300,000 people, where I am
well known, my honey all goes as fast as extracted — viz., Is. per lb.,
extracted in buyers’ own bottles.

C\s You will see, Mr. Editor, that the Union is to be floated by the
enclosed prospectus, a copy of which will be sent to any applicant who
will forward an addressed and stamped half-penny wrapper to Mr. J.
Hewitt, Cambridge Street, Sheffield. — A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Benjamin Field, F.R.B.S., Swan Place, Old Kent Road, London, S.E. —
Catalogued/ Horticultural Soils, Manures, Sundries, and Pottery ( illustrated ).

George Humphries, Kington Langley, Chippenham. — Catalogue of
Dahlias and Bedding Plants.

Henry Bennett, Pedigree Rose Nursery, Shepperton, Middlesex. — List of
New Boses for 18S7.

William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts. — Catalogue of New Roses.

Bruant, Poitiers, Vienne, France. — General Spring Catalogue of Plants.

Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. — Spring Ca'alcgue of Soft-
wooded, Stove, and Greenhouse Plants.

Benjamin Fi-ld, 75a, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., and Old
Kent Road. — Catalogue of Garden Requisites.

e0e All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor” or to “ Tiie Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue, which is then far advanced for press.

Princess of Prussia Strawberry (IT. If.).— Your letter has been for¬
warded to our correspondent.

Clematis coccinea ( C . D.). — The plant should be grown in a very light
position and not topped. It will flower much better when it reaches the
glass roof than on the back wall, unless the position is unusually light.

Cattleya Warneri (A. B. C.). — Do not attempt to rest the plant now
or you will injure both growths and flowers ; rather encourage it as much
as possible, as good treatment now will assist it materially. It may be the
autumn-flowering (J. labiata as you suppose, but that will be readily deter¬
mined when its flowers expand.

Blarechal Niel Rose (M. C. B.). — We should not imagine the air passing
freely through the ridge of the roof would impair the maturation of the
wood, but rather assist it in the summer and autumn, but sharp currents of
air in spring often injure the young shoots. If the growths are shaded
from the sun by the ridge you will act wisely by trainiug them where they
can receive as much sun as possible ; then you may expect the wood to
ripen.

Mulching Rose Beds (F.J.). — For light soil especially manure from a
cow stable is as good as anything that can be applied, and you may apply
it now if the Roses do not grow so strongly as j ou wish. What is “ best ”
for one soil and condition of plants is not the “best” under all circum¬
stances, and you neither state the nature of your soil nor the condition of
your Roses. Dissolved hones are a little more active and a little less
durable than bonemeal. They are best used as a top-dressing.

Planting Flower Beds {A. B. C.).— It has never been the rule for us to
take the initiative in this matter, but only to examine methods of planting
submitted, and to suggest any changes for consideration as possible im°
provement3. But apart from this, no one can satisfactorily point out how
certain beds should be filled without knowing their sizes and the number
of plants of each kind at disposal. We shall much prefer your acting in
accordance with our established rule. We may then perhaps help you and
shall be glad to do so if we can.

Frame Linings (H. M ). — “ Linings ” are additions of manure built ail
round hotbeds and up the sides of the frames for imparting additional
hbat, especially top'heat. ' Some hotbeds are made 2 feet or so wider than

the frames, and then the linings are applied round the sides of the frames
alone, not round the original bed on which they stand. The necessity for
lining is indicated by the temperature in the frames. If in growing
Cucumbers, for instance, the night temperature fal's to G0°, sweet fer¬
menting material should at once be packed round 2 feet wide or so to raise
the heat about 5°.

Destroying Plantains (F. J. C.). — We have destroyed thousands of
Plantains on lawns by dropping crude carbolic acid, also sulphuric acid,
right into the hearts of the plants. We have seen the latter used and fail,
the plants growiug again ; but when we supplied the acid to other plants
on the sameliwn the cuiewas compl te. This showed that the acid in,
the former case was either too weak or not properly applied. We have dug
up root3 of Dandelions a week after the crowns were dressed with sulphuric
acid, aud found them burnt right down to the tips a foot below the surface.
It is not suffioi'.nt to merely kill the leaves of the plants ; the acid must
enter the hearts quite in the centre.

Insects on Vines (C. C.). — You had better j not use petroleum. Two or
three not very sirong fumigations on consecutive nights will not injure the;
Vines and will destroy aphides, syringing forcibly in the morning after the
“ smoking.” It is much bett r and cheaper to fumigate lightly and occa¬
sionally to prevent insects than allow them to increase, and then have re-;
course to a strong volume of smoke, or to powerful insecticides for
eradieatiug them. We never permit green fly to infest either Strawberries
or Vines. You will see remarks on working a vinery profitably in another
column. Maidenhair Ferns grow well under Vines, and dark firm fronds
of Adiantum cunsatum are bought extensively by florists. Your former
letter did not reach us.

Fuchsia Leaves Crinkled (if. B). — The leaves sent are not unusual. It
chiefly arises from the plants being grown in too low a temperature, and in
too moist and rich soil, which is not favourable to root action. The only
remedy we know is to afford the plants a light position in a house with a
temperature of 50° to 55° artificially, avoiding a saturated condition of tho
soil, increasing the supply of water as the plants increase in growth, thus
giving evidence of free root action. It also arises from sudden depression
of temperature, or from currents of co’d and dry air following a dull and
moist period. It seldom or never attacks plants grown in tbe open air.
Sometimes the ctinkling is a consequence of the attacks of nematoid worms,
probably due to an excess of organic matter in the soil, .and is common not
only to Fuchsias, but Pelargoniums. It’ is advisable to cease propagating
from such plants.

Mareclial Niel Rose Petals Falling Prematurely (Idem). — The Ro3e
is in capital condition, and has done well considering that it was kept in a
glass shed until January, probably dry at the roots, and these perhaps frozen. 1
The cause of the blooms not expanding is defective root action, and until that
defect is rectified the hastening of the flowering in a minimum temperature
of 55° is more likely to accelerate than arrest the evil. The plant requires
to be brought into bloom by a slower process. Could you not turn the
plant out into a border of good rich soil, in which it would be likely to
succeed much better than in a pot ? In some instances the buds do not
expand through the house being kept unduly close and the air too moist,
with a deficiex-cy of light.

Hyacinth Stems Dislocated (IT. B.). — We are quite unable to indicate
the cause of the separation of flower heads from the centres of the plants.
We do not imagine insects are the authors of the evil, nor do we think the
flower stems have been purposely broken from the two plants before us, for
the simple reason that though we have bisected them the lower part of the .
stems were not to be found. Were the flower heads taken from some
other plants and put in those you sent ? It is curious that “ several dozens ”
of the plants in beds shonld be in the unfortunate condition indicated.
The plants are more advanced than in beds near London, and almost
appear as if they had been protected. There is the possibility that water
from melted snow freezing hard in the centres of the plants some time ago
may have so injured the steins that the flow of sap was arrested, and the
shrivelling induced ; hut the curious part is we can find no vestige of the
lower parts of the flower stems in the plants before us.

Propagating Euphorbia jacquinireflor a ( G. F. B.). — This very useful
plant is readily increased from cuttings. The plants after flowering should
be kept dry, but not so as to cause tbe wood to shrivel, and be cut back to
firm ripe woed. From this shoots will push when the plants are placed in
gentle heat, as they should be in March, and when these are between .

4 and 6 inches long they should be taken off with a heel, the base pared
smooth and inserted about an inch apart around the sides of 6 or 6-inch
pots, he placed in a gentle bottom heat and covered with a frame or
bellglass, keeping them close, moist, and shaded from bright sun until
rooted, as will be known by their growing freely; they must then bo inured
to the air of the house, and he potted singly and grown in a very light
position. To prepare the cutting pots drain them with crooks one-third their
depth, place a little cocoa-nut fibre over the drainage, and fill to within three-
quarters of an inch of the rim with a compost of light loam, leaf soil, sind,
and dust charcoal in equal parts, surfacing with half an inch of pure sand.
Apply water through a fine rose, and an hour or two afterwards insert the
cuttings, giving them a gentle watering. They should be inserted about
a couple of inches deep.

Cesspool Contents (A Nciv Subscriber).— The liquid of a cesspool con¬
nected with a dwelling and composed of the entire slops from the house,
is very valuable for every description of plants, except those with fine hair-
like roots, such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heaths, &c., and is particularly
desirable for Roses and all kinds of plants requiring support for enhancing
their vigour. It may be applied undiluted to Roses established iu beds,
giving a supply early in May, in June, and again so soon as the flowering is
over. There will not be any smell of consequence, as the soil is the best
deodoriser. It should not be poured directly on the plants and stems, but
in the spaces between them. For vegetables it may be poured between the
rows or along the sides of rows of Peas, &c. If the contents of the tank be
strong, which it is hardly likely to he from the varied source of supply, it
should be diluted with water." That will, however, for the reason given,
only occur when the taak is low and the contents become thick, then add
water to the extent of six times the bulk of the sewagj, stirring well. It

April 21, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

323

may safely be applied whenever, under ordinary circumstances, water would
be required — once a week or oftentr, according to the weather.

Cauliflowors Blind — Exhibiting Salads {Inquirer). — We have noticed
the failing in Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower, autumn-raised plants
being especially liable to go blind. It is not satisfactorily accounted for.
Wo always raise and prick out many more plants than are actually required
tu the first instance, and these aro then ava'lable for transplanting with a
owel to where they may be needed to replace those that are blind. You
should have stated the date of the show at which you intend to compete
with a salad of four kinds. Supposing it be in August or thereabouts, you
might have good Cos Lettuce, Tomatoes, Radishes, and either Cucumbers
■or Cress. Celery and Cucumbers are frequently well shown by cottagers,
and these, in common with Tomatoes, may be included in collections of
either salading or vegetables. Failing either of these Mustard would do
for the fourth kind. Many beside yourself would be glad to know “ how to
get rid of black fly ou frame Cucumbers?” This little pest, when well
established on house-grown plants, is very difficult indeed to destroy, and
according to our experience it is useless to make the attempt with frame
Cucumbers. Fumigation with tobacco paper is both dangerous and useless,
but tobacco powder well dusted over the under side of the leaves will
check the insects somewhat. You will do well to make a fresh hotbed, and
raise or procure fresh plants, as these would soon surpass those that are
infested.

Growing Tobacco in Gardens {W. L. B.). — \Ye are not aware that
there is any prescribed limit as to the number of plants you may grow for
fumigating purposes, but no one can occupy more than half a pole of
ground with Tobacco without incurring a penalty except in conformity
with the special regulations of ilia Government for extending the culture
of the plant. Mr. E. J. Beale, F.L.S. (Messrs. James Carter & Co.) says in
his excellent work on “English Tobacco Culture.” “The following is a
summary of the laws which prohibited the growth of Tobacco in this
country fifty years since, and which, with the latter enactments under
George III. and William IV., govern the existing prohibitions : — By Charles
II., c. 34, no person shall plant any Tobacco on pain of forfeiting the same,
or the value thereof, or 4(K for every rod or pob of ground planted with it
(equivalent to a duty of .£320 per acre) ; halt' to the King and half to him
who sues. And besides the said penalty by 15 Charles II., c. 7, he shall
moreover forfeit £10 for every rod or pole ; one-third to the King, one-third to
the poor, and one-third to him who sues. By 22 and 23 of Charles II., c. 2G,
the justices shall, a month before every sess'ons, issue their warrants to all
high and petty constables to search what Tobacco is planted, cured, and
ur.de, and by whom; and to make presentment of such p rsons ; which
presentment shall he filed by the Clerk of the Peace in open sessions ; such
filing to be a sufficient conviction of the persons presented, unless such
person having notice given him of such presentment, shall, at the next
sessions, traverse the presentment, and find sureties for prosecuting and
tr\ ing such traverse. And all constables, ic., shall, within fourteen days
after warrant from two justices, pluck up, burn, consume, or tear in pieces,
and utterly destroy all Tobacco, seed, plant, and leaf sowed or growing in
any field or ground. And if any Tobacco shall be suffered to grow or be
consumed in seed, plant, or leaf by the space of fourteen days after the
receipt of such warrant by the constables or other officers, they shall for
■every offence forfeit 5s. for every rod, pole, or perch planted with Tobacco ;
half to the King and half to him who sues. Bnt, by the several Acts,
nothing in them is to hinder planting Tobacco in gardens for physic or
surgery, so that the quantity planted exceed not half a po’.e of ground.
Ttiese penalties failing to stop the cultivation of the plant another Act was
pa-sed. By 15th Charles II., cap. vii., sections 15, 16, and 17, the tax of
£ !20 was raised to £1600 per acre, and that exists to the present day.”

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(J. D.). — 2, Gipsy King; 3, Pigeon; 4, Cockle's Pippin; 5, Not known;
■6. Golden Knob. ( B . J.). — 1, Golden Noble; 2, Yorkshire Greening. A
little delay necessarily arises occasionally in naming specimens.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
■cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
\S II.). — Fuchsia splendens. It is not unusual for the flowers to drop off
prematurely early in the season when the roots are less active than later,
and the leaves and stems weaker through the necessity of keeping houses
■somewhat close in the spring. {Inquirer). — The plant isFuchsia splendens
which flowered in the gardens of the London Horticultural Society in 1812,
from seed sent by the collector Hartweg. It was found at an elevation of
10,000 feet, and it was then thought likely to prove one of the hardiest.

Sections and Crates (H. G.). — You wish to know if half-pound sections
«can be used in racks or crates that 1-lb. ones are used in. If the half-pound
sections are of the same height as the larger ones we see nothing to prevent
their being fitted into them, provided they fill the rack properly. If not, then
the space at the ends had better be filled by a division board. To work
bees and hives for half-pound sections is certainly not the best means to
-obtain the largest quantity of honey ; but if it is absolutely necessary, then
wo advise crates to be made, either in one to cover the whole hive, or in
two divisions, and have frames to fit into these, each frame to hold two
sections in depth. The frames in the under crate should clear the crown
•of the hive at least a quarter of an inch ; but in the case of tiering, the
upper frames should lie close upon the tops of the under crate of sections.
This pi id, however, is liable to crush bees when manipulated before the
flections are full ; it has no other disadvantage, but a great advantage when
tiered neatly, by the bees filling the whole sections in a continuous mass,
especially so if the frames are free from the side wall of crate a quarter of
an inch. For half-pound sections we would make the framts of strong

hoop-iron, having distance guides riveted on them, and small hol s puncht d
or drilled on the bottom and end of the frames, so that the sections could
be fastened by pins or tacks. Those in the centre of the upper row we
would keep in place by tin guides bent so as to (rip tho top and bottom
sections, keeping all rigid. If some plan like that is followed, many bees
get acoes? to the sections, which is much better than when the compart¬
ments are small, and the whole of the sections will be completely filled.
We exhibited frames of this sort in 1884, and all who saw them were pleased
with them, only the sections were 1 lb. ones. When the bees have a road¬
way round the ends of the frames tho bees fill the sections better. Iron
takes up less room, is stronger, and during summer is not objectionable in
supers, and is cheaper than wood for the purpose.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 20th.

FRUIT.

s.

d

s.

d.

s.

a.

8.

d.

Apples

0

to 6

0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

»

Sova Scotia aud

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

IS

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries

. J sieve 0

0

0

0

Pears .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs

. 100 lb. GO

0

65

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1

6

2

0

Figs

0

0

0

Plums .

& sieve

1

0

2

0

Grauoa

. rt. 4

0

8

0

Sfc. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Letuoua

0

15

0

Strawberries .. .

per tt».

8

0

12

0

VEGETABLES.

8

d.

s.

d

8

d.

Artichokes ,. ..

dozen

1

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

i

0

to 1

ft

Asparagus .. ..

bundle

8

0

12

0

Mushrooms ..

. . punnet

0

C

I

6

Beans, Kidney

per lb

o

0

n

6

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

6

Beet, Red .. ..

dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions ..

0

3

0

U

Broccoli .

bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts ..

£ sieve

2

0

2

6

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

s

u

Cabbage .

dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums .. ..

100

1

6

3

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

0

0

0

Carrots .

bunch

e

4

0

0

Khubarb ..

.. bundle

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers .. ..

dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. .,

1

0

1

6

Celery .

bundle

i

6

2

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale .. ..

per basket

1

6

0

O

Cucumbers .. ..

each

0

4

0

6

Shallots .. ..

0

S

0

0

Endive .

dozen

l

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

a

Heros .. . . ..

bunch

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes . .

1

0

2

Leeks .

bunch

0

8

O'

4

Turnips .. ..

0

4

0

e

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

d.

S.

d.

s.

d.

R.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Fuchsia . .

9

0 to 12

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista . . . .

8

0

12

0

„ (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Hyacinths

per dozen

6

G

9

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 18

0

80

0

Lilies Valley. .

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Begonias . . . .

dozen

4.

0

9

0

Margaerite Daisy dozen

G

0

12

ft

Cineraria . . per dozen

6

0

10

0

Mignonette . .

. dozen

6

0

9

0

Cyclamen . . . .

dozen

12

0

24

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

Dracsena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

a

6

21

0

„ viridis . .

dozen 12

0

2t

0

Pelargoniums

. . dozen 1

g

0

21

0

Erica, various

dozen 18

0

42

0

scarlet dozen

6

0

9

0

Euonymu8, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Primula sisenais

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

24

0

Solanrms

per doz.

9

0

12

0

Ferns, in variety . .

dozen

4

0

18

0

Spiraea .. ..

9

0

12

0

Ficus elastica

each

i

6

7

0

Tulips .. ..per doz. pots

6

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var.

each

2

0

10

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

Abntilons .. 12hnnches

8.

2

(1. 8.
0 to 4

d.

0

Mignonette .. 12 bnnohes

8.

4

d. B.

0 to 6

a.

0

Arana Lilies .. 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Narciss .. .. 12 bunches

S

0

9

0

Azalea .. .. 12 sprays

0

6

X

0

,, White, English, bunch
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

0

0

0

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

0

9

1

0

Camellias . . blooms

1

6

4

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Parme Violets (French)

3

6

3

6

„ .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Poinsettia .. 12 blooms

0

0

0

6

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

0

0

0

0

Primroses .. 12 bunohes

0

6

0

8

„ 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

,, white 12 bunches

0

9

1

6

Cornflower .. 1? bunches

0

0

0

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

0

Cyclamen .. 12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ (doable) per bunch

0

9

1

O

Daffodils, various, dz. bchs

2

0

6

0

Roses . . 12 bunohes

0

0

0

0

Encharis .. per dozen

4

0

6

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

l

0

2

a

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

1

6

3

0

„ Tea . dozen

2

0

4

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

„ red (French) dozen

1

6

2

0

, .. .. 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis .. 12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Tropasolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

o

u

Lilium loogifiornm, 12 blms.

4

0

6

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

1

G

s

0

Lilac (white), French, bunch

4

0

7

0

Tulips .. .. doz. blcom3

0

6

1

6

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

i

0

Violets .. .. 12 bunches

0

4

0

9

Margueritss . . 12 bnnohes

2

0

6

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

0

9

1

6

GRASS FARMING.

Success full and ample lias attended the efforts of
farmers in the western counties in the cultivation of
fodder crops for many years past, and it may be said that
the high average of annual rainfall in that part of the

S24

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ A; ril SI, 188?.

country is more favourable to such crops than elsewhere,
yet if “ Severn-side ” farmers or those in the south-west
were questioned, it is more than probable that they would
have a doleful tale to tell of many a hay crop spoilt by
untimely showers — aye, and many a orn crop too, of
which so mnch of the grain had sprouted in field-ricks
that an inferior sample and low price was unavoidable.
In the great corn growing districts of the eastern counties
so little attention has hitherto been given to fodder crops
that with the exception of red and white Clover and
Sainfoin layers, very little land has been devoted to this
important branch of farming. It is true enough that a
grass meadow or two may be found upon most farms, but
a glance at them, especially at this season of the year,
tells the experienced eye that no systematic culture has
been brought to bear upon them, and that apart from the
manuring by cattle or sheep which may have been grazed
upon them, no annual dressing of manure has been
applied. Nor is the general faulty practice confined to
this want of manure, equally bad if not worse is the foul
condition of pasture. 'J histles, Nettles, Rushes, Sedges,
Ononis, Brambles, Docks, frequently infest the pasture so
badly as to cause a serious deterioration in the quality of
the hay.

Now we may premise that pasture is as worthy of
systematic culture as arable land simply because it is as
profitable. This is, to say the least, so much within
bounds having regard to the very low price of corn now,
that we may go farther and assert that it is more pro¬
fitable than corn. Let us particularise a little. Experi¬
ence has shown that under high culture a crop of at least
3 tons of hay per acre may be had, which at £4 a ton
gives a return of £12 an acre. 'J hat this sum is well
within bounds will be owned when we point to recent
quotations for best meadow hay of from £4 8s. to £4 15s.,
and we may remind our readers that in seasons of scarcity
we have realised .£7 per ton for meadow hay. It is true
that we have now to contend with importations of hay,
especially in the metropolitan markets, but the very fact
of hay being imported should act as an incentive to in¬
creased home production, for hay even when compressed
is so bulky that the cost of carriage must prove a serious
matter to foreign producers.

In a comparison of prices of hay with corn it must not
be forgotten that the cost of grass farming is infinitely
below that of corn. Take, for example, an old pasture
foul with weeds and poverty stricken. It may be that
drainage may be necessary as a preliminary step to im¬
provement, but then if this be well done the cost may be
spread over so many years that it sinks to a minimum.
Of foul growth, Thistles, Nettles, Docks, Brambles, and
Ononis, better known perhaps by its popular name of
Rest-harrow, must be eradicated. Rushes and coarse
herbage soon disappear after efficient drainage. As an
example of this we may mention a peat bog which we had
drained several years ago. Before the draining the
common Kush (Juncus conglomerates) and coarse grasses
rendered the bog practically worthless ; afterwards the
Rushes and coarse herbage disappeared and were replaced
by sweet wholesome herbage, of which both sheep and
cattle were very fond. Or to take another example. We
once ran a wire fence through a poor foul pasture, half
being taken for hay and half being left for grazing. The
hay pasture was drained, cleaned, and dressed annually
with manure ; the other had to be left to take its chance
under the grazing of cows and sheep. The superior con¬
dition of the cultivated portion of the pasture was so re¬
markable that we, as a matter of duty, called the owner’s

attention to it, yet strange to say we were unable to in¬
duce him to do more for the other part than to fold sheep
upon some part of it in winter.

Sheep folding is unquestionably an economical and
sure way of imparting fertility to pasture, but to be
efficient it must be done annually. Simply grazing with
sheep without folds will not answer; there must be
systematic folding, using small folds and keeping the
sheep in each fold for twenty-four hours. When sheep
are not so used we apply our annual dressing in February
of nitrogen, potash, and phosphorus in the form of home-
mixed chemical manures in quantities and sorts as we
have so frequently enumerated. Nothing can be more
simple, nothing more sure. We are free to acknowledge
that to procure and mix chemical manures involves much
time and care, but then the reward is fully proportionate,,
and the simple fact of being assured that we are using a.
genuine article is of itself highly satisfactory.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Since writing our last note we have had many long journeys by road
and rail, and have seen more Couch Grass fires burning than we ever
saw before in a week. Never was there a more favourable winter and
spring for cleaning foul land, and glad are we to see full advantage,
taken of such an opportunity. We saw one field in particular where
Couch roots were so abundant that men were collecting them into rows-
with rakes, just as is done with hay. What a loss of fertility is involved,
by letting land become so foul ! Wherever Charlock was visible among
corn harrows have been used to destroy as much of it as possible before
sowing Clover and other seeds for layers. The Mangold sowing is over-
on many farms, and with the seed in the land we shall now eagerly
welcome rain and warm weather. We like to get the hoeing and
singling of the Mangolds out of hand before the haymaking begins, for
if it is not so managed the Mangolds must often be left till the bulk of
the hay crop is got together, and then the field may have become a
thicket of weeds mingled with the Mangolds, which are thus robbed of
much of the food with which we have been at the expense and pains of
providing for them. Winter Tares are a good and vigorous plant, but
rowth has been so slow that we are doubtful if this crop will be ready
for the sheep when the Rye is done. Our Rye Grass will be required to-
finish our fattening sheep for market, and we shall probably fold the
ewes and lambs upon a field of Sainfoin, which is more forward in¬
growth than the Tares. It was with regret that we saw a flock of sheep-
upon a Clover layer in Cambridgeshire recently, for the Clover was not
forward enough in growth to afford much food. With an early strong-
growth of Clover folding \yith sheep answers well if the second growth
is intended for seed, as we are then able to harvest the seed before,
autumnal rain sets in. We have no doubt that many a farmer is at a
loss for green food for the flock, owing to the adverse influence of the.
late cold spring. The lesson is a severe one. W ell indeed will it be
if it induce more general attention now to making due provision for
another season. Poor pasture is almost bare of growth, but fertile pas¬
ture has a nice forward growth notwithstanding the cold weather, and
it is most useful for the flock. Dairy cows have not been out upon it
yet, as they get enough Rye to impart freshness to the milk and colour
and flavour to the butter.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

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

DATE.

» A.M.

IN THE Day.

4 e* e® _ ,

Hygrome-

a .

Shade Tern-

Radiation

P

1887.

ter.

To d

gr*

O

peratnre.

Temperature

pv

April.

& a “■*

£S

In

Oq

Dry.

Wet.

Q o

Max

Min.

enn.

gras-

Inches.

deg.

dea:.

dear.

dear.

detr

deg

dee

In.

Sunday ....

31.248

40 3

38.1

N.F.

42.2

53.4

33.2

84 6

3-L3

—

Monday ....

30.131

43.7

42.0

N.

41.9

60.7

33.6

103.0

29.3

—

Tuesday ....

30 027

43.9

42.3

N.

43.1

66 3

30 2

1027

$3.0

—

Wednesday

. 13

30.094

4 *.l

38.6

N.E.

44.2

47.6

37 9

6i.4

37.1

—

Thursday ..

14

80.249

38.8

&5.8

N.

43 2

46 8

32.2

97.2

27.4

—

Friday .

30.449

40.7

37.2

N.

42.3

53.1

30.6

98.3

25.3

—

Saturday . .

..16

30.558

44.6

38-8

N.E.

42.8

52.1

38 3

98 2

29.6

—

30.254

417

39.0

42 8

54.3

35.3

92 2

31.1

—

REMARKS

loth.— c'nndv morning ; fine bright afternoon and evening,
llth.— Fine, bright, and warm.

12th.— A delightful spring day. 1

13th —Fine and fairly bright, lmt cold.

nth.— Fine, entd, and generally bright, with short sharp showers of snow and hail,
lflth.— Fine, though with dark clouds; very bright at times.

I6th.— A bright warm day,

A week of typical spring weather and very dry. Fine days with variable temperature 7
edd nights. Mean temperature about a degree below the average, and somewhat above,
that of the preceding week.— G. J. SYMONS.

April 2?, 1887. ]

325

JO URN A L

OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTA GE GAR DEFER.

28

Til

Royal Society at 4.S0 p M.

•9

F

so

S

1

SUN

8rd Sunday after Eastep.

2

AI

s

To

Sale of Orchids at Downside (two day®).

4

W

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

AURICULAS, PRIMULAS, AND TRIM ROSES.

IIE Exhibition of the National Auricula Society

indicates the arrival of the season when Auri¬
culas and Primulas again occupy our atten¬
tion for a time, the Primroses we have had
with us for some weeks, though later and less
abundant than usual. Amongst the spring
flowers these are always most welcome, and
there is ample evidence that their admirers
are steadily increasing in numbers, not only in the south
but in the north, which has always been a stronghold of
hardy florists’ flowers. The National Society has its
southern and northern sections, each holding an annual
show in England, and now the Scottish Primula and
Auricula Society has undertaken to provide the “ Land o’
Cakes ” with exhibitions of a similar character, the first
of which is to be held in Edinburgh on May 4th this year.
As regards the southern portion of the kingdom, perhaps
the increasing favour is shown more towards the Alpine
and border Auriculas, together with the numerous hardy
Primulas, than towards the show Auriculas, the delight
of true florists for so many years. Beautiful they all are,
but the refined attractions of exhibition Auriculas do not
take the popular attention so rapidly as the varieties
which can be grown in beds and borders with little
trouble. Those, however, who commence with these may
gradually advance in their critical knowledge of the
qualities and characters of the plants, and if they should
happen to have an enthusiastic neighbour of the old
florist’s school they will probably soon enter the ranks of
the initiated and discuss eagerly the respective merits of
tube, paste, body-colour, and edge in the exhibition
varieties and novelties.

What may be termed the garden and the exhibition
types of Auriculas must always be kept distinct, and the
better the line of demarcation is observed the more it
will be in the interest of growers of each group. The
delicate flowers of the show varieties have a sorry appear¬
ance out of doors, and except for conservatory decoration
the others seem out of place under glass, or at least they
f.iil to satisfy those who are familiar with the finer points
of the florist’s Auriculas. To maintain the latter in their
position at the head of the family no efforts should he
spared to preserve, or, if possible, to improve on the types
transmitted to us by the older growers, to avoid de¬
generacy by an approach to coarseness, and to keep the
Auricula as a model of refinement. It is to be feared
that Auricula raisers do not always bear this in mind, and
that those who award certificates do not pay sufficient
attention to the true position of the varieties they honour.
Critical judges like the Revs. F. D. Horner and II. II.

D’Ombrain, Mr. J. Douglas, and Mr. B. Simonlte regard
these matters in the right light, and very carefully weigh
the respective qualities of varieties submitted to them,
but there seems to be a growing inclination with some
to disregard points which at one time were considered
essential to a first-rate Auricula. An even proportion of
tube, paste, body colour, and edge, clear definition of the
respective parts, and bright fresh colours have long con¬
stituted the leading characters of a show Auricula, and
in the grey-edge varieties the perfection of the ideal has
been almost obtained in such forms as Headly’s George
Lightbody, which can be taken as a standard. We do
not know any novelty of recent years that can equal this
when at its best. More notable additions have been made
to the green- edge class, but the white-edge varieties,
always scarce, seem to still lack the best qualities of the
others. The seifs are beautiful and most welcome for
their rich colours, but the tendency to coarseness is
frequently apparent, as is also the case with the Alpines,
though in a less marked degree.

It is not uncommon to find genuine admirers of flowers
objecting to the rigid rules laid down by florists as
fantastic, and denying that beauty i3 to be found in a
series of concentric circles such as might be struck with a
pair of compasses. But they miss the point. All that
can be done by cultivators is to develope the characters
of a plant on the natural basis — that is, the primary
qualities of the species from which it is derived. This is
all that has been done or attempted in the case of the
Auricula, and by comparing the modern varieties with
the original Primula Auricula and some other species
which have been concerned in their production, it will be
seen that the general plan of the flower, if it may be so
termed, is unaltered. All that the florists have accom¬
plished is to intensify their characters and to increase
their diversity in certain directions. Indeed, this is what
takes place with nearly all plants grown for the sake of
their floAvers, and Avhich have been long under the care of
horticulturists.

A valuable addition to the Auricula shows is afforded
by the classes provided for species of Primulas, and this
is a department that will no doubt greatly increase in
interest. Many Primulas, apart from the useful P.
sinensis varieties, are admirably adapted for culture in
pots as conservatory or greenhouse plants, such as the
graceful P. Sieboldi and its varied forms, the floriferous
and almost continuous flowering P. obconica, Avhich is
one of the best introductions of recent years, the small
but free and beautiful yellow P. floribunda, the brightly
coloured P. rosea, and the pure white P. viscosa nivea.
Then Ave have the Primroses of innumerable tints, for
simple grace perhaps unsurpassed in the family, in all
stages of transition from the Primrose of our hedgerow
banks to the Polyanthus forms and the stately laced
Polyanthuses. Uoav effectively Primroses can be dis¬
played at an exhibition Avas slioAvn last Avcek at Regent's
Park, Avliere a beautiful bank Avas formed in the corridor,
the plants being set in moss informally, as dells or
mounds, not in parallel roAvs as most exhibitors seem to
consider the correct mode. The variety of colours in
these Primroses is astonishing, and no garden Avliere
hardy plants are prized should be Avithout some beds
devoted to them. In richness of tints they are un¬
equalled ; from pure white to the deepest crimson and
purple, all the intermediate shades are represented.

Fcav attempts are made to form nenv groups of Primula
varieties or hybrids. When P. japonica Avas introduced

No. 357. — Yol. XIV. Third Series

Nr. 201?. — Yoi.. LXXVL, Old Series.

32G

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 18, 1887.

it was thought that it might give rise to distinct type of
garden forms, but in that respect it has not realised the
expectations formed concerning it. Then P. rosea might
have been regarded as the progenitor of a series of highly
coloured varieties. The more recent P. obconiea would
appear to afford the hybridist some chance of success,
and now the richly tinted P. obtusifolia Gammieana
seems to give another chance to those desirous of im¬
proving existing or introducing fresh types. So many of
the Primula family are readily intercrossed, and produce
seed so freely, that experiments could be undertaken in
several directions with every chance of success. The
variety of P. obtusifolia shown by Mr. Douglas under the
name of Gammieana is a charming plant, the flowers very
neat in shape, of an intense crimson hue, a colour which
also runs in the calyx and pedicels in a lessened degree.
It is said to have been found in Sikkim, growing in sunny
places at an elevation of 15,000 feet. The species is a
native of the Himalayas, and is extremely variable,
several forms having been already described, such as
Griffithi and Roylei, which indicates the likelihood of its
adaptability for crossing with other Primulas. — An
Amateur.

THE GARDENERS’ ORPHAN PUND.

The time has arrived for reporting the progress that has been made
in furthering the establishment of this commendable scheme. It may
be stated that it is not in conflict with any other institution, but is in¬
tended to supply an existing want. As has been previously intimated,
forms have been posted to a number of gardeners affording them an
opportunity for giving their adherence to the scheme, and stating the
amount of support they are willing to give to it. The “ returns,’' as
placed before a meeting of the Commutes at South Kensington on
Tuesday last, showed the number to be G08, and of this number only
13 w< re refusals to accord support. The subscriptions promised
are 277 of 5s. per annum, 82 of 10s., 15 of 20s., and 1 of 40 J.
Donations are promised from 300 persons of £284 17s. GJ., the
total sum announced to the meeting being £430 19s. Gd.

Several of the forms sent out failed to reach the persons to whom
they wire addressed through changes of residence, and some were
returned indefinitely filled up. In proportion to the whole of the
' returns ” the amount indicated must be regarded as highly satis,
factory, but a great number, though stamped for posting, have not
lieen received from the recipients of them. It is found that the
time specified was too short for enabling some gardeners to bring the
matter before their employers, as forms are yet arriving.

C’ msidering all the circumstances of the case, the Committee
hive aereed to postpone their decis'on as to their future action till
after Miy 21st, and in the meantime more forms will be printed for
distribution amongst such nurserymen as may be willing to circula'e
them amongst gardeners who may not have been reached by the first
issue. Any gardener, moreover, who desires one or more forms can
have them, when ready, in return for a post card sent to Mr. A. F.
Barron, Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick, London,
containing the address of the applicant. It is believed there are
many gardeners whose addresses are not given in directories that would
like ti join in the woik, which is described as follows by the Com¬
mittee : —

The objects of the Gardeners’ Orphan Fund is to make grants and
allowances of money towards the maintenance of the orphans of
tju'ilencre and departmental foremen in nurseries and seed houses.

A. By Allowances. — To consist of any sum not exceeding 5s. per
week to children between the ages of three and fourteen years, that may
t> ■ placed with relatives or other responsible persons acting as guardians,
within the knowledge of the Committee.

K. By Boarding-out. — This to consist of free board, clothing, and
education for children between the ages of five and fourteen years.

C. By the purchase of admission to some existing institution.

Qua ification of Candidate. — All candidates must be (1) orphans
• h persons who have been gardeners, and (2) be nominated by two sub¬
scribers or donors to the fund. No child to be considered eligible for the
fund until throe years old, or receive support after attaining the age of
f mrteen years.

4. Mode of Election to the Fund. — By the votes of the subscribers
and donors only.

5. Voting Bower of Subscribers. — Subscribers of 5s. per annum shall
be- entitled to one vote at each election ; subscribers of 10s. to two votes ;
of fit to four votes : of £2 to eight votes ; and so on in like propor¬

tion. Life donations of £5 shall entitle the donors to one vote at every
election ; of £10 to two votes ; of £20 to four votes ; and so on in pro¬
portion. Annual subscriptions shall be due on the 1st of January.

The scheme does not make provision for establishing any build¬
ing or s -hool, the Committee considering it neither desirable nor
practicable at present to entertain such a project ; but should the
fund at any future time assume such proportions as to render it de¬
sirable to erect i r purchase a building special a rangements can be
made for the purpose.

At the meeting referred to, at which Mr. G. Deal presided with
his customary ability, the Committee expressed a hope that the
editors of the horticultural journals would obligingly make the
objects of the scheme known, and invite the co-operation of all
persons who desire to see a Gardeners' Orphau Fuad firmly
established.

EXHIBITION CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

In your issue of the 14th inst. there appeared an interesting list
of Chrysanthemums, giving the number of times each variety was
shown at the ‘-National ” in 1885, and also in November last. Mr.
Shoesraith commenting thereupon asks, “Has there ever been an
election of the best varieties of exhibition Chrysanthemums in your
pages?” This question can only be directly answered by yourself.
But I can forecast the result of such an election with approximate
accuracy from having noted dowu during last autumn how many
times each vuriety was mentioned in your columns as winning first
prizes separately or in combination. I subjoin a schedule of the
result, which tallies in a remarkable manner with “ E. M.’s.” list,
thjugh that did not pretend to indicate priz ;winners. My notes com¬
menced with the report of the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting,
held October 2G h and terminated in December. Fifty varieties each
of incurved and Japanese are given. The other classes I did not note
down, as the number of available varieties is so limited. — B. D. If.

d .

•f' X

g'x

"c/3 —
c<3

O 73

_ i_>

*■* X

INCURVED.

First Fitly Varieties.

d .

X

o

X d

S*

O x
u °
0)iJ
•Of
3^

X

JAPANESE.

First Fifty Varieties.

1

53

Empress of India

1

50

Jeanne Del mix

2

53

Go'den Empress

2

44

Slndame C. Aurtiguier

3

49

Lord Wolseley

3

44

51 ad lie. Lacroix

4

41)

Princess of Wales

36

Comte de Germiny

5

48

Jeanne o’Arc

5

35

Fair Maid of Guernsey

6

47

Queen of Engla d

6

34

Japouaise

7

46

Lord Alcester

7

32

Bo ill e d’Or

8

40

Prince Alfred

8

29

Vrtl d'Andorre

0

28

John Salter

9

28

Thun berg

10

27

Jardin de • Plantes

10

28

Meg Merrilies

11

27

Nil Dasperanduin

11

28

Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets

12

27

Prince'S or l'eck

12

28

M. Ascorg

( Golden Queen ( 10)

is

24

Criterion

i Emily Dale (16)

1 14

23

Belle Paule

14

24

Clieruh

21

S >leil Levant

15

24

Lady llardinge

! 16

2)

Elaine

18

22

Alrred Salter

1 17

«0

Marguerite Marroucli

17

22

Mrs. Ileale

13

20

Baronne de Frailly

18

20

Barbara

19

19

M. Burnet

10

2)

Hero of Stoke Newington

20

14

Cnmosse de Beauregard

2 >

19

Mrs. H. Shipman

, 2»

14

Grand ill or am

21

17

Mr. Bunn

j 22

It

Yellow Dragon

21

13

Prince of Wales

23

13

Peter the Great

21

13

White Venus

24

13

Duchess of Albany

2t

12

Baron B u*t

j 25

13

L’ Adorable

25

12

Refulgence

: 26

12

IM. John Laing

26

11

Lady Slade

V

12

Maiden’s BluMi

27

10

Mrs. Dixon

28

11

Fernand Feral

28

10

Princess Beatrice

1 29

a

Madame K. Kendatier

21)

1)

Novelty

30

10

Balmoreau

30

8

George Glenuv

31

8

Bouquet Fait

31

8

Mrs. G. Bundle

32

8

M. Turin

32

8

Pink Venus

3 ;

7

Album Plenum

33

8

Venn*

34

7

Giver Fleuri

34

7

Beverley

35

7

31. Delaux

35

7

Mr Brno Ices

36

6

Madame de Sevin

36

(5

Empress Eugenie

37

6

Madame John Laing

37

C

Eve

34

0

Fanny Boucharlat

38

6

Guernsey Nugget

39

6

Striatum

SO

6

Mabel Wuul

4 1

6

M. Ardene

4 1

5

Beauty

41

G

Koseum Superbum

41

r

Sir Stafford Carey

42

5

Garn*-t

42

White Beverley

4\

5

Glorio um

43

4

Angelina

41

5

Coquette de Castil e

44

4

Bronze Jardin des Plantes

4‘.

5

La Triompliame

45

4

Go'den E^gie

4 ;

4

M. Freeman

46

4

Isabella Bott

47

4

Triomphe du Nord

47

4

Ladv Carey

48

4

Sarnia

48

4

Mr. Howe

49

4

Source d’Or

41)

3

Nonpareil

50

4

l'a U:e. Moulis

50

3

St. Patrick

[We are obliged by this communication, which affords an interest¬
ing comparison with Air. Alawley's lis\ An election of incurved
Chrysanthemums appeared in this Journal, page 110, Fcbiuary 8th,
1883, in which the first twelve were Pfiace Alfred, Golden Empress of
India, Piiucess of Wales, Empress of India, Jardin des Plantes,
Queen of England, Barbara, Princess of Teck, Hero of Stoke New¬
ington, Airs. Heal-. Mr. Bunn, and Lady UardiDge, in the order
named.]

April 28. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

327

CUCUMBER CULTIVATION.

( Continued from page 30$.)

Planting. — Plants from a sowing made early in July will bo
fit to place out in beds early in August. These are the autumn
fruiters, affording fruit from October to Christmas inclusive. Seed
sown early in August will give plants to place out by the middle of
September. These are winter fruiters, and will give a few fruits
in early winter, a full supply at Christmas, and continue it up to
April. Plants from seed sown early in September will be ready to
place out the first fortnight in October. These are winter fruiters
and give fruit from Christmas to April. Seed sown early in January
afford plants for planting out early in February. These afford fruit
from early April onwards, and are termed spring fruiters.

The soil in the pots must be moistened to the drainage when the
plants are turned out, having watered them a few hours previously,
thereby insuring the ball turning out clean, instead of adhering to
the pot. Make the soil firm about the roots and place them so that
about an inch of the stem below the seed leaves is clear of soil.
Secure the stake supporting the plant to the wire of the trellis, but
il there is a leaning any way let it be towards the path. If the
weather is bright shade for a few hours in the hottest part of the
day until the plants become established. A ring of soot around
the stem will be useful as a safeguard against slug*, drawing it a
few inchrs from the stem. The soil must be warmed through before
the p’ants are put out.

Temperature. — A temperature of 70’ to 7.">° should be secured
as soon as possible after daybreak, or not later than 8 to 8.30 a.m.
If the day be rainy or snow prevail the lower temperature or 70’
should prevail, if mild the higher or 73°. Sun heat will raise it to
80 or 85° or more, closing from October to March inclusive by
1 P.M. A temperature of 00° to 100° from sun heat will cause no
injury. In very cold dull weather it is better to keep the tempera¬
ture between (55° to 70°. The minimum temperatures of 65° on
mild nights and 80° on cold nights ought not to be registered until
daybreak. In early autumn the temperature may be 5° higher if
mild. In February, or as soon after Christmas as the weather
admits, the days being brighter and longer, the night temperature
should be 70’, falling 5° or even 10° when the nights are sharp and
the days bright.

There is much saving of heat in hiving canvas or other coverings
for drawing over the roof lights in severe weather, and in very
severe weather the thermometer should be so placed that it can be
read from the outside through the glass. This will save opening
the door many a time, letting out heat at 70° and admitting cold
air. It will also be well to have mats suspended in front of the
door so as to lessen the change of air in going in or out in very
severe weather.

Moisture. — Syringing the plants in the morning and again at
closing time will be necessary until the weather is getting damp and
dull in autumn. In dull weather it must not be practised, but a
moderate degree of moisture should be maintained, but it is a
matter that requires much care and judgment. In dull weather in
November and December the moisture given off by the soil, &c.,
will be sufficient, or a light sprinkling only will be necessary. In a
foggy time a rather dry condition of otherwise moist surfaces will
1 >e necessary. In sharp weather, when more fire heat is necessary,
the moisture must be correspondingly] increased. As the days
lengthen more moisture will be necessary, syringing being practised
at closing time, but some disiretion should be exercised, as it is
important that the foliage become fairly dry before nightfall.
Morning syringing is at best questionable, but practised early I
think it an advantage in bright weather, especially when resorted to
as a means of preventing or cleansing the plants of insects, as
without syringing red spider gains possession and spreads with
astounding rapidity. In bright weather damp the house th ee times
a day — in the morning, at closing time, or early in the afternoon ;
those being the times when the plants are syringed, and before
leaving at night or from 5 to 8 P.M. On very bright days distribute
water on the floor more than three times a day, the object being to
prevent evaporation and keep cool and moist, but much may be
effected in preventing evaporation from the foliate by keeping the
ventilators closed in a period of bright windy weather. All water
used should be of the same temperature as the house. To counteract
the evil influence of a dry heat evaporation troughs are useful.
They will not, however, be wanted in the dull moist weather of
November and December, nor at any time when the weather is mild
but wet. It is when the weather is bright and sharp that evap na¬
tion troughs have most value, and at such times they should always
be kept full with liquid manure, so as to give off ammonia — a
powerful aid in preventing the appearance of red spider. As to the
time to supply moisture from the evaporation trough*, the cultivator

will need to exercise his judgment according to the circumstances
of the case.

"Ventilation. — So long as the growth of the plants is slow the
necessity of ventilation is not great ; indeed, in the winter months
none is given, unless the temperature is likely to rise so as to cause
growth to be made of a soft flabby texture, then ventilation is
resorted to. The principle of ventilation is to accelerate evaporation
and the assimilation of ihe juices of the plant. It will be obvious
that admitting air after the temperature has reached 90° so as to
lower it to 80° will be excessive, giving a sudden check. The true
system of ventilation is to provide a little early — not to prevent the
temperature rising, but to allow its advance, and then increase it
with the advancing heat as early in the day as practicable, not
allowing any diminution from the temperature reached without
reducing the ventilation. This is extremely difficult to carry out
in practice, so we close early and allow the temperature to decline
with the sun’s power, and are careful about nothing further, as a
temperature of over 100° is found safe with Cucumbers, though
one of 90’ to 95° after closing gives the greatest case of mind.
The temperature not rising above 75° no air is necessary ; above
this it may be given in accordance with the sun heat, so that a tem¬
perature from it can be secured through the day of 80° to 85°. The
chief thing is to avoid cold currents, which can be effected by some
wool netting fixed over the ventilators, and to admit air on the lee
side, at the apex first, except in windy weather, when it is better
to allow the temperature to advance than admit cold air to
reduce it.

Watering. — It will be necessary to afford water to keep the
soil moist. There ought never to be any attempt at watering until
the soil becomes to some extent dry, yet not so dry as to causa the
foliage to flag or cause a cessation of growth. Then a thorough
supply should be given— enough to wet the soil through to the
drainage. No more should be given until the soil again becomes
dry, observing the same conditions as to not allowing the growth
to be affected by deficient water. This is a fair criterion, but when
the plants are in free growth and bearing water will be required
more freely. It may only be wanted once a week in some weather
and at certain stages of growth, and in other weather with the
plants growing and fruiting freely it may be required two or three
times a week. Plants having limited rooting area will have need of
much more water when in full growth than those with a larger
amount of soil. The necessity of watering must be ruled by the
soil, the condition of the plants, and time of jrear. They will require
much less water in autumn and winter than in spring when the days
are longer and evaporation stronger. All water used should be of
the same temperature as the bed.

Bottom Heat. — In the early stages of g -ow th the base of the
hillocks or ridges only will be heated, and these shonld not exceed
90°. From the gradual earthing of the bed bottom heat becomes
more important. In the case of the fermenting beds we have a
temperature of 90°, which is too high, but it will decline, though it
must be kept from doing so below 80° by means of the hot-water
pipes running through the fermenting bed*. Keep the temperature
of the bed steady at a foot depth from the surface at 80°, this being
ascertained by a ground thermometer. The temperature of the
bed will be somewhat less at 8 inches, therefore 89° is the minimum
at a foot depth and 90’ the maximum, which must not be exceeded.
The nearer it is kept to 80° the better, except when the temperature
in a dull period is low for several days, when it may fall to 75°. In
the case of a stagnation of growth from over- watering, nr a check
of any kind, the bottom heat should be increased 5°, and the top
heat kept moist and warm, so as to encourage root action and
growth. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

CHISWICK HOUSE, CHISWICK.

This establishment, now tenanted by the Most Noble the Marquis of
Bute, K.T., was once the residence of a former Duke of Devonshire, a
munificent patron of horticulture, one who might be said to have had a
passion for gardening, and President at that time of the Horticultural
Society in its “ palmy ” days ; who sent collectors abroad in order that
his own collections should be enriched with the sjwils as it were of
other lands more horticulturally favoured than our own. Chiswick
House has many claims on the attention of all horticulturists. In the
days of the famous old Chiswick Shows the garden was the scene of
many a notable gathering ; it might be truly saiil that illustrious people
congregated there, attracted doubtless by the beauties of the house
itself, the wealth of fine trees in which it is embowered, the rich lawns,
tranquil water, and brilliant flower garden. Speaking of the Chiswick
Shows, there is a link at Chiswick House binding us to the happy past,
and, indeed, pleasing reminiscences in the history of the Society.

Some gates, lately re-decorated, are still to be seen that once lc«l from
the Duke’s grounds into the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, and

328

[ April 28, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTAGE GARDENER.

on the occasion of the famous fetes were thrown open for the convenience
of visitors.

Horticulture seems to have been for generations in the ascendant at
Chiswick. Kent lies buried in the vault of the Cavendishes ; he was
the Paxton of the last century. Horace Walpole says of him, “ As a
painter he was below mediocrity, as an architect he was the restorer of
the science, as a gardener he was thoroughly original, and the inventor
of an art which realises painting and improves Nature. Mahomet
imagined an elysium, but Kent created many.”

Before entering upon a brief description of the grounds attached to
Chiswick House, perhaps it may prove of interest to place on record
what may be called a few “ historic notes,” for which we are mainly
indebted to “ Cassell’s Old and New London.” Chiswick has witnessed
the death of more than one political celebrity. At the end of August.,
1806, the great statesman, Charles James Fox, was in his last illness
removed to the Duke of Devonshire’s villa, where he died a fortnight
later. The bed-chamber which he occupied opens into the Italian
saloon, and before the window grew a Mountain Ash, which appears to
have been to him an object of great interest.

Twenty years afterwards there came hither to die, in the same villa
and the same room, and nearly at the same age, the classic, witty,
and brilliant George Canning. He died on the 8th August, 1827.

The apartment in which the two statesmen breathed their last is thus
described by Sir Henry Bulwer (Lord Dalling) in his “ Historical
Characters : ” — “ It is a small, low chamber, over a kind of nursery, and
opening into a wing of the building, which gives it the appearance of
looking into a court-yard. Nothing can be more simple than its furni¬
ture or its decorations. On one side of the fireplace are a few book¬
shelves ; opposite the foot of the bed is the low chimney-piece, and on
it a small bronze clock, to which we may fancy the weary and impatient
sufferer often turned his eyes during those bitter moments in which he
was passing from the world which he had filled with his name and was
governing with his projects.”

The grounds of Chiswick House were greatly enlarged by the late
Duke of Devonshire. In Miss Berry’s journal, under date of June 1st,
1813, is the following entry respecting them — “ Drove with the Duke of
Devonshire in his curricle to Chiswick, when he showed me all the altera¬
tions that he was about to make in adding the gardens of Lady
M. Coke’s house to his own. The house is down, and in the gardens he
has constructed a magnificent hothouse with a conservatory for flowers,
the middle under a cupola. Altogether it is 300 feet long. The com¬
munication between the two gardens is through what was the old green¬
house, of which they have made a double arcade, making the prettiest
effect possible.” It should have been stated previously to this that the
entrance gates are approached by what is known as the Duke’s Avenue,
a public thoroughfare, composed of grand Limes, forming, indeed, with
their welcome shade a charming and cool retreat in the summer. The
avenue is about 600 yards in length, so that some idea can be formed of
its beauty when in full leafage. Referring again to the entrance gates,
they have been recently restored to the condition in which they were
some thirty years ago, in the old Duke’s time, and decorated in white
and gold, surmounted by the Devonshire coat of arms. They arc said
to have been brought from Gibraltar by Lord IJeathfield, who had them
as gates to Heathfield House, now a thing of the past, for some time.
On the demolition of Heathfield House they were given to a former
Duke of Devonshire, who had them enriched with their decorations of
leaves and scrolls, surmounted with his coat of arms, and placed here
as the principal entrance gates. The inside avenue, about 400 yards
long, is also planted with Limes, the undergrowth being Ivy, a pretty
combination. Hereabouts we noticed a fine specimen of the Black
Walnut (Juglans nigra).

This brings us near to the Chiswick, or South Lodge, thence the
carriage drive winds some 300 yards, bounded by trees or grass lawn.
Amongst them we noted good examples of the Flowering Ash, Bird
Cherry, Cedars, and noble Oaks, until we reach the broad approach,
about 60 feet in width, planted on each side with fine specimens of
Lebanon Cedars. The Cedar Avenue, as it might well be called, is a distinct
and striking feature. On one side, next the Cedars, is a bower of Limes,
and on the other fine specimens of Catalpas, .Tulip Trees, Weeping
Elms, Sec. Cedars constitute a noble feature ; indeed, it is said that
S)me of the first introduced to this country were sent here. By the front
portico to the mansion are two very fine examples, 80 to ioo feet in
height, one measuring in girth at 4 feet from the ground 14 feet
6 inches. Then, again, facing the north-west front of the mansion —
where the grand receptions in the good old days took place— are some
majestic specimens on the lawn clothed to the ground, the spread of
one of these being rather over 100 feet, and its girth at 3 feet from
the ground 17 feet 9 inches. We were struck, at this point in our
visit, with the velvety appearance of the grass, softened and refined
by the frequent labours of the mower.

The broad view looking westward from the mansion across the lawn
to the- lake is a fine one, with the Palm-like Cedar and Yew trees in the
distance ; a fine tree of Lucomb’s Oak, a noble evergreen clothed to the
ground (in passing, the Evergreen Oaks are in strong force here) ; Abies
Douglasi, Silver Birch, Swiss Pine, and Weeping Poplar ; the lake
edged with Flags, Bulrushes, Ac., almost hidden with bold and
effectively planted masses of Rhododendrons. Of other views, some ad¬
mirable ones are obtained from a hill or raised walk called “ The
Mount.” Many a lesson in effective landscape scenery could be learned
here. As an instance, from one point we beheld stately Cedars of
Lebanon, forming a magnificent background ; in the mid-distance Pinus

Lambertiana and Lombardy Poplars ; in the hollow or dell the lake
bordered with Rushes, Cedars, and Dogwood (the bark of the latter in
winter becoming beautifully crimson, and therefore very effective) ; a
fine tree of Taxodium distichum, admirably placed, with its pleasing
light green foliage ; sides and foreground of Holly, Yew, Box,
Laburnum, &c., and on the brow of the mount a complete carpet of
the St. John’s Wort, Hypericum calycinum. Other views from the
“ Mount ” are good, notably one. In the distance, almost hidden in the
leafage of its surroundings, is seen the domed roof of a “ Temple ” by the
lake, the latter almost concealed by the overspreading branches of
venerable Oaks and Yews, and the drooping of the Silver Birch.

Unfortunately a new wall, built about two years ago, which bounds
the place on its north and -west sides, presents itself to view obtrusively
in many places, Mr. May, the garden superintendent, is at the present
time actively engaged in covering it with Ivy, and shutting it out by the
aid of plantations of trees and shrubs. This, with a little island formed at
the end of the lake and the formation of sloping banks planted with
shrubs, Ferns, Ivy, Ac., will, as time goes on, impart new and improved
features to the place. By the bridge, over a picturesque stretch of water,
are two splendid Wych Elms and many other fine Elms, Limes, Horn¬
beams, Oaks of large dimensions, and a good Scotch Pine (Pinus
sylvestris) by the water side. Near this bridge begins the Rhododen¬
dron walk, which, although chiefly of the common R. ponticum, forms
a fine feature from the free and luxuriant growth. The Hollies, too,
at this part are exceptionally fine trees. Then near at hand is Sequoia
sempervirens, also a fine specimen of Wellingtonia gigantea about 60 feet
in height, planted in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition. Next we
light upon a glorious bush of Andromeda floribunda 12 feet through.
What a sight it must be when in flower ! Referring to the Wellingtonia
gigantea just now (planted in 1851), we were reminded of what that
grand international gathering was meant to symbolise — a reign of peace
amongst the nations. In another portion of the ground we are reminded
of war by passing what is known as “ Napoleon’s Walk,” so named in
memory of Napoleon I., and also from the fact that it leads to a summer
house in which is placed a bust of the great general. The length of the
walk is about 240 yards, ami the hedges of Yew on each side are about
15 feet in height, forming a remarkable feature.

Speaking of Napoleon reminds us of memorial trees planted by royal
and other distinguished personages on the occasion of the Prince of
Wales’s brilliant garden parties when Chiswick House was occupied by
His Royal Highness : — A Cedrus Libani, planted by Her Majesty, June,
30th, 1874; Wellingtonia gigantea, by the Shah of Persia, June 28th,
1873; Wellingtonia gigantea, by the Cesarewitch of Russia, June 28th
1873 ; Salisburia adiantifolia, by the Czarina of Russia, June 28th,
1873 ; Cedrus Libani, by Prince and Princess of Wales, July 14th, 1874 ;
Cedrus Libani, by the Emperor of Russia, May 17th, 1874 ; Cedrus
Libani, by the Duchess of Edinburgh, May 1 7th, 1874 ; Cedrus Libani, by
the King and Queen of the Hellenes, July 18tli, 1876. The above Cedars
were seedlings from the old Cedars close by, and were grown in small
flower pots, and are now only beginning to grow freely, all showing
signs of the confinement which the roots underwent during the first
few years of their existence. Two more commemorative trees remain
to be mentioned — viz., Cedrus Deodara, planted to commemorate the
visit of the Emperor of Russia, June 10th, 1844 ; and C. Deodara,
planted by Garibaldi, April 12th, 1864. To a magnificent Oriental
Plane, forming quite a bower, and covering a space of about 100 feet in
diameter, is affixed a tablet to commemorate the visit of Princess Maria
Nicolaiewra of Russia in 1853.

A very interesting spot is that known as “ Poet’s Corner.” Under
the shade of some fine Evergreen Oaks forming a semicircle are old
marble figures of Nero, Cicero, and Brutus, from Adrian’s Garden, Rome,
with others in stone of poets ; also large stone urns and fine stone or
marble seats finely cut, with drapery, now weather-stained and covered
with moss. How those of an antiquarian turn of mind would revel in
this spot ! As if on guard here are to be seen on each side of the walk
a lion and lioness, very lifelike. Between the figures the ground is
covered with Ivy, and the moss has carpeted the once gravelled paths.
In fact, there is an old-world appearance about Poet’s Corner that is
truly charming. Another interesting spot is that known as Chestnut
Square, planted with fine Sweet Chestnuts, originally serving as the
boundary of a bowling green when bowling was fashionable.

An object of interest in the garden is an arched gateway leading to the
flower garden, designed by Inigo Jones, which was originally erected at
Chelsea on the premises which once belonged to the great Sir Thomas
More. The gate subsequently belonged to Sir Hans Sloane, but as he
neglected it Lord Burlington begged it from him. Its removal hither
occasioned the following lines by Pope : —

Passesgkb.

“ O, gate ! how cam at thou there? ”

Gate.

“ I wan bronght from Chelsea last jear,

B)ttered with wind and » rather.

Inigo JoDea put mo together;

Sir HaDS Sloane let me alone,

So Burlington brought me hitter."

In close proximity to this gateway is a magnificent Yew hedge, some
20 feet in height, and forming a dense screen by a ha-ha. Very
noticeable is a well-shaped tree of Salisburia adiantifolia, standing just
within the precincts of the flower garden. This portion, which in years
gone by presented in its season a blaze of colour from the then popular

April 28, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

329

style of massing of colours of scarlet Pelargonium, yellow Calceolarias,
and -crimson aiul purple Verbenas, is now. comparatively, somewhat
sombre in appearance, and perhaps more in keeping with the general
cbajftcter of the place. It was rearranged by Mr. May some seven years
ago' Athu. beds planted chiefly with a good selection of hardy herbaceous
plants and annuals in their season.

Ay around we could not help remarking the Ivies and Hypericum
intermingled with Vincas — a very happy combination, splendid groups of
Kerns, Foxgloves, Wood Rush, with here and there a Burdock ana the
Scented Coltsfoot, Geranium Robertianum, rambling at will, making
excellent cover to the ground amongst the weeds anil shrubs. An old
plant of Wistaria Consequana was noted growing on the gardener's
residence. Some of its wood is more than a foot through.

- Doubtless more could be said of sueh-a garden, so full of arboricul-
tural interest, but we must devote a few brief remarks to the plant
structures and their contents. The Camellias are the chief plants to
aryest attention. *• -Fancy a structure devoted to their cultivation
100'yards in length, and filled from end to end— -and such plants, fine
bushes in fact, all of them at the time of our visit showing well for
flower. They arc all old and good sorts, such as Alba plena, one of the

it for at least ten years, and tried most of the so-called carlies against it.
I name the Vicomtesse and Keens’ Seedling, as they are so well known.
Black Prince is not so early with me. I grow them in what we call
small 32’s, about 5.J inches in diameter, and have been picking every
day since Easter. I send you a fair sample, except as regards flavour,
which is not quite so good as usual, as I am obliged to grow them in
Melon and Cucumber pits which arc kept rather close. I have hail ripe
fruit in the open ground in May. I believe I sent you some last year,
the end of May or first week in June. — J. Gibson', Draycot.

[The examples represent a very fine crop of medium-sized fruit-
From the same crowns there are from twelve to fifteen ripe fruit, others
in various stages of development, with a number of expanded flowers
and unopened buds. This variety is apparently the “ Princess Frederick
William” of the “ Fruit Manual,” an l is there described as follows : —
“ Fruit, large, roundish, and corrugated. Skin, pale red. Seeds, not
numerous, and imbedded. Flesh, with a rosy tint, sweet, anil of good
flavour. The plant is a great bearer, throws the trusses of fruit well up,
and is very early. It forces well, and the fruit when ripe yields a strong
perfume, a few plants with ripe fruit on them scenting a large house.
On this account it is much prized by some.” The perfume of the fruit

F'g. 59. — Chiswick House from “ Poet’s Cohneb.”

best still ; fimbriate, this plant having grown so big tliat the house
hail to be enlarged to accommodate it, but it has almost seen its day.
Daily Grafton, Lady Hume’s Blush, Woodsi, Beali, nobilissima, imbricata,
Chandlcri clegans, and many other sorts that were famous in their day
but are not now in general cultivation.

Amongst the climbers we noted Magnolia eonspicua, Ruscus andro-
gynus, and Fuchsias on the roof, which are beautiful in summer, amongst
them the old F. corym biflora. In a little stove adjoining a few good old-
fashioned Orchids arc grown, the varieties in flower or showing flower
being Lrelia anceps, Vanda suavis, Maxillaria picta, Zygopetalum
Mackayi ; Anthurium macrophyllum was noted as a bold and distinct
foliage plant. A line specimen of the Screw Pine, Paiulanus utilis,
was observed.

In some houses adjacent arc grown large quantities of Callas,
Rouvardias, Erica liyemalis, Begonias, Campanula pyramidaiis, for
decorative purposes. Amaryllises are also well cared for, as are
Carnations. A house of Azalea indica, so useful for its flowers, was
nifteworthy. Judging from a hasty glance, we were pleased to see the
dwellings of the under gardeners appeared to be very comfortable and in a
satisfactory condition, not pretentious, but excellent compared w.th
somo-others. — B.

PRINCESS FREDERICK WILLIAM STRAWBERRY.
Respecting Strawberry “ Princess of Prussia,” I admit the fl ivour
is not first-rate, but if plants are started at the same time as Keens’
Seedling or Vicomtesse Hericart ile Thury are, the Prince-s will afford
ripe fruit at least a fortnight before them. I have grown and forced

sent by Mr. Gibson is very decided. Princess Frederick William is a
useful early Strawberry, not very large, but attaining a good size when
the fruits are thinned and the plants generously cultivated.]

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

Mr. Bardney gives me a “ chance ” of demonstrating practically
the advantages accruing from having water in the ashpit. Allow me to
tell your correspondent that had I held up the ashpits here as a criterion
in this matter, or had they been properly adapted for the purpose of
supplying steam as a supporter of combustion, I would have made an
effort to comply with his request ; but seeing that they are only partly
suited to meet that object the results are not what might lie expected.
Besides, the alterations which are taking place yearly render it impos¬
sible to give a true return in the saving of fuel. Nevertheless, if it is not
too much for the credulity of your correspondent, I may state that at
present the cubic space heated is double what it was some six years
ago, and yet we do not use more fuel than was necessary then, even
although double the amount of heat is obtained, and more forcing done
during midwinter than was formerly the case, and before water was
used in the ashpits.

1 would now ask if it would not be better to try and devise some
means of proving whether the advantages resulting from the presence
of water in the ashpits could not be practically tested by a boiler and
ashpit specially constructed for the purpose, and the cost to be met by
subscription? Perhaps Mr. Bardney may be in a position to ascertain
what an experiment of this kind would cost. If this suggestion is

330

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 28,138 .

acted upon, there arc a few things to be observed in order to prove con¬
clusively whether the advocates of water in the ashpits are right.
(«). An equal amount of the same kind of fuel to be employed.
(b). The temperature of the water in the boiler to be the same at the
commencement of each experiment, (c). The atmospheric conditions
to be the same. (d). The water in the ashpit to be within 2.' inches of
the bottom of the fire bars. By this means we would learn if more heat
was imparted to the water in the boiler when the fuel was aided by
steam.

In returning to Mr. Bardney’s remarks, he asserts that combustion
by the aid of steam and atmospheric air are essentially the same. To
this I take exception, and if I adopt his tactics it may elicit a little in¬
formation on the subject. We know that the only element obtained
from atmospheric air which aids combustion is oxygen, and that
from water we get two elements — viz., oxygen and hydrogen, and that
two-thirds by volume of steam is composed of the latter gas. Now will
Mr. Bardney tell your readers what becomes of the hydrogen obtained
from steam when employed as a supporter of combustion, and at the
same time show why there is no economy in fuel ?

With regard to Mr. Burton (page 2G6), he seems to feel the dulness
of my perceptive faculties in not being able to grasp his meaning in
reference to the amount of water evaporated by a furnace pure and
simple. As to the ashpit I hired for illustration, no leakage could be
found in it. and the experimental results deduced were considerably
at variance with the statement of your correspondent. Mr. Burton
would have us believe that carbonised vapour does convert iron into
steel. I pointed out to him that even although it did, the steel was as
susceptible of oxidation as it was before its conversion ; and I would
tell your correspondent now that the presence of carbonic acid gas will
very much hasten the rusting of his fire bars instead of preserving them,
and I may also add that no reliable authority can be found to support
the idea that iron is not oxidised by the action of steam. One of the
best authorities in the University of Edinburgh writes : “ Iron is a
rather expensive fuel, and, besides, the oxygen of the atmosphere burns
the fire bars quite as well as the oxygen of the steam.” If Mr. Burton
really desires to know the amount of oxidation which takes place on
his fire bars his means of doing so are simple. Let him take out one of
them, cool, clean it from all rust and ashes with a hard brush, and then
weigh it ; then by returning it to its former position and allowing it to
remain for a month or other reasonable period, and again by taking it
out, cooling, cleaning, and weighing, he can ascertain what it has lost in
that time.

Mr. Henry J. Pearson’s remarks are applicable to owners of villas
who can only boast of a greenhouse, and who seldom require a fire to
keep the temperature in it at what is desired. In this discussion it has
been plainly shown that water is one of the products when hydro-carbon
is burned, and therefore the effect upon the boiler is the same when
steam is employed. But we all know that the boilers are protected to a
certain extent from the action of steam by the thin coating of uncon¬
sumed carbon which we see deposited upon them. His remarks addressed
to gardeners about the furnace doors are foreign to anything I have ever
seen, as in no one case have I ever heard of anyone “ opening them to
cool the pipes.” Surely your correspondent has made a mistake in this.
We all know that more perfect combustion is obtained by allowing a
certain quantity of air to pass in by the furnace door, as carbonic oxide
would escape up the chimney unconsumed, which consequently means a
waste of fuel when no air is admitted by that channel.

None of those who have been able to get their ashpits made water¬
tight have a word to say against them, but quite the reverse. This fact
cannot be without its weight in influencing those who are having new
boilers fixed. — J. Riddell.

CULTURE OF CALLAS.

These have become almost indispensable in most garden®, as
they are such great favourites with the ladies for house and church
decoration, botli as plants and cut (lowers. Fortunately they are
easily grown in large quantities where space is available, and may
be had in succession from October until June by starting them on
for flowering as required.

To grow them to the best advantage they should be planted out
as soon as all danger of frost is over, say about the end of May.
Choose a piece of retentive ground, if possible, as they naturally
grow with their roots in water on the banks of rivers, &c., and a
rich moist loam suits them best. If such a position is not available,
trenches should be formed as for Celery, 3 feet apart. Dig in
plenty of decomposed manure, and plant them about 18 inches
apart, having previously divided them into the size required. If
they are to flower in (1 or 8-inch pots the following winter they must
he separated into single shoots, and if for larger pots they need not
he divided, only they must be p anted farther apart in proportion.
If it is required to increase the stock every small shoot will soon
make a flowering plant if liberally treated.

If the summer is a dry one they should be mulched and well
soaked with water occasionally, as the chief thing, in order to get
them to flower well the following winter, is to encourage a strong
growth during the summer. As soon as frost is expected, or about
the middle of September, they should all be taken up and potted,

preserving the fibres as much as possible, and using good rich turfy
loam without any addition whatever. Place them in a cool house,
and if the weather is bright shade them from the sun and keep
them well syringed untd they recover from the effects of removal,
after which they should have all the light possible. Many of them
will be showing flower when lifted, and may either be gently
brought forward as soon as estiblished, or retarded as may be
desired.

To flower them well in winter requires a temperature of 55° to
00° as a minimum, and a good light position. They should have
plenty of liquid manure as soon as the pots are full of roots, and
must not be forced too quickly, or the flowers will be small and
thin. Those wanted for a succession of flowers should be kept in
a temperature of 40° to 4o°, and if a trifle lower occasionally they
will take no harm if frost dees not actually reach them. Their
chief enemy among insects is green fly, which is very troublesome
at times, and must be destroyed in the usual manner. Red spider
will also sometimes attack the oldest leaves, and if it does it rapidly
spreads and disfigures them, but the leaves can easily be sponged
with water and softsoap.

This plant is ornamental if planted out early in spring at the
edge of a lake in a warm position where the roots are just covered
with water. It flowers well then all through the summer ; in fact
this is the only way to see the plant to the best advantage. If it is
left out all the winter the frost will only kill the plant to the
surface of the water, and it will spring up again all right the follow¬
ing summer. I remember seeing a good plant some years since in
Battersea Park which had survived several winters, and was then
in a flourishing condition, and possibly it may be there still ; but if
swans are kept they will sometimes eat the leaves as fast as they
grow. — W. H. Divers, Ketlon Hall , Stamford.

CULTURE OF SCARLET RUNNER BEANS.

The last week in April is a good time to make the first sowing
of this indispensable vegetable. The usual practice is to make
several sowings of Runner Beans between the end of April and the
end of June, and to afterwards support the haulms with sticks
from 5 to 7 feet high, and to stop the shoots at that height. The
best results, however, are not obtained by following that practice,
as I will presently show. In these gardens I plant two rows of
Runner Beans, between GO and 70 yards long each, in drills 3 or 4
inches deep, and 8 feet apart, and running east and west. The
(li st planting is, as already stated, made the last week in April, and
the second two months later in front (south) of the first row. As
soon as the plants appear and have had a little soil drawn up to
them on each side, the sticks, from 12 to 20 feet long, are stuck
firmly in the ground 1 foot apart on each side of the same, and are
then braced together by a line of Bean sticks fastened longitudinally
on the upright sticks at G or 7 feet from the ground by means of
cross-ties made of tarred string. Instead of stopping tbe runners,
as is generally done, with a view to hastening the formation of
pods, they are allowed to grow uninterruptedly, and so cover their
allotted sp ice, thereby prolonging considerably the supply of Beans,
inasmuch as the individual plants yield a succession of Beans until
cut away by frost, the finest Beans being on the top. Our two
rows of Runner Beans thus grown are, when in flower, greatly
admired by gardeners and amateurs, as being a capital example of
the ornamental and useful combined. In consequence of the rows
running east and west, the first row having been planted north of,
and a couple of months earlier than the second, the latter is pro¬
tected effectively from autumn frosts. Hence it is that we fre¬
quently secure daily gatherings of Runner Beans up to the middle
or end of November. When sharp frosts are apprehended all the
pods that are fit for use should be gathered and spread thinly on a
shelf in a cool room, thereby prolonging the supply three weeks or
a month after the haulms had been destroyed.

I would advise those of your readers who have a taste — as every
one ought to have- — for the ornamental as well as the profitable
combined, to plant a single row of Scarlet Runner Beans about
G inches apart in the row on each side of one of the garden walks
(the more central it is the better will be the effect), putting long
sticks as supports to the plants on each side, and bringing the tops
together and securing them to a seiies of Bean sticks fixed longi¬
tudinally about 7 feet from the centre of the path, so as to form an
arch — a delightfully shady and ornamental arbour will be the result.
Of course the roots should in every case be kept well mulched and
supplied with water in the absence of rain in order to obtain the
best possible results. I am sure the same quantity of Runner
Beans cannot be secured from three times the space of ground
indicated above on the short-stick system. — II. W. Ward, Longford
Castle.

April S'*. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AX D COTTAGE GA R LEXER.

331

ORCHIDS AT DOWNSIDE, LEATHERHEAD.

The sale of choice Orchids announced to take place at Downside,
Leatherhead, on May 3rd and 4th will no doubt attract a large number
of visitors, as some of the plants are amongst the most valuable in culti¬
vation. Although several new houses have been erected recently, the
■accommodation is insufficient for the very large collection now in
Mr. W. Lee’s possession, and in consequence the plants were much
■crowded in some of the houses. To remedy this Mr. Lee decided to part
with a certain number of duplicates, in which have been included
several grand hybrids, like Cypri]>edium Morganise, of which good
plants can at present be numbered on the fingers. The plants at Down-
sale under Mr. Woolford’s charge are all exceptionally healthy, and there
will probably be considerable competition for some of the prizes. The
•sale will commence each day at 12.30, the following being some
■of the principal Orchids to be offered: — Cattleya Trian® Leeana, C.
Dayana, C. Emperor, C. alba, true: C. eboracensis, C. Thompsoni, C.
<Osmani, C. Dolgsonii, C. Emilia*, C. Backhouseana, C. C’olemani, 0.
fausta, C. labiata. autumn-flowering ; C. calummata, C. Manlelli, C.
Skinneri alba, C. Mendel i Selbornensis, C. Morganife, C. exoniensis, 0.
Rothschild iana ; Lielia elegans, special varieties ; L. anceps Dawsoni,
L. Wolstenholmiae, L. Amesiana, L. bella, L. Veitchiana, L. flammea,
H*. grandis ; Phaius tuberculosus ; Cymbidium Parishii ; Pachystoma
Thomsoni ; Saccolabium Heathi, S. Harrisonianum ; Dendrobium
Phakenopsis, D. Harveyanum, D. nobilenobilius, D. Falconeri giganteum ;
Maxillaria Sanderiana ; Masdevallia Harryana ; Bull’s Blood, true, and
many other splendid varieties ; Cypripedium Stonei platytsenium, C.
-grande, C. microchilu m, C. selligerum majus, C. Arthurianum, C. Wallisii,

Leeanum superbum, C. eurvandrum, C. vexillarium, C. Morganias, C.
itesselatum porphyreum ; Coelogyne ciistata alba, C. Lowi ; Odonto-
glossum Hrubyanum, O. rigidum ; Vanda tricolor planilabris, V. Patter-
soni, and V. Sanderiana.

PHAUEN0PSI3 GRANDIFLORA.

An excellent coloured plate of this fine Orchid appears in Williams’
■'‘Orchid Album" for this month, together with some interesting historical
and cultural information. P. gran li flora is a native of Java, and was
named by Lindlev in 1848, and though it had been exhibited in flower
c he year before by J. H. Schroder, Esq., of Stratford, it was then sup¬
posed to l)e a variety of P. amabilis. A variety from Borneo named
a urea differs in having greenish yellow flower stems, whereas the Java
plant has larger and more numerous flowers, the flower stems of a pur¬
plish hue, and the habit more robust. Mr. B. S. Williams, in referring
to the floriferous character of P. grandiflora, states that he has shown
specimens with seventy to eighty flowers each. That figured is from a
plant belonging to C. J. Partington, Esq., Heaton House, Cheshunt,
where, under the charge of the gardener, Mr. Gearing, Phalaenopses are
grown so successfully. One of the chief secrets in the management of
these plants is, that their roots should not be crammed into baskets or
confined in any way ; let them have freedom, a moist atmosphere, a
light position, but not where they can be scorched by the sun, a good
■temperature, and freedom from draughts of cold air, and they will yield
much better results than are generally obtained. Phalaenopses are very
easily injured by interfering unduly with their roots, and we have seen
several examples of collections being almost lost through carelessness
in this matter.

T3E WHITE BUTTERFLY ONCIDIUM.

In the same issue of the" Orchid Album” is an admirable illustration
of Oncidium Papilio majus, with large flowers very highly coloured.
In connection with it is mentioned the white variety described by
Lindlev, and Mr. Williams states that Birschell, who travelled in
Venezuela and Caraccas in 1856 and 1857, sent great quantities of ti e
typical form to England, and also said that he gathered numbers of the
white variety, but omitted to mark them in any way. None has ever
flowered, nor does it appear to have been introduced since by other
travellers, though one might expect that such a plant would be worth a
search.

TOTATOES DEGENERATING— CHANGE OF SEED.

Mr. Murphy, on page 267, maintains that in nine cases out of ten
Potatoes aro bound sooner or later to degenerate, and, in proof of this
assjrtion, joints out that the favourites which were grown forty or
lift/ years ago are extinct. 1 am glad to say 1 am not qualified to write
about the old favourites, but, all the same, do not admit the point my
respected o,q orient fancies he has made. As far as my experience goes
the old favourites were heavy cropping and good in quality, but were
not disease-resisting. If it can be proved that the disease would not
have affected them while yet retaining their full vigour, or, in other
words, that they were originally disease-resisting, then I must admit
that Mr. Murphy is correct as to the liability of all varieties to degene¬

rate. One or more varieties of any kind of vegetable may yet be found
that was in cultivation early in the present century, and a stock would
be quickly forthcoming if there was a demand for it. Not merely
among Potatoes is the change of sorts noticeable, but it is much the
same with Peas, Beans, Broccolis, Cabbages, and other vegetables.
Some very old sorts of these may be occasionally met with, and seeds¬
men state they are occasionally asked to supi ly some almost forgotten
variety. These, although they may be savsd at the same place for many
years, yet retain great vigour, and, as far as the crop is concerned, show
no appreciable falling off. It is the quality that is unsatisfactory, and
it does not say much for our boasted progress if the novelties arc not as
a rule superior to our forefathers’ favourites. The old varieties of
Potatoes are simply ousted out of the catalogues, perhaps sometimes
before they ought to be.

I am surprised to find intelligent Mr. Murphy still clings to the
notion that there is any benefit derived from greening the sets. Fifty
years ago unripe and greened sets were supjosed to be the best for
planting, these being supposed to start with greater vigour when planted
than do tubers which were not lifted before they are fully ripe. Of late
years we hear nothing about the superiority of unripe planting tubers, and
I thought the greening process was also being gradually forgotten or dis¬
believed in. Not only have I detected no superiority in the crops obtained
from greened sets, but at times the plant has been excessively uneven
owingtomany of them having been diseased. Duringseasonswhendisea.se
is most prevalent, spreading the newly lifted tubers in the open air is
almost certain to lead to a number of them becoming diseased, the spores
first attacking the skins of the Potatoes in all instances. The greening
hides the disease, and diseased tubers will sprout, but in most cases
little or no haulm results. Where Potatoes are grown on the same
ground for two or more consecutive seasons, which hapj ens in most
cottagers’ gardens, there are usually a number of self-sown plants left
among those properly planted in the rows, and it must be equally as
well known that from these are obtained the heaviest crops. There is no
sign of degenerating among these, but they are vigorous and profitable
simply liecause the sets have not been weakened by premature sprout¬
ing. The true old Ashleaf is perhaps the oldest sort now in cultivation,
this being recommended by gardening authorities as being one of the
best for frames as far back as 1828. Another better known variety — viz.,
Myatt’s Ashleaf, has been in cultivation a great many years, and if it
has slowly deteriorated during that time it must originally have been a
wonderful cropper. It is yet one of the most profitable early sorts, and
keeps good till January. Veitch’s Improved Ashleaf is not sufficiently
heavy cropping for our men, but they arc always eager to have all the
Myatt’s there are to spare.

Unless I am much mistaken Mr. Laxton pos-csses a seething of his
own raising that is destined to become very popular. It is the result of
a cross between Magnum Bonum and Scotch Champion, and may be
described as an improved form of the latter, more especially as regards
the shallowness of the eyes. It is a yellow-fleslied variety, and without
any extra care in cooking was floury and good in quality. This should
please Mr. Murphy. Mr. Laxton is of opinion that yellow-fleshed
varieties, including Myatt’s Ashleaf, Lapstone, and Scotch Champion,
contain more nutriment than most other sorts, and there is no doubt in
my mind as to the correctness of this conclusion.

Mr. Murphy differs from me in the matter of Potatoes degenerating,
but agrees with me that it is not always wise or necessary to try a
change of seed. Another correspondent, “ B.,” on page 233, does not
believe that varieties are degenerating, but is firmly convinced that
where the seed can be had from a totally different soil from that on
which they are to be planted the change will prove highly' remunerative.
At one time I held much the same opinion, but of late years and after
close observation I have been obliged to confess it is merely a fanciful
theory. Southern growers of my acquaintance certainly have sent for
large quantities of seed Potatotoes from Scotland, some believing in the
advisability of a change, while others prefer to sell out the crops on the
ground and purchase fresh seed each year. Some of them admit that
they continue the practice more from a belief in old sayings and
customs than from any palpable gain resulting. If it is necessary to
change Potatoes it is equally so in the case of all other vegetable seeds,
and this we well know is quite uncalled for. — \V. Iggulden.

ROSE SHOW FIXTURES.

A Noisette Rose, according to Mr. Rivers, is a Tea-scented Rose that
blooms in clusters. I should like to ask whether we are to consider the
Rose shows of 1887 as Noisettes.' They will come in clusters unless
some disbudding shortly takes place. Look at Mr. Mawley’s list. Here s
a cluster for you. July 7th — Bath, Winchester, Hitchin, Ipswich, Farn-
ingham. Farnliam, and Romford, all on Thursday, and not a fixture as
far as I know' for the Friday or Saturday following. Then, again, take
the next week. The National Rose Society’s Provincial Show' at Edin¬
burgh is on Wednesday, July 13th. This precludes anyone but giants
from show'ing on the Tuesday as well, so that after Thursday, July 7th,
we small growers must wait until the 1 3th. N early a week ! Our Roses,
however, will not wait. After that gap, what do we find Not another
show' in England of any note until the following Wednesday at Birken¬
head. Another week ! Mr. Editor, cannot something be done to remedy
this state of things? Why should Bedford clash with the National?
[s it, Mr. Gall, a law of the Modes and Persians that Hitchin must year
after year coincide with Bath ? And, Brothers of East Ai.glia, Berners
and Fester- Melliar, take notice I pray you of the “occurrence” of the

332

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 28, 1887.

Rose feasts, and, since Ipswich is a moveable one, use jour influence to
get it “translated.”

Wliat leading people they are at Moreton-in-Marsli ! A £10 jubilee
prize offered for twenty-four Roses, and the fixture in time. They arc
well ahead of other Societies in more ways than one. How are other
people’s Roses I wonder, ours are severely crippled by the frost, especially
H. P.’s.— Essex Curate.

Gardening Appointment. — We are informed that Mr. J. Horton,
for several years general foreman at Welbeck, has been appointed
successor to the late Mr. Richard Carr as head gardener to the Duke
of Portland. We also learn that Mr. J. Thomas, who formerly
served as a student at Shardeloes, succeeds the late Mr. Bailey in
charge of those gardens.

- It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that

Mr. William Bardney seeks an appointment as head gardener. His
work at Norris Green, his writings in this Journal, and the testimony of
gentlemen of authority as to his habits and abilities, entitle Mr. Bardney
to a position in the front rank of British gardeners.

- A well-known and respected gardener, Mr. Thomas Bailey,

who for half a century has had charge of the gardens at Shardeloes,
Amersham, Bucks, died suddenly on the 17th inst. in his eighty-first
year. He was born at Croydon, October 13th, 1806, and commenced
his career in a market garden, proceedins- subsequently to Addington
Park and Althorpe Park, and became head gardener at Delapre Abbey,
where he remained for eleven years, leaving there for Shardeloes in 1838.
Mr. Bailey has been celebrated as an exhibitor both of plants and fruitfj
but his handsome specimen Pelargoniums have gained him many
honours. Bailey’s Green Flesh Melon is one of his productions, and he
also raised several distinct and meritorious varieties of vegetables.

■ - Presentation to a Gardener. — We are informed that Mr.

William S. Bissett, head gardener and land steward to Sir R. D-
Moncreiffe, Bart., of Moncreiffe, Perth, N.B., has been presented with a
gold watch, gold pendant, and a purse of sovereigns by a large number
of his friends as a mark of the high esteem and regard which he has
gained during the thirty years in which he has discharged the multi¬
farious duties of his responsible position.

- We are desired to state that the Southwell Horticul¬
tural and Cottage Gardens Society’s Show will be held on
July 21st, 1887.

- “As an example of The Mildness op the Climate on the

North Wales Coast I may mention that,” “Bradwen” writes, “ a fort¬
night ago I saw in a somewhat sheltered position a fine Camellia loaded
with fully expanded blooms, and was informed by the gardener that the
fi 'st bloom on the same plant was cut on St. David’s Day, March 1st.
Other large healthy Camellias near were also well advanced towards
blooming. A few years ago in the same neighbourhood (near Barmouth)
I saw several Camellias flowering at Christmas, and in the same grounds
at that time were large numbers of Gum Trees, which in the suc¬
ceeding hard winters were cut down. At Barmouth now there
are in the gardens of Dr. Lioyd some plants of the latter that have stood
through two winters uninjured ; also we find Pansies carrying blooms
that would be highly creditable in the height of the season. Fuchsias in
ordinary seasons may be safely left in th ; ground through the winter
and a large hedge of Myrtle in the vicinity is a wonder. This would, how-
ever, be far more ornamental and attractive but for the barbarous clip¬
ping it annually receives.”

i - Those who are desirous of adopting the vernacular names

of PLANTS in preference to the Latin or Greek titles in general use, can
form an idea of the kind of nomenclature they would introduce from a
paper on “ Chippeway Plant Names,” by Mr. L. H. Bailey, jun., that
was recently published in the “ Botanical Gazette,” and of which we
have received a copy. About fifty common plants are selected, and the
names in nearly all cases are remarkable for their length. A few

examples will indicate their character. Cornus canadensis is Shashago-
minan, Sarracenia purpurea is Masgikwamotask, Lycopodium clavatum
is Bashginakwambagon, Achillea millefolium is Tchatchamosikan, Clin-
ionia borealis is Ashkashkataminakwai, and Taxus canodensis is Kakagi-
wantag. The Elder is known as Babashgisikanatig and the Mushroom
is termed Washashkwatan. Probably some persons will still prefer-
names derived from the ‘ dead ” languages.

- Celsia cretica for conservatories. — Mr. W. Jordan sends;

us from Tilgate a flowering spike of this border plant, with the following
remarks : — “ This old but useful plant ought to be more generally culti¬
vated. I have about a dozen and half of plants flowering in the conser¬
vatory here, arranged with Ferns and various flowering plants, that are
much admired. The seeds were sown towards the end of last June, and
the plants grown in a cool house through the winter ; in fact the same
treatment required to grow herbaceous Calceolarias will suit the Celsia
in every respect.” The spike referred to is 2^ feet long, two-thirds of
the length being covered with soft yellow flowers, 2 inches in diameter,.
and expanding buds. We can quite understand how effective such
spikes must be towering above Ferns and other dwarf plants in conser¬
vatories at this period of the year.

- Daffodils. — “ S.” writes, “ Visitors to the metropolitan shows-

during the past month have had ample opportunities of judging the
respective merits of the multitudes of Daffodils now in cultivation..
Many of these are so beautiful and graceful that it is not surprising
their popularity has increased so rapidly ; but there is perhaps too great
a tendency to multiply minute variations, and it is to be feared that
this will exercise some check on would-be purchasers. Those who
exhibit would do well to render their contributions more like selections,
than collections, and by only representing the more distinctly marked
forms they would be less likely to perplex the uninitiated. An excellent
collection of these plants has been formed in the Trinity College-
Botanic Gardens, Dublin, by Mr. F. W. Burbidge, and I hear that he?
was recently honoured by a visit from Lady Londonderry and suite-
specially to see the Daffodils. By the way, how is it that we hear
nothing of the work of the Daffodil Committee appointed by the Royal
Horticultural Society ? Their labours can be of little use if they are not
made public. If the Hon. Sec. could provide us with a resume of their-
work for the present season it might be of some service.”

- Narcissus cyclamineus. — “ M. S.” writes: — “In reference-

to this plant, concerning which I sent you some notes last week, I find
that in some of the statements I have been misled by information from
a private source which I had no opportunity of confirming at the time-
Neither of the Budbecks had aught to do with the ‘ Theatrum Floras ”
mentioned, nor did Farkinson describe a figure among Narcissus in the
Theatrum Botanicum,’ Haworth’s reference only relating to Rudbeck’s,
‘ Campi Elvsi.’ The elevation at which the plant grows should have
been 300 instead of 3000 feet.”

- - - The Lindley Library. — Owing to the death of Mr. Thomas

Moore, the number of trustees (other than the official ones connected
with the Royal Horticultural Society) had become reduced to two — viz.,
Dr. Hogg and Dr. Masters, the only survivors of the original seven >
Under these circumstances it became, in the words of the trust deed,
“ a moral obligation ” to fill up the vacancies. This has accordingly
been done by the election of three new trustees in the persons of
William Carruthers, Esq., President of the Linn;ean Society, Keeper of
the Botanical Department, British Museum ; George Maw, Esq., F.L.S.,
of Kenley, Surrey ; and Harry J. Veitch, Esq., F.L.S., of Chelsea. The
official trustees are the Treasurer and Secretary of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society for the time being. Though connected in a measure with
the fortunes of the Royal Horticultural Society, the library is essen¬
tially an independent institution, and is open to the general public as
well as to Fellows of the Society, under proper regulations, and under
certain conditions books are allowed to be borrowed. The funds at the
disposal of the trustees are, unfortunately, too small to allow of much
more than the purchase of periodicals, while the room in which it is
lodged is so inconvenient of access that the utility of the library is-
seriously impeded. In any change of site or other circumstance con¬
nected with the Royal Horticultural Society, the question of adequate
accommodation for the library and its proper maintenance must have
earnest consideration. In the meantime, donations of books or of funds
will be thankfully welcomed by the trustees.

April 23, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE CARD ENEL

333

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 307.)

TREATMENT AFTER BUDDING.

SOME people advocate, on paper, that newly inserted buds should
he made to start in the autumn following — that is to say, within a
month or two of their being put in. However well this practice
may answer in other parts of the country, I have no hesitation in
saying that here it wovdd be a complete failure. Our summers are
far too short to allow the young shoot to become ripe enough to
stand through the winter, and I have noticed that where young
shoots which have started out naturally during the same season
have been killed back by the frosts, that the whole bud has perished
entirely. Anyone who has tried both systems will, I fancy, not
have much difficulty in pronouncing an opinion. At any rate I
vote for the dormant buds and the strong vigorous growth of the
following spring.

In the spring, then — for this neighbourhood we will say in March
— all the shoots of standards and dwarfs should be cut clean off about
1 inch beyond the inserted buds. In reference to this cutting off
the shoots so closely a'l at once, there is a great difference of opinion.

• :Some nurserymen still adhere to the old plan of leaving two or
three buds, natural buds I mean, on the branch. These are called
sap-buds, because they draw the sap past the inserted bud, and it is
further supposed that if the shoots be cut right down to the inserted
.bed- white yet it is in a dormant state, that in many cases the inserted
hud would perish and the plant be lost. I know a case of a foreman
who went to be manager of a place where Tea Hoses are grown very
•‘'extensively. These were all budded on the seedling Briar. The
firslLysarj^s foreman was there, when spring came and he proposed
to cut away the top3 of the stocks right down to the buds at once,
as-h*d always been his practice, the owner would not hear of it.
•SSo, -after a good deal of argument pro and con., it was resolved that
•erne^of the great French Rose-growers should be written to on the
■subject. ■ His answer was, “ Cut them down at once.” They did
-sO, atld'they have done so ever since, and do so now. Soon after
till ’cutting away of the tops, the buds will become prominent and
"cjiiTckly burst out and begin to send up thick red shoots. In my
•opinion, at this stage they are very beautiful, perhaps from the
fact. that anybody who has seen this happen before realises what a
.rich treat there is in store for him. There is no doubt about it
■that a Rose-grower gets twice the amount of pleasure out of a plant
-«fchat he has propagated with his own hands as he does from one
which he has bought in the ordinary way, for it is to some extent a
child of his own, and “ blood is thicker than water.”

As the young buds grow they will require to be fastened to
'sticks to prevent the wind from blowing them clean out, an occur¬
rence which often happens in windy weather, and which, when it
"does so happen, is most annoying. Buds in standards are parti-
"Cnlarly liable to this, being so much further from the ground, and
consequently more exposed to the wind. They are much more
difficult to fasten so as to be safe too ; still another very good
reason why we should cultivate dwarfs in their stead. Thatch
pegs, or other similar stakes, are capital for dwarf plants, and being
placed to the plants as soon as the shoots require to be tied, they
may remain all the season for the plants to grow to. For standards,
£>histerers’ laths split down the middle form good sticks for supp irt-
ang the young shoots, the lower part being attached to the stocks
with a tie or two of raffia.

AFTER TREATMENT OF STANDARDS.

The quickest way of forming the head of a standard is to pinch
•out the top of the shoot as soon as it has formed four leaves. This
will cause the bud to throw out three or four shoots, and later on
•these may be again stopped or pinched to break and form branches
again. By this means we might get a fairly formed head the first
:season. It is hardly necessary to say that this method prevents our
getting any blooms from the plant for the first year. It would not
£e advisable to continue this pinching beyond J uly, otherwise the
ishoots might not ripen sufficiently to withstand the winter. Dwarfs
may be pinched back in a similar manner ; but, as a rule, all except
’the very moderate growers give us two or three shoots, without any
pinching, during the first season.

NOVELTIES.

Most of us have read at one time or another in the newspapers,
•or elsewhere, very cheap offers of plants, shall we say, at perhaps a
tithe of their proper price. These are generally offered as being
fine plants.” Those of us who avail ourselves of these oppor¬
tunities of getting bargains generally end by discovering that
advertisers’ descriptions are apt to be somewhat disappointing ; a
sanguine buyer probab’y sending his cash for, say, twelve “ fine
plants’’ of something cr another, which in ordinary horticultural
commerce would fill the largest basket in the trade, together with

most elaborate instructions for the forwarding of the same by
goods train, is not agreeably surprised to receive a small box,
postage od., which being opened, discloses to view a dozen small
rooted cuttings of the articles offered. With these preliminary
remarks I wish to point a moral in reference to the subject in
question. Of the many new Roses brought out each year, how
many stand the test of time ? Probably not one in a hundred.
The state of affairs seems to be, that if a raiser can get a Rose
with one or two good qualities, his fertile imagination supplies the
rest.

The very rapid way in which new Roses drop out of sight in
most cases, reminds me of nothing so much as of one of those
go-as-you-please competitions, w here a dozen lunatics start off at
the firing of a pistol to ascertain how much injury they can each
do to their respective constitutions during a period of six days. A
dozen may start, but before many hours go by several of them
discover that they are not “ in it,” and so quietly withdraw ; and
thus the affair goes on, one after another dropping out, until at the
finish two or three poor wretches just manage to drag their weary
bodies as far as the wanning post, all the others having long since
disappeared — so it is with most new Roses.

But stay, perhaps I was wrong or uncharitable in implying that
Rose growers availed themselves of the assistance of their imagi-
notions in describing their new productions. Perhaps the new
Roses grown in France change their colour when brought over
here and cultivated in our less genial climate — perhaps a dingy
blue-magenta kind of Rose, with us only fit for cremation, when
grown in the “ sunny land of France,” is “ of a deep glowing
crimson, superb, grand, glorious,” or anything you, or rather the
raiser, likes to write down. Perhaps, too, the habit and grow th of
the variety undergo a startling change ; Roses described there as
being vigorous, becoming here downright pigmies. I can give an
instance — or could do, were it not for the law of libel — of a Rose,
the name of which was in everybody’s mouth, and the plants of
which are now in everybody’s garden most probably, from which,
notwithstanding that I had six plants of it, I do not honestly think
I had half a dozen buds for budding the whole of last season and
yet it is described as a vigorous grower. The above remarks may
apply to other lands besides France. I say no more ; let those
whom the cap fits wear it. I suppose we must make some allow¬
ances for the feelings of the raisers too. We must also remember
that a man is a very bad judge of his own work, and also that man
is apt to take a very rosy view of whatever he does himself. I do
not like to say what follows, but I think I ought, and it is this—
that if a man brings out a novelty, and names it well, and puffs it
well, there can be no doubt but that it brings a lot of grist to the
mill. Those of us who are not beginners will not need, to exercise
our brains much to enable us to call to mind some instances of
Roses, which, to put it as mildly as possible, did not come up to the
expectations of the raisers ; no, nor to the hopes raised in the
bosoms of the buyers by the alluring advertisements issued by the
raisers aforesaid. Unfortunately, although there is no law to
p event a man from exaggerating, or making “ statements net
borne out by facts” — in favour of his Rose, there is a law, tie
existence of which prevents me from telling the truth — provided
the truth damages the sale of the said Rose.

I should be sorry beyond expression if anyone who is doing his
bast honestly to improve the breed and add to the varieties of the
flower we all love so well, should think for one moment that I refer
to him, or such as he, in the foregoing remarks. There are many
honest men engaged in raising Roses. Having said all tins
against the purchase of novelties, let me say something in their

favour. ,

Anyone who is in possession of a catalogue which shows the
year in which any Rose was raised, or introduced, can see at a
glance that every year — I think I am right — sees the production of
one or two real sterling new Roses. If he will take the names of
the Roses in the winning boxes at any of the great shows, and then
refer to his catalogue, he will find probably that none of them are
more than thirty years old — I speak subject to correction here ar.d
that most of them are veiy much younger. If he continue to
consult the catalogue, and compare notes year after year, he will
find that the new varieties are slowly but surely displacing the old
ones. Not so in all cases — there are some varieties in which it is
difficult, I might say impossible, to see any room for improvement
— Marechal Niel, for instance, or A. K. Williams, or Catherine
Mermet, or Baroness Rothschild ; that is as far as the blooms go ;
but in the habit, hardiness, and freedom of flowering, there is, no
doubt, much to be desired. Again, out of one hundied Roses of
any one variety, it often happens that peihaps only one or two
may be ieally fit for show or exhil ition purposes. Some day in the
dim future, no doubt, varieties will be produced with blooms the
shape of an A. K. Williams, but of good constitution, vigorous

334

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 28, 18S7.

growth, fine scent, of all the different colours, and every flower
perfect in form. This is not going to occur to-morrow, however,

nor the day after either. _ ,

The fact of one or two new Roses being brought out each year,
which are really improvements on existing varieties, goes to show
that if we are going to keep up with the times, we must have these
new comers. But I do not advise for a moment that all the
novelties, or any of them, should be bought directly they come out
at 10s. Gd., or even 5s. each. I should suggest that the proper
course to adopt is to wait and watch , to read the horticultural
papers, and see the opinions of those who have bought the novelties
at high prices and are proving them. Read, too, the reports of the
Rose shows, and also the reports of the Royal Horticultuial
Society's meetings, where the certificates and other awards of
merit are given to new Roses. If a new Rose is really worth
having, you may depend upon it its name will be in everybody s
mouth, and the careful observer and reader need not waste much
of his money. ...

It will be quite soon enough to buy novelties in their second
season, when they are reduced in price. If the buyer follows the
above described plan lie will be compelled to do so, as there is not,
as a rule, much information to be got during the first season about
the novelties of that year — except raisers’ descriptions, which may
be generally taken with a grain of salt — or shall we say half a
hundredweight ?

The three leading novelties just at present are Her Majesty,
Clara Cochet, and The Bride. The first two have not been proved
yet to my knowledge ; there is no doubt about their growing ■
Her Majesty has been exhibited by the raiser to some extent, and
no doubt Clara Cochet will give us flowers in due time. The
raiser of the latter, Lacharme, is of opinion that it is the best Rose
that he has ever raised, and as he has produced among other Roses
Charles Lefebvre, Xavier Olibo, and Louis Van Houtte, I think
there is not much risk about this one. The Bride is a sure card ;
ihis I can personally testify. A white sport from Catherine
Mermet, it has all the good qualities of that variety, and is, if
anything, of more free-blooming habit. Lastly, it will grow,
which, in my opinion, is not the least of its virtues.

Since wiiting these lines we have advices of more new Roses.
Mrs. John Laing we have heard of before, but Princess Beatrice (T),
and The Puritan, are now announced for the first time. Grand
Mogul, too, is now offered. These are all certificated varieties, and
the careful observer should watch their progress. — D. Gilmour, JUN.

(To be continued.)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

T AM quite prepared to discuss any question so far as my critique had
any bearing on Mr. Molyneux’s book. Before going any further I must
protest against his substituting for argument an assumption of superior
knowledge which is displayed to show up the ignorance of his opponent.
I f we are as far from the “ desired point as before ” the reasons are because
he upholds his teachings as the "royal road” and only road to success.
If I have not proved his teachings to be wrong, he has done nothing in
the controversy to prove that he is in willing accord with his professions
of being anxious to give the large number of Chrysanthemum growers
the full benefit of his experience, or to prove himself worthy of his
fame. If he is not willing to do so, let him candidly admit it, this
course at once will end the controversy. After he has filled three
columns of the Journal with matter purporting to be an answer to the
critique, he naively informs us on page 20(5 that when it was published
he was quite content to let the general public be the judge as to the
soundness of its teachings compared to his own. We are now informed
by him that my attempts to prove his perverse alteration of arguments
can be of no interest to the general public. This style of argument
may be very convenient, but is it trusting to the verdict of the public ?
I think not. It looks rather as if Mr. Molyneux were assuming the
functions of both judge and jury only to remark my ignorance, because
forsooth I do not know a “ Beverley ” from “ Mr. Bunn.” In my last
rejoinder I certainly removed Mr. Bunn and all his relations from the
controversy as having no bearing on the argument, and I never asked
Mr. Molyneux either to replace it, or his reasons for so doing.

Although Mr. Molyneux asks me for further evidence, which I hope
to advance, the only evidence with which he supports his theory rests
on the basis that a large number of plants must be grown on the lottery
system, trusting to chance for some of them to turn up prizes. The
others he relegate s to his new found region of “ unaccountables.” Why
does he evade the whole question of the complications of bud formation
which I prominently brought forward as the most important factor bear¬
ing on the case ? If my word is to be relied upon as well as Mr. Moly¬
neux’s, I certainly brought sufficient evidence ; in fact, according to his
own showing, I was “ very full ” mi that point. I am waiting for him
to show that I am in error, but the only thing that Mr. Moly-
noux has brought forward in regard to this point was that a bud
sometimes showed in July, with the sapient remark that of course
this bud would have to be removed. Allow me ,to ask Mr.

Molyneux if he found the buds forming in July— say on a plant of Meg
Merrilies, or Princess of Teck, or Boule d’Or under ordinary circum¬
stances of growth, when would he be able to secure the next buds ? and
what would they be worth to us in this part of the country ? Yet he
asserts that in spite of all I “ say to the contrary those sorts will show
their buds at the proper time” without any special treatment.

If Mr. Molyneux wants still further evidence let us take the question
of the unreliability of the variety Belle Paule, which arose in the
Journal last autumn. Several reasons were advanced to account for
the flowers not being up to their previous standard. This being compa¬
ratively a new and rare sort growers would only have a small stock, and
not growing it previously they would be at a loss to understand its
habit. The time the buds showed would in most cases be a matter of
chance, and complaints would, of course, arise from those who had not
been fortunate in securing good blooms, the reason being that the buds
were not secured at the proper time suitable to their localities. I assert
that the above causes have more influence on the quality of the bloom
than any unreliability inherent to the above or any other variety, of
course always taking into consideration that the plants are rationally
treated.

In further support of what has already been advanced, Mr. Ireland,
on taking charge of the gardens of Lord St. Oswald at Nostell Priory
last year, in order to improve the collection of Chrysanthemums which
he found there, had a quantity of plants forwarded to him. During
transit a good proportion of those plants were accidentally broken. From
the broken plants flowers were produced, mostly superior to those which
were allowed to break naturally, among them being such material as
the Queens and Empresses in the incurved section, and Madame 0.
Audiguier in the Japanese. These same flowers were not only the best
in a very fine display, but they would not have disgraced any company
of prizewinners.

If Mr. Molyneux had visited Huddersfield Show last year he might
have been induced to change his tone somewhat after seeing Mr. Midg-
ley’s Japanese flowers, and if his incurved flowers did not win first
honours in an open class competition there was every credit due to him .
considering that he has only been a grower, like the majority of York¬
shire gardeners, for three or four years. On good authority I am in¬
formed that the best flowers in Mr. Midgley’s stands were grown on the
system which Mr. Molyneux affects to despise. In respect to the flowers
generally at Huddersfield, if it is evidence sufficient for Mr. Molyneux.
a gardener writes me to say that he “• was assured by Mr. Wright, one
of the Judges, that the Japanese varieties were as well shown at Hud¬
dersfield as at any place he had ever seen.” Moreover, Mr. Midgley is.
so well satisfied with his system of growing that he intends to adhere
to what has brought him to the front of Yorkshire growers, which is as
creditable to him individually as if he was shining by the reflected
light of a silver challenge cup, taking all in all into consideration. —
T. Garnett.

BORONIA HETEROPHYLLA.

.Several species of Boronia have been favourites in British green¬
houses for many years, and have retained their places while scores of
other handsome and useful Australian plants have been discarded. The
chief reasons why they have remained to some extent popular is that
they are not so difficult to manage as many other hardwooded plants
from the great southern continent ; they are free in growth, free in
flowering, and readily increased by cuttings. Then, too, while most of
them have bright rosy or delicate pale pink flowers, a few possess a
most agreeable fragrance that would alone render them favourites with
cultivators. As an example of the last-named property it is only
necessary to mention Boronia megastigma, which has dull-coloured,
almost insignificant flowers, jet so powerfully fragrant that a couple of
plants are sufficient to perfume a large greenhouse. Of the brightly
coloured species, perhaps B. elatior is the best known and most generally
admired. Now, however, we have in the species represented in tie
illustration (fig. GO), B. heterophylla, one which combines the qualif-
cations of both those named, and it is quite safe to predict that in a few
years time it will be the most generally grown Boronia in this country.

Boronia heterophjdla is a native of West Australia, being found,
according to Bentham, on the Kalgee River, in places sometimes inun¬
dated.” It has been known for over twenty years, as it is included by
the author just mentioned in his “ Flora Australiensis,” published in
1863, who gives F. Mueller as the authority for the name. In that work
fifty-seven species of Boronia are described in seven series — namely.
Valvatae, Heterandrae, Pinnatse, Oyaneae, Variabiles, Terminales, and
Pedunculate. In the second of these, Heterandrre, so named from the
different forms of the anthers in the same flowers, are included B.
megastigma, B. heterophylla, B. elatior, B. tetrandra, and B. crassifolm.
It will thus be seen that botanically is B. heterophylla as closely related
to the two other favourite Boronias as it is intermediate in character.
In general appearance it is, however, much more like B. elatior than
B. megastigma, it is of similarly slender growth to the former, the
flowers are of similar shape and colour, but considerably richer and!
darker, and then it has the fragrance of B. megastigma.

The plant has been grown for some years at Kew, and on several
occasions we have admired its handsome flowers in the Winter Garden,
where most of the Australian collection is grown. Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, Chelsea, have also succeeded in obtaining plants of it, and a
number of these shown on March 22nd of this year at South Kensington
at once attracted the attention and admiration of all the horticulturist*

Apiil 23, 1837. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER

335

present, a first-class certificate being unanimously awarded for it. 1
forms a shrub several feet in height in its native home, though here we
have not at present had an opportunity of seeing it at its full size. The
branches and stems are slender, with leaves 1 inch to 1 J inch long, pin¬
nate, with two or three pairs of linear leaflets and a terminal one, some¬
times trifoliate, reduced to the central lobe, or with one on one side
and two on the other. They vary considerably in this way, and it is
to this character its specific name, lieterophylla. is due. The flowers
are borne on short pedicels clusterc 1 in the axils of the leaves, at

extensive and interesting, but in addition there was the National
Auricula Society's show, the exhibits entered in which occupied con¬
siderable space, and together the conservatory was well filled. The
number of visitors also was much greater than usual during some portion
of the afternoon.

Fruit Committee.— Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair,
and Messrs. F. Rutland, John Lee, Joseph Fitt, G. Norman, G. Gold¬
smith. T. B. Haywood, James Smith, J. VVoodbridge, Harrison Weir,
R. U. Blackmorc, T. J. Saltmarsh, G. Bunyard, Wm. Denning, ami H. J.

Fig. 60. — Boronia hetekophylla.

first closed in bud-like form, but as they become older opening and
assuming more the shape of B. megastigma. The colour is an extremely
rich rosy crimson, quite distinct from and superior to all the others of
the genus. The plant thrives in rough peat with a little sand, good
drainage, and plenty of root space, being readily increased by cutting!
under a bcllglass. A greenhouse temperature suits it well at all time',
but when making its growth a slightly warmer position, with plenty of
water and occasional syringing, will assist it considerably. — C.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— Aurii. 2Gtii.
The collection of flowers and groups of plants brought l>cforc the
Floral Committee at South Kensington on Tuesday were in themselves

Veitch. Several large and unusually well kept collections of Applet*
were exhibited, prominent among them being fifty-one dishes of Apples
and a few Pears from A. H. Smee, Esq., The Grange, Wallington
(gardener, Mr. G. W. Cummins), which included some remarkably fresh,,
firm, and handsome specimens of Beauty of Kent, Gooseberry Pippin,.
Hoary Morning, Lane's Prince Albert, Cox’s Pomona, Dumelow’s Seed¬
ling, Claygate Pearmain, Cornish Aromatic, Winter Colman, Fall Pippin.
Newtown Pippin, and Blenheim Pippin. A silver Banksian medal was
awarded for this contribution, and a similar honour wasaccorded to Messrs.
Cheal & Sons, Crawley, for a collection of fifty dishes of Apples, com¬
prising some vety large solid specimens, and all in an excellent state of
preservation. Very notable were Hollandbury, Beauty of Kent, Lane’s
Prince Albert, Hanwell Souring, Winter Pearmain, Golden Reinctto,.

336

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ April 28, 1887.

Lord Derby, Loddington, Dumelow’s Seedling, King of the Pippins,
Curl-tail, Herefordshire Pearmain, Claygate Pearman, Tower of Glamis,
Ribston Pippin, Emperor Alexander, Alfriston, Sturmer Pippin
Hormead’s Pearmain, and Rymei. Mr. C. Mundell also sent a collection
of thirty dishes of Apples. (Vote of thanks.) Mr. W. Divers, Maidstone,
had a number of Apples, which had been kept in a dark room since they
were gathered, the temperature of which had often fallen to 28°, Lod¬
dington, Blenheim Pippin, King of the Pippins, and Ribston Pippin were
.all good. (Vote of thanks.) Mr. Barker of Hindlip Hall Gardens,
Worcester, showed a seedling Apple, previously noted. (Vote of thanks.)

Flobal Committee. — Present — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the
■chair ; and Messrs. R. Dean, W. Goldring, H. Bennett, W. Wilks, H.
Herbst, A. Bradshaw, W. Holmes, B. Wynne, J. Dominy, II. M. Pollett,
A. J. Lendy, II. J. O’Brien, E. Hill, C. Noble, H. Turner, J. Douglas, J.
Hudson, Shirley Hibberd, and Dr. M. T. Masters.

Messrs. John Srandisli & Co., Ascot, Berks, had a beautiful group
■of specimen Erica Wilmoreana, most profusely flowered, the flowers of
.-a bright rosy colour at the base and white towards the tip. A useful
free-growing Heath. Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon, sent four boxes of
Rose blooms, the samples of Marshal Niel being extremely large and
■of a rich golden colour, much darker and brighter than usual. Souvenir
■d’un Ami, Reine Marie Henriette, Duchesse de Caylus, Madame Falcot,
find Niphetos were also very beautiful, the last-named being represented
by a box of thirty-two fine blooms. Mr. Bond, The Gardens, Elstead
House, Godaiming, had a group of well-flowered Cattleyas of several
■different varieties of the early flowering C. Mossiae. Mr. W. N. Bannis¬
ter, Cote House Gardens, Westbury-on-Trym, showed three plants of a
■double white Mignonette, the flowers large, pure white, with long branch¬
ing spikes. It is a pretty variety, but does not produce' seed, and is
propagated by cuttings (vote of thanks). Mr. J. Chambers, Westlake
Nursery, Spring Grove, Isleworth, exhibited specimens of his large
double blue Violet Victoria, which has been repeatedly noticed before.

Messrs. J. Veitch& Sons, Chelsea, contributed a group of Amaryllises,
comprising several handsome forms, one of which, Ambient, was certifi¬
cated. The curious and distinct Epiphyllum Giirtneri with large scarlet
flowers was also shown. A vote of thanks was accorded for Primula
•sikkimensis Kingi with tall scapes and pale yellow drooping feet-like
flowers. A box of the pure white' Magnolia stellata was also shown.
Messrs. Shuttleworth & Carder, Clapham, was awarded a vote of thanks
for Cymbidium Tiarinum, a peculiar species with dull yellowish sepals
find petals, brown on the outer surface, the lip white and spotted with
maroon. R. J. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, had a
basket of Trichopilias, comprising lepida rosea, suavis alba, and suavis,
the flowers being large and beautiful. Flowers of Cyjiripedium Wallisi
were sent with yellowish sepals and petals, the latter about 18 inches
long (vote of thanks). A cultural commendation was also awarded for
■Oncidium macranthum lamelligerum with about three dozen flowers.
A. H. Smee, Esq., The Grange, Wallington, Surrey (gardener, Mr. G. W.
Cummins), was awarded a vote of thanks for Phalasnopsis Sanderiana
alba with pure wThite flowers. Mr. J. Douglas had a vote of thanks for
Primula sikkimensis. Mr. Owen, Hertford, Cheshire, sent several double
gold laced Polyanthuses named Queen Victoria, rich in colour, with a
gold edging. Mr. J. Walker, Thame, exhibited several double Petunias.
Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had a trio of new Amaryllises, one named
Mrs. Gaskell being extremely fine (vote of thanks). Mr. R. Dean,
Ealing, sent a pure white Viola named Miss Barron, large and free. Mr.
R. Miller, Shoreham, sent a box of Myosotis dissitiflora variety, the
flowers large and bright colour. A plant of Her Majesty Rose was
.-shown by Mr. C. Turner, Slough, bearing one bloom, large, and of good
form and substance, and a delicate but bright pink.

The miscellaneous exhibits were numerous, one of the most interest¬
ing being the collection of flowers and plants from the Royal Gardens,
Kew, which included fine drooping racemes of Thunbergia mysorensis,
the flowers like huge Mimulus, yellow in the throat and margined with
bright red, most striking ; trusses of Rhododendrons Aucklandi and N uttalli ;
Medinillas magnifica and amabilis ; richly coloured Sarracenias ; fruit¬
bearing branches of Coffea arabica, the bright red globular clusters of
Brovvnea coccinea, together wTith a series of Primulas, a number of varied
.-seedlings from the wild P. pubescens being very interesting. A vote of
thanks was awarded for this valuable contribution. The other groups
we can only refer to briefly, but they were of exceptional merit, particu¬
larly the Roses, Rhododendrons, hardy flowers, and Daffodils. Messrs.
Paul & Son had a large group of admirably grown Roses in pots (silver-
gilt medal), and a group of choice hardy plants (silver medal.) Mr.
T. S. Ware, Tottenham, staged an extensive collection of Daffodils and
hardy flowers (silver medal.) Messrs H. Lane & Son had a group of
Rhododendrons and dwarf Roses, very handsome (silver-gilt medal.)
Mr. Anthony Waterer sent a collection of Primroses (bronze medal.)
Silver medals were also awarded to Messrs. Barr & Son, Collins Bros.,
and Mr. J. Walker, Whitton,for groups of Daffodils, and Mr. Rumsey for
Roses in pots. Messrs. James Dickson & Son showed specimens of Nar¬
cissus pallidus praecox. Messrs. W. Wood & Son, Wood Green, had an
exhibit of manures, peat, and other specialities ; Messrs. J. Green and
Nephew, Queen Victoria Street, showing a series of ornamental glasses
for flowers.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Amaryllis Amb'ent (James Veitch & Sons). — A variety with finely
formed flowers, sepals, and petals, broad, well proportioned, and bright
scarlet, with white central bars ; very handsome and excellent colour.

Odontoglossum Cambridgeanam (R. J. Measures, Esq.).— A pretty

Odontoglossum, with brown mottled sepals and petals, tipped with
yellow, the lip large, brown at the base, and white at the upper part.

Primula obtvsifolia Gammieana (J. Douglas). — A beautiful crimson
purple coloured variety, recently certificated at the Regent’s Park Show
and described on another page.

Primrose Mrs. Wilson (G. F. Wilson, Esq.). — One of the charming
Primroses raised at Weybridge, the flowers large, of a rich bluish purple,
and a gold ei eye ...

Cyclamen Princess of Wales (Mr. R. Clarke, Twickenham). A w hue
variety, with a fimbriated crest on the petals. An approach to a double

Ptelca trifoliata aurea (Paul & Son). — Leaves trifoliate, the leaflets
lanceolate, and of a pale greenish yellow.

Trillium sessile calif ornievm (New Plant and Bulb Company).—-
Flowers large, white, with long petals, dark green leaves with black
spots. _ ,

Odontoglossum vexillarium leucoglossum (F. G. Tautz, Esq.), a
pretty variety, the sepals and petals pale rose, the lip pure white.

Scientific Committee. — Dr. M. T. Masters, in the chair. Present :
Mr. McLaclilan, Mr. Michael, Mr. Ridley, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Murray,
Mr. Smith, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Maw, Dr. Lowe, Mr. Smee, Professor Church,
and Rev. G. Henslow.

Cle-odendron with Tingis. — Mr. McLachlan drew attention to Die
curious fact that flowers of Clerodendron were sometimes inhabited
by a species of plant bug allied to the Tingis pyri, which is so injurious
in France, where it is called “ le tigre.” He found remains of pupa at
the base of the corolla, and occasionally a perfect insect. The effect of
the irritation set up by the insect was to cause hypertrophy to take
place, so that the tube becomes much thickened, likewise the filaments
and style ; while the flower assumes a regular or “ pelorian ’ form
instead of being ‘‘zygomorphic” as usual. The specimens were received
from Baron von Muller, from Australia.

Primula Stuavti, var. purpurea. — Specimens, with the following
communication, was received from Rev. C. Wolley Dod. (Hookers
“ Flora of British Isles,” vol. iii., 290. “ I send some poor specimens of

flowers of this from a plant growing in the open border, because flowers
of it were not shown last year at the Primula Conference. Last year
one plant produced scapes of fifty flowers each in April and again m
September, and then rotted off. The variety purpurea flowers here at
least a month earlier than the type, which flowers early in June, often
attempting to flower again in autumn. I can do nothing with either
the type or the variety in pots, owing to the large development of root
they require to make. Both are difficult to keep through summer, the
fleshy rootstock becoming rotten. Neither has ever ripened seed here,
and I find the seeds of var. purpurea very difficult to get.”

Narcissus pseudo-Narcissus x triandrus (?). — Mr. Dod also sent a
two-flowered scape and the following observations : — “ The bulb of this
flower was sent to me in 1885 from sports by Mr. Tait. He supposed it to
be a hybrid, having been found isolated amongst the two species named
above. It produced a two-flowered scape last April and again this April.
The resemblance of the flower to N. Johnstoni is remarkable. On com¬
paring it with several N. Johnstoni the carriage and general appearance
are identical and most of the details, but the flower I send has an
enlargement of the corona just below the juncture of the perianth. I
cannot observe this in N. Johnstoni, or in any true N. pseudo-Narcissus.
Whether N. Johnstoni belongs to N. pseudo-Narcissus I think is not yet
decided.”

Peutzia gracilis, arrested. — Dr. Lowe exhibited specimens showing
this peculiar feature in this plant. It was the opinion of Dr. Masters
and the Secretary, who had examined these minute green flowers, that
it was an arrested state, due to insufficient temperature, but why some
branches only were affected and not others, it was difficult to explain,
unless, as Mr. O’Brien suggested, root action was inefficient in one part
and not in another of the same plant.

Primrose with Foliaceous Sepals. — Dr. Lowe exhibited specimens
showing all degrees between the presence and total absence of the
corolla, accompanied by enlarged leaf-like sepals.

Begonia sp.~ Mr. Smee exhibited a large leaf of a Begonia, about
14 inches across, with white flowers. Mr. Ridley undertook to name
and report upon it.

Myriocarpus stipitata. — Mr. Ridley reported on this plant, exhibited
at the last meeting, which had come up with foreign Orchids from
Panama, and furnished the name. It belongs to Urticacese.

Stachys affinis. — Mr. Mann exhibited a rhizome of this plant, which
is now being extensively cultivated in France for pickling.

N. papyraceus. — He showed a scape of this species from Tangier no
less than 3 feet 4 inches in length.

Fritillaria sp. — He brought a specimen of a small species of Fritil-
laria common at Smyrna. It was sent to Kew for identification.

Corbularia Graclsi, from Sierra, Guadarrama, and a white var. of
Chionodoxa Lucilise from Nymph Dagh, Smyrna, were also shown
by Mr. Maw, as well as a copy of an illustrated Chinese work on
botany. ,

Olivia nob ills. — Dr. M. T. Masters drew attention to the fact that
this genus must be considered identical with Imantophyllum, as seeds of
each gave rise to the form of the flowers characteristic of the other.
Thus Olivia has drooping flowers with a narrow' funnel-shaped perianth ;
while Imantophyllum had erect and broadly funnel-shaped. Mr. O’Brien
thought that the change was not characteristic of every species
— e.g., I. miniatum was true to its own form.

Catt'cyi intermedia var. monstrosa. — Dr. Masters exhibited pro-

April 38, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture axd cottage gardener.

3 J7

liferous states of this species, in which instead of the column there ap¬
peared two branches with distorted flowers. It was received from M.
Linden, who had previously noticed how certain monstrosities had be¬
come fixed, as in the present instance, which h i-.l now become proli¬
ferous for four years.

N. incomparabi'i*, lu/bx. — Mr. E. Osborne sent specimens which he
regarded as hybrids. They were exhibited at the N. Committee, but
seemed to be generally regarded as varieties of Ineomparabilis.

Tulipa lanosa, jtefe'. (?). — Mr. Elwes sent a scarlet Tulip from
Turkestan. It was sent to Mr. Baker for identification.

Snrraoenui.hybx.—A fine series of flowers was received from Air.
Moore, from the Botanic Gardens, Glasrievin, consisting of the following
sorts S. flava, S. flava x rubra,- S. Moorci, or S. purpurea x Drum-
mondi, S. Stevens!, S. William si or S. purpurea x flava, S. Patersoni, S.
Atkiusoui, 8. Mitcliodliana or S. Drummondi x purpurea, S. Chelsoni x
Drummoudi. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Moore for the col¬
lection.

THE CULTURE OF THE POINSETTIA.

[A paper reid at a recent meeting of the Bradford Girdeners’ Improvement
• Society by Mr. E. Cain, gardener to A. Ackroyd, Esq., Manningham.]

The Poinsettia is one of the most useful plants to grow for
dinner-table decoration during Christmas time and the winter
months, and is very attractive when mixed with groups of foliage
plants in the entrance hall, as its bracts are most beautiful
when seen by gaslight. I only know two varieties of this plant,
Poinsettia pulcherrima and Poinsettia pulcherrima albx. The floral
heads of these plants are very valuable when cut, as they last a
long time in water, also for table decoration, with plenty of Maiden¬
hair Ferns to relieve their dazzling brightness. They are sometimes
employed by ladies to adorn their hair and trim their ball dresses
with.

This plant belongs to a poisonous race, and to prove this I will
read an extract from an old Journal of Hu. ticullure : — “ As a
warning to gardeners, I think it my duty to inform you of an
accident to Mr. Buck, my gardener, on the 8th of this month. As
he was pruning a plant of Poinsettia ho cut his thumb, but took no
notice of it at the time, so slight was the cut. On the Thursday
following, however, he felt an unpleasant pricking sensation in the
thumb, and this soon extended up the arm. On the Friday he felt
great numbness in his right arm and leg, and upon consulting a
medical man he found that the poisonous juice of the plant produced
these painful sensations. His leg was so benumbed as to be useless,
but after several applications of fomentations and other remedies
prescribed, the baneful elfects subsided, only leaving a few spots
upon the lower part of his thumb similar to those of small pox.
I consider the above of sufficient importance to be kept in remem¬
brance. — Oswald Mosley, Bart., Rolleston Hall."

I will now give a description of my mode of cultivating the
Poinsettia. We will suppose that we are in the month of April,
and the plants have had six weeks’ rest in a dry state. Cut them
down to the last eye, shake them out of the old soil, and repot
in smaller pots, using soil consisting of two parts good loam, one
part leaf mould or old mushroom dung, with a small portion of
charcoal and sand to make it light. If the loam is heavy, a third
of sandy peat will be necessary. The whole should be passed
through a half-inch sieve, and thoroughly mixed before being used.
The pots must be clean and dry. Let them be well crocked, not a
few pieces of broken pot thrown in at random. Let the first piece
cover the hole at the bottom in such a manner that no worm can find
a passage into the soil. Over this should be placed two or three
other large piece*, finishing with smaller ones. Over these sprinkle
a layer of sphagnum moss, and then place the plant in, filling up
with the soil. Place the plants in any house or pit where the heat
ranges from 50° to GO1. They should not be watered for a fort¬
night, but be sprinkled once a day with a syringe or fine watering
can. When they have commenced growing they must have plenty
of light and air, and be placed as near the glass as possible. For
the next three months, May, June, and July, the chief points to be
observed, are— to see that your plants do not suffer from want of
water, and to have abundance of air admitted on all favourable
occasions. This will cause them to make stout and firm short-
pointed wood. I do not advocate feeding the plants with liquids
to obtain extra strong wood, as I believe as good heads are secured
from wood of medium size, provided it is firm.

About July 20th I make up a hotbed, about 2 feet G inches in
thickness, of any heating material that is to hand, such as grass
from the lawn, old Pea stalks, refuse from old Strawberry beds,
with a part stable manure mixed with it. These are all thrown
together and trodden firmly as the work proceeds. If the manure
is very dry, which at this season is often the case, I give it a few
cans of water as it is being mixed. This helps it to heat more
strongly and quickly. The bed is then ready for the frame to be
placed on it. The size of the frame must have been decided before
commencing to build the bed. The frame is placed facing the

south, having a steep pitch. I then put from 4 to G inches of
partly spent manure inside the frame to keep down any rank steam.
It helps alio to bring the cuttings nearer the glass. Having inserted
a trial stick, place on the lights, leaving a few inches open at the
top to allow the steam to escape. In about a week or ten days the
place will be ready to receive the cuttings.

The last few days of July or the 1st of August is the best time
to insert the cuttings. I then mix my soil as before, only adding
more sind to the mixture. This is passed through a finer sieve
than the soil for the old plants. The roughest that will not pass
through the sieve is placed on one side at the bottom of the cutting
pots. I thon select as many thumb pots as I intend to insert,
cuttings. Having placed one crock over the hole, with a few-
smaller ones above it, some of the roughest soil is placed on the
crocks. These all being in readiness, I select three or four pieces,
of charcoal, break them into a powder, and place it in a small
flower pot. With a sharp knife I cut the plants down to the last
two eyes, gather the prunings, and take them to the potting bench,,
then first take off the tops about the fourth leaf, cut off the bottom
leaf, and immediately dip the cut end into the charcoal dust. This,
stops the bleeding, and helps to keep the cuttings from flagging,
which must not be allowed from the time the cutting is taken until
it is well rooted. When the cuttings are ready to be inserted I fill
each pot with soil, and with the middle finger or stout stick make a.
hole in the middle of the pot, fill this with sand, and then insert a,
cutting in the sand, so that it is surrounded with sand. Press down
the soil and sand quite firm, and as soon as the work is done give
it a good soaking with water, allowing them to drain before taking-
them to the frame. Plunge them up to the rim of the pots if the
heat is not too great. If desired, the remainder of the rods can be-
cut up into cuttings and treated the same as the leading shoot.
They will strike as freely, but will not give quite as fine heads.

The frame in which the cuttings are placed must be kept closed
and well shaded until they have formed roots. Do not fear damp¬
ing, as they delight in plenty of steam and moisture. The Poin¬
settia likes plenty of ammonia in the atmosphere in which it is-
growing. In about ten days or a fortnight they will be rooted.
The shade should now be gradually discontinued, and air admitted,
on favourable days. In about three weeks these small pots will be
full of roots. The plants I want to flower in pots are placed into-
G-inch or 7-inch pots. Those wanted for filling baskets are left in.
the small pots until they are wanted. These little plants stuck in
and around the sides of baskets, intermixed with one of the light -
flowered draping Begonias, make objects fit for a princess to look
upon in the dark days of winter. These newly potted plants L
return to the frame, after it has been well forked over, and a little
fresh hot manure to give the plants a fresh start. Keep the frame
closed for three or four days, but ventilate a little at night. In a
few days the plants will have rooted in the new soil. They should
then have plenty of air to cause the plants to keep dwarf.

I allow the plants to remain in the frame till the end of
September or beginning of October if there is still a little bottom,
heat. If the heat is gone, the plants must be taken to their winter
quarters by the middle of September, because the roots are very
apt to perish with cold if left too long in the frame. Place them,
where they are intended to flower. A number of my plants are
placed upon shelves as near the glass as is convenient at this time
of the year, the others are given the lightest place in the house.
The temperature of the house should range about GO’ to G5° by
night to 70’ to 75° by day, with plenty of air in favourable weather.

I give them weak liquid manure twice a week from the time they
are taken into the house until the flowers are fully expanded. I
also give them plenty of ammonia in the atmosphere by sprinkling-
manure water amongst the pots and on the floor of the house night-
and morning. The majority of stove plants like this ammonia in
the atmosphere. Keep a sharp look out for insects on any plants
that are at rest. I find this plant to be very sensitive to strong;
liquid manures, aad to over- .abundance of water, especially in the
-winter months. It will cause the leaves to turn yellow. The old
plants which were cut down in August, if wantei, can be shifted
into a size larger pot. Just after they have broken insert them in
a little heat at first to receive the same treatment afterwards as the
young plants. They will flower almost as well, only a little later.
Of fifty cuttings inserted l:ist August, forty-nine rooted and forty-
seven produced flowers, measuring from 9 inches to 15 inches across,
with the plants from 9 to 20 inches in height, the majority of them
being as broad as high, with all their foliage on until in full bloom.
The house in which the plants are in flower should now be kept a.
little lower in temperature, also drier in the atmosphere. It will
help to keep the bracts longer in perfection, which will be from six
to ten weeks, according to circumstances. When they are past their
best they are gradually dried, then taken to a cool house, the pots
laid on their sides, there to remain until the time to start, them
again has arrived.

3£8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April £8. 1887.

Mr. J. Hartley, Ryshworth Hall Gardens, near Bingley,
"Yorkshire, sends us the following note on a remarkably large
Poinsettia grown at Moreton Hall, YVhalley, Lancashire, which our
informant states he has known for twenty-five years, and the
particulars were communicated by Mr. J. Clark, gardener at
Moreton Hall: — “This Poinsettia now covers an a-ea of 210
.square feet, and has this winter carried 150 bracts, varying in
.diameter from G inches to 1 foot, of the most intense crimson.
The stem, at G inches from the soil, measures 15 inches in circum¬
ference. At the above height three main branches are laid off for
covering the wall. It is about forty years since it was planted.
From the bottom branches to the top it is 11 feet. It has a border
16 feet long, 18 inches broad, and 1 foot deep to grow in. But it
requires to be liberally supplied with liquid manure to keep it
vigorous. The house it occupies is kept during winter at a tem¬
perature of about 50b We have not the command of any more
iheat for it, or I should let it have a few degrees more. I intend to
remove as much of the old soil as I can without disturbing the root,
and give it a top-dressing of good soil, as its present soil seems
rather sour. I might add it carried about a similar number of
bracts last year.”

NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA SOCIETY’

(SOUTHERN SECTION).— April 2Gth.

Gloomy anticipations regarding the success of the Southern Au imla
Show w r ■ formed by some pessimistic persons this season ; but though
there was reason for a feeling of doubt as to the probable tffects of t ie
peculiar weather we have experienc'd, yet the forebodings have happily
mot been realis'd. Though the ,T!xhibit:on could not be termed the best the
Society has held, it was altogether a creditab'e and fairly representative
display. The competition was good, the entries numerous, and the exhibits
generally of much better quality than we expected to see — better, we are
inclined to think, than last jear. Some difference of opinion always
prevails in these matters, even amongst the cognoscenti. Thus one authority,
but only one, termed it a ve.y indifferent Show, another considered it as a
good Show, a third thought it highly satisfactory, and fourth did not
hesitate to include it amongst the best Auricula Shows he had seen, and
ithese were all growers and exbibilo s of rote. It is therefore excusable if
the uninitiated d:ffer slightly in th.ir opinions on technical subjects. Our
own impression was that there was rather more irregularity in the plautB
exhibited — that is to say. there were f. w really evtn collections, and all
seemed to have found a little difficulty in seeming the requisite number for
<tbe various classes. With regard to the Northern exhibits this might be
expected, and no doubt in some cases extra heat had been n cessa'y to
bring them out to time, inducing longer flower stems than are considered
desirable, and rendering the aid of substantial stakes essential to support
the heavy trusses of flowers. Then, too, there were many specimens with
very small heads — some, indeed, with only three pips, certainly much below
the exhibition standard — but these were the de'ec s. To compensate for
tthem the plsnts were generally strong, and healthy litt e spe imens, with
tine vigorous licli green foliage and plenty of good propoitiona'e tiusies,
could be found, in which the flowers showed all the symmetry and freshness
that could be desired.

The northern growers included the Rev. E. D. Homer, Burtor-in-Lons-
■dale ; Mr. S. Barlow, Manchester ; Mr. A. Potts, Chester ; Mr. F. PoLlina",
Halifax ; and Mr. W. Bolton, Warrington ; Mr. Ben Simonite being unfor¬
tunately absent. These contributed well in most of the classes, and Mr.
White had the honour of s'ag'ng one of best examples of Trii/s Prince of
iGreens that has been seen at the Metropolitan Show. Coming as this did
from the Killing worth Colliery district, it was especially intercsiing, and it
excited the admiration, perhaps the envy (if floris s are capable of such a
feeling) of many an Auricula growtr who has been disappointed in his
efforts to obtain a good example of this wel’-kno wn variety. Mr. White’s
plant was a strong one with a rather toll flower stem and a tru s of eleven
fine pips, even, smooth, and beautifuh It was one o' tne sensations of the
Show. 01 the southern growers Mr. J. Douglas was as usual a succe s'ul
exhibitor; he did cot, however, tain so mauy honours as usual ia the larger
classes, though he defeated Mr. C. Turner of Slough with fifty plants — no
inconsiderable victory. Mr. C. Phi lip3 and Mr. W. L. W-lker, b >th of
Heading, Mr. E. Spurling of B aekh“ath, and Mr. A. J. Sandeis, Bookham
Lodge Garden", Cobbam, we e the other principal southern competitors.

New varieties were abundant, an.l certifieatss were liberally 1 estowed,
■a’l the following being honoured : —

Amanda (Hormr). — A grey-edge variety, with deep pu plish black body
•colour, good pure paste and br ght tub-'.

S. barlow (Bolton). — Anoth-r grey-edge var ety, hi ick body colour, a
well-proportioned pip, a strong truss with ten fin" even pips.

J. I'ouglas (Bolton).- A green-edge variety, back body colour, pure
white d*nse paste, but rath.r dull tube.

Sir W. Hewitt (D-uglas) — A very dark crimson self, excellent rich colour,
and a beautiful symmetrical pip.

Magpie (Horner). — A white edge variety, intensely black holy colour,
•good dense piste and rich tube, seven pips in the truss shown.

Dulcie (Horner). — A rich maroon seif, we 1-proportioned pip, ten in a
t U38 on the strong plant in the first twelve show variet'es.

Grayling (Horner).— A grey-edge with black bo y colour, pip large and
(plant strong.

Rubra (Horner). — A bright red self, very distinct and b autiful in colour.

Certificates were also awarded for Abbe Lizst (Douglas), which has pre¬
viously b- en described when certificated by the Royal Horticultural Society,
•and E. Pohlman (Turner) which we did not see.

The prizes for seedlings were awarded as follows: — Selfs, 1, Perfection
•(Douglas) ; 2. Red Rover (Horne ). Green edges, 1, J. Dougl s (Bolton) ;
■ii. Conquest (Homer). Grey-edges, 1, Sam Barlow (Bol’oa) ; 2, Grey F.iar
•(Horner). Hf kite edge, 1, Amanda (Horner).

SHOW AURICULAS.

The prizes in the principal general classes were awarded in the follow¬
ing order : —

Twelve Varieties. — Six good collections were staged in this clas", and the
Judges signified their appreciation of their merits by awarding them all
prizes. Tue fi st prize was secured by the Rev. F. D. Horner, Burton-in-
Loasdale, with strong plants of Horner’s Heroine, Simonite’s Rev. F. D.
Horner, Simonite’s Mrs. Donglas. Headley’s G. Lightbody, Homer’s Magpie,
Horner’s Dulcie, Horner's Candida, Horner’s Rub a, Horner’s Fairy Ring,
Horner’s Merlin, Walker’s John Simonite, and Homer’s Ivy Green. Mr.
J. Dou.lis, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Great Gearies, Ilford, was
second with vigorous plants ; Mrs. Moore, Prince of Greens, Marmion, and
Abbe Lizst were especially fine. Mr. W. Bolton, Warrington, was third;
Mr. F. Pohlman, Halifax, fourth ; Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was fifth ; and an
extra prize was adjudged to Mr. A. J. Sanders, gardener to Viscountess
Chewton, Bookham Lodge, Cobham, Surrey.

Six Varieties.—- S ;ven competitors entered in this class, the competition
being keen and the plants generally good for the season. Rev. F. D. Horner
again won first honoirs with Simonite’s F. D. Horner, Headley’s G. Light-
body, aud Horner's Heroine, Kathleen, and Grayling. Mr. W. H. White,
Killing worth, Newcastle-on-Tyne, was second with strong plant", including
tue premier Auricula, Trail’s Prince of Greens, with a truss of eleven clean
handsome pips, which excited the aimiration of all the growers present.
Mr F. Pohluian was third, Mr. J. Douglas fourth, and Mr. W. Bolton fifth.

Four Varieties.—- Some of ihe six competitors in this class had rather
small plants and pips, s >me having only three blooms on weak stems. The
best four came from A. Potts, Esq.. Hoole Hall, Chester, his varieties beiDg
Mrs. Douglas, F. D. Horner, G. Lightbody, and Mrs. Dodw 11. S. Barlow,
E-q., Manchester, was a goods'eond. Mr. W. L. Walker, Early, Reading,
was third, his plant of Traill’s Beauty having seven fine p-p". Mr. C.
Phillips, Ham Ron Road, Reading, was fourth, and Mr. F. E. Henwood was
fifth,

Two Varieties. — Not a 1 irge competition, but including some good
plants. A. Potts, E q., Hoole Hall, Cheshire, took the had with Walker’s
John Simonite and Simonite’s F. D. Hormr, the former having five very
large pip". Mr. S. B irlow was s cond with George Lightbody and Black
Knight, a seedl ng self. Mr S. Spurling, The Nest, Blackheath, was third,
and Mr. T. E. H-nwood w .s fourth.

Single Specimens. — Amongst th'se were some of the best plants in the
Exhibition, but although there were not quite so many as usual, a total of
eighty was shown in the four sections devot d to them. Green-edge. — First
and sixth Mr. F. Pohlman with Prince of Greens and Headley’s New Green ;
second, Rev. F. D. Horner with his namesake, third Mr. J. Douglas with
Lancashire Hero, fourth and seventh Mr. A. Potts yv th Rev. F. D. Horner and
Prince of G-eens, and fifth Mr. Bolton with Prince if Greens. Grey-edge. —
First and six Mr. J. Douglas with a seedling and Silvia, second Mr. A. Potts
wuh R’chard Headly, third Rev. F. D. Horner with George Lightbody,
fourth and fifth Mr. Bolton and Mr. White wiih the same variety, and
seventh Mr. C. Phi. lips with Riehard Headly. White-edge. — First and
second Mr. A. Potts with Acme, third Mr. Bolton with John Simonite,
fourth M-. Henwooi w th Acm“, fifth and sixth Mr. Wh'te with Trail’s
B auty and Horner's Luna, and seventh Mr. Henwood wiih Conservative.
Stir's. — First Mr. J. D ouglas with Sir W. Hewitt, second Rev. F. D. Horner
with Heroine, third Mr. Bolton with Mrs. Douglas, fourth Mr. Phillips with
Pizarro, fifth Mr. Pohlman with Ellen Lancaster, sixth Mr. White with
L rd of Lome, and s.venth Mr. G. Barlow with Loveliness (a seedling).

ALPINE AURICULAS.

The classes devoted to these are always popular, the colours of the
floweis are so bright and fresh, an t the public cau understand them better
than tho show varieties. In the class for t welve varieties Mr. C. Turner
was firs’, showing capital strong plants with t vo or three trusses each, the
varieties being Mrs. L'ewelyn, Eclipse, Wrestler, Mungo McGeorge, Sym¬
metry, Sceptre, Garnet, Edith, Sir H. Darvill, Sunrise, Faust, and Lady H.
Grosvenor, all Slough varieties. Mr. J. Douglas was second with smaller
p’auts, hut very fresh and good. Mr. C. Turner was again first for six
Alpines, showing Mungo MoGeorg", Unique, Suniise, Symmetry, Olympic,
and Acquisition, similarly Slough vari tits. Mr. J. Douglas followed, one
of his b st plants being Ada, a charmingly coloured variety. Lady Howard
de Walden, aud Diadem; M ssrs. Spin ling, Paul & Son, and R. Dean secured
the othtr p izes ia the order named. Mr. S. Bar'ow had the best four
Alpines — mutely, Miss Meiklejohn, Velvet Pi'e (a seedling), Polly, and
Charley Needham ; Messrs. Poulin n, Henwood, aad Paul it Son following
cl sely.

Single Specimens. — Gohl-cen’res. — First and second Mr. C. Turner with
Sun-ise aud Lord H. Grosvenor, third Mr. E. Pohlman with Emir, four'll
and fif h M-. J. Douglas with Lovebird and Miss Mollie, sixth Mr. Sand°ri
with King of Belgians. Cream-centres. — Firct and fourth Mr. C. Turner
with Lidv 11. C ews and Flo.ence, s coni and third Mr. J. Douglas with
Ada aud Q :een Victoria.

POLYANTHUSES.

In the cl isses for thi s > Mr. S. Barlow was the premier exhibitor, tak n '
first with s>x and three plants, besides several priz s in the single specimen
class. Tne leiding six p'ants included Sunrise, Linear, P iuce Regent,
Ch shire Favourite, Exile, and George IV., Mr. J. Donglas following with
similar varieties. Mr. B rlow’s be t three plants comprised Sunrise, Prince
Regent and Exile ; Mr. Bolton, Mr. R. D an, and Mr. Douglas being respec¬
tively a sec nd, th’rd, and fourth. In th j single specimen gold-laced Poly¬
anthus clsss Mr. Douglas was first and fourth with Naxara aud Lancer,
Mr. B irlow second and third with Exi e and Cheshire Favourite, and Mr.
Dean fifth and sixth with William IV. and John Blight.

PRIMROSES AND PRIMULAS.

These have considerably increased in numbers, and formed a pleasing
addition t > the show, M-ssr". Paul & Son, Cheshunt, contributing several
handsome collections, notably their first prize six double varieties of Prim-
r >ses, which compiiscd several richly colouied forms, H. S. Leonard, E-q.,
Gui dford, a'so agooi collection of double varieties in tbe same class, ant
secure d tbe second ptize. L r. R. Dean had the best twelve Fingle Primroses,
bright and varied in colours ; also the premier twelve Fancy Pel) anthusts

April 28, 188/. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

339

Mr. J. Douglas following in each case ; but for twelve species of Primulas
te was first with well-gtown plants of vil.osa, pubsscens, nivea, marginata
ca ulea, denticulata. rojea, rerticillata, japonici, obconica, amccna liLcina,
and intermedia. Mr. 8. Barlow was awarded fiist honours for six species of
Primulas— denticulata, obconica, intermedia, rosea, viscosa and nivalis.

The Turner Memorial priz s offered for six Auricu'as only brought three
competitors, Mr. W. Bolton winning the premier position with Rev. F. D.
Horner, Mrs. Douglas, Pr nee cf Greens, Lancashire Hero, Reliance, and
John Simouite, all excellent plants, the first uamed variety having a truss of
nine pips. Messrs. P. Henwood and C. Phillips were s cond and third.

After the judging was completed a luncheon w as held in the Royal Albert
Hall, which was wen attended by exhibitors and their friends, Mr. S. Barlow
presiding.

SILICA IX SOILS— ARTIFICIAL MANURES.

Mr. Gilmour does me the honour of a friendly criticism of my
article on soils. It is a pleasure to learn that land can be kept up to
the mark or improved by means of artificial manure alone. “ Clay land
in Herts,” states Mr. Gilmour, “has been growing corn, crop after crop,
and the soil is now richer and in a better state to produce corn than it
was the first year of the experiment.” This on the indisputable
testimony of Dr. Voeleker, clinching the argument of the same eminent
authority, that “ the restoration of silica need not trouble us, as there is
not a single instance on record of silica, even in a soluble form, being
applied to the land with the slightest advantage to Wheat crops.”
*• Silica is abundant in all soils,” quotes Mr. Gilmour from Johnstone.
What is the value to the current crop of the 72, 69, and 77 per cent, of
silica as shown by the three analyses of soil from clay pastures ? It
forms “nearly two-thirds of the total amount of mineral matter in the
grain and straw of Wheat, and of which there is an ample supply in
almost every soil. Surely it is not taken from the insoluble 72, 69, and
77 per cent, of silica 1 In an analysis of clay soil Dr. Voeleker gives
84 per cent, of insoluble silica and 1A per cent, of soluble silica. This
latter certainly constitutes part of that found in the current crop, and
as it goes off the land and is not returned to it on the principle acted
upon by the gentleman referred to by Mr. Gilmour, whence I ask
does the “ crop after crop ” of Wheat draw its supplies of silica ? From
the soil ? If so. is it not had at the certain diminution and ultimate
exhaustion of the supply 1 What is the amount of silicates returned to
the soil by twelve or twenty cartloads of dung per r.cre? A load of
straw or hay (18 cvvt.) contains, assuming it were reduced to ash,
mineral matter, two-thirds of which is silica ; but it is not reduced by
such a process, rather it is converted into manure enriched as an aliment
for plants whilst contributing to the comfort and support of animal life.
Its silicates are restored to the soil intact together with a large amount
of increased silieious matter, and, what is of equal moment, an addition
uf acids so essential to providing available silica for succeeding crops.
The application of sand to clay soil is decidedly advantageous, and
though we may not be able to know more of its action than can be
referred to as mechanical any more than we know of the action of lime,
yet it is known to act beneficially. Compare the silicates available in
twelve loads of farmyard manure to those in the 2 to 4 cwt. of artificial
manure per acre, which, in very rare instances, contain as little as 5 per
•cent, and not infrequently 10 to 20 per cent, of sand.

What is the value, if any, of silicates to clay soil ? Because in
•manure the sil'ci is available for strengthening the stem, to give
■consistency to the grain. The very texture of the clay soil is against
the solubility of its silica, and the manure presents not only the need¬
ful silicates in proportion to the enrichment, but affords the agents
or bases by w'hich it is made available for the future. Granted the
••oil contains an inexhaustible supply of silica, what is its value whilst
it remains inert ! I do not doubt that a Voeleker can cause land to
produce Wheat or any other crop by means of artificial manures alone,
but I contend that the application of artificials upon the lines that
obtain, in nine cases out of ten, is a sheer waste of resource, and has
contributed in no small measure to the present depression. It is a
matter of fact that the land produces less than it did before the
advent of artificials, which may be dated from the proposing in 1834
of free trade in corn. The principle acted u.on from that period was
the application of artificial in addition to the farmyard manure so as to
meet the demand of the starving masses by an increased production of
the staff of life. So futile was the endeavour that in 1843 “ agricultural
products were becoming less profitable in consequence of the alarm of
producers, who seemed unable to bestir themselves to meet the competi¬
tion which they dreaded from foreign grain.” Passing the Corn Law
Repeal Act and the Potato famine — i.e., the reaction — gave an impetus
to horticulture and agriculture in 1851, and both prospered up to 1866,
which was a year of depression consequent on the disastrous con¬
sequences of rinderpest, which broke out in June 1865. In 1867 the
harvest was bad. corn dear ; 1870 and 1871 were marked by good
harvests, 1872 being a year of storms and rains, the Potato crop failed
in Ireland in 1879, season inclement, and a disappointing harvest. What
•of those things ! I may be asked. J ust this, U p to 1865 the land was well
managed, abundance of stock meant plenty of manure, and this proved
*o profitable that the farmer invested in artificials to an extent quite
■equal to what is now practised without any manure calculated to add
to the staple of the soil in any appreciable degree. Now all is
•changed, farmyard manure is at a discount, artificials along with
surface scratching are apologies for the dearness and independence of
laltour, with the unremunerative prices and sorry crops, alias artificials
"ave labour, and deep cultivation is costly ; the fact is the regime is pre-
•emiuently superficial.

As a set-off to Mr. Gilmour's overwhelming example of corn, crop
after crop being raised without any impoverishment of the soil, I may
explain that I am practising in Herts. To the south is an adjoining
farm of about 200 acres, all grass land, all mown year after year, and
the hay sent to the metropolis. There is a peculiarity about these
fields. They are manured in alternate years. Gross rank manure is
used, so rough that the straw raked off resembles “ cocks,” of which use
is made for the stack foundations. Now the year of manuring the hay
crop is marked by increased length and strength of herbage. The
soluble silicates have done something, but the ammonia much more, as
the impetus given to the roots causes them to render good account of
the insoluble silica, the unmanured crop being marked by a much
shorter and thicker plant, with a very much larger per-centage of seed,
and consequently of a much higher nutritive value. The one is good
horse hay, the other is a capital cow and sheep hay, which means milk,
butter, beef, and mutton — and money. The first brings 60s. to 70s. per
load, the second 75s. to 84s., at home ; in fact, we have a load per week
delivered at 75s. The crop per acre averages two loads. It pays to
bring the manure and cart it two miles from the nearest railway station
— yea, it answers to cart it sixteen miles.

Westward is a farm of 800 acres, over 400 acres of permanent pas¬
ture, the rest under alternate husbandry. Northward is another of
700 acres, most grass. This gentleman also cultivates three other farms,
and on none of these is a lithe of the manure used (».e., value) artificial.
Now these are very successful cultivators. My south neighbour owns a
farm larger than the one rented ; the west one has saved, report says,
£30,000, and owns real estate bringing in £100 per annum, and our
north friend has so prospered that three farms have been stocked ready
for his sons’ acceptance whenever they are disposed to settle. The
latter gentleman told me only the other day that the stock he had last
Lady-day twelve months were now worth less by £ 1000, which meant
loss of value for rent paid, lo-s of keep, loss of recouping money paid
for attendance, and, our friend emphasised, “ rates.”

Now these gentlemen are staunch believers in farmyard manure.
The land has been well cultivated in time past, and is now as far as the
times admit. There is virtue in the land, simply because it is there and
abides so as to enable its occupiers to pass that unfortunate ordeal.
The apology of 2 to 4 cwt. of artificials for twelve to twenty cartloads
of manure marks the difference between seeking or not seeking the pro¬
tection of the Bankruptcy Court. It is proof of the value of silicates in
farmyard manure restored to the clay soil of Herts, a permanent
improvement instead of the uncertain one-crop value of artificials.
There is one remarkable fact in connection with the 800 and 700 acre
farms — viz., in their being acquired out of the profits of guano. The
land came by the next best — the nearest approach to farmyard manure,
and has been kept fertile by farmyard manure and bones, Ac., treasures
that are never so valuable as in depression, as land well managed has
more heart in it on occasion, a dressing of lime being electrical.

The hay land of Herts and the vegetable producing soil of Beds and
Hunts is rendered fertile only by farmyard manure, bone, and soot (Dr.
Voeleker gives 4 per cent, of soluble silica in soot, with 4 per cent, of
insoluble silieious matter) ; they contain more soluble silica than any
artificial, and I contend that it is that solubility of inorganic matter
in combination with the elements that tend to render that in the
soil soluble which gives them their pre-eminence as manures.

Mr. Gilmour looks forward to the production of Roses and other
crops by means of artificial manures, which I think hardly in accord
with his previous instructions, who has used “ muck ” to an extent scarcely
admitting of its being buried. Now I wish to ask Mr. Gilmour if he
considers ground that has been made very fertile by farmyard manure
is a fit and fair example on which to try artificials .’ Why did not Mr.
Gilmour commence his experiments on ordinary soils ? How are we to
know what part of the value of the artificials is to be attri¬
buted to them, and how much of it is due to the previous making of the
base by farmyard manure .’ It. seems to me an exceedingly one-sided
experiment. His ground, if 1 have followed him rightly, is very rich,
too rich in fact for any but the production of superlatives, “whether for
the gratification of our mental or physical appetites.” It is full of
humus and full of bacteria or minute organisms, on the activity of which
depends the availability of the aliment as food for plants, and the use
of artificials will increase that activity. For instance, lime will enable the
bacteria to convert the humus into nitrate of lime, but there is no value
in the artificial other than for the base on which it acts or provides. If
your correspondent means that I quite agree with him, for even farm¬
yard manure is enhanced in value when augmented by a judicious pro¬
portion of artificials, but I do not for one moment entertain the view
that ground is to be “ kept up to the mark or improved by means of
artificial manures alone,” upon the lines that at present mark their
application. What gardener or farmer before applying artificials has an
analysis made of the soil by a competent authority, and with a “full
knowledge of the constituents of the plants and flowers” wished culti¬
vated is guided in the selection ? Really Mr. Gilmour hits the weak
point in the application of artificials, for upon what system or principle
are they applied ? Some from containing a little of most things or sub¬
stances required by plants can hardly be used wrongly, but many soils
are not benefited, and in many cases the cultivator is little profited.

If there is anything in the land artificials afford a ready means of
abstracting it. They “ draw ” the soil, at least the crop does, and if it
go off and is not returned in kind it gets poorer by degrees, and would
ultimately become sterile only for the enriching influence of the atmo¬
spheric products brought down to it by rain, Ac.

340

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 28, 1887.

Perhaps I may note the prevailing idea of a few eminent culti¬
vators that the silica and lime is of no value in fruit borders. The old
mortar rubbish has only mechanical value, anyway a dressing of quick¬
lime is more potent. This view I know was entertained by Mr. W.
Taylor, and obtains with Mr. Stephen . Castle, who grows Grapes,
'•especially Madresfield Court, according to report, splendidly. I can
•understand how the value of quicklime arises on a very rich Vine or
other fruit border. The humus is inert, but the lime sets it free. Shall
we not be told presently that geological formations have not exerted
influence on the plants that spring from the earth’s surface. — G. Abbey.

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

(Continued from page 317.)

Ind., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves. — -Fl., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit. — H., Hardy.
— H.H, Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial.—
Shr., Shrub. — In., Inches. — (An, Line = One-twalf th of an inch. — Ft.,
Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep ., Sepals.

N.B.— Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to be stove
. epiphytes.

Pglypodium macrourum. (G. C. xxv., p. 133.) Filices. S. Fern,
resembling P. phymatode3 in habit and size, but distinguished by its
long-tailed fronds, which are rhomboid-caudate, 2-3 ft. long, 6-12 in. broad
bright green. The lanceolate tail ha3 its middle part pinnatifid. Queens¬
land (? )

Polypodiuji Picoti. ( R. H. 1836, p. 203, f. 62.) G. A noble Fern of
bold and vigorous habit, with numerous arching, wavy, elongate-oblong,
entire, coriaceous fronds, 3 ft. or more long, and 4-6 in. broad, ve ry shining
green above, glaucous green beneath. Brazil.

Portulaca somalica. (G. C. xxvi.. p. 134.) Portulace®. S. succulent
of botanical interest, 8-10 in. high, with scattered, terete, acuminate 1. and
pretty bright yellow fi., 1 in. in diam., disposed in terminal clusters of
three. Somali Land.

Portulaca grandiflora, var. Regeli. (GJl., 1. 1209.) H.H. A pretty'
plant of very dwarf habit with terete fleshy I. and handsome pink 11., with
a darker blotch at the base of each pet. Chili.

Pothos nigricans. (Cat. C. C. d’Hort., p. 8.) Araceas. S. An orna¬
mental climber, suitable for covering pillars or trelliswork. It has spread¬
ing L, 5-6 in. long, of a shining blackish green. ,

Primula acaulis var. iberica. (B. H. 1835, p. 557.) Primulacese. H.
A variety of the Primrose with lilac rose coloured fl., flowering from
February to April.

Primula arctotis. (GJl., t. 1198, f. B.) H. A pretty Primrose, with
broadly spathulate-obovate, obtuse, toothed, green 1., and umbels of rather
small white fl. It is nearly allied to P. pubescens, but its smaller white
fl. at once distinguish it.

Primula elatior, var. calycantha. (Gfl. 1886, p. 242, f. 17.) H. per.
A pretty form, having a large leafy frilled and lobed calyx, coloured like
the corolla. Garden variety.

Primula -prolifera. (Gfl., t. 1204.) H. per. A pretty species, resem¬
bling P. imperialis, with elliptic, obtuse, dentate, bright green, rugose 1.,
and a tall scape bearing distant whorls of yellow fl. about J in. in diam.
Khasia.

Primula'- Reedi. (G. C. xxv.. p. 168.) H. per. A pretty and distinct
species, with ovate-lanceolate, silky-pubescent 1., and umbels of 2-3 large,
drooping, cream-coloured fl. an inch in diam. Kumaon.

Primula Rusbyi. (Gfl. 1886, p 117.) H. A very distinct species, with
oblong-spathulate, denticulate I, and scapes 5-10 in. high, bearing 6-10
flowered umbels of deep purple fl., with a yellow eye. The calyx is mealy-
white at the base, the mealy part running up between the lobes in acute
tooth-like patches. New Mexico.

Prunus hybrid a, vars. reptans and stricta. (B. H. 1886, p. 416, 417,
f. 107-109.) Rosace*. H. shr. Two hybrids between P. japonica and P.
susquehana, of vigorous growth, the former has the branches prostrate,
divaricate, and somewhat naked, and red fl., the latter has erect branches
and white fl. Garden varieties.

Prunus Mume, and var. Alphandi. (B. H. 1885, p. 564, f. 101-103, and
plate.) H. shr. A variety with semi-double rose pink fl. Syn. Armeniaca
Mume, var. Aphandi. Japan.

Pteris Bausei. (Veitch Cat., p. 12.) Filices. S. A useful decora¬
tive Fern of very compact habit, with densely tufted erect fronds 12-13 in.
high. Stipes deep chestnut-brown. Finn* about 2 in. long, the lower¬
most bipinnate, consisting of 4-6 broadly linear deep green pinnules.
Garden variety.

Pteris tremula, var. foliosa. (G. C. xxv., p. 787.) G. A form with
larger, broader, wavy, and more leafy fronds. A very useful decorative
plant. Garden variety.

Ptychococcus orecinus. (Cat. Comp. Cent. d'Hort., p 9.) Palm*.
Stated to be an elegant Palm from Papua, but no description given.

Puya Roezli. ( 11. H. 1885, p. 80.) Bromeliaceae. S. A grand and
distinct species, with numerous thick coriaceous arching 1. 2-2£ ft. long by
2-2i in. broad, spiny on the margins, shining green above, covered with a
white felt beneath. Panicle 2£ ft. high, downy. Fl. subsessile ; calyx
pale rose, dpwny; corolla tubular, 1£ in. long, peacock-blue. Audes of
Peru.

Quercus Robur, var. apennina aurea superba. (Gfl. 1885, p. 495.)
Cupulifer®. H. tree. A superior variety, in which the 1. are of a more
intense golden tint than in the ordinary form. Garden variety.

Ramondia pyrenaica, var. alba. (G. C. xxv., p. 786.) Gesnerace®.

H. per. A.variety only differing from the type in having white fl.

RaphanUs isatoidf.s. (B. H. 1886, p. 372, f. 101.) Crucifer®. H.herb.

A form of1 Radish with the general aspect of Isatis tinctoria. The radical

I. are lyrate-pinnatisect, and the stem 1. are ovate-lanceolate, amplexicaul,
thick, and glaucous. The fl are yellow, in racemes terminating the side
branches. Garden variety.

ReiImannia glutinosa. (B. B. 1886, p. 393.) Scrophulariace®. H. per.
of dwarf habit, suitable for rockwork. L. radical, obovate, or elliptic-
oblong, coarsely toothed, glandular hairy, as are also the other parts of the-
plant. Peduncles several, scape-like, 6-8 in. high, bearing 8-15 large red¬
dish-purple Foxglove like fl. at the top. Calyx campanulate, 5-lobed.
Corolla tubular-funnel shaped, oblique, 5-lobed. North China.

Reinwardtia tetrvgyna ( Veitch Cat., p. 13, and 6 with fig ) Linacese.
S shr., very ornamental and free-flowering. It is very similar to R. tri-
gyna (Linum trigynum), and only differs in having four styles instead of
three and rather deeper yellow fl. India.

Rhaphithamnus cyanocarpus. (B. M., t. 6849.) Verbenace®. G. (H.
in Cornwall). A handsome much -branched spiny shr., w.th small ovate-
acute 1., and small lilac fl., crowded towards the ends of the branches.
Calyx small, minutely toothed. Corolla £ in. long, tubular, with a spread¬
ing 4-lobed limb, the upper lobe bifid. Berries globose, byight blue.
Chili.

Rhododendron javanicum, var. tubiflora. (B.M., t 6850.) Ericaceae.
S. shr. An elegant species, with elliptic, oblong acute 1., dotted beneath ;
and lax umbels of light orange-red fl. 2 in. in diam., with a slightly funnel-
shaped lobe an inch or more long; calyx obsolete. Sumatra.

Rhododendron Manglesii. ( R. H. 1835, p. 461 ; GJl. 1883, p. 183.) H.
A fine hybrid, with very large heads of handsome white fl. Garden
hybrid.

Rhododendron roseum odoratum. (jR. H. 1836, p. 315) H. shr. of
hybrid origin, with good sized heads of pale rose-coloured fragrant fl., of
rather small size. Garden hybrid.

Rhododendron Smirnowi. (Gfl , 1. 1226, f. 2 d-g.) H. shr , with obtuse
1. 3A-44 in. long, white-tomentose beneath, and clusters of purple fl The
very small calyx-lobes are as broad as long, and the stamens are shorter
than the corolla and hairy at the base ; ovary tomentose. Caucasus.

Rhododendron Ungerni. (Gfl., 1. 1226, f. 1, a-c.) H. shr., with obtuse
apmflate 1. 4-6 in. long by 2-2 i in. broad, and clusters of white fl. often
tinted with reddish outside. Stamens hairy in the middle. Calyx-lobes
a in. long, narrow lanceolate. Caucasus.

Rhodostachys andina. (B. H. 1885, p. 540, f. 95, and with plate.)
Bromeliace®. S. This is the handsome plant, better known as Bromelia
longifolia and B. carnea. Chili.

Rhus Cotinus, var. pendula. (B. H. 1885, p. 554.) Anacardiace®.
H. shr. An ornamental form, with drooping branches. Garden variety.

Rhy’nchanthus longiflorus. (B. M., t. 6861.) Scitaminese. S. per.
of botanical interest. Rootstock tuberous. Stem 18 in. high, with 10-12
distichous, lanceolate acuminate green 1., 6-8 in. long, 1.) in. broad. Spike
few flowered very lax, bracts an in. long, reldish. f l. yellow, with green-
tipped lobes, the lip reduced to a mere point at the base of the stout boat-
shaped filament. Burma.

Robinia Decaisneana. (E. H. 1836, p. 7.) Leguminos*. H. tree. A
floriferous form of R. pseudo-acacia, with large clusters of rose pink fl.

Ronnbergia Columbiana. (B. H. 1885, p. 82.) Bromeliace®. S.
Bromeliad, with a rosette of very coriaceous, arched, wavy, smooth 1 , of a
dark green above, violet-brown beneath, bordered with small teeth. Fl.-
stem a ft. high, witli membranous brownish bracts, and a short spike of
liyposrateriform dark blue fl., with a white tube. Columbia.

(To be continued.)

NEWCASTLE SPRING SHOW.

On the 20ih and 21st inst. the Spring Show of the Durham, Northum¬
berland, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Botan'cal and Horticultural Society was
held in the Corn Exchange and Town Hall in Newcastle, and at no previous
Show has the Society had such a grand success. Stove and greenhouse
plants were not so numerous as in previous years, but the first prize plants-
were splendid. The Hyacinths were exceptionally good. Azaleas, Deutzias,
Lily of the Valley, Cinerarias, Spineis, and other spring-flowering plants
were above the average. Auriculas, which are increasing in popularity,
w re exceptionally good. Tab’e decorations were extensive and tiste-
ful, and a new class was provided for ladies’ sprays, which produced a
spirited competition.

Plants. — In the open division the Society offered £ 11 for four plants,
dissimilar. Mr. F. C. Ford, gardener to Mrs. Henry Peise, Piermont,
Darlington, was first with splendid examples of Erica Victoria Regina,
Tetratheca hirsuta, Clerodendron Balfoutianum, and Ccelogyne cristata, over
4 feet 6 inches across, and covered with its charming white flowers.
Mr. J. R. Metcalfe, gardener to R. S. Donkin, Esq , Camp Villa, North Shields,
was second, Mr. Neil Black, gardener to Miss Pease, South Hill, third, both
exhibiting well. F r four Azileas Mr. F. C. Ford was first with beautifully
trained symmetrical plants of Annette, Perfection, Stella, and Madame
Vervaene, the latter very good. Mr. J. Short, gardener to H. Pease, Esq.,
Hummersknof , with fine plants (unnamed). Mr. AV. R. Armstrong won the
chief prizes for Dielytras and Cyt’sus, Mr. J. Marris for Spiraeas, Mr. J.
Marris for remarkably fine Cinerarias, Mr. J. Watson for Lily of the Valley,
and Mr. E. Adams for table plants. In the amateurs’ division Mr. F. 0.
Ford was first with Azaleas, Mr. J. R. Metcalfe with Acacias, Mr. J. Purton
with Dielytras, Mr. J. Short with Spirma3, and Mr. Forsyth with Cinerarias.
There were good exhibits in every division in this class.

Auriculas. — These were considered much better than usua1, and some
of the exhibitors determined to “ go south ” to try their luck. For twelve
Auriculas, Alpines excluded, Mr. H. White, Killingwortb, was first, Frank
Simonite, Lord of Lome, Dr. Kidd, Beauty, Ajax, and George Pea¬
body being very fine. The latter was also awarded the premier prize for a
single Auricula. Mr. AV. A. Adams was second with a very good stand,
which contained a seedling named Jubilee, of much promise. Mr. H. White
was also first, as well as for a single grey-edge variety. For twelve Alpines,
not less than seven varieties, R. Atkinson, Winlaton, was first with D.adem,
Selina, Sensation, Mr. Dodwell, Edith, King of the Belgians, Maud Brown,
&c. Mr. AVhite was second. For six Polyanthuses, Mr. AV. Stobb, Win¬
laton, was first with George IV., William I., anl Jubilee. The Polyan¬
thuses were not so good as in former years.

Hyacinths. — For twerty-four Hyaiinth^, Mr. AV. J. AValson, Lenham,
took the first prize, which he has done sever il year j. Twelve varieties were

Afril 23, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

341

exhibit'd, and his stand was much admired. Not only were the spikes
very large and good, but the foliage was a rich green, and not too much
drawn. The following were his best flowers Mont Blanc, Lord Derby,
La Grandesfe, Koh-i-noor, BlondiD, Fabiola, General Havelock, and Von
Schiller. Mr. J. McIntyre, gardener to Mrs. Gurney Pease, was second, and
Messrs. Henry Ce^ar & Co. third. The latter were splendid flowers, some
persons considering they ought to have been recond ; but the foliage was
rather drawn, hence probably the award of the Judges. For twelve Hyacinths
Mr. )\ atson was again first w i:h similar varieties ; Mr. J. Punton second ; and
Jlessrs. H. Dewar Jr Co. third. In the corresponding class for twelve Hya¬
cinths Mr. J. Wood, gardener to H. N. Middleton, Esq., Fenham Hall, was
first, and Mr. J. Punton second, both of these stands containing examples of
good culture that could not be easily surpassed.

Cot Flowers and Table Decorations. — For twelve Camellias Mr. J.
Wood was first ; Mathot ana Alba, Jubilee, Alba Plena, and Imbiicata being
very fine. For twelve bunches of Rhododendrons Mr. F. C. Ford was first,
Countess Haddington being the predominating variety. Mr. J. Short was
first with Azaleas in bunches, very superior. For Roses Mr. J. Wright was
first with grand blooms of Marechal Niil. Pansies were never shown so
well at this time of the year in the north ; Messrs. A. Bailey A Sons,
Bouthwick, Sunderland, were first for Show varieties, and Mr. Thomas
Battensby, Blaydon, for Fancy. The epergnes and bouquets were most
tasteful. For drawing-room epergnes Mr. Geo. Webster, Stockton Road,
fcunderland, was first with a neat arrangement consisting of Dendrobium
densiflornm, Narcissus poetiens, Spiraras, Cat'leyas, Eucharis, and Azaleas,
all very effectively blended and relieved with Ferns. Mr. W. R. Armstrong
was second with a very eood epergne approaching to the first in merit.
For the bridal bouquet Messrs. Perkins & Son, Coventry, were first with an
arrangement of Camellias, Ccelogyne cridata, L:ly of the Valley, Eucharis
amazonica, ifcc For a hand bouquet Mr. J. R. Chard, Brunswick Nurseries,
London, was first with a bouqu t where choice flowers skill, and good taste
were employed. In the ladies’ spray Messrs. Perkins & Son were first with
«n effective arrangement of Lily of the Valley, Caelogyne cristate, Azaleas,
and Ferns all effectively combined. In the amateurs’ division Messrs.
Battensby and Douglas were the prizewinners for epergnes and hand
bouquets resp etivelv.

A grand stand of Clematises, not for competition, from Messrs. R. Smith
and Sons, Worcester, attracted much atten ion; Mr. J. Wardle, nursery¬
man, Collingwood Street, Newcastle, showed a good stand of stove plants ;
Messrs. Fell it Co., Hexham, a choice collection of hardy and conifeious
plants adapted to towns ; and Messrs. Wood & Sous, nurserymen, London,
horticultural manures and specialties.

The various objects were beautifully arranged; and the Staging Com¬
mittee, the Treasurer (S. Gray, Esq.), the Secretai-y (Mr. J. J. Gillespie), are
to be congratulated on the success of their wel!-me;ited efforts. — B. C.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Fruiting Newly Planted Trees.— Many of the pyramidal and
Lush-shaped fruit trees supplied, by nurserymen are well furnished with
fruit buds, and usually attempt to perfect a crop of fruit during the
season following planting. Those with few other trees especially are
tempted to let them fruit to their fullest extent, hut, in most cases no
greater mistake can be made. Not only do the majority of the trans¬
planted trees fail to perfect any appreciable quantity of fruit, but the
attempt ends in their being seriously checked and stunted in growth.
The wisest course to pursue with these young trees is to either remove
the greater portion of the bloom at once, or else, after the fruit is set,
to pinch all but sufficient to test the variety. Late-planted trees should
have no fruit left on them, but two or three on those planted in the
autumn will not injure them. Pigmies are rarely of any value in a
garden, and the aim of every cultivator ought to be in the direction of
quickly forming good-sized trees. Induce the new trees to grow strongly ;
they can be brought into a fruiting condition easily enough. Newly
planted fruit trees of any kind ought to receive a summer mulching of
strawy manure, and if a long spell of hot and dry weather is experi¬
enced an occasional soaking of soft water at the roots, as well as fre¬
quent svringings, will greatly benefit them. Any trees that have been
■stunted by premature cropping may yet be induced to grow out of it
if lightly cropped and assisted by surface manurings, those against hot
walls especially needing this, as well as abundance of water during the
summer.

Raspberries. — The cultivator who is fortunate in procuring strong
canes for planting frequently imagines he may safely take a crop from
these at once. They will bear the first season after planting, but the
consequence is a failure the second year. The strongest as well as the
weakest planting canes ought to l>e cut down to within a foot of the
ground in order to cause them to push up strong suckers, which
will develope into fine cancs for fruiting next year. When well estab¬
lished they may be topped at from 3 feet to 5 feet in height, or accord¬
ing to their vigour ami the method of training, adopted. The autumn
fruiting varieties should be cut down to near the ground, the fruit being
abundantly produced on the young canes formed the same season. If
freely thinned out during the summer the majority of those canes re¬
served will fruit at every joint from near the ground upwards. No
stakes are necessary for these.

American Blackberries. — Theso have failed in many gardens
owing to not being cut down as advised in the case of newly planted
Raspberries. When the ripened canes are allowed to fruit the produce
is usually disappointing, there being insufficient roots to support it, and
as all the plant’s energies are expended on the fruit no canes for fruiting
the following year are formed.

Late Strawberries. — In order to prolong the supply of Straw¬
berries plantations are made on north borders. As far as our experience
goes the late sorts are not sufficiently hardy for these very cold positions,
the past winter again destroying the whole bed. This will prevent our
keeping up an unbroken supply of fruit, but we hope to have occasional
pickings from bedded out forced plants during September and to the
end of the year. Vicomtessc Hericart de Thury, La Grosse Sucrec,
Princess of Prussia, and even the old Keens' Seedling can all be made
to perfect two crops of fruit in one year. According as the earliest and
successional batches of forced plants are cleared of their fruit they
should be transferred to frames, kept well supplied, and gradually
hardened off. When they are sufficiently hardy to stand all weathers
they may either be planted out in a bed of rich soil, or the pots may be
plunged deeply in the borders and the roots encouraged to spread into
the surrounding soil. We only keep those in pots we propose to lift in
September or early in October, anil these being cleared of ]<*>se roots
and soil can be stood on shelves in a cool house where the fruit, already
set, will ripen in November and December. The earliest forced will
ripen the second crop of fruit in the open ground. They must have
abundance of water, especially till such time as they have become well
established in the fresh soil, and for this and other reasons it is advisable
to plant in the borders near the walks. The planting ought to be done
firmly.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Forced nouse. — The fruit is
swelling rapidly ; in fact, that of the very early and very valuable
varieties, Alexander and Waterloo, are well advanced in ripening.
Those must not be syringed, but the other varieties, such as Hale’s
Early, A Bee, and Royal George, should be finally thinned, removing
the smaller fruit where the crop is favourable, before any great advance
is made with the last swelling, or it will be of little advantage to those
remaining. The shoots must also be well tied in, so as to give the fruit
all the sun and air possible for its colouring, and if the leaves shade it
they must be drawn aside or removed. See that there is no trace of red
spider, or if there be, apply an insecticide, and syringe forcibly, directing
the water against the under side of the leaves. Syringing, however,
must be discontinued when the fruit is beginning to ripen, and the
supplies of water must be lessened from that time. When the fruit is
ripening, some netting may be placed below the trees — suspended of
course, and in pocket-like fashion, so as to prevent the fruit running
and injuring each other. Fruit allowed to become- dead ripe and fall is
not nearly so piquant and good in flavour as that carefully gathered
when fairly ripe and allowed to rest in a fruit room for a time.

Houses Started at the New Year. — The fruit in these is rather later
than usual, but the crop is excellent, particularly of Royal George Teach
and Elruge Nectarine. Hale’s Early is also first-rate, hut Grosse Mig-
nonne, though there is a crop, is not nearly so good. The fruit has
nearly finished stoning, but it does not do to hurry on the crop until
that is known to be affected, which can be determined by trying a few
fruits with a knife. Until then a regular temperature of 00° to 65° at
night, and 70° to 75° by day is sufficient, but the stoning completed,
and the ripening accelerated, the temperature may be kept at 70° to 75°
artificially, falling 5° at night, and keeping through the day at 80° to
85°, closing sufficiently early in the afternoon so as to rise to 90° or
95°, and employing plenty of moisture, that over the trees being given
sufficiently early to allow of their becoming dry before nightfall. In
this with thorough supplies of water or liquid manure and a surface
dressing ot short manure the fruit will swell to a great size. Place the
fruits with the apex to the light, and the leaves n uat be drawn aside or
shortened, so that the fruit will have the benefit of the sun for the
colouring process. Give the final thinning directly the stoning is
effected. Tie in the growths as they advance, keeping them thin. Ven¬
tilate early and leave a little on at night. It is very unwise to push
trees in the dark, and keeping in a close moist atmosphere causes soft
wood and long-jointed, this more especially in dull weather and at
night.

Houses Started Early in February. — The trees in these have pro¬
gressed very satisfactorily. The fruits are the size of Walnuts, and the
fruit should be reduced to few more than is required for the crop. Tie
in the shoots, encouragingno more than is necessary to furnish next year’s
bearing wood and the extension of the trees. Shoots retained above the
fruit to attract the sap to it should be pinched to a few joints ; the chief
thing is to get stout, short-jointed, thoroughly solidified wood, and to
allow it plenty of light and air. Ventilate early, increasing it with the
solar heat, having it full at 70° to 75°, a night temperature of 55° to 60°
being suitable, and ti0° to jfi5° by day by artificial means. Commence
ventilating from 05°.

Houses Started in March. — Trees that were started early in that
month have set well, and the fruit being fairly swelling remove the
surplus fruit, commencing with the badly placed — i.c., on the under side
of the trellis ; it is well, however, in all cases to wait a short time until
it is seen which fruit takes the lead in swelling. Disbudding must be
continued until the growths are reduced to the number required for
I next year’s fruiting — i.c., a shoot from the base of the current bearing

342

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 28-, 1887.

wood, leaving those on extensions 15 to 18 inches apart, and allowing
that distance between the extensions. Train all shoots in then- full
length as far as space permits. Be careful to retain a shoot on a level
with or above the fruit to attract the sap to the fruit. This, unless an
extension, should be pinched at the third leaf, and to each succeeding
joint of growth. A temperature of about 55° at night will be sufficient,
and 5° to 10° advance in the daytime. Ventilate freely above 65°.
Attend to tying-in the shoots so as to give the necessary incline to the
growths, but avoid close tying, and especially tight tying, being careful
to allow plenty of room for the swelling of the shoots. Syringe twice
a day, and be careful not to let the trees lack moisture at the roots.

Latest Houses. — The trees are in full blossom. The blossom is sure to
set, as the bees are busy with the flowers, sipping the nectar and brush¬
ing the pollen on the stigmas. Enough fire heat must be used to main¬
tain a day temperature of 50° to 55° with a little air on top and bottom,
and at night frost must be kept out, a temperature of 45° being de¬
sirable with a little ventilation. Ventilate freely above 55°, and do not
allow 65° to be exceeded without full ventilation. A genial condition
of the atmosphere can be secured by damping the borders and other
available surfaces, but not the trees, in the morning and early afternoon.
In unheated houses it should be done in the morning only, and not then
if the weather be dull. The chief thing in these structures is to secure
a well ventilated atmosphere in the early part of the day, to have the
border well supplied with moisture, but presenting a somewhat dry sur¬
face, and to close before the temperature is much reduced, so as to
enclose a moderate amount of solar heat. We find that with due regard
to early ventilation, continuing it until 5 p.m. or later, that on closing
the walls, &c.,give out heat, and the atmosphere being dry the blossom
is safe. It is moisture that makes the difference between a good set and
a bad one, and also between safe and unsafe from frost. Water if
needed in such structures should be given in the morning of a fine day,
so that superfluous surface moisture may be dissipated before night.

Insects. — Aphides and insects infesting fruit trees, forced or other¬
wise, come with east winds. Fumigate upon their first appearance.
Nothing is so disastrous as fumigating when the trees are in blossom, or
carelessly afterwards. If the houses arc fumigated before the flowers
expand there will be no trouble during that period, and afterwards the
appearance of one aphis should be the signal for having the foliage dry,
and fumigating upon the first calm evening. It must be done carefully,
or the foliage and fruit will suffer. Better fumigate on two or three
consecutive evenings than jeopodise the present and a future crop by an
excessive supply. Nothing reaches aphides so effectually as tobacco
smoke. If syringing fails to dislodge red spider promptly assail it with
p.n insecticide. All those advertised are efficacious if care be taken to
follow the directions. It detests a solution of softsoap, 2 ozs. to the
gallon, and so does mildew, equally with flowers of sulphur. Apply the
latter to the part affected with mildew.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

Sowing Annua1*. — Stocks and Asters of sorts, Zinnias, Diantliuses,
Phlox Drummondi, Marigolds, and Tagetes are most surely raised under
glass, but the seed also germinates quickly if sown on the surface of a
spent hotbed and protected with mats. All the seedlings when in rough
leaf should be pricked out either in boxes or beds of good light soil and
protected fora time, being finally transplanted before they have spoilt
each other. If yellow Calceolarias have failed it is advisable to sow
seeds oE the miniature African Marigolds and also Tagetes signata
pumila. These soon grow to a good size in pots or boxes of good soil,
and are very showy in the beds. Dell’s Crimson Beet is a good substi¬
tute for Iresines, and the seed may either be sown thinly in boxes of
light soil or where the plants are to grow. They transplant readily
where needed, and an even row is very effective in a ribbon border — say
at the back of a bronze or yellow-leaved Zonal Pelargonium. Perilla
nankinensis may yet be sown, and the Zea japonica or Japanese Maize
can be quickly raised in a little warmth, this beautiful plant being very
effective either in mixed beds or at the back of broad borders. If Mig¬
nonette cannot be raised in the open sow a few seeds in 3-inch pots filled
with good soil. It will germinate quickly in gentle heat, and the plants
may be transferred to the borders before they are root-bound. Sweet
Peas may be soaked for a few hours in water and sown in small pots, and
from these can eventually be transferred to the mixed borders. This is
the surest method of raising the many new and beautiful varieties now
being distributed. Chamaspeuce diacantha and Cassation® raised in
heat do not always pot off readily, and it is advisable to place the pans
or pots of seedlings on a greenhouse shelf for a few days prior to potting
them singly into 3^-inch pots. Seedling Dahlias may be potted off
singly or pricked out in boxes, from which they transplant readily.
Antirrhinums and Pentstemons, if not kept too long in the seed pans, but
are pricked out thinly in boxes of good soil, or in a bed of soil under
glass, soon grow to a good size, and being duly planted out will flower
strongly late in the summer. The noble Castor oil Plants can be raised
from seeds in a few days, and being potted singly into 5-inch pots are
quite large enough for planting out early in June. The gorgeous
Poppies, Godetias, Calliopsis. Candytufts, Cornflowers, Clarkias, Chrys¬
anthemums, Convolvulus, with Ornamental Grasses, Larkspurs, Linum-,
Lupines, Eschscholtzias, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Tropasolums, Virginian
Stocks, and other half-hardy annuals ought now to be sown in the open
lwrders. Sow the seed thinly in circular patches, and cover with a little
fine soil. If the seedlings are at all crowded they should be freely
thinned out or the display will be a brief one.

Hardy Biennia's and Pcrcnnia's. — Seedling plants of the border

Carnations and Picotees give a wonderful profusion of flower, so much
so in fact as to quite spoil them for a second year. April, or not later
than the first week in May, is a good time to sow the seed, this being
done thinly in sandy loamy soil and the pans or boxes stood in very
gentle heat. The seed will germinate in a cold frame, but we prefer to
utilise a half-spent hotbed for raising Carnations as well as other plants
that will be named below. When of good size the seedlings may be
either pricked out thinly in boxes of good soil or be potted singly.
When large enough to stand all weathers they are planted in raised beds
in a sunny position, and there they soon grow into fine stocky plants.
Pinks are quite as easily raised from seed, and, as far as vigour is con¬
cerned, seedlings soon surpass those raised from cuttings or pipings.
Sweet Williams sown now in a cold frame, and finally planted out
before they spoil each other, will give a good display next summer ; and
we also sow hardy Primulas and Polyanthuses late in April, and these
given the benefit of the shelter of glass are soon strong enough to plant
out. Alpine Auriculas may also be sown and treated similarly to the
Primulas. Campanulas medium calycanthema and pyramidalis ought
to be sown under glass, and the seed only lightly covered with fine soil.
The seedlings should be first pricked out in boxes and then transplanted
to the open borders, allowing each plant not less than a foot of ground.
In the autumn a number of them may be potted up and wintered
under glass. These can be either flowered in pots, or in the event of
those left outside being destroyed by very severe frosts, they may be
planted out again. The first named are the earliest to flower, but both
are very showy and beautiful.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING. — No. 9.

Great mischief is often occasioned in the apiary by
ill advised stimulative feeding in the early months of
spring. Stocks properly prepared in the preceding
autumn do not require any stimulation whatever, unless-
in very exceptional circumstances, in order to ensure a
strong surplus populaticn in May. But in spite of every
effort to show how much may be done one year to ensure-
success in the succeeding season there will always be
stocks in every district which, either from wanton neglect
or mishap in the autumn, are not sufficiently forward in
the following spring. I have tried stocks side by side for
the last four years, prepared in the same way at the same
time; half have been fed gently in spring, the other half
have been left severely alone. Possibly the former have
had an advantage of a few days, but as even the latter are-
ready to work in supers on or about the 25th of April
there is no great advantage gained, since the honey flow
does not set in until the last week in April, in securing
these few extra days, unless we have some particular-
purpose other than securing the greatest possible amount
of honey in view.

To those who have prepared their stocks in autumn I
would say, “ Do not stimulate ; ” the trouble is consider¬
able, the expense is more than trifling, and there is a
danger of doing great and irreparable injury. In some
seasons the best and strongest of stocks will be later than
usual in arriving at the state when they are ready for
supering, but if the bees are late the flowers and blossoms
which yield the honey will also be correspondingly late.
In spring stimulative feeding carefully and judiciously
carried out does no harm, but this is a very negative
quality. We, of course, expect some adequate return in the
increased yield of honey for our labour ; but the greatest
care and attention must be paid to even trifling circum¬
stances if actual loss is not to follow our attempts to force
the queen to extend the brood nest more speed.ly than her
own instinct or that of the be -s tells her or them is good for
the stock. After thus warning all those that think that
stimulative feeding in spring is advantageous, I will proceed
to show when and how it may be carried on with profit.
In the month of March a stock is occasionally seen which*

April 23, 1SS7. ]

343

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTFR

although working on fine clays, does not seem to have the
same number of bees as the stocks on either side. Pollen
may not be carried in so freely. The brood nest is
extended more slowly, and the stock does not seem to make
the progress which we have a right to expect, and yet the
queen may be in the prime of life and vigour.

Again, there may be a stock in which the food supply
has been rather short, and the patches of brood raised in
the two preceding months arc therefore very small. In
such a case many advise syrup sufficient to last for two
months to be given at once, and then a’l feeding to be
stayed. From such advice I dissent. In short, whenever
a hive which has been carefully prepared in autumn does
not seem to make satisfactory progress — whenever a hive
lias been neglected in autumn, and therefore will, we
know, unless extra precautions are taken, be later in
arriving at the time when there is a population large
enough to work in supers — then stimulative feeding may
be resorted to as a means of rectifying a present evil.
A stock, then, in March seems to demand extra care and
attention, and we determine to feed it gently until honey
comes in freely. We must first take care to see that the
combs contain at least 10 lbs. of honey, and if they do
not contain that quantity syrup must be given at once to
make up the deficiency. After this has been supplied
gentle stimulative feeding may be commenced, using the
small bottle feeder described in the last article, and
known to every bee-keeper in this country. Special care
must be given to four points when stimulative feeding is
contemplated . —

1, The brood combs must never Joe “glutted/’ with
honey.

2, If the weather is severe stimulative feeding must
on no account be commenced.

3, Hive and feeder must be wrapped up as warmly as
possible.

4, When once commenced it must be [regularly con¬
tinued every day.

In small hives the first point demands special atten¬
tion. A stock on ten standard frames may be seriously
injured if too great a quantity of food is contained
in the combs in spring, because the queen has, even
if every cell was available for brood, not sufficient
room, and therefore every cell unnecessarily occupied by
honey is an evil. In larger hives the same attention must
be paid to this point, unless honey is b ing used Lr feed¬
ing purposes instead of syrup, especially if it is intended
to extract from the combs the surplus We must take
care never to sell syrup, even by accident, and call it
honey !

It is often said that stimulative feeding should be
commenced in March ; this is most dangerous advice.
The time for beginning to stimulate must be entirely
regulated by the weather. Early in March in some
seasons this stimulation may be commenced, while in
other seasons it would be most hazardous and almost im¬
possible to interfere with a hive before April. If the
weather about the second or third week in March is open
and mild an effort may be made at once to induce the
bees to extend their operations. If the weather is severe
we must wait until it becomes mild and open, and then
begin to feed. This year I have been making some experi¬
ments re'ative to stimulative feeding, which shall when
the result is determined be described. Hives and feeders
must be very warmly wrapped up, and there must be no
escape of heat from the top of the hive. A feeder if badly
p'accd on the hive will allow a great and injurious escape
of heat, and the stock will therefore be retarded rather

IE AXD COTTAGE GARDEXER.

than advanced. If a stock is to be fed each day the
following method is a simple and easy one to adopt.
Over the feed hole a piece of perforated zinc should
be placed ; on the top of this a quantity of warm material
— old pieces of carpet, anything that can be pressed into
service — cutting a hole in each piece just large enough to
allow the bottle to pass through it, and laying these pieces
on the zinc, there to remain permanently until feeding is
over and the super takes place of the feeder. When the
feeder is in p isition another small piece of carpet with
a still smaller hole should be taken and pressed over
the top of the bottle until it arrives at the neck, thus
effectually preventing any escape of heat which the other
pieces might allow. With a feeder so managed all the
heat of the hive is retained, especially if the whole feeding
apparatus is covered with some heat-retaining material;
and feeding is done without disturbing the bees and with¬
out the slighte-t inconvenience to the bee-keeper. Two
ounces a day is sufficient'for every stock which has a good
supply of honey, and if managed on the system here
advocated every stock will have a good supply, even inde¬
pendent of the driblets thus to be a Iministered.

It has been said that stimulative feeding in spring
causes the loss of many bees by exciting them to fly when
the Weather is unfit for flight. I have not found this to
be the case in spring, for when the season is advancing all
stocks in my apiary go forth to labour even when the day
is cold and it would be better for them if they stayed
within. In spring the common bees will go out when
possible, and their loss is, I believe, not so great as it is
believed to be by many. In autumn stimulative feeding
is, I believe, absolutely and entirely injurious. It is
expensive and troublesome and dangerous ; it incites to
robbing, disturbs the bees when Mature leads them to
save their energy, and so prolong their lives — thus insur¬
ing the safe wintering of the stocks. A little brood is
raised at the loss of many bees which would have survived
the winter. The queen is overdone, and consequently
commences egg-laying in the following year; the expense
is considerable, the labour great, and the result no better
than that which follows from a management which enables
a man in a few days to supply the food requisite to
strengthen his stocks and pack up his bees for winter.

In spring robbing may be induced when feeding is
going on by a careless exposure of honey, but in autumn
every bee is on the look out for spoils, and a determined
attack is sure to be made on every stock if there is the
slightest drop of honey left lying about, or syrup to which
the bees can obtain access. The trouble often occasioned
in autumn by the raids of robber bees is very great, and
nothing like it is experienced in spring, but still at all
times of the year the greatest possible care must always
be taken not to wake in the bees the desire to obtain
stores from other hives.

It will he sufficiently apparent, I think, to all that I
am not a great advocate for stimulative feeding at any¬
time, although I recognise certain circumstances which
may occasionally make it advisable to adopt a system
which in other circumstances would be of no benefit to
the persons following it out. The only time when stimu¬
lative feeding is really profitable is, I believe, when there is
a break in the honey flow, and it is necessary at whatever
expense and trouble to keep the bees prosperous and happy
under adverse circumstances. If honey- cannot be got in
the fields in April, May, June, and July every stock and
swarm should be fed gently, for it is absolutely essential
to successful management that there shall be a strong
hatch of brood in July, and this there will not be unless

S44

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 23, 1887.

tlic queen and bees are induced — when a break in the
honey flow occurs — to believe that a supply of honey is
continually coming in to assist in ekeing out the stores
they have been able to gather in the preceding months.
After July every stock should be allowed to become
quieter and quieter, no attempt being made to induce
bees to rear brood more than in a normal quantity.
Winter preparations should be made with all speed, yet
with great care and with the exercise of a wise judgment,
and then we may rest assured that our stocks are in a
better condition for wintering, and, consequently, in
spring will be more healthy and strong than those which
have been disturbed in season and out of season by the
supply of a small quantity of syrup. — Felix.

FOREIGN RACES OF BEES.

Your correspondent, “ Notts Bee-keeper.” at page 280, still makes
an attempt to subvert my statement on the merits of the eastern races
of bees. The Ligurian bee was introduced into this country about fifteen
years before the Cyprian, and something more before the Syrian, there¬
fore the former had the advantage of better seasons than the latter has
yet had. During these good seasons the Ligurians gave me large
harvests of honey, while many bee-keepers condemned them as worthless,
just as “N. B. K.” is doing.

Taking the seasons into account the Cyprians have surpassed every
other variety, and, as I stated lately, the Syrians do not appear to lack
any of their good qualities. They were the first to begin work and
breeding this year, and do so on days that other varieties are not inclined.
Yet so sensitive do they appear to approaching storms that they remain
indoors when others less sensitive venture abroad, but to be lost. As to
their spitefulness and impulsiveness when handled roughly so as to
enrage them there can be but one opinion, but they are less vindictive than
the common black bee. Moreover, they are the mildest tempered bees
when let alone and treated as they should be that I am acquainted with.
They never make an unprovoked attack on anyone. The directors of bee
shows might do worse than to encourage rational, coupled with humane,
manipulation.

Your correspondent brings forward Mr. Abbott as a reliable witness.
I have neither seen that gentleman’s remarks nor yet Mr. Simmins’
latest on these foreign bees, but I remember very well Mr. Abbott’s
earlier disbelief as well as the glowing description in praise of these
bees. Some time before Messrs. Jones and Benton set out to the East in
search of varieties of bees Mr. Abbott was so sceptical of their
existence that he asked if “ anyone had seen them anywhere but on
paper,” although they had been publicly exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour
years before that. When the Cyprian and Holy Land bees were, as it
were, forced upon him through these gentlemen, the glowing descriptions
he gave of them were so great that it is a wonder any bee-keeper
refrained from purchasing them. In a letter 1 saw sent to a friend by
Mr. Abbott they had a similar glowing description of their good qualities,
and for their colour, why they were so pretty that many of them “ had
four yellow bands, and the description given in the British Bee
Journal about their working qualities was just what I have found them
to be ; but what was my astonishment shortly after to find them
described by that- gentleman ns “ truculent pests.” This sudden change
of op;nion I never heard explained.

When the motives of a witness is known to a judge it enables him
to arrive at facts sooner and easier than when they are concealed.
Your correspondent’s remarks that the black bees “ are keener after
honey than any other race ” will not meet with approval or support
from any bee-keeper who has given them a fair trial. They are, in
plain speaking, the reverse, and if Mr. Abbott’s (“ N. B.-K.’s” own
witness) evidence is taken will go against him. “ N. B.-K. ” seems to
admit that li these foreigners ” are more prolific. Not only are they so,
but they begin earlier and breed longer than the blacks do, so that they
are at all times, when properly managed, in a fit state to gather honey
when an opportunity occurs. When honey is to be had they arc the
first to scent it out, work more eager when at it, and begin earlier and
work later, and on flowers the blacks do not, working on days too when
the blacks remained idle. It is problematical whether a large or small
bee gathers the most honey. It is results at the end of the season we
judge and know the best by, and not individual bees. I have often
witnessed the common black bee fill itself so full that they never reached
the hive, but never have I observed this in the eastern races. Appear¬
ance is often deceiving, and when we think the black bee has a heavier
load we may be mistaken. In regard to the Cyprians sealing their
honey in a different manner from other bees, 1 have never observed
any difference, but have observed often one hive store a different honey
from what the majority were doing. Like " N. B. K.,” I would like
very much to hear the evidence- of others who have given these foreign
races a fair trial, but I must confess it is unpleasant to enter into con¬
troversy with those who have not.

The following is perhaps interesting and apropos to the question at
issue. On the 19th of March three fruit growers and noted bee-keepers
rom Clydeside visited me. Two of them were thoroigh scept 'cs as to

bees breeding earlier than April. Reasoning would not convince them ;
and although I showed them many young bees playing at almost every
hive (it was the finest day we had had during the month, the thermo¬
meter stood at 50° Fahr., and the bees were busy on the peameal) they
would not be convinced they were young, but made light in appearance
through it. They said they had examined many of their hives before
leaving home (black bees they said they had), and there was not so much
as an egg to be seen, and their place was more cosy for bees than mine.
Argument had no effect, so I opened a hive (the one referred to before
in the Journal as having lost many bees) the Carniolian queen regnant
was put to it in November. When opened half of its bees were Car-
niolians, and six combs contained sealed brood and many eggs, but
owing to the extreme cold all the unsealed larvae had been destroyed.
In the centre of these six combs was one mostly of drone cells, but there
was not a single egg or brood in it. I removed this comb and substi¬
tuted a worker comb, then covered and examined another hive having
a Syrian queen, but Carniolian bees, the reverse of the first one ; it was
equally as forward, although the queen is in her second year. A third
Carniolian, bees and queen, was similar. Surely if these foreigners are
advanced enough to collect honey when the blacks on their own showing
had not begun to breed it must be a great advantage to promote the very
thing “ N. B. K.” wishes. In addition to the destruction of the larva?,
retarding the hatching through the extreme cold, some young bees have
defective wings.

Up to the 9th the weather was very untoward. On two days only had
the temperature reached 50°, and the night temperature has run between
28° Fahr., and the highest 27° Fahr. The highest temperature of the
year occurred end of March, when the temperature reached to 5G° Fahr.
Doubtless the extreme cold has kept back the bees greatly, but the
mild weather will soon give them an opportunity to increase and be
in full strength in time to catch the first glut of honey. Bee-keepers
will have to act their part, being careful that the stores do not run
short, contracting the entrances, and keeping the coverings ample and
close to the hives, so that as little heat as possible shall be lost, and
where practicable contract the entrances more during night than through
the day when the bees are at work.

Notwithstanding the extreme cold a number of my Syrian stocks
are well advanced, and are likely to swarm early. I hope for a good
season so that they may be fully tested by those who have an oppor¬
tunity for the first time. I will watch their movements and record the
results at the earliest opportunity. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

A. M. C. Jongkmdt Coninck, Tottenham Nurseries, Dedemsvaart, near
Zwolle, Netherlands. — Wholesale Trade List of Hardy Shrubs and Herba¬
ceous Plants for 1887.

E. C. Walton, Huskham, Newark. — Catalogue of Apiarian Appliances.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Double Primrose (F. A B.). — The sport is very distinct from <he
original, the flowers being decidedly deeper in colour, abo full and
symmetrical. It is an attractive variety, resembling Croussei plena, and
is wc-ll worthy of preservation.

Cineraria (/?. H. S.).— Occisionally the florets come quilled or fluted,
and we have seen more than a usual number of such this year. A variety
of tbe same character as yours was certificate! at a recent meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society, but die flowers were much finer and richer in
colour than are those you have sent.

Mushrooms in Peach House (IF. F. S. K.). — Valuable crops of Mush¬
rooms ave grown in both vineries and Reich houses, making up beds in
the autumn, and succe5sionally through the winte- — the last about January,
for b ariog in April and ea- ly May. After (hit the structures are too hot

April 23, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

345

•for Mush-oirns. We have seen Mushroom beds made in a vinery long
before the Grap;-s were out, and, the beds being cover il with dry hay, no
barm whatever resulted to the fruit hanging on the Vines. We should not
hesitate to make up beds ia a late Peach house any time after the fruit was
gathered and the wood ripening.

Vines Failing ( Stockuiell ) — You have perlnps some reason for sup¬
posing the Vines have been tampered with. We can only say there are no
insects on the roots sent to account for their deplorable condition. Some of
them are quite destroyed, and it is cfrtiin they have bten in cou'aot with
something of a highly deleterious nature.

Figs Withering (TF. L. B.). — The condition of the Fig you have sent :s
due either to want of adequate nutriment or defective ferti isation, or both.
As the roots of the tree have entered the red gravelly subsoil you will act
wisely by lifting the tree as soon as that can b! safely done. It should be
planted in turfy loam containing a liberal admixture of old mortar rubbish,
the whole to be m dj firm, and surface roots encouraged by a dressing of
manure for preventing the evaporation of moisture. The growths should be
thinly disposed, so that the leaves can develope under full exposure to
light, then with adequate liquid support during the sea'on of growth your
Figs may be expected to swell to maturity. The Ftru will be examined for
identification.

Various (It. C. Lei, Kangra). — -1 Ve should think the bestcourse would be
to write to the Agri-Horticultural Society of India, or the Directors of some
of the Botanic Gardens. Failing these, you could write to Dr. A. Voelcktr,
12, Hanover Square, London. The Apple which you state weighed 1 lb. is
not King of the Pippins, hut probably Warner’s Kiner, which come3 even
heavier than that occasionally. We do not know a Lily tearing th9 name
you mention. Magazine writs rs cannot always bo relied upon for accuracy
of botanical knowledge.

Ro3e Buds Failing ( Bed/ordian ). — An expert “budder ” with whom we
have conferred observes that the budding of dwarfs either fro-m cuttings
or seedlings is a much more delicate operation than the budding of
standards. In one case the shoot and bark are new and fresh, and the bud
may be put in at any time almost ; but in the other case we work on bark
•some years old, and here we have to choose the time very carefully — the
■earlier in the season the better. The bud must be cut from a plant when
the sap is running freely, and the same remark applies to the stock.
Uncover a few at a time, tie-in the buds tightly, and few failures should
■occur. Head the articles cn budding now appearing by Mr. D. Gdmour,
who has successfully budded many seedling Briars quite as old as yours.

Arranging Flower Beds (A. B. C.). — For some special reason, such as a
person having no experience whatever to guide him, and no examples that
he could inspect, we occasionally depart from a rule, and you appear to have
been favoured in this respect. We are glad to hear our advice was so
serviceable, and you can now have little difficulty in making such changes
as your taste may sugggest, and in accordance with the number of the
■different kinds of plants at your disposal. If you like to submit your
proposals to us they shall have our attention. We have found after long
experience that this is the most satisfactory method of procedure.

Ivy and Holly Dying ( Ifarpenden ). — The branches sent are dead, but
we have no data to guide us in forming an opinion as to the cause of their
death. We do not think it is due to insects eating the bark, but, on the
contrary, much of it has peeled off naturally through the shrinkage and
drying of the stems. We have known both Ivy and Holly rendtred so
we ik by poverty of so i and drought iu summer as to be unable to resist the
■effects of protracted fro3t and cold, hence collapse in the spring. Babbits
eat the bark of Hollies, and we have known them do much injury, but we
scarcely think they have been the culprits in your case. We have also
known mice nibble the hark from Vines and different trees, doing much
injury. If they abound in your garden they may possibly be accountable
to some extent for the condition of the peeled branches.

Azalea mollis (G. TF.). — After flowering pick off all incipient seed pod8
and stand the plants in light position in a greenhouse or vinery, where they
can make sturdy growth. They must be well supplied with water, as injury
will be done if the roots get too dry. In the course of three weeks, or when
■mild weather ensueB, a cold frime will be a suitable position, and from
thence they can be removed to the open air for ripening their wood,
plunging the pots in ashes in a sunny position.

White Rhododendron (A. B.). — The variety of which you send flowers
is quite distinct from that named on page 270, yours being apparently a
varietal form of R. Veitchianum, and your plant with ninety trusses of
flowers must be very effective While Rhododendrons can be kept healthy
in the same pots for several years, with good attention in watering and
using gentle stimulants, also by occasional top-dressings of fresh soil,
removing some of the old, still the plants must be shrfted from time to
time for the production of la-ge specimens. When repotting is necessary
•or dfs'rable, this depending on the condition of the plants and roots, it may
be done a week or two after the faded flowers are removed, keeping the
plants cool in the meantime, so as not to force fresh growth rapidly. It is
of great importance that the ball of old soil be moist, wdtbout being exces¬
sively wet, at the time of shifting, and that the soil to be used be sufficiently
moist for compression. It must be made as firm as the old, otherwise the
waier given will drain from the roots into the fresh soil, and the plant must
suffer accordingly. Great care and sound judgment must be exercised in
watering after repotting, as if the new soil is permitted to got too dry on
the one hand before water is given, or is kept too wet on the other, fresh
roots will cot take possession of it with that freedom that is desirable for
promoting healthy growth. Cuttings of half-ripe wood inserted in sand
over a layer of firm peat under bellglasseB, kept moist and shaded, in
gentle heat, emit roots, though not very quickly. Plan's are alsp increased
by grafting on stocks of commoner kinds raised from cuttings, layers, or
seed.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed floriste’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or Boft green leaves form the best packing, dry

cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( J . IF.). — We do not undertake to name varieties of florists’ flowers, but
on'y species of plants, and the Rose you have sent is not a species. Beside1,
no one could name a bio am so much expanded as yours wa3 on its arrival,
the petals falling off as soon as the box was opened, though you had placed
a lit la moss round the stem. (H. E. W.). — 2, Adiantum pedatum. 3, An
Ei ythrina, probably Crista-Galli, but we cannot be certain in the absence
of flowers. The others were insufficient for determination. ( H . May.). —
Forsythia Fortunei. (J. C.). — Tli9 shrub is Ribes aureum ; the Dendro-
b’um we have rot been able to determine, as it suffered somewhat iu
transit.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 27th.

Business improving, and with good supplies all classes of goods are
readily cleared. Seme good samples of new Grapes to hand.

FRUIT.

s.

d.

8.

d.

?.

d.

S.

d.

Apple?, .4 sieve .

2

0

to 5

0

Orange?, par 100 ..

6

0 to 12

0

.. Nova Scotia and

Peaches, dozen .. ..

0

0

0

0

Canada, barrel 10

0

13

0

Pears, dozen .

1

0

2

9

Cberrlep, i sieve .. ..

0

0

0

0

Pine Apple?, English,

1

Cobs, 100 lbs .

60

0

55

0

per fb .

6

2

0

Fig?, dozen .

0

0

0

0

Plump, £ sieve .

0

0

0

0

Grapes, per lb .

4

0

8

0

St. Michael Pine®, each

2

0

5

0

Lenionp, case .

10

0

15

0

Strawberries, per lb.

3

0

G

0

Melor, each .

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

p.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Artichokes-, dozen . . ..

1

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

l

0 to 1

6

Asparagus, bundle ..

8

0

12

0

Mushrooms, punnet

0

6

1

O

Beans, Kidney, per It. . .

1

s

, 0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt.

0

2

0

6

Beet, Red, dozen .. ..

1

0

2

0

Onion?, bunch .

0

3

0

8

Broccoli, bundle

0

0

0

0

Parslev, dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprout?, 1 sieve

0

0

0

G

Parsnip?, dozen .. ..

1

0

8

0

Cabbage, dozen .. ..

I

6

0

0

Potatoes, per cwt .

4

0

6

0

Capsicum?, per 100

1

6

2

0

„ Kidney, i er cwt.

4

0

0

0

Carrot?, bunch .. ..

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

0

2

0

0

Cauliflower?, dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafv, bundle .. ,.

1

0

1

8

Celery, bundle

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera, bund’e

1

6

0

0

ColewortF, doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Scakale, basket . . . .

1

6

0

0

Cucumber?, each , . . .

0

4

0

6

Shallot?, per lb .

Spinach, bushel .. ..

0

s

0

0

Endive, dozen .

1

0

2

0

8

0

4

0

Herb?, bunch .

0

2

0

6

Tomatoc?, per lb .

1

0

2

6

Leek?, bunch .

0

8

0

4

Turnips, bunch .. ..

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

P.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi, dozen ..

9

0 to 18

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

9

0 to 12

Arbor vitEe(golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

8

0

ii

0

„ (common), dozen . .

6

0

12

0

HydraDgea, dozen .. ..

10

0

12

0

Azalea, dozen .

18

0

8G

0

Lilies Valley, dozen
Marguerite Daisy, dozen

9

0

18

0

Begonia?, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

6

0

12

0

Cineraria, dozen .. ..

4

0

• 8

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . .

6

0

9

0

Cyclamen, dozen .. ..

12

0

24

0

Myrtles, dozen .

6

0

12

0

Draceena terminalis, doz.

30

0

60

0

Palms, in var., each
Pelargoniums, dozen

2

6

21

0

„ viridis, dozen. .

12

0

24

0

9

0

18

0

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

42

0

„ scarlet, dozen

Primula sinensip, dozen. .

4

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

4

0

6

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen
Fern?, in variety, dozen

6

0

24

0

Solanr m3, dozen .. ..

9

0

12

12

0

4

0

18

0

Spiraea, dozen .

9

0

0

Ficus elastica, each

i

6

7

0

Tulips, per dozen pots . .

G

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var., each

2

0

10

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

S.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Abutilon?, 12 bunches . .

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

0

Aram Lilies, 12 blooms ..

8

0

6

0

Marguerites, 12 buuches

2

0

6

0

Azalea, 12 sprays .. ..

0

6

i

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardiae, bunch . . . .

0

6

i

0

Narciss, 12 bnnebes

2

0

6

0

Camellia?, blooms . . . .

1

8

4

0

„ White. English, bch.
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses

0

0

0

0

Carnation?, 12 blooms ..

1

0

8

0

0

9

1

0

„ 12bunohes..

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Parme Violets (French)

0

4

0

6

Chrysanthemums, 12

2

6

8

fi

bunches

0

0

0

0

Poinaettia, 12 blooms . .

0

0

0

0

Cornflower, 12 bunches . .

0

0

0

0

Primroses, 12 bunobes ..
,. white 12 bunches

0

6

0

8

Cyclamen, 12 blooms

0

4

0

9

0

9

1

6

Daffodils, var., doz. bchs

2

0

6

0

Primula (single), bunch. .

0

0

0

0

Eucharis, dozen .. ..

4

0

6

0

„ (double), bunch . .

0

9

l

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms . .

i

6

S

0

Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

,, (indoor), dozen

1

0

2

6

sprays

0

0

0

0

„ Tea, dozen . . . .

1

6

3

0

„ Dutch, per

,, red dozen . . . .

2

0

4

0

box

1

6

6

0

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .

4

0

6

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Tropfeolum, 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lilinm longiflorum, 12

Tuberoses, 12 blooms ..

1

0

2

0

blooms .

4

0

6

0

Tulips, dozen blooms ..

0

6

i

0

Lilac (white), French,

Violets, 12 bunches . . . .

„ Czar, French, bunch

0

4

0

«

bunch .

4

0

7

0

0

0

0

0

THE AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION.

Where to turn, what to do, liow to meet the down¬
ward tendency of prices for farm produce, is a problem
which many a British fanner has in vain tried to solve ol
late. Farming as so many were without sufficient capital

3 Hj

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Apiil £8, 1887.

even when prices wore remunerative, they were bouu 1 to
succumb to the difficulties arising fro n a depression
which has grown in intensity and has beome more
accentuated year by year. Under such a crisis much
suffering was inevitable before any relief from without
could be had. The tenant farmer very naturally turned
lirst of all to his landlord, and though his plea for a re¬
duction of rent may not have met with a ready response
at the outset, yet when the landlords realised fully the
gravity of the crisis the tenants’ cry for help was met
nobly, reduction after reduction being made till the land¬
lord’s income suffered a serious diminution.

Apart from high rents, it is unquestionable that the
land was laden with a burden of tithe and other taxes,
local and imperial, that could only be supported in
prosperous times, Belief from this burden comes to the
farmer, it may be slowly, but nevertheless surely. The
tithe we are just now paying is comparatively a low one,
and the next may fall still lower. The Tithe Bill now
before Parliament holds out no prospect of immediate
relief, for there is a clause binding all tenants who are
now paying tithes under their agreement to continue
doing so until the expiration of the term of such agree¬
ment or lease. After all, what is the tithe rent charge
but a tax upon the land ? for if a bdl is passed whereby
the landlord is made to pay the tithe, he can compel the
tenant to pay its equivalent by an addition to his rent.
What is really wanted is a practical scheme for tithe
redemption, so that the land may be set free from it
without serious injury to vested rights.

The payment of income tax under schedule B has
remained in force upon farmers, but it has been made
recoverable upon appeal if proof could be shown of an
insufficient income to meet it. This clumsy and tedious
method of procedure will now be set aside if the clause in
the budget of last week, rendering it optional for farmers
to pay income tax only on the profit, becomes law. If
only this should become the principle of all subse¬
quent taxation on farms and farm produce, then, indeed,
will farmers have a just and equitable measure of stale
aid extended to them which will afford them relief from
a burden that has become oppressive and therefore unjust.

But it may be said “ It is not from taxation we are
suffering so much as low prices for our farm produce.
We cannot obtain enough money either for our corn or
animals to enable us to meet our engagements, or in other
words to pay our way.” Such an argument as this opens
up the entire question of good and bad farming, and we
are at once disposed to inquire into practice and results.
These are not times for fanciful practice ; rigid economy
must obtain if we would have farming answer. Some
three months ago we purchased a score of bullocks fresh
and tolerably forward in condition to consume a certain
quantity of roots, straw, and corn. This has been done,
and the bullocks are almost all sold, the transaction
proving fairly profitable under our guiding principle of
small profits and quick returns. Calling at a tenant’s
farm a few days ago we were shown a yard of medium¬
sized bullocks worth about .£15 apiece. We advised an
immediate sale, as we were told they were having cake
regularly, but the owner said, No ; he should not sell
them till J uly, as he had set his heart upon having at
least £20 apiece for them. It is true enough that cake
is cheap, and we are now able to purchase our favourite
Waterloo round cake for £7 10s. per ton, but we have
found it answer best generally to avoid the purchase of
cake and to fatten with home-grown food. Pulped roots,
crushed Oats and Beans, chaffed hay and straw carefully

mixed, will fatten any live stock. Far better is it to do
tti is than to sell Beans at 32s. a quarter and Oats as low
as 1 2s. to 14s.

We have sone difficulty to overcome the prejudice
which exists against using Oats for fattening pigs in
Barley- growing districts. In Sussex, Oats ground or
crushed are in high favour for fattening chickens as well
as sheep, pigs, and bullocks, but in Kent and the eastern
counties barleymeal is used for pigs in preference to
Oats. Custom and habit tell in such things much more
than any knowledge of the relative fattening properties
of the different kinds of corn. Under the Woburn ex¬
periments sheep were found to fatten best upon a diet
consisting principally of Wheat, yet we have been told
repeatedly by men whose lives have been spent among
farm stock that Wheat was a dangerous article of food for
animals, often proving fatal to them.

WORK ON TEE HOME FARM.

Barley siwing lias this year ex ten led from the middle of February
to the third week in April, the early sowings being long in the soil
before growth was perceptible ; but the late sowings have been followed
by speedy germination, simply because the land was ploughed and sown
at once before the soil became dry. The late sowings were on land
where sheep had been folded upon late Turnips or Swedes, and we have
no reason to suppose that the Barley crop will not be as good in quantity
and quality as from that sown earlier in the season. Well is it. however,
to get forward with work always, for the advancing season brings a
pressure of work with it. Upon most farms land intended for Swedes
and early crops of white Turnips is now being prepared for cropping, so
that there may be but little to do to it but the sowing when the season
for doing so arrives, and when we may be busy with the haymaking.
The rolling of winter and early spring corn has now been done, and the
horse hoes are at work between the winter Beaus, of which so many
plants have been killed by frost that farmers will have ample oppor¬
tunities to judge between the merits of thick and thin seeding. The
Rye upon which the ewes and lambs are folded was fully a foot high
last week, and it warm showers set in we fear some of it will be in ear
before the sheep have finished it. Second year Sainfoin has grown s>
fast that it was available for folding a week ago had wo wanted it..
This is a most valuable fodder crop wherever it answers. We mention
it here because of the importance of every early green crop in spring.
We cannot, however, too often repeat that corliness of growth depends
very much upon having the soil well stored with fertility. For example,
on our home farm the Rye on rich land is wonderfully early and
abundant ; on an off farm, where it was sown on poor land, it is not
yet ready for the sheep. Several of our cart mares have foaled, and th e
foals are without exception healthy and strong. A surplus stock of
young horses led us to pay some attention to recent horse sales, and we
found the average price of two-year colts coming to hand for work this
spring is about £15.

“ Farm, Field, and Fireside ” is the title of a new penny
agricultural, rural, and domestic journal that has been sent to us. It
consists of twenty -four pages of letterpress, and includes a good assort¬
ment of articles on the subjects indicated, and others of a nature in¬
teresting to persons engaged in home pursuits. It is published at No.
Essex Street, Strand, London.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden squire, Londoi.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

.

IX THE DAY.

1887.

-V ° oS

B S -

Hygrome-

C3 .

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

B

ter.

cL— o
B"? O

perature.

Temperature

cd

K

April.

~ £ C3”5

In

On

— < *- cJ

Dry.

Wet.

Co

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg

deg.

deg.

deg.

dear.

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

3J.722

40.1

3G2

NT.F.

42 8

53.4

26.2

76.4

21.8

Monday .

30.523

415

30.9

N.R.

42.2

64 7

81.0

301-7

25.2

_

Tuesday ..

Ill

30.324

54 8

46.2

-V.W.

43.5

68 2

43.2

113.4

33.7

Wednesday.

2)

30.154

51 G

4 5.3

w.

44 9

648

381

1084

20.4

_

Thursday .. .

2 !

20.055

47-5

44 4

N.

46.3

61.7

87.0

100.4

32.2

0.012

Friday .

22

20 501

52.9

43.9

W.

46.8

61.4

45.1

104.7

388

0.032

Saturday . . .

28

29.302

513

48 3

s.w.

47.2

59 7

45.8

103 7

41.4

0.22 0

30.001

49.0

44.3

44 8

62.0

38.2

102 0

34.8

0.264

REMARKS.

17th.— Frost early, fine bright day.

18th.— A glorione si ring day.

19th.— Fair early, at times overcast, fine later ; bright afternoon and very warm.

20th.— Fine, bright, and very warm.

21st.— Dull and overcast early, fine and bright towards noon; fine afternoon, cion L tig
over at times; a little rain in the night.

22nd.— Generally cloudy, slight showers in evening and night.

23rd.— Showery early, bright after 10 A.M.

A bright, warm, dry week, all tile rain having fallen at night. Temperatn -e about
rD above that of the preceding week, and nearly 2s above tlie average. The minimum on
the 17th was exceptionally low, and the range of temperature (43* in the shade
unusually great.— Q. J. SYMONS.

Msy 5, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

347

5

TH

Linnean Society at 8 p.m.

6

F

7

S

8

SUN

4th Sunday after Easter.

9

M

10

To

Royal Horticultural Bociety. Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 A.M.

11

W

THE PREVENTION AND DESTRUCTION
OF INSECTS.

ARDENERS and cultivators of plants, trees,
and crops generally have many enemies to
combat, and must ever be on the watch to
prevent some of them stealing a march and
taking a firm position from which they can-
not be dislodged without injury, not to them-
selves alone but to the possessions on which
they' have seized. Insects in various forms
start into life with the same regularity that leaves unfold
in spring, and those insects fight for existence with a
determination that often leaves them victors.

The increase of insects leads to the ruin of plants and
crops, disquietude of minds, and the emptying of purses.
The waste is enormous, and if it were possible to estimate
the amount of damage done, with the outlay incurred in
the general warfare against the enemy, it would be startling
in its immensity. Undoubtedly one of the most important
duties of the gardener is to mitigate as far as it lies in
his power to do so the great evil wrought through insect
agency, and it is certainly in the interest of the owners
of gardens to give all the assistance they can in futherance
of that object.

There is no greater mistake made in gardening, and
unfortunately few more common, than to lightly ignore
the presence of one or two insects. It is no more safe or
prudent to do so than to pay small regard to the out¬
break of a fire in a warehouse of valuable combustibles.
The first spark if seen may be stamped out easily, but
hesitation is fatal. It is the «same in respect to insects.
Let the first arrivals remain undisturbed, on the ground
that such a few cannot do much harm, and it is “ not worth
while wasting tobacco or other insecticides on them,”
and injury if not ruin to the plants and crops Avill be
inevitable. The greatest calamities have followed from
underrating the strength of the enemy, and permitting the
aggregation of units till they grow into a mighty force.
This is precisely what is done and permitted yearly in
greenhouses and gardens all over the land. The first few
aphides are weak and easily subdued, but allow them a
few days’ freedom and they will entrench themselves so
firmly and increase with such rapidity as to become a
formidable foe.

To allow insects to multiply into a devastating swarm
is both costly and cruel — costly because the deplorable
results in the form of half-spoiled Vines, fruit trees, and
plants represent a great waste of wealth ; and because a
far greater outlay must be incurred in insecticides and
labour in applying them to prevent total ruin, that
originally would have insured a profitable return in the
realisation of healthy plants and profitable crops. It is

No. 358. — Vol. XIV., Third Series

cruel to even passively encourage the increase of insects,
and then, as must be the case, engage day by day in
the miserable work of carnage — it cannot be otherwise
designated. It is cruel to the plants and trees also, in
having their life blood drained away by the enemy that
has been suffered to infest them, and which might have
been prevented if the requisite means were provided and
promptly applied. The owners of gardens are responsible
for providing the means, the managers for their application.

Insects have often gained the mastery over gardeners
through the mistaken policy of waiting till plants and
trees are seriously infested before even “ ordering ” in¬
secticides for their extirpation. Such delay on the part
of those owners of gardens who themselves order what is
needed is a serious mistake ; in the case of gardeners who
can provide themselves with every requisite it is inexcus¬
able. A shilling spent in insecticides early in the season,
and the powder or solution applied when the first insect
is seen, or what is better before, as a preventive, will
effect the desired purpose far better than can be accom¬
plished by an expenditure of 20s. after the shoots of trees
and plants are crowded with aphides, which, further, by
puncturing the leaves, cause them to curl over and effectu¬
ally protect the enemy that is depriving them of life.

The rapidity with which plant lice multiply is mar¬
vellous, and perhaps not sufficiently recognised. Accord¬
ing to the calculations of Reaumur, five generations
proceeding from one mother produced 5,904,900,000 in
a season. It is true there are natural enemies for checking
the increase, as ladybirds and ichneumon flies in nature,
but they are rarely present, and never in sufficient numbers
early in the year, where cultivation is practised to a
large extent under artificial conditions. The natural
enemies of insects must never be relied on for destroying
the latter, but other agencies should be resorted to for
preventing the appearance of the pests, or at least be
applied with promptitude when the first insect is seen.

Waiting till the young growths of trees and plants are
much infested with insects before remedies are applied is
placing the latter at a great disadvantage, ajid is often
unjust to the manufacturers of insect-destroying com¬
pounds. Used in time, a moderate strength suffices for
the extirpation of plant pests and leaves the plants un¬
harmed, but when insects cluster on each other in layers,
and so affix themselves as to make their prey their shelter,
much stronger and repeated applications are called for ; and
^is these cannot destroy the insects they do not reach, and the
exhausted foliage cannot withstand the strong applications,
what has been applied is not only pronounced useless but
dangerous. Nothing can be more unfair. The fault is
too near home to be admitted perhaps, but it is there
nevertheless, and not with the insecticides, for if those
that, have been found safe and effectual by experienced
cultivators, and used in strict accordance with the makers’
instructions, and especially used in good time, before
insects abound, they will answer the purpose for which
they were intended. This latter condition is of far
greater importance than the choice of any particular pre¬
paration. Some persons find one kind answer their pur¬
pose, some another, and it is a question if there is one in
the market that is not safe and good when fairly applied.

Greenhouse plants innumerable, Calceolarias, Cinera¬
rias, Pelagoniums, and others ; also Roses in and out¬
doors; Peaches and other trees on Avails and under glass;
Vines, Cucumbers, and Melons are crippled in growth,
seriously injured, and not infrequently completely spoiled
by aphides, thrips, or scale in their several forms that
No. 2014.— Vol. LXXVL, Old Series.

348

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 6, 1887

might with ease be kept clean and healthy, 'I lie path of
safety lies in preventing the appearance of insects, wait¬
ing for their multiplication in myriads before attacking
them amounts to giving the victory to the enemy. —
Experjentia Docet.

SEASONABLE NOTES IN THE VINERY.

It is by close attention to various details, however trifling they
may appear, that success is attained, and the mere fact of having
Vines from a noted grower, or the advantage of either a first class
house or border, are by no means the only conditions necessary to
insure good crops. If they were there would be many more good
Grapes grown in this country than are usually to be seen. After
all that may be said or thought to the contrary, Grapes are more
easily grown than Melons, and the novice need not despair if his
crops as yet have not been quite first class.

The rods being in position and breaking strongly, the first pro¬
ceeding is to disbud or rub out all shoots not wanted for furnishing
the house. One- lateral, as a rule, is ample for every spur, and on
the young rods all the joints ought not always to be allowed to
retain their lateral shoots. The spu. s ought to be at least 15 inches
apart on each side, and if possible should alternate. Select for
retention the best placed laterals, supposing these are showing a
good bunch, otherwise they may be sacrificed to those with a more
promising bunch. What I consider best placed laterals are those
that start out right and left from the rod, those with either a down¬
ward or upward tendency being objectionable, for they are liable to
be snapped off or pulled out, and are not suitable if saved for after
preservation. If the spurs are wide apart and long it may be
advisable to lay in a back growth wherever these form, and at the
winter pruning the old spurs can be shortened to them, thereby
preventing the rapid formation of “ unsightly ” spurs.

The laterals being selected, the next proceeding is to pinch out
the point at the first, second, or third joint beyond the selected
bunch on each. On many fairly well-grown Vines each lateral
produces two or more bunches. That nearest the base is usually
the largest, but sometimes the second or even third bunch is pre¬
ferred as being the better shaped and probably quite large enough
for ordinary purposes. Some seem to think they ought to have as
many buddies as possible from the Vines, but they must understand
if they badly overcrop one season the chances are they will have no
opportunity of doing so during that following, for the simple reason
very few good bunches will form. At which joint to stop the
laterals should depend upon circumstances. It is unwise to preserve
more foliage than can be properly exposed to the light, and if there
is room for three leaves beyond the bunch leave them ; but if by
ret lining that number the laterals overlap each other, be content to
leave two or only one leaf. No Grapes, whether white or black, ought
to be exposed to direct sunshine, but a certain amount of light must
r.ach them, or they form weakly stems, and those with yellow or-
white berries refuse to colour properly. The best course is to dis
pose the rods at least 42 inches apart, plenty of light thus being
admitted. I attach the greatest importance to the formation of as
many primary leaves as possible, these doing better work than those
formed on the sub-lateral or shoots pushed out from nearly every
joint on a strong lateral. Many of these sub laterals we rub out
entirely, only reserving enough to prevent the buds at each joint
bursting, and those saved a’-e kept closely stopped at the first joint.
A quantity of running sappy growths which used to be thought of
great service, especially in encouraging root action, is really so much
wasted strength, and all we want are stout healthy leaves ; timely
stopping, or when it can be done with the finger and thumb, largely
contributing to their formation.

Tying down the laterals is frequently tiresome work, especially
when attempted before the bunches are far advanced. The more
vigorous the break the greater the liability of the laterals to be
snapped. Many a cultivator has flattered himself he has success¬
fully brought down his laterals only to find next morning that
several, with perhaps the best bunches attached, are flagging and
beyond recovery. This is especially the case after a sunny day, the
laterals apparently stiffening during the evening and night, and
the fastenings not yielding the extra strain pulls the laterals out.
Where, as at Longleat and other large vineries, the rods are trained
from 18 inches to 2 feet from the glass, no tying down is necessary
till the bunches are well set, at which stage they are so far
strengthened as to require a severe twist to break them. Unfor¬
tunately in the majority of cases the wires are disposed from
9 inches to 1 foot from the glass, and this necessitates early tying,
or much of the foliage is spoilt by contact with the glass. Under
these circumstances much more care must be expended over the
Yines'an early start being absolutely necessary. In our earliest

vineries the rods are unavoidably trained from 12 inches to 15 inches
from the glass, but in order to simplify tying down they are sus¬
pended for a time at a distance of from 6 inches to 9 inches from
the wires. Even when this plan is adopted most of the laterals re¬
quire to be lightly drawn away from the glass, this being done with
the aid of thin strips of raffia fastened loosely beyond the bunches,
and carefully strained at a good angle to the wires. In the case of
Alicantes, Gros Colman, Lady Downe’s, and other vigorous late
sorts the process of drawing the laterals from the glass must be
very gradual. I look over ours daily, the majority frequently
needing to have their ties slightly shortened. By the time the
bunches are set the rods may safely be fastened closely to the
wires and the laterals all brought down to one level.

Young Vines require only slightly different treatment. If
strong planting canes were placed out this spring, and stopped or
disbudded to where they just reach the trellis, as many as possible
of the shoots from the ground upwards should be encouraged to
grow, and these being stopped at the fourth or fifth join*-, will
serve to strengthen the stem and encourage root action, the
leading shoot to be carefully trained up the roof and stopped
when about G feet long. This w'ill be followed by laterals pushing
strongly from every joint. These we stop at the first leaf in
preference to allowing them to ramble. If rooting in a good
border, however small, and kept supplied -with moisture, each cane
will become strong and wrell matured, requiring no shortening at
the winter pruning. Older Vines that have not yet filled their
allotted space may be allowed to advance another stage, but whether
this be 3 feet or G feet must depend upon their vigour. We find
that summer stopping is better than winter pruning, and never grow
a great length of rod only to be cut away again. Winter-pruned
rods do not break so regularly as those left to their full length.—
W. Iggulden.

NEW ROSES.

TEAS.

There is perhaps no more remarkable instance of the laws of
supply and demand than that afforded by the hosts of new Roses
sent out from the other side of the Channel. Formerly we used to
get seven or eight Teas to about fifty or sixty Hybrid Perpetuals ;
but seeing that we overe getting tired of having a number of
Hybrid Perpetuals palmed on us which were not worth the
trouble of propagating, and that the Tea Rose was coming into
much favour, the whole thing is altered, and we have now a great
increase in the Teas, so that in the present year there are in the
lists twenty-five to forty-one Hybrid Perpetuals, and we have thus
a great probability of being flooded with a lot of worthless Teas, as
we have with worthless Hybrid Perpetuals. We must always, I
think, look back upon the past as an indication of the future ; and
a grower who has in former years supplied us with fine varieties is
more likely to recommend his novelties from that fact than from
the most high-flown descriptions for which he can ransack the
French language. When Guillot praises a new Tea or Lacharme a
new Perpetual we anxiously look forward in the hopes of getting
something that will be worth growing. Of the Teas, Nabonnand
introduces eight, one-third of the whole numl er, but as he lives on
the borders of the Mediterranean, and is zealous in supplying the
frequenters of the Riviera with cut blooms, we might presume that
he would be more anxious for quantity than for quality ; and
when we look at the list so carefully prepared by Mr. Girdlestone
for the National Rose Society of new Roses sent out since 1884 we
find this grower credited with no less than twenty-four varieties,
independently of those of this year, and not one of them has made
any mark, while on turning to the National Rose Society’s cata¬
logue of exhibition Roses there is only one of his retained in that
select list — Francisca Kruger, and I fear therefore that Rose
growers will regard with a good deal of quiet composure the
amount of his novelties. Nevertheless, I must, owing to their
number, give him the post of honour.

NABONNAND.

Lady Stanley. — Lilac, the petals being edged with purple, and
having a yellow base, large, very full, globular, and imbricated ;
very vigorous, with purple foliage and wood.

Lady Zoe Brougham. — Extraordinarily brilliant, la , vny yellow
darker on the edge of the petals ; large, full, imbricated, and of
good shape, with a long bud, very vigorous. A seedling from
Isabelle Nabonnand.

Madame Agathe Nabonnand. — Flesh colour, margined, a
splendid large and full flower, with a substantial egg-shaped bud ;
very vigorous, a continuous bloomer, and very sweet scented.

Madame Marguerite Large. — An indescribable unique rose
colour, very large, full, expanded, very vigorous, and free flower¬
ing.

M»y 8, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

349

President Constant. — Pale coppery rose, base of petals
bright yellowish fawn, and shaded on the edges and striped with
bright red, large, full, erect, of fine shape, with long bud : very
vigorous and free flowering.

*?RIj'CiSS DE Hohenzollern. — Bright dazzling red, outside of
petals darker than tho centre ones ; very large, full, and of fine
shape, very vigorous. A plant of this Rose covered with bloom
in full sunshine might be mistaken for a burning bush. There,
my masters ! What think you of this for a description ? Could
George Robins have excelled it ? Probably, however, he may
mean that whoever goes in for it would be likely to burn their
fingers.

Princesse de Radziwuj.. — Coppery red shaded, large, full,
erect, long conical bud ; vigorous. A seedling from Isabella

.Nabonnand.

A ICOMTESSE Dci.OCG pe Rosn ay. — Very bright rose, with a
silvery edge to the petals ; large, full, well shaped, and very
vigorous. J

GUILLOT.

Luciole. — Very bright carmine rose tinted with saffron
yellow, the base of the petals being coppery yellow, and the back
of them bronzed ; Large, full, of good shape and habit, with a long
bud, vigorous, most deliciously scented ; a seedling from Safrano
rouge ; extra good. Guillot has given us some of our best Teas,
and when he pronounces of this Rose that it is extra good we may
hope that there is something in store for us, although Safrano is so
thin that one might yet doubt whether a seedling from it would
answer to the description fully.

SOUPERT ET NOTTING.

Arciiduchesse Marie Imjiaculata. — Clear brick red, shaded
with glossy fawn, centre golden vermilion ; large, full, and of good
shape, outer petals being very large ; vigorous, and very sweet-
scented. Extra good.

Directeur C. Bernard. — Delicate rosy magenta on a silvery
ground, the edges of the outside petals being often edged with pale
violet ; large, very full and imbricated ; vigorous and very sweet-
scented. A very beautiful variety.

GONOD.

Baroxne de Fonvielle. — Coppery yellow, back of petals
reddish lake ; large, full, and of good shape ; vigorous, very free-

flowering and sweet scented.

WIDOW LtDfiCHAUX.

Chateau des Bergereis. — Pale canary yellow, centre darker ;
,Ige? globular, and very full, with a substantial well-shaped bud.
Vigorous.

BONNAIRE.

Docteur Grim,. — Coppery yellow, with a fawny rose reflex,
hack of petals shaded china rose ; an entirely new colour. Large,
full, and of perfect shape ; vigorous.

Madame Chavory. — Nankeen yellow at opening, the back of
the petals turning to china rose, while their face becomes coppery
yellow (a description which might do for an attack of yellow
jaundice) ; a very large flower, measuring from 4 to 5 inches across,
of beautiful imbricated shape ; a very vigorous and free-flowering
climbing Rose ; raised from Madame Berard and William Allen
Richardson.

DUBREUIL.

DucnESSE de Bragance. — Bright canary yellow in the centime,
paler on the edges, very full, and opening well, with a firm stem ;
the outer row of petals curls back very gracefully. Vigorous, with

long wood.

WIDOW SCHWARTZ.

Madame Delespadl. — Yellowish white, centre rosy salmon ;
large, very full, cupped, and of good shape ; of dwarf growth.
Vigorous ; a seedling from Gloire de Dijon.

BERNAIX.

rTI Madame A. Etienne. — Rosy claret colour on the edges of tho
petals, gradually diminishing to pale rose, and fading away towards
the centre, which is pure white ; cupped, the outer petals very large,
and rather distant one from the other ; the inner ones much smaller
and reflexed ; rose colour before the flower is fully expanded. A
very coquettish (!) and charmingly fresh-looking Rose, and very
fragrant ; of bushy habit, each short branch having a terminal
flower. One wants a little breath after reading this ; but even then
who can possibly imagine wliat the Rose is like — a coquettish Rose ;
well, perhaps she will make love to tho burning bush already
described (by the raiser).

Madame Scipion Cochet. — Outer petals pale rose, shaded a
dull white on a pale ground ; inner petaLs shading from canary to

apricot yellow with a purple reflex ; very double, imbricated, and
of vigorous growth. A sterling variety, and a desirable Rose.

Vicomtesse de Wautier. — Beautiful rose petals, tinted yellow
on the inside, and sometimes shaded rose ; the centre is deep rose,
producing a charming effect ; large, full, and fairly vigorous.

C. LEVET, JEUNE.

Madame Honore Dekresne. — Beautiful dark yellow, with
coppery reflex ; of good shape and vigorous growth.

Mademoiselle Elizabeth de Grammont. — Bright rose,
base of petals coppery yellow ; large, very full, and of good shape
and habit ; vigorous, and very free-flowering. A fine new Rose.

LAMBERT.

Mademoiselle Claudine Perreau. — Bright rose, sometimes
paler ; a seedling from Souvenir d’un Ami, and in the same way,
but much more vigorous in growth, although not a climbing Rose ;
probably a great acquisition.

Marie Lambert. — Pure white ; a seedling from Madame Bravy,
and just as vigorous. A good Rose for pot work.

J. N. MAY.

The Bride. — This is a very beautiful sport from Catherine
Mermet, white, but not so white as Niphetos ; it is, however, more
vigorous, and will most probably be a useful Rose.

It is very difficult from the description to forecast what the Roses
may be, but if at all like what they are described we are likely to
have some novelties. In Guillot’s Luciole and in Bernaix’s two
Roses, we may probably find prizes. We have so often been
doomed to disappointment in our anticipations that it will be safer
not to prophesy, but I think we may look for more novelty
amongst the Teas than the Hybrids. — D., Deal.

CUCUMBERS IN FRAMES.

There is no better way of growing Cucumbers from April to
October than in frames. Those with many glass houses generally
devote some of them to Cucumber-growing, and it is a fine sight to
observe scores or hundreds of the fruits hanging from the roof, and
when seen in this way some might be inclined to think that the house
system was the best. It is not, as there is no way in which Cucum¬
bers fruit so freely as in frames. I would undertake to produce
three times the quantity of fruit from plants in a two-light frame
than can be gathered from those in two lights of a pit, and with
proper management I will guarantee that anybody may do the same.
Cucumbers in houses generally bear very heavily for a short time,
then they fall off very much, and, although a second crop may come,
they never bear so constantly as those in frames. I could name
many instances where the first Cucumbers were cut from a frame
in May, and the supply never ceased until October, and they came
almost as fast as they could be cut. Why this should be is not
difficult to explain, as frame plants are not half so liable to be infested
with insects as those in warm houses, and the roots never appear to
be checked in a dung bed, but the moisture in a mound of soil in
the house is very apt to fluctuate. A little bottom heat is very
necessary at first, and it is beneficial as long as it lasts, but excessive
heat must be avoided at all times.

Make a good hotbed at the beginning. This may be composed
of stable manure, tree leaves, and any refuse that will ferment.
The bed cannot be made too firmly. The firmer it is the longer
will it hold the heat. A bed properly made now will afford heat
for three or four months. If it is 3 feet high at the front and
4 feet or a little more at the back it is sure to prove right. It must
always be about a foot wider all round than the frame. Early in
the season in placing a frame on a hotbed a lining of the manure
is generally placed round it and nearly up to the top ; but now this
is not necessary, and the bed may be made, finished off, and then
place the frame on it. If any more is added a little of the material
may be placed as a layer inside, but it should not be nearer the
glass than 15 inches or 18 inches.

Place a mound of soil in the centre of each light. Some place
one at the top and another at the bottom, but this will crowd the
plants too much, as one plant will always fill one light. The soil
should consist of good loam to the extent of three parts and the
other part rich manure. Do not use sand or leaf soil, there is no
nourishment for the plants in these, and they only tend to produce
leaves and long-jointed unfruitful wood. The mound must be
from 10 inches to 1 foot in depth and about 2 feet in diameter. Do
not place it in the form of a cone, but make it more level, and
water may then be given freely. If a plant can be obtained place
it out in the centre of the mound in a slanting direction, that the
top of it may not come in contact with the ghiss. If a plant cannot
be had, insert a seed in the same part, or in case of failure sow two
seeds, and if both grow draw out one of them. As soon as the

350

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 5, 1887.

shoots begin to run peg them down into position. Thin them out
weekly, and above everything do not crowd them. This is the
great mistake in frame Cucumber culture, as a crowd of shoots and
leaves only cause the young fruit to become yellow and fall prema¬
turely, and as soon as one shoot has fruited cut it out and allow a
young one to take its place. This is the way to secure a succession
of fruit. Do not shade from the sun at any time, as they are much
more short- jointed and fertile when grown in the sun. Admit air
when the temperature exceeds 70°, and never allow the plants to
suffer by want of water. Give water at the same temperature as
the frame or bed, but liquid manure is not needed until the plants
have been bearing for two months or more. — A Kitchen
Gardener.

THE GARDENERS’ ORPHAN FUND.

After our very satisfactory meeting of last week, and the progress
the Orphan Fund has made, I wish to return my sincere thanks to the
members of the Prefes, Committee, and our excellent Chairman for the
very able and willing help they have given to this scheme. I hope no
gardener in the kingdom will let the next fortnight pass without re¬
sponding heartily to the call of charity. tVe unfortunately had a sad
experience of the need of an Orphan Fund only a few days since, when
our poor brother Mr. Carr met with such an untimely end ; whether his
widow and children will need help I know not, but if they do, out of our
small beginnings I should suggest sending them what we can. In start¬
ing this scheme I could not possibly have thought of myself or that it
would be useful to me, and I am sure no one who has given me their
support will draw back on account of my shortcomings in originally
placing it before the public. It certainly is not given to every man to
write on or start a scheme off-hand, and I can only hope that those who
have so ably assisted me may live to see it a growing and great institu¬
tion. — Chas. Penny, Sandringham.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

Mr. Garnett is evidently bent upon “ treading on the tail of my
coat ” when he says I wished to show up his ignorance. Passing that
allegation, I do think his teaching on Chrysanthemum culture is based
largely upon theory. I have very good reasons to judge what was the
quality of the blooms which Mr. Garnett’s plants supplied him with,
even during the last Chrysanthemum season, for a friend who knows
good blooms when he sees them says Mr. Garnett “ bad a very
good home show, but no flowers that would compete successfully at our
leading shows — as, for instance, Kingston, and such like.” Now I con¬
tend that a person who assumes the rule of a teacher, and even an
improver of other people who have in the past had reason to be satis¬
fied with success, should be in a position to point to something more
substantial than pen-and-ink theories and scientific terms. When I
said, on page 2(50, “ We are as far from the desired point as we were
before,” I ought to have added, “ if we are far from it at all.” I can
only judge we are through Mr. Garnett’s attempted alteration in the
system of culture which has carried not only myself but others to suc¬
cess, and placed us “ shining by the reflected light of silver challenge
cups.” I can well afford to pocket the mild satire, and I daresay others
can who shine by such lights. Mr. Garnett advances Mr. Midgley’s
success at the late Huddersfield Show as substantiating his own argu¬
ments. No one was more pleased than myself to hear of the success of
Mr. Midgley, whom I look upon as a personal friend, and from a conver¬
sation I had with him here last summer I xrnderstood that his plants
were grown under the same system as ours, therefore I am surprised
to hear from Mr. Garnett that it was not so. Even if I am mistaken
in this it is a point in my favour when Mr. Garnett admits that Mr.
Midgley did not win first honours with his incurved blooms in the open
class competition. Perhaps Mr. Garnett will think that I look upon
those growers of Chrysanthemums who do not exhibit them as not being
capable of growing them as well as those who do compete. Such is not
the case by any means, because I know there arc gardeners who are not
allowed to show their produce ; therefore, the public have not an oppor¬
tunity of judging what they can do in cultivating this grand flower. I
ought to have written this paragraph directly after the one relating to
Mr. Garnett’s own plants. Mr. Garnett should not blame me for not
acting up to my professions of being anxious to give the full benefit of
my experience to the large number of Chrysanthemum growers. He
should blame himself for not bringing better evidence to prove my
practice wrong ; but I presume, because I do not contradict (for Mr.
Garnett’s advantage) what I have written in my book I am to be
accused of not lining willing to assist the great body of growers. I take
my stand by the book, as it certainly contains my whole experience. I
know nothing more that lean add for the benefit of others, and the
practice which I defined has stood many others besides myself in good
stead at critical times. I am quite willing to listen to sound reasoning,
and will do all I can to help beginners, but I cannot admit that Mr.
Garnett has proved my teachings wrong.

I consider my reason given on page 266 for placing Mr. Bunn in the
list where it is in my book a very good one, and I thought it of sufficient
importance to explain why it was placed there. Does Mr. Garnett deny
that many growers besides myself grow a large number of plants on the
lottery system ? If he could teach everyone to turn them all up as

prizes he would confer a boon on many a struggling individual. I do
not evade the question of the complications of bud formation at all. I
have no reason for so doing, simply because I do not know what they
are. I am happy to say that the buds “ do ” come, or I should not have
been “ shining by that reflected light ” as I fortunately have been in the
past. I did say that Mr. Garnett was “ very full ” in his description of
the bud formation (but I meant in the “ scientific terms ” he used, not that
I thought he was as “ clear ” as he was full) ; but why does he not
quote me a little farther, where I said, “ He is not sufficiently clear and
plain to beginners ?" Allow me to answer Mr. Garnett’s inquiry re July
buds forming on Meg Merrilies, Princess Teck, or Boule d’Or. Under
ordinary circumstances of growth I never saw these varieties form
buds at that time ; therefore it is not necessary to say when the next
buds will form, but I will say what these varieties generally do. They
make their first natural break early in June, the next break is then
generally early in August. It is such varieties as Elaine, Madame
Bertier Rendatler, Mr. Bunn, and Lord Wolseley that sometimes show
this July bud. This answer will, I trust, be sufficient for Mr. Garnet
on this point.

In referring to Mr. Garnett’s assertion anent the variety Belle Paule
not producing blooms last year of the same quality as in the previous
season, though receiving exactly the same culture, but not the same con¬
ditions as regards the weather, it may be stated that many growers had
no flowers of it. Neither do I think it was scarce in stock ; certainly
not with those growers who had seen it the year before. Therefore the
formation of the buds was not a matter of chance as far as the time wished
for was concerned, but it was climatical influence that wrought such
havoc amongst plants of this variety. If the plants were grown by the
same method as Mr. Garnett would teach us, how does he know that
unsuitable weather would not take place at the time least required by
his method ? Therefore to an extent it is somewhat of a lottery.—
E. Moryneux.

LATE-BEARING MUSHROOM BEDS.

In support of Mr. Muir’s article on late-bearing Mushroom beds, I
send you a clump of Mushrooms gathered from a bed here, which was
spawned on January 6th. The size of the bed is 8 feet long 3 feet wide,
and 1 foot 3 inches deep, made in a cool inner shed about 4 feet from
the floor. The manure heated rather violently at first, and soon became
quite cold. Instead of pulling it down again I fastened a couple of
mats under the bed in the form of a hammock, and then filled the space
between the bed and mats with six or seven barrowfuls of manure ;
this soon caused a nice heat about 70° in the Mushroom bed. At this
stage I inserted the spawn and covered the surface of the bed with fine
soil to the depth of 2 inches, then covering the whole with hay.

The heat in the bed was retained for three weeks, and then all went
cold again. The additional manure was soon afterwards taken away
and the mats dried. There was no sign of Mushrooms until about a
fortnight ago, when I examined the bed and found a quantity of
“ buttons ” appearing ; the hay was then removed and the bed watered
■with tepid water. I have now gathered quite 100 fine Mushrooms, and
the surface of the bed is at the present time white with them, having
every appearance of bearing full crops for some weeks longer. Mush¬
rooms may not be produced in as short a period grown with cool treatment
as they can in a specially provided structure, but for flavour and
appearance I think they surpass the latter. — G. Garner, Amberrvood
Gardens, Hants.

[The “clump” referred to comprised sixteen firm fleshy Mushrooms.]

SWANLEY FLOWERS.

It matters little what time of year is selected for a visit to Messrs.
II. Cannell & Sons, Swanley Nursery ; from midwinter to midsummer,
and onwards again to the cold period, there is a never-failing succession
of flowers that make the out-of-doors attractions look comparatively
dull at any period. To enter one ' of the numerous houses devoted to
Zonal Pelargoniums is to find oneself amidst a dazzling variety of
colours, and when these are brightened by an unclouded sun, as was the
case when we recently visited the establishment, we can realise some¬
thing of the brilliancy of such plants. They always seem fresh, are
always flowering profusely ; they are, indeed, one of the standard
features at Swanley which equally impresses those who see them fre¬
quently or seldom. Their . appearance is heightened by a neat graceful
fringe of Othonna crassifolia, which drapes the margin of the walls, the
succulent foliage and growth of the plant fitting it for the companion¬
ship of the Pelargoniums, and when covered with its, starry golden
flowers is still more pleasing. The number of varieties amongst the Pelar¬
goniums is so great, and them merits are so nearly equal, that selection
becomes a difficult task, and it is only possible to name a few of those that
attract one’s attention. Some of the most notable at the time of our
visit were the following Single : Nora, pale pink, large, handsome;
Cato, scarlet, very free, large truss ; C. Swinstead, scarlet, rich, free,
immense truss Victor Hugo, salmon scarlet, free, and dwarf ; Mrs.
Robertson, bright pink, white eye ; Kentish Fire, a most brilliant scarlet,
an excellent variety ; Plutarch, another fine scarlet form, with large
flowers and trusses ; Atala, scarlet, large, and handsome ; Edith George,
bright pink, white eye, flower large and well formed ; Ferdinand Chaf-
folte, rich magenta, very distinct and beautiful shade ; Queen of the
Belgians, an excellent winter-flowering white variety ; Swanley Gem,

M»j S. 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

351

bright salmon, white centre, a remarkable variety; Mrs. Holfonl,
salmon pink, free ; Lady Chesterfield, large salmon, white eye ; Lord
Chesterfield, large flower, crimson, free ; Eurydice, pink, white eye, a
useful variety, free, and cheerful tint; Mrs. James Douglas, very dark
scarlet; Mr. H. Canncll, one of the largest flowers, the colour a" bright
scarlet ; Alcides, rich scarlet, white eye ; and Lord Rosebery, salmon,
flower large, truss compact, and free. Of the double varieties there
was not so great a display, as the flowers are in much demand for cutting,
but the following were good : — Spade Guinea, orange-scarlet ; Lord Mayor,
purplish crimson ; La Cygnc, white ; Gertrude, salmon ; Australian Gold,
orange scarlet ; Circe, crimson ; and Lakanal, purplish crimson. Ivy-leaf

Some of the best named varieties were A. F. Barron, crimson ; Oxford
Blue, dark blue ; F. Cox, purple ; F. Stanger, dark blue ; Blond in, pink,
the florets white on the un lor surface ; Mrs. Scott, crimson and white ;
and Kate, pink. They are very durable, the .c flours are good, especially
the blue and purple sha les. and the plants are worth a place wherever a
conservatory has to be kept bright.

Mignonette is always in demand, and it is scarcely possible to obtain
too much either of flowers or seel. Like all the popular plants, it is
admirably grown at Swanley every year, but this season an exceedingly
fine strain is represented by half a house full of plants bearing enormous
spikes of powerfully fragrant (lowers. It is a very fine selection, and is
named Caunell’s Perfection, one of the spikes being being shown in
fig. 01, its natural size. Next to obtaining a good strain of seed,
much depends upon the mode of culture adopted with Mignonette. It
should be grown sturdily at all stages ; if allowed to become drawn or
weak in a seedling state it never makes satisfactory plants, but when
advancing for flowering it can be liberally encouraged with advantage.
When the plants are strong they can be thinned freely, and in some
48 or 32-pots in Messrs. Cannell’s house there are only two or three
plants, in a few cases only one, beautiful vigorous specimens crowded
with flowers.

In other houses is a large stock of showy Calceolarias coming for¬
ward rapidly. Several are devoted to Primulas for seed of all the select
Swanley varieties, Cyclamens in various stages, Tuberous Begonias by
thousands, and a long house is full of Carnations, the excellent yellow
Mrs. William Bright and Pride of Penshurst being iu strong force with
other choice varieties. Innumerably attractions are provided in other
houses, including miscellaneous, Ornamental, stove and greenhouse
plants, Cactaceous plants, of which there is a selection of the best forms ;
Trop'eolums, winter-flowering Begonias, line-foliage Begonias, Lan-
tanas, &c. Lilium candidum has been forced early this season for
its pure white fragrant flowers, which are much valued at Easter, and
the principal points to insure success with it is to obtain early matured
bulbs, and when potted to bring them on gradually, as any attempt at
rapid forcing by placing them in strong heat is disastrous. In other
respects they are easily managed if kept clear of green fly, which is
partial to the young flower stems. Outside preparation is being made
for the Dahlias, which constitute such an important feature in autumn.
The scores of frames are filled with bedding plants, Auriculas and Chrys¬
anthemums, for which the demand this season has been very great.
Daffodils, Pansies, and Violets are flowering in the open beds, and
amongst the last named is a handsome single white variety, Mrs. Raw-
son, that will become a great favourite for cutting purposes, as the
flowers are large, pure white, fragrant, and on long stalks. It appears
to be very strong in habit and free-flowering. — T.

GLOBE ARTICHOKES.

r> These plants pay for liberal treatment, they should, therefore, be
planted in deeply trenche d and heavily manured ground. The best time
for making new plantations is when the plants have started into growth,
which in ordinary seasons they do towards the end of March or early in
April ; but the present being an exceptionally late season the plants of
Globe Artichokes are now (April 30th) only a few inches above ground.
Having made good any blanks that may have occurred in the rows of
existing plantations, proceed forthwith to make fresh ones, say two or
more rows, according as they are long or otherwise, doing away with a
like number of rows of the oldest plants annually. The rows should be
from 3J to 4 feet asunder, and the plants should be given a like distance,
planting them with a garden trowel in patches of three, and make the
soil firm about the roots. In the absence of rain at the time the work
is being done, give water to settle the soil, and then lay on a mulching
of short dung to the thickness of 2 or 3 inches. These will yield a
supply of “ Chokes” just as that previously obtained from the estab¬
lished plants are exhausted. Hence the advisability of making a
planting of this much-esteemed vegetable annually. The green variety
finds more favour than the purple one, but it is advisable to grow a
few rows of the latter also, as tastes differ. — H. \V. Ward.

Fig SL— Higuoaette Canncll’s Perfection.

varieties, which are so well grown there, are quite at their best in April, but
anew double form, Lang-Son, with fine scarlet flowers, of excellent shape
and good size, was very notable. The decorative, regal, and French spotted
varieties have considerable space devoted to them, and especially fine
was Venus, an early flowering variety, white with purple spots in the
two upper petals, and which was hail in capital condition some time
before Easter. Volonth Nationale Album, pure white, is an excellent
free flowering variety ; Madame Charles Coninck, pure white, and
Denise, double white, are also good, the hist named being a most
valuable variety for cutting.

The houses appropriated to Cinerarias contain specimens of the care¬
fully selected varieties and well proved strain grown at Swanley. The
singles are most varied in colours, very rich, the flowers large but neatly
formed. Of the named varieties the most notable were Miss Coope, white
centre, dark blue margin ; Miss Fortescue, deep crimson ; Argus, rich
crimson ; Pure White, white with purple centre ; Attractive, dark blue ;
Marched Past, very deep crimson, white centre ; Victory, another fine
crimson coloured variety., An extremely pretty effect is afforded by the
double Cinerarias, useful plants fordecorativc purposes or cutting that
ought to be more largely grown. They are readily obtained fiom seed,
but the named varieties are kept true by propagating them from offsets.

AURICULAS AT SOUTH KENSINGTON.

Apbil 26th.

No Auricula grower who had watched the character of the weather
for the last two months could have anticipated a successful exhibition
at the southern show of the National Auricula Society, and it will not
be, therefore, a matter on which much difference of opinion is likely to
be expressed when one designates it as much below the mark. Neither in
quantity or quality was it equal to many preceding shows of the Society ;
while one cannot but contrast the number of plants exhibited with
what one used to see before the establishment of the Society, when
perhaps a dozen or two of plants formed the sum total of the exhibit at
the spring shows of the Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies.

The addition of Primulas to the show has been doubtless a very great
gain, and a great deal of interest was shown in the beautiful collections
of the various species and garden varieties shown by Messrs. Paul and
Son, Mr. Ware, the Royal Horticultural Society, and others, although
Mr. Llewelyn’s collections were sadly missed. But although very inter¬
esting to myself 1 must not dwell upon them, but confine my observa¬
tions to the show Auriculas. I am such an “ old fogy ” that I cannot get
up an enthusiasm for the Alpines, beautiful as they arc, and still hold
to those rigid rules, the violation of which is considered nowadays to be

352

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 5, 188?.

consistent with. i: law and order." Thus, with regard to the size of the
truss, I am no advocate for one consisting of fifteen or sixteen pips,
however effective they may appear to the ordinary observer. I do not
think there was one of these large trusses in the Exhibition that had not
one or more pips that wer epassee, and so gave an appearance of dead¬
ness to the blooms. On the other hand, I cannot call that a truss of
Auricula in which tlin-e are less than five pips of an edged variety, or
seven of a self, and yet in many of the winning stands there were
flowers with only three pips, and these just the remnant of the truss,
the footstalks of the others being plainly visible when they
had been cut away. I think that it would be well in future that the
old-established rule should be adhered to, and no edged flowers shown
with less than five pips or seifs with less than seven.

With regard to the exhibitors, it will be seen that although this is the
southern section of the National Auricula Society, yet the northerners
take the lion’s share, and the absence of the collections of the Rev. F. D.
Horner, Mr. Barlow, Mr. W. Bolton, Mr. White, and Mr. Potts would
have made a very serious gap in the Show. These collections must have
been more or less aided by fire heat, and as an old Auricula grower who
might this year celebrate his jubilee of Auricula growing, I can never
believe that it is good for the show varieties, and fancy that a good deal
of the roughness which one could not fail to notice was attributable to
this cause. Mr. Douglas maintained his position as a southern grower,
but he was certainly not up to his usual form, while the absence of such
growers as Mr. Simonite and Mr. Llewelyn made a most appreciable gap
in both the amateurs’ and growers’ exhibits. Mr. Turner’s plants were
small and below the mark, owing to the very satisfactory reason that he
had sold all his large plants.

With regard to varieties, there were some very noticeable facts, thus
Prince of Greens (Traill’s) was shown in a form which I think few have
seen it in before. The premier prize plant of Mr. White of Newcastle-
©n-Tyne was a beautiful one ; it had eleven pi t s, and although one or
two were a little past their best, it was very fine. Being such a large
flower, it can bear a large truss better than some others ; but even here
I cannot but think that if it had been a little more thinned out it would
have made a handsomer truss. George Lightbody was nowhere up to the
mark ; the best was one in Mr. Douglas’s stand of twelve, but generally it
was rough and out of character, a clear proof of the unfavourable cha¬
racter of the season. The Rev. F. D. Horner (Simonite) is evidently estab¬
lishing its character as a fine addition to that scarce section the green
edges ; so scarce, at any rate at this Exhibition that in the class for
single plants Headly’s Green obtained a prize, although wanting in some
of the most necessary qualities of a good Auricula. Acme (Read’s) is
another flower which has fully justified all that was expected of it, and
bears out what I remember to have said of it some y ears ago when I
saw it with Mr. Jonathan Booth at Manchester, that it was the best
white edge in growth ; nor have I seen anything since raised that can
be compared to it. There are some which are classed among white
edges, but in which the white is a very disputable matter, as it merges
so often into grey. Another flower that came out remarkably well this
year was Traill’s Beauty. It is a very uncertain flower, being sometimes
the beauty and sometimes the reverse ; but it was shown on Tuesday
very frequently and in very good condition. Like all Auriculas it is
deficient in some one point, and the eye lacks brightness. It is, how¬
ever, a large and bold flower, good on the stage, and a very vigorous
grower, and produces offsets very freely, so that it is everybody’s flower ;
others are the flowers only of a select few, who do not mind giving their
guineas and half-guineas for a new variety, which, after all, may prove
no better than some they have already in their collections. Heroine
(Homer’s) is, I think, the finest self we have — at any rate, of its colour.
The smoothness of its petal and the richness of the colour combine to
make a very lovely flower. It gained the Second prize in the single
specimen class, and deservedly so, the first being taken by Mr. Douglas
with a seedling Sir W. Hewitt, a flower of great promise. Topsy, which
was so well shown last year, was out of the running this season. Colonel
Taylor, too green edge, which has been so often well shown, although
we can all see its defects, was only represented by one specimen if I
recollect rightly ; and thus, I suppose, the Auricula, like other florists’
flowers, has seasons which are favourable to one variety and unfavour¬
able to others.

I say little on the subject of seedlings, although it is very interesting
to see how many persons are engaged in the delightful occupation of
Auricula .growing, and I do so for these reasons. In the first place,
however interesting they are to the raiser — and nothing can be more so,
although it requires a very impartial judgment to pronounce on one’s
own productions— yet, as they are very slow to increase, it must be some
years before the general public of Auricula growers have an opportunity
of adding them to their collection. One might give a very interesting
description of Douglas’s Abbe Lizst, or Horner’s Magpie, but it is the
raisers themselves who alone for some years to come will have their
enjoyment. Thus, although an enthusiast about Auriculas, I have not
added as yet to my collection such flowers as Rev. F. D. Horner, Con¬
servative, or Sylvia. Another reason is that the character of seedling
(lowers is very uncertain, perhaps less in the Auricula than in many
other florist s flowers ; but still there is uncertainty, and the delay that
must take place before these flowers can be generally distributed may
perhaps shatter some reputations, although it may confirm the good
opinions of others. In this branch the northerners are, as in others, far
ahead of us in the south. Messrs. Horner, Pohlman, Walker, Simonite,
Barlow, and Bolton form a goodly phalanx of raisers, represented mainly
in tae south by Mr. Douglas ; and the careful and more scientific manner

in which hybridising is carried out nowadays would, one would think,
result in something good, but all raisers have to recollect that it is very
difficult to beat such flowers as George Lightbody, Acme, Prince of
Greens, and Lancashire Hero.

It will thus be seen that my estimate of the Exhibition, on the whole,
is not a very favourable one, but I do not think any Auricula grower
could have expected otherwise, and I am sure all lovers of the flower
feel much indebted to those northern growers who managed to get their
flowers up to London, and set so good an example of what skill and
determination can do in the cultivation of this beautiful spring
flower. — D., Deal.

RENOVATING FRUIT TREES.

Some time since I read with interest your leading article headed
“The Beginning of Wisdom," which referred to the subject of hardy
fruit culture in Kent. We have also many old unprofitable trees in
the orchards of Scotland— viz , Carse o’ Gowrie and on the Clyde.
There are three ways of improving these that I have practised with
success, and which I would recommend — viz., root-pruning, top¬
dressing, and uprooting of practically worthless trees and planting
young trees of better varieties. I will make a few detailed remarks
on each if you may consider them worth a corner in the Journal.
After I went to Lauriston Cas le near Montrose, as gardener and
forester, I found a deficiency of good presentable fruit. The garden
walls about 400 yards long and 10 feet high were well covered on
both sides with beautifully trained trees, from twenty to forty years
old. The subsoil was a stiff red clay much in want of draining. In
July after stopping the young wood we lifted as many of the roots
that were near the surface as we could of a few Pear trees that were
to the top of the wall, but had never fruited. We cut the roots back
to within 20 inches of the bole and gave them fresh soil. I considered
it a good time to do so, as the roots may become healed up and fibres
formed before winter. I had no fear of cutting them back, as there
were plenty of downward Carrot-like roots left to support the trees
until what were cut received a start. But we had other improvements
in hand, so we had to leave the matter until October, when we went
all round outside the walls and removed the soil above the roots and
opened a trench all round, lifting as many of the roots as we could
and cut them back to within 20 or 30 inches of the bole, leaving such
as went right down to support the tree until fresh roots were thrown
out in the turfy soil, which was freely used and packed firmly among
the roots. Tongues were cut in the largest roots, and a piece of turf
placed under them, which added to the supply of new roots. After
being covered and well mulched they were let t for the season.

In the following October we examined two of them and found the
young roots so abundant that we considered we were safe to cut away
the bottom roots. For that purpose we used a pruning iron with a
long handle and a mallet, but we found the new roots were so soft
that some of them by this operation were getting shaken away with
pieces of the turf. So they were left for another year, and we treated
the trees inside in the same manner, finishing by draining the whole
garden 3 feet deep and 18 feet apart. When we cut the bottom roots
two years after the first operation, a drain tile was laid below every
tree from the wall to another drain in the border. A few flat stones
were placed over the tile below each tree and fresh soil was added,
with a mulching over all. Liquid manure from the farmyard was
applied occasionally while they were making their wood, which was
short jointed, with fleshy glossy foliage.

Some years afterwards a few ladies and gentlemen who had just
been round the garden came into one of the hothouses and said they
had been admiring our crops of fruit. After remarking that our
root-pruning had been a great success, they asked how much it had
cost. My employer, Mr. Porteous, said “ It cost nothing, only two or
three of the gardener’s outside men and some of the y^ung garden
lads being employed fra week or ten days." I said we did not pay
for the fresh sod or manure, but I believed it had paid 50 p r cent.
We had larger crops and better quality, and it kept so much oetter in
the fruit room. We had it quite fresh during May and into June, pre¬
viously it was gone in March. The trees were also covered equally
with fruit, instead of having a few only at the top of the trees.

If the trees are old and unhealthy, the soil wet and not drained,

“ Invicta ” may be right. “ Professional ’’ may as well let such
alone if he has more to do than he can overtake — viz., attending his
carpet bedding, ribbon borders, and Chrysanthemums. “Invicta”
may find the gardener who is also land steward, with men and horse
under his care, best able to help unfruitful trees if they are healthy
and not too old. If young trees were more cared for the first few
years there would be less need of root-pruning, which leads to remarks
on the orchard, which I should have taken first, being of more public
interest than wall trees, but having said more than 1 intended I will
leave these remarks for another time if you consider they would be of
interest. — John McIntosh, The Gardens, Geilston, Dumbarto nsh ir •.

[Records of success and methods of achieving it are always

6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

353

Jn °c ul turp6] ^ecause U3eful| to many who are striving for improvement

T*et)id3

TRICHOPILIAS.

The beauty of these Orchids was well exemplified at South Kensing¬
ton recently in the flowers from R. J. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge,
C amberwell, who now has a choice collection of these and other plants,
inrce forms of Trichopilia were exhibited— namely, T. suavis, T. suavis
a j.v, and 1. lepida rosea ; the last named a darker coloured variety of
inis species than the usual one, while the pure white form of T. suavis is
a charming companion for it. T. crispa and T. tortilis are beautiful
tuC M*’ • l - . arc al* of growth if a few points are attended to.
1 he Mexican or intermediate house suits them best, giving them a light
position, and regulate the supply of water carefully.

CYPRIPEDIUM WALLISI.

As one of the curiosities amongst the Ladies’ Slipper Orchids C. cau-
•datum is well known, its long narrow petals and their gradual extension
rendering it very interesting. It is, however, more remarkable than
Beautiful, and this renders C. Wallisi of the same type and character
more valuable, as it is certainly more attractive. The flowers are striped
with green, but there is also a good proportion of yellow, the throat of
-the lip being of a clear yellow tint. The petals on the flowers I have
.seen are 18 inches long, but whether they extend in the same manner as
(. . caudatum 1 have not an opportunity of observing. Perhaps some of
your readers could give us a note on this subject, _ G.

■ORCHIDS FOR BOUQUETS AND FLORAL DECORATIONS.

Orchid flowers are much more employed now for bouquets, button¬
holes, wreaths, and the adornment of stands for the table than they were
a few years ago ; their curious and varied forms, their rich or delicate
colours, an**, in some cases, their agreeable fragrance, have greatly
increase! 1 their popularity for such purposes. Another advantage is that
many of their flowers last a considerable time when cut, and all who
nave much floral decoration to do can readily appreciate this. One of
the most noted plant exhibitors, Mr. J. Cypher of Cheltenham, is also
widely celebrated for floral decorations, and in these he often employs
Orchids freely with excellent effect. Several large houses are devoted to
tbe most useful Orchids, a total of about 8000 plants being grown, com-
prising some fine specimens that often take a high position at exhibitions.

*c.r?,are a ^ew market gardeners who have houses appropriated to
-orchids chiefly for supplying flowers for cutting, owing to the greater
demand for them in the flower market. At Covent Garden the florists’
shops often contain some very choice and handsome bouquets of Orchids
most tastefully arranged, the two greatest favourites being Dendrobium
nobite and Odontoglossum crispum. The white-flowered Orchids are
■*spe«ially useful for bridal bouquets, and are then used with Camellias,
In >croses, lea Roses, Stcphanotis, Gardenias, and whatever may be in
season. J

The following list comprises some of the best 'Orchids for cutting, a
dozen of the most useful being those first named Aerides odoratum ;
4 celogyne cristata ; Cypripedium insigne ; Dendrobium Deari, nobile ;
Lpidendrum \it6llinum ; Lxlia anceps ; Masdevallia Lindeni, tovarensis ;
Odontoglossum crispum, Pescatorei ; Oncidium coneolor ; Ada auran-
tiaca ; Aerides Fieldingi, Lindleyanum ; Barkeria spectabilis, Skinneri ;
A attleya crispa, gigas, Merideli, Mossias, Trianaa ; Cypripedium insigne
variety Maulei, Sedeni ; Cymbidium ebumeum ; Dendrobium formosum
giganteum, ilensiflorum, Cambridgeanum, Dalhousieanum, Farmeri,
ialconeri, lituiflorum, AN ardianum ; Dendrochilutn glumaceum ;
Epidendrum bicornutum, vitellinum ; Lajlia albida, anceps, autumnalis,
elegans, cinnabarina, harpophylla, Perrini ; Lycaste Skinneri ; Maxillaria
grandiflora; Odontoglossum Cervantesi, cirrhosum, Halli, luteo-pur-
pureuro, pulchellum ; Oncidium Cavendishianum, cucullatum, varicosum
Lngersi, ampliatum majus, macranthum, ornithorhynehum, tigrinum ;
Phalaenopsis amabilis, grandiflora, Schilleriana ; Pilurana fragrans ;
1 ricopilia suavis; Trichosma suavis; Vanda ccerulea, suavis; Zygope-
talum Mackayi.

Most of the flowers keep better when placed singly in water, and, as
they are generally wired, this is not a disadvantage. In sending the
flowers a distance, it is a good plan to bind a piece of damp wool or
moss round the end of each flower stalk, place a layer of slightly damp
moss at the bottom of the box, over this a piece of tissue paper, and then
rest the flowers carefully upon this, [lacking them closely so that they
will not be shaken about in the journey. — C.

CYMBIDIUM TIGRINUM.

This has recently flowered with Messrs. Shuttleworth A Carder in
their nursery at Clapham, and has attracted some attention, as it is very
distinct and somewhat rare. It is one of the discoveries of the Rev.

8. P. Parish, who found it in the Malay Peninsula “ upon rocks in the
Tenasserim Mountains at an elevation of C000 feet above the level of the

sea.” Plants were sent with many others from the same district to
Messrs. Lowe A Co. of Clapton, by whom it was introduced to the
Orchid growers in this country twenty-five years ago. Though not one
of the most beautiful, its unique appearance renders it worthy of culti¬
vation. The sepals and petals are narrow, equal in size, and light green
with a brownish shade, and a few dots at the base ; the dorsal sepal and
the two petals are erect and close together ; the two lower sepals are
spreading and curved downwards towards the tips. The lip is white
with a few scattered reddish brown spots, the side lobes of the lip being
long and erect, with a reddish tinge at the margin. The pseudo-bulbs
are small, roundish, or ovate, with leaves 4 to 0 inches long, and the
scape bears two or three flowers. The chief beauty of the species is in
the spottedjip, from which it takes its name.

LEEK AURICULA SHOW.

The second Exhibition of Auriculas and other spring flowers, held at
the Town Hall on Saturday last, showed a vast improvement upon ’its
predecessor. Not only were the exhibits more numerous and better
grown, but the interest was distinctly greater, and promises well for the
future of the Society. Amongst the grey-edged, Colonel Cbampneys was
the winning variety, and those staged by Mr. H. W. Nixon were far away
superior to any other in the class, although Apollo was greatly admired.
In green edges, Prince of Greens, Duke of Cambridge, and Duke of Wel¬
lington were to the fore in the order named, the winning plants being
really well-grown specimens. The white-edged varieties, though not so
numerous, were also meritorious, the Acme shown by Mr. B. Flanagan
being a real beauty, and deserved the premier position accorded to it.
Selfs formed a strong class and keen competition, the first prize going to
Negro and the second to C. J. Perry, shown by Messrs. H. W. Nixon and
M. Carding respectively, undoubtedly the best of the eighty shown. The
prize for the best seedling was awarded to Mr. W. Barnfather for a very
fine dark purple self. Mr. Nixon was again in front in Alpines with
Mercury, the same grower also taking second and third with Mrs.
Llewelyn and Mrs. Meiklejohn. Mr. M. Carding staged about a score
varieties of garden Alpines, which were greatly admired. Cheshire
Favourite bore down all opposition in Polyanthuses, Messrs. J. Brunt,
J. Garner, and T. Lea being the successful exhibitors. Primroses in pots
were also well shown.

The feature, however, of the Show was a magnificent collection of
fifty-five varieties of Daffodils staged by Messrs. Barr A Son, of King
Street, Covent Garden, and throughout the day a crowd surrounded their
stand, amazed by the dissimilarity and splendid growth. “ A host of
golden Daffodils,” truly, and one worthy even of Wordsworth’s muse.
Messrs. Dickson, Brown A Tait (Manchester), Mr. T. S. Ware (Totten¬
ham), Messrs. James Dickson A Sons (Chester), also exhibited excellent
collections, as did Mr. M. Mellor, of Leek. The arrangements were
admirably conceived and well carried out by Mr. H. W. Nixon, the Hon.
Sec. The profits of the Show, which amount to about £ 10, will be given
to the Leek Cottage Hospital Jubilee Fund.

TEA ROSES AT MESSRS. STANDISH'S NURSERY,

ASCOT.

When looking through this extensive nursery a few days since I wrs
much struck with the grand blooms, which are produced in quantity
there for Messrs. Standish’s London house. Some three or four s; an-
roofed and lean-to houses are devoted to their culture ; in the span-
roofed houses the Roses are in a centre bed planted out, the side stages
being used for forcing Spineas, Ac. Stout stakes are inserted in the beds,
and form an arch to which the plants are trained. Only well-tried
varieties are grown, such as Niphetos, Madame Falcot, Safrano, and
that queen of Tea Roses, Catherine Mermet ; and the plants are in
splendid health, not a itrace of mildew to be seen. No air is given at
this time of year save what comes in through the laps. Later on they
are fully exposed to ripen their wood. I also noticed grand plants of
Erica Wilmoreana, splendidly flowered. Gardenias, for which this
nursery is famous, were loaded with their beautiful flowers from small
plants in 48's to huge specimens planted out. Many houses are devoted
to Palms, Kentias and Areeas finding most favour, as they stand more
rough usage for furnishing than the more tender varieties. Many more
plants are well grown here, reflecting great credit on the proprietors and
their energetic foreman, Mr. Bush. — C. Pa&e.

HINTS ON POTTING PLANTS.

As we are now close on the time for [lotting stove, greenhouse, and
other plants, I propose to give a few hints to your less experienced
readers, to whom they may prove of service. In the first place all pots
intended for use should be well washed both inside and out. This is
often neglected, thinking it of no importance ; but it is a great
mistake.

Secondly, it is of the utmost importance that the draining should be
thoroughly done. The crocks should be perfectly clean (we clean ours here
by placing them in a sieve and well washing them), and in placing
them in the pots great care should be taken to arrange and regulate
them by placing the largest at the bottom and finishing with smaller
ones. I have proved by this means a much better drainage is secured
than is the case when they are carelessly thrown in, as I have frequently
seen done. I also like a little rough material over the crocks before
putting in the soil.

354

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 6, 1887.

Thirdly, with regard to the potting. All soil should be used in a rough
state and not sifted, as is sometimes done, for in this state it so soon
becomes sour. Another important point is that great advantage is ex¬
perienced by giving small shifts in preference to overpotting, and also
in cases of all hard wooded plants the necessity for firm potting ; I do
not mean simply potting them with the hand, but I strongly recommend
the use ot the rammer. I remember once one of the greatest gardeners
of the day coming on a visit to the gardens when I was then foreman,
and at that time 1 was potting some Azaleas, and on his passing through
the potting shed he remarked, “ That’s right ; ram them firm if you
wish to make good plants of them,” a lesson which I have always borne
in mind.— Alfeed Bishop, The Gardens , West'ey Hall, Bury St.
Edmunds.

We understand that Me. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Para¬
dise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N., was awarded a large gold
medal for a collection of ^Orchids, Imantophyllum, Amaryllis, and
Cyclamen exhibited by him at the Horticultural Show held at Amsterdam
from 2nd to 7th April this year.

- Me. F. Haems, Bose grower, Eimsbiittel, Hamburg, states in a

communication to us that the Bose Amebican Beauty is, in h's
opinion, synonymous with Madame Ferdinand Jamin (Ledechaux) that
was sent out in 1875. He imported 200 plants from America, only a few
of which survived. From these he propagated, and in the flowers that
followed recognised the French Bose named. This he describes as an
excellent Bose for forcing, but the colour (cherry red) was not suffi¬
ciently appreciated to create a large demand for blooms.

- Messes. James Dickson &; Son, Newton Nurseries, Chester,

send us a box of flowers of 'the handsome Naecissus incompakabilis
Sib V> atkin, which is the finest and most effective variety of that
group. The flowers are of great size, over 4 inches in diameter, the
perianth divisions fresh pale yellow, the broad beautiful crown bright
orange. The flowers stand at right angles to the scape, and have a most
agreeable fragrance.

“ Daventky ” asks if any of our readers will give their ex¬
perience of anthracite coal for heating hothouses. “ Is the fire easily
kept in ? Does it burn rapidly ? Does it require more attention than
ordinary coke ?”

- “ A \oung Fobeman” writes : — “ Should any of the readers of

this note be receiving dormant bulbs of the valuable and handsome
Amaryllises I should advise them to thoroughly examine the upper
portion of the bulb where the dried portions of the leaves remain.
Having received half a dozen bulbs from a nursery they were potted at
once. After six weeks had elapsed, seeing that there was no signs of
starting into growth, I removed the dead leafy portion, and to my sur¬
prise I found a quantity of mealy bug, showing how soon a stock may
be obtained when least expected.”

- Me. D. C. Simpson has sent us samples of his Watebpeoof

and Indelible Ink Labels foe Plants. They appear to be made
of stout paper, pale green in colour, and have a smooth glazed surface.
They are an inch wide and 8 inches long, with a brass eyelet for attach¬
ing to plants. When the names are written in ordinary ink they are
said to be firmly and permanently fixed, and cannot be obliterated. We
will try them, and as the nature of the material suggests their being in¬
expensive we suspect many other persons will try them too. They are
neat in appearance, very tough, and no doubt durable.

- A pamphlet of eight pages, treating on Tobacco Cultuee,

has been issued by Messrs. Howcroft & Watkins, Hart Street, Covent
Garden, and giving details respecting selection and preparation, harvest¬
ing and marketing the crop. Some interesting particulars are included,
contributed by a Tobacco grower in the United States.

- Caeteb’s Mammoth Seeing White Beoccoli.— “ For some

years,” writes Mr. W. J. Murphy, Clonmel, “ I have been in the habit of
growing various Broccolis side by side for trial, and as inquiries have
recently been made as to the variety that stood best in the late trying

winter, I must give first place to the above. I divided the seed with two
cottagers, and they have the same tale to tell. I do not think it is
hardier than others — for the head is singularly tender at any time, as it
turns in during March and April — but the leaves protect the centre, and
the stem being so short frost cannot affect it so severely as in tall
varieties. Though I do not find planting in holes made by iron liars a
sine qua non, I plant after early Potatoes without manure and without
stirring the soil. Forking or digging the soil for late Broccolis is a sad
blunder, and in many cases accounts for soft growth and winter destruc¬
tion.”

- - The same correspondent writes on Potato Degeneeation.

and Change of Seed. While thanking Mr. Iggulden for the courtesy
of his references, and you for the space extended to the discussion of this
important matter, I cannot think many of your readers or growers in
general will agree with his conclusions, which I may fairly summarise-
— a. Old varieties have not degenerated, they have been supplanted by
newer and of better quality, not so liable as the old to disease,,
b. 1 Greening,’ or ripening Potato tubers in the sun is useless, and in some
seasons injurious, c.i Allowing precocious (early sprouting) varieties of
Potatoes — e.g., the Champion, to remain in the ground over winter as a
remedy for degeneration, d. Change of seed. ‘ After close obser*
vation,’ says Mr. Iggulden, 1 1 have been obliged to confess it is a mere
fanciful theory,’ vide page 331, and previous Nos. If this is right the
present theory and practice must be wrong.”

- The firm of Messes. Blake & Mackenzie of Liverpool is-

well known in the trade, and their staff will be considerably augmented
by the addition of Mr. A. Grice, who for many years has been the active
manager of Mr. T. B. Thomson’s seed business, High Street, Birmingham.
He leaves this establishment in June to fill a leading position at Messrs,
Blake & Mackenzie’s, taking the journeys formerly taken by Mr. W.
Blake, the senior partner, also the charge of their catalogue department,
and supervises the preparation of novelties in the way of seed packets?
labels, &c. Mr. Grice’s long practical experience will be of great use to
the firm, and he will have in Birmingham a large number of friends.

- Me. E. Bubton, Eirlcby Lonsdale, sends us trusses of Ehodo-

dendeon caucasicum album, which demonstrate the usefulness of
this variety for early flowering, and with them he sends the following
note “ On page 308, April 2-lst, I observe a few lines by Mr. Carter
respecting this useful variety, and I have forwarded a couple of trusses,
the last, on April 29tli, from a bush employed for Easter. When visiting
various establishments I have rarely seen this variety, which is easily
distinguished from others by its foliage and habit of growth. Having
grown it largely in a previous situation, 1 made a special effort to-
procure a good stock here, and for several seasons have been reaping
great advantage. No variety I have met with is so free and certain to
bloom each season. Nor is it apt to become unhealthy with anything
like reasonable treatment and freedom from lime rubbish. For forming
distinct masses furnished completely to the ground, or for furnishing
the fronts of older and somewhat naked clumps, it could hardly be'
surpassed, and I would strongly recommend anyone who appreciates
Ehododendrons to give this a place, especially where numbers of white
and other cut blooms are required.”

- Death of Mbs. Chaeles W. Neumann. — Only four months

ago we announced the death of Charles W. Neumann, Esq., of Wyncote,
Allerton, Liverpool, and now we have to record that of his wife, who
expired at her residence on Monday, the 25th inst., in her seventy-fifth
year. We regret that Liverpool horticulturists should have lost two of
the best patrons of gardening that the neighbourhood possessed. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Neumann were ever ready to help any horticultural'
object, and have been liberal supporters of the Liverpool Horticultural
Association from its commencement. We have on many occasions-
alluded to the gardens at Wyncote and the wonderful productions that
have been staged at public exhibitions by Mr. W. Mease, who has lost
one of the worthiest employers that ever owned a garden.

- — - Gaedening Appointment. — Mr. James Williams, who has for
several years been second gardener at Welfield, Builth, has been ap¬
pointed head gardener to Sir Joseph B. Bailey, Bart., M.P., Glauwye
Park, Builth, Breconshire ; and Mr. E. Trollope, foreman, Norris Green?
West Derby, Liverpool, succeeds Mr. T. W. Sanders as gardener to J. W.
Larking, Esq., The Firs, Lee, Kent,

M»y 5, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

355

- Me. W. A. Cook recommends Delphinium nudicaule for

culture in pots, and observes : — “ I have some little plants that have
been in flower in a north house since Christmas, and still it flowers.
The seeds were sown last August in the same house where it is now in
flower. It is a pity that this plant should be so neglected. It is one of the
prettiest of all the class, and can easily be managed with a little extra
■care.”

- Replying to “ T. S.” (page 289), who asks for an opinion on

Strawberry KrNG of the Earlies for forcing, Mr. W. A. Cook
writes : — “ I do not grow it, but I saw a large number of plants last
week that were being grown for market, and must say it cannot hold its
own with Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury or Keens’ Seedling. The
owner was not af all satisfied with it, and thought it not so good as it
has been represented. I had the Vicomtesse seven weeks since, they
were in flower the end of January, and set wonderfully well ; in fact, I
gathered over twenty good fruits from some of the plants which had not
been set by any artificial means,”

- Strawberries in Florida. — “ Strawberries are ripening

rapidly,” says the Florida Despatch. “ Prices hold about the same as
last week — namely, forty cents to sixty cents per quart. One carrying
company has forwarded five carloads this week (April 18th), and expects
"to forward nine next week. This company has already marketed be¬
tween 100,000 and 200,000 quarts, and will handle over 300,000 quarts
before prices run down too low for shipment. The entire crop will pro¬
bably reach a half million quarts.”

- Mr. Peter Grieve, Bury St. Edmunds, has produced a little

guide book or manual, entitled “Short Walks from Bury St.
Edmunds,” dealing chiefly with the history of a very interesting
district. The principal gardens and estates are also described at some
longth, with many particulars of interest to horticulturists.

- An Australian paper has the following on the Taro, Caladium

ESCULextum : — “ One plant frequently met with on the sugar planta¬
tions in the north is the Caladium esculentum, an aquatic plant, which
furnishes the large Taro root so well known to the Sandwich Islanders and
the natives of other groups of islands in the Pacific. It is common on
the Johnstone River and many places further north, and appears to be
as thrifty as could be desired in those localities. Like Rice, marshy
ground suits it best, but, like that cereal, it can be grown on well culti¬
vated land without much water. Caladium-like, the large arrow-shaped
leaves rise on high footstalks immediately from the roots ; but although
•the leaf and stalks are very agreeable to the taste they are seldom eaten,
as they are used for the purposes of propagation ; these, when severed
from the root and inserted in thoroughly moist soil or mud, produce in
six months a harvest of roots. It is estimated that 1300 persons can be
fed on the produce of a single square mile ; but unless this estimate
represents the entire food of that number of persons there does not
appear to be much that is extraordinary in it. In those islands where
it is common the natives make thick paste out of the root, and this,
under the name of poe, forms then- staple article of diet. The South
Sea Islanders are remarkably fond of making a patch of cultivation
somewhere for themselves on the plantations in the north and growing
a few Sweet Potatoes and their old favourite the Taro.”

ROSES IN PEACH HOUSES.

The opinion obtaining of late years that Peaches and Nectarines
•cannot with full success be grown outdoors has caused many walls to
be covered with glass for the cultivation of those and other choice fruits.
That I am sure is progress in the right direction, especially when the
structure is of such kind as enable the cultivator to make the most of
our climate, aid in protecting from spring frosts, prolonged wet and cold
at setting, whilst husbanding the sun heat. In cold, wet, and elevated
localities the crops of the choicer fruits against walls are, even under
the most skilled and practical treatment, precarious ; for although eleva¬
tion has its advantages in comparative immunity from spring frosts,
there is the disadvantage of a shortened growing season, with a moist
and cold ripening period. In some localities, however, Peaches and
Nectarines are grown satisfactorily outdoors. Now and then we see
examples of successful outdoor cultivation of the choicer fruits. Is it
in favoured localities only ? Anyway, the cultivation of the choicer
fruits outdoors is suggestive of degenerate practice. The trees afford
unmistakeable evidence of a less painstaking and judicious treatment than
prevailed under practitioners of the old school. Our climate is getting
colder, seme say, but I do not believe it is in any sensible particular
different from what it was when our garden walls were covered with
healthy nd well-trained fruitful trees.

There has been a great change of late years in the means employed ;
there is reason to anticipate an even greater revolution in the cultivation
of fruit. To regain and maintain our supremacy in the world’s market
the cost of production must be such that goods of greater utility and
merit are forthcoming at prices that defy competition. What applies
to fruit is equally applicable to flowrers. Whether for home or market
the supplies must lx; good and cheap. A strict utilisation of means is
the precursor of success. I make no question of simple means being
best. A plain structure — it may only be a case 6 feet wide or less— is ail
that is required, because efficient and economical. What fruit trees
like and demand are light and air, therefore a cheap substantial structure
is as good, nay, better, than a showy and costly one. It matters not
what width or height the structure be, the fruit trees must have unob¬
structed light.

' In Peach houses trees are often planted at the front, trained to a
trellis, and against the back wall. This is a common case of a lean-to—
viz., fruit trees in front and against the back wall. In case the front
trellis is low, so that the light reaches the back wall trees unsubdued,
objection vanishes ; but if the front trees are given the best position —
viz., a trellis 12 to 13 or 16 inches from the glass, and taken up two-
thirds or more of the roof, the light reaching the trees against the back
wall is ample for the formation of fruit buds, the perfection of
blossom. It is one thing to grow flowers, it is another to have fruit.
How often do fruit trees on the back walls of fruit houses fail to set ? if
setting, to stone and finish satisfactory crops? It may be said it is
easy to have the front trees on low trellises 3 or more feet from the
glass, and so utilise both — all available space. But what kind of fruit
is had on the lower half of both sets of trees ? Is it or any fruit grown
on such trees equal in size, appearance, and quality to that borne by
trees on trellises not more than 12 inches from the glass ?

Back walls in Peach houses are put to a variety of uses. There is
light enough for the formation of fruit buds, the perfection of blossom,
but practically of no utility for fruit. Tomatoes are sometimes planted,
but they flower at a time when the Peach trees require syringing. The
fact is fruit cannot well be grown in the shade of fruit trees. I do not
regard Peaches grown beneath Vines so distant in the rods and spur
growths as to admit light to a considerable extent, evidence to the
contrary, nor shall I advance anything so foreign to fact as Roses
succeeding on the back wall of Peach and other fruit houses when there
is a close canopy of foliage intervening between them and the source of
light. Modern practice in the cultivation of fruit accords about twice as
much space to the growths as formerly obtained, and the consequence is
that the fruit trees have more light and the fruit crops are finer from being
borne on stouter, thoroughly solidified and ripened wood. Where Roses
are grown with Peach trees the heat and moisture suit the swelling
buds and opening flowers of both to a nicety, accompanied as it is with
a free circulation of air. In short, Peaches and Roses succeed well
together, the only reservation is that the syringe be kept from the Roses
after the buds show colour. In other respects their treatment is
identical — viz., a good strong holding soil, plenty of nutriment, and
thorough cleanliness. So close is the identity, that the stronger the
growth, provided it is stout, short-jointed, and thoroughly ripened,
the finer are the Peaches in size and quality, and the fuller, better
coloured, and more perfect the Rose blooms, and the similarity is further
increased in that both Peaches and Roses give the grandest results on
extensions, or wood that has a season to grow in unfettered by a crop of
fruit or blooms.

Success seems to depend on training in young growth to displace old
and worn out growths. This is best attended to after the flowering is
over, just as we remove the fruiting wood of Peaches and Nectarines
after the fruit is gathered, and for a like cause — viz., to concentrate the
strength on the development and perfecting of the wood and buds of
future crops. Wood of more than three years’ growth or age ought not
to exist on Rose bushes, and the younger it is the finer the blooms will
be if only it is well ripened. What suits the ripening of Peach wood
suits Roses, and both delight in nothing so much as a thorough rest.
The removal of the lights suits them. The Roses delight in the autumnal
rains, and resist the frosts and snow when the wood is properly matured.
There is only one matter that need be mentioned— viz., the liability of
Roses grown under glass to mildew, but there is some consolation to be
derived from knowing that it does not attack Roses in a Peach house
any worse than those in a house entirely devoted to Roses, and that it
does not spread to the Peach trees. It readily yields to sulphur, and
need not cause any anxiety ; only use an alkali for syringing with, such
as a little softsoap, but after the buds show colour use sulphur only.

For a back wall the plants must be what are termed climbers.
Marechal Niel, of course, heads the list. Celine Forestier, Lamarque,
and R6ve d’Or, all Noisettes and shades of yellow ; Anna Ollivier, pale
rose ; Cheshunt Hybrid, cherry carmine ; Madame Denis, Innocente
Pirola, Etendard de Jeanne d’Arc, and Madame Hippolyte Jamain, give
a quartette of whites or nearly ; Perle de Lyon and Belle Lyonnaise are
good yellows. Catherine Mcrmet is, perhaps, the most delicate coloured
Rose to have any colour at all. Our old friend Gloire de Dijon blooms
as no other Rose knows how, and pleases everybody.

Some Peach houses have the trees on the back wall. That is none
the worse for the having of a row of Rose bushes in front. They can be
in pots, and be placed out in June. Niphetos, Marie Sisley, Sunset
Madame Welch, Madame Bravy, and W. F. Bennett are good. Where
there is a number of Peach houses a succession of flowers may be had over
a lengthened period. A house started at the new year will afford
delicious fragrant blooms in March and April, and they are none the

356

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 5, 1867V

worse if accompanied by ripe Strawberries. In cool or late houses we
see Roses in all their beauty, for they revel in the breezy yet buoyant
atmosphere. — A Gardener.

FORCING LILIUM CANDIDUM.

I hope Mr. Cannell will comply with your wish and send a note on
forcing this bulb, as he would be able to do it much better than I can.
That it can be forced I have proved several times. Those having well
matured bulbs in the flower garden can lift them in September, place
three bulbs in 8-inch pot, stand on bed of ashes outside till frost sets in,
they should then have a place in a cold pit. The time for introducing
them to a heated structure must be determined by the time they are
wanted in bloom. To flower in April and May they should be placed in
heat from 50° to 60° early in January and February, kept near the glass,
and carefully watered. When the flower head shows stimulants may be
given. A teaspoonful of Clay’s fertiliser to each pot, and watered in,
answers well, or sulphate of ammonia, half ounce to the gallon of water,
or any approved liquid manure. When the first flower expands they
should be removed to the conservatory and kept shaded. Associated
with Azaleas, Roses, Spiraeas, &c., they are very effective.— George
Price, Marston Hill Gardens.

In reference to your remarks in the Journal, page 309, I may say I
bought a quantity of Lilium candidum at a sale last J une. They were
planted out in a border, and the flower stems were quite 2 feet high. I
lifted them carefully, placing five bulbs into a 10-inch pot, transferred
them to the greenhouse, and shaded from the sun, where they opened
their flowers as well as if they had never been disturbed. When they
had finished flowering they were placed near a wall with a north aspect,
kept well watered with liquid manure till the foliage turned yellow,
when they were kept rather dry and taken into the greenhouse at the
end of October. They were started again at the end of December in a
temperature of 55°, increasing the heat in March to 80° by day and 60°
night. The flower stems were about 3 feet high, with from seven to ten
flowers on each. The first flowers expanded on March 23rd. I enclose
specimens of flowers open now, which are not so large as the first that
opened. — J. Bounds, Gardener to A. L. Jones , Esq., Aigburth.

[The flowers are excellent, pure white, and powerfully fragrant.]

NOTES FROM LARKHALL.

Being in the neighbourhood of Bath a few days since, and having
half an hour at my disposal, I ventured to call on Mr. Taylor, the noted
Grape grower, feeling sure of both a courteous welcome and also of
seeing something out of the ordinary, and, I might add, hearing some¬
thing in the same respect. In neither was I disappointed. That Mr.
Taylor is an equal adept at Rose culture the commodious Rose house
under his care fully testifies — lofty, broad, and of good length, planted
with large bushes, the Tea-scented varieties, and laden with hundreds of
flowers of the highest quality, while innumerable shoots of young
growth of that bronzy hue so beautiful to the eye of the cultivator,
surmounting broad dark green foliage innocent alike of mildew and
other dire pests so troublesome to ordinary growers, form a feature not
easily forgotten. That they have a course of treatment usually adopted
for general cultivation is evident, air-giving being an important item ;
and although in many hands such free circulation would prove disastrous,
here under the guidance of Mr. Taylor the results show it to be decidedly
beneficial. The chief varieties grown are well-tried favourites, such as
Catherine Mermet, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir d’un Ami, and Mardchal
Niel. In the next compartment of this range of houses are the Vines
whence came the magnificent Grapes exhibited at the Metropolitan and
Bath Shows. As to the appearance of the Vines at the time of my visit,
it will suffice to say that they were looking all that could be desired,
and give such promise as to not leave the least doubt but that they are
destined to become as noted, and I will venture to predict more so, than
the Vines so long associated with Mr. Taylor’s name. Tomatoes in the
next division were looking remarkably well ; a superior type of the old
Orangefield still finds favour here, and that doubtless with good reason — -
short, sturdy, and wonderfully prolific, though the fruit is a trifle too much
corrugated to please some ; still if quantity and fair quality are re¬
quired, this is the variety to cultivate. In the same house were a number
of Mr. Taylor’s old favourites in the shape of some large bushes of
semi-double Zonals, showing their ability to make a rich display, and
also produce, an almost unlimited supply of useful cut flowers. Guillion
Mangilli, Candidissimum plenum (Layton var.), Mad. Thibaut, and C. V.
Raspail were among the best. Strawberries planted out in pits are
giving promise of excellent crop ; although a new system to some it
seems likely to find many imitators, like several other new departures
introduced by Mr. Taylor, as it is evident that for producing a large
first-class crop of fruit with a minimum of labour there is no system to
equal it. — M. C.

THE CINERARIA AS AN EXHIBITION AND

DECORATIVE PLANT.

The Cineraria should be classed amongst the most useful of our
winter and spring flowering softwooded plauts. With a succession of
plants we can have them in bloom from November until May. For cutting
purposes they are most useful, the flowers lasting for weeks when cut,

and for decoration the plants are most valuable in the winter months. I
have heard it said they are not worth growing, they are always covered
with green fly, Ac. Mv answer is, The cultivator is to blame if such is-
the case. One cause of failure is not keeping them growing in the
early stages. They should never be root-bound. Keep the green fly
away by fumigation, as prevention is better than cure. To grow them
for exhibition they require very careful culture from the time the seed1
is sown. The best plants I have ever seen were exhibited at the Liver¬
pool Spring Show of 1885 by Mr. Stephenson, gardener, Park House,
Waterloo, Liverpool. They were grown in 10-inch pots. The tallest of
the plants, pots included, did not exceed 20 inches, some measuring
3 feet in diameter, with flowers in abundance, of good form and colour,.
There are three chief points the cultivator should aim at. The first is
strong healthy foliage ; secondly, dwarf well-shaped plants ; and thirdly,
good flowers and plenty of them. To get good flowers is a point worth
studying.

To have the plants ready for exhibition in March I sow the seeds
early in May — that is, for flowering the plants in 10-inch pots. Of course,
at some shows exhibitors are limited to 8-inch pots ; if such is the case
they would be early enough if the seed is sown six or eight weeks later.
The seeds can be sown in pots, boxes, or pans, but I prefer the latter.
Half fill them with drainage, and fill up with finely sifted leaf mould
and sand, press down lightly, and sow the seeds thinly on a level surface,
cover very lightly with sand, give a light sprinkle of water with a fine-
rose, and place in a temperature of 55° to 60°, place a piece of glass over
the pans, and shade from sun. Be careful in watering when the seedlings
come up, as they are liable to damp off, especially when sown too thickly.
When the seedlings have two or three leaves prick them 4 inches apart
into boxes. Be careful in moving the plants at this stage. Get all
the soil possible with the roots ; if not attended to in this respect it
might be the cause of them remaining dormant for a long time. The
compost at this period of their growth should not be too strong, but
gradually strengthen it every time of potting. What I think suits them
best at this time is a compost of three parts leaf mould, one of loam,
with a little soot and sand added, plenty of the last named, I think,
is most beneficial ; do not press the'soil too firmly in the boxes, place them
in frame, and keep close for a few days. Syringe lightly over on fine-
mornings and early in the afternoon, which will be sufficient water
until their next move. Ventilate night and day in favourable weather,
and fumigate them moderately every two or three weeks. The leaves
should be dry when that operation is performed.

In a few weeks shift them into 4-inch pots, using the same compost as
before with a little manure added. Keep the neck of the plant up above
the soil ; potting too deeply with careless watering is, in my opinion,,
the cause of so many damping at the collar later on. Examine the
plants at intervals to see if they require potting. The chief point in their
culture is to keep them growing. If they get root-bound before the
final potting it gives them a check from which they never properly
recover again. The next shift would be into (5 or 7-inch pots, the same-
compost as before, place back in frame, and shade on all bright days.
Take great care in watering the plants from this time onwards, for if the
soil gets sour it stops their progress at once. Sprinkle the plants
daily with clear rain water, and fumigate occasionally. Give the plants
all the light possible on dull days, and keep them close to the glass.
The last potting into 10-inch pots would be about the beginning of
October, using the same compost as before with a little of Clay's
fertiliser added. Place 2 inches of good drainage in the pots, and have
the soil moderately dry. Do not pot too firmly, and keep them near
to the glass, giving all the light and air possible in good weather. Take
them out of the cold frame as the weather becomes colder into a pit or
greenhouse. I should never let the temperature fall below 45°, nor rise,
above 50°. Syringe only on fine mornings. As the pots become full of
roots occasional doses of liquid manure will benefit them. I use cow
manure, soot, and sheep manure, put it in a bag, and let it stand in a
tub of water for a few days, when it will be ready for use. Every
alternate watering will be quite often enough for the application. Discon¬
tinue shading from November until they flower, and shade from sun to
keep the flowers fresh. Thin some of the weakest buds where there
are too many, and prepare stakes painted green, and stake when re¬
quired. Take great care in packing the plants when going to a show,,
and take a couple of extra plants in case any are damaged in transit.—
W. Roberts, Hwyngwern Hall, Machynlleth.

ANTHURIUM VEITCHI.

Ten years ago this magnificent and distinct Aroid was introduced1
to this country from Columbia, and though from a natural slow increase
jt is not yet frequent in gardens, there are some grand specimens in cul¬
tivation now. One of the finest of these is the superb example in Baron
Schroder’s collection at The Dell, Egham, which is depicted in the illus¬
tration (fig. 62) prepared from a drawing of this celebrated plant. It
has three dozen beautiful leaves, not 2 feet and 3 feet long as they are
generally described in books or catalogues, but 4 and 5 feet in length
and showing the peculiar rich metallic green colouring and regularly
waved surface to perfection. Many of the ornamental-leaved Anthi »
riums, like A. Warocqueanum, A. crystallinum, A. regale, and A. mag-
nificum, must be included amongst the most handsome of fine-foliage

May 5, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

357

plants, but A. Veitchi will always take a bigli place amongst the best,
and some would prefer it to any of the others.

They all need a stove temperature, a moist atmosphere, and moderate
shade, as the leaves are liable to be scorched if unduly exposed to
bright sun. Good lumpy turfy peat, with a little sand and pieces of
charcoal, makes a suitable compost, draining the pans or shallow tubs
plentifully, and supply water liberally.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from, page 312.)

CiSSUS discolor is another beautiful object in these forests during
the season of moisture, making its appearance as suddenly as the last

ing excursion with a friend, and happening to be in a part where this
Saccolabium grew rather abundantly, and was then in flower, we sent a
cooly to collect a few plants to take home with us ; but picture our dis¬
may when lie returned to camp after a pretty long absence with a huge
round basketful of plants all in full flower on his head, a broad grin on
his face, and looking mightily pleased at his success as a plant collector.
The sight was a sad one notwithstanding the rare beauty of the flowers
and their exquisite scent. The massive wreaths of bloom were huddled
together with leaves and long roots torn from the trees, and overhuDg
the rim of the basket in profusion. What could be done with this load
of wealth .’ Only this, a few plants were selected to be taken home and
the rest left in the jungle to perish.

But, perhaps, the most wonderful instance this district of Wynaad
affords of the climatic privation, if I may be allowed the term, to which
a plant may be subjected without the intervention of death, is yielded

Fig. 02. — Anthuriuji Veitchi (Baron Schroder’s specimen).

named plant, and quickly festooning Bamboo clumps and forest trees
with its creeping stems and velvety leaves, both of which totally dis¬
appear with the ail vance of the dry weather. Dcndrobiums may be
found growing on the branches of deciduous trees on lofty hillsides fully
exposal, and looking as lifeless as a Heath that has passal a winter in a
London drawing room, but only waiting for the transforming influence
of the south-west monsoon rains for a renewal of its vigour and beauty,
making the traveller feel that it is indeal a privilege to sec these plants
growing in a state of nature. Saccolabium guttatum I have found fre¬
quently under circumstances differing but very little from the fore¬
going, with the exception that it is generally at a somewhat lower eleva¬
tion. It is mostly seen on the branches of dwarf deciduous trees in low
jungle, its sweet-scented and beautiful flowers betraying its hiding
places. I can remember being once greatly grieval at the destruction
of a large number of plants of this beautiful Orchid. I was on a shoot-

by the Impatiens Jerdonae, a plant found abundantly on the plateau
of the Bramagberry Hills, a range dividing the Collectorate of Malabar
from the Province of Coorg, and rising to an elevation of a little over
5000 feet alxive sea level. It is also found in considerable quanti¬
ties on the Neilgherry range, whence, 1 believe, it was first intro¬
duced into England by the late Mr. G. Mclvor. The Bramagherrv
range is well within the influence of the south-west monsoon, and
subject to a very heavy rainfall from the middle of June till the end of
September, probably not less than an annual average of 200 inches
falling between the above dates. The plant grows on the branches of
trees, which on this plateau are rather stunted, and from the nature of
the climate are clothed with Mosses and Lichens. It flowers during
the month of October, and lasts a considerable time in beauty, literally
clothing the branches with a mantle of its lovely scarlet and yellow
blooms, making the woods or sholahs look gay beyond description.

358

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 5, 1887.

Between the above dates little or no rain falls, the grass on the
land that separates the detached woods or sholahs becomes dry and
withered, and is at last destroyed by the annual fires that lick the
plateau and mountain sides. Strong and cold east winds blow from the
Mysore for months with a burning sun overhead. At the close of this
period of trial the Impatiens plants, reduced to one-fifth their flowering
size, hang from the branches looking as dead as anything in Nature can
possibly look, and no one who has seen the plant in this phase oi its
existence can do otherwise than marvel at the annual transformation it
must undergo before it can be again seen robed in its former floral
splendour.

I remember having collected a large number of plants in their dried
condition in the year 1874 or 1875 for Colonel Beddome, who was then
Conservator of Forests in Madras, for transmission to Kew, as, he
informed me, they had lost the plant there at that time. I never heard
if the plants reached Kew in safety, nor have I seen it since my return
from India, and, of course, am not acquainted with the modes of culti¬
vation adopted in England, but the above are the conditions under which
it is found in its native habitat.

Another fact which, I venture to say, points in the direction of the
necessity foi allowing plants from arid regions under artificial cultiva¬
tion in England a long season of rest, is this, that in the part of India I
am writing of all the plants above named, with innumerable examples
•besides, never, by any chance, cross the border land between the arid
Bamboo tract into the cooler and more moist forest region in search of a
more congenial home. There is nothing to prevent this did Nature
dictate such a course, yet the rigid line, as seen in the vegetation,
between the typical Bamboo and forest tracts is sharply defined and
inflexibly upheld, and has been so, in all probability, "for many ages ;
and, what is still more wonderful, this line of division is not confined
to the vegetable kingdom, but is extended to the animal kingdom also,
the animals peculiar to one region, which are perfectly distinct, never
encroaching on the other. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

AN GIOPTERIS EYECTA.

At Blacklow House, Roby, Liverpool, this majestic Fern may be seen
at its best. It was planted in 1863 by Mr. Banner, the present proprietor,
in an artificial rockery, at the base of which is a pond into which the
roots have long since found their way to the immense benefit of the plant.
Mr. Pinnington, the gardener, has annually to cut away many fronds,
or the plant would very soon smother its neighbours, it having overgrown
its allotted space, though now it has fourteen to twenty large fronds
from 12 to 14 feet long, besides many young ones. Grown in large pots
or tubs this makes a splendid exhibition Fern, the secret in its successful
culture being plenty of root room and plenty of water. Under those
conditions, as at Blacklow, it is not troubled by scale, &c., as generally
found in out-of-the way corners in old-established gardens. I mention
old-established gardens because it is rarely seen in modern ones. —
Bradwen.

CUCUMBER CULTIVATION.

(Continued from page 327.)

Earthing the Plants. — Soil must be added to the sides of the
hillocks or ridges as the roots extend, and may be continued from
time to time until the allotted space is filled. It should be placed
in the house to warm before being added to the sides of the hil¬
locks or ridges, and should be made moderately firm. The soil
must be moist, so as not to necessitate water being given at once.
Warm and moist, the roots will take to it quickly. Onlyadd sufficient
at a time to cover the roots.

Training. — Train with a single stem to the trellis. Let the
lead advance about one-third across the trellis, then pinch out its
point. This will cause the laterals to extend more quickly, and
these should be disposed evenly over the trellis, so that when they
have grown 12 to 15 inches they will be that distance apart, and
their points may then be pinched. In this way proceed until the
trellis is covered. This will give shoots 12 to 15 inches distance
apart at their widest part all over the trellis. After the first
stopping fruit will no doubt show on the laterals. These may be
allowed to bear if fruit is wanted, but it is well to be as sparing of
taking fruit in the early stages as possible, so as to have the plants
strong before they are allowed to bear much. When a shoot is
stopped another should be taken from as near its base as practicable,
•so as to supplant it after fruiting, and train it in between the other
growths, so that the trellis will be covered with shoots at 12 to
15 inches distance, and from their base are other shoots trained in
to succeed them in bearing, those fruiting in the first instance being
cut out, except primaries, and even these should have a growth
taken near them, and so keep the trellis well covered with growths —
some fruiting, others growing to succeed them in fruit— so that the
trellis will be covered with growths in various stages of develop¬
ment about 6 to 74 inches apart. Growths that have fruited being
cut out more light will be admitted, and allow of others being
trained in their place. All shoots not wanted must be rubbed off
whilst small ; the less growth they are allowed to make the better,

only allowing shoots that will be required for covering the trellis,
and keep up a successional supply of fruit. Secure growths in all
cases loosely to the trellis, always allowing ample room in the ties
for swelling. Avoid making large reductions of foliage or growths
at one time ; do it a little at a time and often.

Stopping. — Attend to the stopping regularly two or three
times a week when the plants are in free growth, but when the
weather is cold, or during the dull dark days of November and
December and into the new year, the plants will not grow much,
and the stopping will'need to be less frequent ; indeed, the object
at these times is to secure growth, so as to keep up root action. As
a rule stopping should be practised one joint beyond the show of
fruit, and in the case of vigorous plants it may be practised at the
fruit, so as to keep the growths as short as possible. The stopping
should be done early, merely taking off the point of the shoot at a
joint. To allow growth to be made and then cut back is only
wasting the plant’s energies, and giving a check to the roots.

Remove tendrils and male flowers as they show, pinching
or cutting them off clean, as any jagged parts are likely to in¬
duce decay. In the dull dark days of November, December, and
January the fruit does not sometimes swell freely, the fruit in fact
refusing to swell. In that case the atmosphere must be kept drier
and the blossoms fertilised about midday, male blossoms being re¬
tained for that purpose, and when sufficient fruits are swelling
remove all male flowers.

Remove any leaf showing decay at once, as it spreads with amazing
rapidity. Such only keep light and air from leaves performing
those functions in a much higher degree, therefore keep as even
a spread of healthy green leaves as possible. In removing bad
leaves and exhausted growths leave as small an amount of stem
or footstalk as possible, breaking the leaves off clean, and cutting
the other away with a sharp knife close to the main shoot. If there
is any exudation from the wounds dry them with quicklime.

Cropping. — Crop lightly when the plants are young, especially
those for autumn and winter fruiting. The autumn fruiters need
not be allowed to fruit until the end of September, so that they
will afford a full supply in October, November, and December, the
supply then — i.e., Christmas onM'ards — being taken up by the Sep¬
tember-sown plants, no fruit being sought until late November or
early December, which will allow the plants to become vigorous and
to have made a good growth. If fruit must be taken only allow a
very moderate crop, and at no time crop heavily if the plants are to
give a successional supply. If the plants are from an August sow¬
ing the ambition of having fruit in the autumn months is great,
and very often the Cucumbers are much weakened, not giving
anything like so good a supply as wished in the winter. Take
very few fruits from those plants in November, but secure as
much strength as possible, reserving their forces for fruit showing
early in December to give a full supply from Christmas to April.
Happily the demand for fruit in late autumn and early winter is
not great, so that there is no need to crop the plants injuriously,
but it is a better plan not to crop at all, having plants in pots for
a supply of early fruit. The January sown plants having finer
weather before them may be cropped earlier ; still early fruiting has
a very enfeebling tendency.

As soon as the fruit becomes large enough cut it. Allowing
fruit to remain is taking support that would have sufficed to swell
other fruit of a size fit for table, but when cut if the stem ends are
placed in saucers or soup plates with about an inch depth of water
they will keep sound in a cool place for ten days to a fortnight.

Feeding. — When the plants are well established liquid manure
may be given if they lack vigour, but as a rule it will not be re¬
quired until they commence fruiting, when it may be given
every alternate time water is required ; and if the plants have only
a small rooting area, and are carrying a full crop, every time. The
best liquid is the drainings of dung yards, cow byres, &c. It should
be given at a temperature of 80° to 90°, and be diluted with water
according to its strength. If thick with six times the quantity of
water, but for ordinary purposes about half the quantity of water
will be sufficient dilution. The variableness of the strength of
liquid from tanks is a difficult matter to deal with ; therefore it is
safest to use that of known strength. A peck of cowdung or
sheep droppings to thirty gallons of water is safe. Soot is also
good, a peck to sixty gallons of water. They may be used
alternately. Whenever liquid is given apply it sufficiently to pass
to the drainage. When in full bearing and the roots in full posses¬
sion of the bed liquid manure will be required twice a week. It is
a good plan to water with rather strong liquid manure, and follow
at once with a soaking of tepid water. A sprinkling of any of the
advertised fertilisers on the surface and washed in are excellent.

The bed being fully earthed and roots appearing on the surface
apply a light dressing of fresh compost, adding to it an equal part
of horse droppings that have been placed in a shed and turned over

May 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

359

a few times to sweeten. A surfacing of this kind an inch thick
every fortnight after the plants come into bearing will help them
immensely, maintaining a good root action, and so enabling them to
take most any amount of support. Plants that have been in bear¬
ing some time will be much benefited by having some of the sur¬
face soil, and at the sides of the bed removed without much injury
to the roots, and frest compost supplied had in the house a few days
to warm. If bright weather prevail shading will be necessary until
the roots take to the fresh soil.

Shading. — This will not be required before April, and the best
means of affording it is by roller blinds. Scrim canvas is the best
material, as it modifies without breaking the light to anything like
the same extent as a closely woven material. Shading will only be
required for a few hours before and after noon, and no more should
be used than is necessary to insure the safety of the foliage. Per¬
manent shading is bad, and ought not to be resorted to, though
there is an excuse for it on the non-ventilating system in the
height of summer or such weather as sometimes prevails in July,
but that will be alluded to on a future occasion. Judicious
shading is a great aid to cultivation, but it should not be resorted
to without necessity. It is particularly valuable in bright weather
succeeding a dull period, so as to keep the foliage from flagging —
the exhaustion of the plants from excessive evaporation.

Plants in Hot-water-heated Pits. — Sometimes Cucumbers
are grown in pits — the plants having the Vines trained over the sur¬
face of the bed — for winter use. It is not a desirable mode of
cultivation at that time of year, but it is very common to train the
plants that way for spring fruiting. The plants are pinched at the
second rough leaf, and the growths arising are pinched at about the
third leaf, and are afterwards trained over the surface of the bed,
and pinched when about a foot from the sides of the pit. Such pits
are very useful for early spring work, but the treatment being the
same as those grown in pits and frames heated by fermenting
materials more extended cultural directions are deferred. — G.
Abbey.

(To be continued.)

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 334.)

ROSES IN POTS.

There is no doubt that these are better on their own roots ;
and if one be gifted with the patience of Job, it is probable that
his patience will in due time be rewarded ; but in these high-pressure
days, when everybody lives, metaphorically speaking, at the rate of
forty miles an hour, we cannot afford to wait ; our wants must be
supplied, and the only course to adopt is to procure budded or
grafted plants. Of these two kinds I most certainly recommend
the first-named. My reasons, which I think are strong enough to
convince the greatest sceptic, are to be found in the articfe on
Grafting. At any rate, the beginner who is in a hurry and wants
to start at once, had better have some budded or grafted plants
to begin with, for if he goes in for those on their own roots he will
find them so small that they will require to be grown on for twelve
months before they will be worth anything. Even then he can
only get the older varieties, for while it is an easy matter to procure
grafted plants of any new or recently introduced kind, it will be
quite impossible to get them on their own roots. The reason is not
far to seek. A cutting to make an own-root plant can hardly be
made with less than two buds on it, while these two buds used for
grafting would at once produce two plants, and the two plants
grown on and cut up for grafting again could be almost indefinitely-
reproduced, while the solitary cutting was making its slow progress
towards rooting and becoming a plant. The only way to get our
plants on their own roots, I mean those of recent introduction, is
to grow them ourselves, and have patience — in the meantime, as I
said before, growing such plants as we can procure.

Five-sixths of the Roses in pots sold throughout the country are
(p-afted plants ; in fact it is not easy to get budded plants estab¬
lished in pots ; the fatal facilities for grafting prevent this. Budding
can only' be done when the stocks are in a free-growing state, and
except they are forced under glass this will only be during summer.
If, then, a nurseryman bud Roses on stocks in pots, in June let us
say. the inserted buds remain dormant until the next spring, and it
will be summer again before the plants are nicely grown. Here are
twelve months occupied in the growing of the same plants, which
science misapplied can produce in six weeks ! Here is the room
they occupy taken up for twelve months ; and even beyond that,
twelve months’ attention is required. Even where the legitimate
methods of grafting are adopted, good plants are grown, sold, and
delivered, all within a period of three months.

I do not suppose that these remarks, to the disparagement of
grafted plants, will please all. I have paid for my experience,

which has been very considerable, and my advice to the beginner is
to have budded plants if possible. If he can afford to wait a little,,
the cheapest way to get together a stock of these is to buy in the
autumn a lot of nice plants from the open ground and pot them
up, plunging them outside ; if they are Tea Roses they would be
better in cold frames. For the first year let them be treated as
outdoor plants ; during the season they will give some blooms, and
if properly pruned and attended to they will be nice plants in
twelve months. Even in the first spring after potting as advised,
these plants — if placed in a cool house so that their young growths
will be protected from frost — may be pruned early, and grown in
this way they will grow and bloom well, but it would not be
advisable or safe to subject plants like these to any heat whatever —
that is, excepting sun heat ; it being a fact which cannot be too
well known, that Roses, to be grown successfully in heat, must
have their pots full of roots, or, in other words, the plants must be-
thoroughly established. There is just one other thing to be con¬
sidered in potting plants which Lave been grown in the open
ground, and that is this, that the growth of such plants is much,
more vigorous and the shoots much thicker than those of the same
varieties grown in pots from the first. The thickness- of these
shoots may not be a drawback in all cases, but where we propose to
bend or tie down the branches of pot plants for the purpose of
training them, or getting the buds to break evenly, we shall find
the finer growths and thinner shoots which original pot plants-
produce much easier to manage.

Now I will suppose that the beginner has not much time to-
spare in the training and growing of his pot Roses, and that he will
be glad to hear of a rough and ready way of growing them. He
starts, we will suppose, with a plant from the open ground, and he
pots it. But here we must pause to say a few words on potting.
Open-ground Roses for this purpose should be procured with as
many wiry or fibrous roots as possible, and such roots should not be
cut off. A pot should be selected that will hold them all, and in-
potting them the best way to get them in is to turn the plant round
and round in the pot, so that when the operation is finished the roots
will be coiled round the sides. Plants -worked on the seedling Briar
will be found, I think, to have the greatest quantity of suitable
roots for pot work. If the plants have only thick bare roots with
very little fibre about them, they must be cut right back, and in
course of time they will emit fibrous roots from the cut parts ; but
where the roots have to be mutilated in this way, the plants cannot
be expected to do so well the first season as those which are provided
with fibrous roots. 'Where we propose to pot up plants which are
growing in our own garden, this should be done while the leaves are
still green, after which, if possible, they should be placed in a cold
house where the sun does not penetrate, and which house should be
kept closed, and the plants syringed two or three times a day.
Under such treatment, providing the operation be done quickly
and well, the plants will keep their leaves and suffer very little
check indeed. But if we have no conveniences of this kind, the
plants may be quickly potted, the pots plunged anywhere out of
the sun, and they will take no harm. Even if we propose to buy-
in plants for potting, I think it would be advisable to get them
about the middle of October. Plants taken up so early as this in
the season, as a rule come to hand very much shrivelled and with
withered leaves. Under these circumstances the best plan to adopt
is to dig a trench and bury the whole lot, root and branch, for
about a week, taking care they get well watered. At the end of
this time they may be disinterred, when they will be found very-
much the better for their temporary burial, and they should then,
be potted.

Hybrid Perpetuals require a good stiff soil to grow in, either in
or out of pots. For pot work the foundation of the soil should
consist of old sods or turves cut from a clay pasture, with old horse
or cow manure added, but here is the prescription

One barrowful old sods and good loam,

Half barrowful old cow manure,

One-eighth barrowful leaf mould,

One-eighth barrowful sand or charcoal (the latter preferred).

The pots must be well drained, and the larger sizes should have
a correspondingly greater quantity of crocks in the bottom. A
handful of bones broken small will add considerably to the vigour
of the plant in due time. Above these should come some of the
larger pieces of turf to prevent the finer soil from washing down
and choking the drainage. On the top of the coarser lumps place
some of the finer soil — none of this should be put through a sieve,
but simply chopped and broken up roughly. Then place the plant
in position, keeping the roots as near the surface as possible. Roots
can always be got to grow downwards, not often upwards. In pot
work it is not absolutely necessary that the junction of scion and
stock should be below the surface. It is advisable, however, as it
gives the plant a chance of getting to some extent on its own roots.

360

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 5, 1887.

fout the position of the roots is the main point here. To make the
plant firm in the pot, a potting stick is necessary. This simply
^consists of a stick about 15 inches Ion?, and an inch or so in thick¬
ness. With this the operator must ram the soil into the pot all
round, until it is as firm as a rock. If we intend to be successful
this must be strictly attended to. No beginner ever does pot his
plants firmly enough. Anyone who visits a nursery should ask to
be shown through the potting shed, and if there is any work going
on there he will be surprised to see how firmly the plants are potted
— at least, I was. The potting of all kinds of Roses will require to
Jbe carried out in the manner just described.

Now we return again to a plant freshly potted from the open
ground. Fig. 63 at g shows such a one. All this requires the first
season is to be cut back to the mark x. If a cold frame be avail¬
able it can be placed therein when potted, and may be pruned as
.soon as the buds begin to swell. No liquid manure of any kind
.should be administered during the first season. After blooming, as
soon as the weather is mild enough, the plant may be plunged
outside in any convenient place where it will get air and sun. Most
Hybrid Perpetuals treated in this way will give another crop of
flowers in the autumn, but if we wish to make the most of our

jp’ant, these should be pinched off directly they appear, while they
are small buds, as it is not good policy to exhaust the plant by over¬
blooming before it is established in the pot. If we wish the plant
-to grow larger, we should examine the roots occasionally, by turning
it upside down, loosening the pot by tapping the rim on the edge of
the bench, and while one hand holds the plant, the pot may be care¬
fully lifted off with the other. As soon as we find that the roots
have filled the pot, we must give the plant a shift into a larger pot.
If a small grower, a pot one size larger will be sufficient, but if the
plant is a vigorous grower, and likely to make a quantity of wood
and roots quickly, then it may have a pot two sizes larger. The
pot must be drained as before advised, and when the old drainage
has been removed from the roots the plant should be placed in the
new pot, sufficient soil having been added beforehand to allow the
plant to occupy a similar position to what it did in the old pot. In
small shifts the potting stick before mentioned will have to be much
thinner, and in ramming down the soil all round, great care must be
.taken not to break the roots, which are always most numerous round
the sides of the pot. The new soil must be made as firm as the old ;
otherwise, when the plant is watered, the water will make its way
down the inside of the pot, while the interior soil in the centre of
the ball may remain quite dry. If we do not wish our plants to
grow larger each year, as soon as we get them into fair-sized pots
we must be careful not to repot them oftener than is necessary, and
when we do it, to avoid large shifs. Even when we follow these
rules, our plants will in time get too large for us — except we have
spacious conservatories for their accommodation — and then the only
plan is to shake out the roots and replace them into smaller pots, as
at first.

Fig. G4 at h shows the plant the second season after potting, and
I have marked the shoots for pruning. If three buds be left on
•each shoot here, and they w ere all to grow, a very bushy plant would
be the result. But as a rule two shoots will generally take the lead,
and in many cases only one, and then it is advisable to remove the
weaker shoot or shoots as soon as we see that they are not going to
develope. The shoots can best be got to grow by tying them down,
but in the case of a plant like the one in fig. 64 it would not be
necessary, I should say possible, to do this. In after years, when
.the growths will be thinner, it might be advisable, and so I may say

here that it is best done by fastening a piece of strong wire round
the rim of the pot, and attaching thereto pieces of raffia, the other
ends of which are fastened to the shoots. Great care must be
exercised in bending the branches down, otherwise the shoots will
break. When the beginner has broken off a few — which will
happen very soon after he commences the work, in most cases he
will know how to do it perfectly. Where it is proposed to bend the
branches down they would require to be left longer in pruning.
When the buds are fairly started the shoots may be released, and as
each little branch developes, it will require to be tied up to a small
stick prepared for the purpose. These sticks should be of such a
length that when the plant is in bloom the flowers will stand up
weil above them, and if they are placed permanently in their places
while the branches are still small, the leaves will grow round them
in such a way as to almost conceal them altogether. Plants can
never be made to look so well, if the sticks are only placed in
position at the last moment.

Disbudding is a great assistance in growing Roses in pots- All
the weak buds, and those pointing inwards, except it is possible to
rrain these latter to the outside at some future time, should be
temoved. If three buds on each shoot could be got to grow and
develope on the plant in fig. 64 at h — and I do not think this would
be anything uncommon if the plant were an old-established one—
there would be eighteen shoots, and there are varieties which in this
case would give us a bloom on the tip of each shoot. This, in my
opinion, would be too many to allow on the plant, so I s^ou“*
remove about half a dozen as soon as they became visible, and the
remaining blooms would be all the finer in consequence. I do not
wish my readers to think that all the Roses recommended for pot
culture will give the number of blooms, nor even the number of
shoots, I have mentioned here, but there are some that do, and
whether we get three, or three dozen, the treatment, speakmg
generally, should be the same. In all cases the state of the plant,
and the treatment, will have something to do with the number of
shoots — the stronger the plant, the greater the number. Directly
after the plants have bloomed they should be repotted, provided
they are pot-bound— that is to say, if the pots are quite full of
roots. After this operation is completed they should be kept close
in a house and syringed, with the object of keeping their leaves on,
which will enable them to make new roots at once.

Anyone who grows Roses well in the open ground should be
able to do them equally well in pots w'ith a little care and attention.
In working with pot plants, we must remember that the whole of
the roots are contained in the pots ; they are entirely under our
control, and are bound to get all we give them. A dose of strong
stimulants or liquid manure of such a strength as would do no
injury to a plant in the open ground might be enough to kill a plant
in a pot immediately. The same remark applies to watering. In
the open ground any excess of water gets away by means of the
drainage, but a pot plant is in a very different position, and may,
by a little carelessness or ignorance, be very easily kept in a
constant state of puddle, which, it is needless to say, is very
detrimental.

So far, I have spoken only of the Hybrid Perpetuals. I shall
refer to the Tea Roses, which answer capitally when grown as pot
plants, in another place. As the Hybrid Perpetuals can be grown
with so much less trouble and attention, planted out in the open
ground, than if they are treated as pot plants, it is to be presumed
that those who grow them in this latter way, intend to keep them,
or at any rate to bloom them, under glass. I am of opinion that
where one has facilities for growingRoses in the open, and also in a
greenhouse, the plan which would give the best results would be to
devote the house entirely to Tea Roses — in pots, or planted in
borders — and to depend on the garden alone for a supply of blooms
from the H.P.’s. But many people may not be of , this opinion ;
they may prefer the more decided colours of the H.P.’s as compared
with the more delicate and paler hues of the Tea Roses. These
will find some further remarks on this part of the subject under
the head of “ Forcing.”

List of Hybrid Perpetuals Suitable for Tot Culture.

Alfred Co'omb.
Baroness Rothschild.
Beauty of Waltham.
Boule <le Neige.

Capt. CIrisly.
Catherine Soupert.
Chas Lefevre.

Dr. Andry.

Dupuy Jamain.

E i. Merren.

Heinrich Schu’.thtis.
John Hopper.

La France.

Madm. Or. Luizet.
Madtn. Lacharme.
Madm V. Yerdier.
Marie Baumann.

Marie Rady.

Marquise de Castellane
Merveille de Lyon.
Senateur Vaisse.
Violette Bowyer.

Souvenir de la Malmaison (B).

— D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued )

Ms/ 5, 1847. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

3G1

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.

At the last monthly meeting of this Society, Mr. \V. Ellis, F.R.A.Sa
President, in the chair, Mr. Robert Barnes M.D., F.R.C.P., and Mr.
L. L. Latro be- Bateman were ballotted for, and duly elected Fellows of
t he Society.

The following papers were read : —

(I.) “ The Storm and Low Barometer of December 8th and 9th,
138(1, " by Mr. C. Harding, F.R.Mct.Soc. This gale will lonj be remem¬
bered as the one in which twenty-seven lives were lost in the lifeboat
disaster off Formby through the capsizing of the Southport and St.
Anne’s lifeboats. The violence of the storm was felt over the whole of
the British Islands, as well as over a great part of the Continent of
Europe, the force of a gale blowing simultaneously from Norway to
Spain. The strongest force of the gale in the United Kingdom was
experienced in the west and south-west, and the highest wind force
recorded by any anemometer over the country was a velocity of eighty
miles in the hour, registered at Fleetwood, whilst at Valencia, Scilly,
and Holyhead the velocity reached seventy miles in the hour. The
most exceptional feature of the storm was the extraordinarily low read¬
ing of the barometer and the long time that the mercury remained at
a low level. The absolutely lowest authentic reading was 2 7 '38 inches
at Relfast, and the barometer fell below 28 inches over a great part of
England, Scotland, and Ireland. At Aberdeen the mercury was below
23 inches for eighteen consecutive hours, and below 29 inches for more
than sixty hours, whilst in the north of England ,hc barometer readings
were equally exceptional.

(2.) “ Report of the Wind Force Committee,” drawn up by Mr. G.
Chatterton, M.A., F.R.Met.Soc. In this report, which is a preliminary
one, the Committee have dealt mainly with that portion of the investi¬
gation relating to Beaufort’s Scale of Wind Force and the equivalent
velocity in miles per hour. The Committee have compared the veloci¬
ties as recorded by the anemographs at Holyhead, Falmouth, and Yar¬
mouth, with the entries of Beaufort’s Scale in the logs of the neighbour¬
ing lightships and lighthouses for the year 1881, and they give the
Tesults in a table. After a careful consideration of the whole of the
Tesults of this investigation, the Committee are of opinion that the
velocities shown by the Yarmouth anemograph, corresponding to Beau¬
fort’s Scale as recorded on board the lightships, are too high, and that
the velocities shown by the Falmouth anemograph are probably too
low. The Committee, however, have not yet had before them sufficient
data to determine with any degree of certainty the relation between
Beau fort’s Scale of Wind Force and the equivalent velocity in miles per
hour ; neither are they able to recommend any existing scale that can
be adopted or modified.

3, “ A New Form of Velocity Anemometer,” by Mr. W. H. Dines,
B.A. F.R.Met.Soc. In this instrument an attempt has been made to
measure the velocity of the wind by the rotation of a small pair of
windmill sails, the pitch of the sails being altered automatically, so that
the rate may always bear the same ratio to that of the wind. The
mechanical details are briefly as follows — A helicoid is fixed at the
front, and a small pair of sails of variable pitch at the back of a steel
rod, and just behind the helicoid a light fan, which can turn on the
same axis, but is independent of the helicoid and sails. If the rotation
l»e too rapid the fan turns in the same direction as the helicoid, and by
its motion alters the pitch of the sails, so that their motion is retarded ;
if, on the other hand, the friction is increased, or from any other cause
the motion becomes too slow, the fan is turned in the other direction,
and the rate is increased. The motion is communicated to a vertical
rod which passes down the hollow pivot on which the instrument turns.
It is kept facing the wind by a vane. It is convenient to connect the
vertical shaft to the recording dial by a light flexible wire, all that
is necessary being to place the dial approximately beneath the ane¬
mometer. By this means the trouble of ascending a high tower or
ladder is avoided, except where oil is required.

4, “ Description of Two New Maximum Pressure Registering
Anemometers," by Mr. G. M. Whipple, R.Sc., F.R.Met.Soc. The
simplest instrument is a modification of the Lind’s, Hagemann’s, or
Pitot’s water pressure anemometers, provided with an apparatus for
registering the maximum height the water attained during the period
which elapsed since the last setting of the instrument. The second
form of registering maximum pressure anemometer is derived from the
ordinary pressure plate instrument. A circular metallic disc of
9 J inches diameter, exposing a surface of half a square foot is kept
at right angles to the wind by means of a suitable vane. This disc
is perforated by eight circular apertures, each of If inch in diameter.
Behind each aperture a disc 1 £ inch in diameter is loosely held
in jiitu by means of a bent lever loaded with a weight. These weights
are arranged so as to press u|x>n the different discs with pressures
proportionate to the values usually assigned to wind pressures measured
by the various degrees of the Beaufort scale.

FLOWER ROOTS FOR THE GARDEN.

“ At length we seem to be getting a fair start for summer,” says a
writer in the €aily Aetrx. “ Winds have become genial, sunbeams
warm, and the mellifluent notes of the peripatetic nurseryman come
swelling on the breeze with a pleasant suggestiveness of the time of
year, and to the suburban gardener with a little loose cash in his pocket
not altogether without a certain seductiveness. There is always a pos¬
sibility that the season may have something exceptionally good or
attractively novel to offer, and as the flower merchant comes up with a

fine Fuchsia or a handsome Pelargonium under each arm, and backs his
donkey-barrow to the garden gate with a broad expanse of crimson
Daisies, blue and yellow Pansies, and variegated Primulas and Polyan¬
thuses, the amateur gardener, satisfied though he may be that his
borders are quite full and he has no need of anything, will, ten to one,
allow himself to be wheedied out. He will go out of mere curiosity to
see if there is anything new, and eventually will be very likely to part
with his cash for something at least as old as himself. Some flower it
will probably te, association with which he has brought along from his
boyhood. People who take little or no personal interest in their flowers
may change the fashion of their blossoms as often as they change the
cut of their garments ; but it is very curious to observe how conserva¬
tive and unchanging arc the tastes of the cottage gardener — of those
who tend their own gardens and grow their own flowers, and into
whose lives they enter as part and parcel of their happiest and pleasantest
experience.

“ This will become apparent to anybody who will look over the dis¬
plays of the street barrows or the root stalls in Covent Garden, or will
inquire into the staple growths of the ‘ root trade ’ as it is carried on
around London. There arc scores, perhaps hundreds, of acres within a
short radius of London devoted exclusively to flowers, almost every one
of which is what we understand by an ‘ old-fashioned ’ flower, and
which we can all remember as popular favourites from out earliest
days, and for which the demand is every year on the increase, notwith¬
standing the immense developments of flower culture in entirely new
directions of late years. One root-grower's ground comprises over
20 acres, and it is almost entirely given up to the cultivation of old
cottage garden favourites.

“The ground we have alluded to is an open expanse of a tolerably
free loam, without trees or buildings to intercept sunshine from morn¬
ing till night, or to screen it from winds from whatever quarter they
may blow. It slopes gently down to the south, and is bounded at
the bottom by the Edmonton brook, from which a good supply of
water is always to be had. The land is ploughed and harrowed, and
the cultivation looks to be like that of an ordinary farm, only instead
of long stretches of Clover or Sainfoin or Turnips, here are almost
interminable broad lines of Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Pinks and
Canterbury Bells, Pansies and Hollyhocks, and other equally familiar
old friends, all of which, or nearly so, are grown for the London market.
Amongst the largest crops on the ground is one of a plant which
Londoners are wont to dignify as a garden flower, but which in many
parts of the country is a weed out and out. This is the humble little
* Creeping Jenny,’ though, by the way, nobody in the trade ever calls it
‘ Creeping Jenny.’ It is always ‘Jenny ’ without the ‘ Creeping,’ just as
‘ Sweet Williams ’ are always ‘ Williams,’ and ‘Wallflowers’ are always
‘ Walls,’ and so on with a rigid economy of words really most exemplary
and delightful in the days of agitation verbosity. ‘Jenny ’ is the little
trailing plant with yellow blossoms which grows luxuriantly in the
sedgy grass on the banks of the Thames and Chcrwell, and no doubt
most other streams. About two acres of land is devoted to this plant
alone, and one morning recently there were sent into market from this
one ground a thousand dozens, and they were all sold before they got
there. This plant is used largely for window boxes and vases, and is
extremely pretty so long as it finds plenty of moisture, but probably out
of the thousand dozens just referred to at least nine hundred dozens of
the plant were doomed to a lingering death from drought. Of Pinks and
Carnations there are several varieties grown here, and two or three acres
of ground are devoted to these popular favourites alone. Canterbury
Bells have a quarter of an acre devoted to them, and Sweet Williams
half an acre. Thrift, Lupins, scarlet Lychnis, Daisies, and double Fever¬
few, Polyanthuses, Artirrhinums, Pansies, and Wallflowers, Stocks, and
Dahlias, summer-flowering Chrysanthemums and Mignonette, Lavender,
and .Southernwood divide between them pretty nearly the whole of the
rest of the open ground. There is about an acre of glass, and under this
there are enormous expanses of ‘ bedding-out stuff ’ — Lobelias, Calceo¬
larias, white and scarlet Geraniums, and so forth. From twenty to
thirty hands are employed, and one man is engaged all the year round
in converting Orange boxes, egg-chests, and other receptacles of the kind
into suitable forms for the conveyance of the produce to market, or in
making the little boxes in which Lobelias, Feverfew, Calceolarias, and
so forth are very commonly grown. Before the season commences these
are built up in piles like huge haystacks, and afford rather an impressive
idea of the magnitude of this, about the roughest and the humblest
branch of fioricultural business.

“ From such grounds as these and from innumerable small growers in
all the outskirts of London enormous quantities of roots are every night
at this time of year packed in vans and carts and come rumbling into
Covent Garden, to be seized upon by the street hawkers, many of whom
know at least as much of the trade in old clothes and worn-out boots
and shoes as they do of the business in flowers. Some of these wandering
merchants are to be dealt with very charily. Generally their flowers arc
marvels of cheapness, and not infrequently are really first-rate. Large
growers find it to their interest to propagate the very best of varieties,
and they grow them in the manner best calculated to produce sturdy,
vigorous plants. One may buy from a barrow for three-halfpence or
twopence many a flower root such as five and twenty years ago could
hardly be had at any price ; and the magnificent blooms of Pansies and
Daisies, among other things which often at this time of year are brought
round to our doors, are marvels of cultural development. This year,
however, the show is exceptionally poor as far as blossoms are con¬
cerned. The season is a good month late, and trade during April has

362

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

been very bad. ‘While this icy wind is blowing-,’ said one salesman,
‘ you can’t get ’em to stand at their doors to look, and however loud you
may ’oiler they won’t come down to their front-garden gates. Never
had a much wuss April since I been in the trade.’ That, however, was a
week or two back. Since then we have had some warm and genial days,
and the transference from the great market grounds to suburban
gardens has been enormous.”

15 WORK forthe W E EKjs

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Beetroot. — An all-the-year-round supply of Beetroot is very de¬
sirable in all gardens. It can be used as a salad in winter and spring
when all others ai-e exhausted. Roots can be drawn up and used as
soon as large enough to be sliced up, and may be taken from the grow¬
ing quarter until November, when, if lifted and stored, they will remain
sound and good until the new Beet is ready the following season. The
Turnip-rooted variety is the earliest by several weeks, ancl it is also the
best for shallow soils. A few rows should be grown, but the main crop
must consist of Dell’s Crimson or Pragnell’s Exhibition, two excellent
varieties. Sow very thinly in rows 2 inches deep and 15 inches apart ;
they do not succeed in very stiff soil, and need an open quarter. Thin
as soon as they can be handled, and grow them at a distance of
10 inches or 1 foot apart. It is not advisable to sow the main crop
before May, as they are apt to become too large and coarse if sown
very early.

Earthing Potatoes. — Early Potatoes are now advancing rapidly
and earthing should have timely attention. This applies to all Potato
crops. There are some who do not approve of earthing, but it is an
excellent practice, as when the crop is heavy, and there are many tubers
formed near the surface, many will push through and expose themselves
unless the soil is well drawn over them.

Runner Beans. — These are the best of all Kidney Beans from July
until November ; and although the Dwarf varieties come into fruit earlier
and may be grown as a first crop, they are not much valued when the
Runners are ready. These should be sown now, and again in six weeks
or two months hence. They are very tender while young, and there is no
use in sowing them before May. We have tried the plan of raising the
young plants in pots under glass and planting them out afterwards, but
they did not fruit many days previously to those sown in the open, and
we have ceased to practise sowing under glass. They like good rich
soil, and that where the seed is sown should be well manured. The
best way is to open a wide drill to the depth of 3 inches, sow thinly,
and cover with fine soil. As they grow tall they should stand quite
clear of all other plants by about i feet on each side. Some are deterred
from growing Beans of the Runner type because they cannot find stakes
to support them, but it is not absolutely necessary that they should be
staked, as if they are cut at 2 feet, 3 feet, or 4 feet from the ground
they will bear heavily.

Asparagus. — In some seasons we have cut quantities of this in the
open air early in April, but this year it is late, and we are only just
beginning. It is of good quality, and promises to be abundant, but now
is the time to improve weak roots by giving them a good surface-
dressing of soot and salt or guano. Shake it around and over the
crowns when it is raining, and it is surprising the good a timely dressing
will do. Where planting out new roots was deferred owing to the
lateness of the season, they should be at once planted. Do not keep
them long out of the ground. Plant in rich, rather light soil, and keep
the roots about 18 inches' apart each way. Should rain not immediately
follow planting, give them a good watering, and they will soon begin to
root afresh and form strong plants during the next four months. We
lift some hundreds of roots every winter for forcing. A corresponding
number have to be planted every spring to keep up the supply. We
have just finished planting, and it has become an annual system with
us. So has sowing Asparagus seed, and this is another matter that may
be attended to now. The seeds are almost as large as small shots. They
germinate well, as a rule, and always produce good plants. The soil
should be made light and well manured ; open drills, 2 inches deep and
15 inches apart ; cover as soon as sown, and leave it until the young
plants appear, when the Dutch hoe may 1x3 run between them.

Tomatoes. — The early spring-sown plants are ripening their first
fruits under glass. They are valuable for market, and esteemed as a
vegetable. They are being grown more and more, and they cannot be
too extensively cultivated. Give those fruiting plenty of liquid manure,
that which comes from the farmyard being excellent. Pinch off all
superfluous shoots frequently. There is always a danger of their carry¬
ing too much wood. They fruit best when well restricted. Being root-
bound does not hurt them, especially if the pot is over 9 inches in
diameter. Give young plants more root-room. Keep those being trained
to wires well' tied in. Gut all fruit as soon as it ripens. Plants intended

[ May B, 1887.

for open air culture should now be hardened. If they are brought from
a warm •house place them in a cold frame. Keep the lights on for a few
days. Admit air gradually until they are quite hardy, and then expose
them fully. Many plants fail in the open because they are not properly
hardened. When they are brought from a warm place and planted in
the open they receive a check from which they do not recover for a long
time, whereas properly hardened plants ought to grow away from the
first. Then they fruit early in the season, and are a great success before
the end of the season.

Salsafy and Scorzonera. — These are most useful in the winter, but
the seed should not be sown before May, as early plants only seed pre¬
maturely. They both succeed in soil which suits Carrots or Beet
as their roots penetrate in the same way, and they are best when grown
without being forked. Open the drills 15 inches apart, 2 inches deep,
and sow very thinly, cover and roll the surface, as they always do best
in a stiff soil. Mice are particularly fond of these seeds, and care must
be taken that they do not find and destroy them before they have had
time to germinate.

Celery. — Our first crop has just been planted in the trenches, and
those having early plants may place them out now. Make the trenches
8 inches deep. If they are intended for one row make them 1 foot wide, if
for two rows 18 inches wide, and allow 6 inches for every additional
row. We grow our exhibition Celery in single rows, giving a trench to
each, as it can be better earthed up than when crowded, but the kitchen
Celery is planted in trenches at the rate of four or or five rows in each.
Our cook prefers dwarf Celery of the Sandringham type, and so do we,
as there is too much waste with large varieties. Manure the trenches
heavily, and do not plant out until the plants are well hardened. Lift
them with good balls, plant them without disturbing these, and keep
constantly watered until well established. Give successional plants more
room, and sow more seed for a late crop. It will germinate now in a
cold frame or in a sunny place in the open air. Maintain a constant
supply of Mustard and Cress, sow more Lettuce seed, place out advanc¬
ing plants, do not let the supply of young crisp Radish decrease, and
Dutch hoe between all young crops. Keep weeds down, and on no account
allow them to seed.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Houses. — Grapes approaching ripening will need a
circulation of warm rather dry air, but avoid an arid condition of the
atmosphere, which is sure to induce an attack of red spider, and this
crippling the foliage will prejudice the maturing of the buds and the
ripening of the wood. The foliage must be kept clean and healthy to-
as late a period as possible. Where red spider has obtained a hold prompt
measures for its destruction must be adopted. Some resort to the
syringe, which, unless the water be clear and soft, is not to be recom¬
mended, as after the Grapes are advanced in colouring the bloom on the
berries is apt to be more or less damaged by the water, there being little
that does not leave a sediment. Sponging the leaves is a safe means of
destroying it, but is a tedious process. Sulphur judiciously applied is
the most efficacious. It should be mixed with skim milk, and when the
pipes are heated to over 160° apply the sulphur with a brush, and main¬
tain the heat between that and 200° for an hour, and then the heat may
be allowed to fall to the ordinary temperature. Choose a calm evening,
and the following night it may be repeated. Where fermenting mate¬
rial in outside borders has become cold and wet a portion of it must be
removed, for nothing is so injurious as a surface excluding atmospheric
influences. Enough should be left to avoid giving a sudden check.
Early Grapes that are ripe will only require sufficient fire heat to main¬
tain a circulation of dry air, allowing the temperature to. fall to 60° at
night.

Keep the soil healthfully moist so as to maintain the foliage in good
condition, and a moderate amount of air moisture in order to prevent
the foliage prematurely ripening, and it benefits rather than prejudices
the keeping of the Grapes. If the Grapes are wanted to hang some
little time a slight shade will be beneficial in helping to keep colour,
especially in Black Hamburghs. A double thickness of herring netting,
or a single thickness of pilchard netting, drawn over the roof lights is
sufficient.

Succession Houses. — Thinning both of the bunches and berries must
be followed up, also disbudding, tying, stopping, and regulating the
growths. Allow crops proportionate to the vigour of the Vines, and as
much foliage as can have full exposure to light. Examine the borders
at least once weekly, and when dry water freely, assisting those in full
foliage and carrying heavy crops with tepid liquid manure and rich
surface mulchings, but not thick, 2 or 3 inches of rather lumpy manure,
and not very much reduced, being best. Inside borders well drained
will take almost any quantity of water after the Vines are in full foliage,
and with a full crop of Grapes liquid manure should be given not less
distantly than at every alternate watering. Outside borders will not
yet require any water unless they are high and dry, when a copious
supply of liquid manure at a temperature of 90° will be advantageous.
Ventilate early, it causes accumulated moisture to disperse, sets in
motion the organs of assimilation, gives texture to the foliage and
solidity to the wood, besides securing a full amount of stored up matter,
and allow a good high day temperature from sun heat, closing early
alike to push ahead the crop and to store the sun-warmed atmosphere.
At night a rather low temperature is best, especially to Vines carrying
heavy crops which require more time than those but lightly cropped.

May 6, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

363

Muscats. — The earliest Muscats are just beginning to colour. They
take longer to ripen than Hamburghs, and, unlike them, require a moist
condition of the soil, being liable to shrivel unless kept well supplied at
the roots, and there is a still further difference in their requiring a drier
condition of the atmosphere, which is peculiar to all Grapes with the
Muscat flavour. When the Grapes change colour we find athorough supply
of water or liquid manure to the inside border, followed by a mulching
of short material and rather dry with a surfacing of perfectly dry
material, than which nothing answers better than rough-cut straw, will
carry the crop to maturity, insuring good finish and preventing crack¬
ing in the Black Muscat — a superb Grape when well grown, and the
finest of all black Grapes, Madresfield Court. When beginning to
colour Muscat of Alexandria is liable to be scorched, for which we find a
slight shading of herring or pilchard nets excellent as a safeguard,
accompanied with a circulation of warm but not moist air. A little more
time is required with the shade, but it is hardly possible to have well-
ripened examples of Muscat of Alexandria before the middle of June.
Muscats in flower set most freely with a night temperature of 70°, 75° by
day artificially, and 80° to 85° or 90° with sun, always with a circulation
of air. Liberate the pollen by gently drawing the hand over the
bunches or shaking the Vines at mid-dav.

Late Hamburgh*. — Disbudding, tying down, and regulating the
growths must be attended to, but do not be in a hurry in stopping,
allowing two at least and preferably four joints of growth beyond the
show of fruit, and the laterals pinch at one joint below the fruit, but above
it allow them to extend so as to ensure an even covering of the space
with foliage that can have exposure to light, afterwards keep closely
pinched. Ventilate early and freely so as to ensure short-jointed stout
wood and thick leather}- foliage. Avoid a saturated condition of the
borders, but keep them moist, and to encourage surface roots mulch
about 2 inches thick with lumpy stuff, adding from time to time a few
knobs of fresh droppings from the stables, which give off ammonia, and
have virtue washed from them each time of watering. These surface
dressings induce the Vines to root from the collar, and with active
feeders excellent results are secured.

Late Howes. — The Vines in these arc making rapid progress, and
must be tied out and stopped as soon as they have made sufficient wood
to cover the trellis with foliage. The bright weather has had a wonder¬
ful effect upon the foliage, which has the healthy blue-green colour so
characteristic of active feeders luxuriating in nitrogenised aliment. Take
every advantage of sun heat to increase the ventilation early in the day,
but close early, which is a means of prolonging the health of the Vines,
using fire heat no more than is absolutely necessary. Make a selection
of the bunches that are to remain for the crop, big and loose bunches
fieing the worst for finish, and the medium-sized and compact the best
for ripening well and keeping.

Newly Planted Vines. — When the planting is recovered from, as will be
indicated by their growing freely, ventilate early, as the value of growth
is dependant on its solidification, there being no remedy for a soft
growth with a large pith ; therefore, aim at a sturdy, short-jointed
growth, encouraging the laterals in preference to mere elongation of the
cane, letting all the wood remain that can be exposed to light ; but
supernumeraries intended for next year’s fruiting should have the
laterals pinched at the first leaf, afterwards allowing them to make a
few joints of growth and pinching the cane at 8 to 9 feet of growth,
taking every possible care of the leaves on the cane, not allowing them
to be interfered with in any way by the laterals. Keep the soil moist
but not very wet, closing early with plenty of atmospheric moisture.

PLANT HOUSES.

Crotons. — Crotons root freely at this season of the year when keatn
from the plants that are in active growth. The large heads of plants
that have become too tall for various forms of decoration will root as
freely without losing their folige as cuttings of a much smaller size. In
topping plants care should be taken not to take the cuttings with very
firm wood attached. Large cuttings of this description are a long time
rooting, and often lose their lower foliage, but if the wood is moderately
firm only they can be rooted without losing a single leaf. Cuttings that
it is necessary to grow into plants quickly should lie rooted singly in
pots according to their size, or if labour is an object place them into the
|>ots in which they will have to lie used for furnishing purposes. After
insertion keep the cuttings moist, close, and shaded from the sun. They
will soon form roots, and should afterwards lie grown exposed to full
light and sunshine. To fully deve*lope the beautiful foliage of Crotons
they must have abundance of heat and moisture, and be exposed to the
sun. Shade, or partial shade, for these plants is a great mistake.

Ijcaras. — To grow these plants well they must have a high tempera¬
ture with plenty of moisture whether required for exhibition or in
small pots for furnishing purposes. It is to be regretted that they are
not grown in larger numtiers in small pots for home and room decora¬
tion. They are as easily grown as Crotons. Those intended to flower
should be pushed on, for the wood must assume a ripened condition if
profusely flowered plants with large trusses are expected. Do not stop
’he shoots, but allow them to extend until they show flower. Cuttings
may lie rooted singly in 3-incli pots for succession, to be afterwards
transferred into 5-inch pots. Those that flower first maybe pruned well
back and pushed again into growth, and in due time they will flower
profusely. A small shift may lie given them after they have started
into growth, or they may be 'flowered in the same pots if two or three
applications of artificial manure are applied to the surface of the soil.

Cuttings at this period of the year will root freely enough under the
same conditions as Crotons.

Brarwnas. — Young plants that have been raised from roots and stems
may now lie placed singly into 3-inch pots in a compost of peat and loam
in equal proportions, with one-third leaf mould added, or the same
quantity of old Mushroom bed refuse. If practicable, plunge them in
bottom heat and supply water carefully until established. Dracaenas
should be grown quickly in plenty of heat and moisture, but must be
shaded from bright sunshine. Large heads may be rooted from plants
that have grown tall without losing any of their foliage if taken where
the wood is soft and kept close and shaded in the propagating frame. Too
much moisture must be avoided, or the tips of the foliage will decay.
For decoration D. Goldieana, D. gracilis, and D. Liudeni amongst stove
Dracaenas are three of the best. In propagating the heads of these it is
important that they be taken where the wood is soft. With these the
stems must be kept to break if an increase of the stock is required ; but
with D. Cooperi and D. terminalis, still two of the best, the stems may
be dried and hardened, and then cut into lengths and placed in sandy
soil in pans. Plants of D. rutilans should be grown moderately cool
after they are placed in the pots in which they will finally be used for
decoration. Moderately cool treatment insures plants of a sturdy robust
nature that will bear well the hardships to which they will be subjected
in rooms and halls.

Pavonia Wight i. — With ordinary care this plant seeds freely, and a
stock is raised more quickly by this means than by either cuttings or
eyes. The latter course must be followed until sufficient stock has been
raised to yield seed for maintaining a succession of plants. This is
decidedly the best grown upright in 5-inch pots for decoration, and when
the specimens become leggy the tops may be re-rooted and the stem
thrown out. It is an invaluable plant, for it appears to flower freely
throughout the whole year. A few leaves are made, then a batch of
flowers, and so on. By sowing seed successionally flowering plants in
abundance may be had. It appears to flower freely whether grown
under shady conditions or fully exposed to the sun. Plants raised from
seed sown in February are now well established in 3-inch pots. The
seeds should be dried for a week or ten days after it is gathered from the
plant, and then sown.

r -z . . „ j — a | , | - ! i . i t i - i - -v i . ;

If

Hi

IE BEE-KEEPER.

fa

NOTES ON BEES.

We learn that the Directors of the proposed Inter¬
national Exhibition which is to be held in Glasgow in 1888
have resolved to devote a part of the building to bees,
their produce and appliances, with comestibles, &c., made
from honey and wax. Major R. J. Bennett, Honorary
Secretary to the Caledonian Society, has been appointed
one of the Committee. As that gentleman has had much
experience in bee husbandry his appointment is a judicious
one, and we have no doubt the Exhibition will be a success,
as all desire.

THE WEATHER.

April has been an exceptional month for low tempe¬
ratures. Until April 21st there were only two nights
during the month when the temperature stood above
freezing, on one at 35° and on the other at 40°. On all
the others it ranged between 21° and 27° and a day tem¬
perature of 45°, excepting the 17th and 18th, when it
rose from 218 to 64° on both days. It has been without
doubt the most protracted season of cold during that
month in our experience. Bees have had only three
working days this year yet, and vegetation is backward.

WINTERING BEES.

Preserving bees during winter has engaged the atten¬
tion of naturalists and bee-keepers from time immemorial,
although we have long since solved the problem so far as
the winters that are past are -concerned and those that will
follow of the same nature. Still the knowledge needed
is how to preserve bees during winters of a more severe
and protracted character than we have ever experienced
in this country. As is well known, bee-keepers do not
agree upon how bees should be wintered. I need not
point out here the errors made by many upon this impor¬
tant question. Suffice it to say that many treat bees

364

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 6, 1887.

quite contrary to their nature, without taking the con¬
dition of the bees and the inclement state of the weather
into account, but regard it as an axiom that if bees survive
the winter well under certain conditions one year they
will always do so. Our seasons are varied, and while some
winters have passed in our experience with scarcely any
frost or snow, others have been both frosty and long-con¬
tinued with much snow, the greatest enemy bees kept in
the open have to contend with. Four degrees below zero
is the lowest temperature I have ever experienced, but it
was of short duration, lasting only two days every time
it occurred, and bees kept in single-cased hives of five-
eighths of an inch thick but dry were uninjured, while
with a temperature of not less than 28°, but which con¬
tinued for some weeks and with much snow, the bees
suffered greatly.

During the present year I had two “nuclei,” which in
September could only cover a circle of about 6 inches of
brood ; yet, notwithstanding the paucity of bees, they
were healthy during January and February, experiencing
a temperature of 70Q, but in March, with a temperature
of 10° and snow, I observed the bees of one of these
“ nuclei ” leaving the hive in a distressed state. I took it
indoors, but the temperature of the room must have been
very low as water froze in it, and the bees appeared dead.

I placed it in a warmer compartment and the bees were
mostly resuscitated ; kept it in the house at a temperature
at about 56° for three weeks, and they are now progressing,
breeding as rapid as circumstances will allow. The other
one has stood outside, but has few bees and not breeding,
although it was not the stronger of the two, which, had it
been housed, would have been a thriving although a
weak hive.

I have never experienced any difficulty in preserving
bees outside until the end of February however severe the
weather has been, but from the beginning of March and
often far in May the loss is sometimes great, especially
with weak hives and those that are scarce of food. At all
times the well provisioned hive, both in pollen and honey,
loses fewest, bees remaining quiet, when hungry bees are
abroad and losing themselves. Especially so has it been
the case this year. I have often heard of pollen-bound
hives, but I never experienced anything but good results
from hives having, apparently, an extra supply of pollen.
Until the temperature reaches nearly 00° well provisioned
hives remain comparatively quiet, and hives with not more
than half the bees will often be flying when these strong
hives are perfectly still to all appearance outside. When
bees are crowded into little space it tends greatly to keep
them on the wing when they should not be. On the other
hand, a fair number of bees having twice as much unoccu¬
pied space as there is occupied will be perfectly quiet
and in a normal state both as regards breeding and
health.

The great principle to observe is to have bees dry and
without any draught playing upon them, so as to reduce
the natural temperature of the hive. If bees cannot raise
the temperature to 60° during cold weather they are
unable to move about and feed, consequently they often
suffer and die. I have often seen bees exposed in a dry
atmosphere outside to 4° of frost, yet, owing to having
honey in their stomachs, resuscitated and flew to their
hives. On the other hand, when they come into contact
with a damp surface, even at a temperature between 35°
and 40°, they die; how important, then, is it that hives
should be kept free from damp.

Before I adopted the ventilating floor as I use it now
I frequently gave the bees large entrances, but since I

adopted the ventilating floor I find it had been a mistake.
When a hive is properly made, and fitted with a ventilating
floor, there is no necessity for the entrance to the strongest
hive being more than 1 inch wide. Such a hive is airy
but not draughty, and is easily heated and keeps the bees
quiet with little consumption of food, consequently they
are less liable to be injured through stress of weather
than those not so treated. Since I advised the use of
perforated floors some have condemned them, but give
no reason for so doing. Many, however, have given them
a trial and report greatly in their favour.. — A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannct reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Daffodils (Ii. H. F.). — Till work by Mr. F. W. Burbidge and Mr. J. G.
Bakir is the best you could have on the subject. You can procure cata¬
logues from Mes-rs. Barr & Son, 12, King Stre -t, Covent Garden, London,,
and Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham

Seedling Primula (S. B. 1. — We are obliged by the plants you have sent,
the parentage of which we have noted, and your “ child ” will find mauy
associates in onr “ nursery.” It appears delicate, yet promising, and will
nit be neglected. The green-edged Auricula should also be grown with
the object of developing its properties.

Scale on Gardenias (Ft-rndale). — Fir tree oil, nicot’ne soap, Gishurst
compound, Lemon o-l, and Thanatos will destroy scale when the in¬
secticides are prepared and applied according to the infltruct'ons of the-
manufacturers. Some persons cleanse their plants with thepetro'eum and
soft-soap solution, the preparation of which has been so many times
described. Methylated spirits will destroy scale and not injure the plants,
applying to the stems with a soft brush.

Weevils on Ferns ( T . F. —The enemy that is attacking your Ferns so
persi tently is the destruct've weevil Otiorhynclris sulcatus. As they are
most active at night you may secun many by taking each plant carefully
aid briskly shaking it over a wh:t ; sh -et. this slio ring where the weevils
fall, and their escape can then be prevented. By perseverance ia that plan
the nnm er of weevils may sooa be materially reduced. Another m thmT
of attack is syringing the plants well with a solution of hellebore, pre-
p rred by pouring a little boi ing water oa 2 ozs. of white hellebore powder,
which c m be obtained from a chem at, beating it into a soft paste, then well
stirring into a gallon of water. When convenient the plants ought to have
all the old soil removed thit is practicable, and th J house should be
thoroughly cleansed in every part.

Shading Conservatories (E. G.). — Where light blinds can be con¬
veniently fixed under a roof to be drawn down on hot days and drawn up
in dull weather, we consider the plan better than a permanent shading on
the glass. Ferns, Palms, and a number of ornamental-foliaged plants are
not injured by a light permanent shade, hut where flowers are grown
many of them become drawn under clouded glass during a period of dull
weather. Summer cloud is found satisfactory by many cultivators, and
can be washed off in the autumn with a strong solution of soda. Many
conservatories are so arranged and planted with climbers for covering the
roofs that inside blinds cannot be very well used, hut where they can be
properly fixed so as to work smoothly they will give satisfaction. Blinds
with narrow light blue stripes are employed in some conservatories, then-
appearance beiDg preferred to plain white material.

Warts on Vine Leaves (J.L. A.). — The small excrescences on the leaf-
you have sent are Dot caused by insects, but by slight exudations of sap.
When the warts are so numerous as to give the loaves an encrusted ap¬
pearance respiration is impaired and healthy growth arrested. The leaf
before us is by no means seriously ruptured, and if there are others no worse
on the Vine we do not apprehend it will be materially injured. The affec-

May f. 1817. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

365

tion often follows a great outrusli cf air by throwing the ventilators open
widely after a house h.i3 been closed too long, and the air becomes too
warm and moist, the transpiration or evaporation from the leaves beiu '
then too sudden and excessive. Admit air eirly by the top ventilators, in-

asing it gradually as the heat of th s house increases, but never in such a
volume at once as to cause a sudden fall in temperature. W e are glad to
hear our advice has resulted in the extirpatio a of mealybug from your
vinery.

Roots on Vine Rods (No Norte) — You neither send your name nor
address ; and, as you may see from the notio above, matter intended for
publication should be written on one eide of the paper only. Undoubtedly
m low and very damp hou^e will influence the production of roots on the
stems and Vine3. Free root action in a good border should be encouraged,
and a buoyant atmosphere maintained in the vinery ; then the roots above
ground may be exp cted to diminish without the Vines sustaining any
check by their absen e.

Mulching Roses— Tomatoo i (Kittie). — If the soil is of a light nature
and liable t > “ dry out ” in summer we should not fork in the long litter,
jt3 it would make the ground still lighter, and the surface covering would
be of service in preventing evaporat on ; but if the ground is very heavy
it would be improved by the manure being pointed in, provided the roots
of the plants are not disturbed, and e-en then a covering of short manure
spread on the soil on the approach of hot weather would do good ; short
manure would be better than long also for mul liing light soil. We bail a
wall 10 feet high profitably covered with Tomatoes last year, the plants
being 2 fe t apart, each confine! to on : stem, like a Vine, and the stems
were covered with fruit ; indeed, they contained noth ng but f u t and Urge
leaves, all the axillary growths being rubbed out. When fruit does not
set, however, from the main stem, axillary growths should be left and
I upped close to each c uster of flowers as soon as formed.

Pale Marechal Niel Roses ( J .). — It is the opinion of some growers that
there are two forms of this Rose, and we have seen two plants in the same
garden, one of which afforded rather small and pale, the other large and
rich golden blooms; but do not for a moment suggest that yours is an
inferior form. Mr. William Paul is too good a rosarian to be deceived, and
the Marechal Niels exhibited by him are usually remarkable for their
brilliancy. We suspect there is something wanting in the soil in your
district that is necessary for imparting richness of colour to the blooms,
and the example you cite of a plant budded from a Rose of deep colour
producing pale blooms confirms that view, though the stock may have had
some influence in the change. The liquid manure you have given, con¬
sisting largely of soot water, would have a tendency to deepen the colour
i ather than the reverse. Some authorities are of opinion that at ace of
iron in the soil intensifies the colour of flowers, hence iron filings have
been employed for changing the colour of Hyd angeas. An experiment
appears to be worth trying of sprinkling iron tilings on the soil over the
roots of one of your plants, or giving water impregnated with iron. We
hare no experience of any such trial, but know that Roses colour well in
soil containing iron ; whether the blooms wou’d be equally rich without it
wc do not know.

Forcing Pit ( Cambridge ). — We think your proposed arrangement will
answer very well, the roof of course being made rigid without impeding
the action of the ventilators. With those made to open to their full width
or thereabouts side ventilation will seldom if ever be needed ; still we
should have sliding shutters, or a 0-inch lid on hinges below the stage, to
be used if required ; on the “ bed ” side we fail to see the necessity for
ventilators, nor is glass by any means a necessity at the sides above either
the bed or the stage. We should prefer the north end to be bricked up, if
the wall were not objectionable as seen from the outside; inside it might
lie covered and made attractive. The two 4-inch pipes enclosed in the
chamber would be more than sufficient for affording bottom heat, and the
one 3 inch round the house perhaps scarcely sufficient for top heat in
severe weather, therefore we should have a lid or sliding door in the side
of the chamber next the path, and should then expect sufficient heat both
in the bed and the house. But it is not apparent how the top heat pipes
can be taken all round ther house without crossing the path near the
entrance at an inconvenient height above ground, though you can perhaps
see your way to carry out that arrangement. We may say, however, it
would not be wise to dip the flow down into the path and take it up on the
opposite side. If the position of the existing boiler is such ns to permit
the connection being made under the door, the flow pipe could be taken up
one side, or cross the end of the bed or stage, and so conducted right
round, returning down the other side to the boiler. With the piping
properly arranged the boiler ought to heat both houses well. It maybe
advisable to consider the possibility of wanting heat in the small stove
when it is not required in the larger house, which is perhaps a conserva¬
tory, and make provision accordingly. The plunging bed should rest on
slates; on the stage side corrugated zinc, surfaced with crushed shells or
other suitable material, would be better than open latticework.

Names of Fruits. — ( W. P.).— Gloucestershire Costard.

Names of Plants. — We oalv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flow, ring plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the beet packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(L. T.). — Owing to the flowers being packed in dry moss they were so mu h
shrivelled as to be scarcely recognisable, but we should take it to bo Den-
drabium thyrsiflorum ( n'. G. Tv.. Reading). — a. Resembles a small flowr r
of Oncidium divaricatum; b. Miltonia cuneata. While the Ferns are
small they will not injure the Orchids in the slightest, and you need not
trouble to remove them until potting time. Many person* plant sma'l Ferns
with th ir Orchids, especially such as Pleiones which flower without leaves.
(G. tarrant). — The plant is not an Orchis, but a member of the Broom-
Rape family (OrobanchaceieJ and is known as Toothwort popularly,
botanically as Lath rail squamaria. It is found generally in Europe and as
far as the Himalayas. (E. B). — Thou .’h being grown under glass the spray
does not represent the normal character of the p'aut, and we can only
augge8t the possibility of its being Cryptomeria elegans nana.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Mav 1th.

Business improving, and with good sopplirs all classes of goods are
feadily cleared. Some good samples of new Grapes to hand.

FRUIT,

8. d. s. d.

Apples, 1 sieve . 2 0 to 5 0

„ Nova Scotia aad

Canada, barrel 10 0 13 0

Cherries, j sieve .... 0 0 0 0

Cobs, 100 lbs . SO 0 53 0

Figf, dozen . 0 0 0 0

Grapes, per th . 4 0 8 0

Lemons, case . 10 0 15 0

Melon, each . 0 0 0 0

s. d. b d.

Oranges, par 100 .. .. 8 0tol2 o
Peaches, <loz< n .... 0 0 0 0

Pears, dozen . 10 2 0

Pine Apples, English,

per lb . 16 20

Plums, i sieve . 0 0 0 0

8t. Michael Pine”, each 2 0 5 0

Strawberries, per lb. .. 3 0 0 0

Artichoke*, dozeD . . ..

Asparagus, bundle . . . .

Beans, Kidney, per lb. ..

Best, Red, dozen .. ..

Broccoli, bundle .. ..

Brussels Sprouts, J sieve
Cabbage, dozen .. ..

Capsicum i, per 100 ..

Carrots, bunch .. ..

Cauliflower-, dozen
Celery, bundle .. ..

Coleworts, doz. bunches
Cucumbers, each .. .,

Endive, dozen .

Herw, bunch . 0 2

Leeks, bunch . 0 3 0 4

s.

d.

8.

d.

Lettuce, dozen

i

0 to

1

G

Mushrooms, punnet

0

6

i

0

Mustard aud Cress, punt.

0

2

0

6

Onions, bunch.. ..

0

•

0

0

Parsley, dozen buuchts

s

0

s

0

Parsnips, dozen

1

0

2

0

Potatoes, per cwt. . .

4

0

6

(J

„ Kidnej, ier cwt.

4

0

0

u

Rhubarb, bundle ..

0

3

0

0

Salsafy, bundle

# ,

1

0

i

rt

Scorzouers, bundle

1

6

0

0

Soakale, basket

1

6

0

0

Shallot0, per tt>.

0

3

0

u

Spinach, oushel

8

0

4

0

Tomatoes1, per th . .

1

0

2

G

Turnips, bunen ..

• •

U

4

0

u

VEGETABLES.
b. d. s. d.

1 0 to 2 0

8 0 12 0

15 0 0

10 2 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

16 0 0

16 2 0

0 4 0 0

3 0 4 0

16 2 0

2 0 4 0

0 4 0 6

10 2 0

0 0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

8.

d.

8.

d.

fl.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi. dozen . .

9

0 to 18

0

Fuchs’a, dozen .

9

0 to 12

Arbor vltie (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

8

0

12

0

„ (common), dozen . .

6

0

12

0

Hydr iugea, do eu .. ..

10

0

12

0

Azalea, dozen .

18

0

86

0

Lilies Valley, dozen

»

0

18

u

Begonias, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen

G

0

12

0

Cineraria, dozen

4

0

8

0

Mignorette, dozen ..

6

0

9

0

Cyclamen, dozen . . . .

12

0

24

0

Myrtles, dozen .

6

0

12

0

DracaBna terminalis, doz.

*0

0

60

0

Palms, in var., each

3

6

21

0

„ viridis, dozen. .

18

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, dozen

9

0

18

0

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

42

0

„ scarlet, dozen

4

0

9

0

Euonytnus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

Primula sinensis, dozen . .

4

0

6

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

0

24

0

Solanr ms, dozen .. ..

Spircei, dozen .

9

0

12

(1

Ferns, in variety, dozen

4

0

18

0

9

0

12

0

Ficus elastica, each

i

6

7

0

Tulips, per dozen pots . .

6

0

9

a

Foliage Plants, var., each

2

0

10

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Abutilons, 12 bunches ..

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 1

0

Aram Lilies, 12 blooms . .

8

0

6

0

Marguerites, 12 buuohes

2

0

6

0

Azalea, 12 spray 8 .. ..

0

6

1

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Bouvardias, bunch . .

0

6

1

0

NarcLs, 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Camellias, blooms . . . .

1

6

4

0

„ White, English, bch.

0

0

0

0

Carnations, 12 blooms . .

1

0

8

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

„ 1 2 bunches..

0

0

0

0

,, scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

Chrysanthemums, 12

Parme Violets (French)

2

8

3

6

bunches

0

0

0

0

Poinsettia, 12 bloonu . .

0

0

0

0

Cornflower, 12 buuohes . .

0

0

0

0

Primroses, 12 bunches ..

0

6

0

8

Cyclamen, 12 blooms

0

4

0

9

,, white 12 bunches

0

9

1

6

Daffocils, var., doz. bchs

2

0

6

0

Primula (single), bunch. .

0

0

0

0

Eucharis, dozen .. ..

4

0

6

0

„ (double), bunch . .

0

9

1

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms ..

i

6

S

0

Roses, 12 bunches .. ..

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

„ (i jdoor), dozen

1

0

2

6

sprays

0

0

0

0

„ Tea, dozen . . . .

1

0

3

0

„ Dutch, per

„ red dozen

2

0

4

0

box

1

6

s

0

Sfcephanotis, 12 sprays . .

4

0

6

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Tropceolnm, 12 bunches

1

G

2

0

Lilinm longiflorum, 12

Tuberoses, 12 blooms . .

1

0

O

0

blooms .

4

0

6

0

Tulips, dozen blooms . .

0

6

1

0

Li'ac (white), French,

Violets, 12 bunches . . . .

0

4

0

«

bunch .

4

0

7

0

„ Czar, French, bunch

0

0

0

0

PIGS.

Since corn lias become so cheap in this country much

more of it lias been used for pig-breeding by farmers,

for the simple reason that pigs may still be bred, reared,

and fattened profitably — so profitably, that within certain

limits there is nothing which now answers better — few

things so well among farm produce. Repeatedly has it

been our experience that a demand upon open markets

for any article that is tolerably easy of prodmtion usually

gives rise to over-production, but this is hardly likely to

prove the case with pork. The demand for it certainl)

fluctuates somewhat, but it is unquestionably constant

and steady.

«/

366

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 6, 1887.

The important fact should not he forgotten that pork
is a marketable commodity, either in the form of the living
animal, or as pork, bacon, hams, and lard. Although we
have an annual importation of bacon and hams worth
from eight to ten million pounds, yet prime Wiltshire
bacon, York hams, and Bath chaps continue to command
the highest market prices. This fact is most important
to farmers, for it is simple nonsense to suppose that
curing bacon and hams cannot be done as well in other
parts of the country. That Wilts bacon and York hams
should be so famous as to command a special market
value is just owing to the perseverance, skill, and enter¬
prise of certain persons in those counties. We may say
without fear of being accused of egotism that we have had
hams, chaps, and flitches cured at the home farm that
were equal, and in the opinion of many superior, to any
that could be purchased.

What we want to see upon farms generally is not only
a greater number of pigs, but a systematic arrangement
for the manufacture of cured pork at every farm. Some
twenty or thirty years ago it was customary for a certain
number of fat hogs to be killed and the pork cured for
home use in the form of pickled pork, bacon, and hams.
Pickled pork when well managed is really a tempting and
palatable article of diet. It is neither white nor yellow
in colour, soft nor flabby, but is tolerably firm and pink
in colour. Some practical knowledge of the process of
pickling is of course necessary to enable one to be success¬
ful ; it is, however, so simple that with the exercise of due
care and painstaking there is little risk of failure. That
is the point, painstaking, for without it we can hardly
expect to be successful. Often do we see what the dealers
term prime pickled pork exhibited for sale which we know
at a glance to be anything but prime, so too there is much
of the imported bacon that is very inferior.

It may be said that the rearing and fattening of pigs
for market falls more within the scope of a farmer’s busi¬
ness than killing and curing them does. If we were to
concede this point we must still insist upon better practice
in pig management generally. To begin with, a farmer
should always breed enough pigs upon the farm for his
requirements. Although precise calculations of results
beforehand are unwise because they are unsafe, yet calcu¬
lations there must be, and we have only to allow a reason¬
able margin for accidents and failures to render them
reliable. For example, a sow gives two farrows of pigs
yearly, one in spring, the other in autumn. The best age
at which to allow a young sow to begin breeding is twenty
months, and if a sow rears two dozen pigs yearly that
would be very satisfactory. At one of our farms four
young sows had forty pigs in March ; the farrows of older
sows often range from a dozen to twenty pigs, so that an
average of two dozen pigs to each sow is a fair one.

But it very seldom answers to say so many sows, so
many pigs, for piggy’s career is beset with much risk at
the outset. The sow may lie upon and crush or smother
them, or if, as sometimes happens, the side teeth of the
pigs are long they scratch the teats as they suck, the pain
renders the sow savage, she turns upon the pigs, bites
them, and if she makes them bleed the taste of the blood
is quite sure to make her eat them. The remedy is to
take away the pigs and draw the long teeth with a pair of
pincers, but this must be done at once, and before the
teats have been so much hurt as to cause soreness and
inflammation. There will then be no difficulty to induce
the sow to allow the pigs to suck and to be gentle with
them. The sow ought never to farrow in a small sty, but

it should have a large one with a projecting shelf or rail
all round the sides about a foot wide and a foot above the
floor. There will then be no risk of the pigs being
crushed beneath her. Floors of asphalte or Portland
cement sloping to a gutter are best, and there should only
be enough straw for the sow’s bed. It is undoubtedly
owing to the filthy condition in which piggeries are
suffered to remain week after week that there is so much
disease among pigs, yet by the exercise of ordinary care
and cleanliness all risk of loss from swine fever might be
avoided.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Free, growth is still prevented by frosty nights and cold winds ;
growth is, however, perceptible even on the most backward pasture, and
the roller lias been kept going upon all grass reserved for hay. This
work has been done much later than usual, both because we were so
busy upon the arable land, and because the pasture was so dry and hard
that rolling would have done no good. The slow growth of grass tries
the resources of flock masters severely, and for the next week or two it
will be critical work to keep the lambs going satisfactorily. We have
been singularly fortunate in having an abundance of green food, and our
store of roots holds out so well that we shall have plenty both for the
wet and thy flocks. To the somewhat numerous applicants for the hire
of grazing land for sheep we have been very outspoken about the bad
practice of sowing green crops for spring upon land out of condition. It
is either from carelessness, ignorance, or prejudice that this is done. Any
land will do for a piece of Rye is the common idea, but we cannot agree
that any farm crop is of so little importance as to be unworthy of care¬
ful cultivation. Since writing our last note we have had some nice
showers of rain, heavy enough to get down to the roots of growing
crops, and therefore well calculated to do much good. Mangold seed
will now germinate quickly ; chemical manure, too, isylissolved ; the soil
is charged with food ready to be absorbed by plant growth, and with a
change to warmer weather growth of more than usual rapidity may be
expected. As the sheep pass onwards in folds over Rye the ploughs
should follow closely, especially if any of the land is required for early
T ornips. We began our autumn folding upon early Turnips last year to
the advantage both of the sheep and the land. This was on a heavy
land farm where sheep have not answered very well in midwinter, and
therefore we begin folding as early as we can in order to do as much of
it as possible before very cold weather sets in. We have no faith in the
common assertion that sheep cannot be wintered upon heavy land, and
are having much of this farm drained in view of a much more extensive
use of sheep upon it. While avoiding extremes we certainly do like to
go as far as we can with animals or crops out of which even a little
money is to be made.

LETTER BOX.

Steamed Bone Flour ( W . J.). — The sample of bone flour which you
sent us is not steamed bone flour, nor can we recommend its use as a
substitute, because it is so badly ground that its action must be slow.
There is still so much ignorance of what steamed bone flour really is, even
among dealers in artificial manures, that we may explain that the bones
have been subjected to steam at high pressure to extract the glue or gelatine.
The residue contains about 60 per cent, of phosphates, and from 1 to 2
per cent, of ammonia. It is friable, and can be crushed with the hand. The
grinding is therefore such an easy matter that it is reduced to an impalpable
powder, and it is the quick action of this powder or flour which renders it so
valuable for plant food.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

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

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

1887.

• o oS .

Hygrome-

d .
O-a

E a

J—

Shade Tem-

Radiation

d

g coco ©

sL &

ter.

perature.

Temperature.

«

April .

£( o a1-*

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

5 o

Eh

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Sunday .

24

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

29.308

45.6

43.5

S.F.

47.7

55.7

40.4

99.8

36.4

0.298

Monday .

25

29.726

49.7

44.2

S.E.

47.2

50.8

40.3

78 2

35.3

0.099

Tuesday ...

2d

29951

48.6

42.8

s.w.

45.7

54 8

33.4

101.2

2G.8

0.163

Wednesday.

27

29.893

44.8

40.0

w.

45 2

516

35 8

102.2

30.2

0.177

Thursday . . .

28

30.028

44.8

41.1

YY.

44.4

56.7

33.1

94.6

27.4

0.195

Friday .

29.888

42 7

40.9

N.

44.8

51.2

37.6

84.6

37.6

_

Saturday ...

80

30.094

45.4

41.6

3ST.E.

44.8

54 9

37.8

98.3

30.3

29.84 L

45.9

42.0

45.7

53.7

36.9

94.1

32.0

0.9J2

REMARKS.

21th.— Cloudy, with frequent Btorms of rain from 1 A.M. to 10.30 A.M. ; fine and bright
till 3 30 P,M. ; then a heavy storm of rain and hail, and a showery evening.

25th.— Bright early ; dull showery day ; fair evening.

26th. — Bright morning; cloudy afternoon ; wet evening; clear night.

27th.— Brilliant early ; showers at 0.30 P.M., with soft hail at 0.40 P.M. ; wet afternoon,
with occasional hail.

28th.— Fine, but not very bright ; wet evening and night.

29th. — Cloudy morning ; fair afternoon.

80th. — Fine, with little sunshine.

A week with a considerable fall of rain, bat much fair weather and some sunshine,
though rather cold and backward. Temperature about 5° below that of the preceding
week, and nefrly the same amount below the average. — G. J. Symons.

May 12, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

367

— .. . -

COMING EVENTS

12

th

13

F

14

S

15

8 UN

Rogation Sunday.

16

M

17

Tu

18

W

Royal Botanic Society ’a First Summer Show.

THOUGHTS ON POTATO DEGENERATION.

HEN last jotting down impressions on matters
of interest in the Journal it was stated I
should not again encroach on space for a
few weeks, and I think I have kept my
word. A longer silence would have been
agreeable to me, as possib’y to some others,
hut not to all, for week by week come re¬
minders of my inactivity; indeed, one im¬
pulsive friend accuses me of laziness, and another seems
concerned at my “ drying up,” which he is good enough
to think would be “ a pity.” I think so too, but on this
matter I am prejudiced, and the opinions of such persons
have little weight. On the next subject, which is an im¬
portant one, I am not prejudiced — namely, the alleged
degeneration of Potatoes, and am free to give expression to
a few thoughts thereon, and it will absorb the whole of

them on this occasion.

Mr. Iggulden and Mr. Murphy are the chief dispu¬
tants in the matter. It may be admitted they are both
good “ Potato men,” hut I am unable, in all points, to
agree with either of them. Though in my opinion Mr.
Murphy attaches too much importance to the “ greening”
process, he is perfectly right in his allegation that many
varieties of Potatoes have lost their pristine vigour, and no
longer grow so strongly nor yield so bountifully as in
bygone days. If that is not degeneration I am at a loss
to know what is. Mr. Murphy has clearly stated that the
Scotch Champion is now among the weaklings in Ireland,
while only a few years ago it was the strongest of all the
tribe — once the sheet anchor of the farmers and peasants,
now quite unreliable in the sister isle. That is a fact
that was recorded with sorrow, and simply because its
existence could not be ignored. Moreover, Mr. Murphy
stated one valid reason for the deterioration of the,
“Champion” — its proneness to early sprouting, and the
inevitable weakening of the stock by the removal of the
first strong growths, and relyiDg on the later and the
weaker for perpetuation. Mr. iggulden, while denying
degeneration, admits it, and, what is more, suggests a
very simple method of prevention — namely, leaving the
tubers in the ground till wanted for planting — a very
good hint; but it appears Mr. Murphy cannot adopt it
because he follows with Wheat. Cannot he bury his seed
Potatoes somewhere else ? I thought there was plenty of
room in Ireland.

Further, Mr. Iggulden, to whom we are indebted for
much sound advice from time to time, sprinkled with a
few illogical expressions, perhaps to incite controversy,
besides his tacit admission referred to, states in positive
terms that Potatoes degenerate, for he says, “ Weaken
the sets by premature sprouting, and degeneration, for

No. 359. — Vol. XIV., Third Sefie*.

one season at least, is the almost certain consequence.”
Exactly ; and if they are weakened in the same way for
two, three, or more seasons does not the degeneration
become the more marked? We may admit faults in
management, hut that is only another way of admitting
the deterioration of varieties as the expression of those
faults. Faults in management can be rectified, and every
effort should be made to that end. We might then
expect better results in other crops besides Potatoes.

The most striking instance that occurs to me on the
degeneration of Potatoes is the case of the once popular
and profitable variety, the Fluke, and that was not caused
by premature sprouting, for it is one of the most tardy to
move, and I think it possible that its lateness in that
respect mainly proved its ruin, and if that is so we have
evidence of the same effects being produced from totally
different causes. A first-rate Potato grower, as good at
least as anyone I know, had a special market for Flukes,
and for a few years made more money by their culture
than from any other variety. He selected his seed tubers
with the greatest care, stored them well, worked his land
well — indeed improved it considerably, so much, indeed,
that he could and did pay 20 per cent- more rent than
his neighbours around him ; yet, notwithstanding all his
efforts, his much-prized Flukes degenerated till they no
longer ceased to be profitable. He procured fresh seed,
and that effected an improvement for a year, not “ at
least ” according to Mr. Iggulden’s degeneration limit,
but “at most.” By the introduction of fresh seed he
“ kept his market ” for a time, but eventually the seed
degenerated and the cultivation of the precious Flukes
had reluctantly to be abandoned. The grower was
anxious to oblige his customers, but was bound to pay
his rent. There was no exhaustion by removing early
growths, no want of good tillage nor of cultural attention ;
other sorts produced excellent crops, but the Fluke
collapsed.

There has been a good deal of skimming over the
surface on the subject of Potato degeneration, and at the
risk of being tedious I will venture on a deeper dive, and
if I fish up a few, so far as I know, new notions, an oppor¬
tunity will be afforded for someone to point out that they
are as “ old as the hills.”

Believers in the degeneration theory have often been
confronted with the circumstance of the Early Ashleaf
varieties being as good as they were a generation ago, as
if that settled the matter against the late sorts failing.
Mr. Iggulden has once more put the Ashleaf in the box
as his chief witness against the degeneration of the Cham¬
pion, Fluke, or any other late variety. I think it is time
this witness was, so to say, cross-examined, and though I
may fail in the effort, that shall not deter me from the
endeavour of turning the most formidable evidence our
Potato-learned friend can advance as evidence against
himself.

Why does the old Early Ashleaf Potato retain its
normal vigour ? “ Because its first growths are preserved,”
says Mr. Iggulden. But does he suppose they have
always been preserved, and by everybody, with the same
care that the best cultivators preserve them now ?
I know quite well they have not, also that numbers of
persons do not exercise any such care even at the present
day. Yet the old favourite exists. But if the removal of
the first growths is the one great cause of the breakdown
of varieties, the retention of the whole resources in the
tubers, no early growths being rubbed off, should ensure
prolonged vigour. I am in a position to say that selected
No. 2015. — Vol. LXXVI., Old Series.

3G3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Yay 12, 1887.

tubers of the Fluke have not been deprived of a speck of
growth for seven years, yet the vigour of the plants
declined in soil in which “ Myatt’s ” flourished, and the
stock of these is yet strong, while the Flukes became
worthless. Depriving seed tubers of their first growths I
readily admit is, and must be, weakening, and ought to
be abandoned, but that the Early Asbleaf varieties owe
their inherent vigour solely to the retention of those
growths, and that late sorts have lost their stamina
entirely through destroying them, is very respectfully, yet
not less emphatically, denied. On this point the evidence
of the Fluke is conclusive. It is the latest grower of all,
yet has dwindled away almost more completely than any,
to the regret of those who prized it beyond all late sorts.

The comparative immunity of the Asbleaf varieties
from deterioration is traceable to something very different
from the cause assigned and disposed of — something as
fundamental as that is artificial. The average summer
in Great Britain and Ireland is ample for the complete
maturation of our first earlies, but too short for the late
sorts. The old Asbleaf proves this by remaining strong
from generation to generation, while the late sorts decline
and one by one drop out of cultivation. They fail more
quickly in wet districts than in dry localities; under
faulty preparation and culture than by superior manage¬
ment ; in the crowded lazy beds of Ireland, the High¬
lands of Scotland, and anywhere else, than by the wider
planting in the more fertile soil of the carses of Scot¬
land and those plains of England where the greatest bulk
of the best produce is raised for supplying the great
centres of population with food.

Plant for plant the dwarf first earlies have more space
for the full and free development of their foliage under
the direct influence of light than have the stronger and
later sorts ; hence the former assimilate and secrete the
food gathered from the earth and the air under the bright
sun of July and August, better than it is possible for the
late kinds to do during the dull drizzling days of late
September and October, with the plants’ main leaves that
ought to do so much for perfecting the tubers spoiled by
overcrowding, the later, weaker, and essentially imperfect
having to do the best they can. That is the great cause
of the deterioration of very late-growing Potatoes, and
the Early Aslileafs prove it by their immunity instead of
proving the reverse.

The matter may perhaps he made plainer by a parallel.
Late, much-crowded growths of Vines and fruit trees are
proverbially unfruitful because unripe. The foliage not
having developed has proved exhausting. Good foliage
is sustaining by digesting and storing up nutriment in the
stems. It is exactly the same with Potatoes, and cannot
be otherwise. “ Train the laterals of Vines thinly, and
permit no superfluous growths to obstruct the light from
the first main leaves, nor check their free development,”
that is, in substance, the sound teaching of Mr. Iggulden
and other competent men. Early Ashleaf Potatoes are,
as a rule, grown on the same principle, and have the
requisite light and heat for their maturation ; strong-
growing very late sorts that need more light and more
heat have less, hence their steady but certain deteriora¬
tion. They are in the same position as Vines that are
grown on the thicket system and with their wood un¬
ripened year after year, hence both Vines and Potatoes
fail.

The question now arises, Is there no means of arrest¬
ing their collapse ? Certainly there is, but it cannot in
all districts be entirely prevented. It may be to a great
extent in salubrious Somerset, where gardening is so

easy that crops grow almost without digging, at least — I
beg pardon — trenching. There, and everywhere, careful
selection and storing of seed : land well worked* and con¬
taining an adequate amount of potash, lime, and phos¬
phates, with nitrogen in the form of nitric acid or ammonia
for inciting quick and strong root action for abstracting
the minerals ; thin planting for ensuring the lull and free
development of the main leaves, and their retention till
maturation — those are the desiderata ftr producing the
best plants and maintaining in the best manner the
vigour of those varieties of Potatoes that are mainly
relied on for food during eight months of the year ; but
in the meantime efforts must continue in raising new,
vigorous, productive varieties of good quality from seed,
for sooner or later existing late-growing sorts will fail,
for the fact has to be admitted that the majority of
Potato growers will continue on the old lines, not one
out of ten of them being Iggulaens or Murphys. I wish
they were.

Mr. Iggulden has changed his mind on the benefits
resulting from a change of seed ; perhaps he will change
it again some day. In some soils change of seed is
neutral, in others beneficial, in others, again, detrimental.
I am certain that evidence in support of all these pro¬
positions could be adduced by cultivators. All I can say
now on this debatable question is this — As a rule it is
better to take Potatoes from a strong soil to a lighter
than from a light soil to a stronger, and in my opinion
seed Potatoes grown in a poor sandy soil are the least
productive of all, wherever they may be jJanted.

The great importance of this subject, bearing as it does
on a staple article of food, and the wide interest attaching
thereto, is the apology for this long string of evening
cogitations by — A Thinker.

WARM WATER.

Many years ago the young men employed in the gardens in the
neighbourhood of a provincial town founded a mutual improve¬
ment society, which as an association met at stated intervals in
that town for the discussion of questions connected with their
calling. The cut flower mania was not then started, at least not to
an appreciable extent ; nevertheless the best methods of arranging
cut flowers and other matters connected therewith came up for dis¬
cussion. It was the general feeling of the members on that occa
sion that cold water was the best medium for preserving the flowers
in glasses ; but one young man, who is now not unknown as a good
gardener, expressed his conviction that for flowers grown in warm
houses warm water should be used. It does not appear to be a
matter of much importance, but it will be found that warm water
is better than cold, especially during the winter and spring months,
when so many of the flowers used for vase-filling are grown under
glass. I am not prepared to state the reason why this should be
so, but most likely it is because warm water is more readily
absorbed, and the flowers on that account become more rapidly
accustomed to their changed conditions. This is seen in a very
marked degree when the flowers have been cut for some time— say
after a long journey — when warm water freshens the flowers much
more rapidly than cold water does.

But if of value for flowers when cut the employment of warm
water for refreshing plants in pots is of much greater value, and
particularly in the case of plants grown in apartments in dwelling
houses. In cold weather when fires and hot- water pipes keep thi
atmosphere of rooms not only very warm but also very dry, it is
an almost impossible matter to keep the soil in pots from becoming
more or less dried. In any such extreme cases I do not hesitate t >
water with decidedly hot water, applying just a little, which soak)
into the dry soil at once, then a little more, until the whole soil is
soaked. Anyone who has had experience with such plants as are
here referred to must know how hopeless it is to get cold water
to do its duty unless the plant is removed and pot and soil
immersed in the water, and then it takes a long time before the
air in the soil gives place to the water. By using hot water, ( n
the other hand, the soil is moistened in less time than it has taken
rr.e to write about it.

Maj- li, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

369

But warm water has the further advantage in the case of plants
the roots of which are not in a too dry soil, as it is of greater
benefit to the plant than cold water. Even with such hardy plants
as Auriculas I like to take water from tanks in hothouses. Every¬
one must be cognisant of the wonderful effect a warm shower of
rain has on vegetation in the open, and it is not assuming too much
to suppose that warm water has a like beneficial effect on plants
grown in pots. Mention may be made of other cases of a some¬
what exceptional nature when warm water proves of much import¬
ance as a ready moistener of dry material. It is so in the case of
many Orchids which are allowed to become dry at the root during
their season of rest, and dried peat is much more difficult to moisten
than loam. The utility of warm water for this purpose can very
easily be tested by trying plants of say Dendrobiums, Odonto-
glossum grande. Vandas, Aerides, or Saccolabiums, all of which
have been rested dry and cool ; attempt to moisten one set with
cold water and another with warm, and the difference will readily
be seen ; but a step further may be taken on this point, for Orchids
should always have water given at a higher temperature than that
of the house in which they are grown.

Where fertilisers are largely used for plants in pots and for
fruit tree borders, as in our own case, the employment of warm
water as a matter of everyday routine helps largely in making
these immediately an l more certainly effective. There is no
matter of doubt that hot water is a better solvent of alkalis than
cold water, while the roots themselves are acted and reacted on
very much more rapidly and energetically when warm water is used.
It may be presumed that by-and-by the value of such a simple
change in such a common article of gardening will be appreciated,
but at present there is no doubt that it is not so. Why, even in
such apparently transparent matters as cleaning Dots, washing wood¬
work and glass, and even sponging the foliage of plants, there are
plenty who turn naturally to the cold water tank for supplies, and
as for the matters of which this article treats it is doubtful if "warm
water is ever given a thought. — B.

REMARKS ON SETTING GRAPES.

Most cultivators breathe more freely, or in other words feci a
critical time is past when the Grapes under their charge are well
set. Unless a berry contains a full complement of seeds it rarely
attains a full size, and the aim should bo to secure either three or
four in every berry. Half the berries of the free-setting Black
Hamburghs that are grown under glass in this country do not con¬
tain more than two seeds, this in many cases being the result of not
attending to them at flowerirg time. When the Vines are full of
vigour I have frequently observed little globules of moisture on the
stigmas, and unless the air be warm and dry this is not dissipated
sufficiently early for the pollen to do its work properly. It is not
a very tedious or laborious task to pass the hand gently over every
bunch of Black Hamburgh in a house — say between 11 and 12 a. si.,
this operation both dislodging the moisture and effectually dis¬
tributing the pollen. Very few think it necessary to fertilise
Black Hamburgh, but let me advise those who are not satisfied
with the size of their berries to give the plan a trial.

Buckland Sweetw'ater, again, is not nearly so free in setting as it
has the credit of being. To have it really fine, and it is a hand¬
some Grape when well grow-n, I recommend every care being taken
to fertilise it each morning till such times as the whole of the bunch
has flowered. Foster's Seedling is perhaps one of the freest setters
we have, but even this, as well as the others just named, may well
be assisted. Where Vines flower in dull wreather I strongly recom¬
mend a little extra fire heat to raise the day temperature to near 75°,
this admitting of a little top ventilation about 10 A.M. At midday
the pollen will have dried, and if the rods are smartly tapped it will
be distributed in a cloud. This style of fertilising is usually
deemed all that is necessary, sufficient pollen being thereby lodged
on the stigmas. However, it will not effect a really good set if the
globules I have alluded to are observable. Not only does a rise in
the temperature assist setting, but it also “ runs out ” the bunches,
and that, too, without unduly weakening them. Most close
observers will have noticed that early forced Grapes frequently de-
velope much larger bunches than at first anticipated, while those
started na'urally, or much later, have not come up to expectations.
I account for this apparent anomaly in this way. Those forced
being kept growing in a close warm house are “ run out ” to their
fullest extent, while abundance of air has the effect of causing the
late bunches t a be more sturdy, and more berries have to be cut out
than is nccessiry in the case of early bunches.

The Muscats that are most difficult to set, and seeing how much
superior they are in point of quality, it is much to be regretted they
are really comparatively hard to cultivate In some few cases they
have been wrell set under cool treatment, but as a rule they need a

higher night and day temperature, or from 70° to 85° from the
time they have reached the flowering period till they ripen. On no
account would I depend upon merely distributing the pollen by
tapping the rods, as I have seen clouds of it fail to effect the de¬
sired purpose, probably owing to the heaviest and most potent
falling to the ground. Nor cvould I use anything in the shape of a
camel’s-hair brush, plume of Pampas Grass, or any other invention
for distributing the pollen, these frequently scratching the delicate
pistils, and thereby doing more harm than good. The hand gently
passed over each bunch is effective and never injures, and if pollen
is scarce some from more free-setting sorts, such as Black Ham¬
burghs and Alicantes, may be first accumulated on the hand before
applying it to the Muscats. The mere act of carefully fertilising
the flowers will not always insure a regular set, swelling off much
.also depending upon the general health of the Vines, as well as the
nature of the border in which they are rooting, an absence of lime
in the famous Longleat borders being rightly blamed for the
inability of many of the Muscat berries to stone properly. Again,
if the rods are crowded the bunches are unduly shaded, and in con¬
sequence are much too weakly to set properly. Let them have
plenty of light, this materially strengthening the bunches and
largely contributing to an even set. Bunches that have a tendency
to run out extra long shoulders may well have these shortened con¬
siderably before they flower, and very long bunches may be thus
early shortened with advantage. Nor should too many bunches,
or all that show, be left on with the idea of having plenty to
eventually select from. Better by far resort to a timely and mode¬
rate thinning, this concentrating the strength of the Vine on those
reserved, thereby improving the chance of a good set.

Muscat Hamburgh, when at its best, is the best of all Grapes,
but it is a most fickle variety, and in many gardens where given a
fair trial it has proved most disappointing, owing entirely to its
failure to set properly. Very large bunches, and these are usually
plentifully produced, have never to my knowledge set at all satis¬
factorily, and I would advise their early removal and only the
smaller bunches retained. These if treated similarly to the Muscats
will sometimes set regularly. Madresfield Court, which is supposed
to possess Muscat flavour, sets as easily as Black Hamburghs, but
the case is very different with Mrs. Pince. We were fairly success¬
ful last season with this late-keeping, and in my estimation high
class variety. It was treated much the same as advised in the case
of Muscat of Alexandria ; the hand, however, being first well
charged with pollen from the Alicante. Alnwick Seedling at first
refused to set at all evenly, and the syringing method of setting
was quite a failure. For two successive seasons we have set with
the hand, this removing the very prominent globules of moisture
resting on the stigmas, and w h ch hitherto prevented a Eet, and as
the pollen is potent enough our bunches were as well set as could I e
wished for. We also pass the hand over the bunches of Gros
Colman, Lady Downe’s, Alicante, Gros Guillaume, Golden Queen,
and Mrs. Pearson. It may not be necessary in every case, but I
always prefer to be on the right side. — W. Iggulden.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

(Continued from page 360 )

TEA ROSES.

These are really the cream of the Rose world — they are the
nobility, the upper ten— and this arises partly from the fact that
they are much more delicate than the H.P.’s. This defect m their
constitutions — defect it is, in this cold country, without doubt—
naturally makes them scarcer in quantity, raises the price, and
enhances their value. In this part of the kingdom they are looked
upon as being much more delicate than they really are ; m fact
very few persons hereabouts would think of planting them in the
open. But beyond their being scarce, which 1 gave as a reason why
they are so much prized, I think the Tea Roses are much more
“beautiful than any other kind. The lovely pale yellow, pink, and
lemon tints are not to be found among their more robust brothers
and sisters. Where is the H.P. that can approach in colour to
Marechal Niel, or Catherine Mermet, or Madame Charles V Where
is the H.P. that will continue giving us crop after crop of its
flowers pretty well all the year round as Niphetos does ? By-the-by,
I noticed some remarks in one of the papers complaining of this
Rose. The writer said it was a fraud, or something similar. He
complained that it was simply composed of two rows of petals ; it
was thin, it was poor ; one day it was a nice long pointed bud— the
next, it was all open and fallen away. If this gentleman had ever
seen a real Niphetos — a real good one, I mean, he would not talk
like this Possibly the Roses he produces may be the poor specimens
he describes ; but if he will take the trouble to go to one of the
large London shows this year he will probably see more than one
) Niphetos there that will astonish him.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [Mayia.uar.

If the beginner propose to grow Tea Roses out of doors in the
north, he must give up all idea of standards, and procure some dwarf
plants on the Briar. These should be planted in raised beds, such
beds as described in a former paper, but the soil should be light,
and old manure to the extent of one-third of the whole should be
added. Peat and leaf soil, gravel, sand, and charcoal, or all the
latter three, should also be mixed in, to insure thorough drainage,
and to keep the soil porous. Water lodging about the roots of
Tea Roses is pretty sure to finish them off. In these beds the
Roses should be planted ; if from the open ground, in the early
autumn ; but if pot plants are procured, these should be planted
out in May, which enables them to become established in the ground
before the following winter. In the late autumn the soil should be
drawn up round the bases of the plants, and a good thick layer of
dead leaves strewed over the surface of the bed. The branches of
the plants should be tied together, and dried fern or hay should be
fastened round them. With these precautions Tea Roses will
generally live through hard winters. In the spring, after the frosts
have ceased, the soil may be drawn away — there need be no hurry
about this — and the shoots cut back to the base just as advised for
H.P.’s. This cutting back, or hard pruning, answers well with all
the dwarf-growing Teas, but the Gloire de Dijon section, and other
rampant growers, will not bloom if cut so closely. The branches
of these must be fully protected, and they must be treated on the
long-pruning system. These are best grown on walls, and can be
protected by means of mats hung over them. In the open, the best
plan is to drive in three strong stakes round each plant, and to tie
the mat round these.

Autumn is the real season to enjoy Tea Roses in the open.
When the H.P.’s have bloomed and are past we shall find the Tea
Roses still covered with buds. But we require fine dry weather to
enjoy them. After a few cold damp nights we find the outside
petals of the blooms stuck together and decaying, and a few such
nights, or a wet day, sees the destruction of many beautiful flowers.
The falling temperature, and the dead leaves from the trees around,
tell us only too plainly that winter is near. But arrived here, some
beginner may say, “ Why not grow Teas in pots plunged in beds
outside, and when winter approaches take them up, put them under
glass, and keep the wet from damaging the blooms ? ” This is a
plan that may be followed where one has a house, or even frames
for the purpose.

TEA ROSES UNDER GLASS.

There is no doubt that in this very bleak part of Her Majesty’s
dominions the best place to get the full value out of our Tea Roses
is under glass. Here we can prevent the winter frosts from killing
the branches back to the base, and here we can avail ourselves, to
the fullest extent, of the advantages the Tea Rose gives us in
growing and blooming very nearly always. I have heard it main¬
tained that the plants can be kept growing and blooming all the
year round, but my experience is against that ; still I believe that
the Tea Rose can be made to bloom — without injury to the plant, I
mean — for a much longer period during each year than the H.P.’s ;
what I mean to say, to put it more clearly, is, that a Tea Rose may
be made to start growing, and to bloom, then to rest, and to bloom
again much quicker than is the case with an H.P. In addition, the
Tea Rose will thrive and make a fine plant in this way under such
treatment as would utterly ruin an H.P. A gardener I had once
tried the continuous system in this way. We had a lot of Tea
Roses in pots which had been growing and blooming all through
the spring and summer under glass. These should have been dried
off and allowed to go to rest to ripen the wood in the ordinary
course during the autumn, but he, being anxious to get some fine
flowers in the early spring, as he thought, kept them growing and
flowering up to Christmas. The flowers, of course, became smaller
and more puny as time passed, and I need hardly say that the
spring flowering was a complete failure. I am firmly of opinion
that all plants require to have their proper amount of rest, and
they cannot be made to do without it. You may grow on a
Niphetos— I mention this Rose as being the best for the purpose
that I know of — and get a crop or two of flowers from it, then rest
it for a few weeks, then start it off again and get another crop of
flowers, and so on for several crops, but at last it becomes necessary
to let the plant stop and have a real downright rest of some
duration, the longer the better. If a plant be run too hard there
can be only one result, it must have an extra long rest, and even
then it may be permanently damaged. If we have a nice house
full of Tea Roses, we may fairly expect to have flowers nearly all
the year round with a little management.

There are two ways of growing Tea Roses under glass — in pots
and planted out. There are also two makeshift methods ; these :
are frames, and glass copings or other coverings for walls, against
which the Roses are to be grown in a similar manner to the way in
which fruit trees are.

TEA ROSES IN POTS.

These may be potted in the same way as advised for H.P.’s, but
the soil should be lighter. The composition of it might be the
same as that recommended for the H.P.’s, except that more sand
and charcoal should be added, so that there should be no chance of
the pots becoming at all water-logged.

In a young state Tea Roses do not require pruning to anything
like the same extent as H.P.’s. A young Tea Rose puts up one
shoot from the bud at first. This shoot generally carries a flower
bud, and in course of time, after flowering, the plant breaks from
the base and sends up other shoots from there, and this it will keep
on doing while ever there is any life or vigour left in it. If the
plant appears to be getting long and leggy in the single shoot
stage, and there is no appearance of a bloom bud, the point of the
shoot should be pinched out, which will cause the plant to throw
out side shoots very quickly. If the plant be one of the strong¬
growing kinds, the first shoot will not often bear a bud, but will
grow on and form a very long single stem. In this case I advise
that the point of the first shoot should be taken out while the
plant is very small, which will result in our having three or more
shoots of moderate length at the end of the season, instead of one
very long one. Where we have space, or a long length of roof, the
shoot might be allowed to grow to its full length unstopped, when
by bending it down horizontally the following season every bud
would break and a fine show of flowers be the result. In the case
of these large-growing varieties, if it be desired to grow them in
pots, a good plan is to train the shoots round upright sticks stuck
into the pots, but personally I prefer to see them climbing up
pillars or wandering over the roof of the house. In repotting the
smaller growers, great care must be taken not to overpot them. If
the roots do not take quick possession of the soil it is apt to
become sour, and then the plant cannot thrive.

Where Roses are grown — either in pots or otherwise — under
glass, or in positions where the frost does not affect them, I think
the old wood may be allowed to remain longer than I have advised
for plants in the open. I have an old pot plant of that lovely
variety Caroline Kuster, and some of the wood is certainly more
than two years old, but nevertheless it gives me fine blooms, and
lots of them (of course I keep cutting out the oldest wood occasion¬
ally, allowing new ta take its place).

At one time I repotted all my Tea and other Roses once a year,
whether they wanted it or not, and I think now that that is the
reason why I never really succeeded with them in those days. If
we give a plant a lot of new soil and manure to root into, it
grows beautifully and makes nice long shoots ; but I take it this is
not exactly what we want from pot Roses, we look more for blooms.
The best way to get these is not to allow so much wood to be made,
but to turn it into bloom. This can be done by allowing the plants
to become potbound, and only repotting them when it is absolutely
necessary. Where the pots are full of roots, other things being
attended to, we may look for fine flowers in quantity. I do not
think it wise to cramp young plants in very small pots ; if we do
so they can never become large specimens, but I am of opinion that
8 or 9-inch pots are quite large enough for fair-sized plants.

There is one great advantage in having our Tea Roses under
glass in pots, and that is, that we can put them all outside in
autumn to ripen the wood. This ripening is most necessary if we
desire success, and though we open doors and windows to the fullest
extent, the plants cannot get the benefit of the night dews, and the
hard weather generally, if they are planted permanently in inside
borders. As I wish to avoid repetition, I shall defer the remarks
on the general treatment of Tea Roses in pots to the paper on
“ Forcing and Growing Roses under Glass.”

Tea Roses planted out under glass are in a much better position
for taking care of themselves than when they are in pots. The
growth of the plants is more luxuriant, and they are larger, and
when thoroughly established give a greater quantity of blooms. It
is no uncommon thing for a Marechal Niel to favour the owner
with a thousand blooms in a single season, and these come generally
all at once, or nearly so. When Marechal Niel begins to give
blooms at intervals during the year, there is likely to be a screw
loose somewhere, depend upon it. He would be a very sanguine
individual indeed who would expect to get anything like this result
from a plant in a pot. In a large house beds might be constructed
on the level, about 2 feet deep, edged with brickwork. The hot-
water pipes could be arranged to run along the edges of these beds.
In these beds the Roses might be planted out, and in such a position
as this the central plants might be standards, with smaller growers
in the front rows. Where Tea Roses are planted out the greatest
care must be exercised in the draining. I know from personal
experience that they wi'l not thrive permanently unless the water
can get clear away. They may do well for a time where the beds
are newly made up, but as the earth settles and chokes the drainage,

M»j 12, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

371

and the soil becomes solid and waterlogged, so in the same pro¬
portion will the Boses cease to thrive, and gradually dwindle
away.

At King’s Acre, Hereford, there is a beautiful Rose house. If
I remember, it is 200 feet long and about 2b feet wide. Here are
planted out trees of all the best varieties of Teas — they are old
plants now, and some of the stems are as thick as Kidney Bean
poles. It is a “ far cry ” to Hereford from here, but I think it
would be well worth the trouble to make a pilgrimage there at the
right time of year, just to see the grand old plants in bloom.

The Americans grow their Tea Roses on benches. These are
simply board or slated stages, on which are placed old turf and
other good things to the depth of a few inches only. On these,
stages the Roses arc planted out, and I have no doubt they
flourish.

A few words in reference to the makeshift methods. Where
we have frames, I think the best plan would be to plant the Roses
out in permanent beds, these beds being made of such a shape that
,. winter and early spring the frames could be placed over the
plants to protect them. Loose hay should be put lightly round the
branches during the severe weather, but in spring, when the buds
begin to move, this should be taken away. The lights should "be*
removed all through the winter, whenever the weather is mild. In
wet weather they should not be closed, but arranged to throw off
the rain, while still admitting the fresh air. Light frosts during
the winter do no harm, while on the other hand, keeping the lights
closed encourages mould and mildew. Where Tea Roses are planted
against walls under glass copings, canvas should be arranged in front
to cover them and protect them from the frost. This canvas should
not be left on except in severe weather.

After a hard night’s frost there generally comes a brilliant sun¬
shine in the morning. This sunshine, following on the frost does,
in my opinion, the greater part of the damage. To prevent this,
mats or canvas should be laid on frames to keep the sun off, while
the canvas on walls should not be removed until the sun has ceased
to shine. In cold houses, too, some similar precaution must be
taken.

The pruning of Tea Roses may be referred to here. With
them we must not expect to produce such regular bushy plants
as we do with the H.P.’s, I only know of one Tea Rose that
really grows naturally so, and that is Marie Yan Houtte, the foliage
and habit of which are beautiful, as are the blooms. At the
beginning of the season, or any time when the plants are dormant,
we may remove as much wood as we think proper, bearing in mind
two things ; one, that the Gloire de Dijon section, and the rampant
growers generally, if cut in too hard, will probably behave as the
vigorous growing H.P.’s do, and give us growth instead of blooms ;
and the other, that, with the smaller growers, the harder we prune,
the finer will the blooms be. When the plants are growing, and
have leaves on them, pruning is a mistake. Here the best plan is
to bend down the old shoots, when we shall soon get a lot of fresh
breaks to take their places.

List of Tea and Noisette Roses.

Anna Ollivier.

Ths Bride, s.

Catherine Mermet, s.
Comtesse Nadaillac.
David Pradel.
Devonieneis.

Gloire de Dijon, 6 c.
Grace Darling.

Edith Gifford.
Innocente Pirola.

Jean Pernefc.

Jeanne d’Arc.

Mdm. A. Jacquier.
Aldm. Charles, s.

Mdm. C. Guinoisean. s
Mdm. St. Joseph.
Mdm. de Watteville.
Mdm. Cusin.

Mdm. Falcot.

Mdm. Lambard, s.

Mdm. Willermoz, 8.
Marie Yan Houtte, 8.
Niphetos, s.

Perle des Jardins.
Rubens, s.
b'afrano.

Souvenir Paul N> jror.
Souvenir Gabriel Dievet.
Souvenir d’Elise.
Souvenir d’un Ami.
Sunset.

Noisettes.

C61ine Forestier, s c.
MarCchal Niel, 8 c.

Rove d’Or, 8 c.

W. A. Richardson, 8 c.
Caroline Kuster, s.

Note. — Those marked S, are suitable for growing as standards ; those
marked C, as climbers ; while any of them may bj grown in pots.

— D. Gilmour, jcn.

(To be continued.)

NARCISSUS CALATHINUS.

Tiie Daffodils arc all beautiful in some degree, but there is now
such a large number of varieties, and the differences between them arc
so small, that one requires to make a special study of them to appreciate
the extremely fine distinctions. For my own part I prefer a few of the
best marked types, or some of the acknowledged species, and these com¬

prise plants of much more simple grace than scores of the lauded novel¬
ties. One of these specific types is Narcissus calathinus, which this
year I have had in charming condition, both in n greenhouse and out¬
side. A large pot filled with bulbs has afforded flowers for nearly two
months, and they are only now just getting past their best. The plants
were grown in the greenhouse until the flowers fully expanded, when
they were removed to a room and placed near a window, where they re"
mained fresh for a surprising time. Very light loam was used, and this
seems to suit them best if grown out of doors, when a warm sheltered
position must be chosen, and a thoroughly drained position. The flowers
are of a delicate pale yellow tint., almost white, and most gracefully
formed, the cup very even and beautifully proportioned, while the
sharply reflexing petals impart a distinctive character to the drooping
flowers. These are usually borne singly, but are sometimes produced in
pairs. The leaves are narrow and elegantly arched. The bulbs small,
ovoid, and dark brown. It is a scarce plant iu a natural state, being

Fig. 65<— Naretesns calathinus.

found in only one or two European districts-, and though known for a
long period it had been lost to cultivation for some tinie, until a few
years ago. — H. H. M.

EARLY LEEKS.

By August last year many of our early Leeks weighed 3 lbs.
each. They were blanched a distance of about 8 inches, were as
thick as one could span, and had a very massive appearance. They
gained several first prizes, w ere very pleasing to look at, profitable
for exhibition, and excellent in the kitchen. They remained sound
and good until January, but such early Leeks cannot be recom¬
mended to be kept for spring use. Later sown and more hardily
grown ones keep best, but many have a hankering after early and
large Leeks, and by beginning in time and treating them well there
is no difficulty in growing them to a large size. The seed must be
sown in heat in February, and as they advance in growth they must
be gradually withdrawn from this until they will bear exposure in
the open by the first week in May. Some growers keep them a long
time in heat and feed them then until they are upwards of 1 foot
in length ; but we do not approvo of this treatment, as such plants
are slow in starting into growth when planted in the open, and they
rarely make handsome specimens. If grown in moderate heat near
the glass, and always withdrawn to a cooler place before they become
elongated, sturdy plants will be the result, and these may be placed

372

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ M y 12, 1887.

out now without receiving the slightest check or being in danger of
seeding prematurely.

Good Leeks may be grown by planting them about 1 foot apart
on the level ground, but the easiest and best mode of securing long
b'anched specimens is to grow them in trenches. These should be
thrown out at a distance about 2j feet from centre to centre, making
the trench 1 foot wide at the bottom and banking the soil up on
each side. They must be 8 inches or 10 inches down from the level,
and when dug out apply the manure. This should both be good
and plentiful, as it is almost impossible to give them too much.
We fork it in to the bottom of the trench largely, and apart from
this we generally try to mix a quantity of small loam and manure
in about equal parts, and place this in the trench to the depth of
2 inches or 3 inches. The Leeks are then planted in it and soon
commence growth.

Previous to planting, we invariably grow them in boxes at a
distance of 2 inches or 3 inches from each other, and in lifting
them from these to plant, we take the utmost care to secure a good
ball of soil to the roots. They are planted at a distance of 1 foot
in the trenches if the weather is dry, immediately afterwards they
are watered freely. As they gain size liquid manure is given liberally
in dry weather, and as soon as they gain a few inches in height
earthing is begun and continued every fortnight until they are of
the desired size. We find frequent earthing suit them better than
at long intervals, and the soil is pressed very firmly to the stems.
Probably some may think that 2i feet from row to row is a great
space for Leeks, but one of these large specimens is as valuable as
four or five ordinary Leeks, and as soon as the trenches are thrown
out for them the ridge planted with Lettuce, which attain a size
that we have tried in vain to secure on the level ground. — A Kitchen
Gardener.

ANTHRACITE COAL.

Having had some experience with this coal, I have much pleasure in
giving my opinion thereon for the benefit of “ Daventry.” I consider it
an excellent fuel, a long way in advance of coke or any kind of coal I
have yet tried. The fire is easily kept in by its use. It does not burn
nearly so rapidly as other kinds of fuel, while a much greater amount
of heat is obtained from it, and it certainly requires much less attention
than ordinary coke, and it is several shillings per ton cheaper. We
consider that two tons of this coal is equal to three tons of coke, and
the young men who have to use it are loud in their praise of the small¬
ness of the labour, the ease with which the heat can be maintained in
the various houses, the cleanliness, and the small quantity of ashes made
from it. Another important point in its favour which should not be lost
sight of is its smokeless character. There appears to be no smoke from
the chimney, which in our case is not more than 20 feet long from the
top of the boiler — a saddle with a waterway back, it has a good draught,
which is all in favour when using anthracite coal.

I will cite an instance of the lasting qualities of this coal over coke.
A short time since a new saddle boiler was fixed to heat the mansion.
The flue and chimney were connected with one of the stacks of chimneys,
but quite independent in its working. This, owing to its tallness, ren¬
dered the draught very sharp, but it was capable of being regulated
with the damper. The boiler was found to be too small for its position
and requirements, inasmuch as when the fire was made up, at say
six o’clock in the evening, piling as much fuel on as possible, and
checking the draught, it was found in the morning at seven that the fire
had burnt out and the pipes had become cold, therefore a considerable
time was required to light the fire anew and raise the requisite heat in
the house, which is warmed by coils of pipes. To obviate this defect in
the heating, and to save such a loss of time each day, we were persuaded
to try anthracite coal, with the result that by making up the fire at the
same time as previously with coke, next morning at seven o’clock there
is always plenty of heat everywhere throughout the house, and so much
unburnt fuel in the furnace that very little addition is required to the
fire, to maintain the necessary heat, and until the same afternoon, when
at five o’clock the fire is again made up for the night. Thus it will be
seen that our fire only requires attention twice a day, and not at all
during the night. We find the coal burns best when kept moist and
broken into pieces about the size of a cricket ball, or perhaps a little
larger. It forms so few clinkers and ashes that very little poking at the
bars is required to keep them clean. For the reasons I have stated I
consider this coal a boon to gardeners. — E. Molyneux.

ROSES AND MIGNONETTE.

The conservatory at Hillside House, Hythe, Kent, the residence of
H. Makeson, Esq., is gay with a well-grown collection of Roses in pots,
and, we may say, hundreds of blooms of Marechal Niel and Gloire de
Dijon on climbers overhead. The flowers of the latter old variety are
particularly fine ; some of them can be truly described large, globular,
high centred, and free from coarseness ; blooms which would grace any
exhibition stand of Teas. The pot plants are vigorous and clean, each
bearing from half a dozen to twenty welt-developed flowers. Such well-
tried sorts as the following are. included : — Annie Laxton, Baroness
Rothschild, Duke of Edinburgh, Dupuy Jamain, Countess of Rosebery,
Madame Lacharme, Magna Charta, Marie Rady, Prince Camille de Rohar,

Anna Ollivier, Devoniensis, Jean Ducher, Niphetos, and La France,
which, as a pot Rose must stand alone. There are several half-standards
of this variety, with heads about 2 feet through, carrying splendid blos¬
soms, very large, perfect in shape, while the petals possess that satiny
texture so much admired, and in outdoor Roses so easily spoiled. The
gardener, Mr. Hewitt, certainly deserves credit for producing such a dis¬
play. It may be of use if we hint his practice. When received from a
nursery, in pots, during the autumn of 1883, the plants were given a
slight shift, pruned closely in the winter, and “ brought on ” steadily in
a vinery where heat is employed only to keep out frost and on dull days.
After flowering last spring the plants were again repotted, mostly into
those of 9-inch diameter, plunged out of doors in ashes, where they made
capital growth ; and started again this season with the Vines. By the
healthy colour of the foliage it is seen that stimulants have been judi¬
ciously applied.

We must also notice the Mignonette, which is unusually well grown.
Sown in 5-inch pots in August last, thinned out to three plants in each,
placed in pots 9 inches across in February, using ordinary soil containing
a good quantity of mortar rubbish, grown on a greenhouse shelf and
several times pinched. This is the treatment these bushes have received,
for they are now from 2 to 3 feet through, in full bloom, filling the house
with the i leasant scent peculiar to that old-fashioned flower. — S.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 358.)

Labour to cultivate the Coffee estates was derived from several
sources, but consisted chiefly of Canareese coolies from the adjoining
Province of Mysore ; which being purely an agricultural country the
labourers, both men and women, proved excellent workers. The
average rate of wages paid to these people was I annas or 6d. per day to
the men, and 2 annas or 3d. per day to the women. But if the women
worked all the six days they received a gratuity of 4 annas, which made
their week’s pay up to 1 rupee, or 2s., and out of these sums they
managed to save sufficient to take back with them to their country to
pay taxes and other charges on their small holdings in Mysore. The
working season in Wynaad usually lasted from beginning of May till
end of March, or eleven months of the year, the different members of a
family taking it in turn to work on the Coffee plantations and on their
own holdings in the Mysore. The food of these labourers consisted
mainly of cakes and a kind of porridge made from the ground grain of
the raggy plant (Eleusine corcana), which indeed is the staple food of
the whole native population of Mysore. Curried meat and vegetables
were used with this food according to caste. Rice was seldom used by
this class of native, believing as he did that raggy cakes or porridge
contained more sustaining elements, and that he was enabled to perform
a better day’s work on it than on rice or any other grain. The grain,
which resembles millet in size and appearance, is ground in real Eastern
fashion between two small round granite stones, which are exposed for
sale in almost every bazaar. They are about 18 inches across and
G inches thick. The nether stone is a fixture, whilst the upper stone is
turned by a handle and has a cavity in the middle through which the
mill is fed with grain. Two women are usually allotied to the task of
grinding, and are frequently seen outside the doors of their huts seated
on the ground with the millstones placed on an outspread garment, but
too often recently taken from the body and on to which the flour falls
and is afterwards collected for use. The wages above quoted were con¬
siderably in excess of what the labourer could obtain iu his native
village ; he had therefore the greatest inducement to migrate to the
Wynaad, in order that he might save money to assist him in the working
of his little farm. But his anxiety on this score, in too many cases, led
him to pinch himself in the matter of food in order that he might have
the heavier purse when the season’s work had ended. This led to
disastrous consequences with regard to his health and constitution, in
too many instances resulting in disease and death.

The general system in India of advancing money in various sums to
the native before he will undertake to do work of any kind, obtained at
one time to an extraordinary extent on the Coffee plantations, and was
frequently the cause of great annoyance and heavy loss to the planter.
Sums ranging from 50 rupees to 500 rupees were advanced to each of
the dufladars or gangers before returning to their country for the
purpose of procuring and advancing gangs of coolies to perform the
work of the plantation for the ensuing season ; and it was no uncommon
thing for a single estate of from 200 or 300 acres to have an outstanding
advance of from £100 to £300, of which there was no chance of
recovering a single penny for at least eight or ten months after disburse¬
ment. These duffadars were invariably bound over by properly drawn
up agreements on stamped paper, but these contracts were not uufre-
quently more honoured in the breach than the observance, the men
having every temptation to expend a large portion of the sums on
matters appertaining to their own private affairs in connection with their
farms, &c., and, as a consequence, often failed to appear with their
promised gangs of coolies at the appointed time, causing great loss and
vexation to the planter, who had rarely any redress whatever. Warrants
for arrest were difficult of execution, and when the delinquent did
happen to be brought before a magistrate, tried, and perhaps sentenced
to two or three months imprisonment, the planter could then only
recover his money through the aid of the Civil Court, a plan rarely
adopted, the defaulter being in nine cases out of every ten a man of
straw. Local labour to a limited extent was generally available, the
jungle tribes already spoken of being excellent axemen and clearers of

M»j IS, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

373

jungle. Labour from Calicut, Cananore, and other parts of the Malabar
Coast was frequently drafted into the Wynaad, the mopalah and their
•castes undertaking contract work, such as clearing, pitting, weeding. &c.,
at so much per acre. But as these men, like the others, would never
begin work by any chance without first receiving an advance, much
money was lost in consequence. In the matter of wages anil rates of
.contract planters were not always of one opinion, which the native
was not slow to find out and take advantage of, giving his services of
■course to the highest bidder.

A brief outline of the general mode of Coffee culture in Malabar
may not be uninteresting in this place. The jungle, whether Bamboo or
-forest, is first felled and lopped. Bamboo clumps are felled close to the
ground, but trees of all sizes are cut from 2 to 3 feet from the ground to
suit the convenience of the workman. These are left on the ground for
six weeks after the last tree is felled, by which time the burning sun and
strong east winds have done their work, and the clearing is then fired all
round and allowed to burn towards the centre. Sometimes the fire did
its work in a most efficient manner, clearing the ground of all branches,
undergrowth, and saplings, and leaving nothing but the charred stumps
-and trunks of the larger trees. At other times, from various causes, the
fire would simply run through the felling, burning patches here and
there and leaving the remainder to be lopped, heaped, anil burned by the
planter at considerable extra cost. Burning a clearing of 150 or
:200 acres in extent on forest land was usually a grand sight, the huge
columns of smoke and flame rising to an immense height, and sometimes
destroying the surrounding standing forest to a considerable extent.
M hen what was called a “good bum ” took place, the soil was usually
burned and baked to a depth varying from 3 to 9 inches, all the top or
vegetable mould being destroyed, which was always, of course, a draw¬
back to future cultivation, but which could not be avoided, as no other
“paying” method of clearing the land of the dense mass of vegetation
could be devised. Small patches have been left without firing till all
■the vegetable matter has decayed before planting with Coffee with
wonderful results with regard to crops ; but this method was never
known to be a success financially, even leaving out of sight the danger
■of accidental fires. Any attempt to get rid of the charred stumps and
trunks of the large trees remaining on the ground after firing, even if
desirable, would have been out of the question on the score of expense,
but in reality they were of great use on very steep lands in preventing
the washing away into the ravines below of the loose soil during the
heavy monsoon rains, which frequently amounted to 12 to 15 inches in
the twenty-four hours.

After clearing, the ground was marked out by driving in pegs at
regular distances of C feet apart, after which pits were dug from 18 to
"21 inches cube, according to the nature of the soil, and then filled in for
the reception of the Coffee plants. Every endeavour was made from
the commencement to keep the ground as clear of weeds as possible and
to prevent their seeding ; and this — with the exception of staking,
'tying, and stopping the trees— made up the sum total of Coffee cultivation
up to the end of the third year after planting, when the trees yielded
their first crop. There was always a marked contrast in the item of
expenditure on account of weeding between Bamboo and forest lands
for the first few years, the former being much more difficult to keep
■clear of weeds owing to the more forcing nature of the climate and the
distinctiveness of the vegetation. What was termed “ hand weeding ” was
frequently adopted on the forest clearings, which consisted of pulling
up by the hand all weeds as they appeared from the time of first planting
the Coffee and depositing them in pits dug at intervals over the estate
for the purpose ; seeding was thus in a great measure prevented for
some years, and the cost of weeding per acre did not usually amount to
one-half that on Bamboo land. — Planteb.

(To bs continued.)

PARSLEY.

Excepting perhaps the Potato there is no vegetable with which I
am acquainted that there is such an all-the-year-round demand for as
Parsley. In the general run of vegetables the cook can substitute Peas
for Beans, Asparagus for Spinach, Salsafy for Turnips, and Tomatoes for
Vegetable Marrows, and things may go on comfortably in this way ;
but if a reply of “No Parsley” is given once and continued for a
short time there will soon be some dissatisfaction.

There is only one enemy that Parsley growers have to contend against,
and that is grubs at the root. They are the cause of almost all the
Parsley dying, and if they can only be guarded against there is no
danger of failure from other causes. Sometimes the plants become
yellow and die before they have the rough leaf ; in other cases they will
become large and robust, and appear a permanent success, when they
will suddenly droop ar.d decay, and if this happens in the autumn when
there is no time to rear more plants, the winter will generally have to
be passed without any Parsley in the garden. Those who have had no
experience of its failure and know little of its culture never think of
introducing means to prevent its destruction when sowing the seed. As
soon as it Ls noticed that the j lauts are dying antidotes are applied ;
but as a rule it will be found that these are useless, as when once the
grubs get into the roots nothing will reach them that will not kill the
plant. No matter how well ground has been prepared for Parsley there
is always a danger of grubs appearing, and it is very advantageous to
give it a good dressing of salt, lime, or soot before sowing or planting.
We have not been troubled with Parsley grubs or failures for years, but
we dress the land just the same before introducing it, and I believe this

is the secret of success. I am a great believer in soot as an antidote,
anil all growing Parsley should have a good sprinkling of this cheap
stimulant during wet weather. As a rule two sowings of Parsley are
better than one. The first should be made early in the season (March
is a good time to sow), and the other in June or July, as the former
will be most useful in summer and autumn and the latter in winter and
next spring ; and early summer Parsley bears transplanting well, and
as soon as the young plants can be handled they may be thinned and
replanted. We are about to carry out this practice. Old Parsley plants
are not very trustworthy at this season. They will furnish gatherings
for a time, but they all show a tendency to run to flower. This detracts
from their usefulness, and the sooner the Parsley of this year’s sowing
is ready the better. — A Kitchen Gabdeneb.

SOOT AS AN ANTIDOTE FOR CHRYSANTHEMUM

APHIDES.

Last year while waiting for tobacco powder, which has hitherto been
considered the orthodox destructive of aphides on the tops of Chrysanthe¬
mums at this time of the year, I was curious to try the effect of dusting
them with dry soot. I am particular in noting that the soot must be
dry and finely powdered. To my great satisfaction it proved instant
death to the green flies, without doing the Chrysanthemums any apparent
injury. This year, so far, I have used it more largely in the same way,
especially with Lilies. If used dry it will not even soil the fingers, and
can be washed or syringed off in an hour afterwards. It has the advan¬
tage also of being a manurial agent, and for the Chrysanthemum is
almost indispensable, giving that brilliant healthy glossy green colour to
the foliage so much admired. Dry soot direct from the chimney is very
acrid and pungent, and in the case of young succulent Chrysanthemum
shoots it would be advisable, should your readers try it this way, to have
the plants dry. Not even the fingers need be soiled if a small tin duster
is used, but the soot to be of any use this way must not be kept where
it can absorb moisture or get wet, which it is pretty sure to do in any
glass structure. Those who have not hitherto tried this hail better only
use it with a plant or two and observe the results. 1 cannot speak of
the effects of soot water for this purpose, but should say it would hope¬
lessly discolour the foliage if the solution was strong enough to kill
aphis. — W. J. Mubphy, Clonmel.

SCOTTISH AURICULA AND PRIMULA SOCIETY.

The first Exhibition of this recently formed Society was held in
Edinburgh on the 4th inst., and its promoters had the pleasure of seeing
the tables tilled with a goodly number of plants. Mr. Ben Simonite,
who judged the Auriculas, considered the Show a very good one, but
thought there was room for some improvement in bringing forward and
setting up this plant, many of the pips having been rubbed and
damaged in transit. Some 400 plants were staged, and at least another
100 were so damaged at the hands of railway porters as to be unpresent¬
able. One gentleman, who had been at some expense in having proper
boxes made for carrying the plants having had the indescribable vexa¬
tion of seein r his boxes set up on end, and their inmates were found to
be so badly damaged that he refrained from staging a plant. A large
number of the plants shown were too young to produce good trusses,
but that was greatly the fault of the season, which has been a late one
for Auriculas, and strong plants were not generally in bloom. One
large grower could not forward a plant, and expects it will be another
fortnight before his blooms are forward.

For six stage varieties Mr. Stratton, Annfield, Broughty Ferry, was
placed first of seven exhibitors. General Niel was very fine in this
collection, and to an example of George Lightbody (Headley) the prize for
best grey edge was awarded, and also a silver medal as the the premium
plant shown. Mr. Marshall, Ayr, was second, Acme and Robert Trail
being his two best plants ; Mr. White, Killingworth Colliery, New¬
castle, was third, Rev. F. D. Horner being very fine.

Nine growers staged four varieties, Mr. White being first, Confidence
and Prince of Greens being fine ; the latter plants had the prize for the
best green edge ; Mr. Black, East Caliler, second ; and Mr. Marshall
third.

For two varieties, eight staged, Mr. White was again first with Dr.
Kidd and Ajax ; Mr. Black second ; and Mr. Kilgour, Blair Drum¬
mond, third.

For one green edge Mr. Kilgour was first with Admiral Wisbey ; Mr.
Scott, Forgan, second with Lovely Ann ; Mr. Black third with Admiral
Napier ; and Mr. White fourth and fifth. For one grey edge Mr. White
was first with Geo. Lightbody, and third with Frank; Mr. Marshall
second with Geo. Lightbody ; and Mr. Black fourth and fifth. For one
white edge Mr. White was first with Acme, and fifth with Dr. Kidd ;
Mr. Black second ; and Mr. Marshall third and fourth in each case with
Acme. The first prize self was a fine Blackbird shown by Mr. Kilgour ;
Mr. White second with a seedling ; Mr. Marshall third and fouth ; and
Mr. Stratton fifth. To Garibaldi, a plant of Mr, Kilgour’s, was awarded
the prize as the premier self in the collection.

For six Alpine Auriculas Mr. Turner, Slough, was first with very fine
examples, Rosalind, Hotspur, Lady Grosvenor, Sunrise, Mungo,
McGeorge, and Troubadour being the sorts ; Mr. Marshall second ; and
Mr. Black third. Mr. Turner was again first with four Alpines. Prizes
were also offered for Polyanthuses and various Primulas, but these were
generally very poor.

Several collections of Auriculas were exhibited, Mr. Cathcart

b74

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 12, 1887

Pitcairlie, staging thirty sorts in strong well grown plants, Alexander
Meiklejohn, and- a plant' of Rev. F. D. Horner, with thirteen pips, being
tine. From Mr. Stratton came about fifty plants. Messrs. Dickson and
Co., Mr. Forbes, Hawick ; Mr. Kilgour, Mr. Bryson, Helensburgh ; and
Mr. Boyd, Fnldonside, Melrose, staging small collections. From Mr.
Boyd came also some noteworthy species of Primula Reidi from
Tirsul. 12,000 feet up the Himalayas, being especially fine, the flowers
of r. whitish tint of grey, and with a surprisingly delicious fragrance.
Primula floribunda, P. fainosa, P. Murettiana, P. mollis, P. dentieulata
nrna, and varieties of Sieboldi were also represented. In the same ;
group was a specimen of P, Reidi from the Botanic Garden, and of
P. Btuarti purpurea, and a fine truss of Rhododendron Nuttnlli from th'e ’
same place. Mr. Calder, Bellevue, Edinburgh, showed some beautiful
seedlings (six) of Primula viscosa, and eight of P. viscosa, to three of the
latter first class certificates being awarded. These were Rob Roy, of a
reddish crimson shade j Flag of Truce, white ; and Calderi, rose
magenta.

A first class certificate wa6 also awarded to Mr. Kilgour for a dark
maroon self Auricula named Edward Miller. Mr. Simonite brought
for inspection a boxful of pips of the newer of Rev. F. D. Horner’s seed¬
lings. as well as a few of his. own.

At a general meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society
at South Kensington, Maxwell T. Masters, M.D., F.R.S. in the chair, the
following gentlemen were elected — viz., Rev. William Page, B. A., as a
Fellow ; Jean Van Yolxem, 1, Rue Zinner, Brussels, as a Foreign
Member ; and Dr. G. Dieck, Zoschen, near Merseburg, Prussia, as a
Corresponding Member.

- - At the meeting of the Linnman Society at Burlington House on

the- 5th inst., Mr. A. H. Kent of the Royal Exotic Nursery (Messrs.
James Veitch k Sons), was elected an Associate of the Society.

- Gardeners’ Orphan Fund. — Will you allow me through

your columns to urge uj on gardeners the desirability of filling up and
returning by Saturday, the 21st inst., forms relative to the above in order
to enable the Committee to decide upon future action in .this important
and interesting undertaking ? — Geo. Deal.

• — — Mr. E. Mawley informs us that the date of Hitchin Rose

Show has been changed from Thursday, July 7th, ter Friday, July 8th.
Some more alterations are in contemplation, and later on he will send
us a revised and final list of Rose show fixtures for the season. We are
Also requested to notify that the Reigate Rose Show is postponed from
July 1st to Thursday, July 7th.

- We are desired to state that Mr. Yiccars Collyer is now in

Palestine on a visit to Mr. Lawrence Oliphant, at Haifa (or Caifa) with
a view to open up commercial relations with that country in connection
with horticulture, Ac.

- We have received fr.om Rev. W. Kingsley of South Kilvington,

near Thirsk, flowers of a Moncecious Aucuba japonica. It. is usual
for male and female flowers to be produced in different plants. In
this case, however, the two sexes are on the same plant. We remember
some years ago seeing an instance of this on a seedling plant raised by
the late Mr. Standish of Ascot. Whether this character has been perpe¬
tuated or not we do not know, but it is no doubt an advantage to have
an Aucuba with both sexes on the same plant, as a supply of berries is
thereby insured.

- Hyacinth Exhibition in Reading.— Messrs. Oakshott and

Millard, Royal Counties Seed Establishment, Reading, have had on
exhibition, during the week a very interesting collection of Hyacinths.
The flowers haye been grown on the large Dutch bulb farms in the
neighbourhood of Haarlem. The collection numbered seventy varieties,
tastefully arranged in Messrs. Oakshott & Millard’s front premises in
Belgrave Street, and have been a source of admiration to those persons
who accepted invitations to inspect them. — (Berkshire Chron id?.')

- “ B.” writes, The difficulty of procuring Good Mignonette

Seed is a source of yearly provocation to many gardeners. My method
puts an end to that. Just now we have a number of beautiful plants from

seed saved at home, and the best of all is set aside for seed. We do not
overburden the plant. The top of each, flower spike is pinched off, and
about ten capsules left to swell. Fifty capsules to a 6-inch pot are quite-
enough to yield a supply, and the quality is good;”'

- How very beautiful a well- grown ami profusely flowered, speci¬
men of Rhododendron Countess of Haddington is, vtfehaflevidence-
the other day in Mr. C. M. Major’s garden at Croydon, a pRintpor rather
small tree there, haying cqnsiderably over a.tho.usand. floweiA- expanded r
.the trusses comprising from- six to twelve Blooms. Some rijistirict. anil
•richly coloured seedling Phyllocacti were also flowering, mud .the very
rare Cereus graridiflorus Maynard! will flower in a short time- ., « •

- — The American Exhibition.— This has been previously re¬
ferred' to in our columns, or rather the pleasure, grounds, whihjp comprise-
several acres, well designed and planted by Mr. IV illiam-Goklrihg. For
obvious reasons a little time must elapse Lor the development of the
attractions of this section of the Exhibition, and on Monday last public
attention centred on the opening ceremony in the chief building, and the-
delineation of life in the “ Wild West.” This was an extraordinary
spectacle, or rather a series of spectacles, totally unlike anything that
has hitherto been seen in England or in Europe. Circuses and hippo¬
dromes are mimics in comparison with the magnitude and wild realism
of the scenes in which skill, in horsemanship and the useof the rifle is
displayed, in a manner that drives gardens and civilisation out o‘f the
mind for the time being.1 This Exhibition is not for London alone, but
for the kingdom, and visitors to the metropolis will be certain to find
their way to Earl’s Court, and they will riot be likely to forget what
they see, if they see all that is to be seen, at this wonderful Exhibition,

- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological.

Society, to be held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on>
Wednesday, the 18th instant, at;? p.m., the following, papers will be-
read ; — “ Brocken Spectres and the Bows that often accompany them,'’’
by H. Sharpe ; “Results of Thermometrical Observations made at 4170-
and 260 feet above the ground at Boston, Lincolnshire, 1882-86," by
William Marriott, F.R.Met,Soc. ; “ Snow Storm of. March 14th and 15th
1887, at Shirenowton Hall, near Chepstow,” by E. J. Lowe, F.R.S.,
F.R.Met.Soc, ■

- Mr. T. Laxton has sent us for cooking a sample of his New

Champion x Magnum Bonum Potato. We had some steamed, in
their jackets, others steamed without. No Potatoes could be more light-
They were like balls, not of flour, but pale sulphur, and decidedly fuller
and better in flavour than , some good white flopry . Potatoes .with which
they were tested. Those cooked afteT peeling were the more delicate in
flavour, and better Potatoes we could not desire ; but as most persons-
know Potatoes are influenced by soil and cooking, those .referred to-
were evidently grown in . good soil, and. we think they were prepared by
a good cook. .

— We have received a schedule of the ALEXANDRA Palace Rose;
Show, which is to be held on July 14th, 15th, and 16th this year, the
Secretary being Mr. J. S. Cooke. Twenty classes are provided, five for
nurserymen, six for amateurs, and the remainder open. The largest
prizes are offered in the nurserymen’s class for seventy-two Roses, single
trusses, first AT, second £5, and third £3. The principalamateurs’ class
is that for forty-eight Roses, single trusses, first prize £5, second prize £3r
and third prize £2. The otheis ranging from £4 to 10s.

- - Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Royal -' Nurseries, New-

townards, Co. Down, Ireland, send us a colbured illtrstration of their
“ new pedigree seedling Hybrid Perpetual Rose' Earl'Dufferin,’’'
which pourtrays a rich dark crimson marqon Rose of good size and
excellent shape, with vigorous growth and foliage; ' It is one of several
seedlings now being offered to the public, and in raising which Messrs..
Dickson & Sons state that they have “ proceeded on well thought-out
lines, using as parents the most perfect varieties only, and the results in
several instances have been most gratifying.” Earl Duff erin is said to
be deliciously fragrant, and -has been honoured with seven first-class
certificates in . Ireland and Scotland.' A great , authority on Roses has
characterised it as “ undoubtedly a grand Rose,” and judging by the
plate before us it fully deserves such commendation. -Lady Helen
Stewart (crimson scarlet), ami Miss Ethel Brownlow (salmon pink), are
others of thd same series, the former a Hybrid Perpetual and the. Latter
a Tea. ' . .

- — The Exhibition of Orchids provided in Mr. B. S, Williams*

May 1J, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

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Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, was opened yesterday
(Wednesday), and will be continued until June 25th. The large span-
roof bouse, 100 feet long by 22 feet wide, is devoted to the Orchids,
which are tastefully arranged with foliage plants, and comprise a num¬
ber of rare and beautiful species and varieties. There are, as usual,
many other attractions in the nursery at the present time. We learn
that Mr. B. S. Williams has been awarded two gold medals and prize
of honour for collection of Orchids, new and rare plants, Cyclamen,
Amaryllis, Imantophyllums, books, &c., exhibited by him at the Dresden
international Horticultural Show, which was opened on the 7th inst.

- By the accident of inserting the figure 8 instead of 3 in our re¬
ference to Mr. Simpson’s Waterproof Labels on page 354 last week,
these labels are represented as being 8 inches long. Their length is
-3 inches — a much more convenient size for use in gardens.

- Lewisham and District Floral Society. — The usual

years in Zanzibar he has rendered most important services to the various
expeditions despatched by English and foreign Governments and by
private bodies for the exploration of Central Africa, directing their
routes, superintending their equipments, and encouraging them in the
formation and transmission of zoological, botanical, and ethnological
collections.

- It is stated in a recent issue of Le Jar-din that during fetes of

the Battle of Flowers at Nice this year, about 80,000 francs were
expended in flowers in two days, chiefly Roses (Safrano and Comte
Bobrinsky), Chrysanthemum Etoile d’Or, Anemones, Wallflowers, Roman
Hyacinths, Jonquils, Pinks, Violets, and Acacia dealbata. The decoration
of one Victoria required 1500 dozens of Jonquil flowers and 300 dozen
bunches of artificial Cherries. On the 1st of January this year there
arrived at the Halles in Paris from Nice 18 millions of Roses, 1,200,000
Camellias, and 15,000 trusses of Lilac.

•quarterly meeting of this Society took place on Friday evening last, when
am excellent paper on the cultivation of the “ Zonal Pelargonium ” was
Tead by Mr. Bryant in the absence of Mr. T. W. Sanders. Mr. Sanders dealt
with his subject in masterly style, and treated fully on the culture of the
plant from the cutting and seed to the exhibition table. At the close of
the paper a discussion ensued, in which Messrs. Jupp, Drake, Needs, and
Nunn took part. An additional interest attached to the meeting in the
shape of a highly creditable display of plants and flowers exhibited by
the members. Notably among these was a fine group put up by Mr.
Needs of Catford, consisting of Zonal Pelargoniums, Cinerarias,
Spiraeas, Arum, Lilies, tree Carnations, and foliage plants. Mr.
Searle showed some very pretty Cinerarias, Azaleas, together with
•some neat little foliage Begonias. Mr. Drake, the indefatigable
Hon. Secretary, was represented by some good specimens of Azaleas
very fully flowered, his plant of Ceres being specially fine. Messrs. H.
Cannell & Sons of Swanley showed some splendid trusses of Zonal Pelar¬
goniums and remarkable spikes of Mignonette, as well as beautiful
blooms of the Pride of Penshurst, yellow Carnation. Votes of thanks
were accorded to the various exhibitors, also to Mr. Sanders for his
paper.

- “ The rich Flora of the Philippine Islands has hitherto

ibeen most imperfectly known,” says Nature, “in fact it has been
practically only represented in European herbaria by the collections of
Cuming, which, though rich, were made in a limited area. It was only
therefore to be expected that the explorations made by Dr. Sebastian
Vidal, of Soler, director of the Botanic Garden at Manilla, and of the
Commission for studying the forest flora, would add to our knowledge a
profusion of new and interesting species. Dr. Vidal has on two occasions
visited Kew with his collections, which have quite realised the expecta¬
tions that had been formed of them. There was some reason to fear
that the work might, on financial grounds, have to be interrupted. But
from a communication made to Kew by the Spanish Minister, we are
•glad to learn ‘that although the Botanical Survey Commission intrusted
to Dr. Sebastian Vidal had been at one time suppressed in the Budget of
1887-88, it was afterwards re-established in view of the great importance
•of the work.’ ”

- Amongst the fifteen candidates nominated for election as

Fellows of the Royal Society on June 9th, the two following are
•well-known botanists and naturalists : — George King, M.B., F.L.S.,
•superintendent of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Calcutta, and of the
Government Cinchona plantations of Darjeeling ; formerly superinten¬
dent of the Botanical Gardens of Saharunpur ; author of “ Notes on the
Lion of Aboo ” (Proc. Asiat. Soc. Beng., 1868) ; “ On the Birds of the
•Goona District ” (Journ. Asiat. Soc. Beng., 1868) ; “ Notes on the Vege¬
table Products and Farm Foods of Rajpootana and Marwan “ Obser¬
vations on the genus Ficus, and on the' Fertilisation of F. hispida “ A
Monograph of Indian Fici” (in course of publication). Eminent as
«n Indian botanist and quinologist, and for the services he has rendered
to IsvtanisU and naturalists in India. Sir John Kirk, G.C.M.G., M.D.,
F.L.S. ; H.M. Agent andiConsul-General, Zanzibar ; chief officer and
naturalist of Dr. Livingstone’s Government expedition to the Zambesi,
Nyassa Country (1858-63), during which he made large collections,
•observations, and drawings of great scientific value ; author of numerous
■contributions to the botany, zoology, and geography of Eastern Tropical
Africa, published in the Journals of the Linnean and Zoological SocieJ
ties, the K Ibis,” Ac. During Sir John Kirk’s residence of nearly twenty

ORCHID3 AT CAMBRIDGE LODGE.

If there are any lingering doubts that Orchids can be successfully
rrown in the metropolitan district they would be effectually dispelled by
l visit to the celebrated collection in the possession of R. J. Measures,
Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, which is remarkable not only for
the number of°rarb, valuable, and beautiful forms it contains, but also
[or the fresh vigorous health of the plants, so well grown by the gar¬
dener, Mr. Simpkins. The garden is within three miles of Charing
Cross’ and is, we believe, the most centrally situated collection of
Orchids in London, where fogs and smoke are far too abundant to be
agreeable. Nearly the whole of the available space is covered with
well-built and well-designed houses, of which no less than sixteen are
exclusively devoted to Orchids, and it is becoming difficult accom¬
modate the frequent additions being made to the collection. Mr.
Measures has not filled his houses with common species or varieties, but
has made a most careful selection of the rarest obtainable, the value of
which in many instances is increasing annually ; and especially is this
the case with the hybrid Cypripediums and others like the celebrated
C. Stonei platytmnium. Cypripediums are indeed a specialty at
Cambridge Lodge, for the collection now comprises 235 species, hybrids
and varieties, some of the better known being represented by excep¬
tionally large handsome specimens, while all are distinguished by their
fine condition. One house devoted to Cypripediums in flower was very
attractive at the time of our visit, the plants being arranged with
Ferns and a few light graceful Palms like Cocos Weddelliana. The
house is a small one, span-roofed, and not much more than 12 feet
square, with a side stage extending from the door round the house and
projecting in the centre opposite the door, where a beautiful bank is
forrmed. Amongst those in flower were C. hevigatum ; Dauthien ;
Warned" and variety biflorum ; Harrisianum ; caudatum and the
varieties Warscewiczi and roseum ; callosum ; barbatum pulcherrimum ;
a very interesting plant, apparently a natural hybrid between Hookeri
and hirsutissimum, the leaves resembling the former and the flowers the
latter • Boxalli atrata, a handsome plant of this richly coloured dark
variety • calurum superbum, beautifully coloured ; Curtisi ; euryandum
with six’ fine flowers ; Argus ; Hookeri and the light variety Bullerianuni ;
niveum, and the rare variety punctatissimum ; vernixium ; Lowi ;
Boxalli superba ; callosum ; ciliolare, a very .handsome variety of this
fine Cypripedium ; insigne sylhetensc, the summer-flowering variety of
insigne • barbatum, a grand variety like one of the best Lawrencianums ;
tonsum ’• Argus mosaica with large flowers and richly spotted petals ;
Pearcei • superciliare ; Warned ; and Swannianum. Most of these
were flowering freely, and in other houses were more plants, the
principal collection containing the rarities being in a long house in
another portion of the gardens ; and there is a large plant of C. Wallisi
with three spikes, one of which produced three flower buds one has two
buds and the third has one ; when the flowers are expanded the plant
will ’be remarkably handsome. There are scores of other rare and
beautiful plants, but two deserve special notice ; these are Cypripedium
Cambridgeanum and C. Ernestianum, which are represented in figs. 66
and 67. These are imported plants, and have flowered for the first time
this year C. Cambridgeanum was imported by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.,
Clapton, and flowered last March. It is very suggestive of C. cenanthum
both in shape and colouring, the dorsal sepal being particularly beauti¬
ful heavily veined, with dark crimson and a slight white margin, the lip
greenish with a purple tinge, and the petals similar but darker, and with
a slight fringe of hairs near the base. C. Ernestianum is a very striking
furm of the Davanum type, which was introduced by Messrs, shuttle -
worth A Carder, and flowered last February. The dorsal sepal is of
elegant shape, white distinctly veined with bright green, the petals
tinged with green at the base, veined with pale crimson, white at the tip,

376

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 1?, 1887.

and margined with slight purplish hairs. The lip is long, green, marbled
with a darker shade, tending to yellowish brown, the throat near the
8taminode being dotted with rose. It is a bold handsome form, and if
it be regarded as a variety of C. Dayanum it is quite distinct from the
ordinary types, and superior to the majority.

The houses, which are filled with so many other orchidic treasures,
are all well constructed and admirably adapted for the culture of these
plants. The details of arrangement inside with regard to stages, supply
of water, &c.,have been carefully considered and judiciously carried out.
In the majority the side stages are formed of an iron framework and
supports, with cross pieces of T iron, about 9 inches apart, supporting
slabs of Portland cement. Upon this is spread a layer of fine coal,
which has been preferable to several other materials employed in a
similar way, retaining moisture and not providing a harbour for insects
or encouraging the growth of confervas. In several cases a small water
pipe is taken along beneath the stage, a short pipe with a tap passing
through it in a convenient position, so that the shelves can be readily
flooded with water at any time. This is a great advantage, saving much
labour and rendering it easy to have a constant moisture rising beneath
the plants, which adds greatly to their health. Tanks are provided under

The collection of Masdevallias is a f ull one, comprising fifty-four distinct
forms, and including plants of such valuable types as Normani and
Bulls’ Blood with the best of all the others obtainable. Phalmnopsis,
Chysis bractescens, Saccolabiums, and the beautiful Phaius tubereulosus
are found in another structure. The Chysis is evidently quite at home,
the principal point in its treatment being a season of three or four
months thorough rest. That it appreciates this is evident, for some of
them have spikes with ten flowers, others with eight. The Phaius has
also been exceptionally good, the plant having this season borne araceme
of ten flowers. In the Dendrobium house is a good general collection,
together with several exceptional specimens, one of which is D. Griffithi-
anum with 300 pseudo-bulbs, no doubt the grandest plant in cultivation
and the value of which would run into three figures. Ihis specimen
has nine racemes showing, and another but slightly smaller has six.
Brymerianum, Schroderi, fimbriatum oculatum, suavissimum Cambridge-
anum, alto sanguineum, crassinode, and Wardianum are all well
represented.

The Cattleya house, about 70 long, contains a most valuable collection
of the best Cattleyas and Laelias, the mere enumeration of which would
fill a small volume, and it must suffice to say that they include several

Fig. 60.— Cypripedium Cambridge anum.

all the stages at the sides of the walks, and as much rain water as
possible is caught and used almost exclusively for supplying the plants,
and to this some portion of the success of the plants is attributed, the
beneficial results being also evident in the fresh bright green appearance
of the sphagnum used in surfacing, especially in the cool houses. In
some open lattice stages are employed, but the others, which were con¬
structed on the design of Mr. Ernest Measures, are much better suited
to the plants. Light hexagon netting blinds are employed for the roofs
of the houses, while for the sides where much exposed similar material
nailed on light frames a few feet square and easily secured by small
bolts top and bottom have proved very useful. Indeed, one of the
notable features of the garden is the prevailing neatness and thought¬
fulness manifested in the most minor details, all of which, however,
conduce to the success achieved.

It would be impossible to give a full description of this collection in
one notice, and we hope to revert to it again, but a few words will serve to
show its general character. The Cymbidium house contains some grand
specimens of Cymbidium Lowianum, one of which has six racemes with
nineteen to twenty-three flowers each, the variety a highly coloured one,
the lip being especially rich. Aerides and Vandas of the choicest species
and varieties have a house devoted to them, the former com prising thirty
or forty forms. Of the best Ccelogyne cristata varieties there are some
large plants, one of C. cristata alba being one of the best we have seen.

specimens exceeding 100 guineas in value, and all are distinguished by
most robust health. Then, too, in the Odontoglossum house is a col¬
lection which would alone render a garden noted, and there are several
other houses similarly well occupied. Altogether Mr. Measures has
every reason to be proud of his Orchids and their fine healthy condition.
— L. Castle.

THE SALE OF ORCHIDS AT DOWNSIDE.

The sale of surplus plants in Mr. W. Lee’s collection at Downside,
Leatherhead, attracted a large number of orchidists on Tuesday and
Wednesday, May 3rd and 4th, the prices realised being astonishingly
high, and proved how well the value of the best and rarest Orchids is
maintained. The sale was conducted by Messrs. Protheroe <fc Morris,
and the principal purchasers were Baron Schroder, Sir Trevor Lawrence,
A. H. Smee, Esq., Sidney Courtauld, Esq., R. J. Measures, Esq., R. H.
Measures, Esq., with Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons, B. S. Williams, J. Sander,
W. Thomson, Ireland k Thomson, Thibaut <fc Keteleer, Vervaet. and
Jules Hye. The great sensation was the plant of Cypripedium Stonei
platytmnium, which was sold to Baron Schroder for 310 guineas, the
highest sum ever paid for one Orchid. The total amount realised in the
two days’ sale was nearly £6000.

The following are some of the principal plants, with the prices
obtained : —

Cattleya Trianre var. Atalanta, fine strong plant, twenty bulbs, four

M»y 12, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

377

leads, from the Brentham collection ; not the same as described in Mr.
B. S. Williams’ Manual, but finer ; £23 2s. Cattleya Trianae I’er-
eivaliana, fine healthy specimen covered with foliage, one of the very
best varieties, with over 200 bulbs and thirty leads ; £26 6s. L;elia
clegans var. alba, large plant in teak basket, 26 inches by 21 inches,
grand specimen, from Mr. F. Sander ; £42. Masdevallia, the original
Bull’s Blood, part of the plant certificated at the Botanic Gardens,
Regent's Park, May 8th, 1873, anc’ then called Denisoniana ; a superb
variety ; £32 11s. Cattleya Trianae var. eboracensis, thirteen

bulbs, three leads, from Messrs. Backhouse ; £42. Cattleya Trianae
Dayana, twelve bulbs, two leads, splendid variety, named in honour
of Mr. John Day ; £56 14s. Masdevallia Normanni, considered by some to
be finer than Bull’s Blood ; £27 6s. Cattleya Trianae Emperor, thirteen
bulbs, two leads ; £46 4s. Cattleya Trianae Colemauni, twelve bulbs,
two leads, the finest Trianae in the late Mr. Coleman’s collection of

dark variety ; part of the plant figured in Mr. B. S. Williams’ “ Album,’’
vol. iv., plate 187. This variety is very scarce. From Messrs. J. Vcitch
and Sons ; £52 10s. Cypripedium Morganiae, eleven growths, grand
specimen, showing flower spikes ; Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ hybrid
C. Veitchi x C. Stonei ; the finest of all hybrid Cypripediums, from
Messrs. Veitch ; £178 10s. Cattleya Trianae Emiliae, thirty -seven bulbs,,
nine leads, fine plant, charming variety; £32 11s. Coelogyne cristata
alba, twelve leads ; the flowers this year exceeded in size every other
cristata ; from Mr. Wm. Bull ; £57 15s. Cattleya Trianae Osmani, six
bulbs, one lead, part of Mr. Dodgson’s celebrated plant ; £94 10s. Cattleya
Trianae Leeana, thirteen bulbs, two leads ; £199 10s. Oncidium
superbiens, strong plant, in 11-ineh pot, figured in “ Album,” vol. vi.,
plate 276 ; £23 2s. Cypripedium oenanthum superbum, Messrs. J.
Veitch & Sons’ hybrid Harrisianum x insigne Maulei, Veitcli’s special
variety, figured in “ Lindenia,” vol. i., plate 33, from Messrs. Veitch ;■

Stoke Tark ; £24 3s. Laelia elegans Wolstenholmiae, seven bulbs, one
lead, fine plant, figured in Mr. Warner’s “ Select Orchids,” part 2, plate
29 ; from Mr. Day’s sale ; £42. Cattleya Skinneri oculata, splendid
specimen in basket, 30 inches by 30 inches. 314 bulbs and 60 leads ;
exhibited in splendid condition at the Orchid Conference, 1885 ; £73 10s.
Cattleya Amesiana, six bulbs, one lead ; Messrs. J. Vcitch & Sons’ hybrid
crispa x maxima, a splendid rival of Cattleya exoniensis, figured in
“ Orchid Album,” vol. vi., plate 253, from Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons ;
£68 5s. Cypripedium microchilum, five growths, Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons’ hybrid niveum x Druryii ; figured in “ Lindenia,” vol. i., plate 50,
from Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons ; £25 4s. Cypripedium javanieum x
superbiens, seven growths, Continental hybrid of Monsieur Bleu’s ; not
named ; £44 2s. Cypripedium Wallisi, four growths and breaks ; the
white caudatum, from Messrs. Low &Co., scarce ; £61 10s. Dendrobium
Phahenopsis, four bulbs, one lead, has flowered at Downside, the fine

£28 7s. Cattleya Trianm Dodgsoni, eight bulbs, two leads, part of the
original plant; in no other collection ; figured in “ Album,” vol. vi.r
plate 249 ; £73 10s. Cymbibium giganteum, large specimen ; £23 2s.
Saccolabium Harrisonianum (or giganteum album), in large basket,
eighteen growths, 119 leaves. This plant bore sixteen spikes of its
lovely white flowers this year. It is a splendid specimen, and probably
the largest in cultivation; £162 15s. Laslia bella, six strong bulbs with
leaves, one lead. This plant is in grand condition ; it is one of Messrs. J.
Vcitch & Sons’ most splendid hybrids, purpurata x autumn-flowering-
labiata. Baron Schroder had R.H.S. certificate, April 14th, 1885.
Bought from Messrs. Veitch ; £180. Cypripedium vexillarium, splendid
plant, eleven growths, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ hybrid, barbatum x
Fairieanum, from Messrs. Veitch ; £33 12s. Cattleya Triarne Osmani,
four bulbs, one lead, part of Mr. Dodgson’s celebrated plant : £63.
Cypripedium grande, seventeen growths and breaks, grand specimen, ir*

378

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ May IX, 1837.

18-inch pot, Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons’ hybrid C. Roezlii x caudatum,
from Messrs. Veitch ; this plant was exhibited at the Orchid Con¬
ference ; £68 5s. Cattleya Skinneri alba, twenty-eight bulbs, seven
leads, fine plant, and pure white var., without any trace of colour ;
£33 12s. Cypripedium tessellatum porphyreum, Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons’ selected best variety, hybrid barbatum x concolor, figured in
■“ Lindenia,” vol. i., plate 41, very scarce, bought from Messrs. J. Veitch
and Sons ; £78 15s. Cymbidium Lowianum, grand specimen ; £21.
Angnecum caudatum, four fine growths. This is one of the finest speci¬
mens, and is in splendid condition ; figured in “ Botanical Magazine,”
vol. lxxiv., t. 437° ; £37 16s. Laelia elegans Turneri, twenty-three bulbs,
three leads, fine variety ; £31 10s. Oilontoglossum Hrubyanum, three
breaks, flowered this year with a spike of fifty-one of its fine white
flowers. R.H.S. certificate to Mr. Lee, February 10th, 1885. A very
rare plant ; £29 8s. Cypripedium Harrisianum superbum, four growths,
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ grand variety ; bought from Messrs. Veitch ;
£27 6s. Masdevallia Harryana rugosa, flowers deeply furrowed ; a very
grand flower, crimson-blue, in shades of colour probably in no other col¬
lection ; fine plant, in 13-inch pot ; £48 6s. Masdevallia Harryana
Kusselliana, in pan over 2 feet in diameter, very fine specimen and very
grand variety, has borne 130 expanded flowers at one time ; £52 10s.

Cattleya Amesiana, eight bulbs, one lead, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’
hybrid crispa x maxima. A splendid rival to Cattleya exoniensis,
figured in “Album,” vol. vi., plate 253 ; bought from Messrs. J. Veitch
and Sons ; £94 10s. Cypripedium selligerum majus, true, twelve
growths ; Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ fine var. hybrid C. barbatum x
C. hevigatum, figured in “Lindenia,” vol. i., plate 49, bought from
Messrs. Veitch ; £44 2s. Vanda suavis, splendid specimen, and best
variety, six growths, the tallest with twenty pairs of leaves ; £21.
Cattleya Trianas alba, eighteen bulbs, three leads, fine and true ; £21.
Cattleya Trianae Osmani, seven bulbs, one lead, part of Mr. Dodgson’s
celebrated plant ; £105. Trianae Emilise, ten bulbs ; £24 3s. Laelia
elegans var. marginata, fine specimen, seventy bulbs, twelve leads, from
Mr. F. Sander ; fine variety ; £35 14s. Laelia elegans Turneri, twenty-
seven bulbs, five leads, grand variety from Messrs. Low ; £33 12s.
Saccolabium Heathi, the white Blumei majus, five growths, forty leaves,
strong healthy plant in grand condition, in basket. This is said to be
the only plant ever found, though the forest where it was discovered has
been carefully searched ; £157 10s. Cymbidium Parishi, six bulbs and
growths, a very fine plant, figured in “ Album,” vol. i., plate 25 ; 52s. 10s.
Cattleya exoniensis, seventeen bulbs, two leads, very strong plant, and
the very finest variety ; from Mr. B. S. Williams, 1878 ; £105. Cypri¬
pedium marmorophyilum, nine growths, this plant was exhibited by Mr.
Lee at the Orchid Conference, and was much admired as being a very
fine variety ; Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ hybrid Hookerae x barbatum ;
£21. Cypripedium Leeanum superbum, nine growths, Messrs. J. Veitch
and Sons’ hybrid, insigne Maulei X Spicerianum, part of the original
plant as figured in “Album,” vol. v., plate 223; £32 11s.; Cypripe¬
dium Stonei platytaenium, four growths, from Mr. Day’s collection,
figured in “ Warner’s Third Series,” plate 14. This plant was exhibited
in flower at the Orchid Conference, and is flowering now. It was
bought after a spirited competition by Baron Schroder for £325 10s.,
the highest price yet paid for an Orchid. Laelia purpurata var.
Wiiliamsi, twenty-seven bulbs, five leads, figured in “Album,” vol i.,
plate 9 and 10. A grand variety ; £67 4s. Cattleya Trianse, Exoniensis
lip variety, thirty bulbs, six leads ; a splendid variety, bought from
Messrs. J. Veitch &; Sons ; £21. Laelia grandis, large specimen, perhaps
the finest in the country, eighty-six bulbs, fourteen leads ; bought from
Mr. F. Sander, figured in “Album,” vol. 3, plate 123; £94 10s.
Cattleya Mardeli, nine bulbs, one lead, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ hybrid
speciosissima x Devoniensis, fine healthy plant, received R.H.S. Certi¬
ficate, May 13th, 1884, bought from Messrs. Veitch ; £44 2s. Odontoglossum
Jenningsianum (Reichenbach) described in Messrs. Veitch’s Manual,
page 26 ; £21.

JUSTICIA FLAVICOMA.

The fashion for flowers has called into recognition all free-flowering
useful, durable plants, but, unfortunately, this is still neglected, being
seldom seen in gardens in quantity, but more frequently as a solitary
specimen in the stove struggling between life and death. This is
regretable, for it is easy of culture, durable for decoration either in the
stove, intermediate house, or conservatory. It can be had in bloom by
the middle of December, and a succession can be maintained until the
end of May or beginning of June. Its plumes of the brightesc of
yellow flowers just above the darkest of green foliage render it one of
the most telling plants that can be employed for decoration. The
Celosia with its golden plume is, strikingly effective, but this Justicia
surpasses it both for beauty and usefulness. To have fine plumes the
former grows moderately tall, and is only useful for certain arrangements
and positions, while the last can be produced any height from 6 to
18 inches clothed with foliage down to the rim of the pot, and therefore
suitable for any place, even for standing singly in vases, }n the dwelling
room. It may here be mentioned that after the first plumes fade the
plants must not be thrown away or the faded plume removed. The
-decaying flowers should be removed, and in a few weeks the old plume
will prodmce fresh flowers and again be in full beauty ; it will do this
even a third time, and each time the plume will be larger and finer than
the first. It will therefore be seen that with a few plants a long suc¬
cession can be produced. The yellow heads of this plant have a

charming appearance rising above the flowers of Zonal Pelargoniums,
Cyclamens, Primulas, Heaths, and such like plants. An arrangement
casually made struck me as very effective the other day, and which has
been admired by several. In a small house some fifty or sixty of these
plants were being forced into bloom, and some Calanthe Veitchi were
dropped in amongst them and elevate 1 in pots ; the rose-coloured flowers
of the latter rising above the groundwork of dark green and yellow
were very ornamental.

Old plants can be retained for growing on for another year, but for
many purposes they are not so good as young stock raised annually
from cuttings. Old plants lose their foliage at the base, in fact to the
place where the young shoots start from. They do not attain the same
vigour as young plants, and therefore produce less flowers, and are more
susceptible to the attacks of insects during the growing season. After
flowering old plants should be cut back, and when they have broken
into growth the roots may be partially reduced and the plants placed
into the same «ize pots or those of a slightly larger size. Subsequent
treatment is the same as will be advised for young plants.

After flowering the plants grow rapidly in a temperature of 60° to
65°. They will do in much cooler quarters, but are longer before they
start, and then grow more slowly. When the young shoots are a few
inches long they are suitable for cuttings. These should be cut clean
below a joint and the lower pair of leaves inserted. They may either be
inserted singly or a number together in 5 and 6-inch pots in sandy soil ;
the last is invariably practised here, but the cuttings as soon as they are
rooted must be placed singly into 3-inch pots. The cuttings root quickly
and freely under bellglasses, as in the propagating frame, where the
temperature ranges about the same as advised for starting them. Those
who do not possess these conveniences can root cuttings in a hotbed
prepared for Cucumbers and Melons. After insertion give a good
watering, keep the cuttings close and shaded from strong sun until they
are rooted. Cuttings may be inserted as early as they can be obtained,
and in succession until the end of June.

This plant does not naturally branch freely— that is, in its early
stages of growth, and to induce it to do so pinch the young plants when
well established in their first pots, and only a few inches high. The
majority will not make more than two shoots, but pinching is not
advised a second time ; indeed, it is only recommended for those plants
that are rooted during the months of March, April, and the early part
of May. The later cuttings should not be stopped, and often from these
— in fact, generally — the largest plumes are produced. If larger plants
are required than can be produced by growing them singly, five cuttings
may be inserted in a 3-inch pot, and then grown together after¬
wards.

After the young plants are established in their first pots and pinched
they will break into growth again by the time they are ready for placing
into 5-inch pots, which is large enough for single plants. If five are
grown together 7-inch pots should be employed ; for late-struck plants
3 and 4-inch may be used, only potting the plants once — that is, from
the cutting pots, or they may be inserted in the pots in which they are
to be grown. The pots should be moderately drained, and the soil,
especially for the last potting, pressed firmly in. They succeed well in
a compost of fibry loam three parts, the other part being composed of
leaf mould ; to this may be added one-sjxth of decayed manure and
sufficient sand to keep the whole porous.

From the time they are established in their first pots they may be
grown in a night temperature of 60°, with a rise by day of 5° or 10°,
principally from sun heat, until they are placed in their largest pots.
They will do very well plunged in a hotbed such as has been mentioned,
in a heated pit, or even in a light position in a vinery. For ten days or
a fortnight after potting keep them perfectly close until the roots have
taken possession of the new soil, when the night temperature may be
gradually reduced. By the end of June or beginning of the following
month they can be placed in cold frames if the heated pit is required
for other plants ; if not, they can be grown in it with the heat shut off.
Later plants must be gradually hardened, and afterwards subjected to
the same treatment as those rooted earlier.

The treatment in cold frames is simple. Arrange the plants mode¬
rately close to the glass, the pots standing upon ashes or other moisture¬
holding material. For two or three weeks no air need be admitted by
tilting the lights, for sufficient will enter by opening the frame for
watering and syringing twice daily. Light shade must be applied
during bright days for a few hours only. Under this treatment the
plants will grow rapidly and sturdily, but from this time a little air
may lie admitted daily, except on very bright drying occasions. By the
end of August very little shade need be employed, and it can be dis¬
pensed with by the end of the month. Throughout the following month
the plants may be exposed during the day to more ventilation to harden
them and bring growth to a standstill. By the end of September they
should be dwarf sturdy plants with large bold foliage, nearly black,
overhanging the rim of the pots.

When housing them provide.a light position where the night tempe¬
rature will not fall below 55° ; no harm will really result if the tempe¬
rature falls 5° lower. If wanted in flower by the middle of December
place them in a temperature of 60° from the time they have completed
their growth ; by the hooler system of treatment they will flower about
the middle of the following month. Those who cannot give so much
heat need not despair of cultivating this plant, for it will remain in
good condition in a house that is kept close where the temperature on
cold occasions does not fall below. 45°, but with this treatment they will
be much later before they flower.

May 1*. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

379

Insects never trouble young plants- if grown in clean places and the i
method of culture detailed is carried out. properly. They are, however,
subject to mealy bug and scale. The mealy hug generally appears in
the small leaves when growth is completed, and also in the (lower stems.
These should lie picked out with the hand and destroyed. Scale infests
the plants if they become checked, hut as they ap[>car should he re¬
moved with a sponge and a solution of Fir tree oil and water. —

Wm. Bardxey. :

THE SANSEYIERIAS — BOWSTRING HEMP.

The May number of the “ Kew Bulletin ” gives interesting particu¬
lars concerning the species of Sansevieria and their uses, several of the
plants being well known in gardens as curiosities, and are also employed
in snb-tropical gardens. Seven -well marked species are named and de¬
scribed, grouped as follows: — 1, Leaves comparatively thin and flat:
S. guineensis, S. Itmgi flora, S. Kirkii, and S. thyrsiflora. 2, Leaves
semicircular in transverse section at the middle, deeply hollowed down
the face : 8. r.eylanica. And 3, Leaves club-shaped, more like stems
than proper leaves : S. cylindrica and S. sulcata. The following parti¬
culars are given concerning S. guineensis, one of the two oldest and
best known species. It was first figured and described, long before the
days of Linnaeus, i;i the .year 1701, by Cpmmelinus in his “ Horti Medici
Amstclodamensis Rariorum Plantar u in Descriptio ” (tab. 20), under the
name of “ Aloe guineensis radice gcniculata foliis ex viridi et atro undu-
latim Tariegatis.” Linnaeus classified it under the genus Aletris, and so
did Jacquin, who figured and carefully described it in 1770 in his
“ Hortus Vindobonensis,” vol. i., p. (17, t. 84. It has hornjp erect, lanceo¬
late leaves, 3 or 4 feet long, 3 inches broad at the middle, narrowed
gradually to an acute apex, not distinctly bordered with red, copiously
mottled on both surfaces with broad irregular bands of white. The
flowers are in a lax, simple spike, which "rises to the same height as the
leaves, in clusters of three to six, with a whitish perianth about 2 inches
long, ot which the six segments are about as long as the cylindrical
tube. It is a native of Guinea, from which we have wild specimens
gathered by Barter and others. We have it also from Central Africa,
collected by Schweinfurth and Grant, and Abyssinia by Beccari, and
what is most likely the same from the Zambesi country, gathered by
Sir John Kirk in 1860, the latter accompanied by a sketch made on the
spot when he was botanist to the Livingstone expedition.

On the Zambesi 8. guineensis appears to be called “ Konje,” and Sir
John Kirk speaks of it as “yielding a valuable fibre similar to Manila
Hemp.” It is described as (‘ growing in great abundance in many places,
keeping to the shade of woods.”

Mi-. Horne, Director of the Royal Botanic Garden, ramplemousses,
mentions that —

“ This plant thrives well in Mauritius in damp marshy places in the
lowlands. I have no doubt that it would thrive well in the wet up¬
lands.”

It is widely distributed in the West Indies, and has been grown
experimentally for the sake of its^fibre at St. Thomas, Jamaica, and
Trinidad.- --

As regards cultural treatment,- the following information is taken
from notes prepared by the late Director of the Botanical Department,
Jamaica, on this and 8. zeylanica : —

“ In the first instance plants may be put out at 3 feet by 3 feet,
which, allowing for roads and paths, would give about 3000 to the acre.
If the soil is kept well broken and moist these plants, by the extension
of root suckers, will spread in all directions, so that ultimately the whole
ground, with the exception of certain paths, which should be kept per¬
manently open, will be covered with plants. As regards the time which
must elapse between planting out and the first yield of leaves suitable
for fibre, there would appear to ,be a great difference of opinion. Plants
which I saw at St. Thomas at three years old were only just ready to be
cut ; and Baron Eggers, who had planted and kept them under close
observation during the whole of that time, was of opinion that Sanse-
vieria plants could not he depended upon to yield a crop before three or
three and a half years.

“ My own experience coincides with this, -hut necessarily mueh must
depend upon the nature of the plants when first put out, the character
of the soil, the amount of moisture received, as -well as on the system
of cultivation pursued,

“ From actual trial tests in India, where one-third of an acre was
cultivated with Sansevieria zeylanica, it appears that full grown leaves
of 3 to 34 feet long (their actual age is not mentioned) yielded about
1 lb. of clean fibre for every 40 lbs. of fresh leaves. That is, the weight
of clean dry fibre was at the rate of 2\ per cent, of the fresh leaves.
Dr. Roxburgh calculated that one acre would yield 1613 lbs. of clean
fibre at a gathering, two of which may be reckoned on yearly, ‘ in a
good soil and a favourable season, after the plants arc of a pro [sir
age.’ 1

“ This would be at the rate of 1 \ ton of fibre per acre per annum
at the end of three or three and a half years (of the gross value
(at the rate of .4430 per ton) of £45. Whether this return can be
depended upon for the West Indies on an extensive area I am unable
to say.” ’ "

In an experimental trial carried on at Jamaica, 1185 lbs. of green
leaves of S. guinecusis yielded 29 lbs. 10 ozs. of dry fibre. This was
cleaned by machine. The reports of brokers were as follows :— (>1)
“Value, £18 per ton, mixed fibre partly uncleaned;” (A) “Poorly
tdsaned, a good deal of mixture ip it, not so strong, value about £25

per ton (0) ‘.‘No good in the state sent ; it has a. lot of bark in it,
and requires more dressing.; both, ends are clean, but the centre is
dirty. Price, if dressed propgrly, would he as good, as S. zeylanica — viz.,
£30 per ton.”

In, September last his Excellency Sir William Robinson, Governor of
Trinidad, forwarded .to Kew samples of fibre of this species, which he
stated had .been prepared “ at the convict depot at Chaguanas without
the aid of machinery of any kind,”. The report of Messrs, hie & Christie-
on the Trinidad sample was as follows : —

“In point of cleanness and softness of fibre it seems well prepared-;
but to compete successfully with Manila Hemp it would require to be
of abetter colour, anil of, equal if not .superior strength. We value it
for rope-making purposes at £20 per ton in London. The small piece
of Manila fibre which we enclose has a value to-day (September 24th,
1886) of £31 per ton.”

A few leaves taken from plants grown at Kew were recently passed,
through Death’s fibre machine, but the result, owing to the smallness qj>
the quantity and the necessity of adjusting the machine to the size of
each leaf, was not satisfactory, but It is not' devoid of interest. The
report of Messrs. -Me" A -Christie on the sample of -fibre -submitted to,
them was as follows : — “Short and only moderate strength. Value:
£23 per ton. . We reported on fibre from this plant from Trinidad,
in September last, when we valued the sample at £20 per ton. The
difference now is due solely to the advance in the price of Sisal
Hemp.” .

Of samples of fibre fef S, guineensis the Kew Museums contain one.
specimen machine Qleangd.from Jamaica, sent by Mr. D. Morris, 1884,
with the following no(e Leaves 3> to 4 feet long, broader than

S. zeylanica, mottled, unarmed, common, and easily propagated.” A.
specimen from Trinidad, cleaned by hand, forwarded by Governor Sir
William -Robinson, and valued by Messrs. Ide & Christie at £20 per
ton. Also a leaf, rope, and fibre from south-east Africa, sent by Mr.

T. Baines. A specimen of leaf and fibre from Sir John Kirk appears
under the following label r— “ Maculated Sansevieria, Called ‘ Konje,’
near Lupata, i860.” This is probably identical with S. guineensis.

CHRYSANTHEMUM AUDITS.

AMOXG the several audits taken of the Chrysanthemums none has
appeared to me to be more practical and useful than that given by
“ B. D. K.” in the Journal for the 28th ult.. Mr. Mawley’s was useful in
a sense, but to take any given show or any given date is not a safe
criterion to go by, as there are so many of our finest exhibition flowers
that vary in different seasons. Some varieties that may be generally at
their best at a particular time one season, may be a week later or earlier
another season, yet they may be just as useful- to the exhibitor for some
other show. Especially is this the case with exhibitors at the “ National,”
who mostly have their own local and other shows to attend later or
earlier in the season. If we take the two audits under notice there are
several illustration^ of my remarks. I, will ; give, two. First,, Duchess
of Albany : this variety, according to Mr. Mawley’s list, would. not appear
to be a show flower at all, it is not mentioned once, yet in “ B. D. K.’s,”
it has thirteen prizes alone. The second variety, is Belle Paule. Now,
Mr. Mawle-y tells us this was only shown six times altogether- at the
National. And why ! Simply because nearly all the early buds that
would have given blooms for the National or Kingston were literally
burnt, whereas those who were fortunate in having later buds, escaping
the few days’ excessive heat, came out grand for the later shows, and we
find in “ B. D. K.’s ” list that the variety was actually shown in twenty-
three first prize stands, .thus placing Belle Paule nearer its proper posi¬
tion. Another season growers will be more on the alert and protect
their plants at the critical time. There are not many varieties .that give
such minute buds as Belle Paule, or the few excessively hot dryys we
usually have at tho end of August and beginning of September, would
play more havoc among the buds than it did with this variety last year.
If the plants are removed to a shady position, or paper caps put over the
buds during the hottest t art of the day till the danger is over, we shall
have plenty of Belle I’aules another season.

Looking.down the list, of forty -eight Japanese varieties given, by Mr.
Molyneux in his hook, I think there is room for much improvements
Of course, every yoar in this section we add two or three new varieties
that in the course of a year or two soon alter the position of previous
lists ; but with the long list of really line varieties that we now possess
we can hardly understand why such inconstant varieties as Sceptre
Toulousaine, Sarnia, and Red Gauntlet should be recommended, or that
such varieties as Dr, Macary, Madame Deveille, La Nymphe, anil
L’Africainc should shut out Striatum and Comtcsse de Beauregarde.
Mrs. Mahood, again, is very fine when it can be obtained, but it is so
seldom that it is good that it should not retain the high position given
it in the list. I should say it should change places with Elaine. How
many of the- 250 new Japanese lately introduced will find a place in
the first forty-eight it is difficult to say, but if we glance down the
audit we already find Maiden’s Blush, Madame John Laing, Gloriosum,
Oonquete de Castille, and La Triumphante, all introduced since Mr.
Molyneux framed his list ; besides which we have for next season
Edouard Audiguier, .Golden Meg Merrilies, t’arew Underwood, Itoi des
Japqnaise, MiRle. Paule. Dufour, all of which will take a very high
position, while several others will make a good stand. Of the fifty-
varieties enumerated by “ B. D, K.” just one-half of them have been
introduced within the past six years, and if the five last-mentioned
varieties . were, put in their proper places we should find the neweg

380

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 1?, 1887.

varieties stronger still. Mr. Molyneux speaks very disparagingly
against buying novelties. Has there been a season since he scored his
tirst success that new varieties have not been of considerable help to
him ! Methinks if every grower waited till the novelties were shown
by someone else the greater number of them would die out on the very
threshold of their existence. As it is, many of our very finest varieties
have been years before finding their proper level, simply because we
have not enough growers with sufficient pluck to try more of the novel¬
ties and bring out their merits or defects. — N. Davis, Camberwell.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

May 10th.

The Cypripediums, the Daffodils, and Roses in pots were the most
prominent features of this meeting, other miscellaneous exhibits being
less numerous than usual.

Fruit Committee. — Present — T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chain
and Messrs. J. Lee, Arthur W. Sutton, T. B. Haywood, Phillip Crowley:
W. Warren, G. T. Miles, J. Woodbridge, G. Norman, William Paul,
R. D. Blaclcmore, H. J. Yeitch, J. Fitt, and J. Burnett. Mr. Norman,
The Gardens, Hatfield House, Herts, sent six bunches of Lady Downe’s
Grapes, remarkably well kept, the berries plump and of good colour. A
"cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. W. Palmer, gardener to W. T.
Hume Dick, Esq., Thames Ditton House, Thames Dibon, exhibited some
fresh and good Black Hamburgh Grapes and a seedling Melon, which the
Committee wish to see again. (Vote of thanks.) Mr. R. Parker, lmpney
Gardens, Droitwich, showed a seedling white-flesh Melon, and from the
Society’s garden at Chiswick were sent several specimens of seedling
Rhubarb, with Hawke’s Champagne, Linmeus, and Victoria for com¬
parison.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the
chair ; Dr. M. T. Masters, and Messrs. W. Wilks, J. Fraser, W. Holmes,
T. Baines, G. Duffield, J. Douglas, H. Bennett, H. Herbst, J. Walker,

A. Bradshaw, R. Dean, B. Wynne, C. Noble, J. Dominy, H. Ballantine,
H. M. Pollett, C. Pilcher, A. J. Lendy, E. Hill, and J. O’Brien.

At this meeting the Veitch Memorial medal and £5 were offered for
the best collection of Cypripediums, and though there were only two
competitors the display provided by the successful exhibitor was a re¬
in u-kable one. The pi ize was awarded to Mr. Simpkins, gardener to R. J.
Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, whose admirable collec¬
tion of Orchids is described in another column, and the plants shown on
this occasion included some of the best. They were all very healthy,
the flowers mostly large, and the colours good, and arranged as they
were with Adiantums, Pterises, Cocos Weddelliana, and other graceful
foliage plants they formed a most beautiful group, the honour accorded
them being a well-merited recognition. The following is a list of the
Cypripediums exhibited in bloom : — Argus four plants, A. mosaica, A.
liigro-maculatum, barbatum two plants, and vars. pulclierrimum, nigrum
five plants, gigauteum andO’Brieni, Boxalli three plants, B. superbum,

B. atratum two plants, Bullenianum, cardinale, Curtisi, ciliolare six
plants, callosum three plants, caudatum, c. roseum four plants, c. Wars-
eewiezi, calurum, c. superbum, Druryi, Dauthieri, euryandrum, Harrisi-
anum, brown variety, Haynaldianum, Hookeri, H. giganteum, insigne
tylhetense, Lowi, lasvigatum four plants. Lawrenceanum nine plants,
niveum ten plants, n. biflorum, Pearcei, Roezdi, Robelini, selligerum,
euperciliare, Swanianum two plants, Stonei, tonsum, villosum aureum,
vernixium, Warneri two plants, var. biflorum, and two unnamed species.
F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Hammersmith (gardener, Mr. J. C.
Cowley), also had a smaller group of choice Cypripediums, comprising
Harrisianum, barbatum superbum, Petri, Druryi, Sedeni candidibulum,
Lowi, concolor, niveum, Boxalli atratum, and Calceolus, all healthy
plants.

Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Son, Chilwell, Notts, showed a collection of
Zonal Pelargoniums representing some of their beautiful varieties, very
notable being Clytie, cerise ; Edith Pearson, scarlet ; Rev. R. D. Harris,
salmon scarlet : W. Bealby, scarlet ; C. H. Swinstead, scarlet ; Mrs.
David Sanders, pink ; Norah, blush ; Constance, bright pink, and Aspasia
white, all single varieties. F. G. Tautz, Esq., sent specimens of Odonto-
glossum Schillerianum, with several Cattleya and Phalasnopsis flowers.
Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, was awarded a cultural commendation for live
varieties of Polyanthus, very rich in colour. Messrs. Shuttleworth and
Carder, Clapham, exhibited the specimen of Cymbidium tigrinum pre¬
viously noticed, also Odontoglossum Carderi. (Vote of thanks). Mr.
>T. James, Farnham Royal, Slough, showed flowers of his beautiful strain
<of Calceolarias, bright and varied in colours. (Vote of thanks). De B.
Crawshay, Esq., Sevenoaks, sent a plant of Odontoglossum crispum
Mrs. De B. Crawshay with large, well-formed flowers (vote of thanks).
Mr. G. Cragg, Hornsey, showed a small group of seedling Auriculas
( vote of thanks). Mr. R. Miller, Shoreham, exhibited plants of a Regal
Pelargonium named Pearl, with semi-double white flowers, very free and
good (vote of thanks). Messrs. T. Todman & Sons, Upper Tooting,
exhibited a seedling Rhododendron from R. javanicum, named grandi-
florum, having large orange yellow flowers inches across, and about
6ix in a head.

Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, were awarded a silver-gilt
Banksian medal for a handsome group of Roses in pots, comprising a
number of choice varieties, both Teas and Noisettes. A bronze medal
was adjudged to Mr. Wm. Rumsey, Waltham Cross, for four boxes of
Rose blooms, those of Souvenir d’un Ami being extremely fine in size
fcnd colour. Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, had their usual beauti¬

ful collection of Daffodils, with Anemones, Fritillarias. and other hardy
flowers (silver Banksian medal). Mr. E. H. Krelage, Haarlem, sent col¬
lections of Tulips and Narcissi of many varieties (vote of thanks). Mr.
T. S. Ware had a charming group of Primula Sieboldi varieties, miscel¬
laneous hardy flowers, comprising Muscaris, Gladiolus, Colvilli albus,
and Daffodils in thousands of many excellent varieties (silver-gilt
Banksian medal). Messrs. Collins, Bros., & Gabriel were awarded a
bronze medal for a collection of Daffodils, and Mr. Anthony Waterer for
a group of hardy Azaleas.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Aaeissus Captain Nelson (Messrs. Barr & Sons and T. S. Ware). —
A handsome variety of the large Trumpet section, the crown of rich
golden colour and well formed, the petals lighter. Certificates were also
awarded for Gloria Mundi, Glory of Leyden, and Madame W. de Graaf
from Messrs. Barr & Son.

Primula Siebo'di, Ware 's White (T. S. Ware). — A beautiful variety
with pure white flowers of good size.

Fri till aria. pa.Hidiflora (T. S. Ware). — A form with pale yellow
flowers and a few dark dots.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair. Present — Rev. C. W. Dod, Mr. Smith,
Mr. Pascoe, Mr. Michael, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wilson, Mr.
Murray, Mr. Smee. Mr. Ridley, and Rev. G. Henslow, Hon. See.

Perixteria eerina and P. guttata. — Mr. O’Brien exhibited two flowers,
one yellow the other spotted, believed to have been borne by the same
plant, and characteristic of these two species. It was suggested that
they might prove to be male and female respectively. Mr. Ridley
undeitook to examine and report upon them.

Longicorn beetle in Saccolabium eceleste. — Mr. Pascoe exhibited a
live specimen taken from a stem. It proved to be Diaxenes Taylori
from Moulmein, in the Malay Peninsula.

Leucnjum tricopliyllum. — Rev. C. W. Dod showed a specimen of
this plant. Though figured in an early volume of “ Curtis’s Magazine,”
it appears to have been lost. It is a native of Portugal.

Daffodi .?, hybrids. — He also showed a number of native hybrids be¬
tween N. poeticus and N. pseudo-Narcissus. They grow in abundance
and great variety at an elevation of 7000 feet in the Pyrenees, since as
soon as the snow disappears both these species flower simultaneously, and
not separately, as in England. They are called “ Bernards” in their
native home.

Begonia , sp. — Mr. Ridley discovered the name of the species exhi¬
bited by Mr. Smee at the last meeting to be B. hispida from Brazil.

Emmy mux, vars. — Dr. Masters exhibited sprays of the common green
Euonymus, with yellowish young foliage. They were received from
M. Max Cornu. The yellow tint disappears as the season advances ;
the cause was attributed by the Secretary to cold, as he had noticed
transplanted Bluebells remained yellow-green until the temperature
rose, when they suddenly became green. Mr. Murray corroborated this
fact, and added that corn will sometimes become yellow again on return
of cold weather.

Tulip Bulb abnormal. — Dr. Masters also showed bulbs in which one
of the lowermost scales had become bent downwards, an axillary bulbil
had grown downwards in conjunction with it. Mr. Dod alluded to the
fact that Bluebells and Crocuses sometimes bore bulbs on dependant axes
below the parent bulb ; but it was somewhat difficult to account for this
peculiarity.

Plant Diseases — The following communications were received from
Mr. Plowright : —

Distorted Crocus Leaves. — “ The Crocus leaves sent herewith present a
curious distorted appearance towards their extremities that I have fre¬
quently observed at this season of the year. It usually becomes more
marked later on. At first sight one would imagine it due to some
mechanical injury, but this I believe not to be the case. The plants from
which these specimens are taken have had their leaves similarly distorted
for several years in succession. Whether it be the work of an insect or
not, I should be glad to have the opinion of any member of the Com¬
mittee who may be familiar with this diseased condition.” This is of
common occurrence, and is due to chill or other cause which prevents
the leaves escaping freely from their sheaths.

Larch Disease. — i! Most likely several diseases are included in the
term ‘ Larch disease,’ as one frequently sees it employed in various
semi-scientific periodicals. The specimens in question were obtained
last autumn near Aberdeen in one of the excursions of the Scottish
Cryptogramic Society. Professor Trail pointed out to me the large
number of young Larches which were thus injured. During the follow¬
ing week, while at Hereford, I searched in vain for specimens of this
disease, nor have I been more successful with the Larches in this neigh¬
bourhood. The specimens sent herewith were living at the time they
were procured, the leaves attached to them being quite green. The
peculiar swellings of the affected branches being like those produced by
the Podosomata on Junipers — more or less fusiform —there is no reason¬
able doubt but that the disease is caused by the presence of the mycelium
of a fungus, Peziza Willkommi. The diseased condition of the branches
and the structure of the fungus, &c., are well shown in R. Hartig Lehr-
buch der Baumkraukheiten. plate xi. The specimens show the fusiform
swellings of the branches and the Peziza Willkommi in situ. It has
been asserted by those who confine their attention to the examination of
herbarium species that no difference exists between P. Willkommi ami
P. calycina. Without doubt the perfect fungi resemble each other
closely in external appearance and in spore measurements, but their life

Muj 15, 1837. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture a xd cottage gardener.

381

history is distinct, the former affecting living trees, the latter dead ones.
A similar case in point occurs with the two aecidia, which in this county
occur upon Ranunculus repens, the one of which is connected with
Puccinia Majnusiana on Reed and the other with Uromyces poae. For
my own part, I am quite unable to distinguish these aecidia from one
Another, either by their external appearance or by their spore measure¬
ments, but their life history is abundantly distinct.” It was the opinion
of Mr. Smith and Mr. Murray that Pcziza, a purely superficial fungus,
had nothing to do with disease, but only followed it.

Podisoma Sabina. — “ The specimen sent herewith has been produced
by placing the spores of a Riestelia on Hawthorn upon the Savin. It
was formerly supposed that we had in Europe true Podosomata only
answering to the three Rmstclim— namely,

“ Podisoma Juniperi = Raistelia lacerata on Hawthorn.

“ Podisoma Sabinse = Rasstelia cancellata on Pear.

“ Gvmnosporangus Juniperi = R;estclia cornuta on Mountain Ash.

“ On 7th May, 1885, I infected a Hawthorn bush with a Podisoma on
Savin. By the 17th May peridia begun to be developed ; in a month’s
time (June 25th) when the Rmstelia was in full fruit, I infected with
them one of two Savin bushes. This showed the same signs of the in¬
fection being successful as I had previously observed in a Juniper on
which I produced P. juniperi — namely, a falling off of those leaves
(after their turning yellow) into which the germ tubes of the Podisoma
Momycellial spores had entered. This was followed next year (1880) by
alight enlargements on the stems, and in two years’ time (1887) by the
production of the perfect Podisoma.”

EndnphyUum tempervivi. — *• The specimen of common House leek
sent herewith was artificially infected with this fungus last year. Other
.species of Sempervivum infected at the same time did not become affected
with the fungus.”

A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Plowright for his communications.

Plants Exhibited. — Cymbidium tigrinum. — A finely grown speci¬
men of this plant was exhibited by Messrs. Shuttleworth, Carder & Co.,
Clapham. It was figured in “• Botanical Magazine ” tab. 5157. A
botanical certificate was awarded for it.

Arisama triphyUum. — A North American Aroid, green var., was ex¬
hibited by Mr. Ridley ; the usual form is more showy, having purple
■spatlie with bars.

Dracunculus criticus, Schott. — This powerfully odoriferous Aroid
from Crete was shown by Mr. Lynch, who observed that it proved to be
perfectly hardy during the last two winters.

Sixyrinchivm filifulium, from the Falkland Islands ; Iris lineata,
Foster, from the Caucasus ; Arctotis auriola, A. revoluta, and A.
arborescens were shown by Mr. Lynch.

NATIONAL AURICULA SOCIETY (NORTHERN
SOCIETY).

The Rev. F. D. Horner has favoured us with the following report of this
Exhibition, which was, however, not written by him, and has appeared in
■the “ Gardeners’ Magazine.”- The Show was held in the New Town Hall,
Manchester, on Friday the 29th ult. This was one of the best Shows held
in Manchester at this time of the year, both for qua'itv and quantity. The
growth and general condition was far superior to the Exhibition held the
preceding Tuesday at South Kensington. Cons’derirg the peculiar nature
of the season in the way of c >1 1 nights and east winds, it was very sur¬
prising how the Auriculas had been able to open in anything like the
condition they avere staged. The Rev. F. D. Horner, who had not exhibited
in Manchester for nearly ten years, was, as might be expected, the principal
winner. Nearly every grower of note in the north was represented, and
•some from the midlands. Mr. Simonite from Sheffield will not be in bloom
for another week or so, wlr'ch will account for li’s name not being so very
prominent. In the way of new flowers there were the greater part of
those shown at the Southern Show. Amongst them occurred one ra sed
by Samuel Barlow, Mis. Arthur Potts, of the finest colour ever seen.

In the competition for s:x dissimilar the first prize went to the Rev.
F. I). Horner, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Kirkbv Lonsdale, whose collection had
good qualify and finish. It consisted of George Lightboly, a very fine
fliwer, rtmarkably smooth in petal, and whi h was also awarded the
premier prize for theb^st Auricula in the Exhibition, Dragon Fly (Horner),
Heroine (Homer), F. D. Horner (Simonite), Magpie (Horner), a fine white
edge and one of the best of its class ; and Alexander Meiklejohn (Kaye).
Mr. William Bolton, Stockton Heath, Warrington, was a close second with
John Simonite (Walker), Lancashire Hero (Lancashire', Mrs. Dmglas
ISimonite), F. D. Horner (Simonite), James Douglas (Bolton), in fine con-
di ion ; and Samuel Barlow (Boltin), also a fine grey edged flower, the first
time exhibited here. Arthur Potts, E q. Hoole Hall, Chester (Mr. John
Taylor, gardener', was third with F. D. Horner (Simonite), Sapphire
(Horner), Mrs. Dodwell (Woodhead), very fine; Alexander Meiklejohn
(Kaye), George Ligli'body (Headly), fine; and John Simonite (Walker).
Mr. Henry Wdson, Halifax, was fourth with Mrs. Dodw 11 (Woodhead),
Heroine (Horner), Acme (Read), Prince of Greens (Trail), George Light-
body (Headly), and Colonel Taylor (Leigh). Mr. R. Lord, Todmorden,
fifth with George Lightbody (Headly), Conservative (Douglas), Prince of
Greens (Trail), C. J. Perry, Acme (Read), and a seedling green edge. Sixth
was award d to Mr. T. Buckley, Stalybridge, for a fine lot consisting of
Frank Simonite (Simonite), Pizarro (Camobell), George L’ghtbody,
Alexander Me klejohu, Imperafor (Litton), and Acme (Read). W. Brock-
hank, Esq., Didsbury, was seventh; and Mrs. Kirke Pinson, Ludloxv,
«igbth.

In the class for four Auricu'as, first place was again taken by the Rev.
F D. Horner with Elaine, a fine white edge in first-class condition, Geoige
L-ghtbody, H-roine, and F. D Homer ; Mr. Wilson second with Rachel
(Woodhead). Prince of Gr-'ens, John Simonite, -nd Mrs. Potts, very fine ;
Mr. R. Lord third with Acme, 3rucet‘.e (Pohlman), G. Lightbody, and a

seedling green edge No 5 ; Mr. W. Boulton fourth with GoJf, Horner
(Horner). A. Meiklejohn, Prince of Greens, and Mr. Douglas ; Mr. Buckley
fifth with A. Meikl john, C. E. Perry, Acms, ami Lovely Ann (Oliver) ;
Mr. F. Pohlman, Halifax, sixth with Acme, Piiuce of Greens, George
L'ghtbody, and Elen Lancaster (Pohlman) ; A. Pott*, Esq., seventh with
Pizarro, Acme, F. D. Horner, and Richard Headly (Lightbody) ; S. Barlow,
Esq , eighth with Hibernia (Bsrlow), a seedling grey edge, George Light¬
body, Acme, and Mrs. Bentley (Barlow), a s edling self.

In the cl lss for pairs only for those who do not exhibit in the preceding
classes, Mr. John Beswick, Middleton, was first with Acme (Read) aud C. J.
Perry ; Mr. Barlow second with George Lightbody an! Mrs. Bentley, Mr.
M. Partington, Middeton, third with C. J. Perry and Meikbjohn ; Mr.
Stelfox fourth with Beauty (Trail) and T. Turner ; R. Gorton, E?q , Eccles,
fifth with F. D. Horner ani C. J. Perry ; Mr. Nixon sixth with Prince of
Greens and Negro (Mellor) ; Mr. Savage seventh with C. J. Perry and Con¬
servative ; Mr. R. Heys, Norden, eighth with Acme and Blue Peter
(Royds). In the class for maidm growers who hare not won the value of
their subscription at any Show of the Society, Mr. Stelfox was first with the
pair with which he won fourth in the preceding class ; Mr. Nixon second
als > with his pair tint won the sixth prize ; Mr. 8avage third.

Single specimens were well contested, the Rev. F. D. Horner winning
premium and first prize with F. D. Hormr ; Mr. F. Pohlman second with
New Green (Headly), and third with Prince of Greens; S. Barlow, Esq.,
fourth with Miller’s Green (seedling) ; B. Simonite, Sheffield, fifth, seventh,
and eighth with H. Watson, a seedling, and T. Hannaford respectively; Mr.
R. Lord sixth with Seedling No. 6.

In Grey Edges Mis. Kirke Penson won first, second, fifth, and eighth with
George Lightbody, Lancashirr Hero, A. Meiklejohn, George Lightbody, aud
C. E. Brown respectively ; Miss Woodhead. Halifax, third with Georgs
Rudd ; Mr. H. Wilson fourth with Rachel ; Mr. W. Bolton sixth with John
Morris (Meiklejohn) ; and Mr. R. Lord seventh with Compete (Sykes).

Whits Eiges. — Mr. R. Lord p emium w th Acme ; Mr. H. Wilson second
with John Simonite; Miss Woodheat third and eighth with Acmi and
Smiling Beauty ; Mr. Horner third and fifth with Miranda and Heather-
bell ; Mr, R. Gorton fourth with Frank Simon'te; Mr. F. Pohlman sixth
with Beautv (Trail) ; and Mr. W. Bolton seveuth with Reliance (Mellor).

Selfs. — Rev. F. D. Horner first with Kitnleen (Horner), and second with
Amy (Horner) ; M-. H. Wilson first with Mrs. Douglas ; Mr. S. B;rlow third
with seedling; Mr. F. Pohlman fifth with Black Bess ; Mr. W. Bolton fourth
with a setdnng, and eighth with a seedling; Mr. Stelfox sixth with Lord
Lome ; and Mrs. Kirke Penson seventh with a seedling.

Alpine Auriculas, four dissimilar (shaded), R. Gorton, Esi., Eccles, first
with Queen Victoria (the premier Alpine as awarded by the Judges), Lady¬
love, John Lrech, and Unique: S. Barlow, Esq, second with three seedlings
and Diadem ; W. Brockbank, E-q., third with Diadem, Mrs. Dodw-11, Con-
spicua, and Mrs. Bill ; Mr. E. Shaw, Moston, fourth with Diadem, Sensation,
Mrs. Ba 1, and John L°ech ; Mr. R. Heys fifth with seedling, Diadem, Mrs.
Llewelyn, and Mrs. Ball ; s xth, Mr. Stelfox, with Bang Up, Sarnia, Diadem,
and Brilliant; Mr. F. Pohlman seventh with four seedlings; and M .
Buckley eighth with Diadem, Brilliant, Dazzle, and George Lightbody.

Single specimen Alpines, shaded edge, ye'low c ntre, W. Brockbank >
Esq., first with seedling; Mr. F. Pohlman first, second, and third with seed'
lings ; Mr. R. Gorton fou-th with Unique; S. Barlow, Esq., fifth with
Susie Matthews : and Mr. W. Brockbank sixth and seventh with Mrs. Ball
and Amelia Hardwidge.

Single specimen Alpines, shaded and white centre, Mr. R. Gorton first
and second with Mttiner, Queen Vic'oria, and Beatrice r- spectively ; Mr.
E. Shaw third with Lord Eloho ; Mr. F. Pohlman fourih and sixth c'*1,
seedlines; and Mr. W. Brockbank fifth with Couspicua.

Polyanthus, gold laced, black grounds, three dissimilar, Mr. Walkctr,
Sale, fi st with Starling, Cheshire Favourite (very fine), and Exile ; S. Barloa.
Esq., second with Revent (Cox), Cheshire Favourite, and Exile; Mr. V.
Brockbank third with Favourite Exile, and seedling; Mr. W. Taylor four h
with Hero, Favourite, and Exile ; Mr. J. Thornley. Middleton, fifth with
Lancashire Hero, Favourite, and Exile ; and Mr. Hilton, Middleton, sixth
with Cheshire Favourite, Hero, and Exile.

Polyanthus, gold laced, red grounds, three dissimilar, S. Barlow, Esq.,
first with Sunrise, George IV., and Regent (Cox); Mr. W. Brockbank.
second with Lancer, seedling, and George IV. ; Mr. J. Thoinley, third with
Lancashire Hero, George IV., ani Sydnev Smith; Mr. Helton fourth with
Lancer, Regent, and President ; M- . W. Taylor fifth with Lancer, Regent,
and George IV.

Single Polyanthus, black grounds, Mr. Walkden, Sale, first for Cheshire
Favourite ; second Mr. VV. Taylor with Regent ; th'rd Mr. T. Oldham, Mid¬
dleton, with seedling ; fourth Mr. W. Taylor with Exile ; fifth and sixth Mr.

S Brockbank, fur Lancashire Hero and seedling; Mr. S. Barlow seventh,
with John Bright.

Single Polyanthus, red grounds, premium and fifth ti Mr. W. Brock¬
bank for George IV. and a seedling; first, fourth, and seven'll, Mr. J.
Thornley, with George IV., William IV., and Lancer ; Mr. G. Geidie second
with Sydney Smith ; Mr. Taylor third with Cox’s Regent ; and Mr. S.
Barlow with Sunrise, sixth.

Fancy Auriculas were shown in two lots, both well grown, S. Barlow,
Esq., first, and W. Bolton second. Fancy Polyanthus were well represented,

S. Barlow, Esq., bring first, Mr. W. Brockbank second, and Mr. Walkdtn
third. Fancy Primroses were also well shown, and the prizes awarded as
in fancy Polyanthus.

In connection with this Show a special schedule was formed from out of
a Jubilee fund. For the prizes theie was a severe competition. Twelve
Auriculas (At; ines excluded), first prize was awarded to the Rev. F. D.
Horn* r for Lightbody, Laura (Horner), F. D. Horner. Black Bess, Fairy
Ring (Hornerl, seedling, Concinna, Mrs. Douglas, Snowdrift, and Heroine.
Second, A. Potts, Esq., with Confidence, Sapphire, Acme, Conservative,
John Simonit“, Frink Simonite, Lancashire Hero, Prince of Greens,
Trail’s Beauty, F. D. Horner, and Richard Headly. \V. Bolton was thirl
with Mrs. Douglas, F. D. Horner, Little Dorrit (Horner), G. Horner,
Conservative, Prince of Greens, George Lightbody, Reliance, F. D. Horner,
and Ajax.

For twelve Alpine*, shaded or unshaded, R. Gorton. Esq., was first ;
W. E. Shaw second ; W. Brockbank, Esq., third. For a ccllecticn cf twtlve

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 12. 18S7.

3 82

varieties of Polyanthus, gold laced, red and black, Mr.. Taylor was first ;
Mr. Walkden second; and W. Brockbank, E?q., third. Tw»nty-four single
fancy Polyanthus and Primroses, S. Barlow, Esq , was first, and W. Brock-
bank second.

Twelve double and single Primroses and Polyanthus, Mr. S. Walkdfn
first; W. .Brockbank, Esq., second; and 8. Barlow, Esq., third. Twelve
Primula Sieboldi,W. Brockbank, Esq., first ; S. Barlow, Esq., second. Six
Primulas, distinct species, S. Barlow, Esq., first ; Mr. T. Walkden second.
The whole of the above collections in the Jubilee schedule were in first-class
condition, the competition being exceptionally keen.

In connection with the above Show there was a grand display of plants,
including a fine collection of Orchids, several varieties of stove plants
belonging to Joseph Broome, Esq., Didsbniy, for which the Manchester
Botanical Council awarded a gold medal. This collection entirely filled one
end of the room. Messrs. James Dickson &. Sons, Newton Nurseries,
exhibited a collection of Daffodils, amongst which occurred a dozen splendid'
sprays of Sir Watkin and representatives of the Leedsi and Barii sections.
Thus it may be recorded that Manchester leads the way in the horticultural
recognition of-the Jubilee.

THE VAGARIES OF STOCKDOVES.

This is the time of year that I especially like — no. love — to watch
the habits of what Mr. W. Swaysland calls the “ Familiar Wild Birds.”
As a title to a book, and to his book in particular, it is a misnomer,
because if birds are familiar they cannot be wild ; also his pretty volumes
contain several birds that . are by nO means familiar or common to be
met within England nowadays. But just at this time, for this month,
many wild birds are familiar. For why / “ Love is Lord of all,” and

now of their little hearts especially. They are thinking of courtship
and marriage, of billing and cooing, of eggs, and nests, and nestlings.
Therefore their fear of man for the time ceases ; they do not notice him
or even his gun, if he is cruel enough to carryone ; and they don’t even
notice the brutal birds’ -nesting, stone-throwing schoolboy. No, Love is
lord of all, and fear is gone ; food is abundant, one passion has driven
away all others, and fear has given place to love. The birds have
become so familiar that they are now easier watched. Now I keep a
binocular open and ready on my window table, and when a new bird
comes in sight up goes my binocular, and I watch him. Reader, art
thou a lover of birds ? Remember ip your rambles good tender-hearted
Frank Buckland’s advice, “ Leave your gun at home, but take your
binocular with you.” Watch, don’t kill, don’t even alarm, and your
virtue will bring its own reward. You will see much more than others,
many a tint, many a beauty you will see which others will fail to
recognise. Then, that cock chaffinch, now glorious in his courting
costume, his very smartest dress — notice the plum bloom on the dandy’s
beak ; your eyes would not show it so well as my glass. Then there is
that neat harmless little bird the hedge sparrow, which is killed and
robbed of his eggs by the ignorant, because he is miscalled a sparrow,
and unfortunately hedge accentor never can become his common name.

Well, now to come to stockdoves. These birds become this month
most wonderfully tame and familiar. For the last three years a pair
have each spring taken possession of a convenient south-aspected hole in
the trunk of the old Elm tree bn my lawn. In March they, come and
look, and hover about, they love that tree and that convenient warm hole
in the trunk. They don’t mind me in the least. Now, stockdoves are
by no means numerous,' we never have more than two pairs in the park
near. This pair of mine have had a sad history, an annual disappoint¬
ment. The first year they quietly nested and successfully hatched a
pair, but a bird boy at the farm beneath, so I think, watched them as
well as I did, and he watched to steal. They were taken and their coos
became more mournful and then ceased. Last year the birds came
again, they seem unable to profit by experience. They took possession
of the sunny hole and laid, but jackdaws abound here, and an old grey-
pated daw, very old and cunning, had set his heart on this sunny plea¬
sant placed hole in the Elm, and turned out the rightful tenants. What
could a dove’s beak do against old greypate’s black dagger of a bill ?i
Now I saw, and thought that a case of injustice and unfair possession,
and as the jackdaws turned out the stockdoves so I turned out the jack¬
daws. Silence again fell around that nest hole, for all the birds, of course,
departed.

This year came, this March came, and again came the persevering-
stockdoves. I was half sorry, for 1 knew their fate, but imprudent
birds, like imprudent people, will not learn by experience. I think that
Lord Brougham was only half right when he said, “ Fools learn by
experience, wise men by observation.” For fools never learn wisdom,
they go on throwing whales to catch sprats, until they have no more
whales to throw, and their pockets are empty and turned inside out, and
they cannot see why their pockets should be in such a forlorn condition.
No, fools do not learn by experience, because they are fools. So it is with my
poor foolish stockdoves, that cannot learn by either observation orexperi-
ence. It was therefore with unfeigned regret that I saw the birds come
again this year ; but my poor stockdoves had another and worse experience
before them. The two came and another. The intruder cooed and
showed off his charms, his ruby neck and glittering eyes and spreading
tail. Then came fierce fights. On the same branch the two birds sat and
fought — wing to wing combats— beaks freely used, and when one
got the worst of it away he flew; and the fight was renewed in the air.
One tried to get above the other ; one flew near enough to the other to
buffet him with his wing ; and when one was the conqueror for the time
he returned to the Elm, and a miserable worn-out ruffled object he
looked. Meanwhile what of the hen ] She sat calmly by, meek and

mild;, as if. butter would not melt in her mouth,, and I am afraid ready, to
bestow herself with equal pleasure upon whichever admirer proved the
conqueror, for she took no part and showed no partiality for either
combatant. ' ,

This went on for two days or more, and I never remember to have
seen such vagaries in stockdoves. With many birds, even scarce
varieties, if one of a pair is shot another soon is seen. This is noticed
with the hawk tribe particularly. Stockdoves are not, common, but still,
hardly to be reckoned as uncommon.

All the three birds have' disappeared. I hope the rightful pair have
gone where Lothario cannot find them, and they will have a happy un¬
molested nesting time.— rWw*TsmKE Rector. ...

FOOD REFORM AND FRUIT GROWERS.

By the invitation of Prof.. Mayor, M.A., of St. John’s, Cambridge, and
of the Ve.-etarian Society a vegetarian dinner followed by a Conference
was held at Messrs. Spiers ct- Pond's ” Duval Restaurant, on Tuesday, May
3rd. About 10O guests sat down to the repast. Sir George Campbell, M,P.
(K.C.S.I., D.C.L.), presided, and he was supported by Dr. B. W. Richard¬
son, F.R.S., Sir Henry Peek, Sir Henry de Bathe, Sir W. Stirling, Major
Craigie, Messrs. Albert Bathe, A. F. Hills, Geo. Offor, and several members
of the Central Chamber of Agriculture.

The Chairman said he was not a full pledged vegetarian himself, but an
inquirer, wherefore' he could not go so far as some of the member of the
Society, for, iu hia opinion the animals now being eaten by the unrege¬
nerate non-vegetarians would, never have lived at all if they had not lived
to be eaten (laughter). He believed, however, that the people of these
islands ate a good deal too much meat (hear, hear), and its quantity should
be greatly reduced. The object of the Conference was not that they should
put forward view altogether in the abstract, but have some definite ideas
respecting the methods by which they might attain their ends. One of
these methods was, he thought; by the encouragement of small holdings.
They had heard a great deal lately about the allotment question. He was
not sure whether an allotment meant a small farm or a largo garden, but it
did not appear that the eult'vatioh of grain was likely to he profitable to
the small cultivator. It was rather by garden cultivation and the produc¬
tion of fruit that an improvement might be hoped for in the masses of tbo
people. (Hear, hear.)

Prof. J. E. B. Mayor, M.A., said they wanted the country to be self-
supporting. When Malthiis lived, although he saw danger in the method
of life then in fashion, the circumstances were really much better than
they are at the present day. Fifty years ago farmers lived almost entirely
upon what they produced. Now ail that was changed in England, but in
France tho farmers lived to a large extent upon what they grew. In
Tottenham Court Road recently twelve farmers had united together and
opened a shop to sell their own produce. That was a condition of things
they wished to see multiplied by the thousand. Then, again, people took
fruit by fits and starts; If it was bought as regularly as fresh meat the
market would soon regulate itself. The American economist, Carey, fifty
years ago laid down the maxim that if the demand for vegetable products
is increased the supply increases also, and the price comes down; whereas
if the demand for animal food is increased the supply diminishes and the
price goes up. The vegetarians, he believed, had the future with them.
(Cheers). j

Dr. B. W. Richardson, F.R.S., who on rising was received with cheers,
said he was not himself practically a vegetarian, and that statement might
perhaps qualify Borne things he would have to say. fie took, however, far
le=s animal food, and in fact less food altogether, than he did years ago.
Taking the question of vegetarianism in its widest ^ense it had two sides
to it. If they examined the digestive apparatus of man, and compared.it
respectively with those of vegetable-eating and flesh-eating animals they
would find that it more nearly resembled the former than the latter, that
the balance of ideas was in favour of regarding man as a vegetable feeder.
There were many beautiful attractions to be found in the vegetarian diet.

. The dinner they had just enjoyed could not have been better and more agree¬
able. (Heai;, hear.) , Tkpn they, must .consider the second part of the ques¬
tion, whether, after a time, it would not be better to give up animal food
altogether and take to the vegetarian diet. Nothing could be more repul¬
sive to the mind of man than what took place in slaughter-houses. (Rear,
hear.) He was president of a society that was trying to establish model
slaughter-houses, one of which had just been built in Croydon; and they
were also trying to introduce a system of painless killing of animals.. But
he was afraid that before perfecting that system the vegetarians would do
away with the necessity of killing at all. (Hear, hear.) Science had taught
them the exact kind of food necessary for the proper nourishment of -the
human frame, and with the lessons of vegetarianism and with science the
, feeding of man upon food that never had been alive would be the conquest
.of man over nature. (Loud cheers.) ■

Mr. J. C. Buckmaster was .not overmuch concerned with the question
whether' meat should be eaten or not ; but people would be better off if
they ate less meat. (Hear, hear.) Especially among the working classes
was instruction iu food selection necessary. White bread was very
deficient of valuable phosphates and gluten as contained in Wheat. Vege¬
tarian diet if more generally adopted would greatly reduce the consumption
of spirits and beer. (Hear, hear.)

Major Craigie proposed a vote of thanks, on behalf of the guests, to the
Society for its hospitality and entertainment.

Mr. F. Hills, in replying, said the Society was anxious to let their guests
havq a sample of what vegetarianism practically is, and had called them
together to consider whether vegetarianism w.,s not feasible. He con¬
sidered giving up of animal food was the surest cure for drunkenness, for
the vegetarian diet' took away the appetite for drink. (Cheers.) Their
motive was a worthy .one, for it was to improve the habits and condition of
the people.-

Sir H, de Bathe wished to thank the Society for inviting him to a dinner
which he had enjoyed very much,

Mr. Manning-seconded the vote, to which the Chairman replied.

May 12, 1887. ]

383

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

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WORK.F0^THE W EEK,. F

pi

5

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FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — Success in Melon cultivation depends upon a firm soil of
h rather strong adhesive character, but not devoid of grit. When the
soil is light, loose, and rich the shoots are long-jointed, the leaves thin
and flabby, not enduring sun ; the fruit then does not set well, and
l hose that do are light in weight for their size and very indifferent in
flavour. It is necessary that the shoots be trained thinly to prevent
crowding. Keep the atmosphere dry and well ventilated when setting,
!>eing careful not to allow one fruit to take the lead upon a plant,
watering well when the fruit is swelling, and keeping the soil dry when
ripening. Do not spare the knife after the fruit has commenced swell¬
ing freely, keeping the principal leaves fully exposed to light and air.
Attend to setting the blossoms in bright weather, nipping out the points
of the shoots one joint beyond the fruit. Fruits becoming heavy, and
in the case of plants on trellises, will require supports. Tables of half-
inch deal, about 6 inches square, with a hole bored at each corner, are
useful, two pieces of string being passed through the holes from the
top, coming underneath the table, and then jiassing through again to
the top, being looped up to the trellis to relieve the Vine of its weight.
Attend to stopping the laterals after the fruits are swelling, maintaining
-a good moisture by syringing the walls as well as the foliage at about
.'1.30 P.M., damping the floor several times in hot weather. Water or
liquid manure will be required about twice a week. The night tempe¬
rature should be maintained at 70°, 75° by day from fire heat, and 85°
to 90° with sun. Ventilate freely, but avoid admitting too much air at a
time with a view to reducing the temperature, but commence at 75° and
increase or diminish it gradually according to external influences. When
the fruit is full-sized and advanced for ripening gradually reduce the
supply of water at the roots, but not so as to cause the foliage to flag,
and afford a circulation of warm rather dry air when ripening, which
improves the flavour considerably. The temperature should be kept tq
70° or 75° artificially, and 80° or 90° with sun heat. Cut the fruits
before they are ripe, keeping them in a fruit room for two or three days
before sending them to table. Cracked fruits are produced by a close
and moist atmosphere, with too much moisture at the roots. If any
fruit show a tendency to crack cut the shoots about halfway through
with a knife a few inches below the fruit, and diminish the supply of
water at the roots and in the atmosphere. Plants swelling their fruits
should have every encouragement, syringing freely in hot weather at
closing time ; and besides damping the floors whenever they become dry,
sprinkle them in the evening with liquid manure or guano water, about
l lb. to 20 gallons of water. Shade only to prevent flagging, ventilate
freely in favourable weather, commencing from 75° to 80°, increasing or
decreasing it as necessary, maintaining a day temperature of 80° to 85°
or 90° with sun heat, closing between 80° and 85°,' and if an advance be
made after closing to 90° or 95° or more, it will increase the size of the
fruit and lessen the necessity for fire heat at night, but it must be accom¬
panied by plenty of atmospheric moisture. If thrips appear fumigate
moderately on two. or three consecutive evenings, taking care to have
the foliage dry, and for red spider dress the hot-water pipes with flowers
of sulphur.

Train out the growths in pits and frames. Still maintain a good
bottom and top heat by linings, and employ thick night coverings, as
the nights are yet cold. Plants swelling off the fruit should be well
earthed, the laterals thinned out, and the fruits raised on pieces of slate
on inverted flower pots. Sow seed for planting in pits and frames after
they become cleared of bedding plants, jxitting off the young growth as
required.

Cucumbers. — A clean growth is of the utmost importance in the
successful cultivation of fruits, particularly Cucumbers. - If aphides
ap|)ear fumigate twice or thrice on consecutive evenings, having the
foliage dry but the floors well damped, which last is more especially
necessary when there is “ white fly ” to contend with. Red spider is
almost sure to appear ; remove the worst infested leaves, and keep the
atmosphere charged with ammonia vapour by damping the floors in the
evening with liquid manure or guano water, supplying the plants at the
roots with the same about twice a week. The hot- water pipes may also
lie coated moderately with sulphur. Be careful that the plants do not
suffer through insufficient supplies of water, always applying it at the
same temperature as that of the bed. Plants in tearing 'all the winter
will now be showing signs of exhaustion, and had tetter be removed
and their places filled with young plants without delay. Assist young
plants which show signs of weakness by removing the staniinate
blossoms and the first fruits, stopping at every third or fourth joint,
removing all weakly and superfluous growths. Shading will be necessary
for an houf or two in the middle of the day when the sun is hot,
esjiecially houses facing south, but shade only to prevent flagging.
Houses with the roof lights facing east or west will not require shading.
Little of no fire heat will be required by day, shutting the valves at
about 8 A.M., and opening them again at about 4 P.M., or later, keeping
a good moisture by (lamping the floors, Ac.

Sow seed for raising plants to occupy pits and frames, a fair bittern

heat being first secured by using the less decomposed material from
Seakale, Vine borders, or exhausted hotbeds, which with about a fourth
of fresh material will afford all the bottom heat now required. The
days lately though somewhat bright have been cold, and the nights very
cold, in which case close pits and frames as early in the afternoon as is
safe, running up to 90° or more, and employ good night coverings. Bee
that a good bottom heat is obtained by duly renewing the linings.

Cherry House. — Cherries ripening at this time are always most
welcome at dessert. The fruit must be kept dry, but the house must
nevertheless have atmospheric moisture furnished by keeping the surface
of the borders moist by damping with the syringe, air being admitted
constantly, or condensation taking place will seriously affect the fruit,
not only causing it to crack but impairing its quality. Damping the
border is calculated to mislead as regards its condition, which at this
stage must be quite moist ; therefore, if necessary, a thorough supply of
water must be afforded without delay. Tie in the shoots as they
lengthen, and stop those not required for training in at about the fifth
leaf. Black aphides must be kept under by dipping the shoots or leaves
in tobacco water. Ventilate freely on all favourable occasions, and
when the external conditions are unfavourable recourse must be had to
the heating apparatus to ensure a circulation of warm dry air. Netting
will be necessary over the ventilators to prevent the birds attacking the
Cherries. Trees in pots should be well supplied with water.

PLANT HOUSES.

Mignonette. — If well-developed standards or pyramids trained upon
trellises are desired in early autumn no time should be lost in sowing
seed of Miles’ Hybrid Spiral or Parsons’ White. Pots 3 inches in
diameter must be carefully drained and filled with a compost consisting
of two parts good loam and one of leaf mould, with a little sand added.
Sow a few seeds in the centre of each pot, and lightly cover with fine
soil. Place the pots in a temperature of 60° until germination has taken
place. As soon as the most promising plant can be distinguished select
it and pull the other out, except in the case of those required for
pyramids, when four plants may be left. G-row the young plants under
moist genial conditions until they are 3 inches high, when their first
pots will be full of roots, and they may be transferred into 5 and 6-inch
pots. When established in these gradually dispense with artificial heat,
and grow the plants under cool but not too airy treatment. Stand the
pots upon some moisture-holding material, and grow the plants as
rapidly as consistent with insuring strength and sturdiness. Avoid any
check, either from remaining in small pots too long, or rooting through
into the material upon which they are placed. Either of these causes
will quickly bring about a woody condition of the plants, and if this
takes place in their early stages they never do any good afterwards.
For flowering during the spring sow seed at the end of the month.

Calceolarias— Some of the latest plants that were wintered in pans
or small pots, and now well established in 3-inch pots, will prove very
useful for decoration if transferred at once into pots 2 inches larger.
These should be grown under cool treatment in a cold frame, ^ with the
pots standing on ashes or other moisture-holding material. Feed those
throwing up their flower spike with clear soot water every time they
need supplies at their roots. Watch for aphides, which, if allowed to
establish themselves upon the plants and be neglected for afewdays, will
quickly arrest their growth. On its first appearance fumigate lightly
with tobacco, only be careful that the foliage is perfectly dry.

Spircea japonica. — There is no difficulty in having this plant in good
condition until the end of June, or even into the following month, pro¬
vided steps are taken at once for retarding those that have teen kept
back as much as possible. For some years we have kept a batch of plants
to flower during the early part of July after those in outside borders
were over. In the attainment of this object the plants were plunged
outside all winter with the crowns covered with ashes. At this period
of the year they were removed and plunged behind a north wall. _ For
some time protection will be needed, for the foliage is easily injured
by slight frosts. If this is given for a few weeks, the plants kept well
watered, and are afforded room for development, they will be found very
serviceable either for cutting or various forms of decoration.

Azaleas.— As these plants cease flowering remove the seed pods and
wash them in weak tobacco water, to which has been added about half
an ounce of softsoap to each gallon of the .solution, and a piece of
washing soda the size of a cob nut to each four gallons of the mixture.
This will destroy any thrips or eggs that may be deposited upon the
plants, which, if not destroyed before introducing them into heat, the
insects will spread rapidly and soon make sad havoc with their foliage.
We have invariably foupd that if these plants are well washed after
flowering, and then libetally and judiciously syringed during the season
of growth, a further washing is not necessary before autumn. Encourage
all plants that have flowered to make their growth by subjecting them
to close, moist, warm treatment where they are shaded from strong sun¬
shine. The night temperature may range about 60°, and no air need
be admitted during the day for some time to come, provided the roof is
shaded with tiffany. Any plants that need repotting should be done at
once, and the remainder given an application of artificial manure to the
surface of the soil.

Hardy Varieties.— Those that have been forced in pots may now be
planted out if thej have teen thoroughly hardened for the purpose.
To plant them out directly they have flowered without judicious prepa¬
ration means a very Severe check to the plants, especially those that
have a good per-tentage of : new growth. They are generally severely
cut, and do not again start into growth during the season ; but with
care in hardening them many of the plants will set their buds, and do

S8i

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 12, 1887.

for forcing again next season. Although forcing every alternate year
only is advised, the future well-being of the plants depend in a veiy
large measure upon the treatment accorded them after flowering.

Deutzia gracilis. — As these cease flowering encourage them after they
are cut back to make a strong luxuriant growth indoors. The late as
well as the early plants will do well in late Peach houses or vineries
where the roof is not yet shaded with foliage. Top-dress with rich
material if needed, and feed with weak stimulants all that are in pots
crammed with roots.

in a week. Early in June, if previously topped, they will have become:
strong plants, and after being duly hardened ofi may be transplanted
direct to the beds. Iresines and Coleuses we invariably strike late, ami
in the same manner as advised in the case of Verbenas, and thousands-
of strong Alternantheras are similarly obtained. The latter .are usually
cut off the old plants in a wholesale manner, and dibbled out on the
slight hotbed without any time being wasted in trimming them. Mari¬
golds. Tagetes, Ricinuses, variegated Maize, and Sunflowers may yet be
raised from seed, late plants frequently surpassing those raised early.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND3.

Commencement of Bedding-out. — There are several hardy or nearly
hardy plants that may now be transferred to their summer quarters, this
both liberating pots, boxes, and frames, and also lessening the amount of
work to be performed in June. The beds being unoccupied with spring¬
flowering plants, these may be properly levelled, and many of them
edged with Echeveria secunda glauca, Sempervivum californicum,
Cerastium tomentosum, Alyssum variegatum, Antennaria tomentosa,
Arabis alpina variegata, Arabis lucida variegata, Variegated Thyme,
Pyrethrum aureum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca glauca, Stachys lanata,
and Violas. When the Echeverias are largely employed these should be
raised well above the level of the turf and faced outwards. They ought
to be planted very evenly, though no kind of puddle or clay mixture is
necessary to keep them in position. They are best planted with a
dibble, nothing in the shape of a ball being needed. If they have been
previously grown in a frame and not well exposed to the sunshine it is
advisable to lightly protect them ior a time with branches of ever¬
greens, this also preserving them from frost. Next these, and about
3 inches from them, may be dibbled a line of Golden Pyrethrums, these
being very effective together, or later on dwarf Lobelias, Alternantheras,
neat plants of Golden Thyme or other dwarf plants may be substituted.
A neat edging may be formed with the Cerastium, old plants being
pulled to pieces and planted rather deeply and neatly. The Antennaria
divides very readily and makes a very neat edging, or may be used for
filling in the groundwork of a carpet bed design ; small pieces do better
than larger bunches. Every little piece of Sedum glaucum will grow,
and if disposed about 2 inches apart each way will soon cover the ground.
This and the green Sedum lydium are also useful for the groundwork of
carpet beds. For a similar purpose Mentha gibraltarica, Herniaria
glabra and its golden sport, Pyrethrum Tchihatchewi. and Veronica
repens are available, and all may be freely divided and dibbled in at the
present time. The Arabises should also be divided and replanted, and
are effective for edging or carpet beds. For larger beds the two Grasses
Dactylis glomerata and Festuca glauca are suitable edging, and these
ought to be split up and replanted, and similar treatment should be
given to the old Stachys lanata. Young plants of Violas wintered with
slight protection are preferable for summer bedding, but failing these
the.old plants may be freely split up. It must be done at once, and the
divisions rather deeply planted in well manured soil, as when planted on
poor ground they fail badly in hot weather. They are most effective
when planted in mixture with either silver, bronze, or golden variegated
Pelargoniums and edged with a broad band of Iresine Herbsti or
Lindeni.

Late Bedding-out,. — Owing to the lateness of the various spring-
flowering plants now in the beds, much of the summer bedding-out will
in many cases be necessarily late. This being so, extra pains must be
taken to keep the plants in a growing state, or otherwise they will after
planting be much slower in arriving at a healthy or ornamental state.
Zonal Pelargoniums will now be worked out into the open, some pro¬
vision being made to protect them from late frosts. A little liquid
manure will not be thrown away on these, as well as Lobelias, Verbenas,
Calceolarias, and other plants in pots. We prefer to put out the Cal¬
ceolarias on shallow beds of decayed manure placed on a hard bottom, a
layer of soil being placed on the surface. Thus treated they do not
get starved, and may be readily transplanted with large balls of soil
and roots in the hottest weather. Lobelias and Ageratums are also best
somewhat similarly treated. Crowded in pans and boxes they soon spoil
each other, whereas if bedded-out in any kind of rough frames they
soon become fine strong plants. If Stocks, Asters, Marigolds, Zinnias,
and other annuals are crowded and cannot be planted out by the end of
May, these also may well be given more room in temporary frames or on
warm borders, where they can be slightly protected. Many of the sub¬
tropical plants, notably Solanums, Cannas, Ricinuses, Amaranthuses,
Tobacco, V igandias, and Acacias, if long kept in small pots soon receive
a severe check ; and to avoid this and its consequent disfigurement a
number of them, or as many as required, ought to be shifted into fi-incli
pots. Any good loamy soil will suit them, and they ought to be kept
growing in a cool house or frame. On no account should the more
delicate Iresines, Coleuses, and Alternantheras be stood out before the
end of the month, as even if protected from frost, cold heavy rains will
yet greatly injure them. Once badly crippled they are a very long time
in recovering.

Late Propagating. — Those who fear they have an insufficiency of
bedding plants may yet propagate a quantity, and sometimes these late
struck plants do better than others raised much earlier. After the
Verbenas are placed in cold frames they frequently form much healthier
growth, and we have frequently taken ofi hundreds of tops early in
May and struck them. For this work a mild hotbed is best, over this
being placed a thin layer of fine sandy soil. Little or no trimming is
necessary, and the cuttings being dibbled in about 3 inches apart each
way, watered, kept close, and shaded from bright sunshine, w'ill strike

1

he bee-keeper.

i)

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 10.

An expert manipulator is not necessarily a great
bee-master, but a great bee-master must necessarily be
an expert manipulator. To be able to manipulate skil¬
fully is always a great assistance. It is only when this-
power is abused that the mischief is caused, evidence of
which may be so often seen in most localities. To be an
expert manipulator a man must have confidence in him¬
self. If he has that confidence he will easily learn to
perform all the operations which necessity demands. If
lie does not possess that quality he will have to acquire
it in addition to learning the mere mechanical part of
manipulation. How many possessors of a stock of bees-
have been deterred from becoming bee-keepers by the
pain of a sting? Most of us can remember in our earlier
experience a time when our enthusiasm wras somewhat
damped by a judicious use of the sting on the part of our
favoui ites ! I remember very well receiving my first
sting ; the pain was intense and the swelling great, and
for a time the truth of a saying which I had perhaps not
hitherto realised was forcibly brought home to me —
“Never a Rose without a thorn.” Some bee-keepers
decry the use of veil and gloves. I advise all who are for
the first time in any way interfering with bees to put on
both veil and gloves, and the veil must never be dispensed
with in difficult manipulations, even when great skill has
been acquired. Gloves may be cast on one side after the
operator feels that he is able to dispense with their
services.

In the home apiary a wire veil is most useful. In
windy weather the light thin gauzy veils are often blown
to the face and neck, and give an angry bee just the
opportunity it requires. Mr. Cheshire in “Bees and
Bee-keeping” relates an experiment he made with
“ methyl salicylate ” at Rottingdean, which seems to be
conclusive evidence that a few drops of this methyl, or as
it is most commonly called “ oil of Winter Green,” rubbed
over the hands, is of itself an absolute protection from,
stings, even when bees are in their worst moods and have
not been prepared by the use of smoke or any of the other
usual agents for manipulation. This methyl costs about
Is. an oz., and may be tried by all who desire in this way
to secure — judging from this experiment — a practical
immunity from stings. In any case, however, whether
we use gloves or this oil or nothing, the greatest care
must be taken for the sake of the bees not to do any¬
thing to enrage them. It is a very common fault to give
too much smoke ; caution is requisite whatever the agent
used may be, because the more that wre smoke or other¬
wise frighten the bees the more they are injured and the
greater the loss of time caused and consequent loss of
honey and profit. A very little smoke is necessary.

Again, a quilt must never be snatched from a hive in
a hurried manner, but each frame must be uncovered

May 12, 1 S-7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

385

singly at the same time, a puff of smoke being sent clown
between the frame so uncovered and the adjoining comb
•until all the frames are exposed, if it is necessary to have
ho whole surface exposed at once. If only a few frames
are to be removed from the sides such frames alone
should be uncovered. All movements must be slow and
■steady ; no hurried gestures should be made over a hive
-of bees. A little more smoke must be given occasionally
if the manipulation is prolonged and the bees begin to
recover from the effects of the smoke first given. Carbolic
acid is often substituted for smoke. For clearing supers
it is, as “ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper” has pointed out,
most successful, and those who have once tried it will
never again resort to the use of smoke. It is cleanly,
epeedy in its effects, and the vapour soon passes away and
leaves the hive untainted. It is often said that when we
are going to manipulate a hive a puff of smoke should be
injected at the entrance of the hive. To this I object.
No smoke is necessary at the entrance; indeed, it is a
positive injury, because it sends the hees crowding up to
the top of the combs, and we have simply to undo the
•effects of our unwise “ smoking ” by sending them down
again.

Careless jolting and jarring of hives will rouse bees to
fury. If by chance bees do become thoroughly enraged
it shows a wise discretion to at once close up the hive
and leave them until they have recovered, when another
attempt must be made. A few years ago I had a frame
hive with six tiers of sections in it, 12G one-pound sections
in all. By accident, owing to the giving way of a small
strip of wood when lifting up three racks together, some
of the sections fell out of the racks on to the sections left
on the hive. The jar was great and the fury of the bees
wonderful. They rose in clouds, and had I not taken the
precaution, as usual, to put on a veil before interfering
with the sections it might have been a serious matter.
The accident was easily remedied. A sleep may be
manipulated with ease. Although it is impossible to in¬
spect each comb so thoroughly as in a hive with frames,
it is quite possible to gain a good idea of the state
of the stock, and to perform such manipulations as
may be necessary from time to time by injecting at the
■entrance a few puffs of smoke, then gently t ipping the
top and sides of the hive and waiting until the bees have
had time to gorge, when the hive may be lifted, inverted,
and the combs examined. When a hive has been very
securely fastened to its board it is well when there is no
need for haste to loosen it an hour or so before actually
interfering with the bees, because unless great care is
taken the hive will be considerably jarred in passing a
knife between the hive and board, and the bees may be¬
come angry. This delay is never necessary ; it miy,
however, occasionally be politic.

New combs are very tender, and therefore great care
is necessary in handling them. It is at no time safe to
turn up a skep containing new combs, and still greater is
the danger of doing so when the weather is hot and sultry.
Combs built from sugar are more brittle than those
elaborated from honey. Frames of new comb may be
inspected with care, but no attempt should be made to
invert a skep until the comb has become less fragile and
the weather cooler. All necessary operations may be
performed by the assistance of a man who will lift up the
skep perpendicularly while the bee-keeper examines its
state, inserts his queen cell, or performs such other opera¬
tion as he may desire to carry out. Sleeps must at all
times be inverted the way that the combs were, otherwise
the weight of the combs themselves may cause them to

break from the top and sides of the hive. This is a point
to which particular attention must be paid.

In concluding, it may be well to warn all who desire
to become practical bee-keepers that a stock or swarm
should never be interfered with unless there is some
necessity for such interference. Hives which are never
manipulated at all give the best results. At the present
time I have two frame hives which have never had a single
frame removed for the past three years, and the average
yield of honey has been over eighty 1 lb. sections each
every season. Beyond occasional feeding, closing and
narrowing of entrances, and adding driven bees, no mani¬
pulation has ever been performed with these stocks, and
this year they are again in the grandest condition, and
will, unless some accident happens to them or the season
is bad, no doubt give a large yield of honey. I do not
wish anyone to think that 1 advise frames to be so
entirely left alone as in these cases, because the frames
become so firmly fixed that when necessity demands their
removal it is most difficult to loosen them. What I do
wish to impress upon all is that frame hives give a bee¬
keeper absolute power over his bees, but that the less this
power is exercised the better it will be both for the bees
and their master. Long periods often pass by without
the slightest interference being necessary, and again in a
short time several manipulations may be required.

If a stock must be examined let it be examined with¬
out delay; if a stock must be manipulated let it be
manipulated without hesitation ; but a stock must never
be interfered with unless there is good cause to believe
that mischief can be repaired or some benefit arise to
the bee-keeper or the stock from such manipulation.

It may be urged that it is not very easy to say when
manipulation is really necessary, and this is strictly true,
but experience will teach everyone who pays attention to
the wants of his stocks when his active interference is re¬
quired. Of all the manipulations which stocks have to
endure at the hands of an advanced bee-keeper but very
few are really necessary. The rest are absolutely injuri¬
ous to the bees, and consequently an actual loss to their
owner. A little skill well applied gives better results
than the greatest skill badly used. — Felix.

APICULTURAL OBSERVATIONS

Owing to a number of circumstances, I find that my stock of
observations are accumulating much faster than I have communi¬
cated them to the public. The fault is hardly mine, for if I have
advanced a fact I have been assailed by ignorance and prejudice,
which has resulted in controversy, so that now I hardly know where
to begin. In this district bees have wintered very well. At Easter
bar-frame hives had from three to seven frames of brood, mostly
four and five with young bees hatching. Straw skeps were full of
bees, and as the trees promise abundance of bloom I anticipate a
busy season. The losses have been in every instance through
queenlessness, and they have been very large, averaging about three
out of every twelve, so I will begin with the

CAUSES OF QUEENLESSNESS.

Judging from the accounts in my neighbourhood, as well as my
own experience, I should think the loss of queens the past winter
has bean g eater than ever before ; my loss alone being three queens
out of fifteen, two of them being young ones. Some, if not all,
are at a loss to account for the cause, therefore I will give my ideas
on the matter. Last spring, on a warm Sunday, I was sitting on a
stool in the apiary watching the bees flying merrily after a long
confinement, when my attention was drawn to a stock from which
the bees were coming out poll mell, and before half a minute every
bee hid left it. I at once opened the hive to see the cause, but
could find none. There was brood in all stages and plenty of eggs.
Where the bees went I know not, further than they did not settle
anywhere, for each one went a way of its own. Knowing the queen
could not fly, being in laying condition, I searched the ground and
soon found her crawling about. In about ten or fifteen minutes the

386

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t May 12, 1887.

bees began to come back, and they came from all directions. After
a good number had entered the hive I let the queen run in also, and
the stock continued to prosper. Had I not been near this stock
would have proved queenless, as she could not have reached the hive
without flying, which she was too heavy to do. I have several times
in my younger days seen bees come out in a similar manner, and the
stock always became extinct after. In the cases of the three I have
lost this spring, every one was breeding very late last year ; each had
brood to hatch November 1st. Therefore my opinion is that the
bees took an airing flight en masse during one of the fine days, and
the queens going with them in the excitement were unable to get
back. I believe queens are also lost in passing from one side of the
comb to the other (either round bottom or ends) to deposit eggs,
and get chilled to death ; but in these cases I had cut passage ways
to guard against such probable loss. Each of my queens left traces
of having been alive and well this spring. In one strong lot I
discovered in March six queen cells unsealed, as well as sealed and
unsealed brood, from which I removed the larvae. This gave me a
stock in exact condition to receive a queen in accordance with my
law of direct queen introduction. Finding another stock a week
or two after to have dwindled a little during the winter, I decided
to unite them to another and give the queen to the queenless stock.

After I published this “law” last year in this Journal it was
ridiculed in the British Bee Journal by Dr. Walker and others, and
had it not been for an unfortunate statement by the Rev. George
Raynor in his able paper on queen introduction — which he has since
frankly declared bad no reference to my “ law,’’ though everyone
thought it had — -I believe its truth and value to bee-keepers would
have been firmly established by British bee-masters. Mr. W. B.
Webster, in the British Bee Journal tor January (5th, page 10, speak¬
ing of it says, “ it is sound and practicable, but Simmins’ ( i.e ., Pond’s)
is better, not in its efficiency, but in its simplicity. I have had
considerable experience in both during the last season and have been
eminently successful with each. But who would go to the trouble
in the middle of the season to deprive a stock of every means of
raising a new mother, when by simply keeping your fresh queen by
itself for half an hour (after dark at night, mind) the thing is
done ? As to the success of each, they are about equal, neither is
infallible, but both are near enough to be considered a great success.”
This is by an apiarist who stands high amongst British bee-keepers,
and though he and several others stated in the fall they had tried it
without a single failure, I do not question his honesty in the least
in the above extract ; but I must say I Consider he has not thoroughly
grasped its value and advantages. It is a piece of knowledge to be
used with advantage just at such times and conditions that it may
be applied. For instance, we can rear queens in February and
March, but who would be insane enough to do so ? or if a stock is
found queenless in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, with no
means of rearing a queen, which is the quickest done, give a queen
without a moment’s loss of time, or wait till dark when it is cool,
then keep the queen half an hour by herself, then take a lamp and
drop her in under the quilt ? You run a risk of chilling your queen
and you might have otlier busmess td attend to every night. One
bee-master i see uses bottles of hot water to keep the queen warm.
I am not going to run Pond’s or Simmins-Pond’s system down,
because I can well understand the principle on which it works —
viz., the bees are deceived, as explained by Mr. Pond, in believing it
is their own queen come back, and he further explains that it is the
movements and behaviour of the queens themselves which cause
the bees to encase them.

It has been laid down by all authorities that it is next to impos¬
sible to enthrone an alien virgin queen several days old in a normal
queenless stock, though no difficulty is found with one only just
hatched. Now, if Mr. Webster will prepare a stock in accordance
with my “ law ” to receive a fertile queen, but instead of a fertile
one give them a virgin one at the top, as near the centre of the
cluster as possible, he must do it in the daytime, so that he can
watch the entrance, for in a very short time she will be seen to run
out of the hive. Here the bees let her alone, and though they are
actually begging her to stop she will not, because she is frightened,
and had the bees not been in that condition they would have killed
her. Cage this virgin queen in a pipe cover cage on some food for
two days, and she will remain when set at liberty. A few experi¬
ments with virgin queens in connection with my “ law ” will shed
much light on Pond’s system, which under certain circumstances
and conditions is much better than mine — that is, if you do not
want to be absolutely certain of success, but let us consider its
value.— A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.

(To be continued.)

PERFORATED ZINC FLOORS.

I followed the advice of “ A Lanarkshire Bec-lceeper ” last year
in putting perforated zinc as a floor for three of my hives. The whole

floor is covered, and its sides are like a bird cage drawer, pulling out at
the back. Below is another drawer with a wooden bottom. I have this
filled with dry peat. I drew out the drawers a few days ago. One hive
had half a teacup full of dry debris, and perhaps a dozen dead bees
among it. The other two hives were quite clean on the perforated zinc,
and had each half a dozen dead bees. There was a good deal of debris,
powder, and cell bottoms, &c., which had got through the perforated
zinc on to the peat. I send you a bit of the zinc. It has as large holes
as it well can have so as to prevent bees getting through. The bees are
strong. I have not yet examined them above, but all are bringing in a
good deal of pollen. I consider the change very satisfactory. — F. M.

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

Mushrooms in Cucumber Frames (.4. D.). — We have had excellent
Mushrooms in Cucumber and Melon frames by inserting spawn in the beds
towards the’ end of summer, when it is not necessary to apply water so
copiously to the plants as early in the season. This method is specially
referred to in Wright’s “ Mushrooms for the Million,” the fifth edition of
which will shortly be issued.

Seedling Auricula (■/. Luck). — The moss in which the flowers
were packed was not damp enough, and they arrived quite flaccid and
partly curled. We cannot thus judge of the substance of the self. The
colour is rich, purplish violet, but the paste is not dense ; it is perhaps
weakened by withering. You should grow a plant well and get it “in”
for one of the shows. , The other flower is inferior ; we do not know its
name, and in its present form scarcely think it is worthy of a name.

Eucharis Mite ( R. It.). — This destructive mite attacks other bulbs
also. A correspondent some time ago sent us leaves of Eucharises from
plants from which he had banished the enemy with a preparation he had
found safe and effectual. He intimated his intention to advertise his mite-
killer, but we do not know whether he did so or not, and we cannot remem¬
ber his address or we would send it to you. Since the foregoing was in
type we have received your second letter and bulb, which shall be carefully
examined.

Tomatoes Dying (G. M.). — We regret our inability to satisfactorily
account for the collapse of your plants. The “ small lumps ” on the stems
we consider are incipient root*, and assumng that the atmosphere is not
excessively moist, they suggest an attempt on the part of the plants to
gather the suppo t they need from the air that they cannot find in the
soil. It appears evident that either the soil or the atmosphere ave unsuit¬
able for the well being of the plants, as we fail to observe that the disease
is of fungoid origin.

Primroses and Polyanthuses (It. TV. Beachey). — The flowers you send
are very good indeed, some of them, notably the large white and coloured
hose-in-hose varieties, very superior. The crimsons are rich in colour,
though not marked advances on others, the pale blue and silver very
attractive; but those of which Naval Brigade is a type are not equal to
some varieties for w-liich Mr. Gr. F. Wilson has been awarded first-class
certificates. You should submit yrour best forms to the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Single and Double Violet ( Cambridge ). — The “best” of anything is
very much a question of taste. The single Violet Wellsiana is excellent,
and as a double the variety of Neapolitan known as De Panne is one of the
best. The double white Neapolitan (syn. Count Brazzi’s Neapolitan),
Swanley White : and Rawson’s Single White are worthy of yourattention.
As to the silver-leaved Zonal Pelargoniums with white flowers, you should
try and grow Mont Blanc better. We have seen it in good form, and you
might also try Variegated White Clipper. They are both good when well
cultivated.

Mushrooms ( TV . Kidd). — The “ clump ” is remarkable for the number
of small Mushrooms it contains; they appear as if piled one on the other,
and we cannot spare the time to count them. If the entire bed is similarly
c'vered, or we might say encrusted, we should think it necessary or advis¬
able to scoop some of them out with a knife to enable those surrounding to
develope, a-t in the struggle for existence the great majority must fail to
attain any useful size. No apology is needed for sending them ; on the
contrary, we are obliged by your bringing such an extraordinary cluster
before us.

Vine Growths Fasciated (I, D.). — The shoots are what are termed
fasciated, the apex of growth having from some unknown cause become
broken or divided, resulting in an aggregation of shoots united in one stem.
If this is the first year the Vine has produced such shoots it may be acci¬
dental rather than const tutional, and next year the flattened stems may
not appear. We have known, however, a Vine to produce such growths
yearly, and it had to be destroyed. You will not err by relyiog as far as
possible on the round laterals for pruning, or rather for bearing another
year. An excess of vigour appears to conduce to the malformation. You
give no particulars about the Vine nor the border in which it is growing.

May 11, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAC E GARDENER.

387

Possibly Surface Toots are not very abundant, and th* soil maybe deficient
in the mineral elements that Vines require to be well sustained.

Zonal Pelargoniums for Winter and Summer (E. F.)'. — There is not
a marked difference in the flowering periods of Zonal Pelargoniums, and
they can be grown to flower at any time according to the system adopted.
Hie following, however, are all good for winter flowering, and have been
eelected from Mr. Cannell’s collection. Singles : dark and crimson — Mr.
H. Cannell and Raphael; scarlets — Ajax and C. H Swinstead; orange or
salmon — Swanley Gem and Lady Chesterfield ; pink — Edith George and
Lurydice; white — Queen of the Belgians and Eureka. Doubles: F. V.

II aspail, scarlet ; Lord Derby, pink ; Blanche perfects, white ; Black
Knight, crimson. Other good varieties for later flowering are Kentish
hire, scarlet ; Mrs. Robertson, bright pink, white centre ; Ferdinand
( lmffolte, magenta; Mrs. Holford, salmon-pink, all singles; with La
^ ygne, white, and Spade Guinea, orange-scarlet, amongst doubles. You
shoold have stated the number requir d.

Arranging Carpet Bed {Merchant). — Assuming the Mesembryanthe-
mum is M. cordifolium vnriegatum we do not think the outer panels
would look well planted with it and edged with Golden Feather, nor do we
think the centre of the central panel would be improved by the Golden
heather as suggested. An alternative arrangement is submitted for your
consideration. Central panel — Alternantheras with a Centaurea in the
centre, the Altemanthera encircled with a thin ring of Golden Feather,
and this margined with a line of very dwarf Lobelia ; continue the margin
round panels 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, which fill with Mesembryantliemum,
the outer panels, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Alternantheras margined with Ceras-
tium. If your Lobelia in too tall for edging the '■ ray ” you can reverse the
order of the two plants. The weakness of your plan rests, however, we think,
in the proposed method of planting the six outer panels. The diameter
of tho bed should have been stated.

Blood as Manure ( Surrey Vallep). — In order to derive the most
benefit from blood as a manure in liquid form it must be used fresh, or it
will soon coagulate and speedily decompose, whereby ammonia is formed
and consequently lost. To the 3(5 gallons of water you may add 2 gallons^
of blood, mixing it at once and using directly, so that the decomposition
may take place in the soil, and bo available as plant food. The active
principle of blood as manure is nitrogen and its numerous salts, which
form bases for the formation of nitrates. In the liquid form it may be
applied at every alternate watering, or two or three tunes a week. It is,
however, best mixed with dry earth, and in this form it will keep for a
long time without loss from decomposition. About six times th ■ quantity
of soil as of blood is necessary, and a good handful per square yard a
proper quantity to apply as a surface-dressing.

China Asters (F. J). — As you have plenty of leaf mould and little or no
stable manure, the soil of your garden being rather light, we think you
might succeed in growing Asters very well, planting stout plants, not
drawn-up weaklings that are so common, after dipping them in a solution of
soft-soap and tobacco water for destroying any insects there mayrbeon them,
and preventing the attacks of others. A day or two before planting wo
should give the ground a soaking with guano water at the strength of 2 ozs.
per gallon, pouring half a gallon on each square foot. After planting,
mulch with leaf mould, with which keep the ground well covered during
the summer. For the first week or ten days, or until the plants start grow¬
ing, sprinkle and water them with pure water, after that pour guano water
between them, not on the foliage, at the strength of 1 oz. to the gallon as
often as it may be needed for keeping the ground moist. Pure water
applied to tho foliage freely with the syringe on the evenings of warm days
will also be beneficial to the plants. On the first appearance of an insect
dust the plants when wet with tobacco powder. We have had a fine late
display of Asters by sowing seed the second week in May in rich free soil
kept uniformly moist.

Vines Leaves Scorched (Hambledon). — The unfortunate condition of
your Vines is not due to any kind of insects, but to scorching, which would
not have occurred if the leaves had not been so destitute of tissue. We
have not often seen more flimsy and essentially imperfect foliage. Such
leaves are bound to be scorched at the edges in an hour after a few dull
days, and to decay near the leafstalks if the house is damp and the tem¬
perature low at night. The medium in which the roots are working is
destitute of lime and potash. We suspect they have penetrated the sub¬
soil, and in that case should be lifted at the pr >per time, or other measures
taken to induce the abundant production of fibrous roots in good firm soil
near the surface of the border. A marked improvement in the texture of
the foliage would then soon be apparent, scorching would cease under good
management, and better Grapes follow. The state of the foliage is simply
an expression of the-evil at the roots. Dry surface soil in summer causes
the roots of Vines to descend into the subsoil because it is moist, or in
other words, they will leave good soil if it be dry, for bad if it be damp ;
overcrowding of the growths is also fatal to the development of healthy
leaves. At present you might try the effect of a good soaking of lime water,
also give liberal applications of liquid manure during the season.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be
named must in all cases he enclosed with the specimens, whether letters
referring to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not neces¬
sarily required for publication, initals sufficing for that. Only six speci¬
mens can be named at once, and beyond that number cannot be preserved.
— (11. J. Casein). — Nos. 1 and 3 we cannot identify; 2, is no doubt Bossom.
It is getting late now for the identification of Apples.

Names of Plants. — We onlv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
IToweiing specimens are necessary of How ring plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than sixspecimens can be named at once.
— (R.L. E. O.) — Not known; very much resembles an Haworthia. It
.should have been accompanied by a leaf. (J. J. S.) — 1, Oneidium pumi-
lum. 2, Aly-sum saxatile. (Pen and Ink). — 1, Epimedium alpinum.
2, Too much withered to be recognised.

Swarming and Section* ( R . C.). — A hive containing only four frames
1-i by 81 is f ir too small ; at least eight more frames must be given as the
bees increase in number. You have little chance of securing both a swarm
and section honey. If you wish to introduce a young queen it will be
better to procure one. In June most bee-keepers will sell young queens
at a low price. You will thus not need to take a swarm •* in order to have
a young queen in the hive," and may hope with judicious management to
obtain a good yield of section honey. We are sorry to hear that your hive
was blown over, as such a catastrophe would entail serious loss. Strong
stocks in full-sized hives are most profitable, and cause least anxiety.

OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 11th.

Th.vde good this week, and with full supplies prices have been main¬
tained.

FROIT.

s.

d.

s.

d.

P.

d.

B.

d.

Apple?, \ sieve. .

2

0

to 5

0

Oranges, par 100 .. ..

6

0 to 12

0

„ Nova Sootia and

Peaches, dozt n .. . .

0

0

0

0

Cauada, barrel 10

0

11

0

Pears, dozen .

1

0

3

0

Cherries, $ sieve .. ..

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples, English,

Cobs, 100 lbs .

00

0

53

0

per lb .

1

6

2

0

Fig?, dozen .

0

0

0

0

Plums, J sieve .

0

0

0

0

G rape?, per lb .

4

0

8

0

St. Michael Pine°, each

2

0

5

0

Lemons, case .

10

0

15

0

Strawberries, per lb.

3

0

G

0

Melon, each .

5

0

6

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Artichoke?, dozen . .

l

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

l

0

to 1

6

Asparagus, bundle . . ..

8

0

. 18

0

Mushrooms, punnet

0

6

l

0

Beans, Kiduev, per lb. . .

i

3

0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt.

0

2

0

6

Best, Red, dozen .. . .

i

0

2

0

Ouionc, bunch .

0

8

0

G

Broccoli, bundle .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley, dozen bunches
Parsnips, dozen .. ..

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprout*, .j sieve

0

0

0

j9

1

0

2

0

Cabbage, dozen .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes, per c wt. . . , .

4

0

6

(J

Capsicum?, per 100

1

0

S

0

„ kidney, per cwf.
Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

4

0

0

0

Carrots, buneb .. ..

0

4

*0

0

0

2

0

0

Cauliflower?, dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsaty, bundle .. ..

I

0

1

K

Celery, bundle .. ..

1

8

2

0

Scorzouera, bundle

1

0

0

0

Colewort?, doz. bunches

8

0

4

0

Soakale, basket .. ..

1

6

0

0

Cucumber?, each .. ..

0

4

0

6

Shallots, per lb .

0

5

0

U

Endive, dozen .

1

0

2

0

Spinach, bushel .. ..

8

0

4

(1

Hero?, bunch .

0

2

0

0

Tomato;;?, per lb .. ..

1

0

2

6

Leek?, bunch .

0

8

0

4

Turnips, bunch .. ••

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

S.

d.

R.

d.

R.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi, dozen . .

9

0 to 18

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

6

0 to 10

0

Arbor vitse(golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

8

0

12

0

,, (common), dozen. .

6

0

13

0

Hydrangea, dozen .. ..

9

0

13

0

Azalea, dozen .

18

0

SG

0

Lilies Valley, dozen

9

0

18

(l

Begonias, dozen .. ..

4

0

9

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen

6

0

13

0

Cineraria, dozen ..

4

0

8

0

MignoLette, dozen . . . .

6

0

9

0

Cyclamen, dozen .. ..

1 2

0

24

0

Myrtles, dozen .

6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminalis, doz.

so

0

60

0

Palms, in var., each
Pelargoniums, dozen

a

6

SI

0

t, viridis, dozen. .

12

0

24

0

9

0

18

0

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

42

0

„ scarlet, dozen

4

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

Primula sinensi?, dozen . .

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

0

21

0

Solanrms, dozen .. ..

9

0

12

0

Fern?, in variety, dozen

4

0

18

0

Spinei, dozen .

9

0

12

0

Ficus elastica, each

i

6

7

0

Tulips, per dozen pots . .

0

0

0

0

Foliage Plants, var., each

3

.0

10

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Abntilons, 12 bnnebes ..

2

0 to 4

0

Marguerites, 12 bunohes

2

0 to 6

0

Anemones, 12 bunches . .

2

0

4

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Arum Lilies, 12 blooms . .

8

0

6

0

Narci?s, 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Aralea, 12 sprays .. ..

0

6

i

0

„ White, English, bch.

0

0

0

0

Bouvardias, bunch . .

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trasses

0

9

1

0

Camellia?, blooms . . . .

1

0

3

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

Carnations, 12 blooms . .

1

0

8

0

Parme Violets (French)

2

6

8

6

„ 12 bunches..

0

0

0

0

Poinsettia, 12 blooms . .

0

0

0

0

Cornflower,! 2 bundles ..

0

0

0

0

Primroses, 12 bnnehes ..

0

6

0

H

Cyclamen, 12 blooms

0

4

0

9

„ white 12 bnnehes

0

9

1

6

Daffodils, var., doz. bchs

2

0

6

0

Primula (single), bunch. .

0

0

0

0

Eucharis, dozen .. ..

4

0

6

0

„ (double), bunch . .

0

9

1

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms ..

1

c

3

0

Ranunculus, 12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

0

0

0

0

sprays

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), dozen

0

9

1

6

„ Dntcb, par

„ Tea, dozen .. ..

1

6

8

0

box

1

0

3

0

„ red dozen . . . .

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blm?.

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis, 12 sprays ..

2

0

4

0

Liliurn loQgifloruin, 12

Tropeeolum, 12 bunches

1

0

2

n

blooms .

4

0

6

0

Tuberoses, 12 blooms . .

1

0

3

0

Li ao (white), French,

Tulips, dozen blooms ..

0

6

1

0

bunch .

4

0

7

0

Violets, 12 bunches.. ..

0

4

0

0

Li’y of Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

1

0

„ Czar, French, bnnch

0

0

0

0

PIGS.

By cleanliness in the management of pigs it may be
well to mention that we mean a wholesome dietary as
well as an absence of filth in the stys. Fed upon corn,
milk, and vegetables, and kept in a clean sty with plenty

383

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 12, If 87.

of dry clean litter or straw, the pigs thrive, grow, and
fatten quickly, and the pork is quite certain to be both
palat ible and wholesome. If we would have pigs answer
in the best way we must see that they are kept warm as
well as cltan and well fed. Frequently have we seen
several pigs huddled together for warmth in stys reeking
with filth, and with hardly a scrap of dry litter. It is by
such a sight that we are able to realise the true force of
the saying, “ starved with cold.”

Because pigs will consume all sorts of filth, and
appear to revel and thrive upon it, and in a condition
that would be fatal to most animals, it has probably become
so customary to allow them to eat unclean food and be
kept in filthy ftys. More than this, we have known cases
where they have been regularly fed upon butchers’ offal
and other foul garbage. Such practices bring a Nemesis
in their train, giving rise as they do to infectious diseases
leading to a serious loss. Swine fever has been so
rampant that markets have been closed again and again.
Complaints loud and persistent have been made of the too
general closing of markets, but the end and aim of such
measures is of course for the general benefit, and they
are therefore to be commended. If, in addition to the
closing of markets, closer sanitary inspection were en¬
forced in farm homesteads we might then hope that there
would be an end of swine fever.

To effect a radical change in swine management we
would insist upon the importance of breeding more pigs
upon every farm. To do this profitably there must be a
careful selection of parents. We have first of all to con¬
sider what is our special object in keeping pigs. If it is
principally for selling them as soon as they become fit for
sale, then we require sows of a close, chubby, compact
form, with a tendency to fatten quickly while quite young.
On the day of writing this article we saw a number of young
pigs upon one of our farms where we had selected the
sows with the especial intention of breeding porkers for
the London market, but the bailiff of that farm had used
a boar quite unsuitable for our purpose, with the result
that we have now many pigs with such large frames that
they must be kept till they weigh from 300 lbs. to 400 lbs.
They will then be worth a considerable amount, but the
return upon expenditure will be slower than we cither
intended or like.

Pigs of the sort we recommend are to be found every¬
where if only due care is taken in selection. To select a
special breed as the type of porkers for London, we may
mention the Berkshire as being especially remarkable for
fattening early and being very profitable. We have been
very successful with this famous breed of pigs, and our
plan of keeping the sows in high condition has answered
very well with them, the farrows being sufficiently
numerous, and the pigs both strong and healthy. We
have within the last month had about twenty of our sows
farrow, and we have ample reason to feel satisfied, for we
have only had one comparative failure, one sow having
had only three pigs. This sow proved so jealous of any
interference with her small family, and so savage, that
we had to dispose of her with her pigs at an auction
sale. The other pigs, nearly 200 in number, will not be
forced on, but will be kept in a healthy growing con¬
dition till harvest, when they will go out upon the corn
stubbles and then soon be brought on for sale.

We said in our last article that the best age at which
to allow a young sow to begin breeding is twenty months.
A careful watch should be kept upon every sow from the
time of farrowing, in order that only gentle, careful
mothers are kept to go on breeding. The size and con¬

dition of a sow must also have some influence upon how
long it is kept for breeding purposes. Sooner or later it
will fail, and then we must fatten it as quickly as possible.
Nor is this fattening of old sows at all unprofitable.
Many such an annual have we sold at prices ranging from
£6 to £ 1 0. It must also be owned that we have had to
sell inferior animals at from £3 10s. to £4.

For the first month after farrowing an extra amount
of care is required to keep the pigs clean, dry, and warm.
The sow should never be withdrawn from them till they
are at least of that age, and even then it is best only to
allow them to run occasionally from the sow under a slip
board to get food which the sow would consume without
some such precaution. At about six weeks they are
weaned, and are then forced on as quickly as possible
for sale when they reach the porker stage.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

At length we are able to record genial weather, frequent showers, the
thermometer above 50°, speedy germination of seed, and a strong free
growth of all farm crops. Very different has the weather been during-
and after the Mangold sowing to what it was last year. Then it was so
dry that the plant;gained size very slowly ; now it has been precisely the
moist warm weather that is so conducive to seed germination and quick
growth. Weeds are abundant, and the workmen have beenj busy drawing
docks among the Wheat. Of other work in hand or finished, we may
mention the.sowing of Clover, mixed seed for three or four year layers and
for permanent pasture. We have been laying down two pieces of land
to permanent pasture, one piece for trial upon a heavy land farm, and
the other for an addition to the park upon the home estate. There is
still considerable difference of opinion as to the use of Perennial Rye
Grass in permanent pasture. Messrs. Sutton still use a certain proportion
of Rye Grass in then- mixtures for permanent pasture. This is done in
perfect good faith, and they strongly recommend the practice to their
customers. Mr. Martin J. Sutton in his book on permanent and tem¬
porary pastures says, “ One of the main reasons for including Perennial
Rye Grass in mixtures for permanent pastures is its reliability for
ensuring a plant. It yields a crop during each of the first two years,
such as could not possibly be obtained without it. It fosters the growth
of other varieties and aids the general progress and development of those
Grasses which are slow in coming to maturity. On all these grounds I
advocate the use ot Perennial Rye Grass seed in prescriptions for per¬
manent pastures. Even on land where the plant is certain to die out,
excellent service will be rendered while it lasts ; and by yielding up its
place when other kinds are sufficiently established to occupy the land,
weeds are kept in check and crops of valuable herbage are secured mean¬
while.” We give this quotation for what it is worth, and because we
have no prejudice in the matter ; we are also putting Mr. Sutton’s advice
to practical test both for our own information and the guidance of our
readers. We must own, however, that some of the best new permanent
pasture we have seen contains no Rye Grass, but it must be owned that
we have seen much new pasture very foul with weeds for the first two
years. If Rye Grass serves to keep down weeds, to afford a strong
growth while other Grasses are being established in the soil, then we
grant its use is desirable, but before all things our aim must be to obtain
a well knit pasture by the third year.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 51° 3-r 40" N. ; Long, 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DAT E.

9 A.M.

in the day.

Hygrome-

g •

o-s ,5

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

ter.

7Z a

d— g

perature.

Temperature

Cj

«

May.

In

On

3

Dry.

Wet.

Bo

H

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

1

3 1.143

46 5

41.4

E.

44 8

54 4

32.8

101.4

24 9

0.172

Monday .

2

29 636

45.1

44.7

N.K.

44 9

5 '.4

40.8

66.8

35.4

_

Tuesday ..

3

29.395

48.2

47.4

K.

45.1

57.2

44 2

68 9

44.1

0.172

Wednesday. .

4

29.591

483

45.4

W.

45 9

53.3

43 6

75.4

43.8

0.0 >1

Thursday .. .

5

29.781

503

47.0

N.W.

46.2

59.5

45.3

94.2

42 8

—

Friday .

6

29.883

48.1

46.8

N.

46.8

52.3

42 4

672

37.3

0.137

Saturday ...

7

30.167

4 87

45.6

N.

46.7

60.7

43.2

103 2

40.0

0.012

29.828

49.7

45.5

45.8

55.4

41 8

82.4

38 3

0 514,

REMARKS.

1st. — Fine, with sunshine at times; bright evening ; lunar halo at 8-30 p M.

2nd.— Wet from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. ; overcast morning ; fair after.

3rd. — Dull and foggy ; rain in morning ; a little sunshine in early afternoon ; very dark
after 2 p.m , followed by rain from 2 30 p M. to 815; bright alter.

4th. — Gloomy early ; a glimpse of sunshine about 11‘80 A m. ; but rain by noon anti
frequent showers after.

5th.— Cloudy morning ; fair afternoon, but without bright sunshine.

6th. — Dull early; soaking wet all day ; fine evening.

7th. — Oloudy morning ; fine afternoon ; shower about 6 p.m.

A rather dull week, with frequent rain. Temperature higher than that of the pre¬
ceding week, but nearly 8° below the average.— G. J. Symons.

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

389

mtmm, — ^ - =

COMING EVENTS

5 WyAwi

19

Tn

10

F

31

S

Crystal Talaoe Summer Show.

22

SUN

1st Sunday a iter Ascension.

23

M

24

Tu

Royal Horticultural Society. Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 AM.

26

W

UNORTHODOX VINE PRUNING.

OME time last year an article appeared in the
Journal in advocacy of what may be termed
the method of long-spur pruning when Vines
failed to produce crops on the short-spur
system. On reference I find the article on
page 173, August 26th, 1886, and it is
elaborately reviewed by Mr. Abbey on page
244, September 16th, of the same year.
The initial article was based on failures in producing even
moderate crops of Grapes with Vines weak and exhausted
on the one hand, producing small wood and foliage, and
long-jointed and luxuriant, on the other, through strong
roots entering the subsoil, few or no fibrous roots being
found near the surface of the soil. It was stated that by
a change in the method of pruning alone, Vines in the
condition indicated might be rendered much more fruitful
than before. An objection to the method of pruning to
bold buds on ripened parts of the laterals, at whatever
distance those buds might be from the rods, was antici¬
pated, and it was suggested that the habit of close
pruning was so confirmed that its votaries of the follow-
my- leader type appeared to think more about the appear¬
ance of Vine rods in winter than anything else ; but it
was further observed that nine out of ten of the owners of
Vines want Grapes, and the cultivator who produces the
most and the best gives the greatest satisfaction, and is
in a far better position than he who prunes, as he imagines,
in the “proper” manner, yet produces inferior crops.

A rather striking example of the accuracy of those
remarks is afforded by the results of Mr. T. W. Sanders’
experience at Lee. In the very interesting garden of Mr.
J. W. Larking at The Firs is a good range of vineries.
The Vines are old, having been cut back to the rafters
more than once, and the roots are to a large extent beyond
the control of the gardener, the outside “ border ” being
only about 6 feet wide, while some of the roots have
probably extended to nearer 60 feet. Yet something has
been done to the outside 6 feet border that affords a signifi¬
cant lesson on the effects of lime. Those who saw the Vines
in question four or five years ago and can see them now
will be impressed with their great improvement. The
lime on the narrow strip of ground outside the house has
done something towards their improvement, but the
change of pruning that was resorted to inside the house
has done a great deal more.

Weak wood, small thin leaves, and no Grapes worth
mentioning is fairly descriptive of the Vines before Mr.
Sanders took a departure in pruning. The wood is now
as strong again, the individual leaves no doubt much
more than twice the weight, and the crop of fruit will
this year be of thrice the value that the Vines produced
No. 360.— Vol. XIV., Third Series.

when pruned to the huds at the base of the laterals.
And yet when gardeners have “looked round” in winter
and seen the Vines “half pruned,” they have shaken their
heads as if in doubt as to whether the pruner was “ pro¬
fessional,” and some of them have expressed concern as
to Mr. Sanders “getting wrong over them Vines.” The
truth is he knew what he was about better than his
friendly critics did ; and so far from “ getting wrong ”
has left his charge with honour for a new line of life, a
position that only able men can fill. Had the old Vines
been uprooted five or six years ago, new borders made,
and young Vines planted, trim rods and finer Grapes
would be had now than the old Vines are producing.
But for reasons it is not necessary to particularise, such
a renewal could not be effected ; nor could the old Vines,
with their roots “nobody knew where,” be taken up and
replanted. No great crops were expected from the Vines,
and all that the gardener was desired to do was to make
the best of them as they were. He has done so. Fresh
soil was applied to the narrow border, rich top-dressings
given, liquid manure employed, an ammonia-charged
atmosphere produced, with beneficial results ; but it was
not until the close-spur pruning was abandoned that im
provement in the Vines became so apparent.

On examination of the leaves produced at the base of
the laterals they were found to be very small and withered
before the season was over. The buds set at the base
Avere similarly small — mere pointed specks, and it was
concluded that little nutriment could be stored there.
A few joints higher the leaves were better, the buds at
their base rounder and bolder, these with the stems
holding more nutrient matter secreted, and as the wood
was ripe to some of those buds the laterals were shortened.
The crop was better the first year, and during the season
stronger canes and better foliage followed, with the
material result that this year the crop of fruit is finer
in turn.

It has been said that lime was applied to the narrow
outside border. The dressing was an extraordinary one.
It was spread on at the least 2 inches thick, probably
more — enough, however, to form a plaster-like casing. On
breaking this up and raising the flakes it was seen that
fibrous roots had formed there. “ Who will say after this,”
remarked the gardener, “that Vines do not like lime ?”
There can be no doubt that this lime, with the fresh soil
and manure dressing on the strip of border, had a good
effect; but it may be regarded as equally certain that its
action would have been very considerably minimised if
short pruning had been adopted, for then the greater
part of the food gathered and stored in the Vines would
have been cut away, and the weaker and impoverished
parts left for cropping. But there is something more
than theory to support the view that long pruning was of
greater benefit than the lime dressing in invigorating the
Vines and improving the fruit.

In one house is a Muscat Vine grown on the exten¬
sion system — that is to say, one Vine fills the house,
several main rods being trained up at intervals, and on
these the laterals were closely pruned for years. They
probably became smaller each year, at any rate they were
only stout enough to develope small leaves and shoulder¬
less bunches of Grapes. A change in pruning, not violent
but rather experimental, was resorted to, and it was soon
apparent that the departure was a step in the right
direction. At the last pruning a selection of the best
wood was made, and the laterals shortened to the best
placed of the better buds all over the roof — nearly, for
No. 2016.— Vol. LXXVT., Old Series.

S90

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ M»y 19, 1887.

there was a slight exception, and this in the form of an
experiment in the other direction, and it proves the truth
of the whole case as to the potency of the long pruning.
A few of the rods were closely spurred, and this is the
result — the closer the pruning the worse the crop. The
difference is striking and conclusive. Had the whole of
the laterals been spurred in the orthodox way the hunches
on this old Vine would not have been half so fine, nor the
value of the crop this year nearly so great as it will be
under the unorthodox method that was wisely adopted.

A Vine of the Duke of Buccleuch also shows the ad¬
vantage of long pruning, for the laterals from closely
pruned spurs are barren, those from more prominent buds
some distanci from the base of last year's ripened growths
bearing fine bundles. There is no exception to this in
the Vine under notice, and I have seen exactly similar
results with several other Vines of the same noble Grape
— small bunches, or no bunches, from close pruning ; fine
bunches and plenty of them from longer yet matured
portions of the canes.

Let it be clearly and distinctly understood that no
change from the orthodox system of close-spur pruning
is advocated when satisfactory crops of Grapes are pro¬
duced, as they are on thousands of Vines ; but when
Vines break “ like straws” on the one hand, producing
very small leaves, particularly near the base of the
summer growths ; or push long-jointed rampant growths
on the other, and neither the weak nor the strong beat
from close pruning, then obviously nothing can be lost
by a change of method, while there is the probability,
amounting in some cases to a certainty, of a distinct gain
in the form of useful crops of Grapes. By all means
improve the roots of unfruitful Vines whenever that is
possible, and when active fibres are induced to form
freely and abundantly in good firm soil near the surface
of the border the character of the foliage and wood wall
soon be changed, and the short -spur system of pruning
may then be safely reverted to without risk, and possibly
with advantage. But there are numbers of old Vines
in the country, the roots of which are practically beyond
control, that would yield more and better Grapes if only
half or less than half the number of growths usually per¬
mitted were allowed to extend without their leaves crush¬
ing or crowding in the summer, and then shortening those
growths to the best suitably placed buds on firm port ons
of the canes in the winter. There is no doubt whatever
about that, as anyone may prove who gives the plan a
fair trial. Danger lies in overcrowding, and more than
one person has erred in not disbudding with sufficient
freedom after long pruning, and in not having removed
superfluous growths in summer soon enough, and before
evil wras done by their retention. Avoid those mistakes,
and the crops of many Vines may be doubled next year.
In looking upwards in a vinery the glass of the roof
should be seen between the laterals, and the shadows of
these cast clearly and well defined on the ground or
floor of the house. Then with good management as
regirds cleanliness and ventilation, wood and foliage as
good as the Vines can produce will mature and eventually
bear fruit if the Vines are not positively worn out, as not
a few are prematurely by growing them on the thicket
system in the summer followed by the orthodox close
pruning in the winter. — Experientia docet.

GIGANTIC NON- ARBORESCENT FERNS.

The reference to Angiopteris evecta made by “ Bradwen ” in
Journal of Horticulture of May 5th, page 358, is of a most welcome
character, as that interesting Fern, andj indeed, all those belonging

to the same and the allied genus Marattia, are becoming extinct in
private collections. Yet, as' the quoted writer justly remarks in
speaking of the plant at Blacklow House, Roby, Liverpool, it is a
majestic Fern, with fronds from 12 feet to 16 feet long, and pro¬
duced so abundantly that from time to time the knife is put into
requisition to remove some of the least needed to the appearance of
the specimen. “ Bradwen ” with much reason adds : “ That plant is
generally found in an out-of-the-way corner of an old-established
garden, as it is rarely seen in modern ones.” It is a somewhat
unpalatable statement, which, however, must be accepted as truth,
that, notwithstanding their majestic and uncommon beauty, the
Angiopteris and Marattias are now seldom found in any other places
than old-fashioned private establishments and botanical gardens ;
and we are at a loss to understand why they should be so neglected,
as their culture is extremely simple and their decorative qualities
exceptionally good. When these plants have been once purchased
there is hardly any danger of their being lost to their possessor,
provided they are not kept in too warm and too dry a house, and
that at all times of the year they receive an abundance of water at
the roots— really essential points in the cultivation of all the plants
belonging to that class of semi-aquatic Ferns, which for the decora¬
tion of large winter gardens have no equal.

The Angiopteris and the Marattias are closely related and require
similar treatment. They are all strong-growing plants, producing
very broad or spreading fronds from 6 to 18 feet high. In the An¬
giopteris the base of their stalk is clubbed, and varies from 6 to
10 inches in circumference, according to the size of the fronds,
whereas in the Marattias their base is surrounded by appendages of
a very fleshy nature, which frequently assume the character of
abnormal or imperfectly developed fronds. Only two species of
Angiopteris are at present known in cultivation ; these are A. evecta
from Ceylon and the Pacific Islands, and A. pruinata from Java,
both of which require a stove, or at least a good intermediate house.
The fronds of A. evecta, which is the species most frequently met
with in gardens, are bipinnate, with bright shining green pinnules
from 3 inches to 5 inches long. In general appearance A. pruinata
greatly resembles that species, but its pinnules are somewhat broader,
and their distinguishing feature is the fine bluish white colour of
their under side, which differs from any other kind known.

With the exception of Marattia elegans, which is a native of
New Zealand, where the scales found at the base of the fronds are
used as a vegetable and subjected to various ways of cooking, and
which does equally well in a cool or in a warm house, all the other
known species require a house in which the temperature does not
fall below 50°. M. alata, a native of the West Indies, is a highly
ornamental Fern, which makes a handsomely decorative plant for
the conservatory. Its fronds, which are bi or tripinnate, vary from
3 to 6 feet in length, and have their stalk winged throughout their
entire length. There are also the Marattia laxa from Mexico,
Kaulfussia ascencionis or purpurascens, the dwarfest kind known,
whose bipinnate fronds rise from between two fleshy appendages
to the height of about 4 feet, and are furnished with broad pinnules,
wavy on their margins, and of a very dark green colour. But the
handsomest of all Marattias is undoubtedly that which has been
dedicated to Sir Daniel Cooper, M. Cooperi, from New Caledonia,
and which is still very scarce, although it has been introduced for
over twenty years. The fronds of that truly magnificent species
are very large, massive, and quadripinnate, being thus more finely
divided than those of any other known species. These are borne
on very rough, thorny, stiff stalks, and rise from between two
equally horny-looking appendages, which possess a most peculiar
appearance. The pinnae, instead of being entire, as in most known
species, are deeply dentate on Iheir margins, and while young of a
light green tint, taking after a time a metallic hue, which they
retain until later on, when they assume the dark green colour
particular to Marattias.

When Marattias and Angiopteris are grown in pots, these should
be partially stood in water, or watered very freely, as being swamp-
loving plants they require their roots, which are more fleshy, and
entirely distinct from those of any other Ferns, to be continually
moist. If planted out in the conservatory they could not have a
better situation than one near water, into which, in the course of
time, their roots will plunge, to the benefit of the plants, as is the
caseat Liverpool, where “ Bradwen” states that the specimen has been
planted ever since 1863. The compost most suitable for these
Ferns, like most plants provided with succulent roots, should be of
an open nature — two parts of rough peat to one part of chopped
sphagnum moss, with an addition of sharp silver sand, will be all
that is required for them in a young state, although as the subjects
gain in strength, something more substantial is needed for their
nourishment, and a third part of the compost may then with
advantage consist of fibrous loam roughly broken, into which the
roots find easy access. The greatest enemies of these handsome
plants are the scale and the thrips, which, however, seldom attack

*faj 19. 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

391

them when grown in a moderately warm temperature only, and
well supplied with water at the roots, besides which their leathery
foliage is easily washed, and does not, like that of so many other
Ferns, suffer from the effects of tobacco, if the plants should be
subjected to it to destroy any insect with which they may occasion¬
ally and temporarily be troubled. During the hot summer days,
or at any time when the temperature of the house in which they
are grown is above 70°, Marattias and Angiopteris derive a great
benefit from having their foliage syringed once or twice a day with
water of about the same temperature as that of the air of the
house. — Tiieo.

CURRANT BUD MITE.

We have received several examples of Currant shoots infested with
the mite known as Phjtoptus Ribis, and therefore reproduce an illustra-
tration we gave some time ago depicting the condition of the buds so at¬
tacked. We do not know any means of eradicating the pest except by

Fig. 63— "Knotted” Currant Shoot-'.

cutting down the infested bushes and encouraging fresh growths from
the base, but probably the best plan is to root out the trees, burn them,
and obtain fresh ones from another source.

SILICA IN SOILS -ARTIFICIAL MANURES.

I should have replied to Mr. Abbey’s communication before
(page 339), but being from home did not get the Journal in time to allow
of my doing so. Mr. Abbey says Dr. Voelcker gives an analysis of clay
soil containing 84 per cent, insoluble and 1£ per cent, soluble silica, and
he, Mr. Abbey, concludes tluit the current crop removes this soluble
silica ; and he asks where succeeding crops get their soluble silica from ;
and he concludes by saying that if we keep on removing the soluble
silica from the soil, and do not replace it, that we shall ultimately
exhaust the soil of its soluble silica.

Now, let us calculate what 1J per cent, of soluble silica amounts

to per acre. Assuming that a cubic yard of soil weighs 1 ton (I think
this is about the weight, but half a ton will answer my purpose quite as
well), then an acre of land 1 yard deep of the clay soil in question will
weigh 4800 tons ; taking the top or first 6 inches of this we get 800 tons ;
1J per cent, of this gives 12 tons, so we have 12 tons of soluble silica to
work on. Mr. Abbey removes from his land two loads of hay per acre ;
the ash from a ton of hay (Mr. Abbey’s loads are not tons, but I can
afford to treat them as such), amounts at the outside to one-tenth of the
whole, which is 224 lbs. Two-thirds of this (150 lbs.) is silica, so that
Mr. Abbey actually removes with each crop of hay 300 lbs. of silica.
“ But,” Mr. Abbey will say, “ in eighty-nine years all the soluble silica
will be gone, except we replace it.” If it were necessary — which it is
not — to replace silica, the easiest and best way would be to cart on road
scrapings. We do not need to go sixteen miles for them either, and
they are not as a rule an expensive form of manure. But how is this
sjluble silict t) be mile soluble ? Mr. Abbey says by means of the
acids in the manure, and he gives that as his reason for applying such
manure. But Nature has more than one way of doing things. Here is
another way : — “ Among the earthy constituents of soils there often
exist fragments of felspar and other minerals derived from the granitic
and trap rocks, as well as portions of the slaty and other beds from
which the soils have been formed, and which, as they crumble down,
yield more and more of those inorganic substances on which plants live.
The decomposition of these minerals and rocks proceeds more or less
rapidly under the conjoined action of the oxygen, the carbonic acid, and
the moisture of the atmosphere. — (Johnston).” Now see what a store of
silica we have in the soil to gradually become soluble.

Mr. Abbey is farming, and he manures grass land every second year,
and the crop following the manure is more vigorous than the second
crop. I can understand that, but I cannot understand what follows,
for Mr. Abbey says in effect that the unmanured crop averages the same
quantity as the other, and is worth more money. I cannot see how this
result would repay anybody for carting the manure sixteen miles. Mr.
Abbey goes on to describe thriving farms which are entirely worked
with farmyard manure. I do not doubt that farmyard manure will
keep land in good heart ; but I doubt the result being due to silica, and
where farmers do not think it worth the trouble to study the question
of artificials, so as to put in what is required, they had better keep to
farmyard manure. I quite agree with Mr. Abbey, that the use of arti¬
ficials, or those of them which are simply “ patent exhausters,” to the
exclusion of farmyard manure is a mistake. I never said it was not so.
But if, on the other hand, science gives us artificials, by means of which
we can reap a double harvest, or something very like it, each year, •with
one sowing, one reaping, and all the other expensive operations of farm¬
ing, I think any person who does not avail himself of the assistance of
science is foolish. There is as much difference between the old-fashioned
style of farming and the scientific method as there is between the coach
of days gone by, crawling over the weary road, and the express train of
to-day, flashing past like a whirlwind.

“ What is the value of silicates ? ” Mr. Abbey asks. Well, silicates
are valuable for what the silica is combined with. Thus : silicate of
lime is valuable because of the lime ; silicate of potash because of the
potash ; silicate of soda because of the soda, and so on. But what is
the value of silica alone — by itself ? It is just as valuable as the paper
in which we wrap up a pound of butter, or a packet of tea, or a pound
of rumpstealc. The very fact of the animal rejecting the whole of it
from its food shows that it is no use to it. In the ground it acts simply
as drainage, or combines and holds other more valuable constituents, as
potash, lime, Ac. ; while in the plant, Nature uses it as an outer skin or
covering to protect the leaves from injury, and to strengthen the straw
of grass and cereals. Man uses it for mending roads and glazing pottery
with principally, but it is contained only in the hair of his head, and
there only in a very minute quantity.

I have always been led to believe, and I think all the authorities are
with me, that farmyard manure is valuable because it contains phos¬
phates, nitrates, saline and vegetable matters — in others words, organic
and inorganic manures. If this is not so there are many readers of the
Journal who are labouring under the same delusion that I am, but we
err in good company. Were it possible for Mr. Abbey to let me have
all the phosphates, nitrates, Ac., from the manure he uses, he, in return,
would be quite welcome to all the silica in mine, and all the road scrap¬
ings in the parish to boot.

We can trace the really valuable parts of manures in the bodies of
men and animals. The fat is carbon, which the plant draws from the
atmosphere and the soil ; the 1 ones are phosphate of lime and phos¬
phorus, from the phosphates and lime of the manures. The flesh con¬
tains potash, the blood salt, while the lean meat and muscle are made
up of nitrogen from the nitrates of the manure. But where is the
silica ? As well ask where is the paper we wrapped the butter in.

Mr. Abbey objects to my saying, “ I look forward to the production
of Roses and other crops by means of artificial manures.” He should
remember that I do not expect this until such times as we shall
have ascertained exactly what Roses and other crops arc made of.
When I know as much about the constituent parts of Roses as Dr.
Voelcker knows about Wheat, I shall be able to grow Roses just as
easily as Wheat is grown at Sawbridgeworth. That is my opinion, at
any rate. I never have made experiments with artificials alone, because
my light sandy soil does not admit of such treatment ; this is why 1
have used farmyard manure, and still continue to use it. Mr. Abbey
asks “ If I think it is a fair experiment to first make ground fertile
with farmyard manure, and then to begin experiments on it ?” and he

392

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19, 1887.

goes on to say, t! It is a very one-sided argument.” It would be if I
did it, or attempted to do any such thing. I am not aware I have
advanced the results of any of my own experiments in my criticism of
Mr. Abbey’s remarks.

If Mr. Abbey would lead us to believe that farmyard manure is only
valuable because of its soluble silica and silica-dissolving acids, why
does he “ trouble with manure at all ? Why not go in for silica pure and
simple ? By the application of quicklime it may be made soluble ”
(Johnston). The quicklime acting on the manure in the soil would
produce a good crop of hay the first year, but the following crop would
explode the silica theory, and the land would become barren, and pure
silica would never restore its fertility. Will Mr. Abbey try this experi¬
ment ? and if he will not, why not ?

If Mr. Abbey is convinced that farmyard manure owes its virtues to
the presence of silica and silica-dissolving acids, will he quote some
other authority besides himself ? For my part, I have not had sufficient
practical experience to offer my own opinions to the readers of the
Journal ; I prefer rather to avail myself of the teachings of standard
authorities.

I will follow Mr. Abbey — with the Editor’s permission — on this
subject, as far as my abilities will allow ; but I beg to remind him that
what I took exception to was — 1, The reason he gave for applying farm¬
yard manure to clay soils — viz., because silica was deficient in such
soils ; 2, His saying that soil could not be maintained fertile by means
of artificial manure alone. I gave the case of Mr. Prout as a practical
proof to the contrary. Beyond that I simply expressed an opinion, and
stated what I looked forward to in the future. — D. Gilmour, jun.

ARE POTATOES DEGENERATING ?

Seeing in your columns that this question still occupies the atten¬
tion of some writers, and having as an amateur been a cultivator of the
“ noble tuber” for nearly fifty years, during the last twenty of which I
have been a constant exhibitor at the metropolitan as well as local
shows, I trust these few lines may not be out of place, but assist in
elucidating the question.

During the first years of my experience I grew the varieties common
in this neighbourhood at the time — viz., The Shaw, All Eyes, Denne
Hill or Irish Kidney, Lapstone, Old Fluke, Noblower, Cockney, Regent,
Fortyfold, Sheepstail Kidney, Jersey Blue, Yorkshire Blue, and that fine
Potato Dawc’s Matchless. All the above were considered good, some of
them superb ; but where are they now? Not one to be found in this
locality. Why is this ? From one and all falling easy victims of the
disease. Their yielding so readily made growers look for varieties that
withstood it better. Importers have had something to do with supply¬
ing other sorts in their places, as from America we have had a great
number, few of which remain good standard varieties at the present
day.

Is it from their earliness that Ashleaf Potatoes frequently escape
disease ? or does the fact of the old Ashleaf (Green Shoot), being a
non-flowerer, in any way assist in its prevention in that variety ? I
have noted some of our freest flowerers as being of the finest table
quality — American Purple, Woodstock Kidney, Edgcott Seedling and
other Lapstones, Victoria, Schoolmaster, and other Regents, Snowflake,
Beauty of Hebron, Early Rose, and others, although not all being free
setters or seed bearers, and I think it would be difficult to find an equal
number so susceptible to the disease. In the spring of 188G I bought
several varieties of seedlings, the first season they were sent out ; but, in
a season not noted for severe disease, I found one-fourth of them badly
affected. A feature in the growth of some American varieties by myself
has been that in the course of a few years they become of better appear¬
ance and quality — notably Snowflake, Adirondack, Queen of the Valley,
and White Elephant. Has soil or climate anything to do with this ? or
is this any process of degeneration ? As to planting weakened sets, I
never heard it advocated, and I am sure anyone with an eye to profitable
culture or exhibition would soon find a means of preventing seed
Potatoes from too early spearing, without leaving them, to my mind
somewhat slovenlike, undug all the winter. I had on the 4th of April —
not having then began cropping - about eighty varieties by me, and
certainly not three of them were injuriously sprouted, nor had they been
brutted, many of them being scarcely started now (May 7th). I quite
agree with the opinion that many useful sorts have been ousted out of
catalogues to make room for others less worthy of a place ; this may be
attributed to the rage of the present day for novelties. My practice is
to dig the whole unoccupied space in my garden before the severest
frosts come on and leave it in that state till February. When paying a
visit to Mr. J. Hughes at Eydon Hall in January 7th, 1885, I found his
Potato ground all prepared in the same way.

As to change of seed, and with it change of soil and climate, I must
confess I am very partial to it, as I have had several instances where I
have for the first year or two grown from seed so obtained much finer
specimens than 1 have ever since been able to do from seed of my own
saving ; and in conclusion must confess my belief that I have seen what
I can in no other way account for if not from degeneration. — Audax
Trepidus.

The sample of the seedling Potato Champion x Magnum Bonum
late Potato which was sent you for cooking (page 374) was from a June,
1886, planting on a rough headland of the cold drift clay or tilt at
Bedford, which I will venture to say has not for many years past known
manure, no artificial having been applied by me to the crop, and this I

consider good soil for quality in late Potatoes, especially those of the
Champion type. Market gardeners in this county make a great mistake
in endeavouring to grow late sorts of Potatoes on the warm and fertile
garden soil of the district, which although admirably adapted for early
Potatoes is most unsuitable where good late quality is sought, and espe¬
cially when such sorts are, as is frequently the case, planted early and
afterwards clamped for winter sale. A clear indication of the results of
this practice is shown by the market quotations of Bedfordshire-grown
winter Potatoes, which are invariably lower than those of other districts ;
and I am not sure that early planting and high cultivation has not
something to do with the supposed deterioration or dying out of some of
our best sorts of Potatoes. I am not, however, and never have been a
believer in the dying out of originally vigorous varieties of fruit, vege¬
tables, and plants, having never observed a single instance of permanent
deterioration where the circumstances for the continuation of the variety
have been as favourable as those under which it was launched, and the
verified case of the Fluke Potato alluded to by “ Thinker ” may perhaps
yet, on further thought, receive explanation.

In considering the question of the co-called change of seed in the
Potato, the fact should not be lost sight of, that in replanting Potatoes
on the same land year after year, the plant is practically restored to its
former soil. It is not, however, quite the same thing as repotting in old
soil, but more like growing the same kind of plant in the same character
of soil ; in fact, like growing Chrysanthemums for show yearly in the
same particularly formulated compost. My mind is open on the point
of change of seed in the Potato, and perhaps a thoughtful thinker may
be able to close it by carrying the idea further than I am able to do.—
T. Laxton.

Perhaps you will think this subject has been sufficiently discussed,
but I should like to say a few words. Mr. Iggulden thinks a change of
seed is not of much advantage, and to a great extent I agree with him ;
but still there are some cases where it is a decided gain. I have changed
seed Potatoes from a light to a heavy soil, and been the loser by the ex¬
periment. I have also changed seed Potatoes from a heavy to a light soil,
and a very fine crop has been the result. These experiments have taken
place during recent seasons with Magnum Bonum. Our soil is a heavy
one, but I find Magnum Bonum and Schoolmaster do- well with us, par¬
ticularly the latter. Our seed has been unchanged for the last five or six
years, except a portion by way of experiment ; but still our crops are
good, and so is the quality. We take care, however, to plant a good
sample of seed, discarding all small ill-shaped tubers. This I look upon
as an important point, as I believe there is a good deal in a careful
selection of seed. — E. B.

1 1 am very glad your fluent and graphic correspondent, “A Thinker,”
has reviewed what you have published on this subject, and at the same
time giving excellent advice on Potato culture. Without any wish to
prolong the discussion permit me to differ from his seeming approval of
Mr. Iggulden’s remedy for Champion precocity — degeneration — “ the
simple method of leaving the tubers in the ground until wanted ” — that
is, during the whole winter. Why, that is equivalent to pitting them,
which many year’s experience, I must say, even with 20 inches of clay
over them, will not prevent sprouting. As to the query of “ room
enough in Ireland,” unfortunately, with an exodus of 17,000 a month,
this must necessarily be so. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

ANTHRACITE COAL.

In your issue of May 5Lh, page 354, your correspondent “ Daventry ”
asks for the experience of those of your readers who may have used the
above coal. We have used it here for a number of years, and would
not now like to be without it. We use it mixed with coke. Our boilers
are the Cornish Trcntkam, and heat between 2000 and 3000 feet of
4-inch piping. There is no difficulty whatever in keeping the fires in.
We seldom bank our fires up after 10 P.M., and often long before that
hour, and on several occasions have found them in good condition the
following day at 2 P.M., so that the coal does not burn rapidly but
slowly, giving out intense and steady heat. Not half the attention is
required as with ordinary coal or coke, and a great saving is effected as
well. In severe weather it is a great relief to both master and man to
find the pipes hot and fires in good condition on going round the first
thing in the morning. — JAS. Spottiswood, Queen's Park, Brighton.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

In taking a retrospect of this controversy I can only find that what¬
ever role I "assumed I have treated the author of the book with
courtesy. If Mr. Molyneux had met me in the same tolerant spirit
there would have been no reasons for his implied puny threat of the
consequences of my treading on his coat tail. He chooses rather to
assume the “ Sir Oracle ” role, and all through the controversy to treat
me as a foetnan altogether unworthy of his steel, and in his last reply
he descends from his high horse to fight a la Donnybrook fair. The
opinion of his friend intimidates me as little as it proves me to be in¬
capable of knowing a good flower, or of expressing clearly the results
of my experience. I have studiously kept personal matters in the
background, not because I had any occasion to be ashamed of my
flowers, and the allusion to them is unworthy of Mr. Molyneux’s posi¬
tion. However, in self-defence allow me to say that there is also some¬
what of a lottery in obtaining situations with their conveniences and

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

393

other items, and if Mr. Molyneux had occupied my situation instead of
Swanmore he'might have had a much larger per-eentage than the 25 per
cent, of failures (which I am informed on good authority he does not
house even) out of the 1000 plants which he grows for large flowers.
It is not easy to comprehend how Mr. Molyneux's friend could fairly
estimate the quality of our flowers, taking into consideration the fact
that, besides continually cutting the best for house decoration and other
purposes, he did not see the remainder for a fortnight after they were
at their best ; and even if they were what is represented, I have yet to
learn that only first prizewinners at Kingston are the qualified judges
of the system best adapted to obtain the best results in the West Riding
of York. Nor does Mr. Molyneux’s reference to my flowers prove a
tenth part of a point in his favour, because about oue-half of them were
grown after his system side by side with the other half, and this 1 con¬
tend is as true a test of the two systems as any other.

Mr. Molyneux says nothing about Mr. Ireland’s plants, but professes
to be sceptical as to the evidence which I adduced in reference to the
flowers exhibited by Mr. Midgley at Huddersfield. I retract nothing
which I have written about them, although Mr. Molyneux manages to
misconstrue what I wrote. I never said that all Mr. Midgley’s plants
were grown on the topping system. However, as only first prize reconls
are considered to be trustworthy evidence I have no alternative but
quoting the records of a Yorkshire gardener. The reason why I did
not do so in my previous rejoinder was because I know that comparisons
are odious. Mr. Molyneux, however, seems to have no compunction in
so trifling a matter as this. I shall mention no names in this com¬
parison, but will refer Mr. Molyneux to Mr. A V right, who officiated as
a judge at several of the exhibitions in this record. This Yorkshire
gardener exhibited at Stoke Newington the first time in the j ear 1882,
when he obtained a second prize with blooms cut from plants unstopped
on Mr. Molyneux’s system. In 1883 he adopted the topping system, and
although he never grew more than 120 plants per year of incurved
varieties, the following first prize record is the result, all the flowers
being cut from topped plants. In this year, 1883, he again exhibited
at Stoke Newington, and he won first prize for twenty-four varieties
incurved, and first prize for twelve varieties incurved, these blooms
having travelled from Yorkshire, and stood for two days and two
nights exposurc'to the heat, dust, and gas of the Stoke Newington Show.
A stand of twelve blooms were selected from them and exhibited at the
Westminster Aquarium, and in a competition of sixteen competitors won
first honours again. The following week we hear of the same exhibitor
at Lincoln Show taking first honours for stands of twenty-four and
twelve varieties incurved, and also the award for the premier bloom of
the exhibition. In the year 1884 this exhibitor was again to the fore
at Stoke Newington as the winner of the silver cup for the best twenty-
four blooms in the exhibition. In 1885 Mr. Molyneux would have had
a closer acquaintance at Kingston with this exhibitor, but owing to tbe
lateness of the season the Yorkshire grower was unable to get his flowers
in for that Show. However, he exhibited later on at Burton-on-Trent,
and there also secured his first honours for two stands. The same
flowers, after doing duty for two days, were transferred to an exhibition
which was being held in the town where they were grown, not for com¬
petition, but reference was made to them by the Journal of Horticulture,
which spoke of them as the “best incurved flowers of the Show,’’ and
they were highly commended. At this Show there were other exhi¬
bitors who grew their plants on the non-stopping system, one whose
name stands high as an exhibitor at Liverpool, but had removed from
there to a more unfavourable situation, and another, a friend and
disciple of Mr. Molyneux, resident in the same town, who also ex¬
hibited at other places, such as York, Leicester, Huddersfield, and
Chesterfield, and always, with one exception, unsuccessfully. At all
these places, with the exception of Huddersfield, and it was not there
that he won, the competition against him was light compared with
that which the “topper” had to scale at Stoke Newington and the
Aquarium. This is no “ pen and ink theory,” but a record of facts
which can be verified by reference to authentic sources. If because Mr.
Midgley did not win first honours with his incurved flowers at Hudders¬
field, Mr. Molyneux claims as a point in favour, how many points will
your readers award to my score, sufficient, at least, to justify me asking
for the co-operation of Yorkshire growers by recording their experience
and observations, as by that means successful Chrysanthemum growing
might, and can be, reduced to practice.

Mr. Molyneux professes to have no knowledge of bud complications
and as if that settled the controversy as to there being none, tells me
that he hopes I am satisfied on that point. I am not satisfied, because
it is no answer. What are all those buds which show previous and up
to the end of May, and again in July, but “ bud ” complications? which,
on the lines laid down in my paper, clearly shows that they so upset the
fundamental principles upon which the Chrysanthemum makes it
growth, as to make it a matter of uncertainty (where they occur) as to
the time those “ buds show ” which are really wanted. Instead of
answering the question which I put in reference to July buds on Meg
Merrilics, Bonle d’Or, Princess Tcck, Ac., Mr. Molyneux is very bold in
assertion, but shrinks back under the cover of what they do generally.
If the above varieties, and others of slow-growing gross habit do not
generally show July buds, this is a fact I knew before Mr. Molyneux
told us so, but it does not prove that they may not be subject to bud
complications in the earlier stages, as applied to the other varieties
mentioned by Mr. Molyneux which are of quicker growth than the
former, and both sections alike may be thus subject to the consequences
of these complications. Of course a few hundred wasters may be of

little consequence to large growers where neither time nor expense is
considered. I took to Leeds, on the occcasion of reading my paper there,
a quantity of Chrysanthemum stems to illustrate my meaning respecting
bud complications, and which fully demonstrated and proved to be true
all I have said and written on the subject. If as good flowers can be
grown on topped plants as upon untopped ones, and if the evidence
which I have brought forward is worth anything, it proves that such
can be done. \\ hen the system is reduced to practice on the lines
indicated in my paper (vide page Iti(i) by the co-operation of those
growers to whom it was addressed, they will then confer a boon on
themselves in many ways, which is unnecessary to recapitulate here, as
the most important ones are both clearly and fully expressed in my
paper.

Mr. Molyneux’s reply re Belle Paule helps him very little, because it
cuts both ways. If climatic influences played such havoc with this
variety, Mr. Molyneux docs not show when this climatic influence
occurred, nor how the same havoc was not played amongst Chrysan¬
themums generally, seeing that he frames all his arguments in general
terms, and also that he is neither clear as to the evidence which he
adduces in reference to the treatment nor the conditions of the plants
where they did fail. To quote his own words, “ I cannot admit that he
has proved me to be wrong.” Now that he has rivetted Mr. Bunn to
the exhibition board there is no need to further disturb it. Mr. Moly¬
neux’s repudiation of any knowledge of bud complication makes it
unnecessary to again refer to this question in your columns, but I hope
to have another opportunity of appealing to the gardeners to whom my
paper was addressed in the first instance, when by such evidence as I
shall be able to bring forward, put parallel with my copies of this con¬
troversy, when I shall show that whatever Mr. Molyneux’s experience
has been in this matter, in the West Riding of York the bud compli¬
cations are the chief factors in our failures in the cultivation of the
Chrysanthemum. — T. Garnett.

BABBITS AND ASPARAGUS— STOCKDOVES.

Some weeks ago a correspondent asked if rabbits eat Asparagus.
I have not the number by me to refer to, but I do not remember having
seen it answered. I am always pleased to see gardening matters sand¬
wiched with notes on natural history, and should like to see notes
oftener on birds or animals intimately connected with the garden. As
I happen to have both wiki rabbits and Asparagus in close proximity, I
can safely say that rabbits have not interfered with mine. A nest was
made a few weeks ago within a couple of feet of an Asparagus bed, and
in due course the young ran, and some are still about the garden — the
cats of the neighbourhood having had their share. They nibble almost
everything besides Asparagus. Neither did the mother touch it at night
when she suckled the young, although there was plenty of good “ grass ”
handy. I was interested in the note of “ Wiltshire Rector,” page 382, on
stockdoves, and glad to see he has not forsaken us. As I cultivate — if 1
may use the word — stockdoves as well as rabbits, it may be of interest
to “ W. R.” to know that I have succeeded in inducing them to breed
in a little house — built for a model from which the house of a friend
was built — placed up in a tree in the fields. Three pairs were reared in
it in 1835, one bird of which I have in confinement, but it has always
been very wild. The first nest this season only produced one young
bird, which died from the cold, like many more of different species. —
J. Hiam.

THE ORIGIN OF THE EDGED AURICULA.

[A. paper read at the Horticultural Club, May 10th, by Mr. Shirley Hibberd.]

On the 21st of April, 1886, it was my privilege, in discharge of an
honourable duty, to address the Primula Conference on the “ Origin of
the Florists’ Auricula.” The horticultural philosophers meeting here
with the intent to mix wisdom with good cheer, having desired me to
submit a thesis worthy of their solemn consideration, I have elected to
discourse briefly on the same subject, but in the endeavour to treat it
philosophically, sufficient for the present, perhaps, having been said
upon the history of the flower.

In my paper on the history of the flower I have presented a series of
evidences tending to the conclusion that the florists’ Auricula is of pure
descent from the wild Auricula of the Alps, the Primula Auricula of
the botanists. By the same method I have assigned the origin of the
Alpine Auricula to the supposed hybrid Primula pubescens, and this,
taken at the valuation of Professor Kerner, carries us back to P. Auricula
and P. hirsuta, its reputed parents. Seeing that we cannot prove every
proposition, and must allow opinions to have weight, I feel bound to
say that although my proposals were warmly debated they were not
less warmly accepted by not a few, even of those who in the first in¬
stance disputed them. Not to make a catalogue of names, it shall suffice
now to say that Sir Joseph Hooker, Mr. J. G. Baker, and the Rev. F. D.
Horner concur in my view of the parentage of our two great sections
of garden Auriculas. It is no part of my plan on this occasion to enter
further into that matter.

Approaching the question in a philosophical frame of mind, I must
beg of you to note that 1 have carried back the history of the edged
Auricula to the year 1734, and at that point the edge appears historically
to melt into a series of stripes, for anterior to this date stripes were in
favour and edges were unheard of. The first edged flower we hear of
was called “Honour and Glory,” as though Fate had emerged from the
abstract to the actual in order to have a hand in providing a name for

394

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19. 1887.

the first representative of a new and glorious race of floral beauties. It
is a matter of the highest importance in this connection, that while we
have in the old books figures of Auriculas, there is no suggestion either
in figures or words of an edged Auricula until, in the “ Flower Garden
Displayed,” by Sir Thomas Moore, we have the characters of Honour
and Glory plainly set before us, fixing the date of its origin as certainly
not later than 1734. In Parkinson’s “ Paradisus,” page, 237, are figures
of Auriculas in which stripes are suggested ; but the draughtsmanship is
of so rough an order that it would be unsafe to found a critical opinion
on any of them. While, however, we may lament that the literary
florists of the olden time were not careful of our interests in their floral
portraiture, we are not without the aid of the facile pencil in respect of
evidence of the kind of flower that gave birth to the edged Auricula.
There were men who understood flowers in days when edged Auriculas
were unknown, and when, possibly, the striped Auriculas had not long
been invented. It is generally understood that for the Auriculas of the
garden we are indebted to the Dutch florists, who made the first
beginning in the domestication of the savage of the Alps. And our
debt to the Dutch painters is not less great for representations of the
flowers as the Dutch had improved them, and these representations
testify to the pure love of nature by which the Dutchmen of old time
were animated both in their horticultural and pictorial arts.

The artists of the real Dutch school have never been equalled at any
time before or since in the directness of their interpretation of Nature,
and the reason of their pre-eminence is seen when we compare contem¬
porary works of other nations, say of the French for example, for the
French did follow, as they thought, the wonderful contribution of the
Netherlands to the joy of the world. The fact is the Dutch painters of
t le cl len time loved Nature and lived as near to her as circumstances
would allow, but their French disciples, in common with disciples of
other nations, loved themselves and lived from Nature, and so failed of
true interpretation. The one painted the thing as it was ; the other as,
in his vain fancy, it ought to be. First in the throng of the Dutchmen
who have left on record the characters of the flowers of 200 years since.
I will name David de Heem, Abraham Mignon, and Jan Van Huysum,
These, in their splendid groups of flowers, show us the Auriculas of the
days of Gerard and Parkinson, and there was a golden opportunity for
London florists in the last exhibition of Old Masters at the Royal
Academy for observing in a picture, by Van Huysum, the characters of
the florists’ Auricula of his day. I have placed before you a rough sketch
of a bunch of flowers as they appear in the centre of that picture. The
selfsame flowers, or say flowers of the same type, occur commonly in
the groups of Jan Van Huysum ; they are usually in trusses of ten or
twelve ; the pips are of the size and form of show Auriculas of the
present day, with bold yellow eyes, a clear paste, a bold broad margin
marked with stripes of colour radiating from the centre. You will
observe in the diagram that Van Iluysum's Auriculas had distinct
geometrical properties ; the edge is wanting, and the body colour is
broken into rays, but the proportions are precisely such as modern
canons would require were such striped flowers now in demand.

It will be observed, then, as the result of a comparison, that in the
progress of time the rays have become consolidated into a belt by the
withdrawal of the colour inwards, thus leaving a margin of the green
colour, which, as we have agreed in supposing, was the sole colour of the
Auricula in the first instance before it became a yellow flower on the
Alps. I do not insist on this view, for I am content to deal with facts,
and the facts appear to demonstrate that the formation of the edge is a
late process, and the facte do emphatically suggest that the edge is
formed in accordance with a large plan of Nature much more than by
any fancy or foible of man. To put the case another way, I would say
that the edged Auricula adds a chapter to the history of evolution much
more directly than to the history of fashion in floriculture. We have
apparently four colours in a show Auricula, but the paste is but an ex¬
tension and intensification of the meal, and white and grey edges are of
the selfsame constitution. The ground colour of the paste is yellow, and
the ground colour of the edge is green, and the body colour may be
likened to the dark zone on the leaf of a zonate Pelargonium. Van
Huysum’s flowers show an extension of the yellow to the margin with
heavy rays of red overlaid ; there is no green traceable ; that in the
Auricula is a late development, and it has a meaning of some sort apart
altogether from our tastes and aspirations as florists.

For a moment let me direct your attention to a few collateral facts.
In the old books there are no figures or descriptions of edged Carnations.
Those of the times of Van Huysum and Gerard were flaked and spotted,
and the spotted flowers were called Picotees. The origin of the term
has been much debated, but the end of the story is that it came from
France and was applied to a flower distinguished by spots and blotches.
The edged l’icotee is a late growth, and offers an analogy to the Auricula.
The colour has undergone a process of concentration and of segregation,
taking an isolated position on the very edge of the petals, but always
showing a tendency to run inward as a kind of reversion to its original
state. The lateness of the origin of the florist Picotee is a matter, as it
appears to me, of peculiar biological interest. Again, we have edged
and tipped Dahlias of later origin than edged Carnations, and, like
them, fitful in behaviour, the edge tending ever to thrust its colour
downward on the face of the florets, and so spoil the flower for the
florist’s purpose. The lateness of the edged Dahlias accounts for their
scarcity and inconstancy ; for in truth the Picotee edge is in process of
formation, for in these matters Nature does not hurry herself ; if man
is impatient she is not, having more time at command than her biped
moth that flutters in the flame of its small passions for an hour and then
is seen no more.

It appears that flowers do not begin business with edges, but we
cannot say they end with them, because we know not what the end may
be. It is of great significance that the edge of the Auricula is green ;
it would perhaps comfort us were it yellow, for then we might consider
the colour as an extension from the centre, but the green suggests that
the flower is about to change into a leaf, and pass away. We see in¬
cipient edges in Pelargoniums, Azaleas, Amaryllis, and other flowers,
suggesting that definite edges will be formed in time, but our best
examples of flowers that have made up their minds on the matter are
the Auriculas, Picotees, and Dahlias. These are late developments, and
they suggest that the formation of the edge is the result of cultivation,
and a proper end to aim at in the selection of seedlings and the framing
of exhibition schedules.

One of the most interesting discussions amongst the many that have
characterised the meetings of the Horticultural Club followed the
reading of Mr. Hibberd’s paper.

Mr. T. F. Rivers objected to Mr. Hibberd’s estimate of the accuracy
and excellence of the Dutch painters of flowers, contending that the
French artists alone were capable of painting flowers with truth and
taste, and had carried the art so far as to accomplish a brilliant success
in painting white Roses on a white ground. The contrast between the
two schools, he said, need not invalidate the argument founded on the
pictures, for it was at least fair to believe that the Dutch painters put
upon their canvas the flowers they saw, for their imagination was not
equal to the creation of flowers for the purpose. As regards the range
of variation of plants of pure descent, he would mention the many new
fruits raised by his father, Mr. Thomas Rivers, to which he had himself
added in continuation of his father’s labours. Take the Peaches for ex¬
ample ; they were of pure descent, the Peach had never been hybridised.
Certainly there was no known record or evidence of such an occurrence,
therefore all Peaches were Peaches pvr et simple. Yet how various in
character, and not only differing in size, season, colour, and flavour,
but in the smoothness or otherwise of the skin, for Nectarines were true
Peaches derived from the Peach stone, and he had seen both fruits in
perfection on the same tree, and even on the same branch. Therefore
observation of fruits tended to strengthen Mr. Hibberd’s contention
that the show Auricula is of pure descent from the Auricula of the
Alps, for its range of variations is in no way exceptional.

The Chairman, Mr. John Lee, remarked that he had seen white and
black Grapes- on the same Vine, and on one or two occasions in the same
bunch. The diversity of characters in Auriculas, therefore, does not
present so great a difficulty as appeared to many who were unfamiliar
with the variations of plants under cultivation.

The Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain remarked that variation in the Auricula
was not a property of seedling plants alone, for established varieties,
and those the most constant in their several classes, would vary at times.
For example, autumnal flowers were often untrue, and a spring truss
that rose from the centre of the plant was also liable to play false, so
that even if stripes should appear they would not prove variation from
the seed ; and, consequently, were not necessarily evidences of hybridi¬
sation. Mr. Hibberd had placed on the table a pen-and-ink drawing of
Holley’s Lord Nelson Auricula, in which the paste was cracked, and that
was a common occurrence, and was, t erliaps, from the biological aspects
of the subject, a variation rather than an accident, more especially as
the cracks were in radiating lines, showing how the corolla would separate
into five petals were it to be cut down to the tube.

Mr. James Douglas said he had raised an immense number of seedling
Auriculas, and had not seen a striped flower amongst them. Mr. Hibberd
had probably not taken sufficient note of the difference amongst
Auriculas in respect of the amount of meal on the leaves, for while
some were loaded others were entirely destitute of meal. This appeared
to weaken the argument for pure descent. The variety named Abbe
Liszt, which was certificated at the Exhibition of the National Auricula
.Society, April 26th, was the only first-rate variety out of a batch of a
thousand seedlings raised from seed carefully fertilised from the finest
named varieties. But in that thousand there was found the greatest
diversity of character, and although only one was worth naming, all
were beautiful, and many had strong features of colour and form. As
regards the raising of varieties having special character, he would remark
that to obtain first-class green-edge flowers was the most difficult of all,
but how that would tell in the theory of pedigree he would not jonjec-
ture. But he could, perhaps, throw a ray of light on the question of
descent, for to raise show Auriculas the seed must be derived from show
Auriculas, and to raise Alpine Auriculas the seed must be derived from
Alpine Auriculas. In the whole batch of a thousand plants he had
referred to as including the beautiful Abbe Liszt, although their charac¬
ters varied in all imaginable degrees, there was not a single Alpine ; for
it should be remembered that in an Alpine there is no proper paste, for
the natural yellow of the zone surrounding the eye appeared, whereas
in a show flower that yellow zone was covered with the white powder
that constituted the paste. Another fact bearing on pedigree is that to
raise good show seifs we must breed from seifs. [The Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain
remarked that seedlings of show varieties often flowered as seifs,
to which Mr. Douglas replied that] The seifs raised from edged flowers
were invariably bad, having no fixity of character and no quality as
show flowers. And yet again, he had been raising varieties for many
years from thrum-eyed flowers, and new he had so few pin-eyed flowers
amongst his seedlings, that it appeared he had bred out the pin-eyed
character from his strain of show flowers. The florists were justified in
their preference for thrum eyes, not only on the score of beauty, but in
the fact that thrum-eyed flowers were more vigorous than pin-eyed,
showing that the short stigma was best for the plant. Thus his own

May 19, 1857. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEXER.

395

experiences and observations led him to concur with the essayist in
the doctrine that the Alpines and the show llowers were of distinct
origin, though it was evident that they were nearly related. It was
■eurious that in a sketch from a picture by Van Huysum, which Mr.
Hibberd had placed on the table, the t'owcre were all pin-eyed, and it
was just possible that at the time the striped flowers were in vogue pin
eyes were in favour. That the show varieties and the Alpines might be
persuaded to hybridise freely was rendered probable by a remarkable
seedling shown by Samuel Barlow, Esq., at the National Exhibition,
April 26th. This was nothing less than a green -edged Alpine. What
was its meaning in relation to pedigree he was not prepared to say, but
it appeared to open the way to new sources of knowledge, and was, apart
from all that may result from it, a most interesting curiosity.

Mr. Daniel I)cwar, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, was not disposed to
accept Mr. Hibberd’s doctrine in the form stated, for he had, as a culti¬
vator of Alpine Primulas, observed their great range of variation, and
would prefer to agree with Professor Kerner in tracing all the forms,
show flowers, Fancies, amk Alpines to Primula pubcscens, in which, he
felt satisfied, there were all the characters required. For example, in a
batch of seedlingsof this Primula, however carefully raised from isolated
plants, the hybridising of which was not to be suspected, there would be
the greatest variety of colour in the flowers, and very considerable
variety in the leaves. Nor was this surprising, seeing it had been
proved by Professor Kerner that Primula pubescens was a natural
hybrid, and to represent its parentage had been by him designated
tni per- Auricula x hirsuta — a parentage that accounted fot many of
■the various characters, as well as the variability of cultivated Auriculas.
As for the range of variation, it extended to pure white in one direction,
and to the deepest purple in another; and we had the cartilaginous
tendency in the leaf and the floral bract, which so characterise the
cultivated flower, while these features also are immensely variable. In
some instances the bract was of great size, in others it was scarcely
perceptible. Mr. Hibberd had thrown aside Primula Palinuri as a
possible progenitor of the Auricula, but he might yet want it to account
for the persistency of the bract. The Auricula of Clusius was no doubt
the true Primula Auricula, which had gone out of cultivation, com¬
paratively speaking, ere the cultivation of the flower became general ;
•but P. pubcscens had taken its place, and was at least a possible pro¬
genitor of the show flowers. And it was worthy of i special remark
that P. pubcscens had immense vitality, for it would live and thrive
under the most various and even adverse circumstances. That it had
given birth to flowers of very distinct character was well known, and it
would do so again and again, reproducing in every possible way the
characters of its two parent species. The Primulas severally known as
-alpina, Reich.; helvetica, Don; hirsuta, Vi!/. ; microcalyx, Lehm. ;
■rhaetica, Gaud. ; and villosa, Ait., were but forms of pubescens.

The Chairman briefly summed up the main points in the discussion,
remarking that such a meeting as the present was the best justification
the Club could desire, and he would hope for more of such meetings as
the sure means of increasing their numbers. They were deeply indebted
to Mr. Shirley Hibberd for the paper he had placed before them, and to
Mr. Douglas and Mr. Dewar for their practical and valuable comments
upon it. He moved that their best thanks be given to those gentlemen
for the intellectual entertainment they had afforded.

Mr. Hibberd acknowledged the compliment, remarking that he had
kept clear of the pictures and descriptions of the sixteenth century
•botanists, for the sufficient reason that as they had not s^en the florists’
Auricula they could not describe it, and all that has heen said about
Matthiolus, Clusius, and the rest was beside the question. Those who
relied upon such books for evidences of the origin of the florists’ Auri¬
cula had not grasped the question, which was one altogether apart from
the reintroduction of the wild Auricula to gardens. If he appeared to
damn the sixteenth century botanists, it was not because he failed to
appreciate their labours, but because they had been absurdly cited
for evidence of things they had not seen, and that were actually non¬
existent when their books were printed. He concluded by moving a
vote of thanks to the Chairman, and this being carried by acclamation
the meeting separated.

We learn that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society
have resolved not to hold the proposed Chrysanthemum Show and Con¬
ference which had been fixed for November 8th and 9th next.

- Orchids at Weybridge. — Mr. G. F. Wilson of Weybridge

writes that his hardy and half-hardy plants now take up all his avail¬
able time, therefore his collection of Orchids will be sold at Stevens’s on

Wednesday, 2oth May.

- Ox Wednesday in last week the inhabitants of As t wood Bank

presented to Mu. J. Hi am a handsome microscope in a neatly finished case.

Mr. Hiam has taken great interest in the local horticultural and amateur
gardeners’ Society, and as a naturalist has devoted much attention to
the insects that attack fruit trees, notably in connection with canker*
Mr. Hiam, who is evidently greatly respected in his district, is an occa¬
sional contributor to these columns.

- We learn from the Western Times of the 11th inst. that

Passiflora Constance Elliott was raised from seed of Passiflora
ccerulea at Newton Abbot by Mr. Fuller, and was the only plant with
white flowers obtained from numerous seedlings raised, and it was so
little esteemed that the moderate price of 3s. 6d. was the value placed
upon it.

- A correspondent writes — “ When travelling in Germany

recently I visited many gardens where Cactaceous Plants are made a
specialty, but the best collection I saw was that of H. Hildmann,
Oranienburg, near Berlin. It was simply wonderful, as Herr Hildmann
is not only a good cultivator, but he has a botanical knowledge of Cacti,
and writes a good deal about them in German periodicals. His plants
are very accurately named, and the collection is altogether a remarkable
one."

- Mr. Wm. Wilkinson, The Gardens, Elloughton Lodge,

Brough, writes respecting Roses La France and Niphetos — “ I have
been much interested in the chapters on “ Rose-growing for Beginners ”
from the pen of Mr. D. Gilmour, jun., but I was rather struck with his
unfavourable comparison of Tea and H.P. Roses on page 369. Has Mr.
Gilmour grown La France under glass ? In our case La France is more
free-flowering than Niphetos both grown under the same conditions, and
both do well here ; true, the two Roses differ in colour, and both are
useful in their respective classes. We have gathered some blooms of
La France that would be no disgrace on the exhibition table. Another
Tea Rose in every way worthy to be added to Mr. Gilmour’s list is La
Sylphide for growing under glass.”

_ A correspondent writes : — The annual meeting of the

Preston and Fulwood Horticultural Society was held at the
Three Legs of Man Hotel, Preston, on the 14th inst. The balance-sheet
and report for the past year being submitted to the members. It is
gratifying to note that the balance in hand with which to commence the
current year is £14 14s., showing an increase of over £7 on that of the
previous year. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. A. Waters,
gardener to J. Eccles, Esq., Farington House, for a good bunch of Lady
Downe’s, which was good in colour and had been well preserved, also a
bunch of Black Hamburgh Grapes in excellent condition for this period
ot the year. Mr. C. Parker contributed an extra strong spike of flowers
of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum. A vote of thanks to the Secretary and
Treasurer brought the meeting to a close.

_ The remarkably fine specimen of Rhododendron Veitchi-

ANUM plant, grown by Mr. W. Hannah, gardener to T. Wilson, Esq.,
Oakholme. Sheffield, has again flowered very finely. A little more than
a week ago it had 180 trusses, mostly of three flowers each, and covered
a space of nearly 100 square feet of wall surface with a mass of pearly
white flowers of great size, and deliciously scented. In the same house
are also a number of others of the best varieties of greenhouse Rhodo¬
dendrons flowering freely, one specimen of Lady Alice Fitzwilliam, in
an 11-inch pot, carrying twenty-one trusses of large waxy white flowers,
each 5 to 6 inches in diameter. This grand variety was introduced a
few years since by Messrs. Fisher, Son, A Sibray of Handsworth
Nurseries, Sheffield.

_ Gardening Appointments.— The following have been re¬
cently made through Messrs. John Laing & Go., Nurseries, l1 orest Hill,
S.E. ; —Mr. H. Brown, as gardener and bailiff to Jas. Brand, Esq., jun.,
Sanderstead Court, Surrey. Mr. H. Gough, as gardener to Professor
Adams, The Observatory, Cambs. Mr. T. Cotes, as gardener to Mrs.
Walter, Redlands, Kent. Mr. G. Wilson, as gardener to R. H. Ainsworth,
Esq., J.P., D.L., Smithills Hall, Bolton, Lancs. Mr. G. Johnson, as
gardener to W. W. Burnett, Esq., East Dene, Kent. Mr. G. Aylott, as
gardener to J. Ramsey, Esq., J.P., D.L., Gidea Hall, Essex. Mr. Hill,
as gardener to George Kem, Esq., Manor Villa, Essex ; and Mr. Biggs,
as gardener to F. D. Frost, Esq., The Maples, Kent.

_ Rainfall in Ireland.— A telegram from Dublin last Tuesday

night says, “ The much-needed rainfall has come at last. There has
practically been no rain in Ireland for more than a couple of months.

396

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19, 1887.

and the result has been that although there has been a good seed time,
there has been no vegetation. Rain began to fall about three o’clock
this afternoon and continued during the evening.”

- Fruit Farms. — “ They go in for big farms in Australia,” says

a daily paper. “Two brothers named jChaffey have just taken a
holding of 250,000 acres, along the Murray River, for ‘ fruit-growing
purposes.’ ”

- It has been estimated that the value of American Apples

sent to England last year amounted to 3,500,000 dollars, or about
£700,000 ; of these Canada contributed 451,000 dollars worth.

- Hardy Flowers. — Mr. W. A. Cook sends the following note

on hardy plants in flower : — “ Many beautiful flowers are now peeping
through our herbaceous borders, such as the dwarf Phlox setacea
A7ivid, Phlox amoena, Phlox atropurpurea, Aubrietia violacea, Aubrietia
deltoidea, Anemones of sorts. Anemone pulsatilla has been in flower for
months, and in about a week we shall have twenty to thirty Saxifragas
in full bloom ; the beautiful S. Wallacei is most striking. Then we have
a host of Auriculas, Diadem and Lord Lome being conspicuous.
Primula rosea has been in flower a considerable time, also Primula
purpurea, P. platypetala, and others equally good ; Polyanthus The
Bride is a very good variety. We have many good gold-laced varieties
from seeds. Lunaria biennis (Honesty) makes a grand plant in a cool
shady border. Of Narcissus, the last are now flowering freely. Tulips of
all shades are in bloom splendidly, and after such a long winter I have
never seen them looking better. Myosotis dissitiflora looks very pretty
round the edges of two large beds of yellow Wallflowers. Silene
ruberrima and compacta are flowering well. East Lothian Stocks,
which were planted out about six weeks ago, are sweet. Pansies and
Violas also are commencing to flower freely. Of shrubs there are some
already in flower, such as Spiraea Thunbergi, Almond and Peach (double
flower) are all in full bloom. Cerasus communis, Berberis, Prunus
Pissardi in full bloom, and the beautiful Service Tree will be out in a
few days. Pyrus japonica is already in flower.”

- Dropmore has long been celebrated for its magnificent Coni¬
fers and other trees, and closely associated with their history was the
equally well-known veteran gardener, Philip Frost, whose death we
have now to announce. Mr. Frost was born on July 10th, 1804, a^
Moreton Hampstead, Devonshire, his father being subsequently employed
by Lord Grenville at Boconnoc, Cornwall, and it was there that Philip
Frost commenced his career under the forester. In 1822 he proceeded
to Dropmore Gardens, and after a short service at Ashtead Park, Epsom
in 1826, he returned to Dropmore, where he remained until 1828. He
spent some time at Caen Wood, and afterwards at the Chelsea Botanic
Gardens as foreman, leaving there in 1833 to take charge of Dropmore
Gardens, where he has remained ever since, living to see Deodars and
other trees planted by himself attain the height of 60 feet or more. Mi-
Frost was presented by his friends with a silver cup, value £25, in 1872;
and a small annuity, as some indication of the respect in which he was
held as a hearty, honest, independent man. He was in his eighty-third
year at the time of his death.

- For many years it has been customary to have the flower beds

near the broad walk in the Royal Gardens, Kew, bare until filled with
the ordinary summer plants. This season, however, Hardy Bulbs have
been freely employed with excellent results. Hyacinths, Tulips, Cro¬
cuses, &c., have been planted in numbers, and as some taste has been
exercised in the association of the colours, the effect is very pleasing.

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends his monthly Summary of

Meteorological Observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop,
Notts, for April, 1887 : — Mean temperature of month, 43-4°. Maxi¬
mum on the 18th, 63'1° ; minimum on the 18th, 24'6°. Maximum in
sun on the 24th, 119-4°; minimum on the grass on the 17th, 16 4°.
Mean temperature of air at 9 A.M., 45-1°; mean temperature of soil
1 foot deep, 44-2°. Nights below 32° in shade, 12 ; on grass, 21. Sun¬
shine : total duration in month, 153 hours, or 37 per cent, of possible
duration. We had one sunless day. Total rainfall in month, 1.01.
Rain fell on thirteen days. North and easterly winds have been very
prevalent ; average velocity, 11 -3 miles per hour. The velocity exceeded
400 miles on one day, and did not fall short of 100 on any day. Ap¬
proximate averages for April : — Mean temperature, 46'4° ; rainfall, P66 ;
sunshine (six years), 128'2. April was colder than of the last eleven
years except 1879, and drier than any except 1881, brighter than any

of the last six. The nights were especially cold, and the daily range of
temperature great. Vegetation very backward. Black Currants very
much damaged by the cold, and Gooseberries slightly cut. Apple, 1 ear.
Plum, and Cherry bloom very abundant.

- The Gardeners’ Orphan Fund.— Mr. C. Penny of Sandring¬
ham sends us a letter in which he appeals strongly to the gardeners of
England to give their support to this fund, and to give it promptly , in¬
stead of “ waiting to see what others do.” He remarks that “ even a
subscription of 5s. annually from gardeners generally would enable-
grants to be made at once, and subscribers would soon see how the
money was expended and the good it was doing.” Mr. Penny further
hopes that “ gardeners will canvass for the f uud with a will, and they
will surprise themselves and others with the good results that will be
the outcomei of their efforts.” We may add- that nearly 600 persons
have promised donations and subscriptions, amounting to upwards of

£560. This sum is certain to be considerably increased when the trade

generally follow the excellent example of the few early donors who have-
given their support to the scheme. As a proposal will be made at the
meeting, to be held next week, to publish a list of subscribers, it is
hoped that all persons who are willing to support the fund will send in
the printed forms they may have received, or communicate with Mr-
Barron, Chiswick, without delay. It is quite expected the Gardeners
Orphan Fund will be worthy to rank with other valuable institutions in
the horticultural world, and supplement them in affording help to those-
of the helpless for which no special provision has hitherto been made-
Gardeners in various parts of the country and gardeners’ societies can
share in making the fund as great a success as it deserves to be in the
manner indicated by Mr. Penny, and district co-operation is desired by
the central provisional Committee.

. _ . Mr. G. J. Symons, in his “ Monthly Meteorological Magazine, r

for May, gives this note on Reports of Severe Winters and Vege¬
tation “ We picked up, a week or two since, from a Paris bookstall,
the work by M. Baltet (‘ Societe Nationale d’ Agriculture de France. Da
faction du Froid surles vdgitaux pendant l’hiver, 1879-80. — J.Tremblay,
Paris, 1882’), and on our return to London we found awaiting us Mr.
Henslow’s report upon the same subject (-Journal of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society. The First Report. On the effects of the severe frosts on
vegetation during the winters 1879-80 and 1880-81.’ London, 1887.)
The coincidence in time was remarkable, considering that nearly eight
years have elapsed since the frost to which they refer, while the fact of
both being 8vo., and one occupying 340 pages and the other 338, is a
curious addition to the parallelism. It will be noticed, however, that
the French report was published five years before the English one, and
yet Prof. Henslow does not appear to have seen it. The style of the two-
books is as dissimilar as possible. M. Baltet’s memoir was submitted for
examination to M. J. A. Barral, and an excellent epitome is given in M-
Barral’s report presented in August, 1881. ”

_ At the Bath and West of England association’s Exhi¬
bition to be held at Dorchester, May 30th to June 3rd, the horticultural
department, as usual, is under the superintendence of the Hon. and
Rev. J. T. Boscawen. The display of Orchids is expected to be an
exceptionally good one, a cup (or money) value £10 is offered for the
best group of Orchids, and £5 for the best specimen Orchid in the Show-
Prizes of £3 and £2 are also offered for collections of fruit (not less than,
three exhibitors), £3 and £2 for collection of vegetables, with £2 and
£1 for the best dishes of thirty Strawberries. The fruit and vegetables-
can be staged up to 10 o’clock Tuesday morning, and removed on Thurs¬
day evening. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales is expected to visit the Exhi¬
bition on Thursday. All inquiries should be addressed to the Hon. and
Rev. J. T. Boscawen, Lamorran, Probus, Cornwall.

- - Taking the condition of the trees at Chiswick as typical, Fruit

Prospects are at the present time satisfactory. The Pear blossom is-
fading and the fruit setting. The handsome pyramids have been very
beautiful, and one of the late-blooming Pears, Henri Capron, is the
most beautiful of all, the flowers being very large, and many containing
six or more petals. It is not easy to imagine any pleasure ground tree
more beautiful than the 12 feet high pyramid of this Pear. Apple
blossom is expanding freely and is very fine, perhaps the finer through
the trees not being densely covered, though it is more than sufficiently
plentiful for an abundant crop of fruit. The trees worked on the
different kinds of stocks and grown in a natural mannerjare models in
their way, those of such floriferous varieties as Stirling (Castle, Cellini,

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

397

Duchess of Oldenburg, and some others being, as a rule, better on the
Doucin than the French Paradise, as combining free growth with equal
productiveness. It is noticeable that the influence of the different
stocks is in a measure lost in a few years on the Blenheim Pippin, all
the trees in a plantation being practically similar in size and pro¬
ductiveness. The horizontal cordons as margins to the central walk
are extremely attractive, Braddick’s Nonpariel being a striking one by
its clusters of large blossoms. The bloom is fully a fortnight later than
usual, yet cannot be regarded as absolutely safe in a changeable
•climate.

The monthly meeting of. the Belgian Horticulturists
was held in Ghent last week, those present being MM. Van Coppenolle,
Jules Hye, L. Desmet-Duvivier, A. Baudu, Jules Closon, Ad. Rosseel,
and F. Horsman (Colchester) who was visiting Ghent, and was invited
to serve on the Committee, M. F. Desbois presiding, and M. Cuvelier was
Secretary. Certificates of merit were awarded for Azalea indica seedling
No. 2 from M. A. De Kncef ; Azalea indica Miss E. Jarrett from M.
Louis i an Houtte ; Boronia heterophylla from M. Aug. Van Geert ;
Ncphrolepis rufescens tripinatifidum from the last exhibitor ; Odonto-
■glossum Halli leucoglossum, Odontoglossum Maesereeli, and Miltonia
vexillarium from MM. Edm. Vervaet et Cie.; Odontoglossum Halli from
M. Maurice Mctdepenningen ; Anthurium Andrcanum sanguineum from
M. Louis Desmet-Duvivier ; Pandanus Desmetianus from MM. F.
Desbois et Cie. ; Aphelandra Louisa, Philodendrum Corsianum, Begonia
Louise Closon, Phytolacca purpurascens fol. var., and Impatiens Hawker
from MM. Jacob-Makoy et Cie.; Azalea indica Phara'ilde, Azalea indica
Jean Van Eyck, Azalea indica Princesse Clementine, and Azalea indica
Ami du coeur from M. Joseph Vervaenc ; Lycaste Skinncri alba from
M. le Comte de Kerchove de Denterghem ; Spirea japonica fol. atropur-
pureis from MM. Fr. Desbois et Cie. Cultural certificates were awarded
for Masdevallia Houtteana from MM. Edm. Vervaet et Cie. ; Rhododen¬
dron Gibsoni from M. Bernard Spae ; and honourable mention for Mas¬
devallia Denisoni from M. A. Van Geert ; Odontoglossum Alexandra;,
Cattleya Mossiae, Laelia elegans, Cypripedium Druryi from MM. Edmi
Vervaet et Cie. ; Dracasna norwoodiense from M. Louis Desmet-Duvivier ;
Nidularium Innocenti fol. aurea var. from l’dtablissement Ste. Dorottnjc ;
and Laslia Boothiana from M. Jules Heye-Leysen.

FRITILL ARIES.

The Snakeshead F ritillary, Fritillaria meleagris, is one of the most at¬
tractive flowers that bedeck our valley meads during the months of
April and May. It is not, however, one of those plants that will flourish
anywhere at the will of the cultivator ; but under cultivation, to insure
success, it must be provided with similar situations and conditions that
have indisputably restricted its growth to certain localities for centuries.
Wherever the Fritillary finds a genial home there it establishes itself and
becomes permanent. It is decidedly a moisture-loving plant, and from
the shape of its tesselated or chequered flowers it has received a generis *
name that has for ages associated it with the dice box ; the appearance
■of its markings, too, have been likened to that of a chess-board.

It rarely happens that the flowers of this plant are as conspicuous as
they happen to be at the present time, for generally the early growth of
the grass effectually conceals them, although they may abound unob¬
served within a few yards of the spot occupied by anyone in search of
them. This season, however, owing to the sparse growth of the grass,
they are enabled to raise their blooms above it, and present a sight that
•can be seldom witnessed. The backward state of vegetation this season,
too, has contributed to the disfigurement of great numbers of them,
which it is possible not to observe until they have been plucked, for the
tender leaves of the Hawthorn that ordinarily, long ere this, provide so
much food for oui feathered songsters, have as yet scarcely made their
-appearance, and so to compensate for this and feed on the nectar that
the Fritillaiy supplies, they have with their little beaks torn away a
portion of many an unexpanded flower ; but ere this appears in type the
Hawthorn may be clad not only with leaves, but with flower buds too,
that in a short space of time may envelope many a hedgerow with garlands
of delicately tinted fragrant flowers. Occasionally two blossoms may be
seen on one stem, but they are almost invariably borne singly ; and
although the chequered light and dark reddish purple-tinted flowers
predominate, there is not unfrequently a fair sprinkling of white seifs
which are most effectively poised on slender stems a few inches above
the grass.

The majority of the plants do not exceed a foot in height, but the
bulbs that produce them are, in many cases, considerably more than this
distance below the surface ; and herein, together with their diminutive
size, lies their security from many a would-be plunderer. Most fittingly
here Nature doth prevail. If the Snake-head can be associated with any
■one place more than another in Great Britain, or may justly be entitled

•Fritilluj, a dice-box.— WITHERING. Movct arma f rifillo.—J C VENAL.

to a place in the memories of many who have dangled its flowers in their
fingers simply because its uncommon appearance arrested a passing
curiosity, or, perchance, it may be, have plucked handfuls of them to
embellish a room where hard reading was more or less a pleasing toil, it
must be admitted that Oxford is facile princeps. It is there that the
Fritillary luxuriates in more than one college ground. Christ Church
meadow, at the lower end, is full of them ; Magdalen College meadow,
although of smaller proportions, is, in a sense, a Fritillary bed ; and the
fields on cither side of the river Isis, between Kennington and Iffley,
furnish the homes of the flower-loving artisan or labourer at this season
of the year with a bunch, or it may be a bouquet, of field flowers that
tiny hands may have helped to gather without having trespassed tco
much, and which possibly may be a source of indescribable pleasure in
many a humble home.

To what extent the bulbs of these plants suffer, if they do at all, by
what may be aptly described as a wholesale gathering of their flowers,
cannot be summarily stated, but the opinion may be accepted in reference
to this point, that they suffer no appreciable injury, more especially if
the stalks are severed above the ground and not ruthlessly pulled up
from a distance of several inches below the surface. When fairly
gathered the bulbs would certainly be affected to the same degree as
those of any other similarly constituted plant, and it is well known by
the most intelligent cultivators that by gathering the flowers of many
bulbous plants the bulbs are rather strengthened than weakened by
the process ; and the duration of the cut flowers under proper treatment
would not be less than if the flowers were allowed to remain on the
plant. The Gladiolus (a corm) and the Lilium auratum are notable
examples of this ; but this observation has a wider application than
may be generally imagined by those other than professional growers.
On the other hand, were the flowers allowed to remain and produce seed
the bulbs would assuredly suffer to a much greater extent than possibly
is imagined by those who are most apprehensive lest that by repeatedly
gathering them eventually it may lead to their partial extermination.
It should be remembered that in the case of meadows that are known
to have produced them more than half a century ago — meadows easily
accessible to the public — and where the Fritillary flowers have been
year by year systematically gathered, it cannot now be urged that there
they have at all diminished in number ; and, further, it may be asked
whether, after allowing the bulbs to become weakened by the process of
“ seed-setting,” they would in any but strictly grazing meadows ever
survive the necessary operation of mowing? Forages the Snakeshead
has adorned the Oxford meadows, and there need be but little fear that
they will continue to do so.

Those who are unacquainted with this flower will find it figured on
the first plate in “ Baxter’s British Flowering Plants,” and there is no
difficulty in obtaining bulbs of them in the autumn through the
ordinary sources, as they are in certain places cultivated largely for
sale, and are moreover inexpensive to purchase. Of course, they cannot
be expected to flourish in unsuitable situations unless special attention
be given to their natural requirements. They can nevertheless be
successfully cultivated in ordinary flower pots, provided that during
their growth the pots are placed in saucers that are kept regularly
supplied with water ; or, when planted out in borders, by submerging
spacious shallow earthenware vessels about 18 inches below the surface
of the soil and planting the Fritillary bulbs a few inches deep imme¬
diately above them. Groups of the somewhat uncommon Snakeshead
may, in the ordinary course, more than satisfy the expectations of many
who may have already abandoned the hope of ever growing them
successfully. — Oxoniensis.

[Our correspondent sent us several bunches of flowers representing
their great abundance in the district to which he refers in his interesting
communication.]

PC 1)1 65

ORCHID3 AT HOME.

The notes in the articles on “ Indian Experiences” are just what an
Orchid grower requires. If the natural mode of growth is known the treat¬
ment in disease is half combated. I have heard persons that have seen
the very Orchids they have collected grown artificially say they never
grew like that when they collected them. Very true. What is the use
of cultivation if we cannot do something to bring what is cultivated
to our ideas of beauty ? On the other hand, my belief is that many of
our imported Orchids are killed by too much kindness. Plants may
bear a certain degree of extra living, and seem to prosper and improve ;
but it may be prejudicial, and, like over-feeding in human beings, be
productive of disease and death. If we know the natural habits and
habitats the remedy is more easily applied.

I think that gardeners do not pay enough attention to regularity of
temperature. I have grown Orchids for some years, and I take the tempe¬
rature night and morning aud strike the average at the end of the year.
My annual average is 73° and 63°. I have never had it above !)0° but twice,
and never below 58° during the last five years, and my Orchids grow

398

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ May 19, 1887.

and flower well. I grow most Dendrobiums on cork, and I fasten on
the cork pieces of cocoa-nut fibre mat, and plant the Orchid on the
matting with copper wire. — Spero.

ORCHIDS AT SHEFFIELD.

In the Orchid houses at Oakholme, Sheffield, are now flowering freely
some fine healthy plants of Cattleya citrina. The plants are vigorous,
with large dark coloured foliage ; the flowers also are large and finely
coloured. Mr. Hannah, the able gardener there, grows them all the
year round in the flower house on blocks suspended near the roof, in a
position where they obtain a moderately free circulation of air, with a
temperature in winter and spring of 50° to 55°. He believes this to be
the position best suited to them, as their progress has been most satis¬
factory. A plant of Odontoglossum Coradeni was very fine, with eleven
flower spikes. Other good Orchids in flower were a grand specimen of
Vanda suavis, three large branching flower spikes ; Cymbidium ebur-
neum, an exceptionally good variety ; Dendrobium Ainswortki roscum,
and Cattleya Skinneri. Odontoglossum vexillarium is throwing up
numerous flower spikes.

A few choice specialties now flowering at Westbrook are Odonto¬
glossum Alexandra var. Souvenir du Prince Leopold, for which Messrs.
Sander obtained a certificate at South Kensington about three years
since. This is one of the finest varieties known, with very large and
stout broad -petal led flowers, waxy white, suffused with blush, and
lightly spotted crimson. It has a strong spike carrying eleven flowers.
O. polyxanthum, a very fine variety, v ith nine flowers. O. Schilleri-
anum, two plants, a singular-looking somewhat small-flowering variety,
curiously spotted throughout, with small chocolate spots on a yellow
ground. Vanda Denisoniana, carrying three flower spikes, pretty cream-
coloured flowers, each 2 inches across, very strongly perfumed. Den¬
drobium nobile elegans delicatum, a magnificent form of this grand old
Orchid, having flowers equalling in size and substance the best varieties
of D. Wardianum,and very delicate in colouring. The pi nt is a strong
one, carrying twenty-three flowers. Also Oypripedium niveum, a very
large and fine variety, delicately spotted.

MR. B. S. WILLIAMS’ ORCHID EXHIBITION.

The annual display of Orchids in Mr. B. S. Williams’ Victoria and
Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, is now regarded as one of the lead¬
ing events of the season, for the extensive resources of the establishment
are concentrated on its production, and those who are familiar with
these nurseries know quite well what a wealth of plants there is to draw
upon. Valuable hybrids, rarities, and choice varieties, together with
the rank and file, the useful members of the Orchid family, are all duly
represented, a kind of conspectus of their beauty and range of variation
being afforded by such a show maintained for over a month at this time
of year. Scarcely any season is without its orchidic attractions, but in
May and June we have a greater number of distinct forms in flower
than at any other time ; and though it seems that May will soon lose its
claim to be considered “ the montlTof flowers,” the poets talk about it as
unquestionably the month for Orchid flowers. Mr. Williams devotes the
large span-roof house, usually occupied with Palms, Tree Ferns, &c., to the
Orchid Show (fig. fi9), and as it is 100 feet long and 22 feet wide it affords
ample scope for the exercise of taste in arrangement. Upon the left
hand side, entering from the road, is a broad shelf, and upon this is
formed a beautiful bank of flowering plants, most diversified in forms
and colours, from the richest to the most delicate shades, with sufficient
graceful Palms and Ferns to avoid all approach to formality, the margin
consisting of Selaginellas, Tradescantias, Panicum variegatum, and
Isolepis gracilis. On the opposite side of the path is an imposing bank
of fine-foliage plants, and in front of these, or suspended from the roof,
are numerous other Orchids which contribute materially to the display.
Brilliant as the effect is now, it is evident from the large numbers of
plants coming into flower in the other houses that it will be easily main¬
tained in perfection for some weeks to come.

Taking the plants in the order they are arranged, without attempting
to classify them, will better indicate both the variety of effect produced
and the method adopted, though necessarily in this brief description
many must be passed unnoticed. A healthy plant of Dendrobium
Falconeri in a basket is notable for the large size and rich colour of the
flowers ; D. suavissimum is also represented by a fine specimen on a raft
nearly a yard square and bearing twelve spikes of flowers. Of Vandas
tricolor and suavis there are several superb variet’es, of the latter one
has two spikes with ten flowers each. The yellow fragrant Cattleya
citrina is freely employed with good effect. Oncidium Marshallianum is
charming with numbers of large graceful panicles of golden flowers,
most useful for disposing in groups. Burlingtonia fragransand Broughtonia
sanguinea attract attention side by side, and the old but still favourite
Lycaste ILurrisonke has abundance of flowers. Cattleyas Mendeli and
Mossias are handsomely represented, the flower large and richly coloured,
some of the varieties being exceptionally fine ; the lovely Cattleya
Skinneri is also in grand condition, one plant having eight racemes with
nine or ten flowers each, showing at once its free character and rich
colour. Oncidium concolor yields a wealth of clear yellow flowers, one
plant in a 3-inch pot having five racemes. The brownish yellow crisped
Oncidium lamelligerum has one of its long racemes after the style of
O. macranthum, and the stately Epidendrum Wallisi has twenty large
yellow and brown spotted flowers. Cattleya Lawrencim shows the free
character admirably, the flowers being very numerous and of excellent
c dour ; it will indeed take a place amongst the most useful Cattleyas.
The white corymb-like scapes of Calanthe veratrifolia are very notable
rising above dwarfer plants, and it can be employed very effectively in

this way. Trichopilia suavis and Miltonia Warscewiczi are two old
favourites that must not be passed unnoticed, and then we come to a
third old favourite, Oncidium sarcodes, a useful Orchid in any form, but
such a variety as that shown, with two large dense panicles of highly
coloured flowers, is most effective.

Lselia purpurata is one of the specialties at Upper Holloway, and
there are already some fine varieties in good condition, though many
had been dispatched to Dresden, and there are scores of others to expand.
It is an exceedingly handsome Orchid, theiflowers possessing a richness
that is scarcely equalled by the best Cattleyas, while the contrast
between the lip and pure white sepals in many varieties adds still more
to their charms. Of Odontoglossum Rossi majus the plants are innu¬
merable, all contributing to the effect, while near some good specimens
is a beautiful example of Dendrobium Devoniannm, its long, slender
pseudo-bulbs bearing wreaths of delicately tinted flowers. The late-
flowering Calanthe Sanderiana, of which Mr. Williams holds the stock,
is in capital condition, the flowers having remarkably rich crimson lips.
The next, Cypripedium ciliolare, and the bold, large-flowered C. Law-
rencianum, constitute, with the white Dendrobium Dearei, the indispen¬
sable and handsome D. Wardianum, Ladia elegans, Cattleya Skinneri,
and Cymbidium Lowianum, another pleasing group. The orange
scarlet Ladia cinnabarina and Ada aurantiaca supply bright and welcome
shades of a colour that is rather scarce in Orchid flowers. Cattleya
intermedia has five racemes of five flowers each, sepals and petals pure
white, the lip tipped with crimson. The dark form of Cypripedium
Boxalli atratum contrasts well with the white Dendrobium infundibulum ;
Odontoglossum sceptrum, Lycaste Skinneri, Dendrobium crassi node, and
the magnificent Ltelia purpurata Brysiana forming another pleasing
combination. Odontoglossums Alexandras and Pescatorei are, of course-,
duly represented by fine varieties, 0. cirrhosum, 0. gloriosum, and O.
luteo-purpureum being numerous and well flowered. Amongst the
Masde vallias are several grandly coloured forms of M. Harryana, but
M. Veitchiar.a grandiflora is perhaps the most remarkable of all, one
plant having fourteen flowers, each 7 inches in diameter from tip to tip
of the upper and lower sepals. The yellow Anguloa Clowesi, the curious
Maxillaria lutec-alba (3 feet in diameter and bearing twenty flowers), the
graceful purple Bletia Shcpherdi, Miltonia spectabilis Tolliana (a fine
variety, with the lip heavily veined with crimson), Cattleya Acklandife,
Odontoglossum mulus, and 0. Andersonianum, are all noteworthy, but
cannot be referred to in detail, though we must not omit the handsoma
Cypripedium grande, which has two large flowers, the petals over 10
inches long. Some other flowering plants are employed in the group,
Imantophyllums, and Anthurium Sehertzcrianum being especially fine,
while | lants of the new Gloxinia Alfred Outram, a brilliant variety, the
flowers scarlet margined with white, are most effective.

Most of the other houses are attractive now. The fine collection of
Ferns is in excellent condition ; the various Orchid houses contain hosts
of plants coming into Cower ; the Heath and hardwooded house includes
a number of charming free-flowering plants, too much neglected in
gardens now, a conservatory being gay with Azaleas, Lilacs, Lilium can-
didum, Amaryllises, and Imantophyllums. Then in the cool houses are
Masdevallias and Odontoglossums in abundance, while in the treasure
houses, where the novelties are increased and prepared for distribution,
is a collection of hybrids and rare species of Cypripediums of exceptional
value, to the formation of which Mr. Harry Williams has given much
attention in recent years. — V.

THUNIA MARSHALL!.

A number of plants of a fine variety of this beautiful Orchid are
now flowering freely at Westbrook, Sheffield. They have been grown
rapidly, and are exceptionally vigorous. Mr. Pidsley, the gardener, tells
me they were repotted and started on the 11th’ of February, and the
first flowers opened on May 1st. Most of the old pseudo-bulbs made
two strong breaks each, and have matured into growths 18 inches to
2 feet long, each bearing a spike of from eight to ten flowers. He
grows them upon a shelf near the glass in the East Indian house, where
they obtain plenty of light and air with exposure to the sun, and
syringes them daily. — W. K. W.

[A flower of Thunia Marshalli sent with this was very fine, pure
white except the orange blotch in the lip.]

WISCONSIN ORCHIDS.

Writing in the “ American Gardeners’ Monthly,” Mr. J. H. Dunlap,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has the following on the culture of Orchid*
native to the United States, which may be suggestive to amateurs in this-
country who are trying to increase their stock of hardy Orchids. “In
order to grow them well, and insure success, it will be necessary to select
a rather shady border, and dig it out to a depth of 18 inches, putting a
layer of old wood at the bottom. Cover up the wood with a load of
moss, found in all Tamarack swamps, and fill up the bed with soil from
a reclaimed swamp. Leave a place at one end to be made entirely of
moss, for there are some that will grow in nothing else. The next thing
is to collect the plants. This would not be difficult to anyone living
in Milwaukee, as many of them could be found within the city limits,
and all of them within a few miles, excepting Calypso borealis. The
first up iu the spring is Orchis spectabilis. This fragrant beauty is to
be found anywhere in shady woods, where the soil is rich and moist.
Arethusa bulbosaand Pogonia ophioglosioides grow in moss and nothing
else, so keep them in that part of your bed that is prepared for them.
They are very beautiful when in quantity. Calopogon pulchella grows
in rich black soil, and far exceeds in beauty many of the tropical Orchis

SUy 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

i.99

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Fig. CO.— 31 E. 13. S. WILLIAMS’ ORCHID HOUSE

400

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19,1887.

that are grown by Orchis growers. The Habenarias require various
kinds of soil. The following grow on loamy soil : H. orbiculata, H.
Hookeri, H. leucophsea, and H. lacera. But the most desirable for
border flowers are H. fimbriata, H. psycodes, which are seldom equalled
for beauty and fragrance. They require moist, rich black soil. The
other species growing here are H. virescens, H. viridis, H. hyperborea,
and H. dilatata. They are all fragrant, but of no beauty. Calypso
borealis is very scarce in this State, and if you can procure it, plant it
in a box of moss by itself. It must never be dry or frozen. It is very
curious to see it make its next season’s blooming bulbs after it has done
flowering. Cypripedium parviflora grows in loamy soil ; C. pubescens
grows in shady woods ; C. spectabilis grows in wet Willow marshes, but
does fine in any good garden soil ; C. acaule and C. arietinum grow in
moss ; C. candidum wants to have the full influence of light and heat, a
regular prairie plant growing in large quantities near swales. Spiranthes
cernua and S. latifolia grow in large quantities in rich black muck.
This includes all the Wisconsin Orchis worth cultivating for their beauty
and fragrance. We have Goodyera repens, Listera cordata, Microstylis
monophyllus, Liparis liliifolia, Aplectrum hyemale, but they are of no
great beauty and will only be interesting to botanists. The above lists
are well worth the labour and attention of any amateur.”

BATH SPRING SHOW.

Mat 11th.

This may be recorded as one of the best exhibitions yet held in Bath,
and as the weather was also fairly propitious there was a capital attendance
of visitors. There were three large tents and one small one well filled
with plants of all kinds, as well as cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables in
season, the competition being keen throughout.

Azaleas were usually well represented at this meeting, and the season
being rather backward none of them had lost their freshness. The premier
prize for twelve varieties was won by C. Gardiner, Esq. (W. Long, gar¬
dener), who had grandly flowered pyramids ranging from 4 feet to 6 feet in
height, the best of them being Due de Nassau, Magnet, Criterion, Stella,
Guillaume, Stanleyana, Perryana, and Charmer. Colonel Landon (C. H.
Keel, gardener), also had some fine pyramids, and was awarded the second
prize. Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, was easily first for nine Azaleas, these
including very fine plants of Criterion and Ducheese de Nassau ; and Mr.
W. C. Drummond took the third prize. The best six varieties were shown
by Mrs. Doherty (H. Jones, gardener), among these being freely flowered
specimens of Souvenir de Prince Albert, Due de Nassau, and Grande
Duchesse de Bale. Major Clarke (G. Tucker, gardener), was second, and
T. Jolly, Esq., third.

Stove and greenhouse plants were plentiful and good. Mr. J. Cypher
commenced the season in very good style, being easily first for twelve
flowering plants, and which consisted of Ericas ventricosa magnifies, de-
pressa, and Cavendishiana, and all large and beautifully flowered ; Pimelea
spectabilis, about 6 feet through and crowded with flower ; very large freely
flowered Azaleas Cedo Nulli and Magnificent, Pimelea Hendersoni, Anthu¬
rium Schertzerianum, and Anthurium Schertzerianum Cypheri, extra fine ;
Hedaroma tulipifera and Dracophyllum gracile. Mr. H. James, Norwood,
took second place with smaller but beautifully flowered specimens, the mosc
noteworthy of which were Anthurium Wardianum, with twenty-two large
spathes, Darwinia fuchsioides, Aphelexis macrantha, and Erica Lindleyana.
C. Gardiner, Esq., was awarded the third prize for good plants,
among which, Ixora Williamsi, Anthurium Schertzerianum, and Azalea
Sonvenir de Prince Albert were most conspicuous. In a corresponding
class for nine varieties the first prize was well won by E. E. Bryant, Esq.,
(W. J. Mould, gardener) whose best plants were Erica Cavendishiana,
Genetyllis tulipifera, and Pimelea spectabilis. Mrs. Doherty was second, and
Mr. W. C. Drummond third. The first prize for six varieties was won by
Col. Landon, who had good examples of Rhododendron Sesterianum,
Rhododendron Gibsoni, Azalea Comtesse de Flandres, and the Beldom seen
Toxicophkea spectabilis. Major Clarke was a good second, and Jerome
Murch, Esq., third. Mr. Cypher was first for a single specimen, staging a
plant of Pimelea spectabilis 4 feet through and full of flower, and the
second prize went to C. Gardiner, Esq., for a good Anthurium Schertzeri¬
anum. Ericas were well shown by several growers. Mr. Cypher was first
for four varieties, having medium sized freely flowered specimens of
Cavendishi, ventricosa, coccinea minor, aristata major, and Victoria regina.
Mr. H. James was a good second, and Mr. W. C. Drummond third. Fine-
foliaged plants, although extensively shown, w, re not particularly good.
Mr. Cypher had the best fifteen varieties, which included large healthy
specimens of Kentia Fosteriana, Pritchardia pacifica, Kentia australis,
Dasylirion acrotrichum, Encephalartos and Croton Evansianus. Mr. H.
James was second, and E. E. Bryant, Esq., third. Mrs. Doherty was the
only exhibitor of nine plants, and was awarded the first prize. Messrs.
Cypher and Drummond were respectively first and second for a single
specimen. Fewer Ferns were staged than usual. Major Clarke was easily
first for a collection of fifteen exotic varieties, and which comprised very
healthy plants of Asplenium Nidus-Avis, Gjmnogramma sulphurea,
Cheilanthes pulchella, Adiantum rubellum, Gymnogramma cristata, and
the beautiful and nearly hardy Asplenium Goringianum. E. E. Bryant
was second, and Mr. W. C. Drummond third. Mrs. Doherty was first for
nine varieties, and J. Murch, Esq., second.

Orchids, to which a medium-sized tent was principally devoted, were
remarkable alike for their numbers and the quality of numerous exhibits.
The display was undoubtedly the best yet seen in the west of England, and
as a considerable number of the best plants were grown in the neighbour¬
hood of Bath, the natives have good reason for priding themselves upon the
rapid advance some of those in their midst have made in Orchid culture.
There were three competitors for the prizes offered for a group of 0 chid s
interspersed among Ferns and Palms, and to occupy a space 12 feet by
6 feet. The Rev. E. Handley, Bath, was rather easily first, his lovely
group comprising numerous good forms of Cattleya Mossi®, Cattleya
Mendelli, Lselia purpurata, Cattleya citrina, Odontoglossum vexillarium,

Roezli album, Pescatorei, cirrhosum, richly coloured Masdevallias, Cypri-
pediums, and other choice Orchids, with sufficient greenery to display them
to the best advantage. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, were awarded
the second prize, this group comprising fewer choice Orchids and many
more Ferns and Palms : while the third prize was won by R. B. Cater, Esq.,
(T. W. Fisher, gardener), Bath. The latter of the two had the choicest col¬
lection of Orchids, but they were scarcely numerous enough to compete with
the Cheltenham firm. Mr. J. Cypher also arranged a grand group of
Orchids, Ferns, and Palms, but as these were not for competition the
Judges awarded a certificate of merit. The Orchids, which by good and
tasteful arrangement appeared to be growing out of a bed of greenery, and
were, therefore, seen to the best advantage, comprised well flowered examples
of such choice species as Loelias purpurata and pallida, Cattleya Mendelli,
Saccolabium ampullaceum, Dendrobiums Dearei, Falcontri, and thyrsiflorurn,
Masdevallia Harryana, Cattleya Lawrencianum, Odontoglossums Roezli
album Alexandras, Wilckianum, Cypripediums, and various other good
valuable varieties. The Rev. E. Handley was a good first for six Orchids,
consisting of siDgle, or not made up plants of Cattleya Mossi® with 15 fine
blooms, Odontoglossum vexillarium, bearing 1G strong spikes, Lselia pur¬
purata a good variety with 24 large blooms, Cattleya Skinneri with seven
good spikes, Aerides Fieldingi with three long spikes, one of which was
branching, and a good Vanda suavis. Messrs. Heath & Son were second,
their collection including large made-up pans of Odontoglossum Roezli,
Lselia purpurata, Cattleya Mossi®, and a beautifully grown pruned plant of
Dendrobium nobile. Mr. J. Cypher was a good third , his plants of Lselia
purpurata splendens and Cattleya Mendelli being most noteworthy. In the
amateurs’ olass for four Orchids the Rev.E. Handley was easily first, having
Cattleya Mossiae, Odontoglossum Roezli album, Vanda suavis, and Cypnpe-
dium Lawrencianum in good condition. H. Cruger Miles, Esq. (F. Perry, gar¬
dener), Bristol, was second, and Mrs. Gouldsmith (G. Pymm, gardener),
third. In the open class for a single specimen the Rev. E. Handley was
easily first with a fine Lselia purpurata carrying twenty-one flowers, Mr.
Cypher being a good second with Cattleya intermedia. The Rev. E. Hand.ey
was again first in the amateurs’ class, winning with a good Oncidium ampk-
atum majus, Mrs. Gouldsmith following with a good form of Aerides enspum.
The first prize for a new or rare plant was awarded to Mr. Cypher for Cypn-
pedium Lawrencianum.

Pot Roses were extensively shown, and many of the specimens were
highly creditable to the growers. The first prize was awarded to the Rev.

E. Handley (S. Kerslake, gardener), his group including extra good well
flowered plants of Souvenir d’un Ami, Madame Lacharme, Mdlle. Thdrese
Levet, Madame Eugenie Verdier, and Camille Bernardin. R. B. Cater was
placed second, but some of his plants were past their best. S. P. Bucd,
Esq. (W. Taylor, gardener), was easily first for six plants, these consisting
of La France, Madame Lacharme, Beauty of Waltham, Madame Catherine
Sonpert, Ed. Morren, and Countess de Serenye, all fresh and good. F. J.
Walker, Esq. (A. W. Southard, gardener), was second ; and T. Jolly, Esq.
(A. Hawkins, gardener), third. The first prize for nine varieties of Pelar¬
goniums was awarded to Major Clarke, W. F. Biiggs, Esq., being second,
and R. B. Cater, Esq., third ; and for six varieties Mr. Cypher was first, Mr.
A. A. Walters second, and E. E. Bryant, Esq., third. Some of the best sorts
shown were Duchess of Bedford, Triomphe de St. Mande, Emperor of
Russia, Royalty, E. Perkins, and Lady Isabel. Cinerarias were well shown,
the prizes going to Messrs. W. Pumphrey, S. Tredwell, and J. Murch in the
order named. Calceolarias were very creditably shown, and with these
Lord Justice Lopes was first, J. Murch, Esq., second, and Major Clark, third.
Handsome groups of choice plants were arranged, but not for competition,
by Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Royal Nurseries, Exeter, G. Cooling & Son,
Bath, and A. A. Walters, Bath.

Cut flowers were not so plentiful as we have seen them at these Shows,
but the quality was good. Messrs. G. Cooling & Son were well first for
twenty-four Roses, these including remarkably fine Marbchal Niel, Reine
Marie Henriette, Merveille de Lyon, Alba rosea, Catherine Mermec, and
Madame Victor Verdier. S. Tredwell, Esq., was a close second, and R. B.
Cater, Esq., third. With twelve blooms, S. P. Budd, Esq., was easily first,
his best being TJlrich Brunner, Marie Baumann, Niphetos, Alba rosea, and
Catherine Mermet. W. Kettlewell, Esq. (J. Curtis, gardener), was second,
and Mr. F. Hooper third. Messrs. Cooling & Son also staged two grand
boxes of Mardchal Niel. Messrs. W. Meddick, F. Hooper, and T. Ascott
were the most successful exhibitors of Pansies, and a certificate of merit
was awarded to E. J. Lowe, Esq., for capital Polyanthuses and Prim¬
roses. Mr. C. T. Hill was first for a vase of cut flowers and also for a hand
bouquet, and Messrs. Perry and E. Miller were the prizewinners with twenty-
four bunches of cut flowers.

Fruit was shown in small quantities. The best six pots of Strawberries
were shown by the Rev. C. C. Layard, the variety being Sir Joseph Paxton.
Mr. J. Burch was second with President, and Lord Justice Lopes third. Mrs.
Gouldsmith was first with a dish of Strawberries, having very fine James
Veitch ; Lord Justice Lopes was second and Mr. E. T. Collings third. Mr.

F. Dando was first for Apples, staging a good dish of Willow Pippin, and
Mr. Perry was second with Colston Pippin in good condition. Mr. R. Hooper
Taylor was firBt for a good dish of Beurrd Ranee Pear, and Mr. T. Evry
second with the same variety. There were capital Cucumbers in competition,
T. Jolly, Esq., being first with Purley Hero ; S. Tredwell, Esq., second with
a seedling, and Mr. Fisher third. The competition with collections of
vegetables was keen, and as these were for the first time arranged around
the sides of one of the plant tents, they came in for more attention than
usual. Mr. T. Evry waB first with nine varieties, Mr. E. Fisher second, and
Mr. M. Tiley third. The first prize for six varieties was awarded to Mr. G.
Garraway, Mr. Pratt being a close second, and the Rev. C. C. Layard third.

SPRINGTAILS.

Within the last few months I have received various communi¬
cations from gardeners and other persons bearing reference to the
creatures designated as above, and which seem to have in several
instances caused surprise and alarm. Abundant as they are, until
recently they have been little noticed ; the older naturalists make a

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

401

few comments upon them, but their attention was principally
occupied by larger game. The first attempt at a thorough exami¬
nation of their structure, habits, and affinities was made by Sir
John Lubbock about fourteen years ago. He divided what had
previously been considered one group into two, based on the pos
session or a' sence of a leaping organ, but the species assimilate
so greatly in many points that I think we must deem them all
‘‘ Thysanura.” Above I have referred to them as “ creatures,” for
it is really uncertain whether one should call them insects, though
they will doubtless hear that name in popular phraseology. By
some entomologists they are considered to form what is styled a
‘•degraded” division of insects, since they are wingless and pass
tlirough no distinct changes. Others liave annexed them to mites,
spiders, or the crab tribe ; on the whole, they appear to me to come
nearest to the mites. It is of the springtails or leapers amongst
them I wish to speak, leaving their slow-moving relatives for the
present.

The Collembola, for so are the leapers named, differ to some
extent in habit from the other half of the Thysanura, inasmuch as
they can only thrive where there is plenty of moisture, but cold
does not affect them injuriously. Their relatives, non- jumpers,
prefer warm and dry places, yet both are occasionally found in
company, and on this point they agree — viz., a strong objection to
light, except one or two species which run about on the surface of
standing water, yet these generally choose shady ditches or pools.
To the ordinary observer the Collembola are much Jike mites, but
some are globular, some elongated, and in colour variable, greyish,
reddish brown, or nearly black. Their bodies are covered with
scales, which are interesting objects under the microscope, and,
indeed, furnish admirable tests. The eyes are simple and the head
is provided with a biting, not a sucking, apparatus. Under the
abdomen is the singular forked organ by means of which the leaps
are made. The power of leaping, on examination, has been found
to depend, not chiefly on the strength of the muscles attached, but
on an elastic force possessed by tho spring. When a party is sud¬
denly exposed to view it is amusing to see how they leap hither and
thither in alarm. Probably they are eaten by some birds, though I
liave not had ocular evidence of this, as their eggs have been dis¬
covered under the bark of trees ; it has been suggested that they
may at times migrate to a distance from their usual haunts on or
near the ground.

The question of importance to the gardener is, What is the
usual food of the Collembola ? For, though several species have
been detected in cellars or damp rooms, and one or two occur on
the leaves of grasses and allied plants, the majority have been re¬
ported from kitchen gardens, where they occur frequently in large
numbers. It is, however, generally on or near boards that they are
seen, the moister the better ; Cucumber frames have occasionally
furnished an abundant supply. That the bulk of them feed on
decaying vegetable substances is highly probable, hence they are
found amongst leaf mould, and in manures composed of animal and
vegetable matter commingled. It has been suggested that some of
them devour the mites or Acari that are often in their company,
but I have not yet been able to ascertain that such is the fact. If
so, it would be the young mites that afford them food, for the jaws
of the Collembola are weak, and therefore scarcely equal to the
task of seizing mites fully developed, the integument then in many
species being somewhat tough. So far as we know at present there
is only one direction in which they are likely to give us trouble, in
other respects they occupy a neutral position ; possibly, indeed, we
may prove that most of them are beneficial to horticulture. But
there are a few species which feed (not perhaps exclusively) upon
the spores and mycelium of fungi, and two or three of these have
been taken in Mushroom beds. It appears difficult to apportion
the harm done between them and the Acari that are their
usual associates. Several of the Collembola are partially kept
in check by a minute foe or parasite, which clings to their bodies. —
Entomologist.

BURCHELLIA CAPENSIS.

lx reference to the extremely hard character of the wood the Dutch
settlers in South Africa gave this plant a name equivalent to Buffaloe
Horn in English, and by that title it has long been known at the Cape
of Good Hope. A popular name more expressive of its beauty would,
however, be desirable for general use here. Though one of the oldest
Cape plants grown, it must be classed amongst those that are neglected,
for it is comparatively seldom seen in modern gardens. In a few
establishments it is still a favourite, and recently at Messrs. J. Veitch
and Sons, Chelsea Nursery, we saw some plants of this Burchellia that
were remarkably beautiful, bearing numerous heads of its brilliant
Scarlet tubular flowers. It can be grown in a greenhouse, hut it is much

more satisfactory in an intermediate temperature, a warm conservatory,
or the cool end of a stove, as it grows more freely and flowers more
abundantly than in a cold house. A compost of light turfy loam and
peat with good drainage meets its requirements ; and when growing
frequent syringing is beneficial. Under ordinary treatment the plants
flower in March, when their bright flowers and fresh green foliage have
a most pleasing appearance.

TOE NEWCASTLE JUBILEE EXHIBITION.

The above Exhibition was opened on Wednesday,, the 11th inst., by
the Duke of Cambridge ; Earl Ravensworth, the Duke of Northum¬
berland, Sir William Armstrong, and all the local gentry and nobility
being present. The proceedings were of an enthusiastic character,
the weather was most favourable, and the whole passed off with great
eclat. The entrance of the Exhibition, where the Duke of Cambridge
was received, was decorated by Mr. John Wardle, nurseryman, Colling-
wood Street, Newcastle, with a very choice collection of Palms, Tree
Ferns, &c. There are four courts, and between these is a quadrangular

Fig. 70.— Burchellia capcusla.

piece of ground laid out as an ornamental garden ; this is divided
into eight segments. On entering the visitor will be at once
struck with the display of Coniferas exhibited by Messrs. Wm.
Fell & Co., Wentworth Nurseries, Hexham. They have decorated
two segments ; one is evenly planted with Cupressus Lawsoniana
erecta viridis, in diamond fashion, Retinospora obtusa compacta, Abies
Douglasi glauca, Retinospora aurea, Thujopsis dolabrata, and several
others were employed, these were mixed with silver and golden
Hollies, all well blended together, as well as deciduous flowering shrubs
and early flowering Rhododendrons. Towards the edge of this segment
hardy carpet bedding was carried out with Veronica repens, Antennaria
tomentosa, Dactylis elegantissima aurea, Saxifrages, Aubrietia#, and
the firm’s name worked out in white spar. This segment was most
pleasing, and will have a fine effect during summer. The other segment
opposite was divided into beds, including a Pear, crescent, a Shamrock,
and a circle ; these were planted with New Golden Weeping Ash,
Standard Purple Beech, Abclc Poplars, early blooming Rhododendrons,
and sown with Fell’s lawn grass seeds.

Mr. Jos. Watson, nurseryman, Fenham, has also planted a segment
with much good taste, similar to Mr. Fell’s, but scarcely such large plants
were employed. The Japanese Maple was used with good effect, and the
hardy carpet bedding is very good. Messrs. Richard Smith & Co., Wor¬
cester, have a group different from the rest, and will, no doubt, receive
much attention ; including fine examples of Thujopsis dolabrata, Picea

402

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Mey 19, 1887

nobilis glauca, Picea pinsapo, Ilex stricta glauca, and Taxus japonica.
Amongst these are planted Pasonia albiflora, Funkia Fortuni, Iris lurida
Jacquesiana, Echinops Ritro, and many other choice herbaceous plants,
which will render this segment gay all the summer. The other four
segments are planted by Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. One is an
entire mass of hybrid Rhododendrons, splendid plants full of bloom,
and embracing both early and late varieties. The others are a mixture
of hardy Conifer® of all sorts, specimen and half specimen. This quad¬
rangle is quite the fashionable i romenade ; all the courts have access
to it. It is covered in at the sides all round, so that visitors during wet
weather can be protected from the weather. The displays furnished by
the nurserymen have given much satisfaction. They have all entered
into it with a determination to do their best, though the weather has
Jseen most unpropitious.

Passing into the south court the next thing of importance in the
gardening world is the magnificent collection of seeds exhibited by
Messrs. Sutton, Reading, embracing all the best vegetables, such as Early
Drumhead Savoy, Sutton’s Cluster Cucumber, six hanging together, and
Tomatoes Earliest of All, Golden Trophy, and Sutton’s Reading Perfection.
These and Apples, Pears, Potatoes, Cauliflowers, and vegetables of all
-sorts are shown of their natural size in wax. The stand is most impos¬
ing, and has been thronged with visitors. The same firm also show
their well known mixtures of Grass seeds for lawns, permanent pastures,
heavy loams, water meadows, sheep downs, and chalky uplands. Messrs.
Little & Ballantyne also have attractive seed stands. Mr. Jos. Watson
■exhibits a stand, showing the mode of decorating rooms with Ferns in
glass cases, with much good taste. In the opposite side of this court
Messrs. Finney, Newcastle, and Messrs. Webb, Stourbridge, show in¬
teresting collections of seeds, well arranged.

In the grounds there is a design of the old bridge of Newcastle, de¬
stroyed in 1771. This is most unique and attractive ; it has fancy shops
on the bridge. The sides of the bridge are planted with Conifer® and
bedding plants by Mr. W. R. Armstrong, nurseryman, Newcastle, in a
most attractive way. This gentleman has also largely ornamented and
embellished the stand where he sells his cut flowers. The garden attrac¬
tions are not here quite finished, but bid fair to be in keeping with the
good taste of the rest of the Exhibition. There is an electric railway, a
model coal and lead mine lit up with electricity, which is a great
attraction. The promoters may be congratulated on their success. Over
■20,000 people visited it the first day, and it is supposed that 25,000 season
tickets will be sold. Should any of the readers of the Journal visit the
Exhibition it would be almost well to go to Tynemouth or South
Shields, both of which possess excellent lodging and hotel accommoda¬
tion within thirty minutes’ run to the Exhibition ; at Newcastle the
hotels are all crammed. Both places mentioned are becoming fashion¬
able bathing places. There are also many places of interest to visit in
the neighbourhood of Newcastle where the visitor will be sure of a
genuine northern welcome. Itavensworth, Lambton Park, Red Rose
’Vineries, and the Hermitage. Chester-le-Street, might be seen in a day or
two.

HVRDY OFFICINAL PLANTS.

In the No. 10 issue of Mr. T. Christy’s excellent serial* we find the
genus Strophanthus exhaustively treated and freely illustrated, also a
■contribution by Mr. Lewis Castle on some officinal plants that may be
grown in this country for commercial purposes. This article we
reproduce : —

The plants of medicinal value that can be cultivated advantageously in
this c untry are comparatively few, and are chiefly natives of Europe, the
temperate parts of Asia, or Ameiica. Some have been grown in certain
districts of England rah-r extensivelv for many years, but the list might
well be extended, for land like that at Mitcham and Hitchin, and some parts
of Essex, seems to be admirably adapted for the purpose. In the case of
several products it has bten found desirable to hav ■ them in a fresh r stat ;
than they can be obtained when imported, and this alone is a point in
favour of their it creased cultivation in this country.

Aconitcm napf.llus, L. (Monkshood or Wolfsbane). — A perennial
plant ; a native of Europe and temperate Asia, the roots yielding a
poisonous principle that has been found useful in rheuma'ic affections. An
allied species of A. ferox, producing the virulent poison Bisb, used in
Nori hern India for poisoning ar ow->. In this country the native species
has become notorious, owing to people occasionally mistaking the loot for
Horserad sb, with fatal resul s, a mistake that might be most easily avoid- d
as the resemblance is excaeding'y sight. With a few other species, it is’
cultivated in British gardens for ornament, and might be grown more
extern ively, if necessary, for cfficinal purpores. It succeeds on almost any
soil that is not very dry, but it prefers a shad d position, thriving und r
trees or in any similar situation. Division of the roots is the readiest mode
cf increasing it, as the smallest pieces will grow and make good 8'zed plants
more quickly than from seed. The latter can, however, be s >wn in autumn,
and ihe seedlings transplanted in the following sp ing, allowing a good
tUst-rn'e between them, as they grow rapidly. Where the plant ( represses
favourably the roots will be of fair b ze the second or third year. r

Anemone pulsatilt.a, L. (Pasque Flower). — This beautiful plant is
commonly seen in girdtns, on rockeri-s or in we'l-drained borders, but it
might, be readily crown more extensively with a little care. Ir, is advis able
to raise the plant from seed sown in August in pans or pots of light sandy
soil p’aced eith r out of doors or in a cold frame. The young plants can
then be transferred in the following spring to their p rmanent quarters.
Select a rather warm position and deep well-dug soil, light loam being the

best, with a good natural drainage, as the plant is very impatient of stagnant
moisture, b -ing found in a natural state on open hills in dry soils. The plant
may also be increased by division of the roots, either in autumn or early
spring, the latter being preferable in favourable seasons, though sometimes
the flo wering is liable to be checked for that season.

Anthemis nobilis, L. (Chamomile). — The d ied flowerheads of tlrs
plant are familiar to all, and the plant itself is also well known, both in
gardens and as a weed. The whole plant is powerfully aromatic, both leaves
and flower-heads having been used to yield oil of Chamomile ; but the latter ,
possess the most powerful proper ies, the double variety being that generally
cultivat d, although it was pointed out many years ago that the yellow
central florets, which are lost in the double form, contain more of the active
princip'e than the white ray florets, which become mu tiplied in the varie y
ordinarily used. The plant is a per nnial, easily grown and easily increased.
It succeeds in a’most any ordinary soil, and divisions of the plant or eutti gs
placed in a shady position and kept moderately moist will soon form roots,
and when established can be transferred to their permanent quarters. The
flowers are produced in July and August, and if cut in succession as they
expand, others will open for some time ; but where many plants are grown
it is necessary to cut as many as possible at one time to economise labour.

Aristolochia serpentaria, L. (Yirg’nia Snake Root). — A native of
Virginia, C srolina, and several others of the North American States, where
it is collected and the dried roots exported. The roots a e perennial, and
consist of a number of small interlacing fibres, from which arise the numer¬
ous herb iceous stems to a foot or more in height, flowering in May or June,
and dying in the autumn. It was cultivate! by Tradescant, in bis “ Sou h
Lambeth,” as early as 1632, but is not often seen except in botanic gardens
containing collections of medicinal plants. The seeds sh >uld be sown under
glass, either in a cold frame in the autumn or in heat in early spring, em-
p oying a light Bandy soil and draining the pits thoroughly. Iu May the
young plants can be placsd out of doors, se'eot ngawarm i-li It- red position
free from stagnant moistuie, but where they are not l.kely to suffer in hot
weather. A slight mulching over the roots after the s’ems have died or been
cut away in autumn will provide a suitable protection for them until the
succeeding spring.

Artemisia absinthium, L. ( Vormwood). — A perennial plant, native of
Europe, growing 3 to 5 feet high, succeeding best in sheltered stuvions.
It is increased by seed, cuttings, or division of the roots, and as the leaves
and Bhoots are used, the chief point is to induce as free a growth as possible.
By providing a su'tab’e number of young plants to form a succession, the
old plants caa be destroyed when they are becoming too woody or bar; of
growth.

Carum CaruI, L. (Carraway). — As usu illy grown th:s plant is a
biennial, but it can be r ndered an annual, though not with any material
advantage from a commercial point of view. It has been cultivated for a
considerable period in England, E-sex being especially note! for its pro¬
duction. The old practice there, now to a great extent discontinued, was to
plough up old pasture land as eirly in March as weather would permit,
selecting for preference strong loam. Then on each acre were sown 12 lb--,
of Carraway, 10 lbs. of Coriand r, and 12 lbs. of Teasel. The Coriander
was cut i i July, the same month in the following year the Carraway was
fit for eutti g, and iu the autumn of that year the Teasels we: e harvested.
A good mode of treating it is to sow the seed in drills in early autumn
orspiing, the latter being generally preferab'e, as the plants then have
ample time to become strong enough before winter. The seedlings should
be thinn id to 4 or 6 inches apart if they are strong, and the only subsequent
attention nteded will be to keep the gro ind clear of weels. In the suc¬
ceeding ye r the plants will flower and produce their seeds. Iu harvesting
these, care must be taken to cut th; stems before the se ds or fruits are ful y
ripe, as they quickly fall, and a large portion of the crop will bo lost. The
stems can be tied in bunches and the seeds threshed out when they have
dried sufficiently.

Chimaphila umbellata, Nuttall, (Winter Green). — This is a rather
diffiiu t plant to grow satisfactorily in this c i mate, not so much, perhaps,
oa account of temperature, as because there are some essential soil con¬
stituents in its native North American home with which we are unac¬
quainted. It, with another species, C. maculata, the Spotted Winter Green,
is found in woods, but not in damp situations, mostly frequenting the drier
and higher parts. Iu England it requires a borderof light soil, well drained,
and not too exposed either to the suu or winds. It can be increased by
division, hut this is an operation that must be very carefully performed, or
the plant will suffer, and several hare found that too great an tsgerness in
increasing their stock has resulted in its total loss.

CimiCIFuga racemosa, Elliott, (Black Snake Root, Begbane, or Coho h'1
— A strong-g- owing handsome plant, which has an excellent effect in the
garden, especially at the back of herbaceous borders or in woodland situations,
as in good soil it attains the height of 6 feet or more, producing beautiful
feathery racemes ot white flow rrs. It is found in the United States from
Maine to Vermont, the root, for which it is chiefly valued, beirg thick and
knotted. The flowers have an unpleasant odour, aud to this circumstance
it owes one of its popular names. It can be grown in any ordinary garden
soil, hut mu t b>- allowed plenty of space, and is best in a slightly shaded
position. Tne seeds should be Bown as Boon as they are ripe in a similar
situation.

Citrullus Colo cvn this, Schrad (The Co’ocynth) — A widely dis¬
tributed member of the Cucurbitacere, being fond in Souffi Europe,
Northern India, Africa, and Japan, and valued medicinally for the pulp of
the fruits, which is a powerful cathaitic. Like the Elaterium it is a
perennial, with deeply laciuiated leaves, the fruit about the size of an
Orange, ripening to a bright yellow tint, and containing a white spongy
pulp with an intenselv bitter taste. It is easily increased by seeds sown in
light loam and leaf soil, in moderate heat, and the plants either placed out
in beds ot rich soil in warm situations, or grown in frames where the plants
will succeed better and ripen their fruits freely. Like mo-t of the Cucur-
bitace®, the fruits should, however, be gathered before they are fully ripe.
The roots can be easily preserved from year to year if duly protect. d from
frost and damp.

• New Commercial Plants and Drugs” CXisty & Co., 25, Lime St e t, Lonlon.E.C.

(To be continued.)

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURjsaL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

403

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

May 18th.

The summer show? of this Society held in their spacious marq leo are
Ways beautiful, but that under notice was one of the prettiest we have
seen in Regent’s Park ; the exhibits were numerous, of good quality, and
ar anged in Mr. Cooaiber’s most tasteful stylo. The weather was, however,
rather unfavourable in the early part of the diy, but happily it cleared
slightly in the afternoon, and there was a good attendance of visitors.

Orchids. — A charming bank of Orchids in competition for the numerous
prizes was fo-med in the centre of the marquee, and constituted one of the
prin'-ipal features of the Show. In the amateurs’ class for twelve plants,
Mr. F. J. Hill, gardener to H. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was
awarded first honours fur heilthy plants, remark ihly well flowered, of the
follow. ng — Oncid um Mashallianum, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, C ittleya
Skinneri oculata, eight spikes ; Dendrobium Dalhouseunum, 0 Jontoglossum
Pescatorei, Cattleya Mende'i, Mrs. H. Little, and other varieties; Afrides
Fieliingi, Lycaste Skinneri, Olontoglossum hystrix, and Cypripulium
caudatum roseum. Mr. J. Douglas, girdener to F. Whitbourn, Esq,
Great Gearies, Ilford, was second with large vigorous plants of Cym-
bidum Lowianum, Cypripedium villosum, Ontidium ampliatum
majus, and excellent eximples of O Jontoglossum Roezli anl album.
Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, was first with a nurseryman’s dozen speci¬
mens, his Lm’i i purpurata specimens being very handsom», also Dendrobium
thyrsiflorum with over three dozen spikes, Cattleya Skinneri, Calantbe
veratrifolia, Oncidium ampliatum, Yanda suavis, Cattleya Mossioe, L®lia
Wyattiana, O Jontoglossum citrosmum, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, and
Odontoglossum vexillarium. Mr. H. James, Castle Nursery, Norwood, was
second with medium size but fresh, healthy plants ; and Messrs. T. Jackson
aud Son, Kingston, were third with a very good collection.

One collection of twelve single specimen Orchids was shown, the first
prize being awarded to Mr. J. Douglas. The best of the Ilford plants were
a magnificent Cymbidium Lowianum with eight long sp kes, Oncidium
macranthum, Cypripedium Do mi ni.O Jontoglossum Roezli, and Cypripedium
Harrissianum. In the corresponding class for nurserymen Messrs. Cypher
and James were awardel iqual first prize1, the former having Loelia purpu¬
rata, Cypripedium Lawrencianum (ten flowers), Calantbe veratrifolia, and
Odontozlossura vexillarium in fine condition. Mr. J tmea also had a very
handsome Lsel:a purpurata, Saccolabium retusum maguificum, Masdevallia
•uperba, and Cypr pedium barbatum superbum.

Pelargoniums. — Just within the entrance to marquee were the Pelar¬
goniums, which are invariably very attractive, especially those from Slough,
which this season were very fine. Mr. Turner was first wiih six show
varieties, beautiful plants, 4 or 5 feet diameter and profu-e'y fl >w. red, of
the following : — Prince Leopold, Kingston Beauty, Maid of Honour, Clarinel,
Mon. Demoulin, and Amethyst. Mr. J. Cyph r was second with much
smaller plants, but good. Mr. Turner was also first with six fancy varie¬
ties, remarkably handsome specimens, profusely flowe’ed, and 4 feet in
d ameter. Ellen Beck was very beautiful ; P.incess I’eck, Eist Lynn, Tue
Sbah, Miss E. Littl*, and Lady Carrington were other goo 1 varietie1. In
the amateurs’ class, Mr. D. Phillips, gardener, Lingley Broom, Slough, was
first with show varieties, capital plants, 3 feet in diamettr, and second with
fancy variet'es simi'arly beaut'ful, Delicatum and Roi des Fantaisies being
■extremely fine. Mr. F. J. Hiil and Mr. J. Wiggins secured the other
prizes.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants — Mr. J. Cypher was v etorious in the
nurserymen’s classes for twelve and six specimens, taking premier h mours
in both with grand examples of Pimelea spectabilis, 0 or 7 feet in diameter,
Erica depressa, 5 feet acroB*, Dracophyllum gracile, 5 feet diameter, Erica
ventricosa magnifica, 5 Let diimeter, Acrophyllum venosum, very healthy,
znd several large Azaleas and Aphelexis. Mr. H. James was second with
twelve and six stove and greenhouse plants in the nurserymen’s class,
showing tine specimens of his usual character. Mr. W. Chapman, girdeLer
to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, took the lead with ten
specimens, even, well grown, and handsome plants. Very fine wer •; Draco¬
phyllum gracile, Tetratheca hiriuta,Staticc profusa, and Helaroma tulipi-
fera. Mr. Chapman was also first w th sit specimens of sim'la- merit,
Dracophyllum gracile very even and well flowered. Mr. G. Wheeler was
second with ten and third with six stove anl greenhouse plants, small
plants, one Azalea being unfit for any show. Mr. R. Butler, gardener
to H. H. Gibbs, Esq , St. Danstins Lodge, Regent’s Park, was third with
ten small plants, aud Mr. A. Offer, gardener to John Warren, Esq.,
Handcross Park, Crawley, was second with six plants, his best being a
globular plant of BuroDia elatior, 4 feet in diameter, and leaded with
Rowers.

Roses. — Messrs. G. Jackman & Son, Woking, score 1 a succe-s with
nine Roses in pots, securing the first prize with grand healthy specimens,
well flowered, and rather more forwird than the Cheshunt plants. Cheshunt
Hybrid, Celine Foiesier, Comre-se de Serenye, and Mon1. Noman were the
most notable. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were accorded second honours
tor their giant specimens, some of which were not, however, quite at the
best yet. Centifolia rosea was fine, also Charles Law on and Celine
Forestier.

Three beautiful banks we_e formed of small Roses in pots ; in the c'ass
for twenty' Mr. C. Turner leading with charming plants, well flowered, fresh
and bright ; Messrs. Paul 4 Son being second wi h rath r smaller but good
plants ; and Messrs G. Jackman & Son third. Thes“, with som ■ Roses not
in competition, addtd greatly to the beauty of the Show. Mr. Lockie, Oakley
Court Gardens, Windsor; Mr. P. Perry, girdener to G. Rowlett, Esq.. The
Woodlands, Cheshunt /and Mr. W. Ramsey wire also exhibitos of Roses.

Azaleas.— M. Louis Van Houtte, Ghen\ had a non-competing group of
Azalras, for which a l.rgo bronze medal was awarded, the plants being
standards, with heads 3 or 4 feet in diameter, and very large flowtrs. The
chief varieties were Oswald de Kerchov • (crimson!, Li Victoire (scarlet),
eaperba (dark crimson), Madlle. Marie Lefebvre (white), the flowers single
or serai-double, 4 Inches in diameter ; Princess Charlotte (rosy crimson), and
A[>cllon (brilliant scarlet) double. M-. G. Wh»el r was first with six
Azaleas in the amateurs’ class, fairly good specimens. Mr. C. Turner won

first honou-s in the nurserymen's clasi for six plants with large conical
plants, profusely flower d; and he was also first with twelve Azaleas iu
12 inch pots, b autiful specimens. Messrs. Jackson 4 Son were s' con i with
a good half-dozen plants in the nurserymen’s class ; Mr. Lockie being first
for six Azaleas in 12-inch pots.

Fine-foliioe Plants and Ferns. — Mr. J. Cypher was the premier
exhibitor of fine-fo’iage plants, showing large specimens in excellent con¬
dition. Mr. Offer had the best plants in the amateurs’ classes. Other
exhibitors and priz-takers were M ssrs. H. James, R. Butler, and Wheeler.
Mr. J. Douglas aud Mr. R. Butler were rsspectively first and second with
six Ferns, both collections being notable for their freshness ; Mr. Eason
being third.

Heaths were shown by Mr. J. Cypher, who was first for six, and Mr. H.
James, who wis second. The best of the first six were depressa multiflora, ven¬
tricosa coccinea minor, and Cavendishiana. Messrs. Collins, Bros , 4 Gatrie',
Waterloo Road, were first with twelve alpine plants, chiefly dwarf Phloxes,
Gentianas, and Violas ; Messrs. Paul 4 Son being second with a more varied
collection. Mr. Eason was also first with twenty-four Gloxinias, capitally
flowered. For a colleciion of twelve hardy herbaceous p'ants Mr. T. S. Ware
was first, hiving fine pans of Tiillium grandiflorum, Lilium longiflorum
H irrisi, Doronicum Clusii, Trollius americanus, Ranunculus amplexicaulis,
and Polemonium Richa-dsoni. Messrs. Paul 4 Son were second with a fine
collection, Arnebia echioides being extremely flue, also Tiaretla cordifolia.
Mess s. Collins, Bros., 4 Gabriel were third.

Miscellaneous — The nurserymen’s non-competing exhibits were very
numerous as usual, the large groups in the centre of the marquee from
Messrs. Williams, Liing, Paul, and Cutbush being veiy attractive. Mr.
B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, exhibited a hand ome group of choice
Orchids, Amaryllises, Anthuriuuas, Azaleas, and other flowering p'ants, with
gracoful Ferns, Palms, Dracroaas, CrotonB, and other beautiful plants
(large silver m dal). M S3rs. John Lai ng 4 Co., Forest Hill, had a bright
and tastefully arranged group, comprising numeroui Orchids, Tuberous
Begonias, Azdeas, Imantophyliums, Medluillas, Ericas, and Anthuriums.
Tue foliage plants, including Caladiums in variety, Dracaenas, Palms,
Maples, Ferns, &3 (large silver medal). Messrs. Wm. Paul 4 Son,
Waltham Cross, Herts, had a handsome group of Roses, mostly dwarf,
healthy, well-flowered p'ants in pot*, and eleven boxes of cut blooms, La
France, Queen of Queens, Ma-6 hal N el, Magna Chart a, and Crown Prince
being largely represented (silver medd). Mess s. Wm. Cutbush 4 Son,
H'ghgate, contributed a varied collection of greenhouse plants effectively
arranged, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Ericas, the free-flowering Leptosper-
mum bullatum, Statices, and Pimelas, with Ferns and Pa'ms (silver
medal1.

Mr. J. James, Woodside, Farnham Royal, Slough, had a gronp of veiy
fine Calceolarias, richly coloured, large flowers (bronze medal). Mr. J.
Walker, Thara1", showed three boxes of Marfichal Niel Rose blooms of
wonderful size and rich colour (certificate). M ssrs. Paul 4 Son sent
trusses of Lilac hyacinthifl >ri fl. pi., with double mauve-coloured flowers.
Mr. W. May, gardener to F. C. Jacomb, Esq , Amherst Park, Stamford Hill,
had a pretty group of Orchids and Ferns (large bronze medal).

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, had a g oup of Orchids comprising
some excellent Cattley as and Chrysanthemums (small silver medal). Mr
J. Cypher showed several pret y varieties of Lseha purpurata and Cittleya
Mendeli. Messrs. Fisher, Son, 4 Sibray, Sheffi Id, sent a plant and blooms
of Pelargonium Duchess of Teck, very free, double white. Mr. H. James
had a group of Dracaenas, Spirmas, and Ferns (largo bronze medal). Mr.
W. Rumsey, Walthim Cross, showed a beautiful group of Roses in pots
(bronze medal). Messrs. W. Balchin 4 Son, Brighton, exhibited a number
of plan's of L schenaulcia biloba major, loaded with bright blae flowers.
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tot enham, Btaged a large group of Daffodils, hardy
flowers, and Primula co tusoides varieties (large bronze mrdal). A hand¬
some group of Japanese Maples was contributed by Mess s. John Standish
and Co., Ascot (large bronze medal). Messrs Paul 4 Son, Cheshunt, had
a pretty group of hardy flowers (certificate) ; Mr. H. B. May. a group of
Ferns and CAkeolirias (bronze medal) ; and Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent
Garden, a large collection of Daffodils (b.onzo medal).

Botanical certificates were awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams for Chamoe
dorea eynichanthus, O lontoglossum Andersoniauum splendens, and Loelia
grandi-i ; to Mr. Cypher for L®iia purpurata Cypheri and Wyattiana; to
Mr. Little for CaUleyss Mendeli grandis and Mrs. Little; and to Mr. W.
May for 0 loatog'ossum Jacombeana. Floricultu al certificates were
awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams for Gloxinia Alfred Outram ; to Mr. T. S.
Ware for Pmonia Moutan ro=ea oJorata Triomphe de Milan, and Odorata
Maria, and Trollius Fortunei fl -pi.; to Mr. Turner for Pelargonium Magpie,
and Tea Rose Hon. Edith Gifford ; and to Messrs. Laing & Co. for Tuberous
Begonias Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria, and Princess of Wales.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Mushrooms. — We have never experienced a winter when beds gene¬
rally were so slow in bearing or coming in to time, but they are making
up for it now, and some of our January-formed beds are producing an
excellent supply. It is a great mistake to do away with any bed
because it may not fruit in six weeks or so after spawning, as if the
spawn is good and the bed is properly made it is sure to bear as the
season advances. Beds which are kept long in hand are apt to become

404

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ May 19, 1687.

too dry, and it is a good plan to supply them with water heated to 90°,
and then cover with hay. Mushrooms are acceptable at all times, and a
lied or two may be formed now to bear in July and August. A cool shed
is the best place for them now, and if made up, spawned, and earthed
in the usual way, there is little danger of failure.

Spinach. — Our Spinach sown last autumn was completely killed
during the winter, but the spring sowings are in now, and its fresh
delicacy is very acceptable. We regard Spinach as one of the most use¬
ful vegetables for a gentleman’s table. It can be used in such a variety
of ways, is always a choice vegetable, and when well cooked it is
delicious. Every gardener should have a constant supply of it, and this
is easily secured by sowing a few rows once a fortnight. Unless the de¬
mand is great do not sow much at once, as it is apt to run to seed rather
early in summer, and as soon as it does this it is useless. It will grow
well in any good ground if sown in drills 2 inches deep and 1 foot apart.
The round-seeded variety is the best for the summer season.

Turnips. — Early William is now ready in the open. It is the best
of all early Turnips. We have still roots of the Swedish variety in
store, so that our supply of Turnips has extended throughout the year,
but the Swedish are only good for flavouring now, whereas the Milans
are tender and delicious as a dish, but the first will soon seed, then they
become hot and dry, and to have summer Turnips good and delicate
always they must be sown in small quantities and often. If two or
three rows are sown now at intervals of ten days they will be much
better than having them coming in widely apart and in large quantities.
Veitch’s Red Globe is one of the best for present sowing. Hot dry
weather does not influence its quality to any extent. As the early
Spinach is cleared off sow Turnips in its place. No one need hope
to secure tender Turnips from poor shallow soil, but where it is deep or
moderately so and rich they grow fre'ely and prove first-rate in quality.

Thinning Young Vegetables. — Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips,
Onions, &c., are now growing freely, and many of them are becoming
quite crowded in the rows and beds ; but there is always a danger of
their becoming too much so, and this is the worst thing that could pos¬
sibly occur. Young plants that are overcrowded while small will never
prove quite satisfactory when large, and many will fail to gain maturity.
No over-thinning after crowding has taken place will ever compensate
for the damage done to them in the first instance, and if crops of the
finest quality are desired they must be freely thinned. They need not
be thinned to the full extent when so small, but always keep ahead of
crowding until maturity.

Empty Frames. — Now that early vegetables are being cleared out
of the frames many of these are empty, and as it is not profitable to
allow them to remain so until the autumn or winter the soil they con¬
tain should be levelled, and then plant Vegetable Marrows or ridge
Cucumbers in them. These, as is well known, will succeed in the open
quarters, but in cold districts they will do better in the frames, and
taking a crop of this kind from them is making the most of these
structures.

Spring Cabbages. — These are now large, firm, and excellent.
Webb’s Emperor is early, large, and excellent in quality. In cutting Cab¬
bage at this time it is a good plan to allow the stems to sprout again,
and to supply a large number of small heads in the autumn ; but those
which have run to seed need not be left for this purpose, as they will
not prove useful under any circumstances.

Earthing. — In windy and exposed spots earth up all Cauliflowers,
Brussels Sprouts, and such like, when about 6 inches high, as if the soil
is well drawn up to the stems there is less danger of their being blown
over or shaken at the root before gaining maturity than if left
unearthed.

Rhubarb and Seakale Flowering. — Almost as soon as both
of these are fairly into leaf they begin to flower, and as this is not
beneficial, every flower stem or head ought to be cut off before it has
had time to open.

Peas and Beans. — Now is the time to sow Peas and Broad Beans
for a supply in August. In many cases Peas are very plentiful when
they come in at first, but by the end of July the supply lessens, and by
August they are frequently scarce. This is caused by sowing too many
about the same time, and if three weeks were allowed to intervene
between the sowings, and a good row or two made about the end of
May, August Peas would be more plentiful. Sow on the trench
system, give them plenty of manure, and they will prove luxuriant and
fertile. Broad Beans should be sown on the level ground, but in deep,
stiff, rich soil.

Keep the Dutch hoe going amongst all growing crops. On no
account allow the weeds to seed. Water any recently planted vegetables
that are suffering from drought. Get the whole of the garden into
first-rate order. Want of hands is often an excuse for disorder, but
want of inclination may sometimes be included. Rest assured there is
no profit in a badly kept vegetable garden, and a little extra help in the
busy season will, as a rule, be amply compensated for before the year
is ended.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Stopping and Disbudding. — It is yet too early to stop the
majority of fruit trees, more especially those that are well established,
but many of those newly planted, may well be attended to. Wherever
a good length of young wood is laid in, it is apt to break irregularly,
the strongest shoots at or near the ends taking more than their share of
sap. Take out the points of all but the leader, and this will encourage
the back growths. Espalier or horizontally trained trees may, if well
attended to, be induced to form two pairs of branches, thereby more

expeditiously filling the walls or trellises. The leader being duly short¬
ened back at the winter pruning, say to a length of about 10 inches,
will now be furnished with several young shoots. Select a well-placed
pair for laying in right and left, and a third to take the lead, all the
rest being pinched back. Early in July the leader should be stout and
hard enough to be cut back to near whatever distance the horizontal
branches are trained apart, and this will cause the formation of several
strong shoots, from which another trio should be selected and treated as
before. This rapid method of furnishing wall space ought not to be
attempted in cold late districts, and wherever the earliest pruned
branches do not always ripen properly, nor is it advisable in the case
of the weakly growers. Peaches and Nectarines are setting excellent
crops, at least where not injured by frosts, and they are also singularly
clean and free from blister. What few leaves are badly curled should
be removed, and in the case of the more vigorous trees disbudding and
stopping may commence. Remove any very gross shoots, which, if left,
soon spoil the trees. Pinch back to about four leaves any of the strong
foreright shoots at the base of which young fruit are swelling, and rub
off a good many inside shoots. Always reserve, and lay in when long
enough, a young back shoot on the .upper side of each young fruiting
branch, and another at or near the end. In most cases it is the former
only that is needed for furnishing the tree with fruiting wood next
season, the old fruiting wood being cut away at the winter pruning,
but it is necessary to have foliage or active growth beyond the swelling
fruit, or otherwise they rarely mature. Apricots will be thin this year,
but it may yet be advisable to resort to thinning out wherever clusters
of fruit have formed. When near the size of large Damsons the green
Apricots are excellent for tarts, and we delay thinning till they are
large enough to thus use.

"Watering Borders under Copings. — One of the objections
urged with some reason against glass copings is the fact that they appa¬
rently much weaken the trees. We have them principally over Apricots,
and at one time the trees certainly deteriorated to a marked extent.
This was simply owing to the principal portion of the roots being too
dry, since they have been watered soon after the fruit is set and occa¬
sionally afterwards they have done much better. Even when revolving
copings are fixed, these being adjusted when advisable to let the rain
reach the trees, insufficient water reaches the roots ; in fact, half the
Peach and Apricot trees on hot borders in this country do not get
enough moisture at the roots near the walls. They may be moist on
the top and dry as a bone a few inches down. Give them water and
liquid manure occasionally, as well as a liberal mulching of manure,
and better crops of fruit are certain to follow.

Figs Trees Killed by Frost. — It is some years since so much
damage has been done to the open-air Fig trees by frost. Many trees
unprotected by mat and straw thatch or branches of Fir are killed down
to the ground, while even the protected trees will in many places be
very thinly set with fruit. Those cut down by frost frequently break
strongly from the stem just above and below the ground or below the
snow line ; but the shoots thus formed are long and sappy, and only a
moderately severe frost will cripple them. Anyway, two or three sea¬
sons will be lost, as those rank growths are slow in arriving at a bearing
stage. We prefer to start afresh with new trees, these usually fruiting
either during the first or second season, according to the size of the
tree, and do not grow so luxuriantly. Most nurserymen keep a good stock
in pots, and these, if planted in a compost of fresh loam, garden soil,
and lime rubbish or chalk in about equal proportions, and not allowed
to suffer for want of water, will soon become well established. If
planted when in full leaf it is not advisable to separate the roots from
the soil, but as a rule they take to their fresh quarters more readily
when many of the roots are disentangled and spread abroad in the soil.
When planted with their balls of roots and soil intact they must be
examined often and watered when necessary. Brown Turkey and White
Marseilles are the hardiest and most prolific sorts.

Netted Gooseberry Bushes. — Birds being very destructive to
both the buds in winter and the fruit in the summer, it has been found
the most economical plan to permanently enclose them with a frame¬
work and wire netting. Those who have adopted the plan, and to our
knowledge the number includes several readers of this Journal, are
strongly advised to have the roof only permanently covered and the
sides temporarily. They should be closely covered in till such times as
the birds cease to be destructive among the buds, after which the sides,
at least, should be uncovered till the fruits are ripening and blackbirds
are busy among them. When kept closely covered in the birds, notably
the cuckoo, cannot get at the caterpillars, and the latter, therefore, have
either to be destroyed by some other means, or otherwise they clear the
bushes of leaves. This is no imaginary danger, as one large permanently
enclosed breadth of bushes cost in one season nearly £5 to clear it of
caterpillars. Fir tree oil, used at the rate recommended by the vendor,
is a gcod remedy for this troublesome pest. Our protected bushes are
usually earlier than those not covered, and certainly well repay for the
extra outlay.

FRUIT FORCING.

Figs. — Earliest Forced Trees in Pots. — The watering at the roots
must be lessened, but still afford the supplies needed to keep the foliage
in good order, and discontinue syringing. For the colouring process a
free circulation of warm air is necessary, leaving the top ventilators
open a little at night, the highest coloured fruit being the best flavoured.
As soon as the first crop is gathered commence syringing the trees twice
a day, also watering copiously at the roots with weak guano or other
forms of liquid manure, which will enable the trees to make a more

M«y 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

405

vigorous second growth. If in the second crop the fruits show very
abundantly they must be thinned, so as not to overburden the trees to
the prejudice of next season’s bearing.

Planted-out Trees. — The permanently planted trees in houses will
require attention in stopping the young shoots at the fifth or sixth
joint, and thinning the strong-growing shoots to admit light and air to
the fruit. Attend to syringing the trees twice daily, and water abun¬
dantly at the roots as often as required, employing weak liquid manure,
•especially where the borders are small. If the first crop of Figs on the
early started trees has not yet commenced ripening there will soon be
indications of its taking place, and until the crop is perfected a little
ventilation should be allowed constantly at the top of the house, and
whenever the weather is favourable a free circulation of warm air must
be afforded. Cease syringing the trees when ripening commences, and
avoid a superabundance > of moisture about the house. A good watering
should be given when indications of ripening appear, which more parti¬
cularly applies to large trees with only limited space for the roots. Let
the fruit be perfectly ripe before gathering, unless it is to be packed,
when it must be gathered a few days sooner.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Trees Started Early in the Tear. —
The trees will soon have stoned, but until that is completed they should
not be subjected to a higher temperature than 00° to 65° by artificial
means, commencing to ventilate at 65°, and not allowing 70° to be ex¬
ceeded without a free circulation of air. Tie in the shoots as they
advance, removing superfluous growths, as it is impracticable to have a
crowded growth and stout wood with well developed fruit buds ; indeed,
it is important that no more shoots be trained in than can be fully exposed
to light and air. If the shoots are crowded thin them well as soon as
the stoning is completed. Allow one fruit to every square foot of trellis
covered by the trees, which will be one to each shoot of last year,
although vigorous shoots may lie allowed to carry two fruits, so by
apportioning the fruit according to the varying strength evenness of
growth may be maintained throughout the trees. After stoning main¬
tain a good moisture in the house, and water the inside border copiously,
which in well dried borders will not be required less than once a week,
mulching the surface with about 2 inches thickness of short half-
decayed manure. Unless it is desired to accelerate the ripening continue
fi0° to 65° at night and 65° by day artificially in dull weather, and 75°
with sun heat, closing at the latter with plenty of moisture in the
house. In a high temperature and moist atmosphere Peaches swell to
a great size after stoning. If such be required, a night temperature of
<i">° to 70°, 70° to 75° by day artificially, and 80° to 85° from sun heat
may be secured to the trees, closing early so as to run up to 90° or 95°.
With due precaution taken in having the fruit well exposed, raised with
its apex to the light, and the foliage drawn aside or shortened, so that
the fruit receives all the sun and light, it is very taking in appearance,
though scarcely so tempting or so well flavoured as those in less heat
and moisture and freer ventilation.

Trees Started in February. — These are stoning, and must have the
number of the fruit reduced, leaving two fruit on strong shoots but one
only on weak. The fruit retained in all instances should be best
situated for exposure to light and air. Thin the shoots where over¬
crowded, and the more light the fruit is subjected to from the com¬
mencement the better is its colour and the higher its flavour. The
temperature, by artificial means, may be kept at 55° to 60° at night,
60° to 65° by day artificially, ventilating at 65°, fully at 70° to 75°.
Assist weakly and full-cropped trees with liquid manure, but keep it
from trees that are very vigorous, as it only tends to growth and may
prove fatal to the stoning.

Trees Started in March. — The fruit is swelling freely, and must be
well thinned. It can now be seen which fruits have taken the lead.
Two or three will be ample to leave on strong shoots, and proportionately
less on weaker growths. Afford liquid manure to weakly trees, but
vigorous trees, being more prone to cast the fruit, should have water
only. Remove all superfluous shoots, the remaining growths being
trained and tied to the trellis as they advance.

Latest Trees. — Disbudding and tying-in the shoots must be continued,
also thinning the fruit. As the fruit of these outside is not very pro¬
mising ventilate freely, so as to have the fruit ripe at the same time as
the crop outside instead of preceding it, as in an ordinary season.
Examine all inside borders at least once a week, giving thorough sup¬
plies of water when necessary, and syringe the trees twice a day, except
when the nights arc likely to be cold, which, however, more particularly
applies to unheated houses. These should have the afternoon syringing
early, so as to allow the foliage to become dry before night. Early
closing may also be practised with a view to husband the sun heat.

•Strawberries in Pots. — The latest plants will be in position
and in flower ; our latest occupy shelves in a Plum case, are throwing
up the trusses strongly, and arc disposed to have long stems,
as is common with late plants. This can only be obviated by
keeping the plants well up to. the glass and near the ventilators,
so that they do not become drawn. When the flowers are advanced
select the strongest, all the weaker blooms being cut away, leaving
sufficient only for a crop. The centre or king fruit is always the
largest, and to encourage this and others to set well early thinning
should be practised. Plants swelling their fruit must have frequent
supplies of liquid manure ; indeed it should be given right away from
the fruit commencing to swell freely until it changes colour for ripening,
when clear water, and not too much of it — only the plants must not
flag — will be more suitable. In this stage they like a high temperature
and moist atmosphere, and as size goes a long way in a Strawberry we

swell off as many as possible in the Cucumber and Melon houses, and
keep rather drier and cooler when ripening. It not only saves the fruit
from “spotting,” but the flavour is very much better, the aroma being
very marked between those ripened in a moist atmosphere and a rather
dry and airy.

PLANT HOU3E3.

Centropogon Lucyanus. — Cuttings will now be abundant, provided
old plants after flowering were introduced into brisk heat ; but if taken
from plants growing under these conditions and inserted without pre¬
paration, nearly the whole of them will be lost. Previous to taking the
cuttings, remove the plants to cooler and more airy quarters for a short
time, when nearly every one will form roots. Take the cuttings when
they are about 2 j inches in length, with a small heel, not too much of
the old stem. Insert them thickly together in sandy soil, well watered,
and the pots plunged in the propagating house. We have always found
that the cuttings root best outside the propagating box or without the
aid of bellglasses. They must be shaded from strong sunshine. Plants
raised from the present time until the end of June will be found most
serviceable in 3 to 5-inch pots. The retention of the old stock is
advisable only where large plants can be used for decoration. Old
stock can be cut close back after sufficient young plants have been
raised, and when they have started into growth the old soil can be
shaken from their roots, and the plants repotted into the same size,
smaller, or larger pots, as each case may demand. After this operation
shade must be applied, and a close moist atmosphere maintained. These
do well in good loam, one-seventh of decayed manure, and silver
sand.

Poinscttias. — Firm short-jointed cuttings should now be plentiful,
and in this condition they root freely provided they are not too soft by
production in a close confined atmosphere. Slip them off with a sharp
knife just where they start from the old stem. Insert the cuttings singly
in the centre of 2-inch pots filled with light soil. A little sand should
be placed for the base of the cutting to rest upon. Give a good watering,
and place them under handlights or in the propagating frame, where
they can be shaded and kept close until they are rooted. Insert cuttings
at intervals of two or three weeks until the beginning of July. After
they are rooted gradually harden them to cooler and more airy con¬
ditions, and at the same time expose them to full light and sunshine.

Euphorbia jac guinice flora. — It is useless to attempt to strike cuttings
of this useful winter-flowering plant that have been drawn up softly in
heat and moisture. If the cuttings are firm every one will strike. We
have found them root freely either inserted in sand and covered with
bellglasses, or plunged in cocoa-nut fibre refuse and shaded from strong
sun. Another good method of propagation is to cut up the old stem
into lengths and insert them in sand in the propagating house. If they
have been grown cool these will root freely even with growths on them
1 inch or more in length.

Eranthemums. — A number of E. Andersoni should now be rooted
singly in small pots and afterwards transferred into 4-inch pots, in
which they will be useful for decorative purposes. This is best grown
on a single stem, from the centre of which a beautiful truss of small
white beautifully spotted flowers is produced. It is easily propagated in
heat, and is most effective during the sunless days of autumn and winter,
either in the stove, intermediate house, or conservatory. To show them
to advantage well elevate them above surrounding plants. E. pulchellum
is most ornamental with its bright small blue flowers, which are freely
produced in succession during the winter. Few plants are more easily
propagated or grown, and if good plants aie required root the cuttings
at once. The tops from those rooted, struck from time to time, will
make valuable decorative plants in 4, 5, and 6 inch pots. E. argenteo-
marginatum is also a very fine foliage plant in a small state in 4-inch
pots. These may be rooted now for the embellishment of the stove
and intermediate structures.

Scutellaria Mocciniana. — To have this most effective plant in good
condition during autumn and winter cuttings should be rooted at once
and insert them in succession during this month and J une. They may
be inserted singly in small pots, as nearly every one will root in sandy
soil in heat if they are shaded from the sun. The earliest may be
pinched once after they are rooted, and after they have broken again
into growth may be transferred into 4-inch pots, in which they may be
allowed to extend until they develope their large showy heads of bloom.
The later plants may be grown in the same size, but without pinching
their shoots. To grow them well they must not be in too much heat or
under too shady "conditions. After they are once rooted the object
should be to induce strong, firm, sturdy growth. Directly the flowers
are visible feed liberally with weak stimulants or artificial manure, for
upon this depends very much whether the heads of bloom are well de¬
veloped or the contrary.

Thyrsacanthus rutilans. — Few plants for elevating above others or
standing on the curbs of plant houses are more beautiful than this old
inhabitant of our houses. To grow it well for this purpose insert clean
healthy cuttings singly in 2-inch pots in sandy soil. They root freely
in handlights in heated structures if shaded from the sun. Directly
they are rooted place them in 5-inch pots in a compost of two parts
good loam to one of leaf mould, to which is added sand and one-seventh
of decayed manure. They should then be gradually hardened to cool
conditions, and during the summer grown in cold frames. The result of
this treatment will be dwarf clean plants with dark green largo foliage
to the base. When grown in the stove they become tall and a prey to
scale and other insects ; in fact, they always present an unsightly
appearance.

406

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19, 1887.

(Continued from page 3G4.)

There can be no doubt that bees properly wintered
are those which give the least trouble and the greatest
yield of honey. Properly speaking, however, it is not the
winter we dread, but the spring with its sudden changes
from bright sunshine to the cold blasts so frequent at this
season, and which ai e so destructive to bee life. Take
the present season for example. Many hives that were
strong three months ago are now so much reduced in
numbers that they will be profitless this season. It has
no doubt been an exceptionally cold and protracted
season, but we have no assurance that such seasons will
not occur again, but rather may expect a recurrence
oftener than desirable.

My object, therefore, in writing this article is with
the view of impressing bee-keepers with a few things
which ought to be remembered and acted up to. It
ought to be borne in mind that whatever condition a hive
is in and whatever season, the crown ought to be well
but not too much covered, and the material of a non¬
conducting and porous nature through which all the
vapour ascending from the bees shall be carried freely
away, and, of course, the hive otherwise protected from
the weather. Crowding many bees into as little space as
they can be crammed, or as the Americans and other
writers term it, “ bees are the best packing,” is folly in
the extreme. Bees so treated, as well as those that are
put up for winter with a scarcity of provisions, are often
on the wing during the winter and spring months, when
those differently treated remain quiet and within doors.
On the other hand, care must be taken not to give too
much space, but if the bees occupy one-third of it that
will be about right if all other things necessary have been
attended to. If the heat generated by the bees is unduly
carried away, then abdominal extension is sure to follow,
and the longer the confinement the greater the malady.
In an open winter, or one with much frost without snow,
my bees never suffered. Only at the breaking up of a
storm when snow is upon the ground have they been
injured, and sometimes, nay often, have I witnessed strong
hives decimated on the bees coming out with a sudden
rise of temperature when snow was on the ground. It is
bad policy to close in bees during severe frost and snow
storms unless ventilation has been provided elsewhere than
at the regular entrance. Where there are ventilating
floors they may be shut in with safety for weeks. When
bees are comfortably hived they will stand confinement
with impunity for at least three months, and when kept
comfortable they consume less food and do not require to
cluster so closely together as they do when the conditions
of the hive are unsatisfactory. It is when bees are kept
in this state that they are liable to die during cold
weather, as they are unable to raise the temperature
to about 60° so as to enable them to feed and to travel
from one part of the hive to another without being
chilled.

After the spring has set in with all its variations of
temperature bees should not be induced to fly unless
when they are inclined. If there is a scarcity of pollen
in the locality peameal should be substituted as well as
water, so as to prevent them roaming too far from their
hives. It will be remembered by your readers that I

gave most of my hives some feeding in January which
they took readily. Many hives in this neighbourhood
that were not fed until March are now useless, they would
not feed during the inclement weather we have experi¬
enced. However much we may confine our bees duifing
the winter, it is not desirable to do so after March has
arrived. Still, it is very often advisable, especially
when “Boreas’ blasts are blowing keen” and nothing
can be had outside. Strong and well-provisioned hives
will brave the severest weather when weaklings and
hives short of food will dwindle. Hives short of pollen
breed small and often worthless bees, while those unable
to keep up a proper temperature from any cause will have
many defective winged bees, and much brood and many
eggs destroyed, just as is sure to occur when brood¬
spreading and stimulative feeding have been resorted to,
especially at an unseasonable time. My crossed Cyprians,
notwithstanding the untoward season, have never been
fed and never require the brood to be spread, yet are well
forward; in fact, are now getting the swarming sound
since thaw came.

Housing bees during winter is a subject I have given
some attention to, and have proved that when properly
managed is a very safe and satisfactory way to prevent
bees becoming diseased through long confinement in severe
weather. There is no better place for this purpose than
a dwelling room, the temperature of which should never
be lower than 45° Fahr. It may be either kept light or
dark as desired. If the former the bees must be kept
closed in, but if the latter they will not require it. A
great many hives can be housed in very little space if of
a proper sort, and it is unnecessary to keep away from
them, because if bees are accustomed to much disturbance
they are not affected in any way by it, but if kept quiet
for a time then any sudden disturbance annoys them. It
is therefore rather desirable to be often amongst the hives
when so treated. Bees are capital barometers, and when
kept within doors, although the temperature is raised to
60° or even more, if it does not reach 50° outside they
show no desire to get out, but the moment the day is
favourable for bees flying outside they will attempt to get
out. Of course the bee-keeper will attend to them and
their wrants when this occurs, and a favourable oppor¬
tunity should not be lost to let them have an airing,
after which they may be again taken inside. In some
localities it is quite unnecessary to be at any trouble in
housing bees, but in others it is desirable if not actually
necessary.

When bees are housed, if they have a fair complement
of bees, say from twenty to thirty thousand or more, it is
not necessary to have so high a temperature as if the
bees were much fewer ; but if the rule of having two-
thirds more empty space than is occupied is observed and
carried out, there will be little danger of any succumbing.
Still there is a number we must not come under, but that
number when comfortably quartered may not be more
than will fill an ordinary teacup. I have brought such
bees and queen successfully through winter on more than
one occasion.

The error of ci’owding bees into too little space has
been well illustrated in the case of the Ligurian queens
and bees sent to this country, when very often all were
dead if at all crowded, when those boxes having few bees
arrived in capital condition. I may return to this sub¬
ject at a future date ; meanwhile it is 'well to remind all
bee-keepers to keep a sharp look out so that no hive
suffers from a scarcity of food, keep all crowns well
covered, prepare for raising queens to unite to swarmed

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

407

hives, and when a hive is once ready to swarm do not
hinder it, as by so doing the old queen may be deposed,
leather swarm artificially as allow this to occur. Have
hives in readiness for any emergency, and take the proper
time lor superingwhen it arrives. — A Lanarkshire Bee¬
keeper.

NOTES ON BEES.

SCIENTIFIC QUEEN BREEDING.

Mr. Cowan gave minute instructions in the British Bee Journal
in 1883 for queen rearing that may be summarised as follows ' The
stock must be very strong, the queen be laying her utmost, and
then be removed ; the first cells started being removed so as to get
them started from the just hatched eggs. But he failed to say
what was to be done with the queen, or how she was to be success¬
fully introduced to another stock in her heavy condition, which was
to be the most valuable one in the apiary. Nor could he explain to
several querists why they had lost them in the attempt of reintro¬
duction. His ideas are about right on the matter regarding theory,
but the difficulties were on the practical side. Mr. D. A. Jones
improves on this, by crowding bees on empty combs, and then gives
them a frame of eggs from the selected stock, so that he does not
remove the queen ; but neither Mr. Cowan or Mr. Jones can tell
within two days of the time the queens will hatch, and to avoid the
risk of getting them destroyed they are cut out several days too
soon. I believe to have good queens — that is, improved cultivated
queens, the following conditions at least are necessary : — The
mother queen must be laying her fullest, cells must be started from
the egg in a vast number of bees, and each cell must be well fed
and brooded by the bees right up to the moment of hatching, and
on no account must they suffer a chill while being cut out. Without
my “ law ” if would be impossible to get more than one queen
under the above conditions, but with it, all that is necessary is to
prepare your breeding stock as advised by Mr. Jones, and forty-
eight hours after let the choicest and heaviest queen run in. She
can be removed in an hour and given to another lot, so that we get
eggs that can be calculated to just the hour when the queens will
hatch out.

I maintain that my “ law ” is infallible, and every supposed
failure will be found to have been caused by an overlooked condition
when I described it. I said the bees received her “ joyfully.” AH
ths bees in the hive at once make a peculiar hum or buzz. I am
well aware that bee3 can hear, but when I introduced the queen this
spring to the queenless stock, I determined the experiment should
be directed to shed light on

THE LANGUAGE OF BEES.

I therefore lifted out a frame from the hive — holding the queen
in my hand at the time — and when I had it a yard off, the bees
sitting still on the combs, and those in the hive also quite still, I
dropped the queen on one side. The bees at once began their
peculiar buzz and ran about. The bees on the other side did the
same, as also at nearly the same moment did all the bees in the
hive, though I saw no bees pass from one side of the comb to the
other, and I firmly believe none left the comb — they seemed too
pleased. The queen remained where she was placed, and though
she looked frightened, having only just been taken from another
stock, the bees did nothing but dance round her and offer her food.
The bees in the hive certainly heard those on the comb, as none
passed from one to the other, and they were too far off to touch.
1 think if Sir John Lubbock tried the experiment he would be
satisfied bees could hear, and then his mind would be open to the
fact that they have a language, which has been brought before the
public by Mr. Grimshaw. I have for a long time been convinced
of this, and that hearing, next to sight and memory, was far more
acute than that of smell ; in fact, I rather think they cannot smell.
I never could get them to find honey placed on glass when I have
set them the task of finding it during a dearth in autumn, having
first given them a taste to draw them out. The glass with the
Jioney on it was placed on the top of a hive. I have placed a piece
•of dry empty comb on the glass, on which they fairly swarmed, and
though wasps quickly found the honey, I never could get bees to
find it. In travelling across the country with driven bees in per¬
fectly empty boxes on dull days, and when I have known for a fact
that no hives were within half a mile, I have had scores of bees
come to the boxes attracted by hearing their hum. A few bees in a
box and a piece of comb, with honey or syrup in it, are very handy
to have with you when hunting up driven bees. Anywhere within
quarter of a mde of an apiary’ the bees will find you, and after
h uding up will soon return with hundreds. You can at cnce strike
a line and walk straight to their owners, who may be very glad to

have them driven. You can have them found long before you
would perhaps find anyone to tell you of them.

Same bee-keepers, when feeding their bees, contract the entrance
to keep robbers out. They little think the robbers are attracted by
the loud hum made by the bees ventilating their hive through the
narrow opening. Open the entrance so wide that they need not make
such a noise and the robbers will go home. I always give an extra
wide entrance in autumn and winter, and never have any robbing
now, and I always feed them when I can, by means of an inverted
bottle at the entrance. All that is necessary to prevent robbing or
fighting is a large entrance, so that they can take it quietly.
Another point on the hearing or language of bees. When a hive is
killing its drones a loud guttural noise will be heard. This sound I
have always heard the day before the drones were killed. It is kept
up during the night, and then the slaughter begins in the morning.
Most people have noticed all their hives on this work at one time,
and Huber relates how it was seen in every hive placed on a glass
table at one and the same time. My opinion is this, perhaps only
one stock begins sounding the death knell, then others hearing it
they also begin, perhaps thinking it is started in their own hive,
while before dawn every stock is soundinc it and all are ready to
begin business at one moment. — A Hallamsiiire Bee-keeper.

(To be continued.)

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

•Tames Veitch <b Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, 541, King’s Road, Chelsea,
S.W. — Catalogue of New Plants, 1887 ( illustrated ), ajid List of Bedding
Plants.

William Bull, 53G, King’s Road, Chelsea, S.W. — Catalogue of New,
Beautiful and Bare Plants and Orchids, 1887 ( illustrated ).

T. S. Ware, Tottenham. — Catalogue of Dahlias and Hardy Florists’
Flowers.

Thomas Painter, Smallwood, Stoke-on-Trent. — Catalogue of Dahlia
Plants.

H. Hildman, Oramenburg, near Berlin. — Catalogue of Succulent Plants
and Cactece ( illustrated ).

eo0 All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Garden Instruments ( Suburbanist ) — The instruments to which you
refer can be obtained from Messrs. Negretti «fc Zambia, High Holborn,
London.

Currant Buds Diseased (W. X. and others). — Your Currants are in¬
fested with an insect known to entomolgists as Phytoptus Ribis, and
popularly as the Currant Bud Mite. See page 391.

Gloxinia Leaves Scorched ( Kittie — The leave i not only appear but
are in reality scorched or crumpled through being exposed to too dry an
atmosphere. The remedy is to afford shade from powerful sun, avoiding
sudden fluctuations of temperature and drying currents of air.

Rhododendrons (Af. C. B.). — Rhododendrons Edgeworthi and fragrant-
issimum are distinct species, but we cannot say to which your plant is
referable without a leaf is sent or a fuller description is given. Tou can,
however, readily determine if the plant is R. Edgeworthi, as this has the
under surface of the leaves and stems thickly covered with a yellowish
brown wool-like substance.

Shows at the End of May ( S.E. ). — The only horticultural exhibition
near London in the period you name is that at the Crystal Palace, Syden¬
ham, on the 21st inst. It is, however, a good time to visit the nurseries, in
all the more important of which you will find abundant attractions, but
you can only obtain admission to the leading private gardens by previous
arrangement with the proprietors or their gardeners.

408

[ May 19, 18S7.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Roots on Vine Rods ( W . B.). — We shall he glad to see samples of the
Grapes when it is convenient for you to send them, together with notes on
the renovation of the Vines. If there is something left “ unsaid ” on the
subject by all means let us know what it is. We have long known that
soft rampant growth in a very damp house, and the roots of the Vines in
poor soil, are favourable conditions for the emission of roots from the rods.

Papers at Gardeners’ Meetings ( F . (?.). — It is not the rule for the
papers that are read at gardeners’ meetings to be printed and published
officially, for the sufficient reason that with very few exceptions indeed
there could he no adequate return for the outlay incurred in such publica^
tion. We have published many excellent papers that have been sent to us
after they were read, and there are others that deserve a wider audience
than that composing a meeting in a room, however large it may be. We
have not seen the one to which you allude.

Insects on Vines ( Hambledon ). — The dead insects, that are much
crushed, resemble the winged form of thrips. The live specimen on the leaf
took its departure the moment the box was opened in the quick manner
peculiar to thrips. These insects are very injurious, and you mil do well
to fumigate the house lightly on two or three consecutive still evenings.
A strong volume of smoke would injure such thin leaves as those sent,
which are, moreover, scorched, the discoloration not being due to the
attacks of insects of any kind. We find no trace of the presence of the
phylloxera on the foliage, whatever there maybe on the roots. The Vines
are obviously in a debilitated state, and remedial measures were suggested
in our former reply.

Width of Peach Case (B. B. W.). — For a Peach case against a wall
9 or 10 feet in height, wc consider G feet a suitable width, in fact we have
four similar structures which answer perfectly. The trees are on the back
wall, the front being utilised for Tomatoes trained to a trellis 6 inches from
the glass. The structures have 2 feet 3 inches front lights, or with the
bottom and top plates are 2 feet 9 inches high in front and upright. They
have also top lights 3 feet wide, and sloping so as to cover a width of
2 feet 6 inches, and every alternate top aDd front light is made to open.
This insures thorough ventilation. The other part of the roof is fixed.
There is no reason why the house should not he 8 feet instead of 6 feet
wide, only little is gained in area thereby commensurate with the greater
distance of the glass from the Peach trees.

Cucumbers not Swelling (J. G.). — The Cucumbers you have sent are
free from disease, and their refusal to swell after attaining a length of
G inches or so we attribute to the soil being dry at the bottom of the bed.
Make an examination, and let it be thorough, and if you find the soil dry
pour in water until it is quite moist, and do not let it get dry again. We
once inspected a house of Cucumbers in charge of an excellent gardener,
in the same condition as yours appear to be. On suggesting dryness as
the cause he triumphantly dug into the bed, showing us the moist soil;
he was urged to dig deeper, and was soon convinced where the fault lay.
He was taken quite by surprise, quickly applied the remedy, and was
rewarded with an abundant crop of fine fruit. That was not the first
instance that came under our notice of Cucumbers refusing to swell under
the conditions indicated, nor the last.

Pears Falling — Warts on Vine Leaves (Beatrice). — Tbe Pears fall be¬
cause of defective fertilisation during the blossoming period, and the black
matter on them is a fungus that takes possession of fruits that are practi¬
cally dead. We cannot say why fertilisation was not completed; there may
have been a deficiency of pollen, or dull weather might have prevailed,
thus preventing its dispersion ; or again, the organs may have been injured
by cold, or shrivelled too quickly on a bright sunny day when the roots
were dry for an hour or two. There is also another matter. As the trees
have not been disturbed for two years they may not be in the best condi¬
tion for producing blossoms with all the parts fully developed for fructifica¬
tion. It is not a good plan to thin fruit till the setting is completed. There
is no red spider nor any other insects on the Vine leaf. Its condition is
the consequence of some error in ventilation. Read our reply to “ J. L. A.,”
page 364, which applies equally to your case.

Applying Wood and Coal Ashes to Lawn Tennis Ground (IF.). —
The dressing consisting of a good layer of ashes, more than half wood
ashes would most likely burn the grass if the summer following its applica¬
tion should prove hot and dry. The coal ashes used in moderation would
improve the surface if it be wet and heavy, but they should not be those
of furnaces where there is a powerful draught. The ashes from a house
are most suitable, and they should be passed through a sieve with half¬
inch mesh, and afterwards be washed, using a sieve with ^-inch mesh,
retaining that in the sieve only. A bushel per rod of this stuff would tend
to make the surface drier and more springy, without interfering with the
growth of the grass. A dressing of wood ashes, of which a peck per rod is
sufficient to apply at once, would destroy moss, and cause a better growth
of grass, especially of Clover, which, however, it is undesirable to en¬
courage, and it would be still further improved by using the wood ashes
with an equal proportion of quicklime and soot well incorporated, apply¬
ing during moist weather in April, and again with the first moist weather
after midsummer, at the rate of half a peck per rod. If the land be mossy
and thin the quantity may be doubled.

Anemones Diseased (A. L.). — The leaves you have sent are attacked
with the Anemone fungus, iEcidium quadrifidum, which has been figured
and described as follows by Mr. Worthington G. Smith : — “ If a leaf is
gathered from an Anemone suffering from disease, and the under surface
is examined, it will be found, as at a (fig. 71), covered with a vast number
of httle yellow dots or cups, accompanied by an equally large number of
minute black spots, the latter too small to be seen in the natural size
illustration at a. The name iEcidium is one form of a Greek word
meaning a httle chamber — a very appropriate name, as we shall see
further on ; quadrifidum means that the mouth of the burst fungus cup or
chamber is (or rather should be) divided into four. This specific name is
a very bad one, for the mouth of each cup, as may be seen at b, is gene¬
rally lobed and torn in a very irregular manner, seldom or never pre¬
senting four parts only. Under the microscope each yellow spot or
pustule on the leaf is seen as a deep little cup, as at B, with frayed edges.

The edges, which in the mature examples turn outwards, at first covered
over the open part of the cup when it was in a ball condition. As
maturity is reached the ball bursts, and the frayed edges turn back as
illustrated. The investing cup itself is composed of a single thickness of
minute cells or bladders packed side by side like the cells of a honeycomb.
These constituent cells or bladders are shown in the frayed edges. The
cup itself is not an empty one, but on the contrary is full of microscopic
globular balls, like minute grains of yellow pollen ; these bodies, also
shown in the middle of the cup in the illustration at b, are the spores or
reproductive bodies of the fungus, roughly answering to the seeds of
flowering plants. The spores of course, like ovules, are female. Three of
the black dots are also shown — one is marked at c. These are glutinous
little spots, termed by botanists spermagonia, or male bodies containing
male fertilising atoms named spermatia, roughly answering to the pollen
of flowering plants. Some of the httle round spores out of the iEcidium
cup will be seen sticking on to the httle black glutinous discs, or on the
fine spermatic threads growing out of the disc at c. The fine hues seen
outside the frayed edges of the iEcidium cup represent the lines of junction
of the cells which go to form the lower cuticle of the Anemone leaf. Here
and there httle openings occur, as in the three shown near d. These
openings are the stomata or organs of transpiration of the plant ; through
these little orifices the plant exhales water in the form of vapour. In dry
weather the little openings keep closed, so that the plant may not perish
by losing all its moisture in the form of vapour, but in damp weather the
httle mouths stand elastically wide open, so that the plant may be bene¬
fited by the damp air. It commonly happens that when fungus spores

Fig. 71.— .Ecidium quadrifidum.

germinate on the under surface of a leaf in humid weather, that the fine
spawn threads from the spores find out these mouths of transpiration, and
so get inside and amongst the tissues of the leaf by the open doors.
Sometimes the thread of the fungus is of such a nature that it sets up
putrescence in the course of growth. This is the case with the spawn of
the fungus of the Potato disease ; it gets inside the leaf by the httle open
mouths or organs of transpiration. It then not only fives inside the leaf
and sets up putridity in its progress of growth, but it sends out new spawn
threads from the inside of the leaves through the mouths outwards. This
process soon chokes up all the stomata and reduces the stem as well as the
leaves to a putrid mass. The iEcidium cups and the male organs termed
spermagonia are embedded in the substance of the Anemone leaf, and it is
desirable to see them both in section. For this purpose a leaf must be cut
in two with a keen lancet, and the cut must be made through both
iEcidium and spermagonium' When the leaf is divided, a slice, or rather
film of inconceivable thinness, must be sliced off the cut surface and trans¬
ferred to a slip of glass. If the slice is successfully made we Bhall see the
fragment as shown in the lower illustration of fig. 71. The lower surface
of the leaf is shown at e, and the upper surface at f. The epidermal cells
top and bottom are colourless, not green. At a g two organs of transpira¬
tion are shown, both open and leading to the intercellular spaces between
the constituent cells of the leaf. Between the two letters a a an immature
iEcidium cup may be seen embedded in the leaf — a little chamber —
full of spores or seeds — hence the name. Between e and o an immature
dark-coloured spermagonium is seen embedded. At h a mature iEcidium
cup is illustrated ; the cup has burst through the lower cuticle of the

May 19, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

409

loaf, thrown back its frayed edges right and left, and the spores aro
hanging in chains from the open mouth. At j a ripe spermagonium is
shown, also bursting through the epidermis of the leaf. Attached to its
glutiuous mouth and protruded spermatic threads some of the shed spores
from the iEcidium cup may be seen. It will be observed that the leaf
near h is considerably thicker than at r. f. This extra thickness, or
hypertrophy of the leaf tissues, is a common after result of the attack of
parasitic fungi. The reader should remark that each AScidium cup is
made up of an investing membrane of one series or stratum of transparent
cells, and that the presence of both -dScidiam cups and spermagonia cause
the tissues of the leaf to become corroded and blackened within. It is
now only necessary to take a single spore from a cup and use the highest
powers of the microscope for its magnification. If we enlarge 1000
diameters we shall see the yellow spore, as at k, full of granular proto¬
plasm, or vital formative material, and more or less studded by the sticky
male (lust from the protruded and broken-up threads of the spermagonium
or male organism. The HScidium cups and the spermagonia both arise
from the same spawn or mycelium •within the leaf. The mycelium forms
knots noar the lower surfnce of the leaf where the constituent cells at
>: are looser and larger than the small and compact ones above, as at f,
and where the little vertical strengthening pallisaae cells seen just under the
transparent stratum of the upper leaf surface at f are absent. The upper
surface of the leaf at f is too firm for the development and bursting of the
gEcidium cups and spermagonia. The gEcidiuui of Anemone is a close
ally of the gEcidium or “ blight ” of Barberry bushes, a fungus which is
supposed by some observers to be the cause of the red rust and black
mudcw of corn. The fungi of rust and mildew are termed Uredo and
Puccinia, hut no members of these two genera have yet been associated
with the -lEcidium of Anemones. All that is known of the fungus of the
Anemone blight (-Ecidiura quadrifidum, D.C.) is that the phenomena we
have described are repeated year after year on the produce of the same
rootstock from the perennial mycelium within the tissues of the perennial
host plant. There is no remedy for such a disease ; the only plan for the
destruction of the fungus is to root up and burn all infected plants.”

Blood Manure — Salt in Soils (H. F., Cape Colony). — The recipe for
making blood manure to which you refer has not proved uniformly satis¬
factory. A simple method of preparing blood is to mix it when quite
fresh with sufficient fine dry earth to form a powder. Stored in a dry
place the manurial properties are retained for almost any length of time.
A successful gardener who has used it says blood conveyed in that form
is an excellent fertiliser, applied as a top-dressing or mixing a peck to a
bushel of soil in potting, the blood in the first instance having been mixed
with at least six parts of dry earth. A pinch between the finger and
thumb suffices as a top-dressing to plants in 6 to 8-inch pots, and is
beneficial to all kinds of softwooded plants, including Begonias and
Gloxinias. The extraction of salt from soil or neutralising the effects of
it is a much more difficult question than the conveyance of blood to the
soil. Salt is mainly extracted from soil by evaporation, being drawn out
with the moisture, and rests on the surface in a white film. This may
be seen on the margins of tidal streams in this country in the summer,
and is much more apparent in the tropics. In South America Mr. Darwin
saw incrustations of sulphate of soda and common salt after a week of
hot weather, making the plain appear as if covered with snow. In pre¬
paring soil for potting an excess of salt could be removed by spreading the
soil in a warm place, watering it well and frequently, and drying it
quickly. On a larger scale benefit has resulted in salt marshes by en¬
couraging the luxuriant growth of plants that grow naturally there, and
digging cross ditches for carrying away the water from the land, salt
being thus drawn out by the plants as well as floated away in the drains.
Lana treated in that way has afterwards grown useful crops. In warm
climates, where the abundance of organic matter and its rapid decompo¬
sition pour into the atmosphere a copious supply of ammonia, the forma¬
tion of uitric acid proceeds with energy, whether from the nitrogen of the
air or the slow combustion of the elements of the ammonia and the
nitrate of ammonia so formed being washed down by the rains, the
ammonia is again given off, whilst the ground becomes coated with an
efflorescence of earthy nitrates, when it dries on the cessation of the rain.
In this way there is formed in the East Indies a quantity of nitrate of
potash sufficient to supply the wants of Europe. On the Continent this
process is imitated in artificial nitre-beds. In South America, particularly
in Chili and Peru, there are found immense deposits of nitrate of soda
upon the surface of the soil, and it i3 now extensively Imported into these
countries. The source of the nitric acid is, in this case also, from the
elements of the atmosphere, and of ammonia ; the alkali being probably
derived from the sea-salt, which the soils of the coast usually contain.
Salt, therefore, serves a useful purpose, and nitrate oi soda may also be
obtained with nitric acid and carbonate of soda.

Names of Plants. — We ODly undertake to name specie's of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than sixspecimens can be named at once.
— (Fifteen-years Subscriber). — A variety of Cattleya Mendeli.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 11th.

A steady business doing, but -with large supplies prices are generally

lower.

FRUIT.

s. d. i. d.

Apples, 1 sieve . 2 0 to S 0

„ Nova Scotia and

Canada, barrel 10 0 13 0

Cherries, J sieve .... 0 0 0 0

Ojbe, 100 lbs . 80 0 65 0

Figs, dozen . 6 0 8 0

Grapes, per ft . 3 0 4 0

heinous, case . 10 0 15 0

Melon, each . 3 0 4 0

Oranges, per 100 ..
Peaches, dozen .. ..15

Pears, dozen . 1

Pine Apples, English,
per lb. ..... ,. .. 1

Plums, 4 sieve . 0

8t. Michael Pine», each 2
Strawberries, per H>. .. 3

s. d. s. d.
6 0tol2 0
0 11

VEGETABLES.

s. d. s. d.

Artichoke^, dozen .. ., 1 0 to 2 0

Asparagus, bundle . . ..16 4 0

Beans, Kidney, per lb. ..13 0 0

Beet, Red, dozen .... 1 0 3 0

Broccoli, bundle .... 0 0 0 0

Brussels Sprout?, J sieve 0 0 0 0

Cabbage, dozen .... 1 6 0 0

Capsicums, per 100 .. 1 6 3 0

Carrots, bunch .... 0 4 0 0

Cauliflowers, dozen .. 3 0 4 0

Celery, bundle .... 1 6 2 0

Coleworts, do*, bunches 2 0 4 0

Cucumbers, each .. .. 0 4 0 6

Endive, dozen . 10 30

Heros, bunch . 0 3 0 0

Leeks, bunch . 03 04

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

Mushrooms, punnet ..
Mustard and Cress, punt.

Onions, bunch .

Parsley, dozen bunch<s
Parsnips, dozen .. ..

Potatoes, per cwt .

„ Kidney, per cwf.
Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

Salsafy, bundle .. ..

Scorzonera, bundle ..
Soakale, basket .. ..

Shallots, per tb .

Spinach, bushel .. ..

Tomatoes, per tb .

Turnips, bunch .. ..

PLANTS IN POTS.

s. d.

Aralia Sieboldi, dozen . . 9 0 to
Arbor vitfe(golden) dozen 6 0
„ (common), dozen. . 6 0
Azalea, dozen .. .. ..18 0

Begonias, dozen .. .. 4 0

Cineraria, dozen .. .. 4 0

Cyclamen, dozen .. ..12 0

Dracaena terminalis, doz. 30 0
,, virldis, dozen. . 12 0
Erica, various, dozen . . 18 0
Euonymus, in var., dozen 6 0
Evergreens, in var„ dozen 6 0
Ferns, in variety, dozen 1 0
Ficus elastics, each . . 1 6
Foliage Plants, var., each 2 0

s. d.
18 0
9 0
13 0
86 0
9 0
8 0

10 0

Fuchsia, dozen .

Genista, dozen .

Hydrangea, dozen s s f 1

Lilies Valley, dozen
Marguerite Daisy, dozen
Mignonette, dozen .. ..

Myrtles, dozen . . .. ..

Palms, in var., each
Pelargoniums, dozen . .

„ scarlet, dozen
Primula sinensis, dozen..
Solanrms, dozen ... ..
Spiraea, dozen .. . . ..

Tulips, per dozen j>ots . ,

CUT FLO WEBS.

Abntilons, 1 2 bnnehes . .
Anemones, 13 bnnehes ..
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms . .
Azalea, 12 sprays . . . .

Bouvardias, bunch . . . .

Camellias, blooms . . . .

Carnations, 12 blooms . .

„ 12 bnnehes..

Cornflower, 12 bnnehes . .
Cyclamen, 12 blooms ..
Daffodils, var., doz. bchs
Encharis, dozen . . . .

Gardenias, 12 blooms ..
Hyacinths, Roman, 12
sprays

„ Dutch, per

box

Lapageria, white, 13 blms.
Lilium longiflorum, 13

blooms .

Lilac (white), French,

bnnch .

Lily ol Valley, 12 sprays

s. d. s.
2 0 to 4
2 0 4

0 6

0 0 0 0

1 0
0 0

3 0
0 0

4 0 6 0

4 0
0 9

7 0
1 0

Marguerites, 12 bnnohes
Mignonette, 12 bunches
Narciss, 12 bunches
„ White. English, bch.
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Parme Violets (French)
Poinsettia, 12 blooms . .
Primroses, 12 bnnohes . .

,, white 12 bnnehes
Primula (single), bunch. .

„ (double), bunch ..
Ranunculus, 12 bunches
Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

„ (indoor), dozen . . .
„ Tea, dozen ..

„ red dozen . . . .

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .
Tropteolum, 12 bnnehes
Tuberoses, 12 blooms ..
Tulips, dozen blooms . .
Violets, 12 bunches . . . .

„ Czar, French, bnnoh

8. 1

1.

8.

<1.

I -

0 to

1

6

0

6

1

0

0

f

0

6

0

1

0

6

>

0

8

0

1

0

0

0

4

0

•

0

4 .

0

0

0

0

8

0

0

1

0

X

8

1

8

0

0

1

6

0

0

0

8

0

0

8

0

4

0

1

0

1

6

0

4

0

6

a.

8.

a.

(L

<

0 to 10

0

8

0

12

0

9

0

11

0

9

0

18

0

e

0

1.’

0

6

0

9

0

6

0

18

0

8

6

31

0

9

0

18

0

4

0

9

0

0

0

0

0

9

0

12

0

9

0

12

0

0

0

0

0

6.

d.

s.

a.

2

0 to 6

0

4

0

6

0

8

0

C

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

1

0

0

4

0

6

8

6

8

6

0

0

0

0

0

6

0

8

0

9

1

6

0

0

0

0

0

9

X

0

8

0

6

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

1

8

X

6

8

0

8

<r

4

0

a

0

4

0

i

6

2

0

l

0

1

0

0

6

1

0

0

4

0

6

i 0

0

0

0

OUR CEREAL CROPS.

WHEAT.

“ It has been too hastily assumed that, in the struggle
for existence amoDg Wheat growers, the British, the best
farmers in the world, will not be among the fittest who
will survive. The evidence adduced in the foregoing
remarks appears to show this assumption to be unfounded.
In all parts of the world, with the doubtful exception of
India, Wheat growers have been partly or wholly ruined
by the long period of low prices, and British growers
have only suffered with the rest. If we are to have
another year of such low prices as had prevailed for three
years up to the end of 1886, the Wheat area of the world
will probably be contracted by many millions of acres,
and bread once more may become temporarily dear. At
the time of writing, however, there is reason to expect a
sufficient rise in the price of Wheat to encourage farmers
everywhere to sow at least their usual acreage for another
year. A very great rise in price is neither to be expected
nor desired, even in the interest of growers, as it would
infallibly lead to over-production once more.”

410

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 19, 1887.

We thus quote fully the last paragraph of an ex¬
haustive article on “ Competition in Wheat Growing,”
published last month in the “ Quarterly Review,” not
because we consider it faultless, but rather for its hopeful
assurance that a future is possible for British Wheat
growers. The advice about Wheat sowing for the cuiTent
year came too late to be really useful, but so favourable
was the season for the sowing of winter corn that we
believe there is at least an average acreage of Wheat
sown, and, what is even more important, there is already
evidence of a decided general improvement in Wheat
culture. It was high time that there should be such
improvement, for although the average yield of Wheat
per acre in this country is much higher than that of most
others, yet we know full well it is not what it ought
to be.

The standard of excellence to be aimed at in Wheat¬
growing in this country is a minimum yield of 40 bushels
of marketable grain per acre. To show how low the
standard has been hitherto, both here and in other
countries, we may take the ordinary average yield of the
Wheat crop in England as nearly 29 bushels per acre,
and even this low rate appears remarkable when com¬
pared with such averages as that of India with 10 bushels
an acre, Eussia 8 bushels, South Australia 7 four-seventh
bushels, Ontario 18*2 bushels, Manitoba 19-7 bushels,
Chili and the Argentine Republic only 4 bushels, while
New Zealand (owing to its naturally fertile soil) has the
comparatively abundant yield of 26^ bushels. These
figures are taken from the article in the “ Quarterly,” and
are therefore presumably correct. They not only go to
prove the superiority of British farming, but also tend to
show how much of the so-called farming in other countries
consists of the careless easy-going practice of merely
turning up the soil and sowing it with corn till all avail¬
able natural stores of fertility are exhausted. The Wheat
so produced is, so far as we have been able to ascertain,
a light, thin, inferior grain ; but it is so dry and hard as
to bear storage well, and so is in a suitable condition for
importation.

We are told that this foreign Wheat, with the possible
exception of that sent from India, has been supplied at a
loss to the growers, and that the Wheat-growing area of
the world has already begun to contract, and will be
seriously diminished unless the average price is at least
40s. a quarter in England. In support of this there is
such a mass of valuable evidence available that the
collector of it is embarrassed by its volume. A some¬
what lengthy epitome of this evidence is given, and its
general tendency goes to show that we may hopefully
continue the struggle for supremacy both in the culture
of Wheat and in the profitable sale of it in our own
markets. In support of this we quote another passage
from this valuable compilation of facts, for that is really
what the “ Quarterly ” article is : — “ Taking the average
value of the English Wheat crop at recent prices to have
been £8 an acre, and that of the American crop to be
33s., is there any reason why American competition
should drive our Wheat growers from their accustomed
industry ? We think not, and we maintain that English
farmers can continue to grow Wheat at £8 an acre longer
than American farmers can keep on growing it at 33s.
If the game of “ beggar my neighbour” is to go on, the
American will be the first to throw up his hand. It is
absurd to suppose that there is necessarily a difference of
£6 7s. an acre in the cost of Wheat-growing in the two
countries. Our climate and soil are better for Wheat
than those of America, and the crop here is much less

liable to suffer damage or partial destruction. If we used
no manure for Wheat, we should, by keeping to our rota¬
tion of crops, grow about double the American average
yield. English farmers have been handicapped by high
rents, tithes, rates, and railway rates ; but all these can
be reduced, and wages are only about half as high here
as on the other side of the Atlantic, while almost every¬
thing that the farmer has to buy is a great deal cheaper
in this country in consequence of the Protectionist tariff
of the United States.”

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The rolling of late-sown corn has been (lone, and both horse and
hand hoes are kept briskly at work among the weeds, which are plentiful
enough. Everything that is possible must be done to keep down
Charlock, of which the plants are more abundant in many a field than
are those of the legitimate crop. The wide-spread growth of this pest is
a standing reproach to farmers generally, and is one of the most striking
signs of the easy-going slovenly practice which has so long been
prevalent in farm management. There is no doubt that Charlock
seed has been sown with the corn over and over again till it has become
thoroughly established in the soil. Such an expression about an annual
weed may appear somewat singular, but it seeds so freely and the seed
is so well protected by its stout tough case that it is not easily destroyed.
If we plough land infested with Charlock and wait till the pest is in
full growth before wc plough it in, we dare not hope to have got rid of
it, more and more seed being stirred into activity each time the soil is
stirred. When land is badly infested with it as much as can be spared
should be broken up early in spring and sown with White Mustard
(Sinapis alba), the growth of which so closely resembles Charlock that
both spring up together, and just as they have the seed pocb well
developed, but before any approach to ripening, they are ploughed in.
An immediate repetition of the process enables us to get rid of very
much of the Charlock and to turn it to account to enrich the soil which
it would otherwise infest and rob. By following with a crop of Swedes
or White Turnips with the rows kept far enough apart for a free use
of the horse hoe, we secure a useful supply of roots, and are able to
destroy any other Charlock which may appear. If the root crop is
cleared by folding sheep upon it the land would then be in capital
condition for a crop of Barley. We may explain that Charlock is Wild
Mustard (Sinapis arvensis). The appearance of the Wheat crop is most
promising, especially on heavy land, but much of the Barley has suffered
from late frost, evidence of which is seen in the yellow hue of the plant.
Winter Oats suffered more or less in exposed positions _from the severity
of the winter, and a somewhat thin plant is the result.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Renovating Old Pasture (W. J.). — It is much too late to apply grass,
seed to old pasture before the haymaking. It may be done immediately
after the haymaking if the weather is showery, but in a hot dry summer
success is very doubtful. We therefore advise you to put off sowing the
renovating mixture till the beginning of next March. If before sowii-.g
the seed you are able to give the pasture a moderate dressing of road
sidings, ditch scourings, or similar matter, which has been collected in a
heap some time previously, and follow the sowing with a bush or chain
harrow, you will promote speedy germination of the seed and ensure a
quick strong growth of the plant.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 51° 3!' 40" N.; Lin?, 0° 8' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

Ilygrome-

g .

O 3^.

Shade Tem-

Radiation

d

1887.

ter.

Z2 a

O,— i o

P

perature.

Temperature

"3

M

May.

1

In

On

M2 3

Dry.

Wet.

5o

H

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

Id.

Sunday .

33.433

59.4

52.4

N.W.

47.7

71.2

43 3

114.3

35.9

Monday .

30.397

56.0

52.1

w.

49.4

69.2

47.6

118.8

44.3

_

Tuesday ..

10

3C.896

66.2

48.7

W.

50.6

6 5.5

446

1121

36.3

_

Wednesday.

11

30.257

56.2

50.1

N.W.

51.2

61.2

46 4

94.6

49.9

0.086

Thursday ...

12

30.115

55 9

53.1

N.

5".8

59.7

50.8

83.2

45.6

0.049

Friday .

13

30.213

463

41.9

N.

50.4

52.4

422

95.2

38.2

0.010

Saturday ...

14

30.359

48 6

45.3

N.

49.2

59.2

38.7

109 4

34 3

30.810

54.1

49.1

49.9

62.8

44 8

103 9

39.4

0.095.

REMARK?.

8th.— Bright and hot.

9th.— Dull early ; floe tr'ght day.

10th.— Fine and bright ; white butteifly seen; lunar halo and paras elen* at night,
ilth. — Generally fine morning, but spots of rain about 10 AM.; reet of tt« t'uy
showery.

12th. — Overcast morning with spots of rain ; fair afternoon ; evening again damp.

13th. — Alternate sunshine and .pots of rain.

14th.— Fine and generally bright.

Considerably warmer than the two previous weeks ; fine and bright, and of average
temperature.— G. J. Symons.

May 28, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

411

26

Th

Royal Society at 4.S0 p M.

27

F

Manchester Horticultural Bhox

28

s

23

Bun

Whit Sunday.

80

M

Bank Holiday.

81

To

1

W

HARDY FRUIT TREES.

HE various fruit trees grown under glass |
receive more or less daily attention from the
time they break into growth, but those on
walls and in the open quarters of the garden
are left too much at this season of the year to
themselves. The importance of timely action
in preventing insects attacking fruit trees has
been recently pointed out, and it is quite cer¬
tain that if aphides or other pests be allowed to infest
the foliage nothing but failure can follow. Next to clean¬
liness come disbudding and thinning the growths. With
trees under glass this work is done carefully and gradually,
so that by the time the fruit approaches the stoning
period only the requisite shoots are left to furnish the tree
for the following year, except a few that may be necessary
for the well-being of the present crop of fruit and which
will be removed directly it is ripe. More generally than
not fruit trees on walls are left until the stoning period,
or nearly before it is thought requisite to commence the
important work of disbudding. IIow frequently do we
see negligence in this department until the shoots stand
out from the walls 9 inches or 1 foot, when they are
attended to merely for the sake of appearance.

Such treatment might be pardoned if it was the work
solely of the busy amateur who could only devote a few
hours at night or in the morning to his trees, but these
conditions are too prevalent in gardens where those in
charge ought to follow a better method of procedure.
The treatment that I have depicted means failure, or
partial failure, of the crop, and the first stage of de¬
generacy of the trees. At first the fruit may be abundant,
but it is certain to prove of inferior quality in comparison
with that from trees that have every want attended to.
If this matter is only looked into with the object of find¬
ing the effect of such treatment it will be clear that by
allowing the trees to grow until they become crowded
with young useless shoots the energy is wasted, being
devoted to the production of wood that must be eventually
cut away. If this were all then the matter might be
passed without serious thought, but it is not, for in addi¬
tion the fertility of the border is being extracted for no
purpose. These evils alone should be ample to convince
anyone that a better system of treatment is necessary.
Not only is the border exhausted but the fruit is robbed
of those important essentials which are necessary to bring
it through the various stages of development until it
attains perfection. This is but one reason why the fruit
is of inferior quality on trees that are neglected in com¬
parison with that on trees that are carefully and timely
disbudded.

Another of the evils connected with this system is that
No. 361. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

the portion of wood which should be the best because the
most thoroughly ripened is rendered useless. The foliage
being excluded from full light and air is certain to turn
yellow and fall after the trees have been severely thinned.
Fruit buds cannot form on that portion of wood which
loses its main leaves early in the season. The evils
resulting from neglect do not end there, for rarely in the
following season will growth buds issue from the base of
those shoots under the ordinary method of training and
pruning; hence the trees become bare in a few years and
show at a glance that they have not been under the
control of skilful cultivators.

To leave the trees until they become a mass of growing
shoots, and then remove large quantities at once, gives a
severe check, and not unfrequently ends in a large quan¬
tity of the fruit falling during the critical period of
stoning. The falling of stone fruit from trees on walls
may certainly be attributable to many causes, but none is
more prevalent than the one pointed out. If the trees
are checked by the removal of large quantities of foliage —
and it does not end thus fatally in all cases — the sudden
exposure of the young fruit to light is ample to bring
about the same disaster. Who has not observed the pre¬
mature ripening of fruit on a Gooseberry bush when the
leaves have been devoured by caterpillars ? Such evils as
I have pointed out can be avoided if the trees are examined
at once and a good number of shoots removed that will
not be required for furnishing the tree. This can be
repeated again in about a fortnight, or as soon as it
is perceived that the fruit is swelling. If disbudding is
done as soon as the shoots are lai’ge enough to be rubbed
off with the thumb and finger a greater number can be
removed at one time than it will be safe to cut away if
the trees have not been touched until the present time.
The longer this operation is left the greater the care
needed in the removal of the shoots for fear of checking
the trees and crop of young fruit. Tying and nailing the
summer shoots is a simple and easy process when all are
removed that are not wanted for furnishing the tree with
bearing wood. A judicious system of disbudding, stop¬
ping, and pinching during the spring and summer leaves
but little pruning to be done during the cold short days
of winter. Practically, only the wood that has carried
the fruit remains to be cut away, and even this is best
done directly the fruit has been gathered. Such treat¬
ment gives the trees every advantage, for light and air
can penetrate freely to every portion of their branches,
provided the main branches are thinly disposed. If the
roots are in fertile soil, and care and forethought be
exercised in regulating the shoots, fruit of fine quality can
be insured if the weather prove warm and genial.

The question may arise, What can be done early in the
season to pyramidal and bush-trained fruit trees in the
open quarters ? A little attention in rubbing away wood
growths that will not be wanted for furnishing the tree
will save considerable labour in cutting away useless wood
a few weeks hence. It can be done now without fear of
injury to the trees, but if left until tho trees become a
mass of shoots, then to be cut away, they are certain to
be seriously checked.

The shoots of Gooseberries and Currants may also be
pinched as soon as they have made 4 or 5 inches of growth.
This will insure the lower leaves remaining upon the trees
until autumn, and thus husband the resources of the tree
for the perfection of the crop of fruit and flower buds for
another year. Young vigorous trees if they are not
pinched make long gross shoots that must be cut away in
No.. 201 7.— Vol. LXXVI., Old Series.

412

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May *«, 1887.

autumn, but if stopped now they will produce two or three
shoots instead of the one of suitable wood for furnishing
the tree quickly and carrying a crop of fruit next season.
— Wm. Bardney.

BOSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 371.)

ROSES ALL THE YEAR ROUND.

I am not one of those who care much about having things out
of their proper season — house lamb at 5s. lb., salmon at ditto,
Strawberries at Is. an oz., Pears at half a guinea each, have no
charms for me ; and, applying the rule .to Roses, I fancy we think
all the more of them if we d.o not get them every day in the year.
Put those who desire this, and have the means, can get very near to
it in this way. From July onwards they can have Roses in the
open right up to the autumn frosts ; then a nice lot of Teas grown
on in pots for the purpose, plunged out in open beds in summer,
may be brought under glass, and being full of buds, will give
blooms up to and beyond Christmas, provided a proper temperature
can be had. Then comes a little break until the forced Roses come
into bloom ; when these come in the supply may be kept up until
July comes round again. The Teas above mentioned would require
to be put out about the end of May, and they should be placed on
ashes or other hard material, having the spaces between the pots
filled in with leaf mould or soil. They should be plunged over the
rim of the pots in this ; if leaf soil be used the time saved in
'watering will be considerable. Any buds that appear should be
removed until within about six weeks of the time it is proposed to
bring the plants under glass.

FORCING R03ES.

Let it be understood to start with, that all Roses intended to be
forced, or to be made to grow and bloom out of their natural
season, must be thoroughly established, and have the pots full of
roots, and the wood ripe. To attempt to force small plants freshly
potted, is to court defeat. Let it be understood, too, that if we
want plants to force, we must have a stock of them for that
purpose alone. The beginner must not imagine that after a pot
Rose has been blooming all the season out of doors, that it can be
taken indoors and made to keep on blooming all through the winter
and spring following. If a man were to work all day, and sit up
all night, for a few weeks, he would find at the finish that he would
require a good long sleep to recover himself— 30 it is with a plant,
and so in forcing a Rose it must have its four seasons, just as a
j)'ant grown in a natural way ; there must be a time for growing,
for flowering, for ripening, and for resting. The H.P. requires to
be attended to in this respect much more particularly than the Tea
-or Noisette, and for this reason these latter are much more suited
.for growing where we want a constant succession of bloom.

Supposing we buy a number of healthy plants in pots in May —
or select some from our own stock — we first look to the roots, and
repot those that we think will fill the new pots with roots during
the season of growth. Let them, then, be plunged out and grown
as outdoor plants, and encourage them to make all the growth
possible. About August they should have made some nice shoots.
They should now be taken up, and placed either in a cold house
or under a wall, or in some position where they will become fairly
dry at the root— withhold water, just giving enough to keep the
plants alive — they should be dried off gradually. In this way they
will ripen early in the season, and this will prepare them for early
blooming the following spring.

About Christmas they may be pruned, and in about three weeks
they may be brought into a little heat. There must not be any
great jump in the temperature ; begin with 5° above outside tem¬
perature, and increase 10° in about three weeks, and 10° more
during the following fortnight. A temperature of 60° is quite
enough early in the year, but the temperature must in all cases be
regulated to the growth. If the plants grow well and strong with
a high temperature, there is no harm being done, but if they come
weak and drawn, then the temperature must be kept down. The
night temperature should be 10° below the day, and the plants
must have all the light possible.

The watering of Roses and other plants in pots is one of the
most important points in the whole of their culture, and it is one
in which many beginners fail. It is impossible to lay down any
rule as to how often a certain number of plants will require water
each individual plant will have to be treated according to its
requirements. Plants with many leaves pp, and where the roots
fill the pots, will very quickly get dry, while, on the other hand,
those newly potted, or in cases where there are few roots or few
leaves, or where there is little or no growth going on, require

very little. In hot weather, where plants are in full growth under
glass, they may require watering twice a day. It is an infallible
sign that water is wanted when the young shoots and leaves of a
plant in full growth droop and look a! if withering, though this
often occurs when the sun is very hot, even when the soil is
thoroughly moist. When the leaves fall off, or turn yellow, it is a
sign that the roots are kept t&o moist.

The best and easiest way to ascertain the state of the roots is
to rap the side of the pot with the knuckles ; if the pots rings
clear and bell-like, water is required ; if it sound dull and heavy,
none is necessary. It may happen that when a plant has been in a
frame, or has been neglected at any time, the soil may be discovered
to be quite dry. The only way to thoroughly moisten the roots
when in this state, is to plunge the pot over head and ears into a
bucket of water for a few hours. This drying may go so far as
the plant apj earing to be quite de'xd, and the shoots shrivelled lip
like dry chips — the bucket will generally restore these apparently
dead ones to life again.

Another matter that often deceives beginners. We often read
instructions written to “ withhold water,” or “ water sparingly.”
This does not mean that we are to give a dribble or sprinkling now
and again ; but what is intended to be conveyed is, that at all times
when water is given, the soil should be made thoroughly moist, but
that this should not be done so often. In forcing Roses no air or
ventilation is necessary. A rise of 10° or 15° in temperature from
sun heat will do no harm ; but if air is to be given at all, it must be
by means of top ventilators, and then only about an inch should be
opened. The effect of opening wide the ventilators or side lights
may often be seen in an hour ; all the young shoots will be as white
as if dusted with flour, and once arrived at this stage, we may
conclude we are on the high road to failure. The floor of the
house should be kept moist, and the plants should be syringed
once, twice, or three times each day, so as to maintain a moist
growing temperature. As soon as the plants have any leaves on
them they should be looked over and disbudded where they require
it. From this stage forward they should be syringed at least twice
each day— but beware of too much damp, and hold your hand in
wet weather — and to prevent mildew and insects, and to keep the
plants healthy, a little softsoap should be added to the water. It
should be added at the rate of j- oz. to each gallon of water, and
the best plan is to dissolve half a pound of the soap in boiling
water, and then to bottle if off, putting a little into the watering
can as required. Some people recommend that the water used for
syringing should be warm — all I can say is, that I always use it
cold, and I never noticed any bad effects from it.

As soon as we see a single green fly on the plants we must
fumigate with tobacco paper. A proper fumigator costs, for a
small house, about 5s., and will soon save itself in tobacco paper
alone, as compared to a flower pot used in place of it, and which
never gives satisfaction. I never have any mildew under glass, and
very little outside, but the first spot that is seen is the signal for
having all the pipes daubed with sulphur made into a paste and put
on with a brush. The better plan is not to wait for the mildew to
appear, it is pretty sure to come, but to dress the pipes with the
sulphur about once a fortnight, on the system that “ prevention is
better than cure." Caterpillars will be found active on forced
Roses, these must be removed by hand.

As the plants make shoots these must be staked and tied, as
advised before. Climbers should be trained horizontally, so that
all the buds may break. Where they are attached to wires they
should be tied so that the bark does not touch the wires. I have
seen shoots cut half through by this means, and with Marechal Niel
this generally ends in canker. As the leaves become larger and
more numerous, water will be required in greater quantity. At
this stage soot water is very beneficial. The best way to make it is
to put a cotton bag containing about 6 or 7 lbs. of soot into thirty
gallons of water. The bag may be squeezed occasionally. As soon
as the buds are formed, weak manure water may be given about
three times a week. This is best made with fresh horse-droppings
or cow manure, and should not be darker in colour than pale ale.
When the first growths of Tea Roses come blind, the shoots should
be tied down horizontally, and if kept growing, the buds will
quickly break again, and generally speaking each little shoot will
carry a flower. If gross shoots appear while the plant is well
furnished with good young wood, they should be at once removed,
but these gross shoots often carry a number of magnificent
blooms.

After the plants have flowered the H.P.’s should be gradually
hardened off, either by the reduction of the temperature or
removal to another house, and eventually plunged outside, when
they will make a summer growth. Before being plunged they
should all be repotted, or this may be done directly after flowering,
this latter plan giving the plants a start in the new soil. About the
beginning of August they should be again taken up and treated as

M»7 I«, 1887 . ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

413

before described. The Teas may be treated differently. These
may be kept going under glass until J une, and will give a quantity
of beautiful flowers. After this date, they too, should go outside,
and be treated as advised for the H.P.’s. It is not a bad plan to
have our benches constructed so that the pots may be covered with
leaf mould. This does away with a lot of trouble in watering.
Among the H.P.’s the full-flowered varieties are the best for
forcing, while all the Teas may be used for the purpose. Where
our Tea Roses are planted out under glass we must ripen the wood
by throwing open all the ventilators and doors, and withholding
water from the borders.

GENERAL TREATMENT OF ROSES IN TOTS.

Here the same directions as given for “ forcing ” may be
followed to a great extent. In a cold house Roses can generally
be got to bloom fully six weeks earlier than those in the open.
Where we have no heat the atmosphere must be carefully watched.
Here we have no means of drying the house if we make it too
damp. If this happens, and is followed by constant wet weather,
the beginner may have a chance of knowing what “ damping off ”
means.

When Roses are grown under glass to bloom at the natural
season, air may be given at all times, but draughts from side lights
should be avoided. The house may be closed early, say 2.30, to
bottle up the sun heat, which will assist to bring out the flowers
earlier. Bearing in mind the above remarks, the floors may be
damped and the plants syringed in fine weather. The same
insects, &c., wdl attack these Roses as those which are forced.
Mildew is the most to be feared Once this gets a firm hold in a
cold house, nothing can cure it, but if the softsoap treatment be
commenced and persevered in, I think it will prevent its appear¬
ance. Dusting dry sulphur on the leaves is recommended, and also
an application of sulphide of potassium. The latter is a solution,
and may be syringed or sprayed on. The after treatment of these
Roses should be similar to what is advised for the forced Roses,
except that they will ripen naturally, just as our plants in the
open do.

Sunshine will not hurt Roses under glass, but when in bloom
they will last longer if some kind of shading be adopted ; summer
cloud may be applied to the glass, or thin whitewash put on with
the syringe, or thin canvas or scrim may be used.

In writing of potting, I omitted to say that clean pots should
always be used. Old pots can be easily cleaned with a hard brush
and a little water. Pots should not be used when they are wet.

One word further about mildew. I am told, and I believe it,
that I owe my immunity from this, to some extent, to my open
and sunny position ; and further, that some growers of Roses, who
stand very near the top of the tree, in consequence of the position
of their gardens and houses, are, do all they can, unable to cope
with it. — D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

VINE JOTTINGS.

Very seasonable advice has been given in two well written
articles by Mr. W. Iggulden, and now while I am busy with my
Yine work I would like to append a few notes. Fiist a line on
stopping and tying. I suppose no two men agree to any prescribed
rule for the the first operation. I vary my practice according to
the growth of different varieties, but generally stop at one or two
leaves above the bunch ; however, in strong breaks, to encourage
the weaker laterals, I stop at one leaf, then to cover a space have
several times allowed three leaves above the bunches. The eye is
the best judge of what to do, especially when you know the
peculiarities of each Yine. Lose no time in stopping, not waiting
for the whole of the growths on a rod to elongate, but top them
just as they are ready. I firmly believe this is a great help to
uniform growth. Always use the finger and thumb, and no knife
at any season of their growth, but scissors are used sometimes for
convenience. When the Vines are not less than 15 inches from the
glass do not be in a hurry to tie out the laterals, and make sure of
the main rod being firm. It is also very important, to my mind,
that all sub-laterals be stopped, giving them one leaf. Make a
special effort to do all pinching and stopping before Vines come
into flower. By carefully staying the laterals with loose ties until
they are ready for flowering there is but little risk in getting
shoots into position, but of course even then care is necessary.
Buckland Sweetwater, a strong grower here, is the most brittle, so
I leave the final tying down till the Vines have set their fruit. Re¬
verting again to stopping, I find that most of my Vines have been
stopped twice before coming into bloom ; sub-laterals also above
the bunches. Those below are never so strong, once pinching
generally sufficing for these.

Aim at having strong laterals with good foliage ; for this room
is required. Great mistakes are made by leaving two or more
laterals at a spur. It is true I have two in some cases, but they
are for covering purposes. I like to see bold foliage standing clear
of the Grapes. This, while giving plenty of shade, is far prefer¬
able to a thicket of crowded leaves. Having personally to attend
to some 570 feet of vineries, representing nearly 200 Vines (all
late), I know that it is easier to write this than to do it ; yet with
thought and system, theory can be brought into practice. I con¬
sider the wild growth of Vines in their early stages is against good
Grape growing, as I believe that very few new roots are made
before the flowering time ; therefore I think the less growth the
Vines have to support till then the better ; besides, by close and
early pinching we increase the size of the leaves. In tying keep
the points of the laterals from touching the glass ; then, provided
these have a cross or back tie to hold them until ready to open the
flowers, no harm will be done. I like to have them in position then
for fear of damage in setting.

This reminds me of the very great benefits accruing from
setting Grapes. Having satisfied myself on this point I now
assist all, even Black Hamburghs. I have proof from past ex
periences that setting is not all that is required to produce perfect
Grapes. This is, however, a step in the right direction. A very
high strong north wind one day compelled us to fasten the
ventilators down ; and there not being any sun the fire was in¬
creased. At noon my son found that ventilation was a necessity, for
the flowers refused to expand, very few “ caps ” falling. I thought
with an increase of temperature we should have had a correspond¬
ing number of flowers open Has anyone noted how the “ caps ”
adhere on the Buckland Sweetwater ? the hand being needed to re¬
move them.

So much for stopping, tying, and setting ; now a few lines on
feeding. When is it best to feed a Vine ? Water can be given at
all times to advantage, even in winter. Of this I have very
pleasing evidences, the water and a little fire in their dormant
state doing wonders. Do the Vines before new roots are made
derive full or any benefit from early feeding ? I say not, and
make the assertion not without much thought. AVith an ordinary
top-dressing of the usual compost and a slight top-dressing of
manure to save water, nothing further will be required till after
Grapes are set.

I have been puzzled the last few cold mornings to know the
meaning of Lady Downe’s leaves being covered with dewdrops,
while in the same house is growing Gros Maroc, Alicante, and
Alnwick Seedling, and have come to the conclusion the low 60°
temperature is the cause. The other varieties being dry under the
same conditions shows very plainly which are the hardier. Another
house with Lady Downe’s and Alicante, owing to a higher tempera¬
ture, is very different. I am not aware that Grapes grown in the
latter house will keep better. I know they were the last — this
time to be sold — but this was more because the bunches were small.
Still, I am inclined to believe that Lady Downe’s after starting
likes more fire than is generally given to it. also more ventilation. —
Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

POTATO DEGENERATION.

Our friend “Thinker” accuses me of being illogical, and as he
seems capable of almost proving black to be white, it is quite a
waste of space for me to attempt to deny the “ soft impeachment.” At
the same time I must still contend that the deterioration of the Potato is
principally traceable to careless cultivation, being therefore not so much
the fault of any inherent weakness as Mr. Murphy would suggest, but
rather more due to causes over which we have some control. This is
plainly borne out by “ Thinker’s ” arguments, and if anyone is illogical
in the matter it is he. If by degeneration we are to understand that a
positive decay has set in, then I still assert it has not yet taken plaee ; but
if it is meant that it is only a temporary and remediable decay, and
that is all I admit, illogical is not applicable to me, in this case at any
rate.

Scotch Champion was as good with us last jear as it has been, and
was the favourite in the dining-room. It improves, in fact, as at one
time the quality deteriorated when the tubers were kept much after
December, but this year they were good in April, and no doubt would
have remained good for some time longer. This, then, is not generally a
weakling, nor never will be. AVe will drop the Ashleafs, as these seem “too
much” for my deep-thinking opponent, and take up his “much-prized”
Flukes. Fortunately I am old enough to be able to write upon these,
though, in all probability, Mr. “ Thinker” fancies he has defeated
me this time. This Fluke, about a quarter of a century ago, was
of the greatest value for baking purposes, in fact no other sort then
and since cultivated was at all equal to it in that respect, and it also
kept and boiled splendidly. But what about its one great weakness —
viz., extreme liability to disease ? I have seen cartloads of the grandest
tubers of this variety all very badly diseased, the whole crop really
succumbing. Does “ Thinker ” maintain that a stock thus naturally

414

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 26, 1887.

weak would ever thoroughly recover? or is tlie disease so unlike all other
diseases, whether fungoid or otherwise, only temporary in its.effect ? If
my theory is wrong, and “ A Thinker's ” right, how comes it that neither
the latter nor his friend, “ a first-rate Potato grower,” tried the experi¬
ment of growing a quantity of seed Potatoes either in rough frames or
on a warm border ? The latest Potato in cultivation can, with a little
extra trouble, be induced to mature early on a warm border. Here
they should assimilate and secrete the food gathered from the earth,”
anil be either at once or gradually restored to their pristine vigour.
They might, however, restore them to a profitable state, but never make
them disease-resisting, and consequently such an unreliable sort must
go out of cultivation. I should be glad to have a few tubers of the true
old Fluke to experiment with, but where are they to be obtained ?

As some readers are aware, I delight in upsetting time-honoured
“ fads,” and those. who will take the trouble to refer to my former notes
on the degeneracy of the Potato will find I am well supported, this time
by “ A Thinker,” even to the extent that change of seed is by no means
generally to be recommended, yet I am privately told I must be mad to
deny the efficacy of such a change under any conditions. For several
years past I have been favoured with samples of quite new sorts of
Potatoes for trial, in eluding many of Messrs. Sutton’s valuable novelties,
but I have always taken care to point out that the first year’s crops
were no criterion of their worth, for the simple reason that I always met
with greater success with seed of my own saving. Perhaps if I had unduly
coddled them we might have lifted much larger crops ; but with all due
respect to those who think and act differently I venture to say the new
sorts, to be fairly tried, ought to rough it with the rest. It is this
favouritism shown to bought or exchanged seed that has had something
to do with encouraging the idea that a change is so very profitable.
Those that get the best positions as well as the best worked and most
freely manured ground should yield the heaviest crops ; do not, there¬
fore, give all the credit to the change of seed.

The temporary deterioration of a Potato being traceable to the
weakening of the sets from premature sprouting, disease, or other causes,
it, I think, naturally follows that success with a change of seed is
attributable to either better stored or healthy sets, or what is also
probable enough, to the sets containing a greater amount of starch. It
must, however, be remembered that all the tubers do is to form stout
sprouts, the latter soon becoming independent. In reality I believe the
haulm keeps the old tubers plump and does not derive any further
benefit from then). At any rate some of the best crops of Potatoes I
have yet lifted were from sprouts rooted apart from even a portion of
old tuber. I believe it was a German idea, which originated in a time of
scarcity, to plant the sprouts and eat the tubers, and is by no means an
impracticable one. The question arises, If the imported or changed sets
contain material for building up stronger sprouts than may seed raised
on the home ground, is it not possible to repair this deficiency in the
latter and thereby avoid the trouble and expense of changing seed ?
Where are the heaviest and in all other respects best crops of Potatoes
obtained ? I answer in newly broken up pasture land. It is the virgin
soils both here and in America that grow the finest crops, but they will
not continue to do so without restoring to the lands the food exhausted
by previous crops. It is to the neglect of this precaution that I partly
attribute the temporary deterioration of the Potato ; and if instead of
sending hundreds of miles for fresh seed, or even of purchasing it nearer
home, the same amount or less was expended on some kind of artificial
.manure, the crops of Potatoes would be materially increased, and, what is
■of importance, successional crops, whether these be cereals, roots, or any
member of the Brassica tribe, will also derive much benefit from these
comparatively light dressings of manure. Farmers use artificials and
lime much more freely than gardeners, yet it is the overcropped humus-
abounding garden soil that stands in the greater need of it. Anybody’s
special Potato manure, bone manure, superphosphates, sulphate of
ammonia and kainit, guano and soot, may each and all be yet advan¬
tageously applied to the breadths of Potatoes, being merely dusted be¬
tween the rows and hacked or hoed in prior to a rainfall or moulding
up, this being a sure method of preventing the deterioration of all but
the non-disease-resisters.

According to “ A Thinker ” it is of the greatest importance that the
• sets be properly matured, and I am afraid therefore he will not have
much respect for the late Mr. M'Intosh’s teaching. Much of the latter’s
writing1 has evidently been largely drawn on by authors now living, and
on the whole he may safely be termed a good authority at the present
date. He held or recorded a very queer opinion, however, as to what
constituted a good seed tuber, and as “ A Thinker ” favours me occa¬
sionally I may by way of return give a quotation that may be said to
indirectly corroborate his theories. In MGntosli’s “ Practical Gardener,”
published in 1829, the following occurs “ In Denbighshire we call the
hilly or unripe Potato, the wet Potatoes, and those from the rich soils
and warm situations, where they ripen perfectly, we call the dry
Potatoes, although exactly the same varieties ; the wet or unripe are
reckoned the best for seed and the dry for food. The Potato tuber is a
perfectly organised system, in which the circulation regularly proceeds,
and if suffered to ripen will then tend to decay ; but if separated before
ripe from the stem or stalk, which furnishes it with blood or fruit sap
descending from the leaves, the circulation of the blood sap is suddenly
arrested.”

“ The ripe Potato, having performed all its operations, becomes more
inert, but the circulation of the sap in the unripe tuber having been
stopped, it starts more readily and with greater vigour when planted ;
the one seems to die, worn out with ago, the other seems accidentally to

have fallen asleep, and when awakened possesses an unspent vigour and
energy. Placing the Potatoes upon the gravel, or in the sun, or any dry
but not a grass walk, has the effect of stopping the circulation in the
tuber, in which Nature has provided resources to carry it on to an
extraordinary degree, unless so stopped.”

If this was the system generally in vogue fifty years ago, which 1
question, it may have led to the deterioration of the varieties cultivated,
and as we were supposed to have hotter summers in those good old days,
the crops were more often quite as “ dry ” as “ A Thinker could wish
to have them, and I do not believe their deterioration can be attributed
to the planting of either “ wet ” or “dry ” sets.. ,

In support of my previously expressed opinion that the ground is the
best place for keeping seed Potatoes 1 may mention that the old Ashleaf
lifted early, stored in a light and cool place, and planted on a warm
border early in March, are now 12 inches high. Others lifted late in
December, and planted early in April, are 6 inches high, while some lett
in a warm border all the winter are only just above the surface, the
“ weakling” Champion with us matures early, and if lifted sprouts much
too early, but is quite late enough when left in the ground.
W. IGGULDEN.

FLORISTS’ FLOWERS IN MAY.

The season has been an unusually late one, and in many respects
very trying. Even now (May 14th) we are experiencing what is called in
these parts (East Kent) “ the Blackthorn winter,” which means a cold,
bleak, northerly wind ; and although the Blackthorn is late this year,
yet it has not failed to bring with it its wintry companion, hence all
florists’ flowers arc late, and many operations connected with them will
be late also, for however rigid we may make our rules with regard to
them we cannot regulate the weather. -

Auriculas. — In ordinary seasons these would have been out of
flower and placed in their summer quarters previous to repotting, but a
large number of mine are still in flower, and they will have to remain
for a little while longer in their present quarters before that operation
is performed. As I have already stated, I have not top-dressed mine this
spring, and I never had better plants or finer flowers. The cool weather
has done one thing, at any rate — it has kept them in flower for a long
time, and so given us more enjoyment of them. Before the end of the
month, however, they will have gone out of flower, and as I do not save
seed I shall have no occasion to keep them any longer in their winter
quarters. A place should be prepared for them under a north wall or
hedge, and the frames removed there. The compost should be ready for
potting, and should consist of good fibrous loam three parts, decayed cow
manure one part, leaf mould and powdered charcoal one part, and a
small quantity of road grit or sharp sand. This should all be well
mixed together and well chopped up, but on no account to be passed
through a sieve. In potting take care that the pots are perfectly clean.
Place an oystershell or flat piece of broken pot over the hole,, then a
good handful of broken pots, on top of this some of the coarser pieces, of
loam in the compost, then fill up the pots about two-thirds. Examine
the plants before repotting, cut off any moderate length of tap root, ex¬
amine the collar well to see if there are any woolly aphis about it, and
if detected first brush it off, and then wash the plants in clear water. In
brushing it off take care that it is done away from the potting place, as
they are by their woolly covering easily carried about. Place the plant
in the pot with the roots distributed evenly all round, then fill up with
the compost, potting firmly, and leaving some of the finest of it for the
top ; then water gently, and place them in a close frame for a few days,
after that let them have all the air possible, and water regularly. Take
off the large outer leaves as they decay, but not before, and. leave them
in their summer quarters. I should have said that previous to this
operation the pot or frame. should be fumigated so as to get rid of any
green fly that may be about the plants.

Carnations and Picotees. — I have again returned to growing
these in pots, as I suffered very much from the last two winters when I
grew them in beds. After they were potted they were placed under
cover, just simply sashes, where I bloom some of my Chrysanthemums.
As this is open all round they get plenty of air, while they are protected
from the rain, snow, and high winds. Some are now spindling i.c., the
flower stems are lengthening ; these will require to be tied up and the
pots kept clear of weeds ; watering of course must be attended to, as
they do not receive any rain. ' Where they have been up to this time in
a house the pots will now require to be placed out of doors. ; but as my
plan gives me all the advantage of protection without in any way
drawing up, they will probably remain where they are. Should aphides
appear they should be at once got rid of by brushing them off.

Gladioli. — Mine are showing very strongly ; they will not require
during this month any special culture. The hoe should be run
between the rows, anil the weeds in the rows taken out with the hand,
as it is somewhat dangerous to use the hoe between the plants.

Pansies in Pots. — I am more than ever convinced that for the
south of England this is the only way to cultivate them, and mine are
now in their full beauty. • Show Tansies have been very much elbowed
out of the way by the wonderfully coloured Fancy flowers, which are so
large, showy and effective in colour, and perfect in shape, while being of
more robust habit, they do not go off in the same way as the Show
varieties are apt to do. It will be well now when any small shoot8
appear sufficiently strong for the purpose to take them off and place
them round the sides of a pot in a cold frame, as they will at this time
root easily. It is of no use taking strong pithy growth, as this will

May 26, 1887. ]

415

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

never strike. The difficulty that we experience with them in the south
is their care during the summer ; and this is where the Scotch growers
have the advantage in their cooler and moister seasons ; and yet few
grow them better than Mr. Hooper of Hath, anil his situation and soil are
dry and warm enough for anything, so that there is some way of over¬
coming this difficulty. One great advantage of growing them in pots is
that you are not annoyed by having your best blooms eaten off by snails
and slugs. Another is that you have no need to stoop to admire the
flowers, and this is an advantage which l daily more and more
appreciate.

. Ranunculus.— This has been a very trying season for them,
rejoicing as they do in moisture, and objecting very much to the cold, dry,
searching winds that we have been exposed to for some time. My beds
show a lack of vigour which is very distressing ; the plants are there,
but they do not cover the ground as they ought to do. When there is
no danger of frost the beds may be well watered, but it is best to do
this below the rows and not to wet the foliage. This very beautiful flower
ought to be more grown than it is. I do not think anything can be
more lovely than a well-grown bed ; the colours are so varied and the
form so symmetrical that they arc always sure to please, and now that
the Dutch growers, especially Ant Roozen, are giving more attention to
them, we may hope that all inferior varieties will be weeded out and
only good ones retained.

1 Tulips. — I can say but little of these, as my experience is very
limited ; they are, however, late, as everything is this year, and it is
not likely, 1 fancy, that they will be as good as usual this season. —

D., Dea\

LIQUID MANURE FOR FERNS.

Almost all stove and greenhouse Ferns are much benefited by being
watered once a week with liquid manure, but no plant should be watered
with it that has not its pot filled with roots. When it is desired to have
large plants in small jiots, and these are often desired for room anti table
decoration, nothing will benefit them so much as liquid manure, but
terns which were potted recently, and have yet much of their new soil
to take possession of, do not require it ; in fact it will do them more harm
than good. Ferns, however, which were potted last year, and have not
undergone that operation this season, will be greatly benefited by it, and
we have given such plants a supply twice weekly with advantage. We
have tried various kinds of manure, but none of them have had such
good effect as that from cow or horse droppings. Artificial manures,
although excellent for some plants, are rather hot for Ferns, but the
liquid from the droppings is cool and refreshing. As to the strength to
apply it, that depends entirely on the condition of the plant. Robust
plants with many roots in an active state may be supplied with it
stronger than weaker plants, or those inclined to be sickly, but we
generally give it diluted with half the quantity of clear water. — M.

rating market gardens.

In the Court of Appeal on Thursday, the 19th inst., before the
Master of the Rolls, Lord Justice Fry, and Lord Justice Lopes, the case
of Purser r. the Worthing Local Board came on for hearing. This case,
to which we have previously referred, raised the question whether glass
houses and greenhouses, in which fruit, flowers, and vegetables are grown
in the way of a man’s trade for market, are to be assessed at their full
net annual value, or only at one-fourth thereof under sec. 211, sub-sec.
1 (i) of the Public Health Act, 1875, which provides, inter aha, that
“ the occupier of land used as market gardens or nursery grounds shall
be assessed in respect of the same in the proportion of one-fourth part
only of the net annual value thereof.” George Purser was a grower of
fruit, vegetables, and flowers, carrying on business at Worthing, and
describing himself as a “ market gardener and nurseryman,” and he
occupied a piece of land about la. lr. in extent, upon which were
sixteen glass houses or greenhouses of various sizes, substantially built,
and used by him for the purpose of growing Tomatoes, Cucumbers,
Grapes, flowers, &c., in the course of his business. The Local Board
rated him in respect of the glass houses or greenhouses on their full net
annual value. The Divisional Court (Mr. Justice Day and Mr. Justice
Wills) held that the land covered with glass was a “ market garden ”
within sec. 211, sub-sec. 1 (i) of the Public Health Act, 1875, and the
occupier was only liable to be rated at one-fourth of the full net annual
value. The defendants appealed.

Mr. Lumley Smith, Q.C., and Mr. English Harrison, for the de¬
fendants, contended that the glass houses, which were substantially
built, with brick walls let into the ground, ought to be rated as
buildings at their full net annual value, and were only adjuncts to and
not part of the market garden. They cited ‘‘South Wales Railway
Company r. Swansea Local Board” (4 E. and B., 189), and “Newport
Docks Company r. Newport Board of Health ” (2 B. and S.. 708).

Mr. Charles, Q.C., and Mr. A. Glen (Mr. Forrest Fulton with them),
were not called upon.

The Court yesterday dismissed the appeal.

The Master of the Rolls said that the case was a clcir'one. This
land was not used as a pleasure garden, but as a market garden. It was
used for the purpose of utilising the soil to grow vegetables and other
things which the market gardener sold in the way of his business. Was
it the less “ land used a market garden ” because it was covered with
glass f Certainly not. That in reality was the whole case. The Lords
Justices concurred.

ORCHIDS AT MESSRS. J. VEITCH Sc SONS, CHELSEA.

The large Cattleya house in Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ Nursery, King’s
Road, Chelsea, of which we gave an illustration a year or two since, now
contains a magnificent display of Laslias and Cattleyas such as is worth
a long journey to see. Earlier in the season there was a charming exhi¬
bition of Cattleya Triame varieties, with the fragrant C. citrina and
others; but a most beautiful succession is afforded byLmlia purpurata, of
which there is a large number of plants and some superb varieties. This
Lidia is one of the finest Orchids grown, and when massed as it is ab
Chelsea it produces a grand effect that can scarcely be excelled or even
equalledi by any of its relatives. Some idea can be formed of the ap¬
pearance of this house when it is stated that between 500 and 600
flowers of L:clia purpurata are fully expanded with others to come, the
pure white sepals and petals contrasting delightfully with the rich
purplish crimson lips and the dark green foliage. The house and Messrs.
J. Veitch’s system of culture evidently suit these plants admirably; the r

Fig. 72. — Odontoglossum Edwardi.

growths are strong and well matured, the flowers large and well
developed, and the colours pure or rich — they constitute indeed a floral
bank such as could scarcely be seen elsewhere. Cattleya Skinneri is
represented, a number of freely flowered specimens, several having
forty to fifty fine rosy crimson flowers each. C. Mossise, C. Mendeli, and
C. Acldandiic contribute to the general effect, while of Lidias there
are scores of the pretty L. elegans and the bright orange scarlet L. cin-
nabarina, which form an important portion of the show. Several plants
of the interesting Cow Horn Orchid, Schomburgkia tibicinis, are flowering,
the scapes being 5 or 6 feet long, bearing twenty or thirty flowers each, of
a curious purplish colour and a neatly veined lip. The hollow conical
pseudo-bulbs are of great size and constitute the favourite haunts of
ants where the plants are found in a wild state. Were this house the
only one to be seen at Chelsea the nursery would be well worth a visit,
but attractions innumerable are found in all the structures devoted to
Orchids and other plants.

Cypripediums have a house appropriated to them, and a capital re¬
presentative collection is now in flower, comprising many of the finest
species, varieties, and hybrids, the latter of which have mostly originated

416

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 26, 1887.

in the nursery. Very notable are the handsome C. Schroederse,
selligerum majus, ciliolare, barbatum Warneri, Lawrencianum caudatum,
Morganine, grande, Veitchi, Druryi, Hooker®, superciliare, Stonei, and
Schlimi album, some of which are represented by large specimens, and
all by healthy vigorous plants flowering freely. Other houses in the
same range contain Dendrobiums in variety, the gold and white
D. thyrsiflorum being very handsome, bearing long racemes of large
flowers. The white and orange D. Jamesianum, the delicately elegant
L). Devonianum, the rich yellow 1). clirysotoxum, the distinct and pretty
D. tortile, and the old useful favourite D. nobile are all in excellent con¬
dition, but the last named has been remarkably beautiful, large bush¬
like plants having masses of flowers, the varieties some of the best we
have seen, suggestive in the richness of colouring of the celebrated
D. nobile nobilius. Following this are the houses appropriated to
Aerides, Vandas, Coelogynes, &c., one specimen of A. expansum Leonias
being of a very remarkable character, a huge vigorous plant scrambling
naturally over an old tree stump, and bearing twenty-four spikes of
thirty to forty flowers each. This fine Orchid is not very generally
known in gardens, its relative A. falcatum or Larpentfe being more
frequently seen, but the species itself is very handsome, while the
variety which first flowered in an Italiau collection is superior to many
of the family usually cultivated, the flowers being large and of a delicate
ro;y blush tint. Aerides curvifolium is also in good condition, together
with Vanda Parishi Marriottiana, Coelogynes Massangeana, tomentosa,
and Dayana with their long drooping spikes, Trichopilias, Phalaenopsis
grandiflora, Odontoglossum vexillarium and Roezli, the floriferous
white Aerantlius Leonis, the large-leaved Dendrochilum latifolium, the
wax-like beautiful Epidendrum bicornutum, and the white Cypripedium
niveum render the houses very attractive. Lycastes, Phalaenopses,
Calanthes, and other important genera of Orchids are represented by
houses of excellent plants.

A profusion of flowers has rendered the cool house gay for some
months, and almost every week there appears to be an increase in the
number of attractions. Odontoglossum crispum in many varieties re¬
markable for their beautiful shape, broad petals and sepals, either pure
white or heavily spotted ; 0. Pcscatorei, similarly varying from the
superbly spotted 0. Pescatorei Veitchi, which was a representative
recently in the collection, to the pure white forms ; O. gloriosum,

O. cirrhosum, O. luteo-purpureum, 0. Cervantesi decorum, 0. Rossi
majus, 0. Halli, O. constrictum, with many others, are flowering
strongly, while with them are associated numerous plants of Oncidium
Marshallianum, the clear yellow Oncidium concolor, and the bright
orange-red Epidendrum vitellinum majus is employed with good effect.
Very notable for its distinct colour is Odontoglossum Edwardi, which
has now been in flower for two or three months, and has attracted much
attention. Of this Orchid, which is destined to become very popular,

nrs. J. Veitch have an uncommonly fine variety (fig. 72. page 415),
,/.,h flowers much larger than in the ordinary type, and of a rich
purplish lilac hue, contrasting capitally with the white forms of 0.
crispum. The flowers are borne in very large panicles, last a surprising
time in perfect condition, and are agreeably fragrant.

In one of the houses devoted to seedling Orchids a most interesting
hybrid Phakenopsis flowered last week, showing in a remarkable manner
the characters of both parents. It was obtained from a cross between

P. grandiflora and P. violacea, the former being the seed parent, and
the seed was sown in January, 1882, this season being the first in which
it has flowered. The leaves are plain green, much resembling P. gran¬
diflora, while the flower is more like an enlarged P. violacea, and it
might be not inappropriately termed P. violacea grandiflora. The
flower is nearly 3 inches in diameter, the petals about three-quarter-inch
across, ovate, pale creamy white, stained with purple at the base, the
sepals being similar in colour and size, but rather more acute in form.
The tip has relatively large purplish-crimson wings, and a prolonged
acute centre of a purple hue. It is a neat and attractive flower, and
or.e of the most interesting of the few hybrid Phalasnopses yet ob¬
tained.

In other houses there are hosts of flowering plants, including all the
usual greenhouse and conservatory plants. Antliurium Schertzerianum
is wonderfully tine, as also are the Gloxinias, while Ferns, Nepenthes,
and miscellaneous fine-foliage plants are in their customary vigorous
health.

OPHRYS PR0VINCIALI3.

Hardy Orchids, with the exception of one or two Cypripediums and
Orchises, do not receive much attention in gardens, chiefly perhaps
because they are rather difficult to grow satisfactorily, but there are
several that might well be included in collections of hardy plants. One
that was sent to me from France under the name of Ophrys provincialis
is now flowering beautifully in a sheltered position, its clear yellow
flowers being very pretty, and forming a compact spike 3 or 4 inches
long. This ought to be more generally known, but I am not quite sure
if the name is a correct one, as I have not been able to trace it. In
Godron’s “ Flore de France,” a species is described under the name of
Ophrys lutea from the south of France, which seems to correspond in
some points with that I have as O. provincialis. Perhaps some of your
readers may be able to clear up this matter for me. I see that 0. lutea
is included in some of the trade lists, but I have never seen the plant
itself unless mine be that. — H. H. M.

MR. G. F. WILSON’S ORCHIDS.

Visitors to Heatherbank, Weybridge, or to the meetings of the
Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, have occasionally seen

some of the Orchids which Mr. G. F. Wilson grows so well. The flower
or plants shown have always been remarkable for their vigorous health,
and like the hardy plant treasures at Heatherbank they seem to find the
atmospheric or other conditions very satisfactory. It is now announced
that owing to the large and increasing collections of hardy plants occu-
pvingso much of his attention, Mr. Wilson has offered his Orchids for
sale at Stevens’ Rooms, the date fixed being June 2nd, instead of May
25th as stated last week.

CULTURE OF DENDROBIUMS.

I find that Dorid robes grow well on cork and suspended from the
roof. I will describe how I do it. First find a piece of cork a suitable
size, place it into boiling water to kill all woodlice or other vermin, then
find two other pieces of thin cork, which are also placed into the hot
water. There is a kind of moss that grows on the north side of tiled
houses which I find superior to ordinary sphagnum. Place several
pieces of this moss on the face of the cork, the Dendrobe on this moss,
and apply the two thin pieces of cork on each side of the moss, fasten¬
ing the whole by passing a ligature of copper wire round, and secure the
Dendrobium with the wire. The moss starts growing when moistened,
and retains the moisture well. I never water my plants thus treated
above three times a week in the hot weather when the plants are making
their growth, and when they arc at rest only once a week— if., in the
winter. Most of the Dendrobiums do well under this treatment.

Another plan I find beneficial with the Dendrobiums that have small
fibry roots, such as Dendrobium pulchellum and those with drooping
pseudo-bulbs. I simply fasten these on to a piece of old cocoa-nut fibre
mat, the piece of matting being fastened to a piece of cork as before,
but without the side pieces of cork. Some of the Oncidiums do well
under this treatment. If any readers will try my plan with some of
the Dendrobiums they find difficult to grow I think they will be pleased
with the results. Dendrobium heterocarpum, a plant that some cannot
grow for long, succeeds well on the cocoa-nut mat (an old door mat I
use). Vandas, Saccolabiums, Aerides, all grow and flower well with my
moss-and-cork treatment. Another grand thing in my mode of treat¬
ment is that they do not want continual syringing. I immerse the plants
in the tank, if not in bloom. — Spero, Daventnj.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

The following are the principal Shows to be held in June of which
we have received particulars, and we shall be glad to have
schedules of any Societies not included. Mr. E. Mawley has promised
us a revised list of Rose Shows, that will shortly be published.

June 9th. South Essex, Leytonstone.

June 14th. Royal Horticultural Society. Committee Meeting.

June 15th. Royal Botanic Society, Regent’s Park. Second Summer
Show.

June 21st to 24th. Leeds.

June 23rd and 24th. Bury St. Edmunds.

June 28th. Royal Horticultural Society. Committee Meeting.

June 29th. Richmond and Croydon.

June 30th. East Gloucestershire (Roses).

WORSLEY HALL GARDENS.

While at Manchester some time since I visited these famous gardens,
and saw much to admire. Worsley is only a few miles from Manchester.
The Hall is a large handsome building in the ornamental Gothic style,
its terraces and the beautiful design of the flower beds will always be
kept in memory as forming one of the finest flower gardens in the
country. Near the terrace gardens there is a large ornamental piece of
water which is crowded with waterfowl, its banks planted with shrubs
forming a pleasing picture. From the above point of view can be
seen the famous Chat Moss, which is about 100 feet deep, and used to
be at one time a mass of living sphagnum, but Mr. Upjohn tells me it is
now almost dead, which he attributes to the smoke and fumes of
Manchester. Passing from the Hall we noticed a great number of
Rhododendrons which thrive in every conceivable position, being one of
the few shrubs that will grow at Worsley. The Ash also flourishes, and
also does the Oak, as may be judged from the growth of a young Oak
which was planted by the Princess Royal during a visit she paid to
Worsley. The kitchen garden contains the fruit houses, which are the
chief attraction, for here we sec the results of Mr. Upjohn’s skill and
energy in their best forms. Before entering the long range of vineries and
Peach house we passed through a useful plant house, where Crotons and
Dracaenas were remarkable for luxuriant growth, and were to be used
as table plants. A stove near this is used for Pine suckers, and the prin¬
cipal varieties grown are Queens, Charlotte Rothschild, Smooth Cayenne,
and Black Jamaica. The suckers were plunged in charcoal refuse,
which has also been found useful for striking cuttings in. After admir¬
ing the healthy appearance of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury Straw¬
berries we passed to the Fig house, which was filled with large trees ot
Osborne’s Prolific, Negro Largo, Brown Turkey, and Ischia Figs, giving
every appearance of bearing a heavy crop. The early vinery is a hip-
roofed structure, and although the Vines were very old they had broken
very strongly indeed, and were showing some remarkably fine bunches.

The next house is planted with Muscats and Madresfield Court Vines,
and although these Vines were young they had ripened remarkably fine
wood. The range of fruit houses Is over 300 feet in length. In the
early Peach house was a remarkably fine crop of fruit. The names

*U7 M, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

417

rf .some of these healthy-looking trees were Hales’ Early, Bellegardc
Lord Napier, Stirling Castle, and Red Magdalen Camellias wnre
growing luxuriously on the back wall, as also was a Heliotrope. In the
♦second Black Hamburgh house the Vines were breaking strongly ; here
also were some fine Orange trees in pots bearing a heavy crop of large
fruits, and Azaleas a mass of bloom. There were more Strawberries,
and Mr. Upjohn is a most successful grower of this useful fruit, as his
record of prizes will show. He prefers to force first Vicomtesse
Herieart de Thury and La Grosse Sucrec for early use, with Bothwell
Bank to follow, finishing with James Veitch and British Queen. The
late vinery contained Alicante and Lady Downe’s in splendid colour and
■condition. Although Mr. Upjohn does not exhibit so frequent as he used
to, he still maintains his high reputation as a Grape grower, and it may
perhaps interest a few of your readers to know that he was second in
Liverpool to the now famous Gros Colman from Mr. Goodacre. The
Vines in the intermediate vinery were just breaking freely, and there
again we found the old favourite Black Hamburgh ; and there is also a
Gros Maroc inarched on a Black Hamburgh stock, which I was informed
greatly improves its flavour. Lovers of that grand white Grape, the
l)uke of Buccleuch, will be pleased to know that it is successfully culti¬
vated there. The Muscat house contains Vines forty years old, and they
do not look the worse for their age ; and there again is the Duke of
Buccleuch, as well as some healthy Camellias in pots. The last house
of the range is a large structuie 80 feet long and 12 feet wide, which is
used as a late house for Beaches and Nectarines. The trees are young,
in the best health, and were thickly studded with fruit buds. Among
»>me of the varieties grown are Stirling Castle, Royal George, Dr. Hogg,
Sea Eagle, Elruge, and Victoria. A large part of "this house is occupied
by bedding plants, and one of the most notable being Pelargonium
Queen of the Whites, and Mr. Upjohn thinks that is one of the most
useful white varieties grown. The well-stocked kitchen garden is sur¬
rounded by walls covered with healthy trees, and comprises about
10 acres ; we come to a new lean-to house in two divisions, which is to
be used for Plums and Pears respectively, the length of this house is
200 feet. We pass through the orchard on our way back, a part of which
stands on the Chat Moss. We now come to the span-roofed bedding
pits ; and to give some idea of the magnitude of the bedding at Worsley,
we may mention that about 100,000 plants are bedded out annually, of
which of these 30,000 are Pelargoniums. There being such an enormous
quantity, it may be interesting to know which are the chief favourites.
Mr. Upjohn finds the following the most useful : — Vesuvius, Bijou,
Cleopatra, Henry Jacoby, Mrs. Pollock, kc. Lobelias are also an
important class, for we find that 30,000 of this useful bedding plant are
grown, the bulk of which are for Blues — Pumila magnifica and Grandi-
tlora ; for Whites — Ingrami and Purity. In Tropaeolums, Mr. Upjohn
has a variety of his own raising named Worsley Hall, which seems
specially adapted to the climate. Golden Treasure is the Fuchsia most
used for bedding. In an intermediate plant house are some fine specimens
of Adiantum cuneatum with double Primulas. Amongst the Orchids
are healthy pieces of Dendrobium Wardianum, D. Lowi, D. nobile,
Laalia anceps. and Cypripedium insigne. Another house is principally
used for Orchids, among the most notable being Cattleya Mossise, C.
Mendel i, C. Triana;, Vanda tricolor, and Odontoglossum vexillarium, with
plants of Kentia Fosteriana and Aralia Veitchi. Houses are devoted to
pot Vines, Cucumbers, Melons, and Potatoes, also used for forcing large
quantities of French Beans, Williams’ Prolific and Osborne’s Early
being the favourites.

After seeing the old hall where the Duke of Bridgewater planned
his great canal schemes, I concluded an interesting visit, which was
rendered very pleasant by the courtesy of Mr. Upjohn, who requires
a staff of thirty-five men to keep these famous gardens in order, but he
possesses an able assistant in his foreman, Mr. Craven. — Visitok.

PRIMULA OBCONICA.

A MONG9T plants of recent introduction this is destined to be¬
come one of the most popular, for it can be had in flower the whole
year, and individual plants can be had in full beauty for eight months
out of twelve. Like the majority of Primulas or other plants
raised from seed, it varies greatly in the size of its flowers and their
ahade of colour. By care and judicious selection of the seed-bearing
plants very great improvement may be effected and distinctly
coloured flowers produced. Our plants this year have shown a
marked improvement in this respect, and the habit of the plant has
somewhat varied. Two or three have produced flowers nearly double
the size of those we raised from seed when first offered by Messrs.
J. Veitch & Sons. Some of the plants are of a more compact habit
than others, this being especially noticeable in the height of the
flower spikes. The dwarf forms generally have much paler flowers
than those of taller habit — in one or two cases the flowers have been
nearly white. On the other hand, we have observed in two or three
of the plants this year a much deeper shade of rose round the eye
than previously. Those that display these distinctive characters are
certainly limited in numbers, the majority being of the ordinary
type. This may be due to an attempt on our part to cross them
with Alpine Auriculas and Primroses, but we do not think so. Last
year we attempted to effect the same cross, but as far as we can
ji’idge from the young plants, they display no distinctive features.

There can be no doubt that this plant is capable of great improve¬
ment.

For greenhouse and conservatory decoration it has certainly
surpassed our highest anticipations of it the first season, but we
question if it is sufficiently hardy to ever become a popular plant
for outside borders and rockeries. Those we planted in a sheltered
position in early autumn have succumbed to the severity of the past
winter. The same result has taken place with others who have
tried it in the northern counties. It would unquestionably have
had a better chance to enable it to withstand the winter had the
plants been placed out in spring instead of autumn, therefore our
opinion of its hardiness should not be taken as conclusive.

Like many other Primulas, P. obconica resents division of its
crowns in order to raise a stock of plants. It can be grown by this
means, but will not give general satisfaction. If the plants are
divided before they are allowed to flower, then a certain success
will without doubt be ensured, but if they are exhausted by
flowering for some months before they are operated upon they will not
give satisfaction afterwards. Disappointment arising from this
method of treatment the first season led us to select a number of plants
for seed bearing, w'hich is decidedly the best method of maintaining a
stock of healthy plants for flowering at any period of the year.
Healthy plants selected now in full bloom and placed on a shelf in
a dry position will without further trouble produce abundance of
seed. New seed germinates freely and quickly ; old seed is useless,
because it will not grow. If seed is sown as soon as it is ripe from
the plants selected now, some strong flowering plants will be pro¬
duced by June next year. From seed sown at the end of July or
August, and again the following February, a succession of flowering
plants for the whole year will result, liaising plants from seed is
not only the quickest, but the easiest method. We have used many
plants for rooms during the past winter and found them invaluable
for grouping in any light position. For large houses that have to
be furnished all through the winter with thousands of flowering
plants, it is decidedly the best. Plants brought into flower in
October in 6-inch pots are still in full beauty, and have never been
removed from the structure in which they were then placed.

The seed should be sown on the surface of fine soil, fully half of
which is leaf mould that has passed through a fine sieve. Water
the seed gently with a fine-rose can, cover the pan with a square of
glass and place it in a temperature of 60° to 65°. If the seed is
new germination will soon take place, the older the seed the longer
it is before it germinates. Grow the seedlings on a shelf close to
the glass until they are large enough to be pricked off singly into
other pans. If the seed is sown now the seedlings must be shaded ;
this is not necessary if sown earlier in the year. After growth has
commenced they should be gradually removed to cooler quarters,
and finally to cold frames. They enjoy a little heat in their early
stages, say until the month of May — that is, those raised early.
Those raised in autumn will do well in a winter temperature of 45°
to 50°, may have greenhouse treatment from early spring, and
can be placed in cold frames after the middle of April. The winter
temperature given will suit well those intended to flower from
October throughout the winter. To be brief, the soil and treatment
that will grow Chinese varieties will suit P. obconica exactly.
They can be grown together under the same conditions until estab¬
lished in their flowering pots, when P. obconica can be placed in a
sheltered position on a bed of ashes outside.

Like all the other members of the large Primula family of plants,
that under notice strongly resents exposure to bright sunshine.
Under those conditions it will not thrive, and soon becomes a prey
to red spider. When placed outside they should have a northern
aspect, and the surrounding atmosphere should be kept moist. With
Chinese varieties bright sunshine soon produces a yellow sickly
appearance of the foliage, and the same quickly takes place with
P. obconica. — N. G.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The time of year is at hand for the embellishment of the beds in
the flower gardens during the summer and early autumn months. Owing
to the lateness of the season many of the spring flowering plants, such as
Myosotis dissitiflora, Wallflowers, and Aubrietias, which now occupy the
beds, can hardly be said to be in full fower at this date, and Silcne
pendula compacta and Saxifraga nmbrosa will not be in flower for
another week or two. The majority of the spring-flowering plants
employed in the flower garden are at their best towards the end of May,
when it is time that the summer occupants of the beds, such as the
different sections of Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, Ageratums, and Lobelias,
were planted. But where employers are at home at that time it is no
easy matter to obtain permission to remove from the beds the masses of
blue Forget-me-nots of the softest and most pleasing hue, pink Silcne
of the brightest shade, and the yellow and blood-red Wallflowers. How¬
ever, the gardener who is as loth to break up such a pleasing floral
picture is also mindful of the floral effect that that has to be produced

418

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 26, 18S7.

by summer-flowering plants in the same beds by the middle or end of
July, hence his anxiety to have the summer bedding plants out as soon
after the third week in May as weather and other circumstances will
permit. A month later will be soon enough for Tuberous Begonias,
Alternantheras, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, and
Heliotrope.

In the meantime, the work preparatory to bedding out must be
proceeded with in a judicious and active manner. The bedding plants
require being properly hardened off, taking them from the vineries and
Beach houses to cold pits and frames, where, after a few days, the sashes
can be drawn off during the day, afterwards shifting the plants into
improvised frames in a sunny aspect, covering them a; night with mats,
to make room for other plants from the houses, and so on, until all the
plants intended for the flower garden or borders in kitchen garden are
hardened. Where “ carpet pattern bedding ” is patronised, the beds
should be manured, dug, trodden, and made level with the rake pre¬
paratory to getting out the designs. These should be simple, propor¬
tionate in their several parts, and be neatly executed. A few beds in
every flower garden having any pretensions to the name should be
devoted to the system popularly known as “ carpet bedding.” The beds
in which Pelargoniums, &c., are to be planted should also be prepared
for their reception. Commencing with those containing the earliest
spring-flowering plants, by removing those intended for another year to
the reserve garden, and planting the surplus plants here and there on
each side of favourite walks and drives, in the home woods, and
finishing with the beds having the latest flowering varieties in them,
digging in a good dressing of short manure.

How, AND what to PLANT in the Beds. — In the Italian flower
garden opposite the south front of Longford Castle, except the two
dozen beds devoted to carpet bedding, and which are planted exclusively
with a variety of dwarf-growing foliage plants, and a few beds filled
with Tuberous Begonias, we have masses of colour, the beds on the
right hand side of the broad central longitudinal gravel walk being
fac-similes of those on the left. They are therefore planted alike in
pairs, with one distinct colour, except in the case of the Silver, Bronze,
and Tricolor sections of Pelargoniums, between which we plant, as
much for spring as for summer and autumn effect, small tufts of Blue
Perfection and Golden Queen Violas ; the blue between the silvery-
leaved plants, and the yellow amongst the Bronze and Tricolors.
Some gardening acquaintances of mine use to advocate giving the plants
plenty of room in the beds to dcvelope, which means having the beds
scantily furnished until a week or two of their being nipped by autumn
frost. This advice is very good for plants growing in pots all the year,
and also with regard to balding where the plants at command are
inadequate to fill a given number of beds. In the latter case the
advice would, however, be unnecessary. My advice is, where the
families remain at home all the summer, to set the plants at such a
distance from one another in the beds as to get the latter furnished with
foliage and flower as early in the season as possible ; and in the other
case, that of the families being from home during the summer months,
the object should be to have the beds, and garden generally, looking
their best by the time they return. It is almost needless to say that the
plants should be quite moist at the roots when they are being planted,
and that the soil be made firm about them. Then, if short dung or leaf
mould and labour are plentiful enough to admit of a mulching of it
being laid between the plants on the beds, so much more satisfactory
will be the results. During the interval from the time of setting the
plants in the beds and the date at which the beds are wanted to be fairly
well furnished, or, as the case may be, at their best, keep the flowers
picked off, and any of the plants showing a disposition to outgrow their
neighbours should have the points of the shoots pinched out, so as to
promote a balance of growth in the plants, and thereby give to the beds
a uniform appearance.

A Few Select Varieties of Bedding Plants. — We obtain our
massses of colour from plants of the following varieties : — Pelargo¬
niums — Henry Jacoby (crimson), Vesuvius (scarlet), Tom Thumb
(scarlet), Ivy-leaf (reel), Christine (pink), Mrs. William Paul (pale pink),
Leamington Lass (bright pink, semi-double), Pink Ivy-leaf, and Indian
yellow, a very distinct and telling colour ; Ageratum Tom Thumb
(mam e), of dwarf habit, as the name implies, and a profuse flowerer ;
as also is Lobelia pumila magnifica (a deep blue) ; Calceolaria amplexi-
caulis (lemon colour), and Purple King Verbena. Masses of the colours
indicated judiciously arranged are, when contrasted with carpet beds,
&c., both bold and telling in effect, and to which effect a few beds
planted with Mignonette and Heliotrope will add fragrance. In con¬
clusion I may say that if the beds in which the tuberous rooted
Begonias are planted be covered with silvery Sedum. it will ultimately
prevent the foliage and flowers from being splashed by heavy rains, and
that in the absence of the latter at the time the plants are being put out,
water should be given at the roots, and afterwards be repeated at
frequent intervals until the plants are well established. — II. W. Ward.

ANTHRACITE COAL.

In reply to “ Daventry’s ” inquiry about anthracite coal, I may state
that the fire is easily kept in. It does not burn rapidly, nor does it re¬
quire more attention than ordinary coke ; in fact, I consider much less.
It lasts longer, gives more heat, and forms less clinker. However, it re¬
quires a sharp draught, and I would advise that the firebars are not more
t ban half the length of the boiler, and not less than half an inch apart.

If they are three-quarters of an inch, or even 1 inch, so much the better
— Egekton Harding.

The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have re¬
solved to call a special meeting of the Fellows, to be held at South
Kensington on Tuesday, J une 1 1th, to take into consideration the present
position of the Society with a view to future arrangements.

- The Gardeners’ Orphanage Fund.— A meeting of the

Provisional Committee was held at South Kensington on Tuesday lastr
Mr. G. Deal presiding, at which the sum of £568 Ils. was announced in
the form of donations and subscriptions, and the following resolution
was unanimously adopted: — “That the Provisional Committee is of
opinion the 'progress hitherto made towards the establishment of the
fund is sufficiently satisfactory to warrant the calling of a general meet¬
ing with a view to establishing the same, and that such meeting be held'
on July 12th.” A Sub-Committee was also appointed to make the
necessary preparations for consideration on June 28th, for the general
meeting referred to.

- Fragrant Chrysanthemums. — “ Would you kindly give me

the names of a few sweet-scented Chrysanthemums for autumn exhi¬
biting. any sections ? Scent is the point to be considered irrespective of
any other. Progne is the only one I know.” Thus writes a corre¬
spondent, “ C.,” and wo shall be glad if any of our readers can give the
desired information.

- Presentation to Mr. G. King. — Mr. G. King, who has been

gardener to the late R. Few, Esq., Wolsey Grange, Esher, for fifteen;
years, has left that charge owing to the death of his employer, and last
week a number of friends presented him a barometer and silver-plated
tea and coffee service with salver as a testimonial of their esteem, and
in recognition of the services he had rendered as Secretary of the Esher
Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society, which he assisted in founding
six years ago. Mr. King has been appointed gardener to V . Mac-
farlane, Esq., Glenhurst, Loud water, Hertfordshire.

— On Thursday and Friday last severe storms of wind, rain r
and hail were experienced in the neighbourhood of London and through¬
out England generally, much damage being done to the young foliage
of trees and the fruit blossom, Apples especially. Horse Chestnuts had
their leaves greatly cut and torn, the ground beneath them in some
instances being thickly strewn with small shoots and foliage,

- A Chrysanthemum grower is pleased to observe that “ the

Sheffield and West Riding Chrysanthemum Society has taken
a step in the right direction in offering a valuable cup to become at
once the property of the first winner, as well as a valuable money prize.
The two combined make the first prize for forty-eight blooms, by far
the highest prize yet offered under the same conditions ; and the Society
deserves to reap the reward of such ‘ new departure and liberality.’
The first prize for forty-eight cut blooms in not less than thirty-six
varieties is a silver cup, value £15 15s., and £10 in cash ; ora tetal
value of £25 15s., to be had at once !”

- — - A correspondent writes, “ Caterpillars make their
appearance about this period on Gooseberry and other bushes. A day or
two is well spent in examining and handpicking them, destroying the
fully grown caterpillars and removing the leaves on which are secreted
numbers of small ones. The leaves containing them can be detected
almost instantly, because they are invariably pierced where the young
insects have commenced to feed upon them. The leaves containing these
are best burned. Attention now will save the foliage of the trees and
the crop of fruit from destruction. But in a short time the labour of
handpicking will be an endless occupation.”

- We have received a list of the Council, Officers, and Com¬
mittees of thei Royal Horticultural Society for 1887, com¬
prising the honorary members, foreign members, corresponding members

M»y 26, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

419

Scientific Committee, Fruit Committee, Floral Committee, Orchid
Nomenclature Committee, Narcissus Committee, and Primula Conference
Committee. A similar list of the Fellows would also be useful.

- The Grange Gardens. — We understand that A. If. Smec,

Fsq., The Grange Gardens, llackbridgc, Carshalton,~dias expressed
his intention of opening the gardens to the public next week, also on
-Sunday afternoon, as well as the Sunday following.

- We are desired to state that the Christleton Rose Show

will be held on Friday, July the loth.

- Presentation to Mr. G. Dickson. — We learn that Mr.

Ceorge Dickson, ex- Mayor of Chester (of the firm of Messrs. J. Dickson
and Son) is so far esteemed by the burgesses that he has been presented
with a salver weighing 200 ounces.

- Mr. Iggulden observes : — “ Mr. Murphy considers pitting
Potatoes equivalent to leaving them in the ground, but in this he is
very wide of the mark. Those left in the ground are bound to be very
much cooler than those pitted, which heat considerably when first
heaped together, and never after get really cold. Surely he can leave
sufficient undug this season to give my method of preventing premature
sprouting a fair trial. Probably ‘ Audax Trepidus ’ is one of those enthu.
siastic growers and exhibitors of Potatoes, who, when the National was
in full swing, made a point of looking up as many selected tubers after
the show was over as could be bought or begged. Such well developed
and carefully preserved tubers invariably start stoutly and strongly,
and with superior cultivation lean quite understand very fine crops
resulting. Did ‘Audax Trepidus’ ever purchase ordinary seed Pota¬
toes from an hitherto unknown source, and from these obtain finer
specimens than from his own saving ? ”

- - The schedulo of the Hull and East Riding Chrysan¬
themum Society just to hand, contains the usual liberal list of prizes,
and the following special features : An engraving of the five silver
■challenge cups to be competed for, aggregate value £48. Special prizes,
given by the Mayor of Hull, for sweet-scented Chrysanthemums. A
new silver challenge cup, value £10 10s., given by the President of the
-Society, R. Falconer Jameson, Esq., to be competed for by residents of
the East Riding and North Lincolnshire only. A new prize, class 12,
to be competed for by nurserymen only, for cut blooms in space 16 feet
•by 18 inches, set up in any form. We understand that the Committee
are endeavouring to make arrangements to greatly increase the accom¬
modation in the Artillery Barracks, which have already been engaged,
subject to the consent of the Corporation, for the Show in November
so >as to avoid a repetition of the great crowding and inconvenience
which took place at the last year’s Show, when about 10,000 people were
admitted. The Show is to be held on Thursday and Friday, November
17th and 18th.

- Fruit from South Australia. — Incited by the success of

•California in supplementing the supply of fruit to the London market a
daily paper states that South Australia has been put upon its mettle.
Some experiments have recently been made in forwarding fruit, which
has been sent via San Francisco and New York. A report made to the
-south Australian Gardeners’ Society is, on the face of it, not encouraging.
A fruit farmer reported that he sent a shipment of fruit to the Indian
and Colonial Exhibition. There were 137 cases in all, of varied and
specially selected fruits carefully packed. A statement of account has
just been received, twelve months after the goods were shipped. The
fruit realised £88 9s. 9d., which was well enough ; but against it were
agency charges and expenses amounting to £36 8s. 5d., with freight and
lighterage £21 2s. 6d., leaving the modest sum of a trifle over £30 for
the exporter. On another consignment of fifty cases, sold for £55, the
sale expenses, irrespective of freight, were £33. It was agreed by the
South Australian gardeners that this would not do ; but they did not
seem inclined to accept the rebuff as final. There was talk of concerted
action by which fruit growers might 6end their produce direct to
London in quantities that would make it worth the while of agencies to
undertake their disposal upon more favourable terms.

- Kelso Cabbage Show and Competition. — “ C. C.”

writes: “In July last Messrs. Stuart 6c Mein offered, with a view to
make their No. 1 Cabbage better known, a premium of £5 for the
best pair of Cabbages, grown from seed supplied direct from the firm
Fully 800 of the most prominent Cabbage growers intimated their

intention of competing, and out of that quantity a fair number of
competitors came forward, representing a wide area ; the counties from
which the competitors came being Northumberland, Lincoln, Kent,
Cornwall, Essex, Dorset, Somerset, Hereford, Norfolk, Sussex, Herts,
Surrey, Notts, Cheshire, Aberdeen, Devon, Wilts, Berwick, Roxburgh,
and Stirling. / Each competitor showed two Cabbages, the competition
being held at Kelso on May 6th last. The winner was Mr. D. Inglis,
gardener to Earl Grey, Howick, Lesbury, Northumberland, whose
exhibits weighed 8} lbs., followed by Mr. N. H. Bigglestonc, Hayle,
Cornwall, whose Cabbages weighed 6 lbs., and Mr. R. Gilbert, gardener
to the Marquis of Exeter, Burghley, Stamford, was third with Cabbages
weighing 4 lbs., so that Mr. Inglis, who is well known as a skilful
grower, had an easy victory. Having had the pleasure of seeing the
winning Cabbages, and testing them upon the scales, I can say they
were of a very high class nature, and when considering the county (not
the most favourable) and the season, they bestow great credit upon the
grower.”

- Well-grown Herbaceous Calceolarias. — Mr. W. Iggulden

writes : — “ During the last six weeks there has been a beautiful display
of herbaceous Calceolarias in the plant houses and conservatory at
Hapsford House, Frome, the residence of A. G. Hayman, Esq. Some of
the plants were about 2 feet through, and all were in a healthy clean
state, yielding a profusion of fine handsome flowers. The strain is
known as Sutton’s Perfection, and a more diversified or better selection
could not well be made. Mr. S. Andrews, the painstaking gardener at
Hapsford, informed me the seed was sown in a pan and placed in a
cold frame in June, and during the exceptionally hot spell of weather
experienced in July and August the seedlings were kept in a cold frame
slightly shaded by trees and facing northwards. They were gradually
shifted into 8-inch and 9-inch pots, anil were wintered on the high back
shelves of a greenhouse facing westwards. As a rule, Calceolarias were
a failure in many gardens, the plants assuming a sickly yellow hue,
from which they could not be recovered. The cool and careful treat¬
ment given to them at Hapsford appears to have prevented this, as only
a very few had other than dark green foliage. When well established
in their flowering pots they received an occasional weak supply of sul¬
phate of ammonia, and also liquid manure obtained from the piggeries.
The latter freely diluted would appear to just suit Calceolarias,
Cinerarias, and such like, and ought to be more often utilised than at
present is the case. Fire heat at any time, beyond what is necessary to
exclude damp and frosts, is a great enemy to Calceolarias, and this is
well understood by Mr. Andrews.” We have received a box of the
flowers referred to, and though they were withered afforded evidence of
the excellence of the strain and the culture.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

At the outset I had better explain why I named Mr. Garnett's
flowers in this controversy, as he evidently objects to my having done
so. I do not consider any person qualified to criticise other people’s
doings without he is able to produce something as good or even better
than those criticised, and which have stood the test that has been
required of them up to now, that is my reason for naming Mr. Garnett’s
blooms. Again, I must say that Mr. Garnett does not strengthen him¬
self when he says I do not house twenty-five per cent, out of the 1000
plants we grow for large blooms. I repudiate such assertions, and to
refute them have only to state that every plant was housed last
October, but one plant, Madame Laing, might not have been taken
inside for its value for flowers but for stock ; this can be proved by those
who saw them. Mr. Garnett may still be more surprised to learn that we
did not grow 700 plants for large blooms last season. Thus your corre¬
spondent has been misled on both sides.

With regard to the Yorkshire grower’s successes quoted during several
years, I do not think we have met in competition ; but if he had met and
defeated some of the best men in England at the leading shows I
should have attached more weight to Mr. Garnett’s arguments, but in
spite of all that has been said and done the fact still remains that “ non¬
toppers ” have held a decided advantage over the “ toppers ” in the pro¬
duction of the finest blooms, taking all sections into consideration. 1
have often heard of the exhibitor in question being an excellent culti¬
vator of the Chrysanthemum, therefore I do not wish to detract from
his success one iota, as it neither affects my own nor proves my practice
wrongs

As regards the references to Mr. Midglcy, I cannot do better than
give a citation or two from a letter I have received from that grower.
Anent topped and untopped plants he writes : — “ I won all first honours
at Leeds, the flowers being all from ‘ untopped ’ plants with one excep¬
tion, an<l that was Bo ale d’Or, and 1 think 1 had better at Leeds than 1
had at Huddersfield.” This speaks for itself without any comment of
mine. Further, Mr. Midgley says, “ You did not misconstrue what Mr,

420

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ M»j 28, 1887.

Garnett wrote, for Mr. Shaw, who was with me at Swanmore, says he
distinctly remembers me saying I grew my plants under the same
method as yours.” This I consider proves that Mr. Garnett spoke
hurriedly when quoting without authority from Mr. Midgley. —
E. Molyneux.

[The object of public discussion is to elicit useful information, and
as sufficient space has been afforded for the disputants to prove each
other wrong “ on paper,” we think they had better each try the two
methods fully and fairly during the j resent season, and we shall then be
glad to hear from them again. As the “defendant” in the case, Mr.
Molyneux has the admitted right to the last reply before the application
of the closure, and we have reason to believe its application now is in
accordance with the wishes of the majority of Chrysanthemum
growers.]

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 373.)

After the yield of the maiden crops of Coffee manuring was under¬
taken to the greatest available extent, but only in a few instances did I
ever see this important branch of cultivation carried out systematically,
or with any marked degree of success. A great variety of artificial
manures were imported from England and other countries, and applied
at considerable cost with, in the majority of cases, no profitable results
whatever. Those manufactured in the country, and consisting of a
compound of fish, refuse oil seeds, crushed bones, and other ingredients
alike proving of limited utility, resulting from various causes, perhaps
not the least formidable of which being the voracious propensities of
the white ant, that with unerring instinct quickly discovered the pre¬
sence in the soil of any of the above-named foreign matters, and
crowded in myriads to the feast, and as these substances were of neces¬
sity applied during the dry weather the insects had every facility
afforded them of consuming the greater portion of the intended Coffee-
food before the rains set in or root action began. Cattle manure, pro¬
duced at considerable cost, shared the same fate, the white ant being
particularly partial to it as an article of food. Many planters, being
fully alive to this serious hindrance to the object in view, ceased to ex¬
pend money on manures altogether, and in consequence were not unfre-
quently blamed for bad and unthrifty cultivation by persons ignorant
of the above facts. At higher elevations than 3000 feet, where the white
ant was less numerous and not so destructive, manuring was generally
undertaken with better results, but surface-soiling or top-dressing with
a thick coating of fresh soil from the neighbouring jungle, was perhaps
the best and most lasting stimulant I ever saw applied to the Coffee
tree in Southern India on lands with an elevation of from 2000 to 3000
feet, surface soil, of course, having always the best effect ; but even
subsoil of any kind, when applied in thick coatings, proving of great
advantage. This plan of assisting the Coffee tree was primarily dis¬
covered by accident by some planter having occasion to cut new roads
through an old and partially abandoned estate. This work was per¬
formed during the dry weather, and the roads cut winding along the
steep hillsides, the excavated soil being simply thrown downhill amongst
the trees to get rid of it, the trees to all appearance being worn out and
of little value. This soil reached perhaps to a distance of three or four
lines of trees, and when the rains came they at once began to feel the
beneficial effects of the dressing of soil, and produced an abundance of
healthy and vigorous shoots, and during the succeeding dry season belts
of deep green and healthy trees were seen on the lower sides of all the
new roads, whilst all the other portions of the estate looked yellow and
unhealthy. The hint was soon taken, and surface-soiling became part
of the yearly routine of work on most estates with the happiest results,
in some instances planters going so far as to drive roads in all directions
through aged estates that had almost given up bearing as the cheapest
way of obtaining the soil, and always with good results. All this
pointed directly to the evil effects of denudation on steep lands during
the heavy rains of the south-west monsoon, and this act of top-dressing
was simply one of striving to supply the place of the soil that had been
washed from the whole surface of the land by the yearly recurrence of
the monsoon gales.

Large sums of money were frequently spent in the purchase and
keep of cattle, which proved in most instances to be anything but a
paying speculation, whole herds perishing by disease during the hot
season, which the planter had little or no means of battling with.
Natural fodder, too, in the dry season was scarce, which induced many
to undertake the cultivation of several kinds of imported Grasses, and
I have seen large areas of the Coix lacliryma or Job’s Tears, which is
indigenous to the Wynaad, cultivated for the sake of fodder, and during
1876 and 1877 large importations of the Prickly Comfrey, Symphytum
asperrimum, were made from a London firm of nurserymen. The roots
were simply packed in deal boxes in dry earth, and generally arrived in
excellent condition, starting into growth immediately on planting and
thriving extremely well afterwards ; but as the land under the Prickly
Comfrey had to be kept as clear of weeds as that under Coffee its culti¬
vation was a matter of considerable expense and doubtful utility.

When the plantations were beyond the hand-weeding stage, which
was usually about the fifth or sixth year, the mamoty or large hoe was
used in chopping over the weeds and burying them between the rows
of trees. This work, when performed before the end of the rains, was
always found to be of great benefit to the Coffee, not only in freeing it
from the ill effects of growing weeds, but also in a manurial point of
view.

Exposure, too, had a great deal to do with success in Coffee planting.
At one time it was believed that to plant Coffee on land with anything
but a southern aspect was simply to ignore first principles of general
cultivation ; but subsequent experience convinced everyone that this
was altogether an erroneous opinion, at least so far as cultivation m
Southern India was concerned. Beyond all question, Coffee grown on
land with a northern exposure retained its vigour longer and had a
longer existence than that grown on land with a southern exposure.

Pruning was always a vexed question on which planters differed
widely, some adopting what is called severe summer handling in India,
and disbudding in England, and light knife pruning after the tree has
yielded its crop, whilst others handled or disbudded but lightly and
pruned heavily with the knife, and in some instances at high elevation*.
I have known planters who discarded pruning altogether, contenting
themselves by removing the suckers that yearly appeared at the junction
of the branches with the stem in clusters. The general mode, however,
of pruning was to top the tree at from 3 to 3.J feet from the ground,
according to the nature of the soil and aspect. Then during the rains
to remove all suckers as they appeared, and to handle or thin out the
young wood, so as to admit light and air to the tree and fruit, and when
crop gathering was completed to cut off all wood with the knife that
had borne fruit, leaving a good supply of young shoots for the succeeding
year’s crop. All this was performed by Mysore coolies carefully trained
to the work, anil it was quite wonderful how expeditiously and neatly
they performed their task. A gang of from twenty to thirty was usually
employed at this work, and a man could knife prune from forty to fifty
fully grown trees per day. On the Ghaut estates the trees suffered
greatly during the monsoon from leaf rot, caused by excessive and long-
continued moisture, and absence of sunlight. This had to be guarded
against by disbudding at the right time, for any accident delaying or
preventing this was certain to result in the destruction of nearly all the
leaves and a large proportion of green Coffee berries also. This long-
continued cloudy and wet weather had not unfrequently a similar effect
on weeds and plants indigenous to the country. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

THE AURICULA.

1 am pleased to note up and down the country signs of a revival of
interest being taken in that exquisite gem, the Auricula. I myself
commenced its culture a year and a half ago and am gradually getting
together a decent collection. I believe there are many others like
myself who would be glad if some veteran grower would give in your
columns a descriptive list of the principal varieties now grown, so that
beginners might be able to verify their purchases as they come into
bloom. You cannot yet, as in the case of the Rose, run across the road
and compare a doubtful Auricula with a corresponding variety in your
neighbour’s collection, so that some such list as I have mentioned would
prove of great service to novices like myself. For instance, I have ob¬
tained plants from several different sources, and possibly may have
received one or two wrongly labelled. Smith’s Ne Plus Ultra with me
bears a slight resemblance to Simonite’s Frank Simonite, except that
it is not nearly so good in any point, whereas the Rev. F. D. Horner,
in his paper read at the Primula Conference last year, mentions it
casually in a manner which makes me think I cannot have it true. 1
do not sec why this beautiful flower should not have a modern treatise
all to itself, just as well as the Chrysanthemum. Carnation, Rose, kc.
Perhaps the Rev. F. D. Horner will kindly revolve the matter in his
mind. I understand that Mr. Molyneux’s book on the Chrysanthemum
has reached its third edition already, and Mr. Dodwell’s on the Carna¬
tion and Picotee its second edition, while I do not know how many
editions Canon Hole’s delightful book on Roses has gone through ; so 1
think the time has arrived when a good standard work on the Auricula
might be issued without risk on the part of the author, and would be
gratefully received by the rising generation of growers.

Will someone kindly say whether there is any real cure for the
woolly aphis, and whether it is still an open question as to its being
injurious or not? The late Mr. Robert Lord, a short time before his
death, suggested to me that I should at potting time wash the roots in
a strong solution of Fir tree oil. I should, however, be glad to hear of
someone who has tried this remedy whether it has proved efficacious
without injuring the plants.

I have always heard George Light body described as the most perfect
Auricula. To my mind it is very deficient in ground colour, and 1
think this defect somewhat counterbalances its other splendid proper¬
ties. If it could be produced with the ground colour of Lancashire
Hero 1 fancy it would better deserve its reputation. My premier this
pear is Richard Headley ; last pear Acme was my best flower. — M.

NEPHROLEPIS RUFESCENS TRIPINNATIFIDA.

Certain species of Ferns have a greater tendency than others to
produce crested, crisped, plumose, or even depauperated forms, and
among these may be placed the genus Nephrolepis, which contains
already a crested form of N. davallioides called furcans, a depauperated
form of N. tuberosa called neglecta, a laciniate form of N. pluma, which
is grown under the name of N. Bausei, and last of all N. Duffi, which,
besides being very handsome, is also curious and interesting, as the
same plant possesses, shown in each individual frond, the two distinct
characters of depauperation and crestation. The genus Nephrolepis is

Mrj M, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

421

already represented by some comparatively small-prowing kinds, such as
N. pectinata, phillippinense, Duffi, &c., all eminently suitable for small
rockeries or for growing in brackets against a wall ; whereas of quite
another appearance are the strong-growing kinds, which are best adapted
for the decoration of the warm conservatory, and especially for the
filling up of hanging baskets, in which position they form very con¬
spicuous and attractive objects, as it is there that they show themselves
to the greatest advantage.

Among the Kerns belonging to this latter section tho subject of our
illustration, Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida, which is the first
plumose form recorded in the genus, holds a prominent place, as it is
both massive and elegant ; its handsome fronds, which have a particularly
plumose appearance, attain the length of 4 feet, and measure, about
their middle, quite 9 inches across. The relation of this new Fern to
the species from which it has issued is similar to that of Lomaria dis¬
color bipinnatifida towards L. discolor ; or it may be said to bear the
same comparison as that which exists between two more popular and

country already reached the length of 4 feet, which is given as their
full dimensions, none has as yet shown any inclination to produce spore).
But like most, if not indeed all, Nephrolepis, this new variety is very
freely propagated by the young plants produced on its stolons or aerial
rhizomes, which are produced plentifully, and which, when they are
pegged to the ground, emit them in great abundance. Its culture, like-
that of all other Nephrolepis, is very simple, and consists in allowing it
an abundant supply of water at the roots at all times of the year, but
especially during its growing season, which may be said to last from the
beginning of April to the end of October ; after which time the plant is-
comparatively at rest. Its roots delight to run into a light compost of a
peculiarly open nature, the best for the purpose being a mixture of one
part of chopped sphagnum, one part of fibrous peat roughly broken, and
a third part made up of silver sand, charcoal, or crocks, and a little
loam. Being a native of the Fiji Islands, from whence it was imported
by Messrs. J. Vcitch & Sons, to whom we are indebted for this illustra¬
tion, it requires stove temperature to develope its beautiful fronds to their

Fig. 73. — NEPHROLEPIS RUFESCENS TRIPINNATIFIDA.

better known Ferns, the Folypodium vulgare and its Welsh variety,
P. cambrioum. As is the case with these and other plumose forms, the
fronds of the new Nephrolepis have their peculiarly leafy and full
appearance produced through the overlapping of the pinnules or
secondary divisions which are deeply cut and divided into segments in
endless varjety as regards shape and size, as also through their toothing,
which is quite peculiar. Another source of attraction is also found in
the colour of the fronds, which in their young state are of a peculiarly
ffesh light tint, turning’ with age to a very deep green, which contrasts
8'ngularly but pleasingly with the reddish brown colour of the
fcrruginous woollv matter or tomentum with which their stems and
midribs are densely covered. On account of its plumose appearance, as
also in reason of the many various ways in which it can be employed
with advantage, Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida is likely to become
a good companion plant for that other grand variety called N. davallioides
furcans, which, although it has been in commerce for many years, is
always in demand ; indeed, where the latter is so appreciated the new
form is sure to become equally a favourite.

Like all other plumose forms of various species, the new comer lias
until now proved entirely barren ; and although its fronds have in this

full extent, although the heat of the intermediate house, or 55° in tha¬
w-inter, is sufficient to keep it in good health.

REVIEW OF BOOK.

Handy-book of tho Flown- Garden. Fourth Edition. By D. THOMSON^
London and Edinburgh : W. Blackwood & Sons.

Mr. Thomson's book has taken its place as a standard work on tlie
subject of which it treats so exhaustively and well, and the fact that a
fourth edition has been called for indicates the jxjpular demand for
reliable information. The work is issued in a cheaper form than hitherto*
some alterations having been made in the text but it still comprises
287 pages of closely printed matter, bearing on all subjects connected
with the flower garden. The formation of the garden, the different
styles, the numerous plants suitable for various positions, w-ith their
culture and propagation, are treated fully and clearly, a number of
plans and some illustrations adding considerably to the value of the
book. As an example of the style adopted we extract the following:
introduction to the chapter on Spring Flowers. ’

422

JOURNAL Of horticulture and cottage gardener.

[ May 26, 1887.

“ To some extent, the present style of summer and autumn flower
gardening has been built up and carried out on the ruins of spring
flowers. The great numbers of half-hardy and tender plants suitable
for summer display that have to be propagated and cultivated, have led
in most instances to the neglect to a great extent of those hardy plants
that are adapted to beautify the parterres in spring. It would, however,
be difficult to say that any absolute reason exists why this should be
so. The care which the one set of plants necessitates, does not neces¬
sarily become a reason why the other set should be neglected. ; There
can be no doubt that the fact of the most opulent and fashionable
families being, in the majority of cases, away from their country seats
in the spring and early summer, has been the chief cause of directing
the efforts and attention of gardeners to the crowding of as many
flowers into the autumnal months as possible. Hence the eagerness with
which every plant that blooms profusely, or is remarkable for its foliage
during that time of the year, has been craved for and cultivated in great
numbers. And hence, also, one great reason why spring gardening has
been neglected. This example, set by the leaders of society, has
exercised a wonderful influence on the owners of small gardens ; and
they, too, have paid less attention to spring flowers than they ought to
have done.

“ Of course there is nothing that could justify the gardener, except
an express command, in devoting his resources and energies to the deco¬
ration of the flower garden during the time that his employers are absent.
His interest lies in bending all the ingenuity of his mind to the making
of the garden most gay and interesting, either in spring, or in summer
•or autumn, or both, as his employer may wish and allows Paeans for.
Depend upon it, the interest of gardeners lies here. This does not apply
to a large class, for whom especially this work is intended — such as
business men and amateurs, who derive so much relaxation to both body
and mind from their gardens all the year round, and who, if they leave
their villas for a season, do so in autumn.

“ A reaction in favour of spring flowers and hardy herbaceous plants
in selection has taken place, and nurserymen find it to their interest to
get up lists of these, and are finding a brisk trade for them. Where the
families are resident in spring, the beds and borders are now, in increasing
instances, not left empty all the winter and spring. The result has been
nothing less effective than Flora’s ample spring stores of beautiful
•objects would warrant anyone acquainted with them to expect. It is
not necessary to grow a vast number of species and varieties to produce
a beautiful, if a less imposing, effect in spring as well as in summer.
But in respect to variety, and taking annuals and bulbs into considera¬
tion as well as hardy perennials, spring unfolds perhaps more beauty
and variety of form than does the glow of autumn in plants suitable for
beds and borders. And it need scarcely be said that plants, to be avail¬
able for flowering in March, April, and May, must of necessity be per¬
fectly hardy, and, for this reason, within the reach of the humblest
amateur who commands a few square yards of a flower border, even if
he has not so much as a common garden handglass. Such can make
their garden gay more easily, and at less expense, than it is possible to
do in summer, and autumn with half-hardy plants. Moreover, spring
flowers are nearly all so exceedingly easy to cultivate well, that they are
in this respect also within the reach of the great majority, much more
so than the class of plants so largely cultivated for the parterre in
summer. On this account alone it is exceedingly desirable that the
cultivation of, and taste for, spring-flowering plants should be encouraged.
They are peculiarly the flowers for the million. We can hardly a^ree
with those who have affirmed that flowers are in many cases the mere
toys of the rich, but can conceive how they may become something like
friends and comforters of the lowly, and produce in the mind, many
times, the feeling which fortified the spirit and strengthened the nerves
and hopes of the lonely desert wanderer, when he let his eye rest on the
■desert moss. The authoress of the ‘Life of Hedley Vicars’ showed
how well she understood the influence of the love of flowers upon the
human heart, when she placed a posy on the plate of each navvy when
he sat down to her tea-meetings at Beckenham. These ‘ floral apostles ’
•come to us in spring especially, ministering almost human sympathy ;
and it is sincerely to be desired that their cultiyation should be extended
and encouraged among all classes.

“ If means are in any case circumscribed — and, in such circumstances,
the filling of a whole parterre of considerable extent with spring-flower-
ing plants cannot comfortably be accomplished in this order and variety
which an ambitious mind desires at once — a compromise should be
made. By this I mean to convey that from the variety afforded by
annuals in conjunction with such other plants as are easily procured and
very rapidly increased, such as Daisies and Violas, and with the aid of
■cheap bulbs, such as Crocuses and Tulips, a very gay spring parterre may
be attained in a very short time ; and by degrees other plants more diffi¬
cult to procure and tedious to increase can be added. In fact, the same
■choice afforded in autumnal flower-gardening is equally to be com¬
manded in spring.

“ As will at once become apparent to the inexperienced by the lists
that are furnished, there is no lack of spring-flowering plants available
for all classes. There is a rich and most beautiful fund in common
bulbous plants alone. Such things as Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses,
Narcissus, Scillas, &c., need only be named to make this evident. From
the cultivation of the hardy Scillas we can testify from experience that
much interest arises. Hardy annuals and biennials can be raised easily
and rapidly ; and these alone, in combination with a few varieties of
Violas, wonderfully improved of late years for grouping purposes, to say
nothing of perennials, afford a considerable amount of variety, and suffi¬

cient in colours for most effective combinations. The odour and lively
tints of some of these plants are peculiar to themselves. And though we
may not be able to point to the dense massiveness of the scarlet Pelar¬
gonium, the Verbena, and the Calceolaria, as available for autumn,
spring can boast of more delicious odours, and far more delicacy and
variety of tints. True, spring cannot produce the lovely foliage of the
Mrs. Pollock class of Pelargoniums ; but there is the golden Arabis,
which always puts on its best dress towards winter. Spring is certainly
deficient in, though not destitute of, dark-foliaged plants ; for there is
the dark-leaved Ajuga, and in silver variagation there are the variegated
Arabia and Euonymus radicans variegatus, as well as the variegated
Ivies and Periwinkles, and various deep golden and silver shrubs, the
beauty of which is most conspicuous in winter and spring, while trees are
leafless. Time will not fail to make good these seeming deficiencies ;
and in the meantime it cannot be said of spring, that from lack of
variety it does not encourage the lovers of flowers to drape their gardens
with the loveliest hues, and perfume the air with the most refreshing
odours in spring as well as in autumn. But instead of balancing the
adaptability of the two classes of plants for producing beautiful com¬
binations, the various capabilities of spring-flowering plants will, be ad¬
verted to individually, as they are treated of in detail. I will only
further say, for the encouragement of all owners of gardens who reside
at their places in spring, that, for sweetness and chasteness of effect,
many of the spring combinations far surpass those of autumn, and that
many of the spring colours are as brilliant— and some much more so —
as any that autumn can produce. What can surpass the purples of the
Pansies, the yellows of the Alyssum and Cheiranthus, the Tulip, and the
Crocus 1 And in deep bright blues, the Scillas, the Gentians, and
Forget-me-not stand unrivalled. Then there are the "white Violas,
Daisies, Forget-me-not, &c., that are scarcely rivalled for whites by the
popular favourites of the autumn parterre. The Anemone affords
scarlet of the most vivid kind, although, as beds for general effect, not
equal to the scarlet Pelargoniums. I will now proceed to treat of the
various plants in detail, and, to be comprehensive, will deal with annuals
as a whole ; for their management is so nearly alike that to treat of them
individually is not necessary. All the herbaceous and bulbous plants
treated of in this department are of course equally well adapted for the
mixed herbaceous border.”

CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.

May 21st.

The Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on Saturday last was
one of the largest held there for some time, but much of the effect that
would have been otherwise produced was lost by the exhibits being widely
scattered throughout the whole of the transept and the two naves. Exhibitors
found the staging and removal of their contributions a difficult matter, and
complaints were numerous in consequence. It is well to avoid the too
frequent formality of arrangement at exhibitions, but it is possible to go to
the other extreme, and when the plants entered in one class are so Widely
removed it renders the Judges’ task much more arduous and often unsatis¬
factory.

Many of the plants shown were the same as those which were awarded
honours at the Regent’s Park Show last week, and it will not therefore be
necessary to particularise them, but some excellent features were introduced
tbat merit special notice. The groups were remarkably good, the prizes of
£10, £6, and £4 bringing several stroDg competitors in both classes. In the
open class for a group of plants arranged for effect, occupying a space not
exceeding 200 square feet, Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, won the
premier prize with an extremely handsome, bright, and tastefully arranged
contribution. In this were new brilliantly coloured TuberouB Begonias,
Azaleas, choice Orchids, Ericas, Palms, Ferns, and miscellaneous plants were
freely employed with admirable effect. Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent
Garden, were second with a varied and pleasing group arranged in their
usual light and tasteful manner, Mr. H. James, Norwood, taking the third
place. The amateurs’ class was for a group of Orchids in bloom, not less
than forty plants, arranged with Palms and Ferns, and the five competitors
who entered all had tasteful collections. Mr. Simpkins, gardener to R. J.
Measures, Esq., Camberwell, was the successful exhibitor, winning the first
prize for a charming selection of Orchids, comprising very fine Cymbidiums,
choice Cypripediums, Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, Oncidiums,
Aerides, and Lselias. Mr. C. J. Salter, gardener to J. Southgate, Esq.,
Selborne, Leigham Court Road, Streatham, was a good second with a varied
group, one plant of Cymbidium Lowianum bearing four long spikes being
very handsome ; Mr. S. Cooke, gardener to De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield,
Sevenoaks, was third with a collection chiefly of Odontoglossum crispum
and L folia purpurata varieties, with Palms, a pretty effect being produced,
but there were not quite sufficient plants.

The exhibits in the classes devoted to Orchids were numerous and com¬
prised some excellent plants. With nine specimens Mr. A. J. Catt, gardener
to W. Cobb, Esq., Silverdale Lodge, Sydenham, took the lead, showing an
extremely fine Odontoglossum vexillarium, bearing a great number of
flowers ; Cattleya Skinneri, with twelve spikes ; Odontoglossum crispum,
ten spikes ; Oncidium Marshallianum, Masdevallia Harryana Dawsoni,
Coelogyne MassaDgeana, Cattleya Mendeli, and others. Mr. F. J. Hill,
gardener to H. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was second, also with
good plants, especially Cattleya Skinneri, Oncidium Marshallianum, and
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Mr. H. James following with Cypripediums,
Lycasts s, Cattleyas, &o. Mr. Catt was again first with six Orchids, followed
by Messrs Hill and Luff. The best single specimen came from Hr. H. James,
a large Laelia purpurata with nine Bpikes. Mr. Hill was second with a
beautiful Cattleya Skinneri in a basket, and Mr. Catt third for Odonto-
glo88um crispum with six spikes.

The stove and greenhouse plants were mostly the same as those at the
Regent’s Park Show a few days before, Mr. W. Chapman, gardener

May 26. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

423

to J. .Spode, Esq., Hawkeyard, Rngeley, being first both with nine
and six plants with his usual fresh evenly trained and well flowered
specimens. Messrs. H. James, Offer, aud Bolton secured the other
prizes in the two classes. The b'st Bingle specimen stove plant
wag a large Clerodendron Bilfourianum from Mr. Wakeham, and the
best greenhouse plant, a huge Erica Cavendishiana, from Mr. H. James,
who was also first with nine Ericas, capital healthy specimens. In
the class for eighteen Roses in pots not exceeding 9 inches in diameter,
Messrs. Paul A Son, Cheshunt, were accorded first honours for a good selec¬
tion of varieties and vigorous well flowered plants, of which Beauty of
Waltham, Violette Bouyer, Souvenir d’un Ami, and Madame Isaac
Perriere were very notable. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was a close second,
and Mr. Rumser, Waltham Cross, was third, with healthy little specimens.
Nearly all the Pelargoniums were the same as those noted last week at
Regent’s Park, but of course not quite so fresh. Mr. C. Turner, Mr. D.
Philips, Slougb, Mr. F. J. Hill, and Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Clay, Esq.,
Kingston, were the prizetakers. AzaleaB were not quite so good as usual,
beiDg rather deficient in flowers, the best being the eighteen small plants
from Mr. C. Turner, which were first in their class, neat globular or conioal
specimens of Cordon Bleu, Mrs. Turner, Bernhard Andrea alba, Mdlle. Marie
Lefebvre, Roi d’Hollande, Souvinir de Prince Albert, Baron de Rothschild,
and Louise Pynaert. Mr. Turner was also first with nine Azaleas, but not
very well flowered, Mr. H. James being second with brighter specimens.
Mr. II. Offer, Handcross Park Gardens, Crawley, was first with six Azaleas,
good examples of Flag of Truce, Leopold I., and Mrs. Turner being
notable. Gloxinias and Calceolarias were well represented, Mr. A. Luff,
gardener to R. R. Hyatt, Esq., Streatham, and Mr. W. Slogrove, gardener to
Mrs. Crawford, Reigate, winning the first prizes in the two classes for
Gloxinias. With Calceolarias Mr. J. James, Farnham Royal, Slough, was
first for superb, compact plants, with highly coloured flowers, and in the
amateurs’ class Mr. C. J. Salt.r was easily first with excellent plants of a
oapital strain.

Fine-foliage plants, Ferns, Dracamas, and Crotons were numerous and
mostly clean well-grown specimens, but there was a general want of colour
in the Dracsnas and Crotons, due no doubt to the unfavourable season.
Mr. T. N. Penfold, The Gardens, Beddington House, Beddington, exhibited
well and secured first honours for nine fine-foliage plants and nine Ferns,
and in both cases his specimens were good examples of cultural skill. Mr.
Bolton also showed well, taking the first place for six Ferns and several
smaller prizes in other classes. Mr. Bird, gardener to J. A. Causton, Esq.,
Alleyn Park, West Dulwich, and Mr. Offer were respectively first with nine
and six Crotons, the last named being excellently coloured. Messrs. H.
James and Hooper & Co. also won several prizes in these classes. For
Dracamas Mr. W. King, gardener to Philip Crowley, Esq., Waddon House,
Croydon, was a successful exhibitor, securing the premier award with six
fine specimens. Messrs. J. Laing & Co. were first with nine Caladiums, the
plants 3 to 4 feet high and in diameter, and with well developed foliage, the
varieties being Comte de Condeixa, Luddemannianum, Leopold Robert, San-
choniathon, Fritz Kcechlin, Albo-luteum, Ferdinand Lesseps, Clio, and
Mithridate. Mr. H. James had the best eighteen Nepenthes, very strong
large plants, bearing numbers of fine pitchers, and Mr. A. Luff was second
in the same class.

The piizes for eighteen dinner table plants brought no less than ten
exhibitors, and the display was an usual one. Messrs. Hooper & Co. were
adjudged first honours for neat graceful plants, of which the following were
the best : — Pandanus Yeitchi, Croton Lord Derby, Aralia elegantissima,
Kentia Belmoreana, Croton elegantissimus, Dracaena Goldieana, Phoenix
rupicola, Cooos Weddelliana, Croton Evansianus, Aralia Yeitchi, Terminalia
elegans, Geonoma gracilis, and Dracaona terminalis. Mr. J. Hudson,
gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton, and Messrs.
J. Laing & Co. were awarded equal second prizes for similarly elegant
plants.

Bouquets, buttonholes, and stands of flowers were admirably represented,
the competition in several cases being very keen and the exhibits most
tasteful. Messrs. Perkins it Son, Coventry, won the prize for the best bridal
bouquet, which was chiefly composed of white Lapagerias, white RoseB,
Lilies of tlie.Valley, Stephanotis, Pancratiums, Rhynchoepermum, Dendro-
bium Jamesianum, with Asparagus plumosus and Adiantum. Mr. J. R.
Chard, Stoke Newington, was second with a tasteful combination of
Bouvardias, Eucharis, Tuberoses, Gardenias, double Primroses, and Lilies
of the Valley; Mr. G. Phippen, Reading, being third with a bouquet con¬
sisting chiefly of Stephanotis and white Roses. For one bouquet Messrs.
Perkins <t Son were again first, the flowers employed most freely being
Masdevallias, Roses, Odontoglossums, Lilie3 of the Valley, Stephanotis, and
Rhynchoepermum, placed together lightly and gracefully. Mr. J. R. Chard
was again second with a very pretty bouquet, consisting of pink Bouvardias,
Carnations, white Roses, Eucharis, yellow Carnations, and double Primulas,
with Adiantum fronds. For six buttonhole bouquets Messrs. Perkins and
Son wore first, their contributions being ’argely composed of Orchid flowers.
Mrs. Bishop, Duppas Hill, Croydon, was second with a tasteful arrangement
of Stephanotis, Roses, Bouvardias, and Forget-me-nots ; Miss C. A. Wright,
2. Railway Buildings, South Norwood, being third with somewhat similar
elegant bouquels. The prizes for three vases of flowers were well contested,
Mr. T. Butcher, South Norwood, gaining the first place, followed by Mr.
J. R. Chard and Mrs. Bishop ; while for one vase Mr. G. Phippen took first
honours, Mr. J. R. Chard being second, and Mr. Hassell third. Messrs.
Perkins it Son abo had a handsome wreath of white flowers, not for com-
etition. Cut flowers were numerous, the leading collections being staged
v Mr. A. GibsoD, gardener to T. F. B. Atkins, Esq., Halstead Place, and
Mr. C. J. Salter ; Messrs. Penfold, James, and Parrott securing the other
prizes.

The miscellaneous non competing exhibits were very numerous and excel¬
lent. Messrs. Wm. Paul Sc Son, Waltham Cross, had an extensive collection
of Roees in pots together with a dozen boxes of cut blooms, all as bright and
fresh as could be wished. Messrs. Paul it Son, Cheshunt, had a varied
group of choice hardy herbaceous and alpine plants. Mr. T. S. Ware,
Tottenham, contributed a group of Pteonies, Primula Sieboldi, Trollius, and
Polemonium Richardsoni. Messrs. Barr it Son, Covent Garden, had a large
and beautiful group of Daffodils and hardy flowers. Messrs. J. Carter and
Oo., Holboro, showed a collection of Mimulus named Carter’s Queen’s

Prize, the flowers 2J inches in diameter, scarlet and magenta, with yellow
and cream coloured throats and margins. Mr. J. Bolton, Cooinbe Bank
Gardens, Sevenoaks, sent two plant* of a bright double pink Petunia. Mr.
W. Rumsey had several boxes of Rose blooms ; Mr. Hooper, Bath, a large
collection of Pansy blooms ; Mr. Walker, Tbam?, boxes of fine Marechal
Niel and other Rose blooms ; and Mr. A. J. Catt a group of plants of
Odontoglossum ciispum.

Certificates were awarded for the following plants : —

Pceonia Moutan Urnnie (T. S. Ware). — Very large handsome flowers,
full, rosy crimson.

Pceonia Moutan Iiinzi (T. 8. Ware). — Similarly large, of a rosy purple
colour.

Pceonia Moutan Louise Mouchelet (T. S. Ware). — Very handsome,
salmon pink, an immense size.

Pceonia Moutan Odorata Maria (T. S. Ware). — Blush white, very
fragrant, large and full.

Begonia Princess Victoria (J. Laing it Co.). — A tuberous variety with
large we’l formed bright pink flowers.

Begonia Duke of Edinburgh (J. Laing & Co). — A tuberous variety,
flowers of great size and excellent form, brilliant rich scarlet.

Azalia indica Souvenir de Franqois Vervaene (J. Laing & Co.). — A
double white variety, flowers long and full, with an undulated margin to
the petals, very distinct and free.

l’elargonium Henry Daukes (Wiggins).

Lcelia purpttrata Airs. H. Little (H. Little).

HARDY OFFICINAL PLANTS.*

(Afr. L. Castle’s Paper, continued from page 402.)

In the No. 10 issue of Mr. T. Christy’s excellent serial* we find the
genus Strophanthus exhaustively treated and freely illustrated, also a
contribution by Mr. Lewis Castle on some officinal plants that may be
grown in this country for commercial purposes. This article we re¬
produce : — •

Datura Stramonium, L. (Thorn Apple). — An annual plant; a native of
Europe, and in some districts so abundant as to be a troublesome weed ; even
in this country, when a few plants have been allowed to produce their seeds,
the plants will come in all directions for several seasons. The seeds are
produced in abundance, and a good supply of plants can soon be secured by
sowiDg the seed under glass and planting out in May. In good soil they
will grow rapidly, and produce their fruits and s^eds before autumn. The
seeds can also be sown out-of-doors after all danger of frost is past, and in
ordinarily favourable seasons these too will a fiord plenty of fruits and seeds
before the end of the season. The soil should be well dug, and, whether
the seed is sown outside or the seedlings reared in houses and transplanted,
they are better in rows, allowing good space between them, and in dry
weather supplies of water will be found beneficial, as, being a rapidly
growing plant, it soon exhausts the soil. Gerard states that the Thom
Apple was brought in seed from Constantinople by Lord Edward Zouch,
and that he (Gerard) dispersed the seed through this country.

Delphinium Staphisagria, L. (Stavesacre). — An annual or biennial
plant ; a native of South Europe, of which the seeds have been employed
in medicine since the time of the Greeks. It i3 not quite hardy in this
country, but in warm districts or sheltered situations it survives ordinary
winters, and a little protection in less favoured places will make it safe, a
handlight being the best means, though a slight mulching of some ligh
material will commonly answer a similar purpose. It was cultivated by
Gerard in 1596, and he mentions that he used to cover it “ with feme, to-
defend it from the March winds,” which then, as now, often proved more
destructive to plants than the frosts. The seeds can be sown in a bed or
border of light soil in autumn, where the plants can be safely left out during
the winter ; otherwise the seeds may be sown in pans placed in a cold frame,
and the seedlings transplanted in the spring. They succeed better when
undisturbed, and usually produce their flowers and seeds in the following
summer and autumn. If sown under glass early in the spring, and then
planted out immediately the weather is fine enough, they will flower
the same season, as they will also do in suitable situations if sown out of
doors.

Ecballium elaterium, A. Rich (Mormordica Elaterium, L.). The
Squirting Cucumber. — A perennial Cucurbitaceous plant, found very
abundantly in the south of Europe, where in many places it is a trouble¬
some weed. The expressed juice of the fruit constitutes the Elaterium of
commerce, and is strongly purgative, like several other plants of the same
family. The root is large and fleshy, with long trailing stems, and small
oval fruits that when mature burst, and cast out the seeds with considerable
force. In consequence of this peculiarity the plants must be looked over
carefully, and the fruits gathered before they are fully ripe. The seeds may
be sown in the same way as those of the Colocynth — namely, under glass
early in the season, and subsequently planted out. Or the seed maybe sown
in the open ground, in light warm soil, when all danger of frost is past, and
they will soon germinate. In rich soil the plants grow rapidly during the
summer months, producing abundance of their fruits, and the roots may
usually be solely left in the ground, with a thick covering of cocoa-nut
fibre refuse, fern fronds, leaf soil, or anything of a similar character. The
roots will last for several years, but a fresh stock can be raised from seed
every season if desirable, as when once the plant is obtained seeds will soon
be plentiful.

F<eniculum CAPILLACEUM, Gilib. Fennel. (F. vulgare, F. officinale,
F. dulce). — An easily grown plant, requiring no special treatment, succeeding
well in good garden soil. Sow the seeds in autumn or April, in drills,
thinning the seedlings out slightly. Keep the ground clean, and in dry hot
weather supply water occasionally if convenient. It is usually treated as a,
biennial, making its growth the first year, flowering and seeding the second,
when the crop can be harvested in the same way as Carraway ; but all the
Umbellifer® grown for the sake of their seeds require prompt attention when
these are approaching maturity.

* “ New Commercial Plants and Drugs,” Christy & Co., 25, Lime Street, London, E.C.

424

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 56, 1887,

Helleborus Niger, L. ( Th i Black Hel'ebore, or Christmas Rose') —
This plant, with numerous varieties and hybrids between it and other
Bpecies, are now chiefly cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes, the
pure white flowers produced in midwinter being especially valued. At on;
time the roots and rhizomes were considered important in medicine, but
their use has been to a great extent discontinued, and what suppl es are
required are obtained from the Continent. It is not difficult to cultivate,
for, though a native of mountainous districts in several countries of Europe,
it succeeds in almost any soil that is we'l drained. P anted in good loam,
rather moist, or in shaded situa'ions, it erows luxu-iantly, forming thick
knotted roots and abundant foliage. Where the soil is not too heavy, an
annual dressing of light manure or leaf soil is beneficial to the growth, and
is especially useful for encouraging young plants; but any rank manure
■should be avoided, and the older plan's will be bett r without it if they are
grown for their roots a’one. A good mulching of leaf soil is the safest ap¬
plication, but in orcinary girden soil even that can be dispensed with.
The plants should be plac d in rows where a large number is grown,
and they can then be lifted as required. Dividing the roots in autumn
and replanting the divisions in a similar way, is the best mode of in¬
creasing it.

Hydrastis canadensis, L. (Orange Root, Yellow Puccoon.) — A rather
widely dist'ibuted plant in the United States, where the root is esteemed for
its fonic and diuretic properties. It has a th’ck yellow root, fiom which
arises a single stem and two leaves near the summit, and a greenish-white
■flower. The plant thrives in a moist shaded p >sition, in 1 ght vegetable soil,
and can be increased either by division or seeds.

Hyoscyamus NIGER, L. (Henbane). — Though this is known in iwo forms,
as an annual and biennial, the latter is that chiefly valued for medicinal
■purposes, and is in some distric s extensively cultivated for its roots, leaves,
or seeds, all of which possess powerful properties that have been found
useful in medicine, but exceedingly din e ou3 in the hands of the inex¬
perienced. Owing to its possessing large fleshy roots, which strike deeply
into the soil, the ground must be well dug and prepared for the p’ant, a
dressing of o’d, not rank, manure, being advantageous. The seeds can be
•sown in autumn, in drill’, and the seedlings thinned out freely the fol’o wing
■spring. Dui ing this first season the roots and basal 1 aves are formed, bat
in the following year the stems and flowers are produced, and it is then
that the qualities fer which the plant is noted are most developed. By
■sowing each season a succession can be had, so th it a certain quantity of
<the crop can be taken every summer or autumn.

Inula helenium, L. (Elecampane). — An easily grown member of the
'Composite, the root of which is employed in medicine, and in the pre¬
paration of the liqueur Absinthe. It is a st'ongly growing perennial, a
native of Europe, with long broadly lanceolate leaves, a stem 4 to 6 feet
high, and bright yellow flowers. The roots are thick and fleshy, and were
formerly used, like Salsafy and Scorzonera, as a vegetable or salading, but
they are now only employed for medicinal purposes. The plant can be
increased by seeds sown out of doors in autumn, in prepared beds, and the
young seedlings transplanted the following year to their p rmanent quarters,
allowing a foot to 18 inches between the plants, which should be placed in
aows for convenience. A quicker way is to ob'aiu offsets from the roots
wi h buds attiched, and iusert thf se in rows like cutting’, to be transplanted
■when roots are formed and growth advancing. In tither case the roots can
be lifted for use the second year, as they progress rapidly ia good loamy
a ils.

Latpa major, Gaeitner (Arctium Lappa, L., The Burdock). — In many
places this is an excessively troublesome plant, increasing most rapidly,
and difficult of eradication. It is a biennial, producing strong fleshy tap
roots in any soil ; and a decoction of these has been considered equd to
Sarsaparilla. The growth is rapid, and the roots of seedling plants from
seed sown in au'umn are fit for lif ing the following season. A Japanese
plant, named Gobo, has received the title of Lappa edu is in gardens, but
has been referred to Lappa major by recent wiiters, being r garded as only
a cultural form cf that species. It has be n grown in Japan for a great
many years in the same way that Salsafy and Scorzonera are here, the
roots being used in a young state — namely, when they are about three
•months old.

Menthol. — Mentha arvensis must be propagat’d from root sets or
cuttings, and care taken to watch the beds, to see that no seedlings take
roots, for if they do they must be dug out, or the whole bed will be spoiled.
A small- leaved Mint springs up, from seed it is supposed ; hence the
neceFsi'y for carefully watching the plants when cutting the stems fir
distillation. When land can be afforded the rows ought to be 3 feet
«3 inches apart.

Pimpinella anisuh, L. (Auise or Aniseed). — An annual plant; chiefly
grown in warm districts of Europe, and requiring, when cultivated here, a
well-drained Boil in a sheltered position. The seeds can be sown in Aptil,
and the crop obtained by August in favourable weather. It may be treated
tin the matter of soil and general cultivation like the other umbelliferous
plants grown for the same purpose, and of which Fennel and Carraway have
■already been mentioned.

Podophyllum pelt at um, L. (The May Apple, or American Mandrake.)
— An interesting plant, the roots of which supply the Podophvliin, so
much in demand of recent years. It is a native of the United States,
where it is found chiefly in woods, thriving in rich vegetable soil, and pro¬
ducing its fruits in July, which have a slightly acid taste ; and Gray says
They are eaten by “ pigs and boys.” It has a very distinct appearance in
girdens, owingto its large peltate leaves being produced in pairs from each
root. The latter are thick and fibrous, with a creeping perennial rootstock,
which in America are collected in August and dried for use. It is not difficult
to grow in this country, but rt quires a moist light soil, or preferably a peat
'border, where moderate shade can be provided by neighbouring shrubs.
Lt can be easily increased by division of the toots, which maybe trans¬
planted in rows; but it is a good plan t) reserve a few plants specially
for propagation, so that it will not be neces’a y t > disturb the general
stock frequently, or until the root3 are large enough for officinal
purposes.

Polygala senega, L. (Rattlesnake Root).— A North American plant,
■with a perennial root, becoming woody and much branched, with several

stems a foot or more high, alternate leaves, and loose spikes of white
flowers. It was introduced to the attention of physiciins in this country by
a Dr. John Tennent, early in the eighteenth century, and was afterwards
triel extensively in rheumatic disorders. The flowers are produced in the
summer, generally during July, but it rarely ripens it s seeds out of doors
here, and the seeds obtained are oftsn uncertain in ger nination. It is not
difficult to grow, but requires some protection in winter, a light mulching
over the roots being effectual in the south, but in cold exposed places a
handlight would be the safest means of preserving it. Oidinary girden
soil suits it, provided there be suitable drainage. The best way is to obtain
roots for stock, but increase will be slow, as division must be practised very
carefully.

Spigelia marilandica, L. (Maryland Pink Root.) — The Spigelia is in¬
cluded in the Strychnos family, which abounds in plants possessing ex¬
tremely poisonous quilities, and, like many of its relatives, it yields an
acro-na co'ic poison employed in medicine. It is a perennial, with fibrous
roots, and requires a deep moist bed of peat, or a light soil composed largelv
of leaf mould or vegetable refuse to ensure its success. It is impatient of
any rank decaying material, and though it can be increased by division, the
process is a sliw one.

Valeriana officinalis, L. (Valerian Roots). — A well known perennial
plant, of which the roots have for a long period been valued as an anti-
spasmodic. It is found wild in numerous districts in Europe and Asia, aud
has been cultivated rather extensively in Hollaud and North America for
medicinal purpos-s. It is generally found in rather dry situations, attaining
a height of 2 to 3 feet, but under cultivation, especially in shaded moist
positions and rich soil, it becomes much stronger. Where it is grown for its
medicinal qualities it is not, however, desirable to have it too strong, as in a
smaller state, in drier poorer soil”, it has been found that the qualities for
which it is employed are more concentrated anl powerful. The roots have
long fleshy fibres, and the plant can be increased by division, either in
spring or autumn, one or two seisons’ growth rendering them fit for
lifting, which should be done in autumD, and the roots stored for use.

Veratruai album, L. (White Hellebore). — An Eiuopean perennial
plant, of very distinct appearance, owing to i s broad ovate-ribbed leaves,
which have obtained for it a place in most borders of herbaceous plants.
The plint requires a rich and deeply worked soil, and in suitable positions
it grows very luxuriantly, being readily propagated eith r by seeds or
division. Tne seeds may be sown in the open ground in autumn, thinning
the seedlings freely, and transplant them in the following spring, allowing
ample space for development, as their large leaves require plenty of room.
For quicker increase, dividing the plants is the better method, planting the
divisions in autumn ; and if good sized pieces are taken they will form
roots large enough for officinal purposes in two or three years’ time. Tus
seedlings lequire three or four years to attain similar size. This plant was
cultivated by Gerard in 1596.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

May 24th.

There was a comparatively small number of exhibits on Tuesday last,
but there were several plants and grrups of special interest.

Fruit Committee. — T. F. Rivers, Esq., in the chair. Present, Dr. Hogg,
Messrs. Saltmarsh, Les, Warren, Woodbridge, Viitch, Goldsmith, Norman,
Willard, Ford, Haywood, Blackmore, Smith, and Fitt.

Mr. Palmer, gardener to Hume Dick, Esq., Thames Dltton House, sent a
very fine dish of Auguste Nicaise Strawberry, to which a cultural commen¬
dation was awarded. He also sent a tine dish of Asparagus, to which a letter
of thanks was awarded. Mr. E. Ward, The Gardens, Stoke EiithPark,
Ledbury, sent a late Broccoli. Mr. Lockie, Oakley Court, Windsor, sent six
specimens of a seedling Melon, ca’led Beauty of Windsor, raised between
Dr. Hogg and Beauty of Windsor, but it was not superior to others already
in cultivation. Mr. G. Beaton, The Gardens, Style Hall, Gunnersbury, sent
three dishes of Pears, Suzette de Bavay, Easter Beurrd, and Winter Bon
Chretien, for which a letter of thanks was awarded.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Read ng, offered several prizes for a brace of
Cucumbers, Sutton’s Purley Park Hero and Improved Telegraph. There
were six competitors. Mr. T. Lockie, The Gardens, Oakley Court, Windsor,
was awarded the first prize for Sutton’s Improved Telegraph, reryfine, long,
even fruits. Mr. C. J. Waite, Glenhurst Gardens, Esher, was second wi h
Purley Park Hero, even and good. J. Downing, Eiq., The Shrubbery,
Enfield, Middl sex (gardener, Mr. P. Cornish), was third. All the exhibits
were very even in quality.

Floral Committee. — Present: G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair; and
Messrs. J. Douglas, J. Fraser, W. Wilks, H. B nnett, H. Herbst, R. H.
Lowe, G. Duffield, G. Paul, Richard Dean, B. Wynne, G. Noble, J. Dominy,
H. M. Pollett, D. Pilcher, F. Baines. J. O'Brien, A. J. Lendy, H. Turner,
E Hill, Shirley Hibberd, W. Holmes, and James Hudson.

Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, was awarded a silver Banksian m dal for a
large and excellent group of Pseonies and hardy flowers, comprising many
beautiful species and varieties. The Paeonies were chiefly forms of the
Moutan or Tree type, some of the most noticeable as regards size and
colour of the flowers (all double) being Athlete, pale rosy purple ; Cerise
Pallida, blush white ; Madame Stuart Low, salmon red; Reine Elisabeth,
bright red, very fresh and good, together with several that were certifi¬
cated. Of the hardy plants there were numerous specimens, Piimula
Sieboldi being largely represented, one variety named Vivid, with blight
rosy purple flowers being very handsome. A panful of Trillium grandi-
florum, with over three dozen large white flow, rs, was prominent in the
group. The pretty double white Rununculus aconitifolius fl.-pl., the
Yellow Globe Flowers, Trollius europseus, nanus, and caucasicus were good ;
the dark crimson Tulipa elegans and fulgens, Fritillarias, Polemonmm
Richardsoni, Irises, and a few late Daffodils were also in the collection.
There was a small group of hardy Cypripediums, comprising large pots of
C. calceolus. lip pale y llow, sepals and petals brown ; C. pubescens, the lip
of rather a darker yellow colour, with few red markings in the margin, the
sepals and petals lighter brown, and tho latter more twisted ; C. occidentale
(montanum), lip white, sepals and petals narrow brown ; and C. arietinum,
a diminutive form, the lip half an inch long, curiously pear-shaped,

May 24 1887. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

423

white at the upper part and purplish at the base, and sepals and petals
narrow and brown. r

E. G Loder, Esq., Floore Weedon (garden1 r, Mr. Goldsmith) exhibited
tnree Pilots of Myosotidium nobile. extremely vigorous, and bearing thre“,
four, and five cymes of its bright blue flowers. Mr. Loder was awarded a
cultural commendation last year for the plants shownof this “ New Zealand
rorget-me-not," and one of the specimens was figured in t is Journal, page
.oi April 20th, 1886. A cultural commendation was again awarded. Mr.
ri BL’l? a fine plant of Ranunculus cortusfefolius. described below.
, Vt ‘ “"brick, Esq.,Q C., Oldfield, Bicklev fgardener, Mr. Heimsl s nt a plant
or htexisea bidentata, a curious little Orchid with diminutive flowers, with
narrow sepals, petals, and Up of equal size and bright orange red. They are
orne at the apex of narrow cylindrical fusiform contracted pseudo-bulbs,
r rom the Society's Gardens, Chiswick, came a plant of Tropajolum azureum
with numerous purplish mauve flowers. Mr. Charles Vuylsteke, Loochrisly,
Ghent, Belgium, showed several hardy hybrid Azaleas of the pontica and
mollis types. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was awarded a vote of thanks for
i elargomum Magpie, one of the French spotted decorative type with large
H-ers, white with dark crimson purple blotches in each petal

Messrs. James Veitch ifc Sons, Cbels* a, showed a group of new plants,
»i,)mPu8lng a_doz“n new Tree P teenies, two of which were certificated ;
the others were Uranie, purple ; rosa superba, bright red, and Grand Due
rte Bude, purple streaked. A basket of thedouble Syrinpa vulgaris Lemoinei
“• P*’ Wft3 shown (vote of thankb). It was certificated in 188-1. Azalea
rosasnora var. Rollisscni was r< presented by a number of small plants
bearing beautifully formed salmon red flowers. Spirmr confusa was very
graceful, with profusion of neat trusses of white flowers. Several hardy
hybrid Azaleas were shown, and two were certificated, also the prettv Rosi
jC1.j Eose Button, the bright pink Hydrangea stellita fl. pi., and Il'cium
nortdanum. Mr. A. Watirer, Knap Hill. Woking, had three fine varieties
of Azs ea mol is, yellow and orange coloured (vote of thanks). A bronze
medal was awarded to Mr. A. Waterer for a group of double hybrid hardy
•“■za ^as °f the occidentalis type, varied in colours and extremely fragrant.

Messrs. Wood it Ingram, Huntingdon Nurseries, showed a seedling
decorative Pelargonium named J. Wood Ingram, of a remarkably bright

j8e 83ar^et colour, the upper petals maroon, margined scarlet., very free,
and of good form. Mr. R. Dean. Ealing, showed plants of Cinerarias that
ha7e been wintered without fire heat, uIbo two good varieties of Polyanthus
named Snowdrift and Governor. Messrs. Paul it Son, Cbe-hunt, was awar ltd
a bronze medal for a large collection of choice hardy and alpine plants, com-
fine examples of Arnebia echioiies, Tiarelli ordifolia, Gentiana
acauhe, Anemone fulgens, Thalictrum anemonoides, Trilliurns, Trolling, and
i hloxes. Messrs. Carter £ Co., Holbora, had a group of Mimulin of their
special Queen Prize s'rain, very fine flowers and rich colouts. Messrs. J.
Green it Nephew, 107, Queen Victoria Street, E.C , showed specimens of
their ornamental glasses and vases.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

“ Ranunculus cortusi-folius (E. G. Loder, Esq.). — A native of the Canary
Inlands and Madeira, and figured in the “Botanical Magazine,” 1852,
plate 4625. It has been described as hardv, but it is not found to be so
at Floore. The leaves are somewhat heart-shaped, 6 inches and more in
diam: ter, somewhat lobed, and with a dentate margin. The flowers are
bo-nn in heads 2$ feet hieh, an! are individually 2 inchea in diameter, very
bright yellow, and much like an en'arg d common Buttercup.

Cdontoglossum Pescatorei , Pollett's variety (H. M. Poll-tt, Esq.). — An
exceedingly pretty variety, with neatly formed flowers, each s“pal blotched
ia the centre with deep purple and one or two small round purple dots in
the petals. The panicle was compact and strong.

Phalcenopsis speciosa (Major-General E. S. Berkeley). — A beautiful
species with plain green foliage, and a scape of six flowers with even ovate
sepals and petals of a shining purple hue, the pedicel and column white.

Ptronia Moutan Banieri (J. Veitch it Sons). — Very large double resy
crimson, very handsome.

Pceonia Moutan Isis < J. Veitch it Sons). — Very bright red, large flower.

Abies excelsa mutibilis (J. Veitch & Sons). — A very distinct variety, the
tipa of the young shoots clear yellow, some 2 inches long or more.

Azalea Beauty (J. Veitch £ Sons). — These two Azaleas were shown as
hybrids between mollis and occidentalis. This one was blush with a yellow
blotch in the upper p-ria1. very free and fragrant.

Azalea Maiden's Blush (J. Veitch £ Sons). — Warmly tinted with rose,
the upper lobe yellow, equally as free and sweet as the other.

Azalea Peach Blossom (Anthony Waterer). — A double variety of the
occidentalis type, bright pink, and very sweet.

Azalea Snowflake (Anthony Waterer). — One of the same type as the
above, pure white and excellent in shape. Exceeding'y fragrant.

Mimulus Carter's Jubilee Queen’s Prize (James Carter £ Co., High Hol-
born). — A very handsome variety, with rich scarlet flowers, edged yellow and
spotted in the throat.

P ceonia Moutan lactea (T. S. Ware). — Handsome, large, pure white,
beautiful in contrast with the darker varieties.

Pceonia Moutan odorata Maria (T. S. Ware).— Floater of immense size,
flush, a grand variety.

Pceonia Moutan Zenobia (T. S. Ware). — A rich magenta bold flower, very

showy.

Scientific Committee. — Present: G. F. 'Wilson, Esq., in the chair;
Messrs. Pascoe, Michael, Murray, Ridley. O'Brien, Smee, Prof. Church, Dr.
Lowe, Hon. and Rev. J T. Bo3cawen, and Rev. G. Henslow.

Peristeria sp. — Mr. Ridley reported on the two forms exhibited at the
list me tiDg, having discovered no trace of sexual cliff- rence ; the colouring
of the two supposed species being scarcely soecific in character.

^ Plants Exhibited. — A>-te’ma eximium. — Dr. Low exhibited specimens of
this Everlasting, receivd from Lady Frere, and brought from S ,uth Africa.
It was introduced into England in 1783 and figured (“ Bot. Reg.”), tab. 582,
aad the Journal of Horticulture, f age 233, March 24th, 18-1.

Cerapogon pnlUdum. — Shown by Mr. Smee. It had been accidentally
imported with Orchids from the Himalayas.

Ranunculus cortuscrfolius. — A fine p'ant nearly 3 feet in height was sent
by Mr. Loder. Ii is a native of the Canary Islands and Madeira (“Bot.
t. 4625 . It is sail to be hardy, but has not proved to be so at Floore

Weedon. It was remarkable not only for the large size of the goldtn yellow
flowers, more than 2 inches across, but from the seemingly total absence of
the honey-g’ands at the base of the petals.

Ct/pripedium arittinum. — Mr. Ware sent a plant of this curious Orchid,
figured in the “ Bot. Mag.” iu the year 1813, tab. 1563. Ic is characterised
by the anterior pair of sepals being free instead of coherent as in most
species.

Monstrous Flowers. — Calceolaria, dou ole, with the “slipper" repeated,
sent by Mr. Veitch, and Primroses with foliaceous sepals free and coherent,
also partially coloured, £c., foi warded by Mr. A. Dean.

THE LIME, CITRUS LIMETTA.

The illustration (fig. 74) and appended particulars by a successful
cultivator will give “A Southern Correspondent,” who sends an inquiry
on the subject, the information he desires.

“ A glass case is attached to the end of a common greenhouse, and
the Lime, which is planted out, is trained upon a plain lozenge-shaped
galvanised wire trellis affixed to the wall, which is merely a continua¬
tion of the wall against which the greenhouse is erected. This trellis
affords great facilities for arranging the flexible shoots symmetrically
upon it, instead of nailing them against the wall, and nothing can ex¬
ceed the unique and beautiful appearance of the case, covered as the
plant always is with blossoms, gr en fruit in all their stages of develop¬
ment, and clusters of bright golden fruit at full maturity. No artificial

Fig. 71.— The I,t me. Citrus Llmetta.

heat is supplied by hot-water pipes or otherwise in the case itself, but an
end sash of the greenhouse, before alluded to, is thrown open so as to
admit the passage of warm air into the case when the weather is very
severe ; but unless there is a prevalence of frost this heat is not
admitted, as the cool, steady, rather humid atmosphere of the case is
much more congenial to the health of the plant than if recourse were
constantly had to the warmth derivable from the greenhouse.

/ “ The border inside the case was excavated to the depth of 3 feet, and
filled up first with rubble drainage, such as brickbats, Ac., to the depth
of 9 inches ; then good sound turf, cut from a pasture field, was laid one
sod thick neatly upon the top of the rubble, grass side downwards, and
upon the sods was placed a compost of good sound turfy loam, well
decayed dung, leaf mould, and coarse sand or grit in about equal
quantities, the whole chopped roughly and blended together, but on no
account sifted or beaten fine. On this soil inside the case is placed a
common wooden trellis for walking on, such as is commonly used in
vineries and Peach houses ; this is highly desirable, for it prevents the
soil from becoming close and sodden, and keeps the border free and
open.

“ The Lime having been thus planted requires to be very caut iously
watered at first, but as soon as the roots have worked into the congenial
soil, and vigorous shoots are produced, a liberal supply of water should
be given, and the whole plant syringed occasionally in the evening ; free
admission of air during the day is also requisite. When the wire trellis
is well covered the plant will commence bearing abundantly, and water
must be administered copiously, which as the border is well drained, will

426

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ May 28, 1887.

impart health and vigour to the plant, and the soil must never be per¬
mitted to become thoroughly dry. This point should be well looked to,
for nothing is so pernicious to the general well-doing of the Lime as
permitting the roots to get into this condition ; occasional supplies of
liquid manure in a very diluted state may also be beneficially given
during the spring, summer, and autumn, not oftener, however, than
about once a fortnight. I have alluded to syringing the Lime — this,
however, should not be done during the time the plant is in blossom, as
that process would damage the fertilising quality of the pollen, and thus
prevent the fruit from setting freely.

I. " “ Various species and varieties of the Citrus family have, with the
glorious appearance and the refreshing health-bestowing qualities of their
beautiful fruit, for ages attracted the universal attention of mankind ;
and the Oange, the Citron, and the Lemon, with their numerous varieties,
are now, and have long been, appropriate ornaments in all gardens pos¬
sessing any pretensions to horticultural eminence. From some cause,
however, probably from ignorance of its comparatively hardy constitu¬
tion and facile culture, the Lime (Citrus limetta) has not met with that
general cultivation which it deserves ; certainly it might and ought to
be grown advantageously in every good garden, for not only are the im¬
mature green fruit, which are thinned off by hundreds, delicious in a
preserved state, but the ripe fruit are serviceable wherever a Lemon is
required, to which the juice and rind of the Lime are in every respect
vastly superior. The merits of Lime juice as a specific for scurvy are
too well known for me to do more than just in conclusion allude to the
subject. We give air freely in summer by taking off part of the case,
and stop all over-vigorous shoots by simply pinching them oif at about
6 inches from the plant.”

NEW PLANTS OF 1886.

( Continued from page 340.)

Inli., Inflorescence. — L., Leaves.— FI., Flowers. — Fr., Fruit.— 3., Hardy .
— 3.3 , Half-hardy. — G., Greenhouse. — S., Stove. — Per., Perennial. —
Shr., Shrub. — In., Iuche.s. — Lin , Line = One-twelfth of an inch. — Ft.,
Foot or Feet. — Diam., Diameter. — Pet., Petals. — Sep., Sepals.

N.B. — Unless specified, all Orchids may be considered to he stove
epiphytes.

Rosa. Ec.e. (G. C. xxiv., p. 468.) Rosace®. H. shr. A distinct form,
with small 1. having about seven leaflets, red shoots, broad-based prickles,
and small yellow fl. Afghanistan.

Rosa Godefroyje. (R. H. 1886, p. 261.) H. shr. A fine Rose, forming
a compact bush, glabrous in all parts ; the 1. with 5-7 leaflets shining dark
green ; sepals longer than the buds ; fl. large, white, with numerous petals.
Persia, probably a garden variety.

Rosa pisocarpa. ( B . M., t. 6857.) H. A pretty little Rose, with red¬
dish glabrous stems, armed with straight prickles. L. rather small, with
five leaflets. Fl. 2-3 together, bright pink, about an inch in diam. Fr.
globose, reddish, J £ in. in diam. N. California.

RopsiA suaveolens. (B. M., t. 6881 ) Capparidaceae. S. shr., free-
flowering, and sweet scented. L. 4-12 in. long, oblong or oblong-lanceplate,
acute, bright green. Racemes 3-6 in. long, erect. Fl. \ in. In diam. ;
calyx dull reddish ; corolla none ; stamens numerous, yellow; ovary on a
short stalk, yellowish. India.

Saccolabium Blumei, var. Russelianum. (W. O.A., pi. 238.) Orchide®.
A very fine form, with long dense pendulous racemes of white fl., spotted
with mauve-purple on the sep. and pet , and having a mauve-purple lip
with a white apex.

Saccolabium giganteum, var. Petotianum. (G. C. xxiv., p. 746.) A
variety with large rigid fl. of dull white. Cochin China.

Saccolabium violaceum, var. Harrisonianum. (W. O. A. pi. 236.)
This is synonymous with S. Harrisonianum.

Sagenia cicutaria. ( Williams 1 Cat., p. 26.) Filices. S. A bold free
growing Fern, producing two kinds of fronds, one broader, the other
narrower m their parts, both ferti'e. Stipes dull brown, scaly at the base.
Fronds 1-2 ft. long, ovate-deltoid, the upper part pinnato-pinnatifid, the
lowest pinnae obliquely bi-pinnatifid ; surface of the frond pubescent, sor
abundant, punctiform. Syn. Nephrodium cicutarium. Tropics

Sagenia mamillosa. (G. C. xxvi., p. 38 ; III. 3, Pl. 598.) Filices. S.
A distinct and handsome Pern, with oblanceolate, entire, and pinnatisect
fronds, 1-2 ft. long. The lobes of the pinnatisect fronds are 4-6 on each
side, lanceolate, acute, entire. Sori copious, orange coloured, seated in
deep cavities which project as pointed tuberclfs on the upper surface.
Moluccas.

Sambucus racemosa, vars. plumosa and serratifolia. (R. E. 1886,
p. 399., Caprifohace®. H. sbr. Two varieties scarcely differing from
each other, having the leaflets rather crowded, deeply pinnatifld in
plumosa, rather narrower and not so deeply pinnatifld in serratifolia.
Garden varieties.

Saxifraoa Huguenini. (G/?., t. 1230, f B.) Saxifragace®. H. per.
A neat little alpine plant 1-2 in. high, of creeping tufted habit; the stems
clothed with imbricating oblong ciliate-toothed 1.1} in. long, and ending
in a solitary shortly stalked white fl. Alps, Eastern Switzerland.

. Saxifraoa Stracheyi, var. alba. (Gfl , t. 1228.) H. per. A variety
with white fl., perhaps the same as S. Milesii. Himalaya.

Scabiosa caucasica, var. elegans. (Gfl., t. 1212.) Dipsace®. H. A
fane form of this very ornamental plant, with long, petiolate, lanceolate,
entire radical 1., pinnatisect stem-1., and handsome heads of blue fl. 2 A in.
in diam.

S CHISM ATOGLOTTIS NEOGUINEENSIS. ( G. C. Xxiv., p. 776; Gfl. 1886
p. 187.) Arace®. A reference to its right genus of ’the plant known in
gardens under the name of Colocasia neoguineensis.

Schomburgkia CHiGNODORA. (G. C. xxv , p. 73.) Orchidace®. Some¬
thing in the way of S. Humboldti, with many angled bulbs a ft. or more
long,, having but a single central cavity. L. cuneate oblong, obtuse,

4-5 in. broad. Fl. numerous, white, with a purple spot on the lip. Sep.
ligulate acute ; pet. spathulate, blunt ; lip large, 4-lobed, toothletted and
wavy, with five entire keels on the disk. Central America.

Selaginella flagellifera. (Bull Cat., p. 9.) Lycopodiace®. S. A
graceful species with long flagelliform stems, clothed with spreading cor¬
date bright green 1. Fruiting spikes (-i in- long. Fiji.

Selaginella gracilis. (G. C. xxv., p. 752.) S. An elegant species,
with sub erect stems 2-3 ft. long, pinnately branched, rather rough ; pinnre
narrow lanceolate, 4 5 in. long, pinnules simple, the lower ones an inch
long, J, in. broad. L. ovate-falcate, bright green; stipular 1. narrow
lanceolate, cuspidate, parallel and close set. Spikes terminal, tetragonal,
J-l in. long. South Sea Islands.

Selenipedium caudatum, var. roseum. (III. H., pl. 596.) Orcliidace®.
A handsome variety, with brighter coloured fl. than in the type. The
very long pet. are rosy-purple, and the lip is also washed with the same
colour.

Sericographis mohintli. (It. n. 1886, p. 205.) Acanthace®. G. or
H. H. undershr. of bushy habit, with opposite elongate ovate, entire,
coriaceous 1., and axillary orange-yellow fl. Corolla bilabiate, the elongate
tube inflated above, the upper lip slightly arched and the lower Up curved
in a spiral and 3-toothed at the apex. Mexico.

Smilax discolor. (Bull Cat., p. 9.) Liliace®. S. climber with
variegated foliage. L. oblong-ovate, suddenly acuminate, 9 in. long by 4 in.
broad, of a rich green blotched in the young state with purple-brown. S.
America.

Solanum albidum, var. Poortmanni. ( R . E. 1886, p. 232, f. 67.)
Solanace®. H. H. A noble and very ornamental herbaceous plant, with
large pinnatifld 1. 2 ft. long, bright green above, white tomentose beneath.
The small white fl. are produced in numerous cymes towards the end of
the season, on the young white-tomentose shoots. Andes.

Solanum jasminoides, var. floribundum. (/?. 3. 1885, p. 543.)
Solanace®. H. H. or G. climber. A variety with smaller and less
pinnatifld 1., and more floriferous than in the type. Garden variety.

Sorbus aucuparia, foliis aureis. (R. H., 1886, p. 399 ) Rosace®. H.
tree. An ornamental form, having the thickish tomentose leaflets marked
with yellow, which deepens with age. Garden variety.

Spathoglottis Arcustorum. (Cat. C. C. d’B., p.’ 5 ; G. C. xxv., p. 9 :
L., p. 25.) Orchidace®. A fine species with ovoid brown tinted bulbs,
broad cuneate-oblong acute 1., and a nearly capitate raceme of pale lilac fl.
The lip is tripartite, the side lobes are rectangular, retuse, the mid lobe is
long, clawed, oblong, and 2-lobed at apex. Sunda Isles.

Spiranthes lf.ucosticta. (Gfl. 1885, p. 243 ) Orchide®. S. terrestrial
Orchid, with petiolate, oblong acute, white-spotted 1., and a few-flowered
raceme of hairy green fl., with a brown tipped lip. Sep. lanceolate, pet.
linear, the pet. and dorsal sep. forming together the galea, Up ligulate,
dilated in front, the apex obtusely triangular. Columbia.

Stellaria graminea, var. aurea. (Ii. 3. 1885, p, 441.) CaryophyUace®.
H. herb. A charming variety of a golden-yellow colour, useful for carpet
bedding, &c. Garden variety. ’

Synthyris reniformis. (B.M.. t. 6860.) Scrophulariace®. H. per.,
suitable for rockwork. L. all radical, with long petioles and roundish 1. ,
deeply cordate at the base, bidentate on the margins. Peduncles 5-10 in.
long, with a few spathulate reduced 1. and a long raceme of small, pretty
blue fl.; the corollas are 4-lobed, with the upper lobe bifid. Stamens 2.
Capsule flattened, roundish, with a notch at the apex. California.

Syringa japonica (G. C. xxv , p. 560 and 561, f. 123.) Oleace®. H.
shr. or small tree of ornamental character, with deciduous, coriaceous,
elliptic acute, strongly net veined 1., and large panicles of Bmall white fl.
Japan.

Tagetes gigantea. (Ii.. II. 1886, p. 107.) Composit®. H.H. A stout
herbaceous plant 6-9 ft. high, with a stout prninose stem, and opposite
pinnate 1, with soft, narrowly elliptic toothed leaflets, having a balsamic
odour. ^Flowers unknown. Bolivia.

Tax,<s baccata, vars. ad press a, cheshuntensis, Dovastoni erecta,
FRUCTU-LUTEO HIBERNICA, VARIEGATA-ARGENTE A, AND VARIEGATA-AUREA.
(Notes on these garden forms will be found in B. E. 1886, p. 103-6, f. 18-22.)

Tecoma amboinensis. (Bull Cat., p. 9.) BignoDiace®. A handsome
free-flowering S. climber, with pinnate 1., and axillary racemes of orange-
red fl. 3-4 in. long. Amboina.

Tecophylea cyanocrocus, var. Leichtlinii. ( Gfl. 1886, p. 87.)
Liliace®. A pretty variety, with deep blue flowers without any trace of
yellow. The blue is like that of Gentiana verna.

Thrixspermum indusiatum. ( G. C. xxv., p. 585 ; Cat. C.C.d’3., p. 5.)
Orchidace®. A small flowered species, with soft, shining, oblong 1., 3 in.
broad, and short dense racemes of yellowish fl. spotted with red, the lip
being white ; the spur is cylindric, with a kind of bucket at its apex.
Sunda Isles.

Thunia Marshalliana, var. ionophlebia. (Bull Cat., p. 9.) Orchide®.
A distinct form, having leafy reed-like stems, with oblong-lanceolate
acuminate 1. about 6 in. long, glaucous beneath ; and large handsome pure
white fl., with a sulphur -yellow disk and crest on the lip.

Tillandsia foliosa. (B. 3 1885, p 249.) Bromeliace®. S. A showy
species, with an ample pyramidal panicle of violet fl. Mexico.

Tillandsia inflata. (B. M., t. 6882.) S. This is the plant better
known as Vriesea incurvata. Brazil.

Tillandsia umbellata. (B. 3. 1886, p. 60, with plate.) G. epiphyte.
A beautiful species, with arching linear green 1. 10-14 in. long, and a short
spike of 5 6 fl. 24 in. in diam., of a brilliant blue, with a white feathered
blotch at the base of each pet. Andes of Ecuador.

Todea grandipinnula. (G. C. xxv., p. 752.) Filices. A handsome S.
Fern, with broadly ovate, tripinnate fronds 1-1 j ft. long, 8-9 in. broad,
pelluc:d-membranous. Pinn® sessile crowded, oblong-ovate. Pinnules
overlapp'ng, 1J in. long, ovate, pinnatifld. Garden hybrid.

Trichocentrum tigrinum, var. splendens. (L., pl. 24.) Orchide®. A
fine variety, having the base of the large obcordate lip of a rich purple
colour.

Trichomanes pinnatinerva. (G. C. xxv., p. 787.) Filices. S. A
minute Filmy Fern, with a dark tomentose thread-like rootstock, and
scattered ovate fronds 2-3J lines long, 1-2 lines broad, on dark tomentose
stipites J,-l line long, pellucid clear bright green. British Givana.

May 2J, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

427

Tritonia Wilsoni. (G. C. xxvi., p. 38.) Iridace®. G. bulb. A small
flowered Gladiolus like plant, with narrow linear 1., and a simple or
branched lax spike of white fl. flushed with purple, about an inch in diam.,
with obovate-cuspidate segments. Port Elizabeth.

Tyd.ea hybrid a, var. nana. (Gfl. 1886, p. 505, f. 60.) Gesnerace®. S.
per. A beautiful and exceedingly floriferous dwarf variety, with yellow
crimson and purple fl.. dotted with purple. Garden hybrid.

' « Vaccinium Mobtima. (B. Af., t. 6872.) Vaccine®. G. or H. H. much
branched skr. of ornamental character, with small ovate leathery 1., and
oldsters of pretty rose-pink fl. about J in. long. Corolla ovoid, with short
recurved lobes. Andes of Ecuador.

Vanda Lindeni. (G. C. xxvi., p. 70; L., pi. 56.) Orchide®. Some¬
thing in the way of V. hastifera, with a rich raceme of handsome fl.
Sep. and pet cnneate- oblong, wavy, light yellow, with red dots on the
disk. Lip with nearly square side lobes, and a triangular two-edged mid¬
lobe going out into a sharp angle under two tumours at the apex, sulcate
beneath, with a linear velvety ascending auricle on each side at the base,
and three furrows over the disk, the colour is whitish- yellow, with
purple spots on the tumours and side lobes and four purple lines on the
•lisk, tip under the tumous brownish. Spur conical, hairy inside. Sun da
Isles.

Vanda Roxburghii, var. rubra. {III. H., pi. 579.) A handsome variety,
with brown sep. and pet. tessellated with yellow, yellowish-white outside,
lip reddish.

Vanda Sanderiana, var. i.abello viridi. (L., pi. 4.) A distinct
variety, having a green lip. Miudanad.

Vanda suavis, var. Lindeni. (L., pi. 60.) A variety having the sep.,
pet., and base of the lip white with purple spots, and the rest of the lip

purple.

Vitis japonica, var. crassifolia. (A. H. 1886. p. 81.) AmpelHere. H.
A variety with large, very thick, coriaceous, 3-lobtd 1 , bright green above,
cobwebby-tomentose beneath.

Vriesia gracilis. ( Gfl . 1886, p. 161 and p. 163, f. 11.) Bromeliace®.
S. A slender species, with a lax rosette of green 1. 10-12 in. long by
2J in. broad, and a slender panicle about 2J ft. high, with distant, dis¬
tichous, inconspicuous fl., subtended by spreading reddish bracts with
grren tips. Brazil.

Wistaria sinensis, var. variegata. (Williams’ Cat , yi. 26.) Legumi-
nosae. M. shr. A variety with bright silvery- variegated foliage.

Zalacca nitida. ( Bull Cat., p. 9.) Palm®. S. A fine Palm, with a
spiny trunk and handsome pinnate dark green 1. In the young state the
1. are two-parted. West Africa.

Zingiber brevifolium. (G. C. xxvi., p. 390 ) Scitamine®. S. A
dwarf Ginger about a ft. high. Stems naked below, with a few oblong-
lanceolate or elliptic 1. above, 2-4 in. long, 1^ lj in, broad. Fl.-spike
■24-3 in. long, fusiform, with adpressed, oblong, orange-yellow bracts
striped with red. Fl yellow, rather small, with narrow segments, and a
narrow 3-lobed lip. Philippines.

Zygopetalum leopardinum. (G. C. xxvi, p. 199) Orchide®. A
charming plant of hybrid origin, with light greenish-yellow sep. and pet.
spotted with brown. Lip with a transverse obtusangled cordate blade of
a beautiful purple-mauve colour, and an ochreous callus with 13 teeth.

Garden hybrid. , • * ' _ : . ' ' '

FRUIT FORCING.

Pikes. — Fruiting plant ? with the fruit in an advanced state require
a moderately high temperature and moist atmosphere to secure large
well finished fruit, but ventilation must be strictly attended to, ad¬
mitting air at the top of the house at 80°, maintaining the temperature
by day at from that point to 90°, or 5° more with liberal ventilation,
•closing at 85°. Early closing with too close and moist an atmosphere
enlarges the crowns, which are generally quite large enough. Unless
ventilation is early and ample scorching of the crowns may result,
spoiling the appearance of the fruit. Examine the plants twice a week,
applying water only when it is required ; it may be enriched with
■guano or some other manure, but let it be weak, ancl do not give it after
ripening commences. Syringe the plants and house two or three times a
week, employing fire heat to maintain the temperature at 70° by night
and 75° by day. The bottom heat keep steady at about 85°, not less
than 80°, nor above 90°. Plants from which the fruit is cut may be
placed in a part of the house by themselves, keeping the suckers on
them for another fortnight, or until the end of the month, when they
may be potted along with those held in reserve from March. Potting
the suckers as the fruit is cut entails constant attention, which is not
necessary to insure a regular supply of fruit throughout the year. Only
three jxjttings of suckers are required — viz., March, June, and Sep¬
tember.

Vines. — Early Muscat*. — Vines started in December are now
ripening, and must not lack water at the roots ; apply liquid manure if
the crop be heavy and the Vines not luxuriant. The inside borders
must be examined every week, and if moisture be necessary give it
liberally and warm (902). Muscats should have a temperature all
through 5° higher than Black Hamburgh, especially when ripening, if
they are to have the amber colour so characteristic of thorough ripeness.
In order to perfect finish the house must have a circulation constantly
of rather dry warm air, and especially at night, so as to prevent the de¬
position of moisture on the berries, and increasing it early for a similar

reason. If there is likely to be any danger of damp arising from the
border to the prejudice of the berries mulch it after watering with a
couple of inches of short rather dry manure, and cover this with about
3 inches thickness of clean dry straw preferably chopped coarsely.

Vines Started Early in the Year. — Sweetwater, Black Hamburghs,
Ac., are ripening their crops, and though a rather drier atmosphere is
desirable it is best secured by free ventilation, having a little at the top
of the house constantly, as nothing contributes more to good finish than
a circulation of warm air after the Grapes commence colouring. The
inside border must have a thorough watering, and a mulch of half-
decayed manure will secure moisture sufficient for the perfection of the
crop ; yet even when the fruit is ripe Vines must not suffer by lack of
water at the roots. The temperature should be 70° at night, 5° less on
cold nights, admitting air at 75° and increasing the heat to 85° or 90°,
with sun and full ventilation, reducing the ventilation at 80°, closing all
but a small space at the top of the house. Maintain good atmospheric
moisture by damping the house two or three times a day, keeping the
evaporation replenished with liquid manure until the Grapes are well
advanced in colouring, when a drier condition of the atmosphere will be
advisable ; but moisture must not be entirely withdrawn or the foliage
will suffer, and premature ripening of the wood will be induced.

Early-forced Vines. — Where the Grapes are ripe and fermenting
materials were applied to the borders, part of it can now be removed,
leaving sufficient for a good mulch, and if the roots are active in the
lower part of the fermenting materials, a little fresh material may be
placed on the surface to protect them from the atmosphere ; besides, it
gives the border a neat appearance. Fire heat will only be necessary to
keep the temperature at about 60° at night, ventilating freely by day.
Black Hamburghs will need a slight shade to prevent their losing colour.
A moderate amount of air moisture is necessary for the benefit of the
foliage, and it will not prejudice the Grapes if it is not allowed to
become stagnant. Encourage lateral growth ; it tends to maintain the
activity of the roots and to prevent premature ripening of the foliage,
which must be kept clean and healthy as long as possible, or the Vines
will start into growth again, when they should be pruned and allowed a
few weeks’ rest.

Succession Houses. — Thinning must be attended to early and followed
up persistently, morning and evening being the best time alike for the
Grapes and the operator. Let the laterals extend as far as space permits,
not crowding the foliage unduly, the principal leaves having full expo¬
sure to light and air, especially those that feed the buds at their base
for affording next year’s supply of fruit. Stop or remove all those not
required, not allowing growth to be made that must be afterwards re¬
moved in quantity, as it tends to a check. Of moisture in the borders
let there be no lack, and to prevent its escape and to encourage surface
roots mulch with some rather lumpy manure, and not so thick as to
exclude air, 2 or 3 inches thickness being quite ample. Close early as soon
as there is a decline in the solar heat or from that source, and increase it
to 90° or 95° with a plentiful supply of atmospheric moisture, occasioned
by damping available surfaces at closing time, and before nightfall
admit a little air at the top of the house, damping with liquid manure,
leaving the ventilation on all night, and increasing it by the time the
sun acts powerfully on the house. The temperature should fall to be¬
tween 60° at 65° at night.

Late Houses. — F’orward these as speedily as possible, except late
houses of Hamburghs, which need not be hurried. Suffice if they have
the fruit set so as to admit of thinning during the first fortnight of
June ; but thick-skinned sorts should have a night temperature of 65°
and 70° to 75° by day artificially, advancing to and at 80° to 85° or 90°
through the day. When in flower, as they now mainly are, allow a
night temperature of 70° and 80° by day, with a free circulation of air,
but not a drying current, a genial condition of the atmosphere being
maintained by damping available surfaces, and brushing the shy setters
with a camel-hair brush to free the stigmas of the glutinous matter and
assist the dispersion of the pollen, and where it is deficient taking it
from those that afford it abundantly to make good the defect. Remove
duplicate shoots and duplicate bunches unflinchingly, overcrowding
and overcropping being the greatest evils in fruit culture, reserving
the best shaped and most compact bunches.

PLANT HOUSES.

Aerides. — These, as well as Vandas and Saccolabiums, will be
growing freely, provided the plants have a close moist atmo¬
sphere around them. Abundance of water should be poured into
the pots or baskets in which they are growing, and the syringe
used freely on bright days. Alter this treatment admit a little air to
insure the evaporation of water from the axils of the leaves. Syringe
early in the afternoon, and admit a little air for an hour or two after¬
wards. On days that syringing cannot be done more than once, or
perhaps not at all, the pots, stage, in fact every available space in the
house, should be made moist. Abundance of moisture in the atmosphere
will promote a liberal development of the roots, which is certain to be
followed by healthy vigorous leaf growth. Admit light freely to these
plants, but carefully screen them from bright sunshine or they will
suffer, the first indication of which is a yellow sickly appearance of the
foliage. Watch for yellow thrips, which, if once established in the
axils of the leaves, soon commit sad havoc. Eradication of this insect
is perhaps more quickly and easily effected by dipping the plants in a
weak solution of tobacco water. The best preventive is plenty of moisture
in the atmosphere and a free use of the syringe. If scale becomes
established on the under side of the leaves it is best removed with a
sponge and a very weak solution of softsoap and water.

4J8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t M»y £«, 1887.

Pkalcenopgig. — Strong sunshine, even exposure to too much light, is
ruinous to these plants during their period of growth. If shading of a
temporary nature is employed every care is necessary. Ordinary tiffany
will | rove too light if the plants are suspended on the south side of a
very light structure. Under these circumstances the glass should be
lightly shaded as well with a little whiting or other material that can
be used for the purpose. Maintain abundance of moisture about these
plants. Yellow thrips is the greatest enemy the cultivator has to con¬
tend against. It is not safe to dip them for fear of injury to the centre
of the plant or their large stiff fleshy leaves. With care the leaves can
be sponged without injury with a weak solution of tobacco water, but
this operation should only be entrusted to expei ienced persons.

Cypripe lining. — In a warm, close, moist atmosphere these plants grow
rapidly, in fact they make much greater progress than if subjected to
cooler and more airy conditions. It is surprising how rapidly many of
them increase in size by liberal treatment in this respect. Where
division of any of the plants is needed no better time could be selected
for the purpose, for they soon become established again. Many varieties
will be in flower, or approaching that condition, and if cut up now they
quickly break into growth and the formation of new roots will take
place. No special time can be named for carrying out this work, but if
the flowering season or just after be selecte 1 more satisfactory conditions
result than during any other period.

Ca'anthes. — Up to this time the plants could be accommodated in
almost any position, for they have taken up but little room. The rapid
extension of their growth alters this materially. Stage room with us is
limited, and therefore other expedients have to be resorted to from
time to time. One of these is to bore three holes just beneath the rim
of the pots in which the plants are growing, and then secure the wire to
enable them being suspended from the roof. Grown under these con¬
ditions they certainly give a little more labour in watering, but the
plants do equally as well as when grown on the stage in the ordinary
way. We are under the impression that they do better, for sturdy well-
ripened growth is insured. Give liberal supplies of water to those that
are rooting freelv. Water those not in this condition carefully, for too
much water is ruinous in their early stages.

w.

iffi

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPISG.

No. 11.

Many a bee-keeper has attempted to transfer a stock
from a skep to a frame hive and failed : indeed, to attempt
this transfer in spring is to court failure. This operation,
unless it is performed at a certain period which Nature
herself points out, is most hazardous, and is now very
generally deprecated even by those who some years ago
advocated the practice. With the introduction of comb
foundation in its present form the necessity and wisdom
of preserving combs cut from sleeps, unless in exceptional
circumstances, has gone; but there are still some bee¬
keepers who apparently desire to make such a transfer,
not, perhaps, fully comprehending that with comb foun¬
dation and a little syrup or honey, comb may be produced
with little more trouble than the transfer of the old comb
occasions. At certain seasons of the year, however, it is
perfectly safe to transfer any stock ; and therefore for the
benefit of those who desire to have instruction on the

must be performed, but for its successful performance
certain precautions must be taken.

In a suppositive case there are two skeps the combs
of which we desire to transfer into frame hives. The
method upon which we should proceed would be to allow
a natural swarm to issue from each skep, to hive these
swarms separately, unless they are very small, when it
will be more profitable to unite them both in one hive.
The laying queen has now, it will be perceived, left the
hive, so that in twenty-one or twenty-two days after her
departure all worker brood will have become perfect bees*
and the comb is therefore ready for transfer ; but about
the ninth to the fourteenth day after the issue of the
swarms each skep will probably send forth a second
swarm — generally called a cast — and these must also be
hived in separate hives, and each hive placed as close as
possible to the stock from which the cast located in it has
issued. If another cast also issues some three days after
the first cast it must be united to the cast which issued
from the same stock. On the twenty-second day all the
bees must be driven out of the skeps into empty hives,
and these hives be placed on the stands upon which the
old skeps stood. Each skep may now be cut in two
transversely between the two centre combs, and all
combs worth transferring may be removed and placed in
frames. In placing these combs in the frame care must
be taken to pack them in tightly without, however,
damaging or crushing the cells more than is absolutely
necessary, and three pieces of tape must then be passed
round the frame at suitable distances to retain the whole
in position until the bees have themselves fastened the
combs and made them secure. If a frame can only be
partly filled a false bottom must be inserted to retain the
comb in position. This false bottom rail and the tapes
must be removed two days after the combs have been in¬
serted in the hive. No drone comb should be transferred
at all ; it can be melted down for wax together with other
fragments, of which there will no doubt be a considerable
number. These frames of comb may now be inserted in
the hives occupied by the casts, and in the evening the
bees driven from the skeps may be united to these casts.
Each cast will thus be strengthened by the addition of all
the bees from the skep standing by its side, and wdl form
a very valuable stock for another year. The two skeps
will thus be increased to four stocks unless the swarms
were very weak, and then by uniting them the number is
reduced to three.

The points particularly to be observed in the per¬
formance of this operation are : —

1. To place the casts close to the stocks from which
they respectively issued, the entrances facing the same

point I will endeavour to show how, and when, this opera¬
tion may most successfully be performed, with the least
danger of loss, by a comparatively unskilled bee-keeper.

The natural time for making such tninsfer is when
the combs contain least brood. Now if a laying queen
is removed it is well known that on the twenty first or
twenty-second day after such removal nearly if not quite
all the worker brood will have issued from the cells. The
comb will contain drone brood, the perfect drone not
issuing from the cell until the twenty-fourth day — often
a day or two later; but in making a transfer of comb
care will be taken to excise all drone cells, because the
destruction of these drones will be no great evil, and con¬
sequently the manipulation may be performed without
regarding their interests in the slightest degree. The
twenty-first or twenty-second day after the svarm has
gone forth is then the day upon which this operation

way.

2. To see that each cast has a fertile queen.

Upon the first point no more need now be said, but it
is most necessary to ascertain the presence of a fertile
queen in the casts. The dangers to which queens are
subjected before they can become mothers will be pointed
out in a future paper, but the necessity for inspecting the
combs and ascertaining the presence of eggs is paramount
in those cases where it is suspected that the queen is lost.
From seven to fourteen days after the issue of the queen
from the cell eggs should be found in the combs, and if
none can be discovered there is grave cause for suspicion
that the queen has been lost or injured. If this is the
case her place must be at once filled by the bee-keeper
giving to the bees another queen to replace the one so
lost or injured. The advantage — immediately upon hiving
a cast — of giving it a young and fertile queen is manifest*

S£*7 M. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

429

and if the operation of transferring is not to be carried
out, a “stock” from which a swarm has issued may, to
use an expression of a great bee-master, he “lifted”
greatly by the gift of a ferfile queen. There will then be
no period when the cells will not contain eggs and larvae
in various stages of growth. A man who has sufficient
experience can generally detect a stock which is queenless
without actual inspection, but if there is any reasonable
doubt an inspection should at once be made.

It must not be forgotten that in a swarm the bees are
aged and many of them will die in a very short time, j
while in a cast there is a far greater proportion of young
bees which were unable at the time the swarm issued to
leave the hive. Again, in the old stock from which both
swarm and cast have issued nearly every bee will be
young, and have therefore before it a longer life. The
casts, especially when strengthened as I have pointed out,
will therefore not improbably in many seasons overtake
the swarms, and in all seasons will form the best stocks
for another year. — Felix.

NOTES ON BEES.

THE SEASON.

May, although cold and frosty at first, afterwards brought us
genial summer weather. The 12th was the first fine day, a welcome
change from the low temperature we have had throughout the
spring. Notwithstanding the backward spring, and without feeding
or other attention, my best stocks are ready for swarming or super-
ing, but are not likely to swarm until honey is more plentiful and
the weather warmer, as the bees are all located in full-sized hives,
and supering will not be attempted until the honey season is at
hand. Encouraging bees to fill supers with comb, either from
sugar or from au early glut of honey, I do not approve of. Sugar-
made combs are not nearly so delicate as those made at the plenteous
season ; then combs that bees have access to when honey is scarce
get discoloured. The work for next month in the apiary will
simply be watching and preparing hives for swarms, supers for
honey, and stands for nuclei. Should the fine weather continue
for a few days all anxiety as to bees suffering from want will have
passed away. Of course my hives have room for surplus stores.
The brood nest is not likely to be occupied with honey at this
season. In earlier districts, supering should be begun and continued.

FRAME FOR SECTIONS.

While looking through my lumber loft lately, I found one of
my earlier-made crates and frames filled with sections. As I
consider it a good plan for marking sections on any hive, and has
never been described before, for its simplicity will do so now.
The frames may be of any size to suit the bee-keeper, and the
crate to suit, but if necessary, of the roughest description, so
that if used as packing cases to send sections to market, will not
cost much. My own crates of this sort were simply similar in
every respect to a division of the cheap hive previously described ;
in fact, one of them. The frames are made of hoop iron 1 inch
broad bent so as to form a frame minus a top bar, having ears half
an inch and one-sixteenth long. This length preserves a space of a
quarter of an inch bitween crate and frame, sufficient to rest on
the rebate of the crate, which is half an inch down, for the top
liar when used as a body box, and five-sixteenths in. Little blocks
<>f wood to preserve the distance between frames, and to raise the
frame level to the top of the crate, arc held by a screw nail passing
ihrough top of the frame and one of the tin clips. These are for the
purpose of keeping the sections securely in their place, whether by
transit, or when stationary on the hive. They are easily made, and
very cheap. There are two lengths required, one to preserve the
<li>tance of frames at bottom angle, and the otheis for section only.
They are made thus for sections 1 J broad, the tin is cut into
lengths 2$ of an inch long by 1 inch broad. Pierce a hole with a
•chisel the breadth of the hooping in the centre lengthways, then
fold and double up, turn up the ends, using a template of wood
lined with iron to have them accurately made to suit the section of
whatever breadth is required. Before the iron is bent as a frame
slide the required number of these guides on to it, and in case the
sections may not be used all of one size, or less than 2 lb. ones, put
on an extra guide. The two required at the bottom angle are cut
21 inches long, and are bent the same way as the others, but on a
wider template, so as they will preserve the proper distance, and
with a pair of pliers turn in each corner of the guide, so that while

the outside preserves the proper distance of frame, the inner
catches the section. The frame must have a hole punched at both
upper ends underneath the ear, so that a small screw nail will pass
through and hold the upper guide and block of wood. It will
be observed that by using iron for frames little space is taken
up, and by using frames of that sort the bees have access to as
many sections in one compartment as the bee-keeper cares to gives,
while the bees having access round the ends of the frames, the
sections are better filled. Then if the sections are sent to market
in the frames the risk of the comb being broken is lessened. I am
convinced that if bee-keepers would adopt this, or a similar plan,
they would approve of it.

DOINGS OF THE PAST WEEK.

As the weather is now improved, a greater interest will be taken
in bees and other rural pursuits. The past few fine days has been
favourable for work, and I will tell what I have done. The articles
upon the cheap hives have been the cause of numerous inquiries by
letter and otherwise, some doubting, and others anxious for further
information. So to make certain that there should be no mis¬
take, I procured new material to make a hive from, the cost of
which amounted to under 2s. 8d. The hive is in three divisions,
with hinged alighting board, and hinged bottom to the ventilating
floor and stand. The time I was occupied in making this, without
the aid of machinery, rusty person and tools, was five hours, and a
lady bee-keeper who saw it, said it was a superior and better-looking
hive than some she had purchased lately at thre :: times the cost
this could be made for. I know for practical purposes a better
hive cannot be had, and out of old boxes, when suitable, cheaper
cannot be made. To complete the hive, I made an outside case out
of old boxes, which are easily got here from factories. They are
got for 9d. each, and there is sufficient timber to make four outside
cases in each box. The iron, which costs about fid. for each roof,
is all that is wanting. The sides of the case are 2‘3 inches high by
1'8 inch wide, and the wood runs vertically. It is jointed with
plough-planes, and nailed to two square frames, one near the top
and the other near the bottom. These frames are easily made,
being simply four pieces of wood the proper length required,
2 inches broad by seven -eighths of an inch thick, nailed together at
each corner, the one being simply laid upon the other. Two pieces
of wood, either tapered or combered, form the gables, and are held
together by two side pieces about 1 j inch broad by half an inch
thick, and the iron is held by four screw nails, one at each corner.
This completes one of the cheapest and best protectors of a hive
made ; even with new material would cost less than 2s. The front
of the case bears upon the alighting board, and the back is held up
by a piece of hooping screwed to the stand at one end, and held at
the other by a piece of hooping, double, below where the horizontal
piece rests, and is supported by the piece above the screw, so that
it cannot fall away sideways. This piece of hooping held fast at
the one end only, can ba turned out of the way when the case is
removed. From the many inquiries I have regarding these cheap
hives and covers is an assurance that such like are wanted, so trust
the foregoing will assist those desiring them to attain their ends.
But I have not revealed all yet. These boxes are thin, ranging
from three-eighths to half an inch only in thickness. Are unsuit¬
able for hive making, some will say. Not so ; I overcome the
difficulty by simply doubling the wood, and for an amateur hives
are easier made this way than any other. The front and back
inner pieces are cut exactly to the width the hive is required, while
the inner and outer side ones are cut to the length of the top bar,
or a sixteenth longer to give clearance. The front and back ones
are cut to cover the ends of the side ones properly. Two tackets
used in each frame preserve their distance, and are better than
metal ends, which for such a hive will cost more than the hive
itself. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

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

430

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ Mry if, 1887.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Stable Sewage (.4. A.) — Without an indication of the proportion of acid
in the cesspool we are unable to give a categorical reply to your question.
Pour some of the contents on grass, and wait a few days until the effect
can be perceived ; you will then know how to proceed with the remainder.

Sowing Dahlia Seed Outdoors (IF. A. Walker). — Good Dahlia seed will
germinate freely sown now in rather light soil in the open air, shaded with
mats if needed for the retention of moisture in hot dry weather, removing
the covering immediately the first seedling is visible. We should sow in
rows 18 inches asunder, and thin out the seedlings to 6 inches apart, and
good tubers would form by the autumn, from which, if preserved, strong
flowering plants would issue next year. We have seen many single
Dahlias raised in that way, and a few flower the same year in which the
seed was sown ; and though most of them may be acceptable for decorative
purposes, only a comparative few can be expected to equal in merit
existing named varieties.

Decorative Pelargoniums ( E . F., Wimbledon). — Most of the sturdy
floriferous plants sold in the London flower market in 5-inch pots were
raised from cuttings inserted last year at this time or sooner. The reason
there are no cuttings on your purchased plants to take is not difficult to
explain. The growers simply took care of them before sending the plants
to market, otherwise they might not have a sufficient number of equally
good examples another year. If you examine the plants carefully you will
probably be able to see that two or three cuttings have been taken from
the lower part of the flowering stems, a few strong growths usually pushing
from there when the plants are vigorous, and these sturdy flowerless
shoots make the best cuttings and plants.

Planting Seakale ( S . E. L.).— You have been rightly informed that
portions of the roots of Seakale are planted in the London market gardens
in May, and develope into strong crowns the same season for forcing
towards the end of the year and onwards into the spring. But to accom¬
plish that the root cuttings are made in the autumn and packed in sandy
soil, then buds form at the ends during the winter, and are as prominent
as sprouts are on Potatoes at the time of planting in May. If cuttings
were taken from the roots now and planted, there would not be time for
strong crowns to form by the autumn. Seakale roots and crowns raised
from cuttings are, as a rule, much better than those raised from seed,
lienee this latter method is rarely followed by growers for “ the trade.”

Watercress ( A Swedish Subscriber).— Tour best plan, we think, and
certainly the cheapest, of raising a stock of Watercress will be to procure a
packet of seed, which is obtainable from all the prominent seedsmen in
this country. Sow it thinly in drills 6 inches apart, and an inch deep or
less, in rich free soil in a damp shaded position in the open air, keeping
the ground constantly moist, and you will soon have plenty of strong
plants for inserting along the margins of your stream, or all over it if the
water is low enough and there is a layer of mud at the bottom for the
reception of the roots. We have seen the best of Watercress grown in rich
wet soil on the north side of a wall out of the reach of the sun except for
an hour or two in the morning and evening. Your stream being a little
shaded will not on that account render it unsuitable for growing Water¬
cress, and we do not apprehend you will find any difficulty in accomplish¬
ing your object.

Pelargonium Leaves Scorched {S. G. II., Catford). — The condition of
the plants is due to defective root-action — that is, the juices have escaped
from them more quickly than moisture was imbibed, hence the scorching
or drying-up of the foliage. The defect in root-action may have been
caused by an excess of water saturating the soil, and causing the tips of
the roots to decay ; or, on the other hand, by an insufficiency, in which
case they would shrivel. This, possibly, is the mistake that has been
made, seeing that they remained fresh in the early part of the season.
As to whether they needed repotting or not would depend on the state
of the roots, but of this you may be certain — that when the roots work
freely in good soil, and are judiciously watered, a genial atmosphere being
at the same time maintained in the house, the health of the plants will
be improved. It will be advisable to syringe them well on the afternoons
of bright days, and admit air to the house very early in the morning.

Vine Leaves Scorched (IF. B. Heatlifield). — The condition of the
leaves you have sent is not due to the attacks of any insects. The foliage
is so thin and destitute of tissue that it has collapsed through the evapora¬
tion of moisture from it when the atmosphere of the house was very dry
and the sun bright. Such leaves are almost certain to be injured on the
first bright sunny day that follows a period of dull weather. Though we
do not as a rule advocate the shading of Vines, it is better to throw a net
on the glass or sprinkle it with whitewash applied with a syringe than
allow the leaves to be injured like those before us. When fresh roots form
in the better soil the leaves will be stouter and scorching cease uuder
judicious management and ventilation. See our reply to a correspondent
on page 387, and turn the information there given to your own account.
AVe shall be glad to advise you at any time, and trust you will succeed in
your undertaking.

Thinning Potato Growths (M. Elder).— Vie have no doubt at all that
two or three strong stems from a set give a better yield than would thrice
that number of weak growths. The latter produce a greater number of
tubers, but small and “ trashy ” in comparison with the others. When

clusters of small stems have pushed from a set we have often thinned
them with advant ige to the crop, leaving only two or three of the stronger,
drawing out the weaker when an inch or two above ground, or when
hoeing between the rows the first time as soon as the plants were fairly
visible. If you have doubts as to the usefulness of thinning, they wiil
perhaps be dispelled by a well-conducted experiment. What we consider
superfluous growths are as easily drawn out as if they were weeds ; indeed,
we consider them as su h, as they deprive the soil of fertility without
giving an adequate return. When thinning of the growths is resorted to
it cannot be done too soon, late action not being nearly so effectual, and it
may be of little or no service. The fault then rests with the individual,
though it may not perhaps be easy to convince him of the fact.

Raising Violas and Pansies from Seed (E. T. HI). — There is not any
great difference in the flowering; the Violas, if anything, flower earliest
and continue longest. For spr ng flowering some of the best Pansies are
Cliveden Purple, Cliveden Yellow, and Cliveden White. Of Violas which
may be raised from seed are Lutea major, yellow ; Perfection, purple ; and
Snowflake, white. To insure strong plants for planting in autumn the seed
should be sown about the first week in Ju'y> not later, and not more than a
fortnight earlier. The most suitable compost is good mellow loam, with a
third of leaf soil or a fifth of well-decayed manure incorporated, and a little
sand. The ordinary soil of gardens answers well, it being in good heart
from liberal manuring. The seeds may be sown in pans or boxes and placed
in a frame, keeping them moist, close, and shaded until the seedlings
appear, when they should be kept near to the glass, and have all the light
possible, with plenty of air, behsg gradually inured to the open air. If
sown in the open they will do just as well, only make the surface fine and
keep the soil moist. When large enough to handle they should be pricked
off in beds of good soil in the open ground in rows C inohes apart and
3 inches asunder in the rows, shading until established, affording supplies
of water as needful to keep them growing freely. From these beds the
plants may be moved with balls to their flowering quarters in autumn.

Chrysanthemums not Thriving (H. B. F.). — Curiously you give not

the slightest intimation as to the quantity of cow manure you mixed with
the loam, nor of its condition as to moisture. Air. Molyneux has described
in our columns and in his book the compost he uses. We suspect you
have used too much manure in a too wet state, and rammed it down too
firmly, making it very like a puddle, and in all probability yon have given
too much water since potting, thousands of plants being injured by amatsurs
by saturating soil before the roots of plants take possession of it ; indeed,
they never do take full possession of a mortar-like mixture. Mr. Moly¬
neux does not use cow manure, as he considers it makes the soil too close ;
and it is quite certain yours is both too close and too wet, since water is
“four or five minutes passing through it.” It ought to pass through a
7-inch pot in less than one minute. You had better let the plants get so
dry as to show faint signs of flagging, then with great care remove the
unsuitable soil and pot them quickly in a mixture of three parts fibry
loam with loose particles shaken out, one part of leaf mould, one of horse
manure so far dried and decayed that it can be crushed into small particles,
adding sufficient sand and crushed charcoal to form a porous mass. Let
the mixture be just damp enough for compression, and it may then be
pressed down firmly. The leaves of the plants may he kept fresh by
syringing them occasionally and shading for a day or two, then give a good
watering through a fine-rosed can. Aftei'wards avoid saturating the soil
needlessly, still take care the plants do not suffer by want of water. You
have made a mistake, then seek a remedy instead of asking for advice
before, and your plants must suffer to some extent accordingly, though
with good attention on the lines indicated they ought to recover.

Plant Pests in Soil (E. B. B.). — A careful examination his been made
of the plants and soil, with the result that no larvae or grubs of flies have
been discovered; but there are plenty of other pests, and you appear to
have several enemies to contend with. There are certainly more mites
present than could be there accidentally, the species being one of the
genus Bhizoglyphus, allied to if not identical with the Eucharis mite. The
difficulty of deciding upon the names of these Bhizoglyplis is considerable,
requiring an investigation of all their stages. Then there is a beetle mite
— an Hoplopus^larger, and presumably feeding Upon the lesser mite, as
is their habit. These, however, are in small number. Also we find a
lively Podura, one of the brethren of the “ springtails.” The pots con¬
tained besides several examples of a millipede, Julus pulchellus, in a
juvenile stage. This, we apprehend is the creature which has puzzled
you by its mode of rapidly vanishing, and has no doubt done harm, and is
possibly the chief enemy in your case. In large numbers it is highly
destructive to bulbs and the fleshy roots of various other plants. AVe have
known a collection of 5000 English and Spanish Irises ruined by it, and
more than twice that number of Hyacinths and other bulbs. It is more
abundant in soil rich in humus or decaying vegetable matter and reten¬
tive of moisture than in soil of a drier nature. AVe should try the effect
of burning the soil hsed fn potting, or heating it sufficiently for destroying
all insect life. This will not injure the soil, but improve it, as you may
find by experiment ; of course it must be moistened before being used, and
for this purpose you will find hot water better than cold, also practically
free from animalculae. Burning the soil intended for Asparagus would
also certainly improve it, and if you have not tried that method of pre¬
paration by all means do so. A very heavy liming we should expect
would be of service to the garden generally, using it fresh at the rate of
150 bushels per acre. Gas lime applied to vacant land in the autumn at
the rate of 40 bushels per acre is also worth trying.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be
named must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters
referring to the fruit are sent] by post or not. The names are not neces¬
sarily required for publication, initals sufficing for that. Only six speci¬
mens can be named at once, and beyond that number cannot be preserved.

• — 1, Flower of Kent. 5, Buff-coat. 6, Downton Pippin. 7, Duchess’
Favoui’ite. The others not known. The sender of the Apples will recog¬
nise this reply. No letter accompanied the fruit. Non-compliance witli
our request on that point leads to confusion.

Names of Plants. — AVe only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.

May 26, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

431

Flowering spsoimeus are neoessiry of flowering plants, aud Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the hest packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than sixspecimens can be named at once.
‘R. L. E. O.). — A variety of Beaucarnea recurvata. (.4 Constant Subscriber).
— The flower is apparently that of a Pyrus, but being tightly packed in dr}’
ootton wool it was quite unrecognisable. (Thistle worth). — Pyrus speeta-
bilis.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 2.1th.

No alteration. Business steady.

FRUIT.

3.

1.

s.

1.

s.

a.

b.

d.

Apples, J sieve . 2

0

to 6

0

Oranges, per 100 6

0 to 12

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Peaches, dozen .. ..15

0

51

0

Canada, barrel 10

0

13

0

Pears, dozen . 1

0

1

0

Cherries, j sieve .. .. 0

0

0

0

Pine Apple?. Eugllsh,

Cobs, 100 lbs . 50

0

55

0

per lb . 1

6

2

0

Figs, dozen . 6

0

8

0

Plums, b sieve . 0

0

0

0

Grapes, per lb . 2

G

4

0

St. Michael Pin**®, each 2

0

5

0

Lemon** , case . 10

0

15

0

Strawberries, per lb . .. 3

0

6

0

MeloD,each . 3

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

e.

d.

8.

d.

B.

d.

s.

d.

Artichoke?, dozen .. 1

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. .. 1

0 to

1

6

Asparagus, bundle . . . . 1

6

4

0

Mushrooms, punnet .. 0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney, per lb. . . 1

5

0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt. 0

2

0

6

Beet, Red, dozen . . .. 1

0

2

0

Onions, bunch . 0

3

0

6

Broccoli, bundle .. .. 0

0

0

0

Parsley, dozen bunches 2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts, \ sieve 0

0

0

0

Parsnips, dozen .. .. 1

0

0

0

Cabbage, dozen . . . . 1

G

0

0

Potatoes, per cwt . 4

0

6

0

Capeicumf, per 100 .. 1

fl

3

0

„ Kiduey, per cwt. 4

0

0

0

Carrot?, bunch . . . . 0

4

0

0

Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 0

2

0

0

Cauliflower?, dozen .. 3

0

4

0

Salsafy, bundle .. 1

0

1

6

Celery, bundle . . . . 1

6

2

0

Scorzouera, bundle 1

6

0

0

Colewort?, dcz. bunches 2

0

4

0

Soakale, basket .. .. 1

8

0

0

Cucumber?, each .. .. 0

4

0

6

Shallots, per tb . 0

8

0

0

Endive, dozen . 1

0

2

0

Spinach, bushel .. .. 8

0

4

0

Hero?, bunch . 0

2

0

0

Tomatoes, per It. . 1

0

1

6

Leeks, bunch . 0

3

0

4

Turnips, bunch .. .. 0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

3.

d.

8.

d.

fl.

d.

B.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi, dozen . . 9

0 to 18

0

Fuchsia, dozen . 6

0 to

9

0

Arbor vice (golden) dozen 6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen . 6

0

9

0

„ ( common), dozen. . 6

0

12

0

Geranium ( Ivy), dozen .. 4

0

6

0

Azalea, dozen . IS

0

80

0

Hydrangea, dozen .. .. 9

0

12

0

Begonia?, dozen .. .. 4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley, dozen .. 9

0

18

0

Calceol iria, dozen . . . . fi

0

12

0

Lobelia, dozen . 4

0

6

0

Cineraria, dozen . , . . 4

0

8

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen 6

0

12

0

Dracaena terminals, doz. 30

0

60

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . . 4

0

9

0

„ viridis, dozen.. 13

0

24

0

Musk, dozen . 3

0

6

0

Erica, various, dozen . . 18

0

42

0

Myrtles, dozen . 6

0

13

0

Buonymus, in var., dozen 6

0

18

0

Palms, in var., each . . 2

6

81

0

Evergreens, invar., dozen 6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, dozen . . 6

0

15

0

Ferns, in variety, dozen *

0

18

0

„ scarlet, dozen 4

0

9

0

Ficus elastics, each . . 1

6

7

0

Solanrms, dozen .. .. 0

0

0

0

Foliage Plants, var., each 2

0

10

0

Spircea, dozen . 6

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

e.

a.

s

d.

s.

a.

Abntilcns, 12 bunches .. 2

0 to 4

0

Marguerites, 12 bunches 2

0 to 6

0

Anemones, 12 bunches . . 2

0

4

0

Mignonette. 12 bunches 4

0

6

0

Arum Lilie?, 12 blooms . . 3

0

6

0

Myosotis, 12 bunches . . 3

0

G

0

Azalea, 12 sprays .. .. 0

6

i

0

Narci?s, 12 bunches . . 2

0

6

0

Bluebells, 12 hunches . . 1

0

i

6

„ White, English, bch. 0

0

0

0

Bouvardia?, bunch . . . . 0

6

i

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 0

9

1

0

Camellia?, blooms . . . . 1

0

3

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses 0

4

0

6

Carnations, 12 blooms .. 1

0

8

0

Poinsettia, 12 blooms . . 0

0

0

0

„ 12 bunches.. 0

0

0

0

Primrose?, 12 bnnehes . . 0

6

0

8

Cornflower, 12 bunches . . 0

0

0

0

Primula (single), bunch. . 0

0

0

6

Cowslips, 12 bnnehes . . 0

6

1

0

,, (double), bunch .. 0

9

1

0

Cyclamen, 12 bloom3 .. 0

4

0

9

Polyanthu®, 12 bunches.. 2

0

4

0

Daffodils, var., doz. bchs 2

0

6

0

Ranunculus, 12 bnnohes 8

0

6

9

Encharis, dozen . . . . 4

0

6

0

Boses, 12 bunches . . . . 0

0

0

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms . . 1

6

S

0

,, (indoor), dozen . . 0

9

1

6

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

„ Tea, dozen . . . , 1

6

8

0

apravs . , 0

0

0

0

„ red dozen . . . . 2

0

4

0

Lapageria, white. 12 blms. 0

0

0

0

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . . 2

0

4

0

Lilinm loogidorum, 12

Tropaeolum, 1 2 bunches 1

0

2

0

blooms . 4

0

6

0

Tuberoses, 12 blooms . . 0

9

i

0

Lilac (white), French,

Tulips, dozen blooms .. 0

2

0

4

bunch . 4

0

7

0

Violets, 12 hunches . . . . 0

4

0

6

Lily of Valley, 12 sprays 0

9

1

0

» Czar, French, bunch 0

0

0

0

OUR CEREAL CROPS.

WHEAT.

The general tendency of the article in the “ Quarterly
Review,” from which extracts were given in our last
paper, is to show the probability of a reduction in the
quantity of imported Wheat from all parts of the world to
this country. Let us see how it hears the test of results
up to the present time, or say two months after the article

was written. The latest returns to which we have access
were published on May 17th, and they show that “ the
imports of Wheat from Russia continue to fall off. They
have fallen from 1,381,980 cwt. in the first four months
of last year to 1,040,170 cwt. this year; and it will be
recollected that last year showed a decrease upon the year
before. There is likewise a considerable decrease in the
imports from British India. In the first four months of
last year they amounted to 3,523,795 cwt., while in the
first four months of the present year they amounted to
2,460,560 cwt. ; but it will be seen that even now the
imports from British India are more than twice as large
in quantity as those from Russia. The imports from the
United States, however, have increased enormously,
especially those from the Atlantic ports, which have risen
from 2,082,242 cwt. to 8.252,106 cwt. in the first four
months of this year. The imports from the Atlantic ports
of the United States have thus been four times as large in
the first four months this year as in the corresponding
period of last year; but the increase of the Pacific coast
is only from 3,021,080 cwt. to 4,109,898 cwt.”

It must not be forgotten that these returns bear only
upon corn in store from last harvest, and so can have
little if any influence upon the future. Yet the fact of
the very considerable increase in the quantity of Wheat
imported from America should impress upon the farmers
of this country the truth of the assertion that any great
rise in the price of Wheat here would tend to flood the
market with foreign grain. If only we are therefore
content to look forward to a maximum price of 40s. to
45s. per quarter, and strive to improve the condition
of the land and the general practice of cultivation so as
to bring about results at least equal to an average yield
of 40 bushels an acre, we shall then, and only then, be
able to compete successfully with other countries. If we
are content with such conditions we may yet do well, but
it is impossible to speak with any degree of certainty
while matters are in such a state of transition as they are
at the present time. Even if the wish, to which expres¬
sion was once given, of “a short crop and a bloody war”
were again to be realised, the resultant high price would
only be a thing of the moment, which would inevitably be
counterbalanced by a subsequent depression. Such
fitful changes should hardly be taken into account in a
dispassionate consideration of matter of such vital
importance.

Let us rather strive to keep to lines which common
sense and dear-bought experience show us to be safe. Be
it our endeavour to ascertain what improvement is possible
in our practice, and let us take care to combine economy
with energy, and not run into wasteful extravagance in
our efforts to achieve extraordinary results. On the day
of writing this paper we have been making a critical in¬
spection of farm crops on the home farm. Among other
fields we went across one of white Wheat about 17 acres
in extent. Two-thirds of this field had a dressing of
farmyard manure, ploughed in before the Wheat was
sown last autumn. The remainder had none, nor had it
any manure at all till a dressing of chemical manure was
applied in March. The effect of the two kinds of manure
is already to be seen in a manner that is clear and un-
mistakeable. The part dressed with chemical manure has
a growth which is so strong and of such a dark green hue
as to be quite distinct from and altogether superior in
appearance to that which had the farmyard manure.
Experience of the mixture of chemical manure used
enables us to feel confident that the final result will be
much in favour of it.

432

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May *1,18(7.

It may naturally be asked why, if we knew the
chemical manure to be so superior, we did not use it in
preference to farmyard manure which we have so often
condemned. We may explain that the field in question is
part of some 80 acres added to the home farm last autumn.
The farmyard manure had to be taken in the valuation,
and we gladly took advantage of the opportunity to again
test the value of the two sorts of manure. We need
hardly say that if results answer our expectations
chemical manure will only be used for Wheat next year.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Charlock, Thistles, Twitch, and Docks are the enemies with which we
have been closely engaged in destroying since our last note was written.
Of these pests Charlock is certainly the most difficult to eradicate, or
rather to confine within reasonable bounds, for it is impossible to destroy
all the plants of it that are now formed among corn upon farms where
it has become thoroughly established. Horse corn hoes are a great help
just now, especially among Barley sowing, as they do to get a lot of hoe¬
ing done in a short time ; the horses are thus turned to full account,
and fewer men are required for the work. The Mangold plants are
now visible along the rows, and the horse hoes will soon be at work upon
the weeds between the rows. We prefer the patent expansion hoe for
this work ; it is a light handy yet strong implement, which by a few
turns of the handle contracts to a width of a foot or expands to full
3 feet. The grass is so backward in growth that we may feel certain
of having all the Mangolds singled and well hoed before the haymaking
begins. Complaints may be heard of the backward condition of the
grass, and a short crop of hay is spoken of as a certainty. We cannot
agree with this, for there is a full strong growth upon all the fertile
pasture under our care. True it is that growth is somewhat backward,
but it is not so backward as to cause us any feeling of alarm or doubt
about the final result. Once more have we proof that crops on land
that is well drained and thoroughly fertile suffer very little from
unkind seasons.

Sheep-fokling goes on upon one or other of our farms throughout the
year. We have now three flocks in folds upon Rye Grass, Red Clover,
and Trefoil. The home farm ewe flock has just been taken off Sainfoin
to go quickly over a field of Red Clover, which we wish to save seed
from later on. They will go from the Clover upon another field of
Sainfoin, where we hope to finish the preparation of the lambs for
market. Wherever the sheep go in folds they impart fertility to the
land, and the next crop is certain to be a vigorous one. No better
Wheat, Barley, or Oats have we than where the sheep were folded.
Perhaps our best field of Barley is a late-sown crop, where sheep were
folded upon Swedes and White Turnips. We can also point to a grand
piece of pasture now laid in for hay, the vigorous growth of which is
entirely owing to the sheep.

LAND CULTIVATION IN THE HIGHLANDS.

All who have grappled with the Crofter question, whether in the
Highlands of Scotland or Ireland, have failed to deal with the very
essence of the difficulty — viz., the utter exhaustion of the land, brought
about by a vicious system of cultivation.

It is found that in the Lowlands, both of England and Scotland, it
is necessary to pursue a careful rotation of cropping, and to apply large
quantities of artificial manures, in addition to foreign feeding stuffs, to
keep up the fertility of the land, and many are of opinion that all these
agencies are not more than sufficient to maintain the land in a by no
means high state of fertility. If this is so — and I expect few will gain¬
say it — what must be said of the Irish and Highland crofts ?

Before the introduction of the Potato into the Highlands, some
120 years ago, cereals, consisting of a very light inferior Oat and Bere,
a sort of Barley, were the only crops grown. These did not exhaust the
soil to the same extent that the Potato does. It is a very exhausting
crop for the land, and the rotation at this date on small crofts is, corn
one year, and Potatoes the next. The only manures available are the
excreta of the cattle they house during the winter, and as these are fed
on straw of inferior quality, the value of the manure is not great, and is
still further reduced by being thrown outdoors, where any manurial
virtue it may have contained is washed out of it by the heavy rains.
This manure, and occasionally seaweed, is all the land gets to maintain
its capacity for yielding food for those who live on it, and such as it is,
it is applied in the most unskilful manner, generally to the Potato crop,
on the following method : — The Potatoes are, as a rule, grown on what
are well named “ lazy beds.” The land is marked off into beds about
5 feet wide, with an alley about 2 feet wide between. This land may
be stubble or grass, yet it is not dug up in any way ; the dung or sea¬
weed, as the case may be, is spread on the surface of the land, and the
Potato sets are placed on it about 9 inches apart in the row across the
bed, and 18 inches between the rows. The soil in the alley is then dug
up and placed over the sets to cover them. In course of time they come
above ground. When the growths are 6 inches high the remaining soil
—when there is any in the alley — is put between the rows to earth up
the plants. This is all that is done till the crop is fit to take up, and
while I admit that I have half a century ago seen good crops of

Potatoes grown in this way, I am quite certain that a little more skill
and labour would nearly have doubled the crop. Had the dung been
forked or dug slightly into the ground, and a sprinkling of a manure 1
shall refer to ere I finish been spread on the surface or over the sets, and
then let them be covered from the alley, the crop would be of much
greater value, an 1 the land would produce a greatly better crop of corn
the next season than by adhering to the lazy bed system.

Then as to the sort of Potatoes they plant, it is well known that
there are are great differences in quality and productiveness of Potatoes,
and this is a matter in which the proprietor could, by himself or his
agent, give good advice to his crofters, and even arrange to supply them
with the most suitable sorts, as well as changes of seed. I would
strongly advise that they should plant a portion of some approved early
variety to come into use as soon as their old ones are done. I have seen
the crofters lifting Potatoes for consumption in July that were not fit
for food, nor would they be till September ; this was a great waste, in
addition to their being unwholesome. Yet there are many varieties of
Potatoes that are excellent at that date. That the land the great mass
of the crofters and the Irish small farmers hold is quite exhausted of
all its manurial elements few practical farmers, who at the same time
have scientific knowledge, will deny, and the problem is how to restore
it. This is a thoroughly practical difficulty, and nothing short of the
most practical methods will meet it.

What I suggest is, that every proprietor, by himself or by his agent,
should purchase, at wholesale rates, manures, such as are of a sustaining
character, and after mixing them, sell them to his tenants at the prices
he gave for them. Bones, ground finely, should be the chief element, to
which may be added coprolites, some dissolved and some ground, aud
where the climate is not very wet a small portion of sulphate of
ammonia. The seaweed will supply potash. Every crofter paying £8
rent should apply to his land 5 cwts. of this manure annually, and
persistently, and it should not cost more than £1 a year. Attention to
such details would no doubt cause the landlord some trouble, to himself
or his agent ; but better face that than the disaster which must follow
on the present system.

There are parts of the Hebrides where the crofts are so small that the
people cannot subsist on them unless they can find some employment,
such as fishing ; and where that is so it would be kindness to aid and in¬
duce them to emigrate to some of our best colonies to such an extent as
to leave those that remained with crofts worth £8 to £10 a year. On
these, with proper attention to manuring and cultivation, they would be
able to subsist. It would not be an easy matter to convince an average
Highlander that he is ignorant of the fiivt principles of cultivation ; but
something might be done for the rising generation in the schools by
means of simple text books in the Gaelic language. In this way both
the girls and boys might have seeds sown in their minds that would bear
fruit in after life. The girls might be taught the simplest elements of
domestic economy, and especially of cookery, of which their know¬
ledge is of the most rudimentary description. The action being taken on
the report, of the Royal Commission at the present moment is all in the
right direction, and by men who evidently understand what they are
about, and mean to do justice on both sides. So far good, if the settle¬
ments they are making could be followed up by some method such as I
have indicated for restoring the fertility of the soil.

I feel certain that Dr. Aitken, the able chemist of the Highland and
Agricultural Society of Scotland, would give a formula for such a
manure as would be required to any proprietor who may apply to him.
I am of opinion that a great source of manure for the land in the High¬
lands is lost sight of in the waste of fish offal that takes place at the
great fishing stations. This, and much else that would benefit the
crofters, can only be effected by a kindly co-operation between them and
their landlords, and those who attempt to sow strife between them are
the friends of neither party. — Wm. Thomson, Clovenfords.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N. ; Ling, 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude. Ill feet.

date.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

1887.

g 0»

C ti

Hygrome¬

ter.

d .

c-o

~ d
o

| Temp, of

1 Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

d

*

(4

May.

Bat

ter

and

L<

Dry.

Wet.

J-

5o

Max.

Min.

In

SUD.

Oq

gras:*

Sunday .

15

Inches.

3C.360

deg

51.7

deg.

45.2

N.W.

deg.

49.0

deg.
64 2

deg.

36.7

deg.
109 4

deg.

31.9

In.

Monday .

Tuesday ...

30.186

53 9

48 9

N.E.

50.2

63 2

45.0

107.2

40.6

_

17

30.037

48 4

4>.t

N.F.

50.4

56.9

4 >.2

79.3

40 4

0.018

Wednesday.

18

29.878

64 2

51 9

S.W.

50 2

60.4

482

88.6

42.6

0.02 ;

Thursday . . .

w

29 879

49.1

47.3

s.w.

5 '.2

62 3

436

88 .8

35.8

0.28 i

Friday .

29 366

48-1

41.3

s.w.

50.2

53.8

43 9

102.2

42.8

0.026

Saturday . . .

21

29 763

48 7

43.8

w.

49.2

54.2

36.8

102.9

33.2

0.089'

29 924

50.6

46.8

49.9

59.3

428

SC 8

38 2

OAST

REMARKS.

15th.— Bright and fine,
loth.— Fine, with some sunshine.

17th.— Overcast morning ; fair afternoon.

18th.— Dull and showery till nbont 3 P.M., then fine.

19th.— Damp and showery till mid-day, then fine ; heavy rain at 5.31 ; wet evening ; Z.W .
ga’e at night.

20: h.— Stormy and cold, with showers of rain and hail ; clear evening.

2lst. — Sunshine and showers ; a little snow and hail in the morning.

A showery week, with three cold nights and one slight frost on grass. Temperature
again below the average.— 0. J. Symons.

June J, 188?. ]

JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE G A R LEXER.

433

/

1

Tn

F

s

BUN

M

To

W

Linnean Society at 8 p.m. Bead Dg Show.
Trinity Sunday.

TULIPS.

ROUND London this season the Tulips which
are now largely employed for bedding pur¬
poses have been unusually late, but they have
compensated for the tardy appearance of their
flowers by the brilliancy of their colours, which
have seemed more noticeable perhaps on ac¬
count of the partial absence of other flowers.
One disadvantage respecting this lateness is
that the beds have been at their best at a time when,
under ordinary circumstances, they would have been
cleared ready for their summer occupants, and these in
consequence will be correspondingly late. Such diffi¬
culties as these, however, are unavoidable in our uncer¬
tain climate, and we can only submit to them with as good
a grace as possible. Certainly we cannot dispense with
Tulips in the spring flower garden, especially in cities or
their suburbs, and it is only regretable that more atten¬
tion is not given to them for such purposes and places.
Hyacinths look dull and heavy in comparison with the
rich, varied Tulips, and by the exercise of a little thought
and taste some delightful effects' may be produced. In
bedding out Tulips there is, however, too great a tendency
to go upon conventional lines, and year after year we see
the beds devoted to varieties of one colour or in alternate
lines, and very rarely is any attempt made to introduce
other plants, though many that flower in spring might be
used for margins to such beds with excellent results.
Those with white flowers, like the early Iberis or Arabis,
would be best suited for the purpose in broad bands, or if
the Tulips rose from a carpet of similar plants the effect
would be good. This season the displays in Ivew Gardens,
Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and the Temple Gardens have
been very beautiful, and what might be almost described
as an experiment at Kew has given much satisfaction.
The broad walk there with the beds on each side is espe¬
cially suited for effects of this description, and viewed
from either end the masses of brilliant colours have been
seen to excellent advantage. In the City itself of course
there are all the difficulties of smoke and dust to contend
with, but the success achieved in gardens like those
attached to the Temple proves what can be accomplished
even under such circumstances.

Beautiful as the bedding varieties of Tulips are, they
are incomparably surpassed by the superb forms that have
been under the special care of the florists, and these un¬
fortunately have of late years been much neglected in the
south of England. In the north there are still some
enthusiasts who grow collections of the choice named
varieties, and anyone who has seen one of the remarkable
shows held by the National Tulip Society in Manchester
would readily understand why these plants have so long

retained a place in the favour of florists. Upon one occa¬
sion when visiting Manchester at the end of May we
undertook a pilgrimage to one of the most noted collec¬
tions in the north, that of Mr. S. Barlow, Stakehill House,
Middleton, and though the day was hot and the road un¬
comfortably dusty there was ample to repay for the
trouble when the destination was reached. Mr. Barlow is
widely famed for his Polyanthuses, but he has an extra¬
ordinary collection of Tulips, comprising a great number
of varieties in all the sections, and he is skilled in all the
minute differences between the forms of Bizarres, Bybloe-
mens, &c.

Some idea of the collection may be gained from the
fact that over 8000 flowering bulbs were grown every year,
together with at least 12,000 “half bulbs,” “non¬
bloomers,” and offsets, the varieties represented being
about 230. All these were in beds nearly 4 feet in width
and 20 yards long, from which the original soil had been
removed to the depth of 2 feet. A drainage of rough
material was then placed in, and over this the compost,
that chiefly consists of excellent mellow fibrous turf, of
which there is a large quantity stored up in one of the
sheds. The soil is raised 6 to 8 inches above the level,,
being supported with boards of the same width placed
round the edges. In these beds the bulbs are planted
about 7 inches apart every way, the lines being taken
across the beds. The position is moderately sheltered on
all sides, some of the beds being afforded special protec¬
tion by means of hoops, over which a light covering is
placed at night and in unfavourable weather. One has a
permanent framework with one side boarded up and the
upper part glazed, and in this bed a few flowers were
showing colour, but they were not much in advance of
those that had been hooped over. The regularity with
which the varieties of different heights had been arranged
was excellent, and when the flowers are all fully expanded
the effect is such as would not be readily forgotten.

Tulips in the north no doubt will be later this year
than usual, but the annual Show is to be held next Satur¬
day (June 4th), and for a week from that time they will
be in full beauty. It is regretable that we never see an
exhibition of this kind in the south of England, and
though on one or two occasions in recent years some
attempt has been made to draw public attention to the
plants by exhibiting collections of blooms at South Ken¬
sington they have not produced much effect, and the
majority seem to be satisfied with crowded pots of bulbs
seen at the early spring shows or with the bedding varieties
previously referred to. It is, in fact, a very difficult
matter to re-awaken an enthusiasm as regards plants that
have once been favourites but have been pushed on one
side to make room for later introductions to popular
favour.

Some lovers of hardy plants have taken the species or
types of Tulip in hand with good results, as they are very
interesting, and some are very useful from a decorative
point of view. Tulipa Gesneriana, the principal parent of
the florists’ Tulips, is a handsome plant, even in what would
perhaps be termed its unimproved state, with large glau¬
cous leaves anti beautifully symmetrical scarlet flowers.
Then, too, there is Tulipa suaveolens, another beautiful
species which appears to have been largely concerned in
the production of the bedding Tulips. Crossed with T.
Gesneriana it has also added to the diversity of form and
colour in the florists’ group, and has conveyed the valuable
qualities of fragrance and earliness. To T. Gesneriana
no doubt we owe most of the brilliant scarlet and orange

No. 362. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

No. 2018. — Vor.. LXXVI., Old Series

f

434

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Junj i, 1887.

shades, such as we obtain in the useful Reisers Kroon,
while the softer rose, purple, or crimson shades are chiefly
traceable to T. suaveolens. The flower of the latter is of
rather different shape also, rather shorter, less pointed,
and more cupped than in T. Gesneriana. T. retrofiexa
has rich yellow flowers, with petals recurving at the t ps ;
but our native species, T. sylvestris, the only Tulip found
wild in Britain, is by no means a despicable flower, and
is of a very clear bright yellow. Scattered through a
border of herbaceous plants this has a pretty effect during
May. T. fragrans, also with yellow flowers, is another
pretty species. T. fulgens and T. elegans, both with rich
crimson flowers, but the latter having black stamens and
slightly recurving petals, are somewhat dwarfer than the
others named, are of excellent colour. T. Grei^i is ex¬
tremely distinct from the others, very dwarf and remark¬
able for its beautifully marked foliage streaked and dotted
with maroon or almost black markings ; its rich scarlet
flowers with black blotches at the base of the petals are
also handsome. By crossing this with some of the other
varieties it might be possible to obtain a distinct race of
Tulips of dwarf habit and with ornamental foliage. T.
viriditlora and T. cornuta are two of the curiosities of the
family, the former with irregularly formed green or
greenish -yellow flowers, and the latter with long, narrow,
strangely twisted petals. From one or both of these the
Parrot Tulips have sprung, and all who are interested in
the peculiarities of floral form find something to their
taste in these.

These are only a few of the most distinct types of
Tulips ; there are numbers of others with varying attrac¬
tions that might be added to collections of hardy plants,
and all alike thrive best in a rich but well-drained some¬
what sandy soil. — L. Castle.

OUTSIDE VINE BORDERS.

Early Grapes are always welcome. However good the varieties
may be they do not improve by being bottled for four or five
months. Nevertheless, they are important, and must be grown in
order to maintain an unbroken supply. For the production of
early Grapes, the advantages of keeping the roots where they are
certain to be favoured with warmth and good drainage cannot be
over-estimated. Some may still cling to the old method of trying
to heat an outside border with fermenting inatsx'ial, but they are
the minority, and have lagged behind the times unless circum¬
stances have compelled adherence to a practice that is both un¬
natural and laborious. Advancement has been made in producing
a supply of early Grapes during the last decade, and much of this
success is due to smaller houses, combined with shallow inside
borders.

Late Grapes may be grown equally as well in outside as in
inside borders ; but the object is to keep them in the most satis¬
factory condition after they are grown. To insure perfect bunches
and a minimum of mouldy berries before they are bottled, inside
borders, where the roots are under contro1, are necessary. Borders
that are both inside and out are no better than outside ones in the
accomplishment of this end. When Vines are given a preference
of borders an undue portion of the roots go out, however good the
treatment inside may be. The Grapes after they are well ripened
keep well or badly in proportion to the quantity of roots they have
outside.

I am aware that the manner in which the fruit keeps is largely
due to suitable atmospheric conditions and ventilating ; but decay
cannot be averted irrespective of root moisture. The keeping of
Grapes when the roots are in outside borders are influenced by the
rainfall of the district. It may be argued by the advocates of out¬
side borders that they can be thatched or protected with b lards,
old sashes, corrugated zinc, and so on to throw off heavy rains.
There are objections to these methods, one being that of appear¬
ance, which is of no small moment in many gardening establish¬
ments. Such contrivances show at once that outside borders are
not the best for late Grapes. The roots of Vines might not be in¬
jured in the least in an outside border left to Nature any more than
the roots of an Apple or Pear tree, but the quality of the fruit and

its keeping properties are influenced in a very marked degree. Out¬
side Vine borders, high and dry, may perhaps answer for late
Grapes in some localities. I have not, however, been fortunate
enough to practise in one of these districts. If too much water
falls upon outside borders — and I take it that such is the case, or
protection would be dispensed with — why go to the trouble and
expense of constructing borders conjointly with those inside for
the roots of the Vines to ramble in ? Obviously where inside
borders cannot be made outside ones must be resorted to, and the
coverings must be used to carry off superfluous water from the
roots.

We are slowly recognising the fact that large deep borders are
a great mistake, for they are never filled with roots ; but the pre¬
valent notion that Vines need borders nearly or fully 3 feet deep
and 12 to 18 feet wide out and inside will be a long time before it
is generally dispelled. If all who believe in large deep borders
could only dig up Vines, preserving every root, they would be sur¬
prised at the small amount in comparison to the quantity of soil
given them to feed in. They would see the sufficiency at once of
smaller borders, which would, I, think, result in a general adoption of
inside borders for late Grapes. I have cleared out and reduced the
size of inside and outside borders that contained soil enough to last
a house of Vines for a hundred years if it had been applied to them
as they required it for food. This the quantity of soil would have
been ample to have remade the borders at every interval of twenty
years during that period. What utter waste of labour and material,
resulting entirely from a mistaken knowledge of the require¬
ments of Vines and the root run to which they should be allowed
access.

The condemnation of outside borders for late Grapes through
the destruction of the fruit by the Vines taking up too much water,
opens up in some respects the theory known as osmosis.” I
thoroughly believe the theory, if such it may be called, for those
who disbelieve it can soon put it into practice and destroy-a greater
quantity of Grapes in a given time by the application of an excess
of moisture inside the house than they could by pouring water on
the border to be taken up by the roots, or even by rainfall itself.
By the process of “ osmosis’’ the berries crack, by the other they do
not —they practically rot. After they have cracked they mould —
that is, the cracked portion, but if the atmosphere was suddenly
changed from a moist to a dry one the cracked portion would
not mould but dry up. “ Osmosis ” is arrested at once, the cells
become stopped ; in fact, the cracked portion has the appearance of
being callused over, and the berries remain good afterwards as long
as suitable atmospheric conditions are maintained. This season
some berries of Black Hamburghs that hung over a tank cracked
early in November ; the tank was emptied, and the berries remained
perfectly good until they were cut at Christmas, and they were
equally as sweet as the uncracked ones ; but when the water is
taken up by the roots from the border to an excess a dry internal
temperature will not avert the rotting of the berries.

I am not writing disparagingly of outside borders for Vines on
which the fruit has to hang for two or three months after it is ripe
without having carefully noted the perfect keeping of the fruit
under the conditions of inside and outside borders. The falling of
the foliage of Vines in outside borders has been unduly prolonged
by the heavy autumn rains, and the fruit of Vines with roots outside
have not kept well. A house of Black Hamburghs (roots inside)
that we commenced using in November were not all cut until after
Christmas, and we lost very few berries. They kept well, except
being shrivelled slightly towards the last ; the flavour was very
good, and therefore was not objectionable. The fruit of Vines in
a late house (roots inside and out) kept badly, though well ripened
and early. Now, in this house there are a few young Vines grow¬
ing amongst the old ones that have been raised by layering, and are
carrying a few bunches for the first time, and which I do not think
have roots outside. The fruit on these have kept well, better thin
any in the house. The fruit of a young Vine of Alnwick Seedling
under similar conditions has also kept well ; it cannot have many, if
any, roots outside. I remember the roots of this vinery being
turned out, and driven out eleven years ago, and as the roots have
increased in quantity outside the fruit has kept worse in propor¬
tion. As I have said, the keeping of the fruit, all other things
being satisfactory, depends entirely upon the autumn rainfall, for
when we have experienced dry or moderately dry autumns the fruit
has kept well, or the reverse if it has been a wet one. In a small
span-roofed house for some years we had late Grapes (borders in¬
side), and we scarcely ever lost a berry. If I remember rightly, a
small bunch was sent to the Journal office ten or eleven years
ago from the same house. The fruit of one Vine in the house
never kept we'l ; it was at the warmest end, and always produced
the finest fruit. This was attributed to the tank at that end, but
this was emptied with no better results. The real cause was dis-

June 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

435

covered when the Vines were thrown out. It had not a single root
in the border, but had gone out straight through the wall, across a
narrow walk, and into a bed of Lily of the Valley. The roots
evidently took up too much water, which resulted in the fruit fail¬
ing to keep well. This was the conclusion arrived at when the
position of its roots were discovered, and which has been verified
again and again by the behaviour of other Vines with their roots
outside.

Opinions formed principally by observation when practising in
various parts of the country have certainly been confirmed on this
subject by results for some years past. It is to be hoped that the
evils pointed out, that may bike place during wet autumns, may be
the means of preventing intending planters placing the roots of
late Vines in outside borders, to be troubled afterwards with the
Grapes keeping badly, for this could be avoided by keeping them
inside. Where appearances are no object I do not wish to infer
that borders cannot be protected from becoming too wet, and thus
influence the keeping of the fruit ; but when both inside and
outside borders can be made I do not perceive the slightest
necessity for making both. If it is a good practice to have the
roots of early Vines inside, which is beyond dispute, it is equally
judicious to have these for the production of late fruit in similar
positions.

Outside borders are not altogether condemned, for they aro
equally as good for midseason varieties as those inside, for they
certainly give less trouble in watering and reduce anxiety on this
point. For amateurs I believe outside borders to be infinitely
better than inside ones, for the Vines are not so liable to suffer by
injudicious watering. If the borders were not over-drained and
thoroughly mulched in spring, and then left to Nature, better pro¬
duce would in very many instances be the result than what is the
case at present.

In many instances where Vine borders have to be covered
during the spring or summer with Daisies, Mignonette, and other
flowering plants they are much better in than out, even if the Vines
are intended to yield midsummer fruit. Any method of forking
the surface of the border, however light, will drive the roots down,
which alone is disadvantageous to the Vines. To carry out such
operations a mere pricking of the surface is not sufficient.
Numerous fibres are destroyed, and the roots leave the sutface
and descend deeper and deeper beyond the reach of useful but
too frequently used implements. — Wm. Bardney.

TRANSPLANTING PEAS.

For numerous reasons I think this system is not resorted to as often
as it might be, not merely for early Peas but at other times. In my own
case, the wall adjoining my experimental vegetable plot is much resorted
to by crows and jackdaws, except during the nest-building and hatching
season, when they only visit occasionally. Now, as if for pure mischief,
they never let a Pea bud come through the ground without pulling it up
if exposed and leaving them otherwise untouched on the surface. They
remain perched on the wall then until I arrive, as if, with inquisitive
eyes, to see how I like their exploits. In the case of new and valuable
varieties like the above, “ Pea guards,” or guards of some kind, must be
made use of, or vexation and disappointment result. Hearing so much
of Carter’s Anticipation last year in London, I resolved to have a few
lines of it, but the ground I wished to have it in was until yesterday
occupied with spring Broccoli. Not wishing to be too late in getting
Anticipation in, I sowed several boxes of it in rich loam in advance, the
seeds about 1 inch asunder. This is a variety like Stratagem, that grows
dwarf and compact, and turns out to be most suitable for transplanting.
They lift from the box readily, and when transplanted in the prepared
manured lines and directly covered in they sustain no check. Of course
it is well known that neither crows, jackdaws, sparrows, mice, or any
other vermin touch them at this stage ; and when the drills are thus
made newly for them no slugs are near to injure them, and this is
important in old gun lens. It is a good time to sow the above and the
main crop varieties. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

NOTES AT KEW.

The prolonged dull cold weather has greatly retarded the de¬
velopment of outdoor attractions in gardens, but there is now a
partial recovery. The trees are clothed with foliage, and hardy
fiowere are rapidly increasing in numbers. If a fine afternoon can
be selected at this time of year for a visit to Kew, any amateur or
professional horticulturist will find abundance to admire, and it
will be strange indeed if he fail to depart without adding somewhat
to his floricultural or botanical knowledge. Those who are specially
interested in Kew and who are most familiar with its progress will
know how much the resources of the establishment have been de¬
veloped in recent years, its practical importance has steadily increased,
and its educational value proportionately improved. Not only is the
marvellous collection of plants continually extended by the addition

of novelties or rarities, but the public have an opportunity of
judging of the horticultural value of the plants, for they are well
grown, and unfortunately the latter is a condition that is occasion¬
ally overlooked or disregarded in botanic gardens. No practical
man can visit Kew without perceiving that the horticultural element
is as carefully studied as the botanical or scientific object of the
garden. This has tended greatly to the extended popularity of the
establishment, and the effort to render science (or knowledge)
popular has certainly been successfully accomplished.

An afternoon would scarcely suffice for even a cursory examina¬
tion of all the various departments, and on the occasion of our
visit we found so much to interest and admire in the old Botanic
Garden that the pleasure grounds, arboretum, and winter garden
had to be reserved for another day. The greenhouse, always popular
with the general visitor, has for a long period been maintained in a
very attractive condition, and just now it is extremely bright. The
method of arrangement adopted is a good one, and consists in
grouping together on the side stages a number of similar plants in
pots, such as Heliotrope, Hydrangeas, Zonal and other Pelar¬
goniums, Eupatoriums, Primula japonica, Cinerarias, Calceolarias,
Azaleas, Begonias, Hyacinths, Aphelexis, Celsia cretica, &c., the
spaces between being filled with miscellaneous plants. One result
of this system is that the heterogeneous effect too common in such
houses is avoided, each colour is fully brought out, and the respective
characters of the plants are developed. Upon the stages in the
wings of the house hardwooded plants are the chief features, very
interesting groups being formed of the following Bauera rubi-
oides, of graceful slender growth, and numerous small pink flowers;
Boronia elatior, rich rose, and B. polygalifolia, pink ; Chorozemas
flavum, varium elegans, and Soulangeanum, varying from yellow to
rich orange and crimson, the extremes being sometimes contrasted
in the same flower, owing to the wings and standard being diversely
coloured ; Pimelea ferruginea, bright pink dense heads of flowers,
and small elliptical closely set leaves ; Agapetes buxifolia, a hand¬
some plant with bright red tubular flowers in the axils of the leaves
on long branches — this plant is not quite as compact in habit as
might be desired, but its brilliantly coloured flowers render it
worthy of a place in any greenhouse ; Leschenaultia biloba major,
one of the most brilliant blue-flowered indoor plants we have, it is
much more graceful in habit and more easily grown than the scarlet
Leschenaultia formosa, and the colour is delightfully clear and rich ;
Darwinia tulipifera, with its crimson tinged drooping flowers, is a
well-known exhibition plant, but is a'so very useful in a small state
for conservatories or greenhouses ; Adenandra umbellata, with
large white flowers veined dark crimson at the base of exch of the
five petals ; and the sweet-scented A. fragrans are pretty
plants. C leonema album, with innumerable diminutive white
flowers, forms graceful little bushes ; Vaccinium myrsinites has
small white bell-like flowers ; Dracophyllum gracile, Eriostemons,
and the useful free Polygala Dalmaisiana are familiar to all ; Oxy-
lobium ellipticum has bright yellow pea-shaped flowers, a brilliant
red spot at the base of each standard rendering it very distinct ;
Darwinia fuchsioides and Grevillea rosmarinifolia are also flowering
freely, with the sulphur yellow Gnidia carinata and the mauve-
coloured Agathosma rugosa, and a variety named oblonga with white
flowers. A plant of Lotus Bertholetianus (or Peliorhynchus)
suspended in a basket over this stage is very notable, the growths
slender and drooping, with linear glaucous leaves and flowers like
a Kennedya, bright orange red, ail the divisions acute, but the
standard narrow and sharply recurved, giving a peculiar ap¬
pearance.

Other plants especially well grown and notable were the follow¬
ing : — Acroclinium roseum in 48-pots, bearing numbers of its bright
rose-coloured durable flower heads ; Eupatorium ferrugineum, dark
stems, large rhomboid leaves, and heads of white flowers ; Primula
japonica, very effective in 48 aud 32-size pots, three to seven scapes
each, with three or four expanded whorls of deep crimson flowers,
and more to come. In one part of the house a group of these is
arranged with Veronica Hulkeana, and the effect is most pleasing,
the pale mauve flowers and slender straggling growths of the latter
contrasting with the crimson flowers of the former. Begonia
Knowsleyana is a useful variety, as it produces its flowers in the
greatest profusion, white or slightly tinged with rose, the ovary
very strongly winged and rosy cr im ton. C imnostoma hirsutum forms
neat bushy little plants bearing numerous starry mauve or whitish
flowers. Rosa spinosissima, the Scotch Rose, is not often seen in
greenhouses, but at Kew several plants in 48-size pots have a very
pleasing appearance, the flowers creamy white, being slightly
cupped and fragrant. Aphelexis macrantha, purpurea, Brucei,
rosea, and spectabilis in 60 and 48-size pots form a capital group,
the plants all healthy and with thirty to forty flower heads each,
differing in their depth of colour, but all briglit. Celsia cretica in
32-size pots is extremely showy, 2) to 3 feet high, covered with
rich yellow flowers 2 inches in diameter. Heuchera sanguinea, an

436

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Jane 2, 1897.

herbaceous plant, is seldom seen in pots for decorative purposes,
but it is distinct, graceful, and bright, the leaves slightly heart-
shaped, lobed, the bright rosy red bell-shaped flowers in slender
panicles. Acacia armata in 48 and 32-size pots makes admirable
little specimens with spike-like growths of fragrant yellow flowers.
Mignonette, Schizanthus, Gardenia florida, the rich scarlet Scutel¬
laria Mocciniana, and many other plants are employed in a similar
manner.

In the centre beds are Camellias (planted out), large Azaleas,
Chrysanthemum frutescens, Roses, Richardias, and Eupatoriums,
while the roof is draped with Fuchsias, Kennedyas, and Tacsonias.
From the preceding notes some idea can be formed of the numerous
and varied plants contained in this house, but its aspect is being
frequently changed, and few casual visitors are aware what a large
reserve stock is required to maintain it in good condition throughout
the year. In private gardens employers do not always give this
matter due consideration, for it is impossible to keep such a house
continually gay without an adequate supply of pits and frames in
which to bring the plants forward.

The Orchid houses contain a more interesting display than we
have seen at Kew for a long time, while the herbaceous ground
and rockery are full of beautiful plants. Both these departments
are, however, too important to be dismissed in a hurried note, and
further reference to them must be reserved for another letter. —
Visitor.

LETTUCES ON DRY SOILS.

We all know that a garden having a hungry, sandy, or gravelly soil,
not well supplied with manure either in a liquid or solid state, is not
the one to expect good Lettuce from in a dry season. A hot sun speedily
withdraws all the moisture that is within its reach, unless it be assisted
to a liberal extent by manure in some shape or other ; and the drain
there is on that substance renders it necessary to look well to the best
means of supplying it in just such quantities as may be wanted, and
also at the precise time when it is called for.

To have really good, well blanched, and crisp Lettuce on dry soils, in
a dry, hot season, be sure and sow only the newest seed that can be had,
and let it be sown where it has to remain, thinning the plants carefully
and commencing watering early— say by the time they are about the
size for planting. Continue this every two or three days, as the weather
and other circumstances may seem to require, taking care to increase
the quantity or quality of liquid manure as the plant advances in size,
and towards the last, daily waterings will not be too often if the weather
be exceedingly dry ; of course, using soft water if possible, or, if not to
be had, let the other water stand some hours in the sun before using,
for cold spring water is at variance with the well-being of all plants.

Give a good soaking when you do water, for in this case there is no
danger of giving too much on ground so naturally drained ; but when
liquid manure is given it would be better to give no more than would
just moisten the soil as deep as the roots are ; but in all this watering
some care must be taken to prevent it from evaporating too quickly.
Leaf mould is neat and good for mulching, and can also with advantage
be dug into the ground afterwards ; but if that cannot be had, something
else must be substituted. Short grass will also do, or, in fact, anything
that will check evaporation ; the object being to keep the roots of the
plants in a uniform moist, warm state ; for it is a mistake to expect a
good result where there is much difference between the top and bottom
temperatures of the plants.

Besides the care necessary, as above, in encouraging a healthy growth,
there is much advantage in having the best variety to cultivate. The
Bath Cos is still as good as any ; but excellence depends on the care
with which the variety has been kept from contact with others while
seeding. Other local circumstances also affect it ; but it is not a bad
practice to sow several kinds at once, and mark the result. Most likely
there will be a difference in their qualifications for resisting the tempta¬
tion to run to seed. Sowing where they are to remain, as above, being
perhaps the most important point to attend to ; and if it could be done
on the north side of a wall so much the better. The shade of trees is
not so good, for they often rob the plants by their roots as well as injure
them by the shade they give them. Above all, use liquid manure plenti¬
fully, and the result will hardly fail to be favourable.

It would be as well to remark here, that in the sowing of this crop
in dry weather recourse must be had to the watering-pot as well before
the seed is put in as at any other time. A good watering of the ground
before sowing, and shading after, will often coax the plants up with less
detriment to the ground than when repeated waterings are obliged to be
made after that operation is done. — R. J. L.

PROPAGATING CHOICE PERENNIALS.

In the early spring months a great number of the choicer
hardy perennials may be propagated with success, and also with ad¬
vantage to the operator, since plants propagated at this time have
ample opportunities of making good progress during the summer
ensuing and becoming well established before the arrival of winter ;
therefore the earlier the start the better for the plants in the end.
Taking hardy perennials as a whole, the major portion of them are

most easily propagated either by division or by cuttings or seeds.
It is not, however, my intention to speak particularly of these, but
rather briefly to point out some of the few that are difficult to in¬
crease.

Lychnis Yespertina plena. — This is not only one of the very
finest perennials in cultivation, but also the most difficult to in¬
crease ; indeed, it is not to be accomplished by ordinary means. It
is still very scarce in collections of hardy plants, and some of the
leading lists do not contain it at all. When well grown and fully
established it attains a height of 3 feet, and forms a bush quite as
much through. Imagine such a one, then, laden with pure white
double and fragrant flowers from the middle or end of June till the
arrival of frosts, and the reader will have a fair illustration of what
this fine perennial is. I have had its flowers nearly 2 inches across,
and as such it is most charming and always admired. I have never
known it to produce seeds, and the progress to be made by division
may be imagined when I state that the plant invariably forms
several inches of straight fleshy stem, which is inclined to be woody
with age, immediately below the tuft of radical leaves, which
renders division almost impossible. It is attempted sometimes,
but almost always with miserable results ; the really only safe
method is from cuttings, which may be had in the following
manner. The plants are now starting naturally into growth in the
open border, and these if lifted and placed into a warm greenhouse
or frame will soon produce cuttings of the right stamp. Those
which experience has taught me to be of the right sort are formed
about the base of the plants, and should be taken with a heel
attached when they are about 3 inches long or thereabouts. Insert
them in sandy soil in well drained pots, plunge in gentle bottom heat,
and keep them close and shaded, the majority will form roots in
about a month, when they may be removed to cooler quarters to
harden, and ultimately be potted singly. By introducing this
plant into heat it will be seen that it soon throws up a flower
stem ; and here I would warn those who have no experience of
it to have no cuttings which are formed upon the flower stem,
not because they will not root, for they will, and almost as readily
as the best procurable, but the disappointing part is that they
seldom make plants, and never good ones, simply because there are
no breaks at their base — they are, in fact, axillary growths contain¬
ing flower buds. Altogether it is a plant requiring both time and
patience to succeed in increasing it to any extent, and having done
so it is worth looking after. After years of experience and watch¬
ing I have long since concluded that this is the only satisfactory
way of propagating this handsome border perennial.

Everlasting Peas. — For another example, where propagation
is not very simple, I would refer to the several forms of
Everlasting Pea, Lathyrus latifolius and varieties, which, although
quite old inhabitants of our gardens, are now far from common.
Few flowers are more useful in a cut state than the true old white
form, which is very difficult to obtain, since so many inferior ones
are sold for it which have been raised from seed ; and though a
fair number come comparatively true from seed, the best means of
keeping up the true stock is by cuttings, and for these there is no
better month than May, and no more fitting place to root them in
than a dung frame, I inserted the first a day or two since, and
shall continue doing so while any are to be had. The only fit
cuttings are the breaks which nestle closely at the base of the
plants. Strip them off with a heel attached, and without trimming
or further preparation insert them in sandy soil in well drained
pots. In three weeks they form roots, and may be potted. Never
introduce stock plants of this into artificial heat. They soon
become drawn and weakly, the results of which are too well known.
Never fail to secure the first batch of cuttings as soon as they are
ready — say when not more than 4 inches long. I attach some
importance to this particular, since experience has proved that if
one or two of the strongest shoots are allowed to take the lead un¬
disturbed they not only soon become useless themselves for pro¬
pagating purposes, but render the remainder weak and unfit for
severing from the parent plant.— J. H. E.

AN OLD LECTURE ON POTATOES.

By Mr. R. Fenn.

( Continued from page GO.}

When the green tops of Potatoes appear above ground, which they do
regularly under good preparation and treatment, hand-scarify the ground
between the rows, and as this is proceeded with cover those young tops
which show themselves completely with soil to protect them from the
frost. They are not perfectly safe from the latter, and indeed I never
allow mine their free liberty to the light of day till the second week in
May. By constantly attending to this earthing over their heads the
slightest chance of the frost killing them is prevented, and the moulding
is thus by degrees completed when this process is generally about to
be begun. Besides, the early moulding plan, as I will call it, offers

Jane 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

437

another great advantage. To secure a vigorous growth for the tubers,
roots should as necessarily be formed before their leaves as should those
of a Hyacinth in a glass or pot to insure a handsome flower. By
repeatedly moulding Potatoes in their infancy the formation of young
Potatoes is accelerated, and by the second week in May, when the tops
arc allowed their liberty, the tubers are also claiming their share from
the roots, which checks the extravagance of the branch ; and the result
is a reciprocal action. I have never had grander tops since I adopted
this plan, and my crops have been increased abundantly, with a
decidedly more even appearance. In finishing the mouldings make
them present broad shoulders, with 18 inches of surface, slightly
inclining towards the Potato stems, thus producing moisture and a large
body of soil for the tubers to form in near at home, for by the
ridiculous pointed ridge.this is rendered impossible.

Should our Potatoes produce blossoms it will be a sure sign of
health ; but as Potatoes are not grown for the sake of either their
flowers or their berries, every particle of matter which is consumed by
the plant in producing them is a dead loss to the grower ; for flowers
must exist and feed on something, and that something is what would
collect in the tubers. If the production of flowers is a loss the mischief
is infinitely increased when the flowers are succeeded by the berries. All
Nature expends its best energies in the production of seed after its kind,
and it is probable that if the flowers abstract one ounce of organisable
matter the seed consumes twice as much. Suppose a Potato plant to bear
three bunches of berries, each bunch weighing a quarter of a pound,
that is three-quarters of a pound per plant, an acre of ground may be said
to carry from 15 to 20,000 plants, which proves a loss of about 4 tons of
tubers for that quantity of ground, which might have been prevented
by picking off the bloom. I destroy all Potato blossoms more sedulously
than I would weeds, and by doing so before the blooms expand, the
flower stalks being then brittle, it is much more easily performed.

The only preventive for the murrain I can recommend is to use
diligence according to the measure I have pointed out, and so, instead of
the disease proving itself a curse, it is made to become a blessing to man
through instructing him to secure two crops from his ground in the
place of one. That the Potato disease which continues to manifest
itself, like most other epidemical visitations affecting the animal and
vegetable creation, proceeds from peculiar dispositions of the atmosphere,
have been and still remains an established theory with myself. For
when I revolve in my mind all those various features, such as blight,
mildew and smut, which infest the cereals and vegetables, or fevers
with other infections at different periods attacking the human and
animal forms, 1 should certainly wonder if the Potato remained
an exception to the rule, though I never could arrive at the conclusion
of those people who doom the tuber to inevitable destruction in
consequence.

What my experience leads me to advise is that whenever the haulm
of Potatoes becomes stricken badly with disease then is the time to lift
the crop. For when we observe the fruit upon a suddenly withered
branch, if any person were to tell us it would ripen and become
benefited by remaining there we should laugh at him, and not without
reason. Now all fruit and vegetables, whether they grow in or above
the soil, depend for their perfection upon healthy leaves ; and if from
any unnatural check or blight their leaves become stricken and disabled,
then the sooner the fruit is gathered, or the vegetable take o up, the
better. And I know, if the Potatoes are allowed to remain in the soil
long after the haulm is dead from disease, that upon then taking them up
one-half will be either quite unfitted for food or approaching to that
state. Let the sound Potatoes remain where you can observe them, to
sort out the diseased ones as they appear. This is as I consider the most
economical and common-sense view of the matter. I will not urge the
question whether a Potato crop should be taken out of the soil or not ;
if it goes through its ripening process and carry a hale and healthy
foliage to the allotted time of Nature that must depend upon individual
option ; for my own part, even in this desirable state of things, I should
lift them on the first dry opportunity.

I well know that many persons, for want of convenience, must
generally take to the pitting practice in storing Potatoes, and I can
confidently say I lost more through that off-hand system before the
disease came than. I have ever done since. The way I manage now is
this : I never store them till after they have undergone the preparatory
sorting course I recommended ; I then place them in a dark cellar on
trays made from old doors or slabs, with boards about 12 inches deep
nailed to their ends and sides. I thus keep the tubers immediately
under my eye to watch their movements and keep their shoots from
growing at any time. I find they keep perfectly this way, even into the
autumn of the following year.

If Potatoes must be stored in heaps fix on a dry, rather sloping
situation ; allow the pit or tump to be fashioned lengthways, with a
breadth of 4 feet at the bottom, and gradually in packing narrow it to
a ridge. Form a trench around by digging out sufficient soil to case the
Potatoes with, 6 inches thick at least, and finish off by thatching with
fern or straw, to prevent danger from wet or frost. Allow the eaves to
hang well down into the trench, which will lead off the drip water and
leave the Potatoes high and dry. Never place straw next to the tubers,
as it soon rots there and imparts a bad flavour to them. If a shed or
other house is at command, and sufficiently closed in to keep out all
frosts and wet, give a preference and store the Potatoes there. And
wherever they are, if you can procure cither dry mould, sand, or cinder
ashes, placing either of these an inch or two in thickness alternately
with layers of Potatoes, all 1 can say is, you may then, when they reach

a high price at market late in the spring, depend upon having sound
first-rate Potatoes to sell or otherwise, which will well repay for this
extra care and labour.

RANUNCULUS CORTUS^EFOLIUS.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on May 24th
this year, E. G. Loder, Esq., Floore, Weedon, Northamptonshire,
exhibited a specimen of Ranunculus cortusiefolius (fig. 75), which was
one of the most remarkable plants shown on that occasion, and is also
one of the most showy Buttercups yet brought into notice. The plant
in question had somewhat heart-shaped leaves, fi inches and more in
diameter, slightly lobed, and with a toothed margin ; the leaves on the

Fig, 75.— Ranuncnlas cortactefolius.

stem being stalkless, with three lanceolate divisions. Tne flowers are
large, fully 2 inches in diameier, of a bright golden yellow colour, are
very numerous, and are borne in a paniculate head 2,J feet high.

R. cortusajfolius, which has been designated as “ unquestionably the
handsomest of all the Buttercups yet known to botanists,1' is a native of
Madeira and the Canary Islands, being confined, it is said, toone locality in
Madeira — vis., Ribeira Frio. It has been known for a considerable
time, and has been described by various botanists under the names R«
Teneriffse, R. grandifolius, and R. heuclienefolius ; but that given at
the head of this note is the accepted title, under which it was well
figured in the “ Botanical Magazine,” January, 1852, and described by
the ex-curator of the Royal Gardens, New, Mr. John Smith. It is, how*
ever, there said to be hardy, though frame protection is advised
during the winter. At Floore it has not been found to be hardy, ami

438

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 2, 1887.

Mr. G. Goldsmith, the gardener, sends the following hint on its culti¬
vation.

*•' To grow this Ranunculus successfully it must be kept in a cold
airy pit or frame. When it starts in spring it should be potted firmly
in a compost of half good stiff loam, a fourth part leaf soil and sand,
the remainder horse droppings from an old Mushroom bed. When the
pots are full of roots weak liquid manure should be given to encourage
it to throw up strong flower spikes and assist it to make strong roots
for another season. To increase the stock it should be divided as soon
as it commences growing, as I have not yet succeeded in raising seed¬
lings. It continues in bloom from six to eight weeks.”

HEATHFIELD HOUSE, LOW FELL, GATESHEAD.

Heathfield House, the residence of E. Lange, Esq., is within two
miles of Newcastle, and tramcars run every fifteen minutes, so that any
readers of the Journal who may visit the Exhibition at Newcastle will
find this well worth visiting, as it takes little time. The gardener, Mr.
A. Methven, is a well-known local exhibitor at the Durham, Northum¬
berland, and Newcastle-on-Tyne horticultural shows. The spirited
proprietor is an ardent patron of horticulture, and within the last two
years he has had a range of glass houses erected at a cost of £ 10,000.
From the mansion this has a most imposing appearance. The altitude
is high, averaging nearly 20 feet each house, and as the houses are
built on a steep decline there are three terraces with stone steps, and
the bases of the houses are all ashlar-work, which makes the whole
range most complete from an architectural point of view.

The first house is devoted to Cattleyas. Its size is 25 feet by 12 feet.
The plants have all been recently imported, and, to use a common
expression, are growing like weeds. The house is heated by a flue
1G inches by 14 inches, bricked over 4 feet high, with side venti¬
lators. On the top of the flue is a foot of rubble ; this is cemented, and
2 inches depth of water is always supplied. Such is the command of
the heating power here that if the fire goes out for ten hours the tem¬
perature does not vary much. We observed Dendrobium Falconeri well
set with bloom, Odontoglossum citrosmum (two spikes, thirteen flowers
each), and Laclia purpurata with a very strong spike. The next is an
Odontoglossum house, 25 feet by 12 feet, where the choice Masdevallia
Harryana and Reichenbachiana, plants of Odontoglossum gloriosum,with
two spikes of thirteen flowers each, in a 6-inch pot, were examples of
cultural skill. In this house is a hybrid Dendrobium named now
Heathfieldiana, which Mr. Methven was successful in obtaining. Mr.
Cookson of Oakfield Hall sent a flower of this to Reichenbach, who
named it Cooksoni by mistake. This has now been altered, and the
whole stock is in the hands of Messrs. Sander & Co., St. Albans.

The next is a small Cattleya house 20 feet by 12 feet. C. Mossise
and C. Mendeli are both flourishing. One of the varieties is very dis¬
tinct from C. Mossise. The labellum is a rich dark crimson, broader,
and the yellow in the thorax more distinct, while the sepals are also
large and expand more freely than the usual type of C. Mossise. In
this house eleven Cattleya plants were in bloom, showing one or two
spikes, of imported plants, two years old, in 6 and 8-inch pots, con¬
taining seven to eight flowers each. These plants in the course of a few
years will be fine specimens. Adjoining is a capacious fernery, 40 feet
by 25 feet. The rockwork is huge blocks of sandstone joined together
artistically. Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea dealbata, and Alsophila
excelsa are all flourishing. The rockwork is covered with Ficus repens
and Irish Ivy. The next is a stove containing fine plants of Encepha-
lartos villosus 1) feet high, Kentia Fosteriana, a id a rare Sabal ;
Phoenix sylvestris, Zamia Lehmanni, and Chanuerops humilis throw¬
ing up flower spikes. There is also a fine old plant of Sobralia
macrantha 5 to 6 feet in diameter, in addition to a number of Anthu-
rium Schertzerianum throwing unusually large spathes.

From there the fruit houses are entered. The first is a Peach house
of the same dimensions as the fernery. The apex is 20 feet high. The
front is planted with Stirling Castle and Royal George, the back Im-
peratrice and Violette Hative Nectarines. In the middle the trees are
planted right angles to the front row, and it is no doubt interesting to
state that they are doing very well, and show what can be done in a
large house by an experienced cultivator. Many well-known gardeners
scarcely expected Mr. A. Methven’s plan to be successful ; however, of
that there remains no doubt. Although the houses are very lofty the
trees in the centre are covered from the bottom to the top with fruit.
The trees at right angles to the front row' are Rivers’ Early Peach, Pine
Apple Nectarine, Stirling Castle, and Royal George ; the latter three of
those are standards, the other two dwarfs. Most fruit-growers would be
pleased to see this unique arrangement and the advantages derived from
it. Of the vineries the first is a late house, comprising Gros Colman,
Black Prince, Lady Downe’s, Mrs. Fince, Raisin de Calabre, Alnwick
Seedling, and Alicante. The Vines were in a healthy condition. Mr.
Methven employs cow manure extensively, 10 to 12 inches deep— in fact,
as much as 6 tons to a house 30 feet by 25 feet. The borders are nearly
all inside. The bunches are large, averaging from 3 to 4 lbs. each, and
the foliage in a perfectly healthy state.

. Between this house and the Muscat house is an octagon conservatory
or Camellia house, in which were large plants in exhibition form of
Erica Exquisite, Regime, and Marnockiana 5 to 6 feet high, also a fine
piece of Cordyline indivisa. The Muscat house contains Vines in full

bearing. The Vines are Bowood Muscat, Muscat of Alexandria, and
Canon Hall. The crop is heavy, and the altitude being 20 feet the rods
have a run of 25 feet, so the return will be very large. A Black
Hamburgh house is in keeping with the rest. The first Grapes will be
ready in June, as the proprietor does not care for them too early. The
last house is a stove, which was full with plants of Eucharis amazonica
5 to 6 feet across, in large pots, with a 12-inch pot turned upside down
to insure drainage. Specimen Crotons were strong and in exhibition
form. This extensive range is one of the largest that has in recent years
been erected in the north, containing as it does 71,280 square feet.

The grounds are not very large, but are well laid out, and are in
keeping with the rest of the establishment. There is a very fine rockery
made to represent an alpine scene — a miniature of Mont Blanc. The
base is planted with Austrian and Corsican Pines, the height is 50 feet,
the whole representing a rugged eminence. A winding path leads to
the top, where the visitor has an enchanting view of the valley of the
Tyne, embracing as it does all the well-known industries which have
made the Tyne famous in commerce, as well as a large view over the
whole of North Durham. This charming spot was designed by the
brother of the owner, J. Lange, ’ Esq. A new flower garden has also
been made, which is to be bedded in the carpet style. The whole garden
in a month or two will be well worth seeing, better than it is at present ;
but it is of such easy access it was well that it should now be described
to the readers of the Journal ; so that in visiting the Jubilee Ex¬
hibition at Newcastle they may have the opportunity of visiting it.
From the owner and his gardener they will receive a hearty welcome.—
Beknakd Cowan,

DECORATIVE DAHLIAS.

Nothing can be gained by hastening Dahlias on faster than
weather permits. Too early propagation and subsequent “ drawing
up ” of the plants is still far too common. Dahlias are much like
Potatoes, as they do best planted when the ground and atmosphere
are sufficiently warm to cause them to grow without check. Planted
now, there is no fear but they will find their way downwards and
upwards very rapidly. Dahlias have suffered g'eatly through having
become a florist’s flower. People see large blooms at flow, r shows
and read articles, hoping to attain to something like the same success,
but generally in vain, as Dahlias require a much greater amount of
attention than most gardeners can find time to bestow upon them ;
but all the same the idea has become fixed that Dahlias must be
propagated in a certain way, staked up with a fixed precision, and
treated generally on strictly defined lines. It may be supposed from
the heading of this paper that a certain class of Dahlias only is
intended to come within its scope But that is not so, as all sections
of Dahlias are good as decorative plants when properly grown, or
perhaps it would be better to say when grown for that purpose.
A mass of well gr. wn doubles, either show or fancy varieties, can¬
not be ex elled in late autumn, whether by any other Dahlias
generally grown or by any other plant. They are unfortunately
late in the season in reaching their finest condition ; but they are
well worth waiting for. Singles are much quicker in making, a
show, but at their best they are not so fine and matsive as doubles.
In our northern parts the Cactus forms require to be grown from
old roots, not cuttings, not only in order to induce them to flower
quicker, but indeed to flower at all, as they are so much more
floriferous. Indeed, with all sections it is well to plant a few from
old tubers, as they keep so much better during winter than cutting
plants do.

There is one point to be attended to, no matter for what purpose
the plants are wanted, and that is, that the ground must be well
manured and deeply worked. At least 6 inches in thickness of dung
should be added annually, and where it can be spare! half a spadeful
of old Mushroom bed welt mixed with the soil where each plant is to
be put out is of the greatest help ; but further than this we do not
require to follow in the way of the fl rist. bingle Dahlias massed
in beds or planted in lines may be placed 3 feet apart by 2 feet, and
instead of tying the plants to sticks they must be pegged down
twice. Where plenty of cut flower is in demand there will be little
chance of the plants becoming too thick, but if that become
imminent then cut out freely, so that there may be no crowding.
All seed pods must be removed from singles. By these means the
risk of damage by cold autumn rains is greatly lessened. Single
flowers have been condemned for cutting purposes on amount of
their being s> short-lived; but if quite young flowers are selected,
and especially if a branch is cut at a time, instead of a full bloom,
which most likely has been fertilised by bees, then they will be
found to stand cutting very well.

Double s rts do well pegged down also, but they require to be
supported by short stout sticks towards autumD, so that the heavy
heads of bloom do not carry off branches during windy weather. It
is also very necessary to thin out the shoots, so that those left have
plenty of room ; but it is not necessary to thin out flowtr buds, as
these are most useful for decorating vases along with large flowers.
The Cactus forms, especially Juarizii and Mr. Tait, are quite

Ji.Be Z, 1987. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

439

indispeusable as cut flowers. Alba floribunda and M >nt Blanc are
also good whites and well worth gr owing, as they may be used for
the most particular purposes. Glare of the Garden is not so good,
and some of the others are not worth growing at all. I do not peg
dowii varieties of the habit of growth of the first named. They are
staked and allowed great freedom of growth, but every flower is
removed as they open, and many of the buds, so that they do not on
that account become crow led. Pompon sorts are best pegged, but
as a rule we do not care for these, as they are the least valuable
section either for cutting or for effect as plants.

■\ I am sure if anyone who has been working on the florist flower
•system with Dahlias will give an easier method a trial, they will
fee delighted with the extravagant profusiveness of most Dahlias,
especially if wanted as decorative objects in large gardens. The
simple method of pegging the plants instead of supporting with
stakes will speak for itself.— B.

AN ALPINE RAMBLE.

I AM not going to conduct my readers to the Jungfrau, “Le Jardin,”
or the passes of the Col de Balme or Tfite Noir, but to something much
nearer home, where an epitome is to be seen of the Alpine flora to be
studied under circumstances not quite so picturesque, but considerably
safer and more leisurely. I ■want them to read what I have to say about
the Alpine rockery of Messrs. Paul & Son at Broxbourne near Cheshunt.
I have seen a good many of the best rockeries in the kingdom, and I
am inclined to think that this will soon take rank as amongst the most
interesting. It lacks the picturesqueness of Messrs. Backhouse, and is
not so extensive as Mr. Loder’s at Floore; but in its completeness it will
not be behind either, for Mr. Paul has endeavoured to meet the wants
of its denizens in every possible way.

When I say that the road to the station runs just at the back of the
ground, and the road being lined with Elms, and the ground itself being
quite level, it will be acknowledged, I think, that it required no little
determination and perseverance to construct a rockery in such a situa¬
tion. Generally when this is done the maker is content to use the stone
«f the district, or that most available for him, and simply to make the
soil agreeable to the plants used. But Mr. Paul has not done this. He
has so arranged it that the plants of each particular formation is
accommm Gated with rocks suitable to them as well as with soil. Thus
there is a piece of limestone, another of granite, a chalk down, a piece
of sandstone formation, anl a good piece of bog, across which there is a
sort of bridge, to cross which the Via Mala at Chamounix is but child's
play. I managed that without help, but I had to be helped over this,
hut then sixteen years have passe 1 sinee I crossed the MerdeGlIee,
anl that makes some difference. Water is laid on to the top of the
highest ridge of these alpine regions, and seems to make a moist ravine
in which many things flourish admirably, while the bog can be flooded
at any time, and in portions as the plants require it ; thus everything
ig arranged so as to secure success.

There is one great advantage in growing alpine and herbaceous plants,
that there is always something to see. You go to a Rose nursery. Ah!
Sir, they are past their best, or, as you are so frequently told in France,
abine. You go to the most celebrated Orchid growers in July, and you
see just here and there a flower, but the great proportion of the plants
exhibit nothing but leaves ; but go when you will to an herbaceous
garden and there is always something to interest you, and in these early
months of the year there is very much in the alpine garden of very deep
interest, while many fine herbaceous plants are in flower. What a grand
mass the Uoronicum makes, and especial! v that fine variety, which, what¬
ever its botanical name, we, who knew and valued Harpur Crewe, would
prefer that it should be known by his name. But let us not ramble too
far. As one looks over the bog there are fine masses of m any of the King¬
cups (Caltha). Especiall ; noticeable is Caltha palustris plena, the largest
form of all but I question if it will be so great a favourite as the single
varieties. Then there is C. leptosepala, a white flowered species. Here again
is Orchis foliosa, evidently at homq while fine columns of Cypripelium
spectabile are pushing up. Then that somewhat difficult plant,
C'/pripedium aeaule, seemed as if it would accommodate itself to its
home ; grand clumps of Osmun la were just showing their crowns, while
Primula rosea was evidently at home. Manv of this genus delight in such
moist places, and, indeed, can hardly be prevailed upon to mike them¬
selves comfortable elsewhere. In such places, too, the Menziesia
delights, and its beautiful flowers are borne in great profusion.

On other parts of tne rockery some very choice things were to b: seen.
There is a remirkible Phlox, P. stellaris, which hings down in long
growths, but not yet in flower, which is described as very hmlsome, and
is very distinct in its growth, and likely to be verv useful for planting on
the top of a rockery and letting it hing down over the le Iges. There is
one important point in growing alpines to which Mr. Paul has devoted
c onsiderable attention, and that is the aspect in which they are grown.
Some plants, even in special formations, prefer the south, anl some
the north aspects of a rock ; others do better in the eastern, and others
«:i the western slopes. Thus Rimonla pyrenaica, which is here done
very well, is place l on the northern side of the rock, an l although it
will live in other situations, yet this is the true aspect. In the Pyrenees
it grows on the very face of the rocks; anl at St. Alban’s Court Mr.
Ka nmon 1 his hi 1 holes drilled in the face of the sandstone, and planted
in these it thrives vigorously. So, again, Omphalo.les Lucilue delights in
a shily position, so tii3t growers of alpines have to consider a good

many things before they can succeed and learn by one another's
experiences — successes and failures. The Androsaces were here flou¬
rishing, sarmentosa running along and flowering profusely, lanuginosa
hanging down over the ledge of the rock, carnea — a difficult plant with
most of us — but here doing well. The Gentians, too, so lovely in their
brilliant blue, whether it be the coerulean blue of verna, or the deep rich
ultramarine of acaulis, while there were some I have not seen before.
Dianthus was represented by colonies of alpinus, glacialis, neglectus,
coesius, and others. Claytonia virginica, which is not always suc¬
cessfully grown, is here doing well. The Cyclamens which Mr. Paul
obtained from Painswick are here thriving in a bed, under which the
Elms that line the road have pushed their roots. This seems to suit
them, and corresponds with my own experience, for they have thriven
best with me in a border facing the south, which is full of roots, and
where in the summer they are really baked ; and yet here they are
thoroughly at home and seedlings spring up in all directions.

The Aubrietias were in great force, and so were the herbaceous
Phloxes — setacea, Nelsoni, Ac. Nothing can be more taking than the
masses of these covered with flowers and attracting the attention from
a distance. In the chalk down Mr. Paul is attempting the British
Orchids, and have no doubt that he will be successful. Here, where we
are on the chalk formation, they abound all around us, and certainly
very quaint and curious they are. They are not often successfully grown
in gardens.

Among the herbaceous plants, not exactly rock plants, Mr. Paul has
a good stock of that very curious yellow-flowered plant Arnebia echioides,
which has on its opening a distinct dark spot on each segment of the
flower, which gradually disappears as it advances in age ; it is called the
Prophet’s Flower, and simply affords a strong illustration of the absurdity
of attempting to keep to English names for our plants. Who would ever
imagine it under its English name! while its Latin name brings it home
at once to all growers.

As the day was not the most favourable for my visit I did not linger
in the herbaceous ground, where I should have found much to interest
me. My object has been rather to draw attention to the roekery, and
to assure those who are inclined to grow Alpines that here within about
ten miles of London it is done most successfully, and that if they will
only go and see for themselves they can but be gratified. It is at all
times worth a visit, but never so much, I think, as in the months of May
and June. I need hardly say that they will meet with a courteous
reception, while they will find in Mr. Pritchard, who has care of the
rockery, an intelligent guide who knows probably about as much of them
as any man in the kingdom, and who is quite willing to impart his
knowledge. — D., Deal.

FRAGRANT CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

As yet varieties of these flowers that possess fragrance are fe.v in
number, an l it is a pity that more are not scented, as such an addition
would add much t) their worth as cut flowers when used for room
decoration. The only fragrant sorts that I know are the undermentioned.
The first position must be given to the single variety Mrs. Langtry, a
pink shade of colour ; it possesses the fragrance of Violets in a marked
manner, quite sufficient to perfume a whole house from a few plants
placed therein ; it is also free in flowering. Patience, another single
variety, is scented, but in a less degree. Progne and Dr. Sharpe, both
reflexed varieties, are highly perfumed, the former bright amaranth in
colour, the latter magenta-crimson, is wonderfully free, making one of
the best specimens of any section. These two if grown for their perfume
alone should not be hal in bloom early, as flowers produced from early
crown buds are often deformed and rough in the petals ; the colour also
is not so rich, nor is the fragrance so powerful as when terminal buds
are selected. Dick Turpin, Anemone P ompon, bright magenta, with a
yellow eye, is dwarf in growth, flowering freely, an l possessing a power¬
ful Violet fragrance. These are the only varieties which I am acquainted
with notable for fragrance of their flowers. — E. Molyneux.

Your correspondent “C.,” page 418, wishes for the names of a few
sweet-scented Chrysanthemums. I have only noticed two that are
sweet-scented — the one mentioned by your correspondent, Progne, and
Dr. Sharpo, which is scented like the Violet, but not so strong. —
G. Price.

CHANGE OF SEED.

Ox page 331 Mr. W. Iggulden, while treating on the degeneracy of
Potatoes, concludes by saying, “If it is necessary to change Potatoes it
is equally so in the case of all other vegetable seeds, and this we know
is quite uncalled for.” Now I have no intention of discussing the
matter, but here are some facts. In a moorland district near me the
farmers purchase their seed Oats from an earlier district. The advan¬
tage from this practice is, these Oats mature and ripen ten days earlier
than those of their own growing. This ten days earlier means in late
seasons a crop when it would be otherwise nil had Oats of their own
growing been sown. Many years ago an old gardener said to me, “ Save
your own Parsnip seed and you will have better Parsnips.” I followed
his advice, and for some years his words came true ; but after a number
of years had passed they gradually deteriorated, until they completely
failed to be a crop, although rotation was strictly carried out. Another
peculiar case was with some Potatoes I lifted in July, being at least a
month before others of the same sort were ripe. I planted these next
season alongside well ripened tubers. Although the former were soft

440

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Jure S, 1S87.

and spongy they yielded by far the best ci-op, contrary to our opinions
of good cultivation. How was this/ My opinion was, that it was
simply a case of precocity, and had I persisted in preserving tubers for
planting from them they would have deteriorated. — N. B.

We are desired to state that the meeting of Fellows of the
Royal Horticultural Society will be held on June 23th, and not
on June 14th, as announced in mistake last week.

- The death is announced of Mr. George Jackman of the

Nurseries, Woking, at the age of fifty. Mr. Jackman succeeded his
father in the business some years ago, and assiduously devoted himself
to the extension of the nurseries which his father had successfully
carried on before him. His name is closely associated with the hybrid
Clematises, which he was so successful in raising, and will be perpetu¬
ated in that known as C. Jackmanni. In conjunction with the late Mr.
Thomas Moore, Mr. Jackman was author of a work on the “ Clematis as
a Garden Flower.”

- A bright and varied exhibition of Gloxinias is now provided

in one of the houses at Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ Chelsea nursery. The
colours are very rich and bright — scarlet, crimson, purple shades in
great variety, besides the delicately dotted forms. Most notable is a
rich deep scarlet self named Comet, which is one of the erect-flowering
type, of capital habit, free and beautiful. Acme, also rich scarlet, is
another fine variety, and one excellent quality of these highly coloured
varieties is the persistency of their flowers, rendering them much more
useful for decorative purposes and exhibition. A new variety named
The Moor is an admirable companion for the above, having large beau¬
tifully formed dark rich purple flowers. Argus and Flambeau are other
good varieties, amongst many more of great beauty, that prove the high
merits of the strain that has been so carefully formed at Chelsea.

- In the Rhododendron house of the same nursery several dwarf

plants of the double Rhododendron balsamin.eflorum album are
flowering in small thumb pots. Though only 0 inches in height they
have heads of five and six pure white symmetrical flowers, and have a
charming appearance. Such plants as these would be very useful for
arranging with other taller plants, and there is no doubt that the
variety will become a great favourite for cutting also, as the flowers are
so neatly formed and well adapted for bouquets or buttonholes.

- Exhibition of Tulips at Haarlem.— The Tulips in the

nursery of Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son, Haarlem, at the Kleiner
Houtweg, are now in full bloom. There are four beds of Tulips under
two spacious tents, covering together an area of more than 7000 square
feet. Two beds each of 700 bulbs contain the best varieties in all
sections. Two other beds under a smaller tent contain each 840 different
sorts, bybloemen and roses, all Flemish varieties of the most brilliant
colours, equalling those which were the models of the best Dutch
painters of former centuries. This Tulip show, which is now opened for
the third time, is later than usual this season, and may last till the
middle of June if the weather is favourable. The collection of late
Tulips of every description planted in the nursery is very ex¬
tensive, and contains everything good and rare in Dutch and Flemish
varieties. Among the last a number are new. Besides, there is an
unrivalled collection of Flemish breeders, violets and roses in the most
striking and brilliant colours, which are most interesting not only as
breeders but as bedding Tulips. The colours vary from pale porcelain
to the darkest violet, from soft rose to the most brilliant red, much more
striking than Gesneriana ; there are light and dark brown shades, and a
few nearly black.

- “ W. B., Coventry" writes “ I send two trusses of New

Decorative Pelargoniums, cut from seedlings raised by myself, and
should like your opinion about them. They are both seedlings from
Volonte Nationalc, whicji is quite different, and resemble most Regalia
and Triomphe de St. Mancie, but superior in both cases as regards

colour and shape. They are very free, there being eighteen and twenty-
trusses on each plant.” [They are both fine trusses and useful decora¬
tive varieties. One has bright rosy scarlet flowers, margined with white,
and having few dark veins in the centre of the petals ; the other is of
a dark purplish colour, with a dark blotch. The flowers are large and
the trusses full.]

- A considerable quantity of Loquat Fruits (Eriobotrya

japonica) has been imported to the London markets, and even made-
their appearance on the hawkers’ barrows under a variety of names, the-
favourite title being apparently “ The New Jubilee Fruit.” They vary
slightly in size, but the largest resemble an Apricot both in size and
colour, and make a rather pretty dish for the table arranged on dark
green leaves. Though frequently seen in greenhouses, where it is valued
for its large handsome foliage, no one seems to have succeeded in its
culture as a fruit-bearing plant. Occasionally instances are brought to
notice of plants producing a crop of fruits such as that at Stawell
nouse, Richmond, which we figured a year or two since, but there
appears to be much uncertainty about the setting, and with the greatest
care several seasons often elapse without procuring any fruits, and
probably without flowers. Out of doors the plant is liable to be killed
in severe winters, except in the extreme south of England.

- “A. K. G.” writes that he has “ grown Webb’s Sensation-

Tomato for two years. It is robust and compact in growth, beginning
to fruit very close to the bottom of the stem. The fruits are produced
in great abundance. They are of a large size, smooth, of a bright red
colour. It fruits alike freely in pots, boxes, or planted out, and it is-
early. We have been gathering fruit since the 1st of May. These
plants were produced from seed sown in February, repotted until they
were in 10-inch pots, then trained on wires in a vinery, and they pro¬
mise to bear freely the greater part of the season. As early Tomatoes,
arc exceedingly valuable everywhere the variety in question is sure to-
become a favourite.”

- Rating of Nurseries. — Tt is announced that a public meeting

of nurserymen will be held at the Horticultural Club, Henrietta Street
Covent Garden, on Tuesday, June 28th, to consider the excessive rating
of nurseries, and to agree on a combined action in an endeavour to-
procure the reduction of the assessments. The chair will be taken at
4 p.m. by T. Wood Ingram, Esq., by the firm of Wood & Ingram.
Huntingdon. The meeting will be held under the auspices of the
Nursery and Seed Trade Association, and the Horticultural Club have
kindly lent their rooms for the occasion. The Secretary is Mr. F. C.
Goodchild, 25, Old Jewry, London, E.C.

- Arrangement at Exhibitions. — A visitor writes, “A better

example of a tastefully arranged and diversified flower show I have
never seen than that afforded at the summer, meeting of the Royal
Botanic Society recently ; and beautiful as the shows in their large
marquee invariably are, they surpassed all previous efforts as regards'
general effect on the last occasion. Those who have the management
of large provincial or metropolitan shows, and who are interested in the
maintenance of their popularity, would do well to take a lesson from,
the method adopted at Regent’s Park. It might not be possible to pro-
vidc such well-designed grass banks and mounds in every case, but
something could be done to avoid the too frequent employment of'
formal wooden stages that when draped with green baize are scarcely
endurable, and when left uncovered are positively hideous. Summer-
shows held in tents and marquees out of doors admit of much more-
taste being exercised than can be done with winter exhibitions held in.
rooms and public buildings.”

- One of the members of the Orange family (Citrus Japonica))

is occasionally grown here for ornamental purposes, but in the Southern
United States, especially in Florida, it is being cultivated commercially.
According to an American paper there are two distinct varieties of this
fruit, one having oblong, the other a round fruit. “ They attain the size
of about a medium-sized Plum or Apricot respectively. The tree is-
hardy, bears extremely young, the fruit hanging on the branches in the
greatest profusion. We had plants 15 inches to 24 inches high on which
we counted seventy-six Citrus fruits. It does not claim to be a table
fruit, though even eaten raw it has a very agreeable flavour ; the rind
can be eaten with the flesh, being not thicker than the skin of a Plum
or Cherry. It has a decided aromatic Orange flavour ; the flesh, is very
juicy with the sub-acid quality of a Lime, very cooling and refreshing,-

June 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

441

containing two seeds. The main value of this fruit will be for preserv¬
ing and crj'.stallLsing. For this purpose it is eminently adapted. It is
not necessary to take oS the skin on account of its extreme thinness,
the aroma of the rind blending with the acid of the flesh will make it
one of the most desirable fruits for preserves, jellies, and crystallised
fruit. It is a tree which will soon gain favour and stand on its own
merits, once known among California’s horticulturists. It does not, like
all Japanese Orange trees, attain any considerable height, its growth
being very bushy with long divergent branches, 10 or 12 feet being its
height.”

- Mr. T. Creswell Dean writes : — “ Having seen in your

Journal some time ago an account of a Lapageria alba with nine
open blooms in one spray, I have pleasure in informing you a friend
■of mine, R. Wardleworth, Esq., of Blackley, near Manchester, has a
very fine plant, and recently brought me a spray with eleven fully
-developed blooms and four buds not quite open. This is, perhaps, one
•of the finest trusses we have ever known in this part, and I am quite
sure is worthy of notice in your widely circulated paper. This spray is
more than a foot long, and flowers in substance and form are perfect.

- - Changing Rose Show Fixtures. — An indignant protest has

been forwarded to us from the Secretary of a Rose society complaining
of the action of another Rose society affiliated with the National having
altered its date after public announcement because of the lateness of
the season, and saying that such a proceeding is unjust and misleading,
and must evidently lead to confusion.

- Rockwork and Roses. — In another column will be found an

interesting account of a very considerable and enjoyable rockery that
we had the pleasure of inspecting a few days after our esteemed corre¬
spondent’s “ Alpine Ramble,” and we can testify that not one word too
much is said in favour of the method of arrangement adopted and the
•disposition of the plants that are thriving so well. We have only to add
■that Mr. Paul’s rockery, which will bear inspection, is very accessible,
Being close to the Broxbourne station of the Great Eastern Railway, not
‘Cheshunt, which is two or three miles away. It is well that intending
visitors to Mr. George Paul’s nurseries, who may not be acquainted with
the district in which they are situated, should bear in mind that Brox-
-bourne is the station for his Alpines, Cheshunt for the Roses.

- Approaching the Cheshunt Nursery after our alpine

ramble we found a feast of Roses under glass, and plants and
trees starting freely outdoors, but late, for there are very small
plants ” at Cheshunt, only just visible in the seedling beds,
and hedges of Roses that have grown into “ trees.” Some of
the Tea Roses in pots, that would be “in” for Manchester, were
■bearing their second crop of flowers, in many cases better than the first,
showing the great value of this section for indoor decoration, and afford¬
ing a long season of blooms. Sunset, which is free and good for pots,
is being increased largely, as also is The Bride. A small Rose that will
find admirers is the “ Red Pet,” a sport, we understand, from the white
miniature, which it resembles in character, but the flowers are of a rich
wed colour. A number of other promising Roses were also advancing.
In the outdoor seedling beds the plants are left out the first winter witli-
•out protection, in order that the survivors may be relied on as hardy. It
*s certainly a very practical method of settling the point. The Tea Rose
•beds showed all the plants starting strongly. They are grown as if on
Asparagus beds with alleys between, earth being piled round the base of
rthe stems before winter, levelled down in spring, and the plants cut
-closely back - a safe and simple plan of growing Tea Roses. For securing
the best display of certain Roses, Austrians and Persians among others,
■the strong growths of the preceding year are not cut back but pegged
■down, “ and perhaps,” Mr. Paul significantly observes, “ this plan will
suit Her Majesty." The way an old Mar6chal Niel has been “ cut and
slashed,” after bearing its early crop of flowers would frighten some
people ; but it is the way to fill the house with vigorous young shoots
that bear the grandest blooms. There is much of interest to be seen at
Cheshunt now — more as the season advances, and always a pleasant
reception from Mr. George Paul.

- The Paris correspondent of a London daily paper in referring

to Floral Fashion remarks: — “Parisian brides and bridesmaids do
not take with them to church the lovely bunch of white flowers which
tradition requires the bridegroom and his best men to supply ; but it is
inherent on the former to heap lovely blossoms in the brougham that

shall convey him and his newly-made wife back to the house of her
parents after the ceremony. This is a very pretty fashion, and deserves
to be kept up. Much more beautiful than the circular and formally
arranged bouquets that used to be presented by the gentleman anxious
to get into the good graces of his lady are the rustic baskets of reeds
filled with growing flowers decorated with bows of ribbon carefully
chosen as to colour. Long after the poor Roses or what not, subjected to
the process of wiring, have faded and gone, the plants flourish — a
pleasant feast for the eyes and a charming decoration for the drawing
room.”

- Mr. M. r. Arnold thus refers to the Ipomiea noctiflora or

Moon Flower in the Florida Despatch. “ It claims Mexico for it8
home, but it takes most kindly to Florida, as I can well testify. I
planted a single seed, given to me by a friend, under the projecting end
of my kitchen. The soil was dry and sandy, although there was some
clay mixed with it. The vine made a slow growth at first, but as the
rainy season advanced it became more vigorous. The leaves were much
like the common Morning Glory, but much larger. The plant finally
became rampant, and clambered over the greater portion of one side of
the house. I had paid but little attention to it for a long time, when
suddenly one evening I was astonished at five or six immense saucer-like
flowers of pearly whiteness, which swayed and nodded in the evening
wind. They exhaled a delicate Jessamine-like odour that was tantalising
in its evanescent sweetness. By sunrise the flowers were faded and
gone, but on the succeeding evening a new crop of flowers would
gradually unfold themselves, and again would steal forth that subtile,
fleeting perfume of the famed Evening Glory. I have frequently taken
my chair of an evening and placed it before the vine, and, settling on
one particular bud about to open, 1 would watch the gradual unfolding
of this giant of the Morning Glory tribe. It became exciting and
fascinating to watch the slow expansion of this chaste and lovely flower.
At length the final crease would be drawn out, and the flower would
present itself to my admiring gaze. On a dark night a dozen or fifteen
immense blows would startle a stranger on coming suddenly around the
corner of the north end of the house. The humming birds were ex¬
tremely partial to the flowers, and would frequent the vine almost every
evening, flitting from flower to flower like feathery sprites.”

- An exhibition of the products of the Arts and Industries

relating TO horticulture is being organised at Antwerp by the
Palais de l’lndustrie des Arts et du Commerce, and will be open from
the 19th of June to the 15th of October, 1887. A special commission
has been elected for the organisation of the Exhibition, consisting of
MM. Edouard Baartmans, I. J. de Beucker, Henri de Bosschere, Charles
de Bosschere, Antoine Gillis, Gustave Iloefkens, Charles Van Geert, jun.,
and Ernest Van Meerbeeck, with M. Florent Pauwels as President, the
Baron de Caters as Vice-President, and M. Oscar de Lescluze as Secre¬
tary. M. Colinet, Palais de l’lndustrie, 186, Avenue du Sud, Antwerp,
has been appointed Manager. A park of some 17 acres, and a large hall
covering more than 5000 square yards of ground, provide the managing
committee with ample space for the arrangement of all exhibits to the
best advantage. From a circular that has recently reached us we
gather that intending exhibitors are required to send before the 10th of
June, at the latest, an exact and detailed list of the objects they wish
to exhibit, and that these will lje received from Wednesday, June 1st
up to Thursday, June loth, at midday ; cut flowers, bouquets, Ac., for
the decoration of such exhibits, will, however, be received up to June
18th. The Committee reserves the right of refusing admission to any
exhibits that it does not consider worthy of being shown. The Committee
of Adjudication will be invited to take into consideration not only the
novelty, importance, and beauty of the articles exhibited, but more
particularly excellence of manufacture and moderateness of price. A
gold medal, three silver-gilt medals, five silver medals, and six bronze
medals, with honourable mentions, will be placed at its disposition by
the Society for each group. One class is devoted to horticultural imple¬
ments generally, such as gardeners’ and nurserymen’s tools, water-
cans, syringes, mowing machines, trellises, espaliers, Ac. ; another to
pictures of plants, flowers, and fruits, herbals, entomological collections,
horticultural works, plans and designs for ornamental works, vases,
statuary, tents, rustic furniture, gravel, and other materials for path¬
making and draining ; another to furniture for greenhouses and winter
gardens, garden pottery, mats, aviaries, Ac. ; and a fourth to glass
structures of all kinds, and heating and ventilating apparatuses.

442

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jute ?. 18Pr.

t*ei)id5

HARDY ORCHIDS.

I quite agree with your correspondent’s remarks last week about
the beauty of hardy Orchids, and it is surprising that more attention is
not paid to these plants. The Orchises are nearly all easily grown, and
are moreover very showy, especially 0. maculata and O. mascula, and
they are even worth growing in pots for the greenhouse. They are
indeed the only Orchids that can be employed successfully in an
ordinary greenhouse. One cause of failure is the neglect to provide
hardy Orchids with the special soils they require, and attempts to grow
plants found on chalk downs in the same situations as the moisture-
loving species found in low semi-marshy localities can only result in
failure. The peculiarities of plants in this respect need careful con¬
sideration, and many seeming difficulties will be overcome. Another
cause of loss is, that often amateurs search for the wild Orchids, and
dig them up for transference to their own gardens at any time, quite
regardless of whether it is a suitable period or not. Lifted in this way
three-fourths of them are almost certain to die. The swamp or mois¬
ture-loving species are liable to suffer in the summer in two ways —
first, by their being too directly exposed to the sun, and secondly, by
having insufficient moisture in the soil. During the summer months it
is almost impossible to give them too much moisture. Perhaps the
plant received by your correspondent as Ophrys is Orchis provincialis.
— S. E.

ORCHIDS AT KEW.

Much attention has been given to the Orchids at Ivcw in the past
few years, and with increased facilities for cultivation, and the gradual
addition of distinct and effective species, the collection has been con¬
siderably improved. There is now an unusually handsome and varied
display in that portion of the T range devoted to these plants, and
especially numerous are the Masdevallias, which include besides the
useful ornamental M. Harryana and Veitchiana varieties many rare and
curious species, such as Reichenbachiana,triaristella, infracta, oehthodes,
trichoete, Shuttleworthi, xanthocorys, porcellipes, and radiosa. Of
Odontoglossums there are excellent examples of Odontoglossum vexil-
larium flowering very freely, of capital colour and in fine healthy
condition. O. citrosmum is beautiful with its pendulous racemes ; 0.
crispum, 0. Pescatorei, 0. radiatum, and many others are also note¬
worthy. A large plant of Sobralia macrantha has been flowering for
some time and still bears its large flowers. Cattleya Mossiae and the
fragrant yellow C. citrina are still in good condition. Dendrobiums are
numerous, but there is one plant of the charming Dendrobium trans-
parens in a basket that is the finest example of this Orchid that we have
seen ; it has fourteen flowering growths with sixteen to twenty flowers
each, and the effect produced is beautiful in the extreme. The sepals
and petals are white with a violet purple blotch in the lip, and they have
a light graceful appearance quite distinct from others of the genus.
D. Dalhouseanum is also fine with eight racemes of six or seven flowers
each. The elegant Ionopsis paniculata with a cloud of its delicate
mauve-tinted flowers furnishes an attraction in the warmer house,
together with several Cypripediums, Saccolabiums, Acrides, &c.

In addition to those already named, the foliowing were in flower : —
Pleurothallis semi-pellucida, P. Barberiana, and P. ornata, all very
interesting and curious, Oncidium dasystyle, Hexadesmia crucigera,
Phaius bicolor, Cypripedium Stonei, C. macranthum (in cool house),
Saccolabium curvidorum, Dendrobium capillipes, D. mesochlorum, D.
secundum, D. hercoglossum, D. Jamesianum, Aerides Fieldingi, Cyrtopo-
dium squalidum, Ooelogyne corymbosa (ocellata maxima), C. ochracea,
Epidendrum variegatum, E. difforme, Stanhopea oculata Lissochilus
Krebsi, Lycaste cochleata, L. Dayana, L. plana, and L. Candida.

L TELIA PURPURATA.

This when well grown is one of the finest Orchids in cultivation,
and it well deserves its great popularity. Mr. J. Cypher of Cheltenham
had some grand varieties at the Regent’s Park Show recently, and he
has also had a magnificent display in his nursery, over 400 blooms being
open at one time. Some of the flowers were of astonishing size and
beautifully formed, some of the best indeed that we have seen, and good
varieties are by no means scarce now. Like all the plants under Mr.
Cypher’s care they are admirably grown, and a large miscellaneous
collection of Orchids is also looking extremely healthy, and bearing
numbers of flowers. — T.

CINERARIAS.

As my gardener has been more than usually successful with the
Cinerarias it may interest your readers to have a few particulars as to
the treatment adopted. The flower heads were fuller than I have ever
seen them. I have measured scores of the blossoms, and find several fully
2 1 inches in diameter, and the colours exceptionally rich. The seeds
were procured early in April from Messrs. Carter & Co. The first
sowing was made April 14th, in pans half filled with rough peat, to

which was added a mixture of loam and peat finely sifted, with plenty
of sand. The pans were then covered with glass, and placed on the
higher shelves in a cool greenhouse. As soon as the plants showed their
second leaves they were potted singly into thumb pots, using rather
coarse soil, but taking care not to cover the hearts of the plants. They
were then placed in a close frame shaded, and sprinkled morning and
evening till well established, being kept close for a couple of weeks,
after which more air was given. As soon as the pots were full of roots
the plants were shifted into 4.^ -inch pots, and again at the end of
September into 8-inch pots (for the largest specimens). As soon as the
flower buds showed the plants were liberally supplied with soot and
liquid manure. Plenty of air was given night and day when the weather
was suitable, and at all stages of their growth the plants were shaded
from bright sunshine.

The soil employed was equal parts of rich loam, leaf mould, and
thoroughly decayed horse manure, mixed with charcoal dust and coarse
sand. I trust the above account may lead some of your readers to test
still further the capabilities of this handsome and interesting flower.—
C. T. Ckuttwell, Benton Rectory, No'folk.

ROSE THE PURITAN.

This handsome Rose has attracted so much attention recently, both
in America and England, that Rose-growers are repeatedly inquiring
respecting it. The illustration (fig. 78), for which we are indebted
to Messrs. W. Paul & Son, gives a faithful representation of its general
characters, judging from the blooms we have seen. The variety wa3
raised by Mr. H. Bennett of Shepperton from a cross between Mabel
Morrison and old Devoniensis, but though it is repeatedly referred to as
a Hybrid Perpetual, there seems to be' a preponderance of the Tea in
the habit and foliage. The blooms are fragrant, large, of good form and
substance, the petals white, slightly recurving at the margin, and the
variety appears to be both free in growth and profuse in flowering.

It will be remembered that on April 12th, this year, Messrs. W. Paul
and Son, Waltham Cross, who are the agents for the Rose in .this
country, exhibited stands of two dozen blooms at South Kensington.
These had been dispatched from New York on the 2nd of April, and it
was astonishing how well they had travelled, as when shown they were
almost as fresh as if they had been conveyed a hundred miles or so by
rail. Half the number of blooms were placed upright in tubes of water>
and the others were firmly packed in damp cotton wool in tightly closed
tin boxes. The latter were much the better, and were very little the
worse for their journey.

THINNING LATE GRAPES.

By the time this is in print much of the important work of thinning
the berries on bunches will have been completed, only those started
without artificial heat and the very latest crops remaining to be done.
The first proceeding ought in all cases to be thinning the bunches.
We are apt to overlook the fact that bv leaving too many bunches we
not OT'ly run the risk of not ripening the crop satisfactorily, but over¬
cropping leaves its mark on the Vines for one or more seasons to come.
Even if there were no risks to be run in the latter respect, it cannot be
too often pointed out a moderately heavy well-finished crop is of more
value, and usually gives more pleasure than a much greater weight of
inferior produce. It is not always the gardener’s fault that too many
bunches are retained ; many employers insist upon the retention of one
bunch on every lateral of a fruit-bearing size.

When the bunches are small, or on an average l’kely to be less
than 1 lb. in weight, every strong lateral on a healthy well supported
Vine may be depended upon to ripen one satisfactorily, but when they
run rather heavier it will be much safer to leave a bunch on every other
lateral ; while in the case of comparatively large bunches, or, say,
approaching 4 lbs., one to every third lateral may prove quite as much
as can be finished properly. I know from experience how hard a matt«r
it is fo cut away a number of good bunche-, but I have much less
hesitation in thinning the bunches than formerly. Too often it is not
fully realised how heavy a crop is left on the Vines till the Grapes are
nearly coloured, and when it is too late to do much good by thinning.
Our plan is to make a note of the number of bunches perfected on the
various Vines each year, and bv perfected I mean well finished examples,
this proving a good guide for the next year’s thinning. It is not often
any of us err on the wrong =ide — that is to say, in leaving too few
bunches on the Vines, but it does happen occasionally. For instance,
we may be too lenient with young Vines, and these having a new and
rich root run, as a natural consequence form rank growth, the reverse of
what is needed for laying the foundation of profitable or enduring
rods. Secure medium-sized short-jointed canes at first, and gradually
build them up. A Vine planted this season, and which grows stronglv,
ought to carry one good bunch next year, and about three during the
third year, or according to the habit and vigour of each Vine. Some
regard must be paid to the nature of the border, also taking into con¬
sideration the amount of food within reach of the roots. Those rooting
in a strong loamy border, with plenty of fibre near the surface, ought to

Jane 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

413

support a heavier crop than those with a border largely composed of
poor sandy loam. At the famous Longleat vinery the least satisfactory
Vines at one time were Lady Downe’s, but since Mr. Pratt has cropped
more heavily, leaving in many instances two good bunches on a lateral,
a marked improvement has been effected, and I notice there is every
prospect of a valuable crop being secured this season. All the Vines in
that large rnnge are vigorous, and heavy cropping in this case has not

we are thinning, one of the best shoulders being snipped or snapped off,
or the berries may not be swelling so evenly as could be wished, this
necessitating the removal of the bunch and the retention of a previously
doomed yet better example. Most of us prefer to have large bunches,
such as might please the judges at an exhibition, but for real service
much smaller ones in greater numbers are the best. Fresh bunches
always look best on the dining table, and if a larger dish is required

Fig. 76.— ROSE THE PURITAN.

apparently been so unwise, and is a very different matter to the other
extremes I have just alluded to. Those who have their Vines rooting
principally in inside borders, and give these plenty of moisture and
what manure, artificial or otherwise, they require, may venture to retain
heavier crops than would be safe where the Vines are rooting wholly in
outside borders and at the mercy of all weathers.

1 prefer to defer the finally thinning of the bunches till the berries on
those intended to be retained are thinned, this being especially advisable
in the case of shy setters. We might have an accident with the bunch

occasionally it is a simple matter to cut three instead of one. What is=
also of importance, these small bunches, or those weighing from 1 lb. tt>
2 lbs. in weight, keep much better than do the larger clusters, and are,
therefore, much the best for bottling. At Knowsley, a place famous for
the quality of the fruit grown, I observed the bunches of such sorts as-
Muscat of Alexandria, Alicante, and Gros Colman were not large, but
was informed by Mr. Harrison, the experienced gardener in charge,
that the largest are cut away, the smaller ones keeping so much the
better. We are not all equal to this sensible practice of cultivating

444

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 8, 1887.

medium sized bunches, the most prevalent custom being to preserve the
largest, but there is no disputing the soundness of Mr. Harrison’s teach¬
ing all the same.

Bunches, whether large or small, to keep well must be freely thinned,
even at the risk of apparently overdoing it. I have a great dislike to
overthinning loose bunches that settle down on a dish like a pancake,
and delight in having them full and compact with a tendency to roll
about on the dish. Those intended for exhibition ought not to be
overthinned, these travelling badly and cutting a very poor appearance
on the boards ; but so much do I dislike loose bunches that I very fre¬
quently err in the opposite direction, and do not take out enough berries,
this preventing many of the berries swelling to their full size. Compact
bunches, the berries being in a solid mass, are late in the season liable
to decay wholesale, one bad inside berry being the forerunner of this
vexatious loss, hence the necessity of the early removal of nearly, or
quite, all the berries with an inward tendency, as well as those that
cross or overlap each other. The berries very frequently run in triplets,
the central one being the largest, and if retained and the other two
snipped off will eventually develope into the full size, which the side
berries would not do. It is a difficult matter to plainly instruct novices
in the art of thinning out the berries through the medium of a paper,
and I can only further suggest that about two-thirds of the berries be
taken out of the bunches of Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater,
Foster’s Seedling, Gros Maroc, Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandria,
Golden Queen, and Mrs. Pince, and fully three-fourths out of the
Alicante, well set Alnwick Seedling, Lady Downe’s, Gros Colman, and
Mrs. Pearson. The shy setters, such as Mrs. Pince, Muscat of Alexandria,
and Muscat Hamburgh, ought not to be thinned very freely at first, as
many of the apparently well set berries may refuse to stone and swell
any larger than Peas. As soon as it can be seen which promise to stone
partially or properly, the final thinning may be completed, and in this
manner good even bunches be secured. Buckland Sweetwater also re¬
quires to be thinned gradually, or otherwise there is every possibility of
very uneven bunches resulting. Gros Guillaume, producing a large framed
bunch, requires to be only lightly thinned out ; indeed, in most cases all
that is necessary is to remove the misshapen or badly stoned berries.

Opinions vary as to the advisability of shouldering up the bunches,
but if large bunches are preserved I hold that they ought to have the
shoulders supported. All long uneven shoulders I would either shorten
in or cut clean away. If their retention improves the shape of the
bunch all well and good, if not they should be cut away, a pretty bunch,
-or one of good pyramid form, usually pleasing good judges better than
much large scrambling examples. Such sorts as Gros Colman, Alnwick
Seedling, and Lady Downe’s usually develope one large shoulder, some¬
times of nearly the same length as the bunch proper. They increase the
size, but detract from the appearance of the bunch, and if the latter is
of a good average size we invariably cut away the shoulder. Bemoving
this early appears to strenthen and enlarge the bunch, and it is very
■certain the shoulderless bunches keep best. All the lowest of the
lateral’s shoulders, if I may so term them, should be suspended to the
wires overhead with neat strips of raffia, and being brought up into a
horizontal position considerably enlarge the bunch, as many more berries
can be retained than if no shouldering-up was attempted. — W.
Iggulden.

FRITILLARIAS.

On page 397 of the Journal of Horticulture there is an article on
the Fritillary. In our old garden we have three varieties growing at
will in odd places — the crimson spotted flower, now over ; a white one,
also over ; and a dark one, a flower of which I enclose, which blooms
later than the two first-named. May I ask which is the “ Snakeshead ”
mentioned as growing in the meadows round Oxford ? I presume it to
be the spotted blossom. I have not yet found the other two growing
wild, or is it yet another variety ? — Alice Bueges.

LONDON’S LESSER OPEN SPACES— THEIR TREES AND

PLANTS.

NEW SERIES.— No. 3.

Never will fhe antiquaries be able to decide, I believe, whence
London got its name ; recently the theory has been upset that it
■originally was the “ city of the lake.” However, the city and its
vicinity, early a place of springs and streamlets, but with sagacity
exceeding what is shown by some moderns, its ancient residents declined
to drink water polluted by sewage. Old pipes and conduits have been
-discovered, proving that centuries ago water was brought into London
ifrom springs or wells situate at Bayswater and Paddington. Beside the
historic streamlet of the district, which gave a name to Tyburn and
Marylebone (St. Mary on the bourne), there were other winding brooks,
the convenience of which, and also the attractions of little hills with a
■south aspect, well screened by the woods northward, led many gardeners
to resort to Paddington when English horticulture was in its infancy.
It was here, too, that Sir John Hill, in the reign of George III., had his
medicinal gardens, and produced his vaunted Waterdock essence and
his balsam of honey. The late J. C. Loudon also made his residence
here for some years, and it was the scene of various experiments on his
part, the benefits of which are now reaped by others. And on, or close to,
Craven Hill, which was a pest field in the time of the plague, formerly
were the nurseries of Messrs. Hopgood.

In or about 1764, the growth of St. George’s parish led to the

acquirement of a new burial ground at Paddington, close to Hyde
Park, and this space, six acres in extent, is open to the public, inter¬
ments having long ceased here. There is a tolerably active movement
going on now, having for its object the conversion of old London grave¬
yards into gardens, but some cases are exceptional, and here is one.
This ground could not advantageously be treated thus, owing to the host
of tombstones, and the arrangement of these, yet it might be improved
without such transformation. Apparently, owing to its position, visitors
from adjacent streets resort to it in small numbers. Perhaps a few come
also from a distance, drawn by the fact that here reposes an eccentric
divine, Lawrence Sterne ; a great soldier, General Picton ; and a notable
novelist, Mrs. Kadcliife. That this was once a piece of moist pasture
ground is suggested by the Sedges that still flourish in some parts.
There is, moreover, a growth of dank moss, for, like many London
enclosed spaces, it is insufficiently drained. It had some Limes and
Elms, planted probably about a century ago, and a few Poplars ; there
might be more, for the soil is suitable. Birches are here, though not of
size, and exhibiting catkins, which only occasionally happens in the
metropolitan district. This species, as I have remarked, is too seldom
made use of about London suburbs. And the Beech, a tree somehow
deemed appropriate to the mourner, is represented, but this is a species
that does best in the open. The copper-coloured variety is suitable in
its aspect, as contrasting with trees of lighter foliage, such as the Lilac
and Laburnum. It seems, however, to have a rather hurtful effect on
plants growing under its shade. One rarely finds near London a Beech
of any proportions, yet I do not think the tree is meddled with by the
caterpillars of the goat and leopard moths. In St. George’s ground
there is the usual number of Lilacs and Laburnums to be found in
similar spots, and some rather old Hawthorns, though the sombre trees
that our grandfathers liked to set in graveyards are scarcely represented.
In spite of the unfavourable spring, these shrubs have more than the
average show of blossom about London and elsewhere. One large
Laburnum here presents a curious sight, from its having bent down¬
wards while young at the base of the trunk, but continued to grow and
increase, also throwing ofE numerous boughs standing at various angles
on the head. Elders, singly and in small clumps, one expects and finds
in such an enclosure. I now think they were introduced, not from
superstitious reasons, but because people attributed to the plant a
sanitary quality, like that we attribute to the Eucalyptus and sundry
Pines. It was rather odd to see some old Blackthorns still able to leaf,
if not to flower, and under foot in several spots, there was a thick
growth of Yarrow, which appears to flourish now and then within
London limits, conquering grasses, and rivalling Crowfoots and Plantains
on neglected soil.

We can hardly fancy that when Her Majesty’s grandsire came on the
throne the streets and squares of the West End were nearly all non¬
existent, and the open land from which St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields had its
name yielded farm and garden crops. Though Hay Hill, Piccadilly, was
not named from that product, if the Haymarket was, but from the stream
called the Aye, which flowed past to run into the Thames at Westminster.
Farm Street, however, is a reminiscence of Mr. Alsop’s farm in this
quarter. The comparative seclusion of the spot is curiously shown by an
old advertisement, offering £2 reward for a man who had cut down
and carried off an Elm tree ; there were many scattered hereabout
though none of any age now survive. There are some old Limes in the
gardens of Berkeley Square (and in the mansion grounds), and some fine
Planes around the former, also a central group, but trees ha ye been
planted too numerously, hence the grass suffers and the flowers placed
in the very diminutive beds amongst the plots. Here are a few large
Thujas and some other familiar evergreens, which seem to have had
unpleasant experiences of a London spring, also a double Privet hedge.
It is observable that occasionally the Privet is not truly evergreen, but
loses nearly all its winter leaves before the new ones expand. The extent
of Berkeley Square is about five acres, the adjacent square of St. James’s
the same, both as yet unopened to the public. The latter calls for no
remark, except that it is memorable for the fact that the great Samuel
Johnson wandered round its area at night when he was unable to pay
for a lodging (it appears to have been more shaded with trees than now),
and also for this, that into the central pond the rabble flung the keys of
Newgate, seized in the Gordon riots. As these were not discovered for
many years afterwards, this pond must evidently have been allowed to
abide in an offensive condition.

Leicester Square, nearer to Charing Cross, was once Leicester Field, a
broad space which gave effect to the only house near it, the mansion of
the Leicesters and Sydneys, a favourite arena for military evolutions,
and at other times the resort of washerwomen. From it there was a
good view of the windmill, which gave name to a modern street. Then
there came a change ; more houses were built, and the ground enclosed
with railings about 1737. Views dating from the eighteenth century
show the square prettily laid out with grass plots and cross walks, also a
double row of trees. By degrees, however, the square got into a neglected
state, and from 1860 to 1874 it was a dis jrace to the metropolis, and its
owners too, who would neither reclaim it nor suffer others so to do. It
was one of Mr. Albert Grant’s good deeds to purchase the land and
spend several thousands upon it, planting it with trees and shrubs, and
laying out flower beds. A number of the shrubs placed here in 1874
have unfortunately died off, not being all of them suitable to the place,
and the trees have not made much progress yet, and the spring bulbs
here do not flourish like those on the adjacent embankment ; poor, too,
is the show of flower on the Lilacs and Ornamental Currants. It would
be advantageous to add to the evergreens, some of those now growing

Jane 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

445

arc of sombre aspect ; for example, in the vases which encircle the
middle space there have been set specimens of Cupressus Lawsoniana,
when it would have been easy to have had brighter-looking shrubs. The
antique statue of the First George has given place to one of Skakspeare,
which looks down upon the central fountain and the radiating flower
beds, and at each of the corners are busts of notorieties. If Ferns and
creepers were more used than at present to fill up nooks and corners
about these public gardens a considerable improvement would be made ;
it is not difficult to find species that will succeed in London. Golden
Square, off Regent Street, claims a word, though it is small and as yet
private. It is another relic of the open fields. This possesses the
advantage of having its ground rather elevated, hence it drains better.
It has some old Planes and rugged Hawthorns, and numerous Lilacs
scattered over its grassy space, but a scant display of flowers of the
cockney type. — J. It. S. C.

CHRYSANTHEMUM AUDITS.

Mr. Davis naturally, but at the same time erroneously, concludes
from the absence of Duchess of Albany from my last Chrysanthemum
analysis that it was scarcely, if at all shown, at “ the National ” in 1886.
The fact is, as is well known, there are unfortunately two Japanese
Chrysanthemums of this name. In the hurry of taking down the names
of the flowers in the different stands I omitted to place a distinguishing
mark against the best of these two varieties, so that when I came to
tabulate the results it was of course impossible to accord to it its proper
position in the list. I, however, intended to add a note below the table
stating that the two Duchesses taken together were shown in fourteen
stands at last year’s exhibition. Now, as Duchess of Albany is placed
2-1 in “ B. D. K.’s ” list, and credited with fourteen first prizes, this
shows how closely the two lists would have been in accord on this
point had I been able to give Jackson’s variety its proper value.

As regards Belle Paule. After the discussion in your pages last year
respecting the great unreliability of this variety, it seems to me scarcely
fair to select this capricious beauty as the test flower of any Chrysan¬
themum audit. Moreover, as both Mr. Davis and Mr. Molyneux have
pointed out, last season was a particularly unfavourable one for Belle
Paule, so that we might reasonably expect it to stand lower in my
analysis than after a year which suited it better.

I was away from home ac the time Mr. Davis’s remarks appeared, or
should have replied to them earlier. — E. M., Berkha muted.

INTERESTING ASCLEPIADS.

While governing his Presidency of Madras Sir Mountstuart Grant
Duff has found time, says the Daily Telegraph, to correspond with
the authorities of Kew Gardens and other centres of botanical work
and research. The abundant detail and scientific importance of his
letters filled those who received them with admiration, and they have
without doubt done much to extend floral and arboreal science. In one
of the last of the communications, addressed to Mr. Thiselton Dyer, Sir
Mountstuart furnished an instance of those still unexplored marvels of
the vegetable world just spoken of. He enclosed some leaves of a plant
called Gymncma sylvestre, an Asclepiad. The Governor had found out
that by slowly chewing two or three of its leaves the power of dis¬
tinguishing the taste of sugar and certain other flavours becomes
absolutely abolished. In drinking coffee after eating Gymnema leaves
it was impossible to say whether sugar had been put in or not. The
aroma of a cigar was in like manner entirely negatived, and Sir Mount¬
stuart justly thought, after a series of such experimental proofs of its
power over his own tongue or palate and those of others, that the plant
might serve some important medical use. Those who received a sample
of it here found its curious property well retained ; and Kew has since
written to the Director of Public Plantations at Ootacamund asking for
seeds to raise material for future experiment.

Yet, in truth, the palatal action of Gymnema sylvestre is merely an
example of a thousand unknown, or only half-known, marvels with
which the vegetable world teems. Man has only partly explored that
realm of magic opened to his feet in every green forest and field, where
from one plant comes the pleasant aroma of theine or caffeine, from
another an alkaloid, exactly similar in aspect, which, however, crisps the
nerves with tetanus, while from a third is distilled the potent but
dangerous morphia, benignantly soothing weary sufferers into repose,
yet a very serpent of death if abused. This same family of the
Asclepiads is a perfect treasure-store of natural miracles. The order
consists, for the most part, of shrubs or herbs, usually yielding a milky
juice and often of twining habits. It chiefly haunts tropical regions,
but examples are found in northern climates, and are best represented
in this country by the Swallow-wort, Not fewer, however, than
159 genera and 958 species have been enumerated of the immense family
which derives its name from rEsculapius, the God of Physic, because of
the various and notable medicinal properties of its members. The
beautiful and fragrant Stephanotis and the lovely Hoya, with its creamy
blossoms gemmed by glittering drops of honeydew, may give to lovers
of flowers at home delightful examples of Asclepiads, albeit the singular
properties of such plants are little suspected.

Sir Mountstuart’s Gymnema, the leaves of which can thus suddenly
annul the sense of taste, is but one of the minor sorcerers in this band
of enchanters. There is the Calotropis, which yields the medicinal bark
known as mudar, curing skin diseases better than sulphur, and almost
as good as ipecacuanha for dysentery. Mudarine, an extract from this

plant, has the odd faculty of turning to a jelly when heated, and
becoming fluid on cooling. Then there is Cynanchum, the leaves of
which are employed to adulterate Senna and also to mix with genuine
Scammony. Hemidesmus is, again, an efficient substitute for Sarsa¬
parilla, and goes indeed in India by the name of “ country sarsa.” Not
to be outdone by her woodland sisters, who thus simulate and supplant
certain of the most respectable medicaments, Marsdenia, another of the
family, produces an admirable dark blue dye as rich as indigo, while
another of the same name furnishes a fibre so strong that the ltaj-Mahal
hillmen make from it bowstrings as tough as cat-gut. An American
variety affords from one and the same root india-rubber, soft downy
stuffing for pillows, and excellent material for rope and paper. A
Malayan Asclepiad climbs very high on Betel Palms, and on its upper
stalk produces the most grotesque pitchers, wherein it stores water for
its own supply in dry seasons. The family eccentricities are in fact
endless. The Hoya, already spoken of, looks as if moulded out of white
wax, and diffuses a perfume like a breath from Paradise ; but the
Stapelias, although its very close relatives, have a smell so vile that they
are justly called “ carrion plants,” and produce small ugly flowers,
coloured like a livid wound. A species called Tuberosa grows in America,,
and is there familiarly known as the “ Butterfly Weed ” and also the
“ Pleurisy Root,” because of its remarkable demulcent gifts, for these odd
vegetables kill and cure by turn, and the young shoots of a variety
found in Arabia are eaten as a kind of Asparagus by every camel driver
and pilgrim who can get them.

In Madeira there is another Asclepiad going by the name of “ Silk
Plant,” which in many half-examined ways is quite as extraordinary a
plant as any of them ; and, though the name is fanciful, several of this
family in different regions are popularly known as “ Wild Cotton,” be¬
cause of the tuft of hair adherent to their seeds. Almost all exude the
characteristic milky juice, one drop of which will often so sting the
tongue that the herb, whose beautiful and perfumed blossom had
tempted the tropical sportsman to nibble one of its pale leaves, will be
looked upon afterwards by him as something rather worse than a Upas,
tree. Yet the same vegetable milk, which in the Gymnema of the ex-
Governor of Madras paralyses the nerves of taste, and in Cynanchum
absolutely strangles the rash eater with throat spasms, is, in the form
of another species — native of Ceylon — almost as good as a cow. Thes
Cingalese woman or child who wants a draught of milk cuts through,
the stem of this not infrequent shrub, which at once supplies a bland
semi-sweet liquid, nutritious to a remarkable extent, and agreeable as
the produce of any dairy. Considering, moreover, that in Bengal and
Assam alone there exist more than eighty varieties of Asclepiads, it
may be gathered from our hurried glance at some among the vegetable
vagaries of this family what odd and precious secrets yet remain to be
discovered.

In fact, the tree and plant world is not yet half explored as regards
what it might contribute to the service and comfort of mankind. Look
at the part played in the world by tobacco, in which the United States
last year spent no less than 256 million dollars 1 Consider the value of
opium, morphia, quinine, tea, coffee, and cocoa. Remark the terrible
force of strychnine, codeine, atropine, and those other subtle alkaloids
which are at once, according to use, ferocious poisons or benignest drugs.
These, and the like of what we know and use among extracts and
essences, form but a small part of what Nature holds in her half-closed
hand, ready to bestow upon patient investigators. Whoever has wan¬
dered in eastern jungles cannot but preserve recollection of scores of
plants apparently well deserving notice. There is in Bengal, foi-
example, a bush smelling like a musk rat, and another with an odour of
goats, both of which are pretty sure to possess curious medical proper¬
ties ; there are the Dhavali, the juice of which is readymade glue ; and
the Kadamba, with its tender and sweet flower clusters, also called the
“ Night Tree,” because they have no scent by day, but are particularly
fragrant in the darkness. There is, too, the excellent resin of the Sal
Tree, as yet unknown to commerce, being kept by Hindoos to burn
before their gods, and there exists in Bengal a tree called Sindur, the-
fruit of which bears Nature-made madder, in the form of red dust ;
while another, called Agar in Assam, supplies good paper from its bark
without any paper-mill, as the Sugar Reed of the Brahmaputra banks,
furnishes a saccharine matter just like new honey ; together with a host
of other half-known but remarkable denizens of jungle and garden.
We speak, of course, of chemical and medical knowledge rather than
mere botanical classification. The latter has been, po doubt, more ox-
less perfectly accomplished nowadays, although every traveller from
the heart of Africa still brings back to the herbaria of science new
specimens. But it is from the secret properties of this wonderful vege¬
table realm that the advancing art of healing Will by-and-by obtain its
chief sedative and therapeutic treasxxres.

SILICA— ARTIFICIAL MANURES.

Mr. Gilaiour again honours me by a friendly critique, but I beg to
take exception to his crediting me with concluding that the current crop
removes the 1$ per cent, of soluble silica as given by Dr. Voelcker in an
analysis of a clay soil. What I stated (page 339) was that the soluble
silica “ certainly constitutes a part of that found in the current crop,”
which is very different from the whole. That, however, is not material
to the issue — viz., that “ removing the soluble silica from the soil and
not replacing it ultimately exhausts the soii of its soluble silica.” To
that I adhere, and unless' it be restored the soil must inevitably become
exhausted on the “crop after crop” system of artificials. In the

44G

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June !, 1887.

second paragraph of Mr. Gilmour’s communication we are favoured with
some elaborate calculations to show that I conclude (which I do not)

^ that in eighty-nine years all the soluble silica will be gone, except we
replace it.” Assuming the current crop to remove the 1^ per cent, of
soluble silica, whence (I again ask) does the succeeding crop derive its
supplies of soluble silica ? None in a soluble form is returned to the
soil upon the lines pursued by the gentleman growing corn “ crop after
■crop,” and yet we are asked to believe the supply of soluble silica
abundant ; indeed “ silica is abundant in all soils,” states Mr. Gilmour,
quoting Johnston, but there is a great difference between soluble
(l.j per cent.), and insoluble (70 or more per cent.). I asked (page 339)
what is the value to the current crop of the 72, 69, and 77 per cent, of
■silica ? For reply, we are told that silica, anywise the “ inorganic
substances on which plants live,” are derived from minerals and rocks
decomposed under the conjoined action of the exygen, the carbonic acid,
and the moisture of the atmosphere. (Johnston). “ There is the rub.”
The “ fragments of felspar and other minerals dirived from the granitic
and trap rocks, slaty, and other beds, are of no use productively through
their insolubility, until brought under the “ conjoined action of the
exygen, the carbonic acid, and the moisture of the atmosphere.” Who
in these days practises trenching and subsoiling ? Who, indeed, cares to
do more than “tickle the surface?” Yet Mr. Gilmour asks us to see
what “ a store of silica we have in the soil to gradually become soluble.”
Nature is lavish ; silicon, after oxygen, is the most abundant of the
elements, forming about 29.j per cent, of the earth’s crust.

Let us take a closer view of silica (oxide and acid of silicon, or
silicon dioxide). Consider it as the anhydride of an acid and we get
silicic acid or a compound of silicic anhydride with water, just as nitric
acid is considered as a compound of nitric anhydride with water.
Hydrogen silicates are obtained by the union with water, and a similar
decomposition is effected by carbon, and these are soluble by potassium
and sodium hydroxides forming corresponding silicates. The silicates
(hydrogen and carbon) are also more or less soluble in (what Mr.
Gilmour scrupulously avoids naming) ammonia, and in many acids. An
analogous decomposition is constantly going on in Nature, causing the
disintegration of rocks composed of metallic silicates.

Silica is rendered soluble naturally, and the supplies are increased
by manuring, and breaking the surface soil inseparable from cultivation.
■“ That is what I contend for,” Mr. Gilmour may say, which I readily
grant represents his case ; but I contend that silica is inseparable from
animal manure, and that it is not applied to any soil, and especially
clay, without contributing through its soluble silica to the greater
advantage of the current and succeeding crops than artificials, which,
if they do contain soluble silica, the quantity is infinitessimal. In that
sense, and that only, do I advise the application of farmyard manure,
and in that — i.e., its soluble silica —I see its greater benefit to the cul¬
tivator. Who thought of separating all the phosphates, nitrates, Ac.,
from farmyard manure, and giving those to Mr. Gilmour ? The illus¬
tration is far-fetched and unreasonable. Cultivators need all the ferti¬
lising properties of farmyard manure, and have no cause to waste any,
not even the silica, which Mr. Gilmour would have us believe valueless.
If so, why have it in the soil ? Lampadius formed the opinion that the
earths contained in plants were merely the effects of vegetation, and
altogether independent of the soil in which they grow. The experi¬
ment was as follows : — Five beds, 4 feet square by 1 foot in depth, each
containing a pure earth — -alumina, sdica, lime, magnesia, garden mould,
and each mixed with 8 lbs. of cowdung — were sown with Rye. The
produce of each was separately reduced to ashes, and the same principles
were found in them all, particularly a portion of silica. Whence came
the silica in the bed of alumina? According to Lampadius it was the
Tesult of vegetation. But Saussure, like Ruckert, has shown that
cowdung contains a portion of silica. Hence the substance which
Lampadius could not account for but by means of vegetation he had
supplied with his own hands. It is now known that the earths are
partially soluble, some of them in pure water, and all of them with the
aid of acids (“ Science and Practice of Gardening,” pages 81 and 82).
This is evidence that silica is restored to the soil in farmyard manure.

I must also take exception to Mr. Gilmour indulging in a little
sarcasm (albeit at his own expense) in respect of carting silica sixteen
miles. Admitting Mr. Gilmour’s fancy calculations in respect of the
silica removed in hay, I fail to see that it has any correlation or analogy
in respect of the silica in farmyard manure. There surely is a difference
between sixteen loads of farmyard manure and a like quantity of road
scrapings, for who is such a dolt as not to know the manurial value
of the two substances ? Sand is conveyed many miles to make mortar
to build houses on the London clay, and manure is brought not only
sixteen miles into Herts to grow hay, but over fifty to enrich the silicious
soil of Beds and Hunts, for the growth of vegetables. “ Ah 1 the silica is
of no use,” Mr. Gilmour may say in triumph, but I wish to know how it is
that farmyard manure, guano, and soot exhibit in the crops more per¬
manently sustained values over the silicates of artificials with their
infinitessimal phosphates, and nitrates thrown in ? But really, who can
follow Mr .Gilmour’s argument ? In his first communication he stated
I attributed the value of farmyard manure to its silica, and in his second
he states I credit it to the “acids in the manure.” Who would cart
farmyard manure sixteen miles, or pa? the carriage for twelve tons of
manure over fifty miles, when we can get as much silica as is needed for
two loads of hay in 300 lbs., or as much value from a few cwt. of arti¬
ficials 1 Surely gardeners and farmers are not so stupid.

Then Mr. Gilmour fails to see how manuring grass land is as valuable
jom a hay-producing point of view in the second as in the first year

after manuring, which is to say the least an admittance on his part of
inexperience in the application of solid manures. Granted the most
value from the manure is wanted the first year in a hay crop, when
would the application best be made ? In autumn or in spring? If in
autumn the manurial matter would be washed away by rains, therefore
the hay crop following would derive correspondingly less benefit. Do
not misunderstand me, I am following Mr. Gilmour. The contrary is the
fact — autumn manuring meaning an early and thick growth of grass,
and of a higher market and nutritive value than the results of spring
manuring. If Mr. Gilmour is dubious let him examine any meadow
manured in spring, and he may see large tufts of grass much in advance
of the other, and from the places where the dung has been dropped in
autumn. The rain has not washed it away but into the soil — alumina
has retained the “soluble portion of the manure,” especially “ ammonia,”
which, as before stated, dissolves silica, therefore we get from an autumn
manuring a higher quality hay than results of a spring application. For
a supply of the market we need two kinds of hay — viz., short and soft
for cows, and long and hard for horses. The difference in the values is
considerable, from a growing point of view vital. By manuring in
autumn or after the hay crop we secure a strong aftermath, and as this
admits of more stock the ground is enriched by the manure directly
returned to the soil as well as that given previously, which requires time
to act and attack the mineral constituents, thereby inducing a greater
disposition on the part of the plants to the production of seed than
attends a spring manuring, with acceleration of the coarser and least
nutritive grasses. So with the manuring in alternate years — a vigorous
growth the first year, a strong aftermath and a thick growth the second.
Id that way grass land continues to yield excellent hay crops year after
year, the whole, if not more, of the silica removed being restored to the
soil, for, according to Mr. Gilmour, silica is of no value to man or
animals except in the production of hair. He may well “ not doubt
that farmyard manure will keep land, in good heart,” but I go beyond
that and alarm that it improves it, just as Nature is progressive rather
than retrograde. In all cases of progression it is when silica is restored
to the soil, of which I shall only name an example, and it is that of grass
land under permanent pasture, where the whole of the silica is returned
directly to the soil, “ feeding ” matter enhancing the value of the
manure as disintegrating mineral matter.

There is another matter in the fourth paragraph of our friend’s
communication that cannot be passed without observation. It is,
“ What is the value of silica alone ? ” He is kind enough to answer
the question— viz., “ silica in the ground acts as drainage, or combines
and holds other more valuable constituents, as potash and lime, &c.,”
but it is of no use to animals, “ they reject the whole of it.” Is he not
aware of its sanitary as well as nutritive value? In observing the
doings of fowls I am amused at nothing so much as their frequenting
the sand heap. But it is surely valuable to fowls, and the “authorities ”
tell how much soluble silica fowl manure contains, and which in all
natural manures is proportionate to the ammonia. Let us return
to the second paragraph of the criticism, where I find a not very
complimentary allusion to road scrapings. I fear Mr. Gilmour has no
experience of a clay soil, or he would have been aware of the potency of
that material in making the soil porous, therefore favouring the absorp¬
tion of ammonia and the decomposition resulting of the “ conjoined
action of the oxygen, the carbonic acid, and the moisture of the atmo¬
sphere,” by insuring their greater freedom in attacking stubborn
material. Mr. Gilmour may object — it has no relation to grass land.
Very well. Let us apply it to grass. I have in view a field from which
hay is taken year after year. The land has no manure except that
resulting from the eating of the aftermath by cattle, or none that
contains silica in any appreciable quantity. Now parts of this parti¬
cular field are mossy and thin of grass, particularly Clover ; in other
parts it contains fair herbage with little or no moss. This field is dressed
with road scrapings or sidings. I need not tell your readers that the
best crop of hay is had from the ground dressed, and that the moss and
bents prevail on the undressed.

Mr. Gilmour’s explanation of using solid manure instead of artificial
is singularly suggestive. His soil is sandy, and yet he adds more silica
in a ton of manure than in a ton of artificial. This is remarkable reason¬
ing, but as Mr. Gilmour does not believe in sand (he is a greater advocate
of organic manure than I am) we can hardly expect him to look on
alumina with favour. Nevertheless, it would be a most valuable
addition to a sandy soil, indeed to a sandy soil only capable of growing
Rye I have known a dressing of clay result in 60 bushels of Wheat per
acre. I am thankful to know that he has no intention of making
experiments with artificials on ground “ made fertile with farmyard
manure.” It struck me forcibly that experiment# conducted on such
lines must be misleading, which is my apology for exceeding, as he
insinuates, the limits of fair criticism. Injustice I have to admit that
I did not intend to convey the impression that farmyard manure was
valuable simply because of its soluble silica and silica-dissolving acids,”
but for reasons given on page 339 I advised it in preference to artificials,
and by that I am content to abide. The authorities I know are “ dead”
on silicates, and this after careful experiment by Mr. Lawes and others ;
but none of the authorities to which I have access have any fault to
find with the silica as it obtains in any form of animal or vegetable
manure, all admitting the great advantages of its employment and
seeking b? all the means science dictates to prevent its waste. Were the
“ authorities ” more strictly followed we should see more covered yards,
less manure in heaps having its virtue washed out by rain, and more hay
1 to cut along with more and bigger corn stacks. If our little discussion

June S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

447

tend to that result— utilising the manure allowed to decompose any and
everywhere but on or in the ground, to form encumbrances on highway,
to clog ditches, stopping drains for want of scouring, it will not be
altogether unprofitable. If it causes users of artificials to consider what
is most suitable to apply in order to attain the best result in crop, much
will have been effected towards the gardener and farmer competing with
importers. Anyway, it cannot fail to effect some good, for there is no
fear of any cultivator erring in applying farmyard manure whether it
be for its “ silica or its silica-dissolving acids.” It is better to do so
than do nothing, or what is as bad or worse, than to use artificials,
which are, in Mr. Gilmour’s phraseology, “ patent exhausters or even
to wait ‘‘until science gives us artificials, by means of which we can
reap a double harvest or something like it every year.” Is it not the
do-nothing and the waiting that is the cause of the depression — looking
on whilst the workers of other lands carry off the “ plums?”

Permit me to say that I have no intention of returning to the subject.
Mr. Gilmour is thanked for his courtesy and benefit which ever result
from an exchange of views. — G. Abbey.

MANCHESTER SHOW.

May 27th.

The Council of the Manchester Royal Botanical Society took a new
d partnre this year in holding their annual and famous Whit-week Exhibi¬
tion on ground close t > the Botanic Gardens — whe. e it has been held for so
many years, and gained g'eater popularity l’. an any otter exhibition in tbe
kingdom. Perhaps no other Society bas had the courage to offer such
1 beral prizes as has been done at Manchester, or it may be that tho finan¬
cial supporters of other Societies have not been so numerous or liberal. It
was said that the Exhibition would be a failure because the Counc 1 had not
off red their usual liberal prizes, but the Exhibition was not inferior to any
of its predecessors, either as regards the number and quality of the exhibits
•or tbe vast number of admirers that flocked to see them. In very many
respects the Exhibition was even more beautiful than those we have been in
the habit of seeing in the large exhibition house and tents in the Botanic
■Gardens. Instead of large “ made up” specimen Orchids there were thou-
■eands of small and moderate-s;zed plants in grand health and profusely
flowered. They were shown to i very advantage by being arranged from the
fiont ent ance of a house fully 500 feet long and about 22 feet wide, built
and glazed by Mr. Sam D ards, on his dry patent system, for the occasion,
and heated wih one of his Champion Coil boilers. This structure was
divided into three compartments, and suited admirably the requiiements of
the Exhibition, for the structure alone was imposing, but the view from the
entrance was beautiful in the extreme. Tbe remainder of the Exhibition was
arranged in three large tents, so that visitors entering could go round the
Exhibition and out at the front entrance again. No schedule of prizes was
offered, but first, second, and third Que-n’s Jubilee med. Is. The first we
understand are gold and the second silver.

The Orchids were the grand feature of the Exhibi’ion. For a collection
of Orchids two competitors entered. Messrs. Sander & Co., St. Albans,
gained tbe first medal, and the Liverpool Horticu’tural Compai y (John
Cowan), Garston, the second. Those from St. Albans were arranged in a
tasteful manner on the left side of the entrance, with a few Palms in the
background, and Adiantum cuneatum for a margin in front. This collec¬
tion reached 27 yards down ths house, and was about 2 ya ds wide. It com¬
prised many plants ( f Lmlia purpurata, some vt ry fine forms; Cattleyas
Mendeli, magnificent varieties ; the same may be said of C. Mossi® and C.
Skinmri. . Dendrobiums, such as Jamesianum. and Masdevallias — Bull’s
Blood, Veitchiana, and other brght forms be ng conspicuous, while the stiff¬
ness of the Cittleyas and oth‘ rs of a similar nature were relieved by
numerous graceful panicles of Onci hums and other suitable Orchids for the
occasion. Cattle.' a Schroeder® was conspicuous, and also that marvellous
Msxitlaria Sanderiana, wi’h two of its large peculiarly coloured flowers.
OJontogloasum Alexandras was an important feature in this collection,
there being bundr ds of stout spikes, wi'h 1 irge round flowers 3 or 4 inches
across, some beautifully spotted and others de“p'y shaded with rose. Hybrids
were represented by some hundre is of p’ants beautifully spotted ; 0. Ruck-
er.anum was numerous, and one very large effective variety with a branched
spike had no less thaujthirty-five flo vers. Suspended from tbe roof along
the e it rr length of this collection was no less thin sixty-eight spikes of
Olont 'glossum citrosmum and its rose coloured form. The Girston collec¬
tion was al-o praiseworthy. It contained grand plants of Lmlia purpurata,

3 feet through and profusely flowered, and a large and varie 1 collection of
differ nt species and varieths Many of the plants were dwarf and compact,
and ther fore did pot possess that light picturesque effectiveness that
■characterised the St. Albans collection

For a c>ll»ct on of Cattleyas O. E. Wrig’ey, Esq , Bury, gained the first-
class medal, followed by A. J . A. Bruie, Charlton, who staged a neat col¬
lection with a groundwork of Ferns, for which the second medal wjs
awarded. Tbe Bury collect’on was staged on each side of the house
atrongst a grtundwork of Adiantum cuneatum, and contained no less than
1400 blooms. They were allCattleya Mossi®, and comprised some splendid
varieties, but in spite of th:s they hid a flat, heavy app“aranc\ If they
had been reli ved with a few arching spikes of OncidiumsorOdontoglossuma
the collection would have been far more effective. As a collection of
■Cattleyas, however, they well deserved the award made them, for the plants
were in splendid health, and in the majority of cases they carried large, bold
flowers.

Joseph Broome, E-q., Didsbury. contributed a very imposing collection
of Orchids associated with Ferns, Eiicas, Azaleas, Palms, and Dracmnas, for
■which a first class medal was awarded. Notic- a ole in tb s collection was
"Vanda teres 4 feet high and 3 feet through, carrying no l*>ss than one
hundred flowers and buds. A form of Odontoglossum vexillarium was a’so
very handsome, with a pirticulirly l’ght lip. nearly white with the upper
T-ort on of the flower of a ra'her dark shade of c lour. Well grown and
nowered Cattleyas in variety, C. Mosdffi predominating, Lielias, and Aerid -g
form d the principal features of this group. M< ss's. Heaih <ii Sons, Chelten¬
ham, received the same award for a very similar group of Orchids, com¬

prising Odontoglossum Alexandra;, Cattleya Mossi®, L®lias, Cypripedinms,
C. concolor being consp’cnous ; Palms formed the background, the ground¬
work being of Ferns and the front edge of Panicum variegatum. A first-
class medal was also awarded to the Duke of Devonshire for a grand group
of Odontoglossum vexil'arium, which had a very delicate effect missed
together in quantity. A second class medal was granted to John Heywood,
Esq., Stretford, for a collect'on of Orchids, amouget them being Cattleya
Moss’® with thirteen tine flowers ; C. Mendeli with four flowers ; Lmlia
purpurata, fourteen flowers ; Dendrobium Falconeri, a grand plant on a
round trellis 2 feet through and full of bloom ; Dendrobium thyrsiflorum,
with fourteen spikes ; and Cattleya Skinneri, with fourteen spikes, bearing
seven and e'ght flowers each.

Opposite the St. Albans collection of Orchids the large contribution of
Tuberous Begonias by Messrs. John Laing & Co., Forest Hill, was one of the
most striking features of the Exhibition. For this collection a first-class
medal was awarded. The Begonias were arranged so as to slope from the
back to the front ; rising out of them gracefully was Cocos Weddtlliana and
a few choice Caladiums, whi e the front was tdged with Adiantum cuneatum
and Isol-pis gracilis. Some care must have been requ’site in bringing the
B gonias such a dis ance. for they were p-rfectly fresh. Amongst the
Begonias were the following, for which first-class certificates were awarded.
Mrs. Petch. single light shaded rose, a fin ly formed flower 3 inches across ;
M. Hardy, large dark bronze foliage and light shaded rose flowers of fair
size ; as a foliage variety this poi-se.-sed flowers of a much larger size than is
generally the case ; Lillie, a very fine double rose coloured form with a centre
several shades lighter. Another doubl ; form named Alba rosea was perhaps
the most wonderful double variety ever raised or exhibited ; it was of beau¬
tiful form, compact, and of a bright rose colour, wh’le the centre was nearlv
pure whit®. Princess of Wahs, single bright scarlet, had flowers of good
shap’, fully 6 inches across and of very good substance. Althmaflora,
double, dark rose colour, very large and fine, .with the guard petals very
prominent. Alba magua was a very distinct double white, pure in colour
and splendidly shap d. This variety will doubtless have a future before it
for wiring for bouquet purposes, for which it is admirably suited, for it has
the exact appearance of a double Azalea. A first-class cert fi -ate was also
awarded to Pteris cre'ica albo lineata Mayi and Aza’e.a Souvenir de
F. Vervaene, which was shown with the collection of Begonia”.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Ho loway, London, staged ac 1 ection cf choice
ptove and greenhouse flowering and fol'age plants, with Orchids freely
intermixed, for which a first-class medal was deservedly awarde 1. The
collection throughout was in the same style as those so frequently seen from
Holloway, and contained none but the best and choicest plants in the various
sections. The collection as a whole was bright and imposing, and contained
a number of the newest Aza’eas in cultivation. Amaryllis, and choice forms
of Imantophyllums were a feature, and stood out boldly iu tbe gronp. Such
Orchids as L®La purpurata, Dendrobium Dalhousianum, Cattleya Mossi®,
Odontoglossum vexillaiium. O. Pescatorei, O. Alexandi®, Maedeva l as and
Cypripediums were in this collection in grand form. The Palms, which
formed tbe background, were beautifully relieved with such plan'B as Lilium
Harrisi and H)drangea paniculata grandiflora. Tbe following received first-
class certificates Pteris cretica a bo lineata Mayi, a light crested form of
the old va'iety; Adiantum schizophs Hum, Azalea p®oni®flora, Davallia
tenuifolia Yeitchi, and the new fumigating instrument, Thauatophore.

Messrs. CutbuBh it Sons, Highgate, London, staged a very fine group of
miscellaneous plants. Ericas of various sorts formed the leading feature.
Azaleas wert very noteworthy; aho a quantity of plants of the pretty
Leptosp-uunum bullatum, Azalea mollis, Oranges, Ferns, and a great variety
of hardwooded greenhouse plants. A basket of the now seldom seen
Leschenaultia biloba m°j or was much admired ; it is a prettv blue, and
should be grown in ev ry garden. This collection was awarded a second-
class medal, and well deserved a first.

Messrs R. P. Ker ifc Sons, Aigburth, was granted tbe same award for a
beautiful rol ection of Azaleas, small plants in from 5 to 7-inch pot», but
most prtfusely flowered, a Lw of the most striking being Souvenir de
Frantjoise Verva'ne, Madame Yander Cruys en, Roi d’Holland, Elise
Leiber, Madame Au.u te Yau Geert, and Theoiore Reime-s. These were
tastefully associated with moderate-size 1 Tree Ftrns, Palms, andDracmnas.
The same firm also staged a fine collection of Calceolarias.

C. Moseley, Esq., Rnsholme, was honoured with a second class medal for
collection of Azaleas, comprising good plants of Due de Nassau, Princess
Alice, and Magnifica. Dendrobium nobile 3 feet through was also fine, being
full of bloom. Erica eximia superba wa9 also very good, and the same re¬
mark may be made of D.val ii Mooreara, and Yucca filamentosa variegata,
a plant well grown in the neighbourhood of Manchester Joseph Broome,
Esq., secured a second class medal for a capital group of Sarracenias and
Nepenthes associated with Ferns.

S. Schloss, Esq., Bowdon, was awarded a first-cla5s medal for a large
group of stove and greenhouse flowering and foliage plants. Some fine
plants were incluled of B susa’nvillea glabra, 4 feet through, and profusely
flowered ; Clerodendron Balfourianum was equally as large and fine ; Azalea
Iveryana was well bloomed, and Anthurium Schertzerianum was really grand,
being fully 4 Let through, and crowded w ith its rich scarlet s-p ithes.
Eucharis araazonica, 5 feet through.was a’so very fine, -and the s ime remark
may be made of Rhododendron Gibsoni. Gleichenia rupestris glaucescen*,

7 feet through, was in grand condition; Anthurium cryatallinum was te-
markably well gr >wn ; large plants of Latania borbonic t, Cibotium regal”,
amongst others were staged. A first-class certificate was granted to a seed¬
ling Anthurium Schertzerianum named Schloss’s variety, with large, very
deep coloured spatbes.

For a group of plants arranged for effect S Baerlein, Esq., Didsbury was
awarded a first class medal for the mest tasteful arrang-ment we have seen
for a long time. The centre was a raised mound nearly 4 feet high of
Adiantum cun- atum, out of which rose a well furnished Palm, Phoenix
rupicola. Amongst the Fern were spikes of Gladioli and single Margu. rites.
Two large plants of Dracmna L'ndei i was il'ghtly raised opposite each
other lengthwav of the tent, wt ile in the opposite direction were two
Crotons. The Fern, which formed the entire groundwork, was slightly
raised about these p’ants, and towards the edge, being th‘ lowest round the
centre mound. The low or centre portion of tbe groundwork was dotted with
a vari* gated Grass and the remainder with Hydrangeas, Rhodanthes, one

443

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 2, 18S7.

or two French Pelargoniums, and Saxifraga pyramidalis. The front edge
was tastefully formed with Pansies, Myosotis, Coleus, small Caladiums,
Sempervivums, and other Btnall miscellaneous plants.

The next group in this tent was one contributed by Messrs. George Paul
and Sons, for which a first-class medal w<s awarded. The central ground¬
work was formed of dwa’f Roses in pots in capital condition of various sizes,
and rising out of them were a number of standards with moderate sized
heads. This group was margined with pans of Phlox Nelsoni, P. plenus,
P. Vivid, Tiarella cordifolia, Ranunculus aconitifolius fl.-pl., pans of
various Saxifragas, and other alpine plants in flower. At each corner of this
group were several p'ants of tree Pseonies in pots carrying one or two fine
blooms each. The material which compo3id this group is not generally
seen associated together, but the effect was very pleasing. A pan of
Astilbe japonica folib purpureis was very striking, and wa3 awarded a
first-class certificate. This may be termed a purple-foliaged form of the
old Spiraea japonica. A second class medal was awarded John Harley, Esq.,
Stockport, for a group of Dracaenas, Palms, Ericas, Zonals, Hydrangeas,
Lilies, Ferns, and a general assortment of plants.

Roses were seen in several handsome groups, and in each instance the
plants were well grown, clean, and carrying fine flowers. A first-class
medal was deservedly awarded to James Brown, Esq., Manchester, for an
excellent collection, including plants with fine flowers of Souvenir d’un
Ami, Perle de Jardin, Jeanne Ducher, Sunset, Madame Willermoz, Marie
Van Houtte, La France, Marguerite de Romans, Madame H. Jamain, Marie
Baumann, Ulrich Brunner, and others. A second class medal was given to
W. J. AVilliams, Esq., Stockport, for thirty-five Hybrid and Tea varieties in
pots.

Ferns were numerous and in splendid condition. A first-class medal
was awarded to Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead, Sa’e, Manchester, for a
remarkably fine collection of hardy and exotic species, mostly small and
moderate-sized plants, relieved by smal'-growing Tree Ferns. A. Birly,
Esq., was given the same award for a collection of hardy Ferns, mostly of
large size and in grand condition.

Pelargoniums, both French, Fancy, and Zonals, were good, but only one
collection was staged by Mr. C. Rylance, Ormskirk, for which the first-
class medal was given. The back of the group contained a choice selection
of hardy Ferns, shown in his usual style, while to the font was staged the
Pelargoniums. All were good, but the most striking were Venus, Queen
Bess, Kingston Beauty, Pi ince Leopold, Digby Grand, Evening Star, and
Duchesse de Morney. Zonals : Lord Wellington, Softness, Mrs. Jacoby,
Louisa, Mrs. Whitley, and Queen of Beauties. Messrs. Fisher, Son, and
Sibray was granted a first-class certificate for Pelargonium Duchess of
Teck, a handsome dwarf compact form .

Calceolarias and Pansies were staged in remarkably fine condition, for
which third-class medals were principally awarded. For the former Mr. G.
Ireland, Ashton-on-Mersey, H. Stevenson, Esq., Whalley Range, and H. D.
Leake, Esq., were successful. For Pansies, Mrs. Mellor, Chorlton-cum-
Hardy, Mr. John Blower, Pendlebury, and S. Robinson, Sale.

Cut flowers were represented by three or four tastefully arranged col¬
lections. For trusses of Zonal Pelargoniums Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons,
Chilwell, Notts, was granted a third-class medal. The same award was
granted to Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, for a collection of Pseonies, which
were very showy and much admired. Mr. James Mason, Manchester, was
awarded a first-class medal for cut flowers arranged in bouquets, baskets,
and wreaths, associated with Ferbs, Palms, and Dracsenas. A very pretty
basket was formed of crimson Roses and white Lilac ; a pretty bouquet
was made of the same materials, others of Roses and Lily of the Valley,
and others of Carnations, red and pink. A first-class medal was accorded
A. Heine, Eiq , for a collection of cut flowers of Orchids, arranged very
tastefully in glasses with Adiantum cuneatum. The bunches of flowers
were large, and not confined to one species or variety, which added
materially to their effect. Mr. Wm. Owen, Hurtford, had a third-class
medal for a collection of Orchid blooms ; these were shown in single
flowers or trusses, and were principally Cattleyas.

Alpine and herbaceous plants were one of the features of this fine Exhibi¬
tion. The group contributed by Messrs. Jame3 Dickson it Sons, Newton
Nurseries, Chester, and for which a first-class medal was awarded, filled a
moderate- sized tent — in fact, the group was 20 yards long and about 5 yards
wide. It is indeed questionable if a finer group from any firm has ever
before bean staged. The whole of the plants were well grown, not drawn
out weakly, and they had been arranged tastefully and with care. A few of
the most prominent may with advantage bs enumerated: — Cypripedium
spectabile, C. Calceolus, C. pubescens, all good specimens ; Gladiolus Blush¬
ing Bride, Rosy Gem, and The Bride, very fine ; Liliums candidum, Harrisi,
Szovitzianum, Trillium grandiflorum, Spiraea Aruncus, Campanula Burghalti.
C. Van Houttei, Narcissus bicolor, Phlox Nelsoni, P. Vivid, and atropur-
purea; Carnation Crimson Clove; Violas of sorts, Delphiniums of sorts,
and many others.

Messrs. F. & A. Dickson & Sons, Chester, also exhibited a similar group,
and although not so large it was well arranged and very effective ; in fact,
it contained only a choice selection of hardy species and varieties. Although
not so large, therefore less imposing, it was no less beautiful or worthy of
the high commendation that was accorded it in the form of a first-clas3
medal the same as the group described above. The tree Paeonies in this
collection was conspicuous, and amongst them P. Comtesse de Tudei, a large
full rose form, was most noticeable. P. Baron d’Ales was also very fine,
Iris iberica was beautiful, and the same may be said of Iris Susiana, Lilium
Harrisi, large plants, were well done ; Gentiana acaulis was fine, also
Gladiolus The Bride, G. delicatissimus, G. Ne plus Ultra, Ixias in variety,
and Narcissus Bulbocoiium were very good. A third-class medal was given
to R. P. Gill, Esq. (gardener, Mr. W. Plant), for a choice collection of Aquile-
gias, the following being granted first-class certificates : — Pearl, Purity,
and Eleanor, all light and pure white forms, which were strikingly beautiful.

Fruit was more numerous and of much better quality than has before
been the case at the Whit-week Exhibition. For a collection of fruit Mr.
Mclndoe, gardener to Sir Joseph Pease, Bart., Hutton Hall, gained the first-
class medal. The collection comprised — Melons, Best of All, Her Lady¬
ship’s Favourite, and Scarlet Premier ; Grapes, Madresfield Court, very
good for the season; Peaches, B -llegarde, Early Beatrice, rather small;
Hale’s Early and Lord Napier Nectarines; Exquisite Orang s, Imperial

Lemons, very large ; Black Tartarian, May Duke, Early Bigarreau Cherries
Brown Turkey Fig, Pearson’s Plate Apple, and Catillac Pears, the two
latter in capital condition for this season of the year. A third-class medal
was awarded H. S. Woodcock, Esq., for twelve pots of Strawberries, which
were in fair condition. A first-class certificate to Mr. Davies, gardener to
Mrs. M. Ingram for a seedling Melon, a cross between Hero of Lockinge and
Read’s Scarlet flesh. A second class medal to J. F. Campbell, Esq., Woodseat,
for three good well-finished bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes, two of
Foster’s Seedling, and one of Buckland Sweetwater, the two latter being
very good. A basket of Melons were also shown by the same competitor.
A firBt-class certificate was awarded Mr. Blair, gardener to the Duke of
Sutherland, for a dish of Cherries and Sir Harry Strawberries, both being
very fine. The same award to Mr. Thomas Hare, Grantham, for dishes of
Elton Strawberry and Black Tartarian Cherries ; Mr. Upjohn, gardener to
the Earl of E lesmere for twenty-four pots of Strawberries, Melons, and
Peaches, the exhibits being good in each case. A third-class medal was
given to Mr. Wallis, gardener to Rev. Walter Sneyd Keele Hall, for Black
Hamburgh Grapes and Buckland Sweetwater, both good, and Lady Downe’s
and Gros Colman, the two latter cut on the 29th of December last and which
were in a good state of preservation. A third-class medal was deservedly
given to T. Earnshaw, Esq., Totley Grange, for Black Hamburgh and Muscat
of Alexandria Grapes, very good and fairly well coloured considering the
earliness of the season for Muscats.

It will be observed from the brief outline of the Exhibition that has just
been brought to a close that it proved even superior to those held in the
Gardens at Old Trafford, and this, too, without issuing a schedule. The
Council and Mr. Bruce Findlay deserve every congratulation.

RICHARDIAS FROM CHRISTMAS TO EASTER.

Amongst the many attractive plants employed in church decora¬
tion none surpasses the Richardias. It is impossible to misplace them,
and their usefulness does not end here, as they are admirably adapted
for wreath and cross making, and there is no kind of floral decora¬
tion of a social description which is not very much enhanced by the
addition of massive creamy white Richardia spathes. Plants which
will bloom at Christmas and Easter will also produce spathes before
Christmas and after Easter, in fact from October until May ; but we
give those periods as being times when choice flowers are always in
demand, and those who grow Richardias to flower then will be de¬
lighted with the result.

Some years ago we rather neglected our plants, and they flowered late
in spring or summer when they were of no special value, but in con¬
sidering how very useful they would be during the shortest days we
resolved to grow them to flower then, and they have succeeded well.
Our largest plant under the old style was a huge mass and planted out
in a bed in the conservatory, but we had little or no control over it
there. The plant in question was lifted in May, divided into two
dozen pieces, and planted in a border in the kitchen garden. Each
piece had a root and several long straggling leaves attached. As soon
as planted a stake was put to these, but they soon withered, and be¬
fore they had been out a fortnight every leaf was dead. The roots,
however, were sound, and new leaves soon began to appear above
ground. These were quite different to the old ones, as they were very
dwarf, dark green, and robust. By September they were capital
bushy plants. About the end of September, 1885, they were lifted,
placed into 8-inch pots, and transferred to a close house for a short time
until they began to root afresh, and by November they were estab¬
lished. They were then in a temperature of G0°, and began to throw up
their spathes. By Christmas many of them were expanded, and others
continued to open until the summer of 1886.

As they were still dwarf robust plants we did not place them out
last year, but transferred them to wooden boxes 1 foot square and 1 foot
in depth. They were placed in the open air in June, and grown in the
sun all summer, but they were brought in under cover in October, and
from then until now they have been constantly in bloom. There were
many spathes out at Christmas, indeed they were so plentiful that we
feared they would soon cease flowering, but they did not, as a tempera¬
ture of 65° and plenty of liquid manure induced them to flower all
winter. They have proved so satisfactory that we intend to follow
this practice always, and wc advise others to give it a trial. If those
in possession of large plants in pots or boxes would begin to harden
them a little at once, divide them and plant them out, they would
secure a flue stock of plants by the autumn.

When planting them out they should be placed into good rich soil,
and in a warm, sheltered, but sunny position. The soil should not be
light as they prefer a stiff mixture to form clusters of roots in, and
copious supplies of moisture must be given them in dry weather.
Make no attempt to retain the old foliage, as it is useless compared
with the dwarf stroug leaves which are produced in the open air. In
lifting them preserve the roots as much as possible, and place them
in roomy pots or boxes in rich soil. If this is carefully done no leaves-
will be lost, nor will they change colour by it. Dwarf plants in small
pots should be repotted or boxed early in May, and as soon as they are
rooting in the new soil they should be placed in the open air and
fully in the sun. The greatest mistake that can be made with them is
to grow them in a close atmosphere in the shade, or pampered in any
way. They may lose their large leaves when placed out at first, but
this is an advantage. If no other position can be devoted to them
place them in a frame with the lights off constantly. If the stock
be small many little sucker-like growths will be found growing close
to the old roots. These may be removed, planted in the open, and
the old plants repotted or boxed. It is astonishing how long Richardia
, spathes will remain fresh when cut. We kept a group of them in ft

June 2, 1837. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

449

large vase in a room last autumn for five weeks, and they never appear
to greater advantage than when associated with their own foliage. —

J. Muir, Mar gam.

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The usual monthly meeting of this Society was held on Wednesday,
the 18th ult., at the Institution of Civil Engineers, 25, Great George
Street, Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., President, in thechair. Mr. A. S. Marriott and
Capt. Paul Mordovin were balloted for and duly elected Fellows of the
Society.

J^fcThe following papers were read : — 1, “ Brocken Spectres and the
Bows that often Accompany them.” by Mr. H. Sharpe. The author has
collected all the original descriptions of the brockcn spectre, which is
really the shadow of the observer cast by the sun upon clouds. In some
cases the shadow is surrounded by a bow, which the author shows is
like the rainbow in colour and in the order of colours. The head of a
shadow is sometimes surrounded by another sort of phenomenon touch¬
ing the head, and which the author names the “ glory.”

2, “ Results of Thermometrical Observations made at 4 feet, 170 feet,
and 260 feet above the ground at Boston, Lincolnshire, 1882-8G,” by
Mr. W. Marriott, F.R.Met.Soc. These observations were made on Boston
Church Tower, which rises quite free from any obstructions, in a very
fiat country, to the height of 273 feet. A Stevenson screen, with a full
set of thermometers, was placed 4 feet above the ground in the church¬
yard, a similar screen and thermometers was fixed above the belfry at
170 feet above the ground, while a Siemens’ electrical thermometer was
placed near the top of the tower, the cable being brought down inside
and attached to a galvanometer on the floor of the church, where the
indications were read off. The results showed that the mean maximum
temperature at 4 feet exceeds that at 170 feet in every month of the
year, the difference in the summer months amounting to 3°, while the
mean minimum temperature at 4 feet differs but little from that at
170 feet, the tendency, however, being for the former to be slightly
higher in the winter and lower in the summer than the latter. As the
electrical thermometer was read usually in the daytime the results
naturally showed that the temperature at 4 feet during the day hours
was considerably warmer than at 260 feet. The author, however, de¬
tailed several sets of readings which had been made during the night as
well as the day, the results from which were of a very interesting
character.

3, “ Snowstorm of March 14th and 15th, 1887, at Shirenewton Hall,
near Chepstow,” by Mr. E. J. Lowe, F.R.S.

During the evening the President made a presentation to Dr. J. W.
Tripe of a silver tea and coffee service, which had been subscribed for
by the Fellows in acknowledgment of the many services which he had
rendered to the Society during a period of over thirty years.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

The following are the principal Shows to be held in June of which
we have received particulars, and we shall be glad to have
schedules of any Societies not included. Mr. E. Mawley has promised
us a revised list of Rose Shows, that will shortly be published.

June 9th. South Essex, Leytonstone.

June 14th. Royal Horticultural Society. Committee Meeting.

June 15th. Royal Botanic Society, Regent’s Park. Second Summer

Show.

June 21st to 24th. Leeds.

June 23rd and 24th. Bury St. Edmunds.

June 28th. Royal Horticultural Society. Committee Meeting.

June 29th. Richmond and Croydon.

June 30th. East Gloucestershire (Roses).

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The Season and Vegetables. — We are now in June, and many
will be looking for ample returns from their vegetable garden, but good
young vegetables are by no means plentiful. The present season is one
of the most backward we have ever had to contend with in the vegetable
garden. No crops, however, are actually killed, and they are all in a
promising condition, only very late. Many will therefore have to be
satisfied with a small supply of vegetables as yet, as no cultivation can
overcome weather difficulties. Most of our first sown Turnips have
flowered without “ bulbing,” but the second sowing is now furnishing
useful little roots. The first of the early Potatoes were dug from a
south border on the Saturday previous to Whit Sunday. They are good
in size, plentiful, but not very well matured. Ringleader Pea, sown in
the same quarter in December last, is well covered with pods, but they
are not sufficiently filled to be sent to the kitchen. All early Peas will
now be benefited by a thorough supply of guano water.

Open air Tomatoes. — All who intend growing Tomatoes in the

open air this season should plant' them out now. They should have a
rich soil, and occupy a sunny position. In small gardens they may be
planted against the dwelling house, and in large gardens there arc
always vacant corners which might very profitably be filled with
Tomato plants. Walls at the base and in front of glass houses are
capital places for Tomatoes, and where they cannot be trained upwards
they may be placed at an angle. Spaces between fruit trees and
vacancies on buildings of all kinds may be filled with them. Wc are
often surprised that farmers, who have so many walls, do not try to
utilise them with this valuable crop. Put the plants in very firmly, and
water freely until growth is luxuriant. Keep the main stems free from
side growths, and early and heavy crops will be the result.

Ridge Cucumbers. — Small garden owners are rarely in possession
of appliances to grow frame or house Cucumbers of the Telegraph type,
but as Cucumbers of some kind are valued in all gardens, the ridge
varieties are the best to grow. They are as hardy as a Vegetable Marrow,
and do not require any more skill or means to grow them to perfection.
They will succeed everywhere if put into rich soil in a sunny position.
They are often planted on mounds of soil or manure, but they do
equally well on any level border. They should be planted out at once,
and they may be shaded and sheltered a little from sun and wind until
growth begins. Peg the shoots down to the surface as soon as tliey
begin growing, and never allow them to become crowded. The flavour
of these Cucumbers is exceedingly good as a rule, and although some
might object to them for a nobleman’s table, they may be grown in
quantity in large gardens for pickling purposes.

Brussels Sprouts. — Many fail with these because they are too late
in the season in being planted. They do not form sprouts freely after
November, and they should be planted in time to admit of the sprouts
swelling well before that time. The present is an excellent time to
plant, and all who have plants ready and vacant ground should give
them attention at once. Where planting cannot be done until early
Potatoes or some other crops are cleared off, do not allow the plants to
be spoiled in the meantime by crowding, but thin them, and replant at
a distance of 3 or 4 inches. This will make the plants very sturdy, and
much superior to closely grown ones. A strong well-manured soil is the
best for Brussels Sprouts, and they should be planted from 2 to 3 feet
apart each way.

Young Asparagus Plants. — Those which were planted some
weeks ago should now be pushing up freely, but if they are not doing
so from drought or any other cause, supply them thoroughly with water
heated to 85°. This may entail a little labour, but it is better to do it
and secure a free growth and good plants, than allow half of them to
die. As soon as the shoots are well above ground, spread a little short
manure round each plant, and this will make a wonderful improvement
on the roots before the end of the season.

Celery. — Place out large quantities as quickly as the plants become
ready. Always use plenty of manui e with them. Do not crowd too
much in the trenches ; allow 8 or 10 inches between the plants. Plants
that have been out for some time are now beginning to grow freely ;
but none of them will bear drought, and every one of them ought
to be well watered until growth is considerably advanced. Where
attention is given to this premature flowering will be unknown. Sow a
little more seed to produce later plants. If glass is not available in
the form of a handlight or frame sow in a warm spot in the open.

Parsnips. — These should be thinned now. Excellent roots will be
produced if grown at a distance of 1 foot or 15 inches apart. Blanks
may be filled or new plantations formed by dibbling in those which are
drawn out. They may be transplanted very successfully, especially if
this operation is performed in damp weather. Hoe between the rows as
soon as thinned.

Beet. — It is not too late yet to sow seed, and early plants may
be transplanted like the Parsnips. Where dark-leaved Beet is used in
flower beds or borders, as it often is with good effect, the plants may
be taken from the kitchen garden and planted in the ornamental
quarters.

Herbs.— Plant Sweet Basil in a cold frame at a distance of 6 inches
apart. It delights in shelter and a rich soil. Keep young seedling
herbs now coming up free from weeds. Sage always grows freely from
seed, but Thyme is not so certain, and where the seed has failed take a
quantity of cuttings from the old plants and put them into sandy soil
to root under a handlight. Mint is apt to become weedy, and it is a
mistake to allow this, as if the weeds go to seed in this quarter they are
sure to be blown elsewhere. In fact, a “ dirty corner ” often stocks a
garden with weeds. All herbs may be cut freely now, as they will soon
break into new growth again and become more bushy. Cut Chervil as
soon as it flowers, and let it spring up from the base. We have not
sown any seed of this herb for ten years, as it always reproduces
itself.

Onions. — About half of our autumn-sown plants are showing flower.
Many of them invariably do this after a severe winter, and all plants
should be drawn for immediate use or as they are required, as they will
never form profitable bulbs. Where large bulbs of this class are desired
for exhibition begin to supply them liberally with liquid manure, and
stir the surface frequently. When we want large bulbs for exhibition
we always thin them well, but for kitchen use, and above all for keep¬
ing, we allow the bulbs to become crowded in the rows. They do not
become so large in this way, but are much firmer and sounder than the
large ones. We know a gamekeej)er who is a capital Onion grower,
and his secret is to sprinkle a little of Clay’s fertiliser along each side
of the rows when it rains during June and July.

450

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June S, 1887.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Hints upon Bedding Out. — We are all naturally anxious to get the
tedding plants off our hands, but we may easily err in completing the
work too early. In warm localities the bulk of the plants are frequently
put out during the last week in May or earlier ; but where it is colder
the subsoil also being heavy and cold, the first week in June is quite
early enough for planting all the more delicate kinds. Even well
hardened-off Zonal Pelargoniums when planted too early change to a
brown unhealthy hue, and from this they do not quickly recover. Cal¬
ceolarias, Violas, Cineraria maritima, Lobelias, and Verbenas, all being
well hardened off, are not so easily injured, and the same remarks apply
to Stocks, Asters, Antirrhinums, Fentstemons, Zinnias, Phlox Drum-
mondi, Dianthuses, and other half-hardy annuals. P’ortunately, all
unoccupied beds, and which have been laid up to the frosts, will be in
good working condition, much better than usual in fact. The soil being
naturally light, it may safely be forked over during the process of
levelling, but heavy soils should be levelled with the spade and rake, so
as to avoid bringing that which is almost unworkable to the surface,
soil brought from below to the surface is very apt to bind and then
crack badly, and gets into a worse plight when the necessary waterings
are given. We prefer to plant on a perfectly level surface, the soil
being well brought out to the edge of the beds or border. This shows
up the neat edging plants that may be dibbled into the sloping edges,
and is very much betting than sinking them, only to be overtopped by
the stronger growing inner plants. Where the beds are large and
isolated they are, perhaps, more effective when the plants are arranged
considerably higher in the middle, rounded off to the edges ; but even
this can be done without unduly raising the soil of the beds. But in
the case of beds forming part of a design a flat surface of plants is most
in character with the surroundings, as in this case the stronger
growers do not overtop the others, thereby preserving the requisite
evenness of the arrangement.

All such strong growers as Zonal Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, Iresines,
Verbenas, and Heliotropes should be planted in a sloping direction, this
admitting of their being easily and safely pegged down and spread
abroad later on, for pegging down forms part of the system, and properly
done it insures an even mass of colour. It is a mistake to introduce a
great variety of plants into any bed forming part of a design. We
prefer to fill the centres with a mass of rich colour, such as may be had
from pink, scarlet, cerise, crimson, and other Pelargoniums ; scarlet,
white, and purple Verbenas; yellow and brown Calceolarias; blue
Pleliotropes, Iresines, and Coleuses, these being edged with a band,
narrow or broad, according to the size of the beds, of dwarf Ageratums,
dwarf variegated or yellow-leaved Pelargoniums, Cineraria maritima,
Polemonium casruleum variegatum, dwarf Marigolds, Violas, and other
neat-growing plants ; these in their turn being margined by some of
the dwarf plants enumerated on page 384. Mixtures of two kinds, such
as blue Violas and silver variegated golden or bronze-leaved Pelar¬
goniums, Verbena venosa and Veronica Andersonii variegata, Iresine
Lindeni and Gazania splendens, Tuberous Begonias and Mesembryan-
themum cordifolium variegatum and the old variegated Pelargonium
Manglesi and Verbena venosa, all having suitable edgings, are also very
pretty, but they should be done well, or not at all.

Masses of one kind of plant, such as Pentstemons, Antirrhinums,
seedling Verbenas, Fuchsias, Petunias, Stocks, Asters, Gaillardias, and
Dahlias, are very effective in large isolated beds, and these may be
varied with judicious mixtures of some or all of the foregoing. In hot
and dry positions a mixture of seedling Petunias and Marguerites
succeed admirably, and double Zonal Pelargoniums also grow and flower
well in these positions. A centre of variegated Maize and Salvia patens
surrounded by double or single Zinnias, outside of these a ring of yellow
Calceolarias, and edged with autumn-flowering or East Lothian Stocks,
would be an extremely pleasing arrangement. Yellow or White Mar¬
guerites dotted among either Iresines or Beet, edged with a bronze
Zonal Pelargonium, and margined with blue Lobelia, might prove a
good change, or Abutilon Thompsoni or tessellatum Darwini might be
substituted for the Marguerites, and a silver variegated Pelargonium
for the edging. A grand bed may be formed with single Dahlias kept
pegged down and edged with Cineraria maritima.

No kind of plant ought to be expected to thrive year after year in
the same beds unless some kind of manure is annually added to the soil ;
but as it is often a difficult matter to obtain any kind of solid manure
for the purpose, excellent substitutes would be found in some of the
various artificial manures advertised weekly in this paper. A sprinkling
either added just prior to planting, or soon after the plants are in
position and stirred in with a flat hoe, would soon have a beneficial
effect, and such comparatively cheap fertilisers ought not to be denied
any gardener. It requires a little practice in planting before it can be
done quickly and neatly, and in many instances it is best to have some
sort of line to work to. The outer edge and not the middle is the point
to start from, the turf or Box edge being a good guide, and if the outer
lines or rings are true it is a simple matter to fill in the centres. Long
wooden compasses are very useful for marking the outer lines or circles,
and a good workman can make a sufficiently true line with the back of
a rake. Nothing should be planted with a dry ball of soil and roots, or
otherwise the chances are no subsequent waterings will ever moisten
them again. If the soil in the beds is dry, and this is very frequently
the case when only just cleared of spring-flowering plants, well water it
a few hours prior to planting, and this will render planting an easy
matter. Plant all firmly, the trowel being first passed round each ball,

and the soil be then made firm with the handle. It is not advisable to
level the soil about the plants at first, as in dry weather frequent
waterings will be necessary ; but when well established the flat hoe
may be worked round the plants and the ground levelled. It being
rather too early to plant Iresines and in some district Heliotropes, spaces
can be left for these to occupy later on. If they are crowded in boxes,
directly a number of small pots are emptied these could be used for
Iresines, Coleuses, and other late-struck plants, and if kept warm for a
few days and then hardened off they will take more readily to the beds
than if put out with little or no soil about the roots.

PLANT HOUSES.

Oyc’amens. — Young plants raised from seed sown last August will
now be ready for transferring from 3-inch pots into others 2 inches'
larger. The whole of the stock may not be in this condition, but those'
that are should be potted without delay, for if these plants are re¬
stricted at their roots during the early stages of growth they seldom
do well afterwards. Some of the earliest plants will make grand
specimens provided they are grown without a check, for in their present
condition they will soon fill the 5-inch pots with roots, and may
eventually be placed into 7-inch pots. By autumn these will make-
plants more than 1 foot across. Those that will be ready for 5-inch-
pots a few weeks hence will make excellent plants for various deco¬
rative purposes in that size. Those sown early in the spring and now
in thumb pots may be placed into 3-inch pots. These also will be
useful in spring in 4 and 5-inch pots. Keep the whole of the stock
that has been raised from seed in a night temperature of 60° until
artificial heat can be dispensed with, which will be as soon as the tem¬
perature named can be maintained without its aid. Give light shade-
for a few hours during bright sunshine, but full light must be admitted,
for it is better to grow them without shade than that their foliage
should be drawn weakly. Give liberal supplies of water as soon as they
are rooting freely in the fresh compost. If once thoroughly dry they
are severely checked for a long time. Syringe the plants freely during
bright weather, and maintain a good circulation of air about them. The-
atmosphere of the house in which they are growing must be moist, as-
well as the material upon which they are standing. All plants that
have flowered should be hardened in cold frames until they can be
plunged outside. Be careful that the supply of water to the roots is not
neglected. Do not preserve old plants except for seed-bearing, throw
them away after they have flowered, and rely upon young stock raised1
from seed annually. These plants should be potted in a compost of
good fibry loam two parts, one part of leaf mould, one-seventh of
decayed manure, and a liberal quantity of coarse sand.

Kalosantlu’s. — Those required for early flowering may be grown in a.
li.’ht position in the greenhouse. Place those intended for succession in
cold frames, gradually harden them, and place outside. The plants in¬
tended for flowering another year must not have their shoots pinched,
for without the shoots are allowed to grow for one clear season they will
not flower. Plants rooted in 3-inch pots in February, and the points
pinched out afterwards, will have produced a good number of shoots ;
these may be placed into (i-inch pots. If the object is to grow good
sized plants pinch them from time to time when the shoots have made a
few inches of growth. By pinching and growing the plants on for the-
first season they will have before autumn a dozen shoots; freely-branching
varieties will have considerably more. These may be grown in the green¬
house for some weeks longer, and then in cold frames. As soon as the
truss of bloom is well prominent in the early ones feed them with arti¬
ficial manure applied to the surface of the soil.

Chrysanthemums. — The earliest plants, whether bushes or standards,
for decorative purposes or the production of large blooms, should now
be thoroughly hardened and placed outside. Transfer all in this condi¬
tion from the 6-inch pots in which they are now growing into 10-inch
pots. The plants can be arranged in their summer quarters, and the
shoots tied to large stakes. The late-flowering plants may now be
placed into 0-inch pots and stood outside. More cuttings may now be-
rooted. If bushes are required insert five or six cuttings together, and
pinch them once after they are rooted, and some beautiful dwarf decora¬
tive plants will be the result. Where tasteful arrangements are required
during the winter, such varieties as Elaine, James Salter, Early Red
Dragon, and other free-flowering varieties may be rooted singly in 3-inch
pots, and afterwards transferred into 6-inch pots. All side shoots should
be removed until they produce a bud and branch naturally in three shoots-
Discontinue disbudding, and dwarf standards containing three or four
fine blooms will be obtained. All that are placed in their flowering
pots should have for a compost three parts good loam, one part decayed
manure, one 6-inch potful of soot, and the same quantity of bonemeal-
to each barrowful of the compost. If the loam is very heavy a little-
sand may be needed. Water carefully for a time after potting, but
syringe the plants twice on bright days.

Tree Carnations. — Place the earliest rooted into 6-inch pots, gradu¬
ally hardened and stood outside. Later ones may be placed into 4-inch.
If such kinds as Souvenir de la Malmaison were potted in early spring
into 6-inch pots they will be ready for placing into 8 or 10-inch. If the
object is to grow large plants for another season remove the flower spike
and train the branches out towards the rim of the pots. If dwarf
plants were selected to start with this operation will he found simple,,
and some extra large plants for another year will be produced.

Saidas. — The early plants now in 6-inch pots may be hardened ready
for planting out. The shoots should be pinched when they have made

lone 2, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIGri.TURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

451

a few inches of growth to induce the plants to make dwarf compact
bushes. For succcssional flowering more cuttings should be rooted,
pinched, gradually hardened, and then planted outside.

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dE BEE-KEEPER.

NOTES ON BEES.

SWARMING.

It is a mystery how bees can survive in so cold and
protracted a season, much less making progress by breed¬
ing so as to be ready to swarm as many are. At Lark-
hall on Monday, the 16th ult., a “ top” swarm (the first
in the district) came off and was safely hived. The
wintry weather compelled bee-keepers to resort to feeding
both swarms and stocks. Neglect of this where bees are
short of stores and natural supplies will have the effect of
reducing the bees so as to render them unable to collect
honey when the season comes. Greater attention to bees
is required during May and the first half of June, and
feeding does more good at these times than at any other
time of the year. Natural brood-spreading has been
general during fine days, but with the returning cold will
be eaten out and so put back swarming and weaken stocks,
unless doorways are contracted during its continuance and
feeding resorted to so that the bees will keep up the heat
of the hive.

SPRING FEEDING AND DWINDLING APIARIES.

Owing to the unfavourable season bees have had a
hard struggle to exist, especially where the bees had an
insufficient quantity of food. The great consumption during
the mild October and November rendered many hives
light, consequently the bees flew much, and so reduced the
main body that they refused to feed during March and
April, hence instead of being at swarming point as they
ought to have been they are so weak that in many cases
no swarms will be had this year. One old bee-keeper
near me who has kept bees for upwards of fifty years tells
me he never experienced so great a loss amongst bees,
and does not expect a swarm, although about two months
since I saw them they were in fairly good condition. He
attributes the dwindling to short stores in autumn, and
but for the extreme cold would all have fed in April and
been good hives now. We are likely to hear less of
“stimulating” bees during the spring months in the
future than heretofore. Not only have many apiaries
suffered, but individual hives experimented on by stimulat¬
ing have dwindled. Many bee-keepers will, I hope, be
more careful of their bees, and more cautious of their
artificial treatment than they have been taught by inex¬
perienced although enthusiastic bee-keepers.

SCIENTIFIC QUEEN BREEDING.

I can quite endorse “ Ilallamshire Bee-keeper’s ”
opinion of the danger of cutting out queen cells too early
from a well-bred hive if the after treatment tends in any
way to retard hatching. Queens, workers, and drones are
weakened if hatching has been delayed through a lower
temperature than is absolutely necessary. I can also en¬
dorse his opinion to a great extent regarding the language
of bees. That they can communicate their wishes and
wants to one another by sound has long been a foregone
conclusion. The earlier numbers of this Journal contain
the opinions of different writers on the subject, myself
amongst them. In the beginning of the present century
•lie senses of bees and their general natural history wa

much studied by eminent men, amongst whom was the
Rev. Dr. Dunbar. One or two of his observations are well
worth reproducing, which I hope to he able to do at an
early date.

While I agree with “ H. B. Iv.” on the points stated
I do not agree with him on the question of smell being of
a low order, or less than that of hearing, sight, or
memory. I believe smell in the honey bee is a very
highly developed sense. I have witnessed Ligurian bees
making their appearance at a secluded spot a mile distant
from their hives in two minutes after a hive was inverted.
I have seen them nearly four miles from their hive lying
dead in shop windows, attracted there by the smell of
the sweets stored therein. I have removed hives a
distance of twenty yards, and the flying bees passed other
hives and found out their own. I could give hundreds of
instances of a similar nature where smell was the only
thing that led them to the spot. Some human beings
are so offensive to bees that for my own and family’s
sake, as well as their own, I have kept them out of my
garden. By the entry of a single individual into my
garden I have seen the bees so irritated that I had to
be extremely cautious until I had the bees subdued. The
day before I wrote this I sprinkled a little syrup on the
foliage of some plants within a few inches of some
Primulas; in about six seconds after bees were in search
of it, coming near and flying right over it. The scent
of the sugar brought the bees there ; but their sight
caused them to dart from the syrup to the expanded
Primroses, from which at the time nothing could be
gathered.

My bees have taken an enormous quantity of peameal
this season, and when at any time their supply was
exhausted and the bees on the wing, it was with difficulty
they could be kept out of the bag carried in the hand,
attracted there by the smell. Some ten years ago when
our bees were at the moors, and the inclemency of the
weather had confined them to their hive so long as to
consume all their honey and they were on the point of
starving I visited them. Seeing they could not survive
long, I obtained some sugar from the farmer and
dissolved it over his kitchen fire. The smell of the dis¬
solving syrup brought the bees in number about the
chimney, and when I went out with the syrup I was sur¬
rounded with bees, so much so that hundreds flew right
into the vessel containing the syrup. There are some
combs containing a little honey in my garden, the smell
of which has attracted the bees, and by their assiduity
day after day have managed to remove a small bit of
wood closing the only entrance and have cleared out the
honey. How often, too, do we see bees finding their way
into cupboards containing honey? In regard to the bees
swarming round driven bees at a distance from other
hives, it must be observed that bees of tliemselv. s have a
very strong odour, especially when swarming or being
driven, so much so that I have seen bees attracted to
driven bees and actually caused them to disgorge the
honey they had secured from the hive they were driven
from. There are many things which attract bees by the
odour they possess. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Lucombe, Pince & Co., Exeter. — Catalogue of Stove and Greenhouse
Plants.

John Laing & Co., Forest Hill, London, S.E. — Catalogue of Novelties,
Begonias, cj'C. ; Jubilee Lis' of Begonias , Orchids, Boses, etc., 1887.

Edmund Philip Dixon, 57, Queen Street, Hull.— Catalogue of New aid
Choice Plants, 1887.

Dammaun & Co., near Naples, Italy. — Catalogue of Bulbs and 0 her
Plants.

452

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

t Jane 2, 1837.

°0° All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

New Decorative Pelargoniums (IP. B , Coventry). — Both varieties are
good, but the one like Regalia is uncommonly fine, and is likely to be a very
useful plant. By all means exhibit it at South Kensington, giving notice
a day or two previously to Mr. A. F. Barron, Royal Horticultural Society,
Chiswick. Of course you are not compelled to submit it to this Society
before offering it for sale, but you would gain a better idea of its value by
doing so first.

Fasciated Lilimn auratum ( Liliuvi ) — The peculiarity you describe
is termed fasciation, and is caused by the union of a number of stems,
which takes place either in the buds or at a very early stage of growth ;
the tissue of contiguous parts grows together somewhat after the manner
effected in grafting, and the result is a malformation that is not always
unsightly, however. It is by no means uncommon in Lilies, and accidental
examples occur in many other plants.

Green’s Grass Edge Clipper ( M . J.). — We have not had the oppor¬
tunity of trying the implement to which your refer, but have observed that
much depends on the aptitude of workmen in using some new implements
as on the articles themselves as to whether they answer their purpose
satisfactorily or not. The firm is of high standing, and would not send out
an inferior article. Possibly the best thing you can do will be write for a
list of testimonials, which can no doubt be supplied, and they wifi afford
the information your desire.

Training and Pinching Peach Shoots (H. D.).— Where there is room
for securing the growths to the wall or trellis without crowding the foliage,
pinch off the axillary growths to the first leaf as soon as it is formed, and
continue the practice as other growths issue. This should be done with the
finger and thumb, and cinnot be done too soon. If you err at all in tying
in the shoots you had better do so by leaving too few than too many.
Mor than half the Peach trees we see are overcrowded with growths in the
summer — a mistake that is not made by the best cultivators.

Daffodils — Tacsonia (W. L. X.). — We have had Daffodils flowering in
rich soil, but the foliage was well ripened in the sun and not removed till
quite withered. If the leaves of your plants were not cut off too soon
they were perhaps much shaded, and hence the absence of flowers this year.
Possibly the house may be somewhat too cold for the Tacsonia, or the
growths do not mature under the full influence of the sun. Dispose them
thinly in order that that important object may be accomplished, and the
plants will flower in a suitable house. If the growth is free stimulants
would not be beneficial.

Strawberries for Market (11. S. E.). — The sorts you name are King
of the Rallies, small; Sir J. Paxton, very good; Sir Charles Napier, grand
but tender ; Oxonian, capital ; Hammonia, first-rate ; La Constante, shy ;
Souvenir de Kieff, large and good cropper; Sir J. Falstaff, fine cropper;
and Waltham Seedling, good. In Kent Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury and
Sir J. Paxton are the varieties most largely grown. In sandy soil at
Chertsey the jam-makers rely on Marguerite, the first, finest, and best ;
followed by Sir J. Paxton, Empress Eugenie, Alice Maud, British Queen,
and Comte de Paris. Those we have found most profitable from a market
point of view were Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Sir J. Paxton, President,
Oxonian, McMahon, Loxford Hall Seedling, and Hammonia. Those we
advise your making trial of, for varieties that succeed in one locality are
not always satisfactory in others. We should also advise your trying
President Delacour. For the light soil you could not perhaps have a
better sort than President.

Grapes Failing ( Constant Reader). — We are very sorry to see the
withered bunches you have sent, caused by the shrinkage and decay of the
stems above the shoulders. It is a pity you did not also send us fair
samples of the growths and leaves, as these would have indicated the
condition of the Vines and might have suggested the origin of the evil.
In all probability, however, the border is too rich and the atmosphere of
the house has beenjkept too close and damp ; then on some occasions, when
the bunches were showing, a large volume of air has been admitted at once,
lowering the temperature, inducing excessive evaporation, and causing a
chill. The stems are very soft and pale in colour, as if the border were
soft and rich in nitrogenous matter instead of firm and containing a due

proportion of mineral substances such as lime and potash. There is
obviously no cure for the affected bunches, and with a view to preventing
others being similarly ruined we advise you to induce firm, stout growth
by a judicious system of ventilation and the maintenance of drier yet
genial and buoyant atmosphere, especially admitting air through the top
ventilators early in the morning and increasing it by degrees just in
advance cf the rising temperature, never allowing the house to get so hot
that it is necessary to lower the temperature. W e should not be surprised
if your house has not remained closed too long at some time, possibly on a
Sunday morning. It is certain a mistake has been made in some way,
but as you do not state the precise treatment to which the Vines have
been subjected we are not in a position to point it out more clearly. Tour
allusion, however, to the “ dropping of water from the glass ” is sufficient
evidence of an excess of moisture at a critical time. There ought not to
have been any such accumulation and condensation.

Manuring Fruit Trees (11. IF. (?.). — Mr. Walter Kruse, to whom yon
refer, writes as follows on this subject : — “ I still adhere to the system of
surface culture, for, from the heavy crops which I have had, I have every
reason to believe it to be the best. Like other growers, I have been
suffering from low prices ; and when, as is sometimes the case, the cost of
gathering, carriage, and marketing comes to as much as is received for the
fruit, there is nothing left for the cost of cultivation under any system,
and of course the fruit is produced at a loss. We should not think much
of this happening now and then if prices at other times were so high that
they afforded a compensation, but nowadays they never go high. If fruit
continues to sell as badly as it did last year ihany will have to give up grow¬
ing it, and only those who are the best cultivators and who occupy the best
soil will be able to hang on until, by the decrease of fruit grown, matters
are righted. I do not see a prospect of things being very much better
until agriculture improves as a whole, for if fruit-growers had a good year
or two farmers would immediately plant so much ground that in a short
time prices would be down again. Last year bush fruits on a great extent
of ground were grubbed, especially where situated under standard treeB,
and the ground was laid down to grass. Meanwhile I believe it to be the
best course to endeavour to get as much off the ground as possible, for the
rent and cost of labour in cultivation are as much for a poor crop as a good
one and it is the labour which is the most costly item where horses cannot
be used. When the roots of trees are not disturbed, and other things are
favourable, the fruit sets very thickly, and I apply plenty of manure to fill
it out and keep the trees healthy. Now that my ground is in good heart I
find £6 or £7 worth of manure yearly per acre sufficient for this purpose,
but many of the trees are young, and more manure will be required when
they are older. When the ground is not dug care should be taken to kill
the weeds when in a seedling state, as if the ground is allowed to become a
mat of weeds hoeing is very costly. If the ground is kept very clean the
first year or two, so that seeds do not fall, the labour will be much lighter
afterwards. "I was by no means the first to advocate not digging among
the roots of fruit trees. In this neighbourhood a good deal of ground has
not been dug the last two years.”

The Origin of Lime (Student). — You ask a question that is not very
easy to answer. Kane, in his “Elements of Chemistry,” says: — “Not¬
withstanding the immense quantities of carbonate of lime which are
found constituting a great proportion of the surface of the globe, as for
instance, the whole centre of Ireland is one vast plain of limestone, and
in that as well as other forms — chalk, marble, <fec. — it is equally extensive
in most other countries, it is questionable whether lime should not be
looked upon as rather a characteristic of the animal than of the mineral
kingdom of Nature. The bony or testaceous skeleton, by which the softer
portions of the animal frame are attached, is always found to consist of
lime united either with carbonic or phosphoric acids, and the diversity of
chemical composition in this respect is found to coincide in a remarkable
degree with the most natural physiological classification. The skeletons
of the vertebrated animals consist principally of phosphate of lime, whilst
in the shells of the invertebrate animals the carbonate of lime is the
prevalent component. The teeth also consist of phosphate of lime. In
all these cases the phosphate of lime is associated with fluoride of calcium,
just as occurs in the native phosphate, the mineral apatite. Now it is
remarkable that all the great geological formations which contain carbonate
of lime are found to consist of the aggregated skeletons (shells) of myriads
of the tribes of invertebi'ated animals which had existed in some former
period of the world’s history. From the densest and hardest limestone to
the softest chalk, the entire mass resolves itself ultimately into a congeries
of animal remains, and hence the great supply of lime in the mineral state
arises from the destruction of its animal sources. Even those crystalline
marbles in which no organic remains can be traced appear destitute of
them only from having been subjected, by volcanic heat or otherwise, to
the influence of causes which have gradually rendered the texture of the
mass completely uniform. The lime which exists in Nature must, there-:
fore, be looked upon as being continually in a state of passage between th»
organised and the inorganic kingdoms. The plants which grow upon the
soil take up, by dissolution in their juices, salts of lime, which pass into
the substance of the animal which feeds upon them, and accumulating in
its system affords materials for the proper development of the skeleton.
When the animal dies the materials of its tissues either serve for the
nutrition of some other animal or, being totally decomposed, its elements
return to the mineral kingdom, to be in after ages the subject of similar
alternations.”

Potato Onions (E. 0. AT.). — The Potato or Underground Onion (Allium
aggregatum) produces a cluster of bulbs or offsets, in number from two to
twelve, and even more, uniformly beneath the surface of the soil. From
being first introduced to public notice in Scotland by Captain Burns of
Edinburgh, it is there also known as the Burn Onion. There evidently
appear to be two varieties of this vegetable, one of which bears bulbs on
the summit of its stems, like the Tree Onion, and the other never throwing
up flower stems at all. One variety is much larger than the other, and
this vegetates again as soon as ripe. Both varieties are best propagated
by offsets of the root of moderate size, for if those are employed which the
one variety produces on the summit of its stems they seldom do more than
increase in size the first year, but are prolific the next ; this also occurs if
very smaR offsets of the root are employed. They may be planted during

Jane S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

453

October or November, or ns early in the spring as the season will allow,
but not later than April. In the west of England, assisted by their genial
climate, they plant on the shortest and take up on the longest day. They
are either to be inserted in drills or by a blunt dibble 8 inches apart each
way, not buried entirely, but the top of the offset just level with the
surface. Mr. Maher, wfieu gardener at Arundel Castle, placed the sets
on the surface, covering them with leaf mould, rotten dung, or other light
compost. The beds they are grown in are better not more than 1 feet
wide for the convenience of cultivation. The practice of earthing over
them when the stems have grown up is unnatural, and by so doing the
bulbs are blanched and prevented ripening perfectly, on which their
keeping so much depends. So far from following this plan, Mr. Wedge-
wood of Betley recommends the earth always to be cleared away down to
the ring from whence the fibres spring as soon as the leaves have attained
their full size and begin to be brown at the top, to that a kind of basin is
formed round the bulb. As soon as they vegetate they intimate the
number of offsets that will be produced by showing a shoot for each.
They attain their full growth towards the end of July, and become com¬
pletely ripe early in September. For immediate use they may be taken
up as they ripen; but for keeping, a little before they attain perfect
maturity.

Names of Plants.— We orlv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(A. W. K.). — Celsia Arcturus. (J. J. T , Herts). — The shrub is Cerasus
Mahaleb ; the seedling is too immature to be recognised, perhaps it is a
Delphinium. (C. H. S.). — 1, Insufficient; 2, Hebeclinium ianthinum ;
3, I’teris umbrosa : 4. Cnmpyloneuron angusiifolium ; 5, Begonia ferru-
ginea ; 6, Selaginella Willdenovi.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — June 1st.
No alteration. Business steady.

FRUIT.

Nova Scotia and

Cherries, J sieve

Grapes, per tb.

s.

d.

S.

d.

P.

a.

B.

d.

2

0

to 5

0

Oranges, per 100 .. ..

6

0 to 12

0

Peaches, dozen .. ..

15

0

u

0

10

0

13

0

Pears, dozen .

1

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples, English,

50

0

55

0

per lb .

1

6

2

0

6

0

8

0

Plums, j sieve .

0

0

0

0

2

6

4

0

St. Michael Pine*, each

2

0

5

0

10

0

15

0

Strawberries, per lb.

8

0

6

0

3

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

S.

d.

Artichokes, dozen . . . . 1

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

l

0 tc

i

6

Asparagus, bundle . . .. 1

6

4

0

Mushrooms, punnet

0

8

l

0

Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 1

S

0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt.

0

2

0

6

Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 1

0

8

0

Ouione, bunch .

0

3

0

6

Broccoli, bundle .. .. 0

0

0

0

Parsley, dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts, J sieve 0

0

0

0

Parsnips, dozen .. ..

1

0

0

0

Cabbage, dozen . . , . I

6

0

0

Potatoes, per cwt .

4

0

5

0

Capsicums, per 100 .. 1

6

2

0

„ Kidnov, ter cwt.

4

0

0

0

Carrot?, bunch , . , . 0

4

0

0

Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

0

2

0

0

Cauliflower?, dozen . . 3

0

4

0

Salsafy, bundle ..

i

0

1

6

Celery, bundle . . . . 1

6

2

0

Scorzonera, bundle

i

6

0

0

Coleworte, dcz. bunches 2

0

4

0

Soakale, basket .. ..

1

8

0

0

Cucumbers, each . . . . 0

4

0

6

Shallots, per tb .

0

3

0

0

Endive, dozen . 1

0

2

0

Spinach, bushel ..

8

0

4

0

Hero?, bunch . 0

2

0

0

Tomatoes, per fb .

1

0

1

6

Leeks, bunch . 0

3

0

4

Turnips, bunch .. ..

0

4

0

8

PLANTS IN POTS.

P.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi, dozen . . 8

0 to 12

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

6

0 to

9

0

Arbor vitse (golden) dozen 6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

0

0

0

0

,. (coaimon), dozen.. 6

0

12

0

Geranium (Ivy), dozen ..

4

0

6

0

Azalea, dozen . 18

0

SO

0

Hydrangea, dozen .. ..

9

0

12

0

Begonias, dozen . . ,, 4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley, dozen

9

0

18

0

Calceolaria, dozen . . . . 6

0

12

0

Liiium longiflorum, doz.

24

0

36

0

Cineraria, dozen . . . . 4

0

8

0

Lobelia, dozen .

4

0

6

0

Dracaena terminals, doz. 30

0

60

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen

6

0

12

0

„ viridis, dozen.. 12

0

24

0

Mignonette, dozen . . ..

4

0

9

0

Erica, various, dozen . . 13

0

42

0

Musk, dozen .

8

0

6

0

Euctiymus, in var., dozen 6

0

18

0

Myrtles, dozen .

8

0

ia

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen 6

0

24

0

Palms, in var., each

2

6

21

0

Ferns, in variety, dozen 4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, dozen

6

0

15

0

Ficus elastics, each . . 1

6

7

0

,i scarlet, dozen

3

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var., each 2

0

10

0

Spirxa, dozen .

6

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

P.

d.

S.

a.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Abut Hons, 12 banchea .. 2

0 to 4

0

Marguerites, 12 bunches

2

0 to

6

0

Anemones, 12 bunches .. 2

0

4

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Arum Lilies, 12 blooms . . 8

0

6

0

Myosotis, 12 bunches ..

3

0

6

0

Azalea, 12 sprays .. ,, 0

6

1

0

Narciss, 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Bluebells. 12 bunches .. 1

0

1

6

„ White, English, bch.

0

0

0

0

Bouvardias, bunch . . . . 0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias, blooms . . , , 1

0

3

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

Carnations, 12 blooms .. 1

0

2

0

Poinsettia, 12 blooms . .

0

0

0

0

„ 12bnnohes.. 0

0

0

0

Primroses, 12 bunohes ..

0

8

0

8

Cornflower, IS bunches .. 0

0

0

0

Primula (single), bunch. .

0

0

0

0

Co wslipp, 12 bunches .. 0

6

1

0

fi (double), bnnch ..

0

9

1

0

Buchans, dozen .. .. 4

O

6

0

Polyanthus, 12 bunches..

2

0

4

0

Uarueuias, 12 blooms . . 1

6

S

0

Ranunculus, 12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Hyacinth*, Roman, 12

Roses, 12 bunches .. ..

0

0

0

0

spiays .. 0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), dozen

0

9

1

6

I.xia, 12 bunches . . . . 2

0

4

0

„ Tea, dozen .. ..

1

6

8

0

Lapageriu, white, 12 blras. 0

0

0

0

„ red dozen . . . .

2

0

4

0

Liiium lougi riorum, 12

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .

2

0

4

0

blooms . 3

0

6

0

Tropajolum, 12 bunches

1

0

2

0

Lilac (white), French,

Tuberoses, 12 blooms ..

0

9

i

0

bunch . 4

0

7

0

Tulips, dozen blooms ..

0

9

0

4

Lily ol Valley, 12 sprays 0

9

1

0

Violets, 12 bunches. . ..

0

4

0

8

„ „ 12 bunches 2

0

6

0

„ Czar, French, bunch

0

0

0

0

OUR CEREAL CROPS.

WHEAT.

Given land in a high state of cultivation, carefully
selected seed, and skilful management, it is possible to
produce a crop of Wheat yielding 40 bushels per acre,
and a proportionate increase in bulk of straw. If this be
so, ought vve to rest content with an average of 29 bushels
per acre ? We answer, Certainly not, and we are not
speaking without book, for we long ago proved for our
own guidance that fully 40 bushels an acre could be
grown even in the thin and naturally poor soil of Sussex
on the Hastings Sand formation. This was done in two
ways, and the result in both cases was equally satisfac¬
tory, but the cost was infinitely greater in the first instance.
We may explain that a foul field was left for a long fallow,
and after it had been ploughed and harrowed repeatedly
till it was clean, a dressing of lime fresh from the kiln
was given and ploughed in, and then in due course came
a heavy dressing of farmyard manure early in the autumn,
the ploughing-in of which was followed by the growing of
a selected sample of Square-head Wheat. The crop
proved a fine one, the yield being upwards of 40 bushels,
but then it must not be forgotten that a year had been
lost, and in a fair calculation the rent for the lost or long
fallow year must be deducted from the returns of the next
three or four years, according to the system or course in
force upon a farm under the old system of rotation crops
and a fallow.

In the second, and we may add for many years subse¬
quently, we used chemical manures under the guidance of
Professor Jamieson, avoiding the heavy outlay and loss
involved in the manufacture and use of farmyard manure,
and obtaining results even superior to any we have
achieved or met with from the use of farmyard manure.

The whole matter is one of national importance, and
we strongly commend it to the notice of local agricultural
societies. We want more light thrown upon it, and cannot
insist too strongly upon the high importance of a better
general knowledge of all that goes to the production
of the best possible results in Wheat culture. True
it is that there is a more general inquiry after im¬
proved sorts of Wheat, but as we have a'ready explained,
it is quite in vain to procure the best seed unless we
bring the land into the best condition for its culture.
Drainage, cleanliness, and fertility must all have atten¬
tion, and yet each detail of culture must be an embodi¬
ment of economy with utility.

We may well inquire why Wheat growing should be
considered a doubtful matter in the future of farming in
this country. Living as we do in the heart of the great
corn-growing district of East Anglia, we know that as
corn farms fall in they cannot under ordinary circum¬
stances be re-let for an higher average rent than 15s. an
acre. Taking this rent then as our basis, let us make a
reasonable and fair calculation of what is yet possible in
Wheat culture —

£

s.

d.

Rent per acre .

. 0

15

0

Taxes and tithes

. 0

10

0

Manure .

. 2

0

0

Heed, cultivation, &c .

. 3

17

0

£ 7 2 0

454

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 2, 1887.

Compare then with this outlay the possible amount to be
obtained for grain and straw per acre —

£ s. d.

40 bushels or 5 quarters at 30s . 7 10 0

Straw (a low average)... ... ... ... 3 0 0

£10 10 0

Now, we have known an acre of Wheat straw to realise
as much as £5, and if we are to have Wheat back again
to 40s. a quarter we may see it is possible to realise .£10
an acre for grain : add to this £5 for straw, and we have
a total of £15, or a margin of profit over expenses of
£7 18s. Overstated? Judge for yourselves, readers, for
we certainly have no wish or intention to overstate cr
mislead you. What we are most anxious for is to induce
you to strive for all possible improvement in your practice
without any extravagant outlay in any way. Do pray
give heed to the vital importance of dressing the land with
such manures, and only such, as are really good or rather
best for the Wheat. While striving to acquire such
knowledge, pray stick to the sheep, pass them over all the
land in folds, and only in folds. No better promise of a
full crop have we among any of our Wheat fields than
where we folded sheep last autumn. Keep the “ Golden
Hoofs ” upon the land, plough in as many green crops as
you can, store the land with fertility, turning to chemical
manures as a safe and sound source of fertility, but only
using what you are obliged to of it, yet in any case giving
preference to it over farmyard manure.

WOEK ON THE HOME FABM.

Growth goes on somewhat slowly, but there is fair promise of a year
of abundance, for the corn plant is a good one, layers are excellent,
mixed Grasses and Clovers, Clover alone, Sainfoin, Lucerne, Rye Grass
all are good, and most are already so forward in growth as to be
useful for a variety of purposes. Cows, horses, sheep, and pigs all have
plenty of green food now, and the horses will require no corn unless
they have long journeys or exceptionally hard work. We like our farm
horses to be kept in good condition, but not to be too fat for active
work. We employ upwards of twenty horsemen, each having charge of
a pair of horses, and while we like to encourage a healthy spirit of
rivalry among them, due care has to be taken to prevent an extravagant
use of corn and other food. Corn is of course given out by measure,
the regular allowance being 2 bushels per horse weekly, with a liberal
allowance of chaff and roots while they are in season. But when green
food becomes plentiful horses employed for ordinary farm work require
nothing else, and soon become sleek. We are cautious not to turn
horses out upon pasture at night till summer weather sets in ; but then
it is a good plan to have a lodge and yard in every pasture, so as to
afford shelter for any animals that may be turned out to graze. Shelter
and warmth are highly important factors in keeping animals healthy.
Another matter to which we give particular attention is to see that
every horse has a condition powder occasionally, and a lump of rock
salt to lick. It is by attention to such trifles that we keep them healthy
and stave ofE illness. Some of our young horses are being broken to
harness and gradually brought into work, so as to render them useful
by harvest. They are not kept steadily at work from the first, but are
so used as not to check growth, for if a two-year-okl is overworked
growth is stunted and the horse spoilt. The foals are doing well, the
whole of them being strong and healthy, and they are now out on
pasture with the mares every day. We breed chicly for home
purposes, some young horses being broken to fill vacancies in the various
teams every spring, and at three years any surplus stock can be disposed
of to best advantage, and really good horses still command a fair price.

POTASH ON LIGHT AND HEAVY SOILS.

In your “Home Farm” article, 10th March, 1887, p. 204, attention
is directed to the extraordinary results following the use of potash, &c.,
by Mr. Cooke at Flitcham Abbey on a crop of Barley. It would be in¬
teresting to know the character of the land experimented on. I have
seen it stated elsewhere in the Journal that clay soils are supposed to
be little benefited by the use of potash, of which they usually contain
a good stock, while lighter soils need it. If the Flitcham Abbey soil is
heavy the theories of some people are unsound, and the result of the
experiments will be further emphasising. — H. W. G.

[On this subject Mr. Cooke obligingly writes : — “ The character of
the soil which produced such singular results from the absence of potash
in the manure for Barley was a few inches only of lightish surface soil
in a great depth of chalk. In considering the peculiarities of the results
of the potash in this particular case, it must be remembered that white
Ti/rnips were previously grown on the experimental area, and all drawn
fro m the land ; of course, a very exhaustive treatment, as these roots

extract more potash than Swedes, and they were grown with 3 cwt. of
superphosphates onlv. The previous treatment of the land had been
the Norfolk four-course system. There is no doubt, I should think, that
many soils of this character must require much more potash than is
ever given them, as there is little enough of it in an ordinary chalk
subsoil. Nowhere, however, has attention been drawn to such deficiency,
I believe, until the remarkable results of numerous experiments of my
own induced me to call attention to the subject. These experimen' s
embrace several in Clover, Sainfoin, and Swedes, and at this moment
the i lot which showed such pood results from the application of potash
to the Barley last year is now covered with a fine healthy plant of
Clover, whilst there is scarcely a leaf of Clover to be seen on plots
which was almost a failure in Barley. I think it very important always
to say, when questioned on this subject by practical farmers, that I
believe insufficiency of potash in any soil to meet the requirements of
the Barley crop is always shown in the yellow and sickly appearance of
the first blades of the plant which show above ground. This appearance
is seldom seen even in the Flitcham land after sheep folding, except in
the furrows , which are ploughed deeper. Clay soils are seldom benefited
by the use of potash in ordinary farming, as abundance of this parti¬
cular plant-food is usually provided in them. Nearly all light soils are
more or less deficient in potash in proportion to clay soils, but the great
majority even of light soils are not greatly benefited by the use of
potash in ordinary cropping. Careful experiment in all cases is the
only absolutely reliable test of the requirements of crops in any soil.”]

COUNTRY EGGS.

I AM sure the farmer who reads the articles on agriculture in your
valuable Journal, and acts according to the practical instructions given
weekly therein, will be pounds richer and much wiser at the end of the
season than the one who does not. I observed some time since that
your correspondent touched upon farmers and their poultry. Many
farmers, I believe, keep poultry and dispose of them as well as their
produce at an unremunerative price. A proper system of organisation
amongst farmers would not only benefit themselves, but the public as
well, both in the butter, egg, and poultry trade. During the whole of
last summer fresh butter never sold for less here than Is. 4d. per lb.,
while in many districts between this and Carlisle butter sold retail at
fid. and lOd. per lb. Eggs, too, were as variable in price.

I was in conversation lately with a farmer who has a large farm in
the Highlands. He told me that 4d. per dozen was all that they could
realise for their eggs, although this farm is situated within eight hours'
sail of Glasgow. The low price, he said, was simply because they were
Highland eggs. Are Highland eggs of an inferior quality 1 I am sure
not. Doubtless some are spoiled by the way and length of time they
are packed in musty straw, which gives them a bad flavour ; but if they
could be collected and sent to market within a few days of being laid
I think they would then be regarded as first-class country eggs, and
ought to realise a good price. The mode of packing, too, ought to be
changed. For example, if crates of a handy size were made fitted with
trays having the patent egg-holders there would be neither bad flavour
communicated to the eggs nor risk in their transit, while the weight of
the package would be reduced to the lowest. There is no place better
adapted for poultry than the Highlands, and at no place can they be main¬
tained as cheaply. But, as I have said, there must be action taken by
and among themselves if they have a desire to make the most of the^
many advantages they possess over many others who have to make a$,
living under great restriction than the Highland farmers and crofter^
are subjected to.

I hope these remarks will fall into the hands of someone willing andx
able to set the ball rolling in the right direction, and perhaps some agri-1
cultural correspondent with an abler pen than mine will throw some"
light on the subject. — A Northern Correspondent.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden square, London.

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

Date.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

Hygrome-

A .

i©

Shade Tern-

Radiation

d

1887.

6»CC 0)
© *_ &

ter.

73 a

cL— o
| g o

perature.

Temperature

d

«

May.

S A rl

In

On

--a

Dry. Wet.

Go

Max.

Min.

SUD.

grass

Inches.

deg deg.

1 deg.

dee.

dee.

dee.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

22

29 820

43 8 42.5

N.W.

48.2

54.9

37.2

103 2

33 5

Monday .

23

t*.04«

50.5 45.4

W.

1 48.3

32.1

88 3

109 4

33.9

Tuesday ..

24

3«).2 2

57 3 53.1

N.W.

| 49.2

61 7

45 4

84 7

40.9

0013

Wednesday.

25

30.237

49.9 4*1.9

N.

49.6

59 2

44 2

98.6

41.3

0.0 lfr

Thursday .. .

2fi

30.150

57.6 52.1

N.

| 50 2

67 5

44.6

109.8

409

0.1 51

Friday .

17

29 930

48 1 47.3

N.W.

I 51.3

53.7

433

65.6

43 2

0.097

Saturday ...

28

299 a 3

51.3 1 50.2

N.

5o.7

57.5

47.1

87.1

46.1

0.082:

30.048

51.7 j 48.2

49.6

59.5

42.9

94.1

40.0

0.34ft

REMARKS.

22nd.— Clondy morning ; showers later.

23rd.— Generally bright, but cloudy at times.

24th. — Bright morning; coudy afternoon ; showery evening.

25th— Dull, with spots of rain.

23th. - Bright and warm.

27th.— Showery and dull.

2*th — Overcast morning ; fine afternoon, hut not much sunshine ; rain at night.

A cold and generally dull and damp week. Mean temperature «luiost identical with
that of the preceding week, and about 6° below the average.— G. J. SIMONS.

Jnne S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

455

0

10

11

In

Leyton Flower Show.

•S

11

8VX

1st Sunday aftee Trinity.

18

M

14

To

Royal Horticultural Pocioty. Frnlt and Floral Committees at 11 A.M.
Royal Botanic Society *u Show. York Gala (threj days).

15

W

THINNING HARDY FRUIT.

' — — ^ 8,UIT thinning &s applied to hardy trees is a
neglected practice in present-day gardening.
It would he reckoned grave neglect on the
M-k, part of a gardener who failed to see that his
Turnips or Beet or Parsnip crops were not
■duly thinned ; and were he to be so far left to
himself as to allow the Grapes under his
charge to go without thinning both in bunch
and berry, what could be said of him ? I suppose a
gardener of that kind nowadays would be quite a curiosity
if he be met with at all. But when we get outside, especi¬
ally among Apples, Pears, and Plums, then we arrive at
exactly the conditions that would be found were Grapes
left unthinned, though of course in a much modified form.

Hardy fruit culture is carried on in the most hap¬
hazard manner from beginning to end, and the system of
allowing the trees, if they set a full crop, to carry all
cannot under any circumstances be called gardening. I
confess that Apricots get a rough thinning, but when these
set a large crop, as a rule, they are insufficiently thinned,
and consequently the trees suffer the following year, frost
most likely receiving the burden of blame. No matter
how irresistible may be the impulse to allow a heavy crop
to swell, the logic of large fruit and a succeeding crop is
more irresistible still, and consequently every fruit should
hang at a fair distance from its neighbour, and no clusters
be allowed.

Plums are hardly ever thinned, and the consequence
is that in most cases the trees bear a crop biennially, and
generally then at the ends of the shoots. Large sorts
6uch as the Magnum Bonums, Victorias, and others, and
fine dessert varieties such as Jefferson and Coe’s Golden
Drop should be thinned as carefully as possible. All
deformed and small fruits are thus removed, and that left
is of the finest quality when ripened. Smaller sorts and
those for kitchen purposes do not require so much atten¬
tion, but certainly these should also be thinned sufficiently
to allow all the fruit left to attain a good size, and also
to secure the trees bearing year after year. As I have
found that both Apricots and Plums do best fruited on
spurs, it is made a point just now, when the fruits are
being thinned, also to thin any spurs which are becoming
crowded and which are free from fruit.

Pear trees on a southern exposure have been thinned
for some time, and the fruit left has swelled to good pro¬
portions. Trees on a western exposure are now requiring
attention, and shall be looked to at once. Unless the
clusters are very sparse over the trees, no more than one
fruit should be left to swell on each, though in the case of
strong-growing early varieties like Williams’ Bon Chretien,
Souvenir du Congres, or Beurre d’Amanlis, this rule
No. 3G3.— Vol. XIV., Third Series.

may be somewhat relaxed, a heavier crop doing the trees
no harm. Small varieties such as Seckle and Dr. Hogg
may be left two fruits to a cluster, but with a heavy set less
on an average should be left. Tears are so highly appre¬
ciated when in the best condition that it is advisable to
err in leaving a too thin crop and securing first-class
fruits, than to have too many and secure as the result a
number which may not he presentable at table. This is
also a good time to remove any spurs which are too thickly
placed.

Coming now to Apples, I am certain that, provided
we grow good sorts, no fruit pays better for thinning than
these do. Some require very little or no thinning, as
they never set more than the trees are able to carry to a
good size. With us it is found that Ecklinville, Warner’s
King, Duchess of Oldenburg, Mere de Menage, never set
large crops, and consequently need little or no thinning.
Still, it pays to go over the trees and remove any twins.
Lord Suffield, Cellini, The Queen, Keswick Codlin, Nelson
Codlin, and Stirling Castle require a good deal of thin¬
ning. Those of a utilitarian cast of mind may be inclined
to ask, Does it pay, and for Apples especially ? There
is no question of doubt that it pays. For one thing, the
chances of a loss of crop are reduced, as the trees are not
overtaxed; for another, the fruit is so much better, that if
it is to be sold it fetches on the whole more money, and if
to be kept for home use the fruit keeps better, and is of
better quality. Two years ago I had some old trees which
were bearing large crops placed under my charge to make
the most of, and 1 was very glad indeed to get the fruit dis¬
posed of at 4s. cwt., a price which did not pay the trouble
and expense of gathering and marketing. At the same
time, for well-grown fruit from 12s. to 20s. a cwt. was
being received. Last year the cheap fruit trees bore
nothing. The trees that had been tended had just as
large a crop. That I know is not an exceptional instance,
and must prove that it pays, but from the point of view of
the hard-worked gardener can it be said to pay? and here,
I think, the reply is equally conclusive, for if it pays to
thin and tend common vegetable crops, it most certainly
will in the case of hardy fruit. But the difference is that
in the one instance the vegetables are expected, and in the
other so many things may occur — e.g., an overcrop one
year, or a killing frost in spring, so that the Apple, Pear,
Plum, and Apricot supply is reduced to a question of
chance outside the province of the gardener; but I
am very certain it need not be so to the extent it is, and
the present thinning out of the young fruit is one of the
most reliable methods of placing the fruit supply on a
basis of some certainty. — A Northern Grower.

[Unquestionably the subject of thinning hardy fruit
crops is important, and without doubt the practice advo¬
cated by our correspondent is very much neglected. The
relative prices quoted for the produce of trees that were cul¬
tivated and of others that had been neglected afford the best
testimony that profit results from good management, and
that loss is incurred by want of it. The magnificent Apples
that are exhibited at the best autumn shows are the
result of cropping judiciously and affording the trees
adequate support. Such fruit is not surpassed, if equalled,
by the best samples that are sent from other lands, and
which appear to frighten the timid in this country into
the belief that fruit-growing can no longer be profitably
conducted at home. Our correspondent knows that it can
be, and he is not situated in one of the most salubrious
districts of Great Britain.]

No. 2019. — Vol. LXXVI., Old Series

456

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 9, 1887.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 413 )

EXHIBITING.

The growing of Roses for this purpose, if the amateur intends
to be anywhere near the front at any of the larger shows, is a very
different matter compared to the production of blooms for our own
amusement or to gratify our friends. In the latter case, medium¬
sized blooms, and plenty of them, are what we require, and we
must remember that our friends are sure to be indulgent, and to
take a very lenient view of our shortcomings — unless they happen
to be rival growers. But when we place our Roses on the show
tables, and they come under the fierce light of public competition,
if there be any weakness about them one may be sure it will be
very quickly discovered.

It will be some little time before a beginner will be able to tell
a really perfect show Rose when he sees one ; the best way, and
the quickest, for him to learn, is to attend some of the large shows
in London or the provinces, and to study the blooms in the winning

oxes there. He will learn more in a few hours at one of these
shows than I could teach him if I wrote for a week. I may,
however, just give the main points of a show Rose. It must be
full— that is, with plenty of petals in it ; it must be perfect in
shape, not ragged or mis-shapen ; it must not show the eye or
yellow centre ; it must be the proper colour, not bleached if a light
Rose, nor burnt if a dark one. The foliage must be good — it is
not enough to have fine flowers, the leaves must be there also. The
question of scent, I am afraid, is not often considered at Rose
s .ows in the distiibution of awards.

Now we will suppose the beginner intends to commence growing
for exhibition. The best place for this purpose is a piece of land
in the kitchen garden or other similar situation, where the plants
may be grown in rows, much as we grow Cabbages and other crops.
Wheeling barrowloads of manure, and the constant t rampings
backwards and forwards of master and man ; the conveying of the
cans of liquids, &c., together with the quantity of loose litter
.spread about for mulching the roots, are a series of reasons why
growing for exhibition is as well carried on somewhere not exactly
in front of the dining-room windows. Rose trees intended to
produce show blooms will require to be treated in a very liberal
spirit as regards manures and stimulants. We hear of amateurs
trenching and digging their land 3 feet deep ; we hear of them
sinking tubs all over the place and filling them with all sorts of
concentrated preparations. They spare no pains to do justice to
their Roses — it is a labour of love with them — and if we intend to
compete against them with any hope of success we must be pre¬
pared to do the same. In a short chapter on the subject, which I
intend to give later, these manures and stimulants will be described,
so here I will content myself with mentioning other points of
culture.

The plants must be put in in the very richest soil that can be
got ; good old farmyard manure should be thoroughly mixed in,
and half-inch bones also placed near the roots, while a sprinkling
of bone dust may be thrown into the holes as well. The pruning
must be of the most severe description, and when the buds break,
all but three or four should be rubbed off. As soon as the flower
buds show, a free use of stimulants may be indulged in, but we
should bear in mind that applications, weak and often, will be much
better than such as are applied strong and more seldom. Liquid
manure of any kind should never be applied when the ground is
dry and the plant thirsty. In such cases a good dose of p!ain water
first i3 advisable, and then, when the ground is moist, the manure
may follow.

Manures, or I should prefer to say, stimulants, containing much
ammonia, such as nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, guano, and
even soot, are dangerous, and should be used with caution. With
the first two it is a delightfully simple matter to remove every leaf
from a plant in a marvellously short space of time— I have been
successful in this respect more than once. These stimulants should
be applied in very small quantities at a time, in wet weather, or
watered in artificially after being strewed on the surface, and are
best applied after sunset. In reference to soot, I once visited a
nursery where I found in the Rose house this material strewed all
over the pipes and floors. I was told it was to make the leaves green.

I heard afterwards that it did that— and a little more; it first
turned them gz-een, then brown, and then — shrivelled them alto
gether. They do not use soot any more there. Had they been
satisfied to place it on the floors, keeping it off the pipes, it would
probably have answered the purpose intended very well. If among
the Roses there are varieties which produce clusters of buds at the
ends of the shoots, these must be watched for, and all but one bud
removed from each shoot.

Caterpillars and green fly must be looked for. The best way to
get rid of the first named is to cut off the leaf in which the insect

will be found rolled up. If the leaf is not removed it will be con¬
stantly catching our eye each time we go round, and a great wasto
of time will result. The second may be removed by means of a
soft bi’ush, laying the tip of the shoot in the palm of the hand and
lightly brushing off the insects. The shoots may be syringed with
a preparation of quassia, &c., of w'hich see remarks on pests and
vermin. Mildew can only be dealt with by means of sulphur
dusted on the leaves, but I notice that a solution of copper is used
in the French vineyards, and is said to be a perfect antidote. It
must be said that all these pests are not causes, they are effects.
They arise from the plants not being in a vigorous healthy state.
I never see green fly on my Roses, I rarely have any mildew, and
caterpillars do not bother me. Why ? Simply because my plants,
by the hard pruning they get and the liberal manuring, by their
being open to all the winds of heaven and the pelting showers of
rain, are kept vigorous and the foliage clean and healthy. If the
amateur can keep his Roses equally so, he can afford to laugh at
pests and similar nuisances.

As the flower buds increase in 9ize each bloom should be securely
staked and tied, or the wind mayknock it all to pieces. Just before
a show the blooms should be shaded ; small circular wire frames
covered with green painted canvas are used for the purpose, these
being made to slide up and down on sticks to allow of being fixed
at any desired height. Where these cannot be procured, a rough
aiad ready way of shading is to bend the blooms over — this can only
be done with weak-stemmed varieties — nearly upside down, and tie
them to sticks in that position. If the beginner is a grower in a
large way, he will not need to bother with any shading, as he will
generally have enough freshly opened blooms to select from.
“ But,” says some beginner, “ why should I have to go to all this
trouble? Nurserymen do not do so ; they simply grow the Roses in
the ordinary way, I suppose ? ” The answer to this is, that the
nurseryman has thousands of plants to cut from, and whatever
perfection futua’e age3 may bring Roses to, at present the fact
remains that in a nursery or garden where one hundred thousand
Roses are in bloom there will be one Rose better thaia all its fellows.
The nurseryman with his thousands of plants can only cultivate
them in the ordinary way and depend on the quantity he grows.
The amateur with his smaller number of plants can devote moro
attention to each, and no doubt by his care and extra cultivation
gets a much higher average of show blooms from the same number
of plants than a nurseryman does. To be in a position to show
twelve Roses on a given day, a beginner should have not less than
100 plants in about twenty-four varieties.

To those who love Roses there are few pleasanter places than a
Rose show. Here the finest specimeias of out favourite flower that
it is possible to produce by all the care and attention that loving
hands and hearts can bestow upon their cu’ture are to be seen, and
though I pei-sonally much prefer to watader at will through some
well-kept garden or nursery, and admire the beauties on their native
stems at my leisure, still I always enjoy myself thoroughly at Rose
shows. In the morning, if we are exhibiting, or can by any means
gain access to the scene of war, how amusing it is to watch the dif¬
ferent exhibitors and the way they go to work. At this time all is
confusion, to be quickly changed into order and iaeatnes3. In the
afternoon the study of the public will be found very amusing, and
if we happen to be winners we shall be pretty sure to hear many
people say that they have much better Roses than ours at home and
that they are so soi-ry they did not show. I never believed it, because
people who talk like this at flower shows and other places — their
name is legion — I generally think are best described as beiiag what
the Yankees call “ gas bags.”

Here is a good opportunity to warn the would-be exhibitor
against timidity and being afraid to show because he thinks he will
not have a chance. My own experience has been that I have lost
as laaany pi-izes as I have won, simply by not rushing in on all
occasions.

“’Tis said,

That f tola rush in where angels fear to tread.”

But in Rose growing they are the fools who do iaot rush in. When
our Roses are bad, other people's are probably no better. If we do
not win our names do not appear, and if we have a dry season or a
backward one, or have a plague of taaildew, maggots, or green fly, or
suffer from any other disadvantage, surely we are no worse off than
our neighbours. I remember just before one show — I had not
entered, so disgusted was I with the appearance of my Roses —a
gentleman asked me to show, because he wanted mo to “smash”
a very dear friend of his, who was going about telling everybody
that he could not be beaten. I did so, “ smashed ” the dear friend
and carried off three first prizes ; all there were to take.

A few words about dishonest exhibiting. I could unfold a talc,
a long one, on this part of the subject, but do not think it necessary
to do so. I regret to say, however, that in some parts of the

Jane 0, 1887. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

457

country the practice is very prevalent among the smaller exhibitors.
"What pleasure or honour a man can derive from a prize won by
perjury and lying I cannot imagine. It cannot be for the paltry sum
of money that it is done ; but perhaps exhibiting is looked upon
by those who do this sort of thing in a similar way to that
in which certain persons regard Government contracts, these
people apparently being of opinion that it is no sin to rob the nation.
As far as Roses go, I am pretty certain that three-fourths of the
Roses exhibited in this neighbourhood by the smaller exhibitors are
not grown near Sheffield at all, but are procured mostly from Not¬
tingham. It is the duty of every exhibitor, if he know of any
case of dishonest showing, to go boldly to the Committee and make
a complaint ; it is a duty he owes not only to himself, but to others;
and, further, it is the duty of a Committee to state in their rules
that any person detected in dishonesty of this kind will be for ever
debarred from exhibiting again at any show held by them.

Boxes for exhibiting Roses should all be 18 inches wide, and
when closed 13 inches high. The length should be —

For six Roses 1 foot long.

For twelve Roses 2 feet long.

For eighteen Roses 2 feet 9 inches long.

For twenty-four Roses 3 feet 9 inches long.

N.B. — Some societies do not allow boxes more than 3 feet long ;
in the larger classes therefore two boxes would be required.

When the lids are off the boxes should be 7 inches high at the
back and 5 inches at the front, consequently the lids should measure
G inches high at back and 8 inches at front. The interior of the
boxes should be fitted with laths put in lengthways, and so arranged
as to admit three parallel rows of tubes. The top surface of these
laths should be about 1 inch below the edges of the box. On the
top of these laths a sheet of thick paper should be spread, and
above this about 2 inches of moss and sphagnum. The parallel
laths enable us to move the tubes nearer to, or further from, each
other as may be desirable, and the use of the laths makes the
box much lighter, besides saving trouble in collecting such
a quantity of moss as is required where we fill the box with it. The
moss should be packed so as to come well up above the edges of
the box. Tubes are made of various patterns. For travelling the
old-fashioned one, with the lid on to retain the water, is the best ;
for exhibiting, a double tube, patented by a watchmaker in Kent,
is preferable, this holds the Rose at any height and in any position
we wish. For those who require a great quantity, or where the
cost is a consideration, I think a plain zinc tube with a flange on the
edge can be made to answer all purposes.

In setting up the flowers a good deal of taste can be exercised.
To start with, the moss should not be flat, but should be raised
about an inch above the edge of the box, as already advised, and all
roots and brown parts should be kept out of sight. I have seen a
considerable variety of material used as a substitute for moss. In
one case I remember a box had been filled with about 2 cwt. of
sand, into which the tubes had been placed. It was rather a big
lift, and I wonder the bottom of the box did not collapse. Another
exhibitor had utilised the mowings from the lawn, and though they
looked fresh and nice in the morning, they made a very poor
appearance in the afternoon. Sawdust and green baize I have also
noticed. Other exhibitors I remember to have seen with boxes
made as for showing Pansies or Picotees, but the Roses were
without those abominable white collars or paper frills which make
the other flowers look so hideous. I have noticed, too, a great
many different kinds of bottle used in place of tubes. Stone
ginger beer bottles, ale bottles, wine bottles, blacking bottles, scent
bottles, medicine bottles and others. Beginners will notice that
the old hands always have their blooms standing well above the
level of the moss. This must be strictly attended to ; the blooms
will look 50 per cent, better. They must on no account be rammed
down flat on the moss. Any bloom not sufficiently stiff in the back
to stand up and look the judges and the public straight in the face,
must be made to hold its head up by means of a little stick attached
to the stem. Modesty is all very well, but it is out of place in a
show box. The patent tubes provide for this, a wire being inserted
into the tube for the purpose. Generally speaking, an old hand
can make a better show and effect with a second-rate box of blooms
than a beginner can do with the same number of the best flowers
that were ever grown.

The leading society has made a very stringent rule against
adding any foliage to any box of Roses for competition. The
Rose, with such leaves as grow naturally round the bloom on its
own particular stem, may be put into the tube. Now looking at
the exhibit as a test of skill in the production of foliage and flower
on the one shoot, or rather top portion of the shoot, this rule is
all very well. I know that growing flowers is one thing, and
growing foliage is another and very different one. I know on my
poor light soil I could get blooms for years before I could

produce anything like decent foliage. I may say here that limo
and clay had a good deal to do with my ultimate success, not
forgetting manure also.

But if we wish to make a box of Roses not for competition,
but for beauty, we must add foliage. There are many people who
will hold up their hands here and cry out, “ Unnatural ! What
can be more beautiful than a Rose shown naturally as it grows ?
Added foliage is contrary to the natural habit of growth.” My
answer to this is, that when all Roses are like Baroness Rothschild
and Merveille de Lyon, the blooms of which are buried in a little
bouquet of foliage — these Roses in the show boxes are made to
cover a multitude of sins in cases of absence of foliage in other
varieties — I shall give in, but while my own favourite Rose,
La France, remains as bare as it is, the bloom growing on a long
bare flower stem, I shall hold to my present opinion. This being
so, I find the best way to add foliage is to cut a piece of a blind
shoot, or a piece of the flowering shoot if well furnished with
leaves, and bind it to the stem of the Rose, putting both into the
tube together. Without this treatment, a box of La France or
other similar Rose — this remark applies to many of the Tea Roses
— would be very like a box of blooms I once saw at a show,
where “ added foliage ” being forbidden, one exhibitor had re¬
moved all the leaves, and the poor Roses stood in the box looking
very bald and miserable.

Lastly, cut your Roses at the latest possible moment ; either
very late in the evening, or very early in the morning. Take a
box of extra blooms with you ; have locks on your boxes, and
keep the lids on. Do not expect to carry all before you at first,
and if you should fail to be successful in winning prizes, never
forget that there are other and far more solid pleasures in Rose
growing. — D. Gilmour, ,jun.

(To be continued.)

TOMATOES IN THE OPEN AIR.

Considering the great and increasing demand for Tomatoes it
is surprising their culture is not more general in the open air.
Very often the plants are introduced to every corner that they can
possibly be pushed into under glass, and many of them are given
such unfavourable positions that only a few fruits are secured ;
in fact, they do not pay for their place, and if the same labour
was devoted to plants in the open air during the summer and
autumn the returns would be heavy and profitable. As yet
Tomato growing in the open air might be said to be an almost un¬
known practice. A few surplus plants may be placed out in some
large gardens, but no regular system is general amongst amateurs,
and small growers appear to be afraid to have anything to do with
Tomatoes in the open. They suspect that the plants will not suc¬
ceed, that they may fail to grow, and if they grow they will fail to
fruit freely or with any prospect of remuneration ; but have they
been tried properly in every county and parish in the country ? I
think not ; and I feel sure if they were cultivators would be
startled with the good results. No one need be surprised if they
fail to prove satisfactory when they are taken from under glass or
a hot place and planted out in the open and then left to scramble
for themselves, as such attention does not merit profitable returns,
but if as much care is devoted to them as many are in the habit of
giving to wall fruit trees, Roses or Dahlias, they will bear
freely.

It is now too late to write of sowing seed, but not so as regards
planting, and their culture may be said to begin in earnest. Avoid
having anything to do with late spindly plants. Dwarf sturdy
specimens are the only satisfactory kind. They should be raised in
heat and grown under glass until about 9 inches or 1 foot in height,
then place them in a cold frame close to the glass, and harden them
by degrees. The plants grow with the greatest freedom in heat,
and a cool atmosphere will not check them afterwards, but cold
wind will make the foliage brown and check their growth. This
must be avoided, and if the plants are hardened without injury, as
they easily may be, their success in the open is insured. Nothing
is gamed by being in too great a hurry to get them out. Some may
conclude that by planting early they will fruit early, but the
opposite may be the result, as plants that are placed out too soon
and receive a check in consequence are long in recovering, and it
may be well into autumn before they bear ripe fruit. The present
is an excellent time to plant out. All who either possess a house or
frame may have the plants in fine condition now, and there is
little danger of the weather injuring them.

Before planting the position they are to occupy must be selected.
In highly favourable localities they may be planted in the open
quarters at a distance of 3 feet or 4 feet apart and trained to stakes,
but those who wish to grow them without any fear of failure and
to produce ripe fruit in August, and continue to do so until cut

458

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Juna-ity 1887.

down by frost, should give them the support and shelter of a wall
or wood fence. The position should invariably be exposed fully to
the sun, and the wall may either be round the garden, the front, or
end of a dwelling house, or anywhere else. Those with large
walled-in gardens will find many positions for their Tomato plants,
between the fruit trees, on low walls, in front of glass houses ; and
amateurs may always utilise the walls of their dwelling houses. It
is not for the want of sheltered, sunny, and suitable positions that
Tomato culture in the open air is not universal. We annually
plant out many dozens of plants at this time. They begin to ripen
their fruit early in August, and from then until November we cut
some hundredweights of finely swelled grandly coloured flavoured
fruit. In former years our plants have been planted chiefly be¬
tween fruit trees on the walls, but this year we have devoted a wall
50 yards in length to them. It is wired, the plants are placed at
the bottom, the shoots will be tied to the wires as they grow, and I
feel quite sure the ‘crop will be one of the most pleasing and re¬
munerative we could introduce.

In planting no great preparation need be made for them. They
must have a moderately rich soil, and as a rule the ordinary soil of
the garden will suit them with the addition of some manure. A
soil that will grow good Cauliflowers or Peas will always produce
fine Tomatoes. They should be planted with balls of soil attached
to the roots, if possible, and water them well soon afterwards.
They may not show any signs of growth for a week or so, but when
once they begin growing they will go on freely. I have known
Tomato plants to be cai’efully reared and rightly planted, in fact
in proper condition for bearing a first-rate crop ; but they did not,
as they were neglected after being planted, and this is liable to
occur. The labour of attending to a few dozen plants is trifling,
but it is giving them timely attention that is the secret of success.
It never answers to allow them to become a mass of superfluous
growths, and then cut all away except those which are bearing
fruit. There will not be much fruit found on such plants ; the
cutting in will check the plant severely, and they will probably fail ;
but if one, or two leading stems at the most, are taken up from
each root, and the side shoots are carefully taken off, they will
never suffer from bearing superfluous growth or its removal, and I
regard this frequent pinching of the side shoots a most important
point in open air Tomato culture. The plants always grow very
dwarf or compact. They begin to bear fruit quite close to the
ground, and by exposing the flowers and fruit they grow fast ana
soon gain maturity. The point should never be taken out of the
leading shoots so long as they can be taken upwards, and those who
take the ends out of the leaders under the impression that they are
improving them in any way make a mistake. Give them clear
water when necessary, and until the fruit has formed in consider¬
able quantity, then give them abundance of liquid manure. As to
which is the best variety for open air culture, I may say they are
all good when properly treated, but in cold districts preference
should be given to Laxton’s open air variety. — M.

THE AURICULA.

MR. W. BOLTON AT HOME.

Amongst those northern amateurs who have made their mark
as successful growers and raisers of Auriculas, not only did he this
year carry off the Turner Memorial prize, but he also gained other
prizes, and exhibited and obtained prizes for seedlings of his own
aising, and I therefore think that notes of a visit I paid to him the
other day may not be uninteresting, especially as not only did I see
his collection, but also had a talk with him on various matters
connected with our favourite flower, and may thus perhaps meet
the wants of your correspondent in a recent number of the
Journal.

Mr. Bolton’s collection I have known and seen the progress of
for some years. When I first saw it it was a small one, and was
contained in a small house in a backyard in Mersey Street, War¬
rington. When I next saw it it was in Latchford Road, a little
way out of the town, and now he has removed to Stockton Heath,
about two miles off, where, in purer air, and with larger surround¬
ings, lie is able to carry out not only his love for this flower, but
also for other things connected with horticulture. One can always
learn something, even in unlooked-for ways, if we keep our eyes
open, and so here I saw, for the first time, the sweet-scented and
pretty Cape Pondweed (Aponogeton distachyon) grown in pans in
a greenhouse. The house being badly ventilated, Mr. Bolton had
put in several large pans of it, about 18 inches across, in order that
they might give out some moisture by evaporation, so as to take
away from the excessive dryness of the atmosphere. They answered
a twofold purpose, for they were in flower all the winter, and
supplied him plenty of cut blooms.

But to return to the Auricula. Mr. Bolton has considerably

increased his collection, but so far as named sorts are concerned, it
is nothing like as large as many collections I have seen (Mr. Wood-
head’s for example X. for like most of those who grow seedlings, he
gives more attention to them, and belie wes he will raisa some that
will surpass those we already have. He has the oracft kinds, of
course, but not in any great quantity.. He still belisv'es George
Lightbody is unsurpassed, but not unsurpassable, as no doubt with
a more defined body colour it would be a’ more beautiful] flower, but
still it will take a good deal of beating. Acme), amongst whites,
-while very good, has the fault of two colours in the body colour.
Of seifs, he considers Duke of Argyl'e the finest in colour, but
Heroine (Horner) the best in quality that has- ye it been raised.
By-the-by, I hear that there is a probability of this- being let out
this year. Of green edges, he is inclined to give the palm to,
Simonite’s Rev. F. D. Horner, and to John Sinionibe amongst the.
whites. Frank Simonite he agrees with me i» considering a,
defective flower, owing to its colourless eye ; ia fact it has too.
much of the Champneys style in it.. It seems, almost impossible,,
as Ben Simonite once said to me, to get this bright purple-coloured!
flower with a yellow or orange eye. Richard Headly had beem
fine with him this year, as it has been, I believe everywhere. In.
my own collection it was certainly the best off all the grey edges..
It was not a Lightbody or Lancashire Hero year, and hence,
perhaps to some extent the ground of your correspondent’s obser¬
vations. The Auriculas were all in a house facing the storth £
some maturing seed, and some filling up their growth after
blooming.

With regard to potting. Mr. Bolton thinks that it is a mistake
to repot before July. His idea is, that after the plants have done
flowering, they commence rapidly to form the plant for the f ollow-
ing year, and that the heart then fills up with the new growth. Iff
they are repotted, then this growth is checked, and that therefore
it is better to wait until July, when, if repotted, the plants will
begin to push roots, especially about the centre of the plant, where
he is more anxious that it should be done, instead off pushing out
to the sides of the pot. He uses glazed pots, as they necessitate
less watering, and are more easily kept clean, so that the sneers
with which some meet the use of glazed pots as opposed to all
scientific theories, only shows that practice is a good deal better
than theory in many cases, and in this amongst the number. Like
many successful growers he has given up the old-fashioned practice of
top-dressing, -which used to be considered one of the most essential
and important parts of Auricula culture. Like most growers, too,
he has discarded all the nostrums wherewith the poor plants used
to be physicked in former days, and altogether I feel that the older
race of florists have been considerably taken down in these days ;
the older varieties have given way to newer ones ; the old practices
have been abandoned, and simplicity has become more the character
of Auricula culture. In potting he believes in potting firmly, and
in placing some material over the broken potsherds, so as to prevent
the soil being washed down into the drainage — moss, spent hops,
the more fibrous pieces of the loam, are all useful for this purpose —
in fact anything that will keep the drainage clear.

With regard to that nuisance to the Auricula grower, autumnal
blooming, he does not think that the time of repotting makes any
difference -whatever in its frequency or otherwise. He believes it
to belong to particular varieties, and do what you will, some of
them will b’oom in the autumn ; but he says that if the hloom
is nipped off as soon as it appears, the plant, if vigorous, will
bloom again in the spring, and he mentioned one case of a plant
that had done so, which was one of his winning flowers this
year. There seems to me to be reason in this, and it may thus
comfort those who are troubled by it. With regard to that pest the
wpolly aphis, he estimates its power of harm at a very low ebb.
He says that if you can prevent it from attacking the collar of the
plant you have nothing to fear from it ; indeed he is of opinion
that where it only attacks the roots, it not only does no harm, but
good, as it keeps up the root action by inducing them to throw out
fresh fibres. I cannot quite see this, but I have certainly learned
less to dread it. When in repotting I discover any of it, I get rid
of it as well as I can, and wash the roots well. A solution of fir
tree oil is a very good thing to use, and after that they should be
washed in clean water.

In repotting, Mr. Bolton is careful to look after the tap roots of
the better and scarcer varieties. All Auricula growers know that
the main root of the Auricula runs down and forms a large central
root or carrot, which is oftentimes the cause of disease and loss,
but it will often be found that there are incipient shoots which are
the precursors of offsets if properly treated. His plan is to cut
this off, leaving a sufficient number of healthy roots for the nourish¬
ment of the plant. The tap is then planted in a small pot, and a
bellglass placed over it. This induces the shoots to push out, and
in the course of a little while will showr themselves as offsets. When

Jane 9, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

459

' r°oted they should be taken off, and planted round the edge of a
pot, when they will speedily increase in size.

Mr. Bolton is, as I have said, engaged in raising seedlings, and a
considerable number of these were planted out in a bed in the
garden. They are planted there as soon as they are fit to handle,
and as they increase in size, if they show any good properties, are
liftid up and potted. In the greenhouse were to be seen some
pans where the seedlings were coming up very thickly, but his
experience, as well as Mr. Horner’s, is the same as that which one
finds in other flowers, that those which come up quickly are rarely
ever worth anything. I remember years ago Margo tt in at Bourg
la Reine telling me that he had never found that the Rose seed¬
lings which came up the first year produced anything worth
retaining.

With regard to giving heat to Auriculas to bring them on in time
for exhibition, he looked upon it as in itself an injurious thing. A
good deal of the roughness of many exhibits he attributes to this,
and he believes no Auricula grower would apply it if he could help
it. He is himself preparing to build a house for flowering plants,
as, like other growers, he finds it so much preferable to frames,
where you can walk in and have the plants at the level of your eye.

It will thus be seen that we ranged in our conversation over most
of the subjects connected with Auricula culture. Mr. Bolton is
one of those who believe that there arc no secrets in Auricula
growing, and that growers can best promote its interests by com¬
municating their ideas to one another. — D., Deal.

In reply to inquiries by “ M,,” I would; as to the woolly aphi8
counsel him not to be so afraid of it as to risk the health of the
plants in attempts to utterly destroy it. It is small gain and comfort
to s Lay the enemy afc the cost of more ruin than he works. I have
known great harm done thus by the owner himself, and do not
myself consider that the woolly aphis, so long as it is confined to
the underground stem and roots, does any harm to the plants. The
difficulty, however, of tolerating him in a harmless inch is to prevent
him taking the ell of excess ; and I am sure that when the insect
is allowed to gather round the collar of the plant so as to surround
the new fibres, starting from that most vital part,, the young roots
are checked by the waterproof offcast wool with which this aphis
surrounds its abiding place. When the roots are well away under¬
ground they do not seem to mind it.

T always, at repotting time, find some woolly aphis among my
plants, and rid them of it at every shift as far as I can, by cleaning
all pots, using fresh drainage materials, and washing the plants in a
compound of rain water, softsoap, and tobacco-paper juice. I use
no stronger insecticide, and this, as I use it, looks something like
very weak tea with very “blue” milk in it. I always remove
'woolly aphis whenever I see it above ground on the neck of the
plants, making a clearance with a small stiff-haired paint brush
dipped in the above delicious beverage. At the same time I examine
the ball of earth, and generally find it worth while to remove in
like manner the colony of aphis that may be found between the
pot side and the compost. A war of extermination is fierce and
tedious, and is very likely to harass the plants, while any slight
chance may reintroduce the newly extinguished invader.

Plants in light open composts, in which they are allowed to
become dry at any time, are in the most favourable condition for
woolly aphis. It knows the sanitary value of a well-aired bed and
thoroughly well-drained premises, and will always be found most
abundantly close to the side of the pots and among the open crocks
at the bottom. The plant which “ M.” has for Smith’s Ne plus
Ultra is not true if it is anything like Simonite’s Frank. There
are two Ne plus Ultras, Smith’s and Fletcher’s, neither of which,
however, need go much further in these days of once unthought-of
progress with the Auricula. Smith's flower is a white-edge with
chocolate ground colour, and abundant fully mealed foliage — a large
round-looking squat plant, given by the fault, not a small one, to
which Acme and George Lightbody, especially Acme, are addicted,
of not throwing the truss boldly enough above the foliage, and so
looking dumpy.

Frank Simonite first bloomed as a white edge, and is so classed,
but is often now seen as a silvery grey. Its body colour of bluish
velvet could not be confused with Smith’s Ne Plus Ultra, and the
foliage is half mealed and handsomely serrated.

The other Ne Plus Ultra is a plant of erect habit, leaves large,
broad, and thick, with a flower of very ultra size— much too large
to be refined, petal too pointed, and the body colour given to
running into shades of maroon.

A descriptive list of the best varieties, at least of those that are
as yet in commerce, would be very useful and interesting to be¬
ginners, and if the plants were in bloom before me I would gladly
furnish descriptive notes ; but it would be rather like painting a pic¬
ture from general impressions of the original ; and well as one may I

know Auriculas by sight, and carry their beauties in memory from
year to year, it will be found not easy to note down accurately
every point of each in the absence of the living flower. We should
be making some candlelight mistakes, and descriptions should be
close and true, fresh from the eye to the pen, to be of use as a
delicate test of identity.

Even then so difficult is the edged Auricula to paint in words
that the late Rev. George Jeans, whose descriptions twenty-five
years ago are so vivid and concise, admitted that friends growing
the same flowers in different localities did not agree with some par¬
ticulars of his descriptions, nor he, again, with theirs. Mr. Jeans’
notes lie entombed in the late “Gossip of the Garden,” and as I
have the volumes I will gladly lend them to the Journal for repro¬
duction if desirable. With regard to “ M. S.’s ” suggestion of a
manual on the florist Auricula, I live in the hope of gathering to¬
gether what I have strewed by the way on the culture of this
flower.— F. D. Horner, Burton-in Lonsdale.

For the information of your correspondent, “ M.,” I think I may
venture to state that the Rev. F. D. Horner will shortly commence a
work on the Auricula which I doubt not from his great experience and
intense love of the flower will prove a very mine of information and
instruction to us amateurs who can learn very little of practical value
from the old writers on this most fascinating flower.

Frank Simonite and Ne Plus Ultra are not much alike ; the former
has a violet purple body colour similar to Col. Champneys ; in the latter
the b. c. is chocolate, and dies off brown.

I fear “ M.’s ” George Lightbody has not bloomed in its best form this
season, or he would hardly have questioned its superiority overall others
in commerce (and in private hands, too, I believe). It has been very
fine with me this year. I have had splendid blooms on several of the
leading varieties (the best I have ever seen, but ten days too late for
South Kensington), but none of them possessed the exquisite and subtle
beauty of Richard Headley’s matchless seedling. It is true it sometimes
blooms with a very narrow body colour, but I am inclined to believe
that that is the fault of the grower. 1 would venture to suggest to
“ M.” that he should allow his plants to have an abundance Of sun and
air until the pips are about to open, excluding frost from the middle of
March if possible, and never let the plants get dry at the roots. Under
such treatment I shall be much surprised if “ M.” does not get a good
bloom, and agree with the great majority of growers in their estimate of
this splendid Auricula.

I have had no end of woolly aphis among my plants for years past,
but I cannot say that it injures them. — T. Pipe, Southern Hill,
Reading.

GAS LIME AS A FERTILISER AND

INSECTICIDE.

“ Gas lime,” states Johnson’s “Cottage Gardener’s Dictionary,”
“ is a hydro-sulphuret of lime with a little ammonia.” Hydro-
sulphuret of lime is highly injurious to plants ; ammonia is a
valuable source of plant food. Gas lime, therefore, is at once
inimical and beneficial, paradoxical as it appears. In addition to
many sulphides and ammonia, gas lime contains a compound of
sulphur and cyanogen, which, though very deadly to plants, is
singularly destructive of fungoid and insect pests infesting plants
and which harbour in the soil. We have consequently two distinct
properties combined in gas lime — viz., manurial, and anti-fungoid
and insecticidal. We may glance at these separately.

Manuriai. Properties. — The ammonia in gas lime no doubt
prompted its application to land as a fertiliser, and its dire
effects on the crops gave countenance to its being classed by
many, if not most, cultivators, as (it is stated in the “ Gardener’s
Assistant ”) “a manure which it is safer to dispense with than to
use, at least in the garden.” Although this is the prevailing
opinion, the objection to the use of gas lime being very decided
(and the grounds are not chimerical but experimental) it contains,
nevertheless, useful properties. In its fresh state it contains most
ammonia, and is potent as a fertiliser, but in that state it is fatal to
growing crops. It also retains >ts deleterious properties so long
after it is buried in the soil as to prejudice crops that follow some
time after its application ; indeed, the effects of gas lime are so
pronounced, that few cultivators will have anything to do with it.
This view of gas lime may be due to its injudicious application,
or the prejudice resulting from insufficient experiment.

Gas lime being fatal in its fresh state to growing crops and on
bare ground prejudices it for some time after we expose it to the
atmosphere. It — i.e., the hydro-sulphuret — then becomes simple
sulphate of lime or gypsum, which may, or may not, be free from
injurious compounds. In that state it is useful in supplying sulphur
as well as sulphate of lime to plants, if not ammonia, by converting
the carbonate of ammonia into the sulphate, and so preventing the
former escaping from the soil. That, however, is not admitted by
some, and we may, therefore, consider atnel orated gas lime as
useful to soils deficient of carbonate of lime. Whatever be the

460

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ JuEe 9, 1887.

action of ameliorated gas lime, there is no question of its forming
or liberating plant food— fertilising properties of no mean order,
consequently it is well worthy the attention of cultivators if it
were only for the lime itself. That, however, is insufficient to
account for its fertilising effects, especially to grass, and to Legumes,
notably Clover, and all plants with knobs or galls on the roots, also
to Turnips and Potatoes. In its ameliorated state it is a mixture
of lime and gypsum, and as such is more advantageously used on
light soil than simple lime, the latter being most suitable for heavy
land, though success attends its application to heavy soils ; indeed
there is no soil to which this form of lime may not be applied with
good results. In action it is much more efficacious than simple
lime, on account of the direct nourishment afforded by the gypsum
(sulphate of lime), and indirect, by the lime decomposing substances
which afford a supply of potash and soda, besides decomposing
animal and vegetable matter, thereby supplying ammonia, carbonic
acid, &c., independently of the lime itself, an element of the food
of plants. Gas lime is also useful in preventing the escape of
ammonia from the soil through its sulphuric acid, a property it (in
the sulphate state) possesses in proportion to the moisture, but
most unaccountably is not so beneficial (as before stated) applied to
heavy as to light or sandy soils, and plants containing but a small
proportion of sulphate of lime derive greater benefit from it than
those containing much more. This is a well-known property of many
substances, and which cannot be satisfactorily accounted for, and
shows, if it were necessary, the importance of comparative
experiments.

The value of gas lime, after it becomes by long exposure to the
action of the air and water converted into a mere mixture of
gypsum and lime, is not unimportant, being in fact equivalent to a
dressing of gypsum and of lime, therefore of enduring benefit. In
that state we lose all or most of its ammonia, unless we make it
when fresh into a compost by mixing with soil, and even then there
is waste, unless there are substances in the compost on which
ammonia can form, otherwise it will combine with carbonic acid
and escape. In using gas lime for mixing with compost resulting
of road sidings, pond cleanings, ditch scourings, or other debris, the
substances essential as bases for the formation of nitrates will be
present, as also in the accumulated debris or rubbish heaps of
gardens ; but to make sure, some wood ashes, old mortar rubbish,
which are obtainable about most places, should be mixed with the
compost, or the rubbish sprinkled as the mixing proceeds with a
little salt, kainit, or superphosphate, so as to form bases on which
the ammonia can form as nitrates. A ton of gas lime to six of
compost is ample, which turned over twice, so as to thoroughly
incorporate the materials, will, at the end of six months, be an
admirable dressing for grass, applying twenty-four to thirty-six
loads per acre, equivalent to from three to five tons of gas lime,
which is a suitable quantity. The best time to apply it to lawns or
grass land is in February, whilst on arable land it may be used at
any time prior to putting in the crops. In that way we get the
full value of the gas lime as a fertiliser without any of its injurious
effects.

Anti-fungoid and Insecticidal Properties. — For this
purpose the gas lime should be fresh. If applied to the surface
and left there oxidation will take place rapidly, and the ammonia
escapes. It should, therefore, be lightly harrowed or pointed in so
as to retain the ammonia, or a portion of it, as well as that resulting
of the conversion of the cyanogen, which takes place, provided
there are substances in the soil containing bases for the formation
of nitrates. As some time is required for oxidation to alter the
poisonous properties of the cyanogen, the gas lime must be applied
on bare ground or fallow in anticipation of the crop. On ground
intended for spring sowing or planting it should be applied in
autumn — on stubbles after ploughing, or garden plots after digging,
lightly harrowing or pointing in, whilst for autumn sown or planted
crops it should be applied two or three months previously, and for
Turnips, &c., it may be applied up to February or early March, and
this will allow time for its oxidation, and conversion of the
injurious matter into assimilable food for the crops, whilst fungoid
and insect pests in the soil have been destroyed, and there are the
remains of the gas lime, equal in value to a dressing of gypsum and
lime, for the benefit of current and succeeding croj s.

In the whole of my experience with varied substances I have
not found any equal to gas lime in effectiveness against fungoid and
insect pests harbouring in the soil. Against grubs, club, maggot at
the roots of Brassicas, finger-and-toe in Turnips, slugs, and pre¬
datory vermin of all kinds, there is no agent so effective for
destruction as gas lime. Year after year whole fields of Turnips
succumb to finger-and-toe, which could have been prevented by a
dressing of gas lime, Clover is galled at the roots, and crops of all
kinds are prejudiced by fungoid and insect pests in the soil, and
many which exist on the plants find their refuge in the soil, which I

are mitigated in the severity of their attacks on the crops by a
dressing of gas lime. Never were Turnips infested by finger-and-
toe, Brassicas with club or grub, Onions with maggot, Clover with
galls, or cereals withered by grubs, to say nothing of cankers
and blights without end allowed to increase on land to which a
dressing of gas lime has been applied.

As an anti-fungoid and insecticidal agent gas lime is invaluable.
In cleansing the land of pests preying upon its crops it is un¬
equalled (so far as I know) in efficacy and cheapness. For land
having a slight tendency to produce in its crops any of those
maladies attributed to fungoid or insect pests, a light dressing of
gas lime will suffice, or three tons per acre, which is equivalent to
42 lbs. per rod (30j square yards). That is a minimum quantity
to be of value, even on clay soils, which require a less quantity
than light or sandy soils. Clays contain more abundant bases for
the formation of nitrates, are more retentive and less affected by
atmospheric influences than sandy soils, so that a less quantity
suffices. In case of light soils the quantity should be proportion¬
ately increased ; indeed the dressings should be in proportion to
the texture of the soil. If for a heavy soil, three tons are employed
per acre, it may be increased to three and a half tons at the dividing
line of a clay from sandy loam, and at the extreme the other way,
or a sandy loam four tons, which gives a difference of a ton between
a very heavy and a very light soil, or of 14 lbs. per rod. At those
rates it may be given every third or fourth year, according to the
rotation, with very beneficial results as regards the bulk of the
produce and the freedom of the crops from disease.

When, on the other hand, the land is foul, recourse must be had
to more drastic measures — i.e., increase the quantity of the gas
lime. Five tons for heavy, and six for light soil per acre, may be
taken as a sufficient quantity to rid land of pests injurious to its
crops. That quantity will effectually save the Turnip crop from
finger-and-toe. I saw whole fields of Turnips in 1886 a putrid
mass, whilst gas lime could be had for next to nothing at the works
within two miles. The cultivators attributed the disaster to the
peculiar season, but smiled and shrugged their shoulders in
contempt at the mention of gas lime. In some cases whole fields
succumbed, and many others had their crops much depreciated in
value by a very severe attack of Brassica aphides. Had those fields
been given a dressing of gas lime on the stubble fallow in February
or early March at the rate of five or six tons to the acre, and
lightly harrowed in, I am certain the “ peculiar ” weather would
have had no effect in inducing finger-and-toe, nor would the aphides
have appeared — to destroy the crop in the first case, or reduce its
bulk by half in the other. Seventy pounds per rod effectually
cleanses the soil of gardens, but owing to the follow-on system of
cropping that prevails, it is difficult to apply it so as to prove
efficacious without prejudice to the succeeding crops, and not only
that, but there are fruit trees, &c., near the vegetable quarters, to
which the gas lime incautiously used would prove injurious, if not
fatal. In mixing gas lime with compost it must be kept away from
the roots of trees, or it will kill them, and it is highly poisonous
to Box edgings, &c. In its fresh state it must be used upon bare
ground or fallow, and two or three months in anticipation of the
crop. This is repeated to prevent disaster by its injudicious use.
Perhaps the best time to apply gas lime to gardens is as soon as the
soil is cleared of its crops, disposing it evenly on the surface, and
pointing in lightly, or scratching the surface over well with a fork.
After it has lain for a few weeks, six to eight, it may be dug in
and the ground cropped. Gas lime, however, is best applied and
kept near the surface, therefore it should be applied when practi¬
cable, as advised, on bare ground that will not be required cropped
of two or three months.

Some have a decided objection to gas lime on account of its
smell. This is remarkable, when we compare it with the odour of
diseased or decayed vegetable crops. To correct the offensiveness,
the gas lime may be mixed with sufficient dry earth as will render
it dry enough to be handled, and in that state it is readily applied
to land, and more evenly than used in its raw state. Ashes may be
used when the dressing is for heavy soil, or preferably charcoal, or
even the ashes resulting of the burning of a heap of twitch, whilst
for light soils loam would be most desirable. In this state its value
as a dressing is considerably enhanced.

The only other agent comparable to gas lime is fire or charring.
It is the remedy of the scientists, albeit one long pursued by horti¬
culturists, and of which a notable instance of efficacy in freeing
the soil of those pests, fungoid or nematoid, causing the Cucumber
disease, has been recently recorded by Mr. Pettigrew in the Journal
of Ho ticullure. For many years (I may say the practice is im¬
memorial) gardeners have been in the practice of roasting cowdung,
peat, turfy loam, &c., for the destruction of larvae, &c, and with
singular benefit to the plants in health and freedom of growth. It
is a question of: heating so as to kill obnoxious vegetable and

June 9, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 461

nimal life, fungoid spores and nematode germs, with others of
ig ler order, by which they are not only kept from injury, but
converted into direct sources of aliment. It is, however, necessary
o distinguish between roasting and burning. The roasting or
arnng is fertilising ; and burning is, as regards the prevailing
■constituents, impoverishing it by the conversion into ash of the
animal and vegetable matter, though it may, and does, effect other
Tt^n?f «*hat, froln another point of view, may be compensating.
It is different in cases of charring soil full of fibre or humus to
burning clay, as we seek to retain all the manurial value of the
«<>i , "hilst in burning we seek a change in the soil constituents.
-I nerefore, in roasting soil for the destruction of animal or
vegetable, we must keep from burning, in order to retain the full
manurial value of decaying vegetable and animal matter. A tem¬
perature of between 21 23 and 270° is fatal to all, animal and
vegetable, indeed it hastens the decomposition, and renders the
matter sooner assimilable. But there is this objection, that
nowever applicable to soil for pot and other plants under the
gardener s care, it can never be generally applicable to land, nor is
u advisable, unless we are prepared to restore the equivalent of
cnat driven from the soil of assimilated, or existing ready for

Being in one moulded piece of rubber it is very durable, and not liable
to crack or tear. The Duplex is made in one useful size, holding about
half a pint. To use this implement effectually, it is best to hold it as
figured in the drawing — thumb at the end. By dropping the hand with
the nozzle end of the ball downwards, and then quickly raising it and
pressing with the thumb, a thick cloud of powder can be ejected.
Many experiments made have convinced the manufacturers that the
balloon-shaped ball is the best form for this purpose. It is not a toy.”

THOUGHTS ON POTATOES AND “ FADS.”

I have had a little experience of editors of various kinds in my
time, and though they differ in some if not in many things they agree
in one — namely, from some occult reason taking a contributor by
surprise. I do not mind confessing that many a time I have written
an elaborate article, as I thought, clothing my ideas, or someone else’s.
in temptingly ornate language, and sending off the precious budget of
fine words in the assurance that the production would be honoured with
big tvpe and a leading position. Vain was the hope, and great my
surprise to find all my pet paragraphs omitted, only the plain matter-of-
fact residue being condensed into half a page of small type ; then, on

Fig, 77.— Insecticide Distributor.

assimilation, matter — ■ i.e., decomposing animal and vegetable
substances, or manure. Burning clay is very distinct from burn-

fing the surface soil of those and loams. Burning clay is very
beneficiil because of its liberating inert matter, improving the
texture of the soil, and enabling substances present and applied to
become sooner assimilable as food for plants by admitting air and
rain freely. — G. Abbey.

AN INSECTICIDE DISTRIBUTOR.

We have had submitted for our inspection by Messrs. Wood and
■Sons, the useful appliance represented in the engraving. It is called
the “ Duplex,” because either the perforated nozzle can be used, or the
larger tube, the powder being driven through this with such force as to
Teach Vines on the roof of an ordinary sized house ; through the nozzle it
is diffused as if in a cloud for filling a greenhouse. Any plants infested
with insects either inside or outside the house can be dressed in a
■moment, and the appliance will be of service in the Bose garden and for
fruit trees. It appears to be fairly described in the circular as follows :
“This distributor spreads a dense cloud of tobacco powder, sulphur,
thanatos,’ hellebore, or any other insect powder ; and, by using the
tube in place of the perforated nozzle it will eject to a considerable
distance, thus enabling the operator to reach distant plants and shelves
or overhanging plants. It can also be used for ejecting fluids or liquids.

the other hand, some plain narrative of facts, or a series of random
jottings, that 1 thought might just pass muster, have to my equal
surprise been brought to the front. But why ! That has often puzzled
me, and more than once has reminded me of those far past episodes in
schoolboy life of being “ brought to the front to be whipped.” Teacher
Iggulden seems to take that view of the case in respect to my article on
page 367, and hence he whips me.

Out of this preamble two thoughts arise. The first is this. If a
young man desires to accomplish anything on which he has set his mind,
let him cast aside everything he finds an impediment and persevere. If
he wishes to be a writer, an editor will teach him what to avoid better
than all the schools ; and if the truth were told I suspect it would show
that some of the best writers on-gardening are those who have profited
the most by failures, hence ceased all attempts at grandiloquence of
expression and resorted to the plain, clear, smooth effectiveness of simple
English words. So much for that thought. The next is this. In a
controversy keep a cool head, maintain a good temper, respect your
adversary, give him the retort courteous if you can, and, above all things,
never base an argument on an assumption. That is always a mistake,
and conveys the inference that you are not well grounded in even the
rudiments of logic, and your opponent takes advantage of the position,
I think I am gradually creeping up to my critic, who very clearly
intimates that he is the logician, and I — well, a sort of literary magician,
who can make him believe that black is white. 1 accept the compliment,
as I had begun to despair of his believing anything that did not originate

with himself. -

With a great deal that Mr. Iggulden writes I cordially agree, but

462

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 9. 1887.

am glad to say I generally find something in his articles from which to
differ. If we all thought alike it would be a humdrum world. It was
not necessary for him to remind us of the delight he takes in upsetting
time-honoured “ fads.” Searching for something to which he can object
would seem to be the great work of his life ; and he pursues it with
such energy that if he cannot find something to demolish in an article
Ire is criticising, he will evolve a proposition of his own, or borrow one,
set it up, then proceed to knock it down as if he were pulverising an
opponent. If he continue in that course he will at no distant date
achieve the distinction of being the greatest fad in the family.

One of our friend’s “ fads ” in the past was to advance the existing
vigour of the Early Ashleaf Potato as proof that late sorts had not
degenerated, except through weakening the sets by removing the first
and strongest growths. When I showed that a variety which he now
admits is practically extinct, was so late in starting that it could not
have been subjected to that weakening process, he coolly says, “ We will
drop the Ashleafs,” under the specious assumption that they are “too
much ” for me. Put is there not another cause — the explosion of the
little fad on which he based his argument ? The truth is, move early
growths have been removed from the tubers of the old Ashleaf over a
longer period of time than from any other variety in cultivation. Yet
it exists ; while the least number of early growths have been removed
from the Fluke, yet it is extinct. So much stronger are facts than
fads.

I have practised the retention of all the force possible in the “seed”
tubers of Potatoes for some time, I think, before Mr. Iggulden did, and
certainly denounced their dissipation in this Journal a few years before
our friend’s first line was printed. The practice is bad and injurious to
any varieties to which it is applied ; but it does not account solely for
the weakening of varieties distinctly different in character and that
ripen, if they ripen at all, three or four months later. My contention is
that no plant, be it Vine or Potato, that is systematically perpetuated
from immatured parts — impaired parentage — over a series of years can
be represented in its original vigour ; and I suspect very different argu¬
ments than those advanced on page 413, supplemented by the curious
gleanings from McIntosh, will be required to demonstrate the unsound¬
ness of that proposition. It is based, I think, on a physiological fact,
which is, I take to be, firmer than Igguldenian logic.

This shall now be examined in another aspect. It is suggested
that Potatoes fail through being grown in “ humus-abounding garden
soil,” and gardeners are told to imitate farmers in using more mineral
fertilisers. Without saying anything against those manures we have to
face the fact that it is precisely in the/1 humus-abounding gardens” that
Ashleaf Potatoes have been grown for generations — the very kind that
Mr. Iggulden adduced as typical of sustained vigour. No other varieties
have been grown so long in such rich soil as these have ; still they are
with us as strong as ever, while others customarily grown in the less
rich soil on farms have dwindled away and can no longer be profitably
cultivated. But the truth of the matter, in my opinion, is this, that we
cannot take the Early Ashleaf as a basis of argument in considering the
condition and requirements of the late-ripening sorts. These would not
object to richer soil if they ripened in hot weather and had the same
space for unobstructed leaf -development that is accorded to the dwarfer
growers ; indeed, the better the soil the better the crops now, when the
plants are not overcrowded with clusters of small stems and leaves that
weaken instead of strengthen them, exhausting the land of its ferti¬
lity and returning nothing to the tubers that are starving below.

The best growers of Potatoes, those expert cultivators who can and
do send ten tons of good tubers per acre to market, do not work on the
starvation system, and it was one of these good growers who failed with
the Fluke, and not through the want of either lime, phosphates, or
potash. He knew more about manures than our mentor does who tells
gardeners to imitate farmers, and to use “ anybody’s special Potato
manure,” bceause the more experienced grower had several of those
manures analysed, and some of them were ruinously costly. There are
good “ special ” manures without a doubt, but too many special swindles
have been exposed to render the advice to grow “ anybody’s ” unknown
mixtures safe for general adoption. It is not the best teaching either to
advise the use of kainit as a top-dressing before earthing the plants.
It should be applied with the sets if not before, or it will mainly benefit
the crop after the Potatoes, if such need potash. With nitrogenous
manures, such as sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda, also the
tolerably quick acting superphosphate, it is different, and 1£ cwt. of
either of the former with twice or thrice that quantity of the latter so
used have proved a profitable investment, but even phosphates as well
as potash are better applied with the sets. Another word on manures.
Nobody’s, let alone “ anybody’s,” special mixtures are equally suited for
all soils. The best advice on the use of fertilisers is that which has been
enforced by the writer of the farm articles — to know what you are buy¬
ing, and buy under a guarantee ; then always bearing in mind the in¬
junction of Mr. Cook in the last two lines of his valuable letter on
potash last week (page 454), in which he says with great truth, “ Careful
experiment in all cases is the only absolutely reliable test of the require¬
ments of crops in any soil.” It is by acting in accordance with that
test and a generous application of fertilisers that the best crops of
Potatoes are produced, and not by using “anybody’s” special manures
just before earthing the plants.

I have yet to refer to the assumption, absolutely gratuitous and
groundless, that neither myself nor the able Potato grower to which re¬
ference was made “ tried the experiment of planting Flukes on a warm
border ” for securing a longer season of growth and better seed. Both
that and other experiments have been made ; and it is on them, and not
mere theory, that my remarks were and are founded - and yet my
logical critic would “ like a few tubers to experiment with ” in that
direction. Why did he not try the plan when he had the chance, and
thus teach from experience instead Of drawing on his fancy for argu¬
ments, and hoping to have the experience afterwards when he can get a
“ few tubers ?” I have probably made experiments with Potatoes that
our friend has not dreamt of, and quite sufficient to enable me to dis¬
pense with the necessity for hunting up McIntosh — a mine that is well
worked by more than one writer on gardening.

Me. Iggulden is years too late in his suggested experiment, and he-
may perhaps be interested to know that his new plan of leaving-
Potatoes in the earth for retarding their growth in spring was systemati¬
cally practised thirty years ago with varying results. It was this which
led to the once much lauded but not long practised system of November
planting. I have known Ashleaf varieties, left undug, all start into-
growth in the autumn, and thus ruined, and they can be kept- better
under favourable conditions out of the ground. With Flukes the plats
utterly failed. During some seasons it answered with Regents ; irt
other years it was non-effective. I have not tried it with Champions,,
and in some soils especially, I should think it likely to answer well with
them. Mr. Murphy is in error in supposing leaving them in the ground’
is equivalent to pitting. The circumstances are quite different unless-
the heaps are like many I have seen — miniature ridges resting on a base-
not much more than a foot wide— that method of storing being prac¬
tised by a very able gardener who Won his spurs years ago as an ex¬
hibitor of Potatoes, and who is always a formidable opponent whenever-
he exhibits. That narrow-ridge pian is good and worthy of mention,
here.

Me. Iggulden is justified in recommending the Champion since it
answers so well with him, but the fact remains that it is no longer
nearly so profitable as it once was in many districts, with the result that
the acreage under that variety is greatly reduced. One cultivator who*
had about 300 acres of the Champion a few years ago has not now-
thirty acres ; and I have seen more diseased tubers of the variety than,
of Regents grown in the same field.

I could say something in support of the experience of “ N. B.” as-
to the precocity of unripe tubers, and if time permits shall not hesitate*
to say it, though it may appear in conflict with some views to which I
have given expression — at least any possible “ lashing ” from Mr„
Iggulden will not deter me ; all his flagellation I can endure, if not
enjoy, because the greater his onslaught the more the chinks in his
armour are invariably exposed.

Mb. Iggulden has something to learn on the subject of changing
seed. This is very evident from his remark as to the inutility of
changing vegetable seeds, say Peas, as seedsmen could tell him, and
farmers too, whom he asks gardeners to imitate. Anything more curious:
than the remark alluded to has not lately appeared in the Journal ; it is*
a fad with a vengeance in the opinion of — A Thinkee.

POSTPONING ROSE SHOWS.

The disorder of postponement has appeared among Rose show-
fixtures, and seems to be a catching complaint. Reigate was the first
victim, and then the Crystal Palace fell. The inconvenience of the
alteration at the last moment, of the date of a great Show like that of"
the Crystal Palace, long since fixed and advertised, and in accordance
with which other fixtures are arranged, is very considerable, and is in no*
way reduced by the selection of the day of the Queen’s great Jubilee-
Review at Aldershot, when railways on that side of London will probably
he in a state of chaos. One result has already been that the Hereford'
Show has had to be postponed from the 8th to the 15th July, a date when
the Hereford Roses will probably be past their best, and other shows will
also very likely be upset by the alteration ; while the two favourite dates
of the 1st and 2nd July are left without any shows at all.

It remains to be proved that Roses will be later this year than last,
when it will be remembered that in spite of severe spring frosts, the-
principal Surrey growers found their Roses past by the 6th July ; but
the postponement of long-settled and advertised fixtures, apart from
independent reasons of necessity, is both unfair and unwise ; for if it
be urged that there will be few exhibitors at early shows, even should it
be the case, it will not mend matters much to postpone, as the exhibition
will then probably have to be held on the same day as another show
elsewhere, and there are very few exhibitors that can be in two places;
at once.

This year there seems a danger that exhibitors may find no shows to
go to until the Roses are all over, and that then all the shows will be
held on one day. — Theta.

An excellent American adage bids, “ Never prophesy unless you are
sure.” The temptation to do so is, however, strong occasionally, perhaps

8

Jane 9, lf-87. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

463

oi m the present instance. This season is a peculiar one, and appears to
rue peculiarly hopeful. For the first time for many years we have
escaped the May frosts. Those terrible three days, with their ten or
mote degrees of frost, have this May been conspicuous for their absence.
The frosts of April and cold of May have kept Roses back most unusually,
••and yet since they started the constant showers have been pushing them
on fast. For many years past, so far as I have noticed, the first blooms
have always been more or less damaged by the May frosts, and unfit for
♦exhibition. If these have escaped this year, the backwardness of the
reason n»ay he found more than made up.

At the same time the shows have been getting rather mixed. 1 see
"that one Association with which I have the honour to be connected has
brought down on itself the heavy indignation of another association by
staking its day, and of course the great Crystal Palace has done the same
without compunction. That, however, is but to run foul of the great
Jubilee review on July Dth. If it were any use suggesting, I would
•submit that if affiliated societies would allow the secretaries of the
■N. R. S. to have a final voice in the fixtures, very much clashing would
be avoided, and popular exhibitors escape impassioned appeals to be in
.three jilaces at once. — A. C.

CLEAN CELERY.

v • Celery is a very common vegetable, not only finding a place in all
'large gardens, but almost every amateur grows it, and many cottagers
try to have a row or two. We give away hundreds of plants every
spring to the latter, and find a great demand for them in our own parish
alone. There is no difficulty in growing it, as any ordinary soil well
manured will cause the plants to assume large proportions, but it is no
•easy matter t« secure large well-blanched specimens quite sound and
•clean. As a rule the stems that are under the soil become disfigured
with worm marks. In competition worm-marked heads stand no chance
•of winning a prize, the cooks do not approve of it, and when cut and
used as a salad the marks are by no means attractive. Short clean
'Celery is such a very desirable production that all should do their
'Utmost to secure it, and careful timely attention will, as a rule, accom¬
plish it. The chief matter is to dress the plants with soot, lime, and
salt. Salt is dangerous, but some things agree with it, and Celery is one
•of them. It must not, however, be used very freely, and a slight sprink¬
ling now and again is sufficient. As soon as the plants begin growing
place a little in the trench, spreading it over the surface, but not quite
•over the plants. Repeat this after each earthing, and in nineteen cases
•out of every score there will be no worm marks on the Celery. Soot
may be used in. the same way, but it may be placed more over the plants,
and it may be mixed with the soil in the process of earthing. Lime
may also be nsed in the same way. Should earthing go on and it is
not discovered that there are any worm markings until they have taken
■possession of it, it will be labour in vain to apply any of these pre¬
ventives I have named. Prevention is the point to consider, and this
•can only be done by beginning with the growth of the plants, and
•continuing the application of the antidotes as long as it is necessary. —
A Kitchev Gardener.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Perhaps horticultural societies were never so numerous as now, for
•they are fast becoming established in every town and village, and,
•taking them as a whole, they are in a more healthful condition than ever
before. Such a state of things could scarcely be expected when the
■present depressed state of trade compels economy and reduction on a
broad scale. No doubt horticulture generally has suffered, and these
institutions alone have held their own, in fact they have not only
increased in numbers but in prosperity with few exceptions.

This is most gratifying when the opposite might have been expected,
and augurs well for the future prosperity of gardening. I take this
pleasing sign of the times as a certain token that a love for the
■garden and gardening is becoming deeply rooted in the hearts of the
■people of this country. I feel convinced that those who support horti¬
culture so ably have realised that this pleasurable pursuit is calculated
to raise the public taste. This refinement and appreciation of the
-beautiful in nature is already apparent, for the public flock to flower
shows with greater eagerness than was the case a few years ago.
Perhaps this has been more marked during the last year than during
my previous period. The large provincial show of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society must, however, be excepted, for it was a failure, due, I feel
certain, to the great attraction that was held so near. It must not be
taken for granted that the Liverpool public will not bestow their
patronage and support on such worthy objects. The quickness and
readiness with which the necessary guarantee fund was raised to £2000,
in round numbers, will quickly dispel such a notion. Again, the autumn
show held by the Liveqmol Horticultural Association was well patronised,
for considerably more money was taken at the doors than has been the
case before. 1 hope the “ Royal ” will not conclude that their shows are
not appreciated in the provinces, and therefore decide to hold no more.
For my own part, I hope to see them again in Liverpool. Success may
and can be insured in the provinces if the Society were reorganised, and
when a decision is arrived at to hold an exhibition in the provinces, to
work in perfect harmony with the local society, iE there is one. To
ignore those who know the neighbourhood and are in decidedly the best
position to tender advice means partial failure. 1 look to the future for
brighter things, when a better feeling will exist generally towards the

‘ Royal,’’ its labours widened, and its usefulness increased. This can be
accomplished by united effort on the part of all, whether they live in
the vicinity of its home or in the provinces. How can this be accom¬
plished ? In no better way than by finding something for all to do. Give
horticulturists far and wide a voice in its management, and then I
predict great success for the old Society.

No one familiar with horticultural societies will dispute that they
are managed on a better system, a more business-like pinciple, than
formerly. Rut it is not enough to start in a certain groove and keep in
it year after year. The public demand something more than this, and
if it is not supplied such societies lose their hold upon the public, and
soon struggle for an existence, and finally wind up their affairs in every¬
body’s debt. I have watched the decay of societies, and but for the
timely introduction of new energy and re-organisation would have gone
to the bad. Some have failed and been replaced by institutions worked
on a wider nnd broader base, and thus succeeded. Rut to insure suc¬
cess and public appreciation it is not sufficient to work on the same lines,
and provide without variation the same or similar attractions at their
gatherings for those who bestow their support. When schedules are
issued time after time, and arrangements carried out on the same prin¬
ciple, the idea becomes established that it is no use going to the flower
show, it will be the same as last year. My advice then is to the directors
of these exhibitions to set their house in order, remodel their rules if
they need it, and vary the schedule as well as the arrangement of the
exhibits as much as possible for the pleasure and entertainment of the
public. These must be interested, for upon them horticultural societies
are dependent for their existence. What Ls wanted is change, at the
same time the main object must be kept in view — namely, the advance¬
ment of horticulture. Greater strides in the attainment of this end
would be certainly accomplished by deviation from the trodden path.
There is far too much sameness in our exhibitions, and this will con¬
tinue as long as the schedules are issued annually with such slight altera¬
tions from those of the previous year. Certain classes should be dropped
out and fresh ones introduced, and the schedules issued early to give
ample time for preparation. Again, the schedules of some prominent
societies only actually provide for two or three classes. A few open
classes for nurserymen, the remainder for gardeners — amateurs as they
are called — with slight restrictions to prevent the smaller growers in the
last section being out-rivalled by those with greater convenience, no
provision being made either for cottagers or amateurs proper. The
object of every society should be to widen its base of operations, and
provide for the greatest possible number, so that its influence will extend
at widely as possible. Horticultural societies do not flourish by and for
the few, but by the aid of the many.

Horticultural societies have undoubtedly assisted in the progress of
gardening, but if they are to do their share in this work in the future
it is not sufficient to exist solely for the benefit of a few in the vicinity
of each locality. It may he argued that the produce of the few staged
in excellent condition has a great stimulating effect upon others by in¬
ducing determination to achieve similar results. No doubt such is the
case, but holding two or three exhibitions in a year is by no means
sufficient to keep alive that enthusiasm necessary for steady progress.
When the exhibition is over there is a lack of interest even in the
Society itself, and on this account, instead of progress being made, there
is a strong inclination to plod on in the same old style. Many societies
have, during the past few years, instituted fortnightly or monthly meet¬
ings of the members for the purpose of reading papers and discussing
subjects connected with gardening. Such efforts are praiseworthy, and
will, if carried out in a right spirit, result more beneficially to those
who take part in them than merely seeing a number of excellent
exhibits. Even in these meetings there is often a lack of energy and
interest. A good deal may and undoubtedly is due to shyness. Greater
good would result from these gatherings if more would take an active
part in writing papers or offering an opinion on those brought forward.
The interest ir. these meetings at Liverpool is increasing. For some time
past they have been well attended, and if they continue the Society will
soon need larger quarters.

I have said there is a difficulty in getting membSrs to write papers,
and I have a suggestion to make which the Liverpool Society as well
as others might make a note of and duly consider — that is, to offer
liberal prizes for papers on different subjects, one to be open and the
remainder to be confined to the neighbourhood of the Society. The
rules for the regulation of ages, and other matters that would be required
in such a case, I leave for others to deal with. This would bring for¬
ward papers sufficient to last a whole session, provided the prizes were
worth competing for. Liverpool did attempt this, but the competition
was poor; and well it might be, for the Society only offered 10s. 6d.
for the successful candidate. This matter is under consideration, and
I daresay they will be more generous in the future, and I feel sure will
be liberally responded to by a good competition. This should be the
work of societies as well as meeting together and holding two or three
exhibitions.

This reminds me, too, that all prosperous societies with a good
balance at the bank should establish a library in connection with their
meetings for the benefit of the members. Such a thing merely wants a
start, "a few pounds set apart annually for a few years would secure a
good number of useful books, and then there would not be much diffi¬
culty in making it self-supporting. I am firmly convinced that if
societies only made a start and then appealed to owners of gardens in
their ne ghbourhood that the appeal would not be in vain, but that they
would be liberally assisted by either money or books.

464

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ June 9, 1887.

It will be seen, then, that not only does the Royal need reorganisa¬
tion, but other societies in a better financial condition according to
their size require a thorough overhauling, and their base of operations
widened. The result would be that the membership would be materially
increased in proportion as they extended their influence and created an
interest in their varied work. Could there be a better or more appro¬
priate time for commencement ? Let the Jubilee year of Her Majesty
be also the jubilee of horticultural societies for increased effort and
usefulness in the progress and advancement of the profession in which
we are so deeply interested. — A Northerner.

THE NORTON PANSY SOCIETY.

Mb. C. E. Scarne, the Chief Librarian of the Birmingham Library
and a few friends who reside at King’s Heath, near to King’s Norton,
one of the most pleasant suburbs of Birmingham, initiated a Pansy
Club in 1886, and held their second Exhibition Whit Monday. The
season has not been a favourable one by any means for Pansies in the
Birmingham district, but there was a fair display of blooms, many of
those from the local growers being of very fine quality. The chief
winners were Mr. Alfred Hunt, Mr. John Hunt, Mr. G. F. Bullock, Mr.
John Simkins, and Mr. C. E. Scarne, who exhibited some good Pansies
and Violas in pots, which took leading honours.

The silver medal for the best named seedling not yet sent out, three
blooms to be exhibited, was awarded with a certificate also to Mr. James

Fig. 78.— Spirsea confusa;

Simkins for Syren, a full sized flower, of first-class form and smoothness,
colour, violet top petals, with wire margin of white, immense deep rich
blotch with well defined margin of white. Messrs. Laird & Sons, Edin¬
burgh, obtained a certificate for three blooms of Fancy Pansy John
Pope, an improvement on William Dean, a very fine variety. Messrs.
Paul & Son, Paisley, were awarded certificates for a Fancy Pansy Alfred
Hunt, a good variety, also for a fine show yellow ground Pansy named
William Dean. Messrs. Laird & Sons, Edinburgh, contributed a quan¬
tity of leading Fancy Pansy blooms, Mrs. R. Young, Mrs. Orr, Mrs. H.
Hunter, William Allan, very bright ; Princess Beatrice, Mary Tate, Wm.
Dean, Mrs. J. C. Hope Vere, William Dick, Campbell Bannerman,
Brightness, and Gem, being especially fine.

Messrs. Paul & Son, Paisley, contributed a very fine lot of blooms of
Fancy Pansies, containing many promising seedlings, and the following
named varieties were very fine Mrs. J. P. Frame, Wm. Dick, Pilrig,
Evelyn Bruce, Mrs. J. Dobbie, Lord Rosebery, Louise Dottie, William
Cuthbertson, and Miss Bliss. Messrs. Laird & Son sent a very fine lot of
Viola blooms, the most noticeable being Archie Grant, Arthrey (very
distinct and pretty), Harlequin, Duchess of Albany, Pantaloon, Emilyn,
Lady Sophia, Topsy, and a bright striped seedling.

Messrs. Pope & Son of the King’s Norton Nurseries, sent a grand lot
of Fancy Pansy blooms, quite equal in quality to the best Scotch flowers
sent, the finest being Bob Montgomery, Lord Rosebery, Koningsberg,
Mrs. Scott, Princess Beatrice, Pilrig, Miss Bliss, Charlie Stansell, My

Lady, William Dick, Mrs. C. P. Frame, Evelyn Bruce, Mr. Mclnnes.
Maggie Edgar, A. Grant, May Tate, Bellona, and Wm. Duncan. This
firm also contributed a handsome group of plants not for competition.

The first prize for six blooms of any sort of Pansy was gained by
Mr. Alfred Hunt, with six fine blooms of William Dean, Fancy variety.
Mr. Cooper, gardener to the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., sent
for decoration a fine group of plants. Judging from the great interest
taken in the Pansies and Violas by the visitors a great impetus will be
given to the cultivation of both plants in the district.

SPIR2EA CONFUSA.

Under this name Messrs. James Veitch & Sons have had a number
of elegant shrubby plants in their flower house this season, and it seems
so well adapted for forcing that it merits the attention of those who
wish to provide as diversified a display as possible early in the j ear_
The branches are very slender, bearing small oval slightly cut leaves and
most abundant compact trusses of pure white flowers, which last a con¬
siderable time. Spirtea confusa (fig. 78) is as easily grown as any other
form of the genus. A good loamy soil suits it, and after forcing the plants
should be encouraged to make a free growth, which must be. well
matured out of doors in a sunny position, as they will thus gradually
acquire an earlier habit of flowering. If planted out they should be
lifted early in the year, potted, and introduced to moderate heat, as if
placed in a strong heat they are not so satisfactory.

ARE POTATOES DEGENERATING?

It was not till this morning (June 1st) that I saw the Journals of
the 19th and 26th ult., in the former of which, at page 392, appeared
some notes of mine on the above subject, and in the latter number at
page 419 I see it is suggested that I am one of those enthusiastic growers
who beg or buy tubers at exhibitions. I first thought of treating such
a suggestive insinuation with the silence it deserves. I now write to
inform the suggester that the dart has quite miscarried. Of the eleven
international exhibitions I have been present but twice when the show
was over, seldom staying after the first day, leaving others to remove
my exhibits, which I gave them for eating purposes, “ such well deve¬
loped and carefully preserved tubers” not being in my opinion (after
washing, perhaps scrubbing, and lying on the exhibition table exposed
to a strong light for three days) either the best for eating or seed. I
think had suggester been a frequenter of great shows in the metropolis
during the last three or four years he would have abandoned the idea
of such tubers having a chance of success in another competition, aa
they would be sure to be beaten by fresh ones, though not possessing
their size and symmetry. That the exhibited tubers “ invariably start
stoutly and strongly ” I deny. I have seen them so much damaged as to
be worth little for seed purposes. To the question as to purchasing seed
Potatoes I answer I have for the last seventeen years every season
bought for seed from one or more of the following dealers : — Messrs.
Veitch, Carter & Co., Hooper & Co., Daniels Brothers, R. Dean, Sutton
and Sons, Johnson & Son, C. Sharp, C. Fidler, and W. Kerr. I have
in the early spring exchanged many varieties with friends in other
counties, and this, too, with the very marked result I have alluded to-
In these last few lines of mine on this subject allow me to thank you,
Mr. Editor, for inserting my notes on this very debateable question, and
to say to suggester, When argument fails, consider 1 and of all things
avoid personalities. Hit as hard as you like, but fairly, and keep your
temper with your faithful friend — Audax Intrepidus.

THE HANDSWORTH NURSERIES.

The members of the Sheffield Floral and Horticultural Society,,
together with delegates from other societies in the Yorkshire Association
to the number of about seventy, had a very enjoyable excursion on Whit
Tuesday to the Handsworth Nurseries of Messrs. Fisher, Son, & Sibray.
Mr. Fisher, the senior member of the firm, being unfortunately confined
to his house through illness, and the other partners being from home,,
the visitors were conducted through the extensive ranges of glass houses
and over the more interesting portions of the nursery grounds by
Mr. Williams, the able and courteous manager of the indoor depart¬
ments.

The Orchid houses proved a great attraction, as they contain a very
fine display of flowers of such showy plants as Cattleyas, Cypripediums,
Dendrobiums, Laelias, Odontoglossums, &c. Especially worthy of notice-
is a grand bank of large specimen Vandas, all flowering profusely,
and being in the most vigorous health. The largest specimen of
V. tricolor planylabris is unequalled in the kingdom. Most of the other
specimens, which are numerous, of V. suavis, V. tricolor, &c., are 3 to
5 feet in height, with large very dark green spotless foliage down to the
pot, and carrying each three or four large spikes of flower, prove unmis-
takcably that Vandas find a congenial home at Handsworth.

Another principal point of attraction was a large span-roofed house
full of the new decorative Pelargonium Duchess of Teck, for which the
firm have just obtained a first-class certificate at the Manchester Whit-

Jane 9, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

465

Runtide Show. This variety is a seedling raised at Handsworth with the
fine foliage and sturdy habit of Madame Thibaut, but is much more
floriferous. The flowers are similar in shape to that variety, being very
round and smooth, many of them semi-double, and are pure white in
colour. As a useful and popular market variety, and for cut flowers and
general decorative purposes, it will, I believe, take very high rank
indeed. A bouquet com|>osed exclusively of its flowers was presented by
the firm to H.R.H. the Duchess of Teclc on the occasion of the opening
by her of a workmen’s exhibition at Elseear some three months back,
and it was by her special desire that her name was given to it. The
plants were crowded with flowers, and a small bouquet from them was
given by Mr. Williams to each visitor, a pleasing souvenir of a very
enjoyable afternoon.

By request of Mr. Fisher two members of the party, Messrs. J. Udale
and W. K. Woodcock, waited upon him at his residence, to which as
above stated he was confined by illness, and received from him a cordial
welcome and greeting to the Society, with a liberal subscription to its
funds, and a strong invitation to the Society to repeat its visit at no
distant date. — W. K. W.

BOUVARDIAS.

Ik a previous article on the culture of these plants I referred to the
leading points of their management, and I now offer a few additional
remarks chiefly on the varieties. To produce good bushy plants of
uniform size in one season they must be started early, and at no time
must the plants receive the slightest check. The soil may be a rich
fibrous loam, to which add leaf soil to about one-fourth that of the soil,
with plenty of sharp sand, and add about a 48-sized pot of Clav’s fertiliser
to every barrowful of soil. This will make a good compost when the
plants are shifted into 48-sized pots. In the first potting u«e sandy peat
and loam in equal parts. Grown for market they do not come in for the
serial shifts, a plan which in years gone by was adopted for most plants ;
they are, on the other hand, generally placed first in 2-inch or 2.j-inch
pots, and when sufficiently well rooted transferred to the marketable
48’s. By careful treatment the death rate is very small, and much time
is saved. The only attention afterwards is stopping them regularly till
you have formed good plants, and finally the staking and tying, one
stick being sufficient to each, and the shoots banked loosely to it. An
occasional surface dressing of artificial manure when the plants are
strong enough will greatly aid them, especially when they are forming
the flower buds. Under no circumstance allow any insect pests to take
possession of the plants, for they are attacked by several, such as red
spider, mealy bug, and green fly, and where these occur the usual
remedies should be applied.

The following are the best varieties. Among whites, B. jasminoides
is one of the oldest, and still one of the best ; it is fragrant and very free
flowering, though not quite so vigorous as many. B. Humboldti corym-
biflora has the longest tubes of any, is pure white, highly fragrant, and
most popular for any choice work ; it is very vigorous and free, but not
so continuous as the first named. B. candidissima, this is of compact
growth, densely laden with bloom when planted out of doors, has a
delicate perfume, and its flowers are pure white. Then comes the well
know B. Vreelandi, which is invaluable as a white variety, and of which
one cannot have too much. Among the brightest coloured varieties B.
Dazzler and B. Hogarth are the best, to which may be added B. elegans ;
these three are good scarlets, and are generally grown in quantity by all
the leading growers ; all are of good habit, and are freely flowered, par¬
ticularly the two first named. I n these two batches we have the decided
scarlet and pure whites, the other kinds, as Vulcan, longiflora flammea
rosea oculata, Maiden’s Blush, Reine des Roses, Bridal Wreath, Flaves-
cens, Priory Beauty, and others come in with their various shades of
colour, which, for the most part, is signified in their respective names.
Then we have in doubles Alfred Neuner, pure white ; President Garfield,
flesh pink ; besides which are scarlets in Sang Lorraine, Vermilion
Scarlet, and Victor Lcmoine. From these latest additions to this valu¬
able group we have only to turn to such species as B. triphylli, B. angusti-
folia, B. versicolor, and B. longiflora, to find that if the rate of progress
is not rapid, it is, to say the least, exceedingly well marked. — J. H. E.

A CLOSE ATMOSPHERE TOE BEST FOR KEEPING

FRUIT.

After trying many ways of keeping fruit in a sound condition after
it was matured, I have no hesitation in saying that it can be preserved
best in a close atmosphere free from damp. King of the Pippins Apple
is said to be a variety ready for use in November and December, but I
have some fruit of it now that arc almost as plump and fresh as they
were in November. It is just about eight months since the fruit was
harvested, and surely any Apple that can be kept for that time, or for
four or five months after it is ready for use, as well as the system that
reserves it, arc worthy of attention. The fruit in question have been
ept in a drawer, the atmosphere being very close and dry, and I am
sure any quantity of Apples might be preserved in a place of this kind
for months after they would be decayed in a damp or even ordinary
fruit room. I have also noticed that so long as the American Apples
are kept in a close barrel very few of them decay, but they are not
long unpacked until many of them show spots and signs of decay. This
would indicate that a close atmosphere is the best for preserving fruit.
The other day I gathered a quantity of Strawberrries. Some of them
were put into a shallow- box, covered closely over with paper, and in¬

advertently left there for nine days. When I came across them I thought
when the paper was lifted that they would only be a decayed mass, but
I was surprised to find them almost as fresh as when gathered, and the
flavour as good as ever. Had they been exposed to the air I am sure
they would all have been quite decayed. When once Pine Apples are
quite ripe they soon decay at the bottom and upwards if left in the hot
damp house in which they have been growing, but I have frequently
kept them for six weeks after being quite ripe in a cool close room. • Dry
cool conditions are undoubtedly the best for preserving fruit. Ten days
ago I gathered a ripe Peach from a Hale’s Early tree in a pot. I placed
it on a marble slab in a dry room, and in looking at it now I find it a9
fresh as on the day it was gathered.— A Kitchen Gardener.

LEPTOSPERMUM BULLATUM.

Amongst neglected hardw-ooded plants must be ranked the charming
Leptospermum bullatum, a free-growing floriferous plant that ought

to be in every greenhouse. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, has
some beautiful little specimens this season in his nursery, plants in
48-size pots being small pyramids of pure white flowers, and the smallest
plants seem to flower equally freely. So profusely are the blooms pro¬
duced that in some instances the narrow dark green leaves can scarcely
be seen, and the branches are covered their whole length with snowy
flowers.

In a compost of peat, sand, and light turfy soil this Leptospermum
grow-s quickly and flowers frequently, the only special care it needs being
in the affording good drainage and supplying water carefully.

TOTATO DISEASE— MULCHING.

Since 1845 the Potato disease has, despite the researches of science
and the efforts of cultivators, gone its course. Some years there is com-

466

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I Jane 9, 1887.

parative freedom from disease, and in others the Potato is virulently
infested. The Potato haulm is rendered susceptible of disease by some
predisposing agency, for until that condition is assumed it afEords no
nidus, in fact is proof against its attack. We have seen patches or tracts
of land over a wide or restricted area where the disease clears all before
it, leaving, however, patches comparatively scatheless. We know also
that certain conditions of soil not only as to moisture and location, but
as to constituents, natural or applied as manures, have influences on the
Potato in respect of freedom from disease. The Potato ought to do well
■on clays through being rich in potash, but such soils are cold, and the
■crops are very susceptible of disease. Potatoes do very well on sandy
■soil though containing but a trace of silica, and grow well on limestone
■or chalk, though they contain next to no lime, and aided by potash and
phosphates, whether from farmyard dung or artificials, plenteous crops
of Potatoes on siliceous and calcareous soils are had with increased
liability to disease. In England we have Potatoes grown on fen land,
■which are, I submit, unwholesome as human food. The land being
suited to them is no apology for their being thrown on the markets.
Is the Potato a flat low-lying country plant 2 I doubt it, for does it not
contain more nitrogenised matter grown on siliceous and calcareous
soils than in the bog-like soils of fens ? No one will eat them that can
/get those grown on soils and in a climate more favourable to the for¬
mation of nitrogenised matter. Who, indeed, will look at them other
/than the necessitous 1 Turn them into pork by all means, it will save
importing bacon and benefit the grower and consumer greatly.

In order to avoid disease, early planting, avoidance of soil or manure
likely to induce grossness of haulm, and the selection of varieties with
a steady ligneous haulm are the three cardinal points in Potato culture.
The hardiest varieties withstand the fungus longest, and vice versa, fresh
■manure tends to grossness of haulm, are well-known facts. There are,
Tiowever, other factors to be reckoned with besides disease, which, if not
so destructive, are very prejudicial to the crop. There is super-tubering,
which is a consequence of check given the growth by drought after the
Potato has commenced tubering. Super-tubering occurs more frequently
•on good soil than on poor ; indeed it is not so troublesome in the latter to
-anything like the same extent, for the plants overtaken by prolonged
drought ripen the crop as it is, and the tubers are small, sound, and of
high quality, but of the crop the least said the better. Super-tubering
is therefore resulting of the same cause which tends to disease. It may
seem paradoxical, but it is really a too rich soil and gross plant that
causes super-tubering, albeit it is attributed to the drought just as the
■disease is to the dripping atmosphere. Mulching so far as llcnow in no
way contributes, but in preventing super-tuberation the tendency is to
:an earlier maturation of the crop, therefore greater likeliness of freedom
from disease.

Instead of putting in the manure at planting about the sets if the
land needs enrichment I apply manure in autumn ; but I do not advise
•autumn manuring only as a matter of convenience, though it can do no
great harm in heavy soils, but on light soil much of the manurial matter
will be washed out long before the time of putting in the crop. I there¬
fore advise the manure, if any is used prior to planting, to be applied
some little time only before putting in the crop, and to the whole of the
ground, and only lightly ploughed or pointed in, having it reduced by
■turning and mixing as to be in good working order. Placing fresh
manure in the ridges immediately in contact with the sets is a bad prac-
•tice — bad as regards disease, worse in respect of super-tubering, and of
least benefit as aliment. Our aim should be to encourage surface roots
-and give the Potato as much advantage as possible of the ameliorated
soil and matter assimilated in it as plant food. This is effected by the
ridge system of culture. On a light soil I plant with the sets 3 to
4 inches deep on the flat ; in a heavy soil I plant on the surface or
make the least possible furrow, and cover the sets with soil as in mould¬
ing to the depth named. The crop is hoed once or twice to destroy any
seed weeds, and not deep, as the roots will be near the surface, and it is
the fibres that collect the food for forming the tubers. Earth them as
soon as ready, not being afraid of making the ridges a good width, nor of
giving the plants too much ameliorated soil to grow in, and let it reach
-up to the stems, giving a depth altogether of 6 inches above the set, or
for strong growing sorts a little more. This should be done in good
■time, or before the fibres have extended into the space that will be dis¬
turbed by the moulding. The roots will reach the limit of the ridges
■quickly and extended across the spaces. They feel the influences of the
atmosphere and warmth of the sun, and the growth is sturdy and well
solidified owing to the reciprocal action between the tops and bottoms.
When the crop is well on the way the ground having had time to become
warmed and the roots extended to the outside of the ridges, mulch the
whole space between the ridges and their sides, but not top with the manure
ithat under ordinary methods would have been put in the ridge furrow
under or over the sets. Dispose it evenly and an inch or =o thick. Any
rough material will do, as it will longer serve its purpose as a mulch.
The time the mulch is put on depends on circumstances ; some plant
■early sorts in February or early March unsprouted ; others do not plant
until the end of the latter month or early April with the sets sprouted
half to three-quarters of an inch. Such should be mulched soon after
the middle of May, the second earlies early in June, and late varieties
•soon after or at latest by midsummer. It is necessary that it be done
before there is danger to the tops by its application and before dry hot
weather. As a rule it may be done from a fortnight to three weeks after
■earthing, or upon a push of work in prospect immediately after.

Mulching encourages surface roots, keeps and feeds with the dews of
drought, insuring a steady and progressive growth, making them inde¬

pendent of the weather or less susceptible of checks. The- current crop
is better, and the succeeding has the soil enriched for it by the mulch,
in the only way securing of its many virtues. It does more — viz., it
reserves all the resources of the soil for the benefit of the current and
following crop. It prevents weeds growing, therefore the Potato haulm
has the benefit of the sun, of a free circulation of air, and those solidify
the haulm, enable that to assimilate the sap and transmit it to tubers,
large in size, and having the matter of which they are built nitrogenised
in proportion to the elaboration of the sap, the criterion of quality
The disease cannot be avoided ? I think it can, but certainly not by
the variety we now possess ; at least, not until it has a hardier nature,
and which I feel certain it will have. But can nothing be done to
prevent and mitigate it ? Of course, the tops can be pulled up as soon
as it appears in the haulm, and the tuber be saved ; but what is the
good if the haulm is allowed to fester on the soil 2 What becomes of
the spores ? Surely when the fungus is young in the leaves and stems
it could be prevented by burning the haulm. The haulm, instead, is
left filling the soil with reproductive germs. Then there is the Potatoes
left to foul the soil, it may be fill it with spores ready, to fasten on the
succeeding cropping of the ground with Potatoes. There is also allow¬
ing diseased crops to remain for the fungus to pursue its course of
destruction, not a hand raised to remove the diseased haulms, and the
land is left as full as can be of the fungus.

Soil should be well limed. It may be objected that lime is no deter¬
rent. It will not kill the spores, but it may liberate organic matter to feed
the crop in the earlier stages of development and induce earlier matu¬
rity, therefore preventing disease, and it may have a mechanical action
on the soil favourable to the Potato in growth and in preventing disease.
No harm can come of a dressing of lime in spring — eighty bushels per
acre, or if containing much vegetable matter as obtains on freshly
broken up land, or rich from heavy dressings of manure and repeated
croppings, double the quantity may be applied advantageously. The
value of lime is also great as a base for the formation of nitrates, espe¬
cially so in soils full of humus. As a destroyer of fungus gas lime is
perhaps unequalled. Five tons per acre is an ample quantity, applied
to the surface not later than February, and lightly harrowed or pointed
in. It is also good against slugs and other vermin.

As to the rotation, if Potatoes follow Potatoes rest assured it will
bring soapy esculents ; the tubers will be wanting in nitrogenised
matter, the haulm will be long and weak, and the crop will not corre¬
spond. Every alternate year is as frequent as land ought to be cropped
with Potatoes, and the best preceding one is a Leguminous crop or
cereal.

Seed tubers also have a considerable influence on the crop and its free¬
dom from disease. This also points in the direction of the Potato being a
hill plant, and seed tubers from a cold and distant locality have greater
vigour than those reared and grown on low for a number of years,
which are much feebler in growth and more susceptible of disease. A
change of seed from a clay to a sand is good in the same locality, and it
is better still when the locations are distant. Seed from a northerly
part is marked by a stronger haulm, a better crop, and enhanced in
freedom from disease, but under any circumstances changing the seed
is good, and better still is the origination of strong-haulmed varieties,
which, however, are, for the most part, marked by a decline of nitre*
genised matter and a depreciation of using quality. Medium-sized sets
are best, except for the early varieties, and for these the sets can hardly
be too strong, only the eyes are reduced to one or at most two, so as to
insure strong haulm, large even-sized tubers, and as few chats as pos¬
sible. Cutting the sets is commendable, especially with early varieties ;
but it tends to earliness of crop, and to a more even-sized crop from
the cut having fewer eyes to start growths than the uncut. Dressing
the tubers with quicklime before planting is a capital plan. It dries
up the wounds caused by cuts, makes the Potato less palatable to slugs
and grubs, and may have a destructive or deterring effect on fungoid
germs. — Utilitarian.

An International Exhibition of Industry, Science, and
Art at Glasgow is being arranged for 1888. The prospectus has been
issued with long lists of Committees and a diversified schedule. A
large section will be devoted to agriculture, horticulture, and arbori¬
culture, the other classes being of a miscellaneous character, including
machinery appliances, various natural and artificial products, furniture
pottery, glass, jewellery, paper, and printing, &c.

- - - The Gardeners’ Orphan Fund. — A meeting of the Sub¬
committee that was appointed to make the necessary preparations for
establishing the fund on a sound basis met in the Council room at
Chiswick on Friday evening last, Mr. G. Deal presiding. Several hours
I were spent in the preparation of rules, and the meeting was adjourned

Jnne 9, 1887. ]

467

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

till next Friday. Intimations of support of an encouraging nature have
been received, and it is expected that an organisation fraught with much
benefit will start under favourable auspices.

- - Messes. Wm. Paul Sc Son, of the Waltham Cross Nurseries,

send for our inspection some blooms of Lilac Maeie Lequay, a
french variety recently introduced to this country. It appears to us to
be the finest of the White Lilacs, both as regards size of pip and the trusses
of blooms. The variety alba grandiflora, which we have hitherto
considered a very superior white Lilac, sutlers considerably by com¬
parison.

- A Coexish correspondent sends us flowers of the handsome and

delicate Abutilon vitifolium. and remarks that he has “a specimen
14 feet high and 32 feet in circumference, fi feet from the ground, grow¬
ing out of doors, in a position sheltered from the north, east and west.”
This fine Chilian shrub is occasionally seen in collections of rare plants
in cool houses or conservatories, and we remember seeing a good example
in one of the late Mr. Joad's houses at Wimbledon. Except in such
climates as that in the extreme west of England it would not be safe out
of doors. The flowers arc large and open, with broad ovate petals of a
delicate purplish mauve tint, and are produced in great freedom.

- We arc requested to state that the Hebefoed and West of

England Rose Show, advertised in our columns to take place on
Tuesday, July 8th, has been unavoidably postponed to Friday July 15th.
All communications are to be addressed to the Hon. Sec., H. P. Bnlmer,
Esq., Credenhill Rectory, Hereford.

- The Calceolahias at Bedfobd Hill House, Balham, as

grown by Mr. W. Rapley, have been a feature of interest during the
past eight or nine years, and this year, though the plants are not so large
as usual, the effect produced is as rich and the varieties as fine as ever.
It is the last display of its kind that will be seen there, as the ever-
invading army of London builders have reached the fine old residential
estate, and will soon overrun it. Mr. Rapley is consequently in search
of another charge, and it is hoped it may be such as to enable him to
continue improving and growing so well his excellent strain of Cal¬
ceolarias.

- Manchester Show. — Messrs: Wm. Wood A Son write, “May we

beg the favour of the correct notice in the ilext issue of your paper of
the award of our silver medal “ for the best dish of Strawberries ” at
the Manchester Show last week to Mr. Chuck, gardener to P. Thelluson,
Esq., Bradsworth, near Doncaster. This was overlooked in the Show
report, and some of the papers have the name of another exhibitor as
the recipient of our medal, which is misleading.”

- Me. J. Hiam, writing respecting Fruit Prospects in Wor¬
cestershire, observes : — “ I never remember seeing the Apple trees
looking so promising as at .the present time. The trees look like monster
bouquets ; the bloom is evenly distributed to the centre of the trees in
large orchard trees. Plums are well set for a moderate crop ; Peas are
setting well for a heavy crop ; Apricots are a good crop ; and bush
fruit very promising.”

- Me. A. Harding writes from Orton Longueville : — “ Many

curious places have been noted where Robins Build their Nests.
Two or three years ago I found a nest with eggs in a large plant of
the Elk’s Horn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne) then growing in a vinery
here. A few days ago I found another robin’s nest in a plant of
Adiantum farleyense growing in a 12-inch pot. The plant is in a warm
greenhouse with small Palms, Ac., used for indoor decorations, and one
of the top lights is nearly always open a few inches. That is the only
place I can find where the bird comes in and goes out. To-day,
June 2nd, I looked at it, and found there six eggs in it. Care will be
taken of it.”

- A Kentish correspondent writes on Rain v. Insects : — “The

recent rains may have done some harm, but they have also been bene¬
ficial. I find in some of the orchards the destruction of young
caterpillars in consequence ha3 been very notable, and the continued
moisture must have been prejudicial to all the aphis tribes.”

- Mr. F. Gifford writes that “Chrysanthemum Exquisite,

a pure white single variety, sent out by Mr. T. S. Ware this spring, is
really fragrant and much sweeter than any Chrysanthemum I know.”

- The Committee of the Sheffield and West Riding Chrys¬

anthemum Society have determined to increase the value of the
second and third prizes in the chief class for forty-eight blooms in
thirty-six varieties, the amounts now standing as follows : — First prize*
a silver cup value 15 guineas, with 4110 in cash ; second £10 ; third £5 —
total £40 15s. in one class. This ought to encourage superior cultiva¬
tion, and result in great competition at Sheffield on November 18th.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. G. King, recently gardener

at IV olsey G range, Esher, has been appointed gardener at Glenchess
(not Glenhurst as recently given), Loudwater, llickmansworth, Herts.

- Mr. J. Main has sent us samples of Mushrooms from a bed

that was spawned in November and recently commenced bearing. Finer
specimens no one could desire to see. They varied from 4.J to 6 inches-
in diameter, yet possessed all the freshness of youth and were in the
best condition for use. Each had been carefully cut and wrapped ins
tissue paper, hence they were quite free from grit. We have received
many from time to time that were rendered useless through want of"
care in packing.

- Photographs of Lightning. — The Council of the Royal

Meteorological Society are desirous of obtaining photographs of flashes
of lightning, as they believe that a great deal of research on this subject
can only be pursued by means of the camera. The Council will be-
glad to receive any assistance in the form of copies of any photographs
of flashes of lightning sent to the Secretary, 30, Great George Street,
Westminster, S.W. It may perhaps be well to mention that the photo¬
graphy of lightning does not present any particular difficulties. If a
rapid plate and an ordinary rapid doublet with full aperture be left
uncovered at night during a thunderstorm for a short time, flashes of
lightning will after development be found in some cases to have im¬
pressed themselves upon the plate. The only difficulty is the uncertainty-
whether any particular flash will happen to have been in the field of
view. The Council hope that now the thunderstorm season is approach¬
ing, many photographers may be found willing to take up this interesting
branch of their art.

- At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological,

Society, to be held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wed¬
nesday, the 15th instant, at 7 P.M., the following papers will be read : — •
“ Amount and Distribution of Monsoon Rainfall in Ceylon generally,
with remarks upon the Rainfall in Dimbula,” by Francis J. Waring,
M.Inst.C.E. “Note on a Display of Globular Lightning at Ringstead!
Bay, Dorset, on August 17th, 1876,” by H. S. Eaton, M.A., F.R.Met.Soc..
“Ball Lightning Seen during a Thunderstorm on July 11th, 1874,” by
John W. Tripe, M.D., F.R.Met.Soc. “ Appearance of Air Bubbles at
Remenham, Berkshire, January, 1871,” by Prof. T. G. Bonney, F.R.S.

- Chrysanthemum Exhibiting. — In regard to the controversy-

j ust closed between Messrs. Garnett and Moly neux, the “ Yorkshire grower,’”’
referred to wishes to state that, “ having competed successfully at two
of the leading Chrysanthemum exhibitions in the kingdom, and defeated
— amongst other noted growers — one who has taken a total of 105 prizes
for Chrysanthemums, he thinks he may fairly lay claim to having:
met and defeated some of the best men in England at the leading
shows ; and Mr. Molyneux’s suggestion to the contrary on page 419 is
misleading.”

- An Ornamental Mound. — In the Forbury Garden, Reading,

is a mound at the juncture of two paths that is rendered charming bjr
a simple combination of plants. The centre is occupied by blue German
Irises, intermixed with the variegated Phalaris arundinacea, apd the
rather steep sides of rocks are clothed with irregular clumps of Iberia
sempervirens, flowering freely. The white flowers of the latter, the blue
flowers of the Iris, and the white-striped leaves of the Phalaris harmonise
most pleasingly and effectively.

- The June number of the Kew Bulletin is devoted to a

review of the “ Botanical Stations in the West Indies,” their produc¬
tions and resources. Much reliable information is given on these
matters, and a kind of federation for botanical and economic purposes
is proposed. The report concludes as follows : — “ Considerable interest is-
being taken at Kew in this attempt to group scattered colonies, and
place them in a position to help each other in the development of local
industries. The discussion of this scheme has already suggested the
possibility of forming botanical stations in the several West African
Settlements which are making an effort to turn to good account their

468

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 9, 1887.

natural productions. These have not hitherto been so largely utilised
as they might be. The efforts made for so many years to assist colonial
industries by Kew has naturally thrown upon this establishment a
large share in solving the botanico-economic questions which have
effected the colonies during the last fifty years. As a natural process
of growth, it is only reasonable to expect that well-marked groups of
colonies should combine as regards questions of scientific and industrial
interest, and that Kew should deal directly only with the recognised
centre, from which would be distributed such special information and
such collections of seeds and plants as are specially suited to local cir¬
cumstances, and which could from time to time be reinforced from Kew.
How far schemes of this kind can be carried out remains to be seen.
At present there are good grounds for believing that the scheme will
soon be on its trial in the West Indies, and the experience gained there
will greatly assist in laying down the details of a further scheme that
may prove of great value to the West African Settlements.”

THE GRANGE, WALLINGTON.

“ My Garden,” is widely known as one of the most interesting
private establishments around the metropolis, and is not only known
by reputation but through the liberality of its owner, A. H. Smee,
Esq., in throwing it open annually to visitors, it is familiar to a large
number of persons resident in the neighbourhood, and to others who
have travelled from a distance to avail themselves of the privilege
so generously accorded. It has been found necessary this year to
restrict the admission to certain days, and to those who have tickets,
which are, however, readily procured. During May and June this
quaint and unconventional garden is in its best and freshest condition,
and a most enjoyable hour can be spent in viewing its varied attrac¬
tions, its picturesque tree-shaded walks and Fern glades, its cryntal-
like streamlets, rivulets, and miniature waterfalls, the choice col¬
lection of Orchids, or the wonderful collection of fruit trees.
Usually the handsome scarlet Hawthorns which brighten the
shrubberies or clothe the banks of the lake with a richness of colour
dipping to the surface of the water, are in the best form ere this, but
the late season has told upon them, and they are only just expanding
their flowers. In one sheltered nook the Rhododendrons are, how¬
ever, flowering well, the Laburnums are bearing their golden racemes
In profusion, some old Quinces are covered with large flowers, while
the purple Hazel peeps out at intervals with its bright distinct foliage
in beautiful contrast with the fresh green tints around. The grace¬
ful Ostrich Ferns, Struthiopteris germanica and pennsylvanica, have
thrown up their towering bright green crowns of fronds ; the elegant
Carex pendula, with its dark drooping spikes, which is so abundant at
the sides of the glade walks, are the special features of that part of
the garden. '1 here are numberless other plants of interest, such as
Adiantum pedatum, which has been out for several years and
appears quite hardy, though of course the position is a sheltered one.
Pteris cretica also succeeded for some time, though now lost, but it is
thought this is due to an accident, and not to its being killed by
frost. Then in one nook in a large box frame with a glass top is a
fine specimen of Todea suptrba with fronds 8 feet long from tip to
base. We must not omit to mention a fine band of the white and
blue Scilla nutans, which renders a border adjoining the lawn Very
beautiful. The plant grows strongly and bears spikes of great
length with large drooping bells.

The Apple trees, of which there are 325 varieties, have been very
handsome with their abundant flowers, and there is likely t) be a fine
-crop of fruit. Small fruits are not quite so abundant as last year,
but very promising, Strawberries flowering freely, and the vegetables
are now advancing rapidly under the stimulating influences of a
higher temperature and abundant moisture.

But we must turn to the Orchid houses, for in them there is much
to admire just now. With such a varied and extensive collection there
is no period in the year without some special attraction, but at the
present time Mr. Smee has a large number of plants of Cittleya
Mossim in flower ; and as he has given much attention to the forma¬
tion of the collection, purchasing all the best forms he could procure, or
selecting them from imported plants flowered at The Grange, it is not
surprising that he has now a series of varieties that for distinctness
and richness could scarcely be surpassed. They constitute alone a
•study of much interest, and show at once the range of variation pos¬

sible in a species, and how well marked many minor characters are in
the discrimination of such forms. One notable character is seen in
the form and position of the petals ; in some they are spreading and
even in outline, in others they are gracefully arched or drooping,
these being usually much broader and the flower larger than the others.
In the lip also a considerable difference is observable in the form.
Some have the lateral lobes unfolded over the column, so as to form a
long tube, and then the expmded front portion is more or less
rounded ; in others the tube is very short, and then the front portion
is longer, oblong, elliptical, and show the colouring in the throat
better. The coloration is much varied. In some a crimson tint pre¬
dominates ; in others the yellow or orange is chiefly seen. Occasionally
an orange or gold tint seems to underlie the crimson, and then an in¬
tense magenta shade is produced of remarkable richness. The
colouring is either solid to the margin or broken up into veins on a
lighter ground, in some cases on pure white, and the effect is then
very beautiful ; the margin is commonly lighter or pure white and
frilled. At the base of the lip there is a rich veining of crimson or
other similar shades that in the more open forms is well seen. Three
of the most distinct have been selected for names, one of which,
C. Mossim Mis. Smee, is an extremely handsome variety, represented
by an admirable specimen, bearing seventeen fine flowers. The
petals are 4 inches long by 3]- inches broad, drooping gracefully ;
the lip is open, 24 inches in diameter, beautifully and deeply frilled
and crisped at the margin, of a very rich golden hue in the throat,
running up the sides of the lip, the centre magenta, broken towards
the edge, which is like the sepals and petals, a bright rosy mauve
tint C Mossim Dr. Duke is another distinct form with bold flowers
delicately tinted with a bright golden orange colour predominating in
the lip. C. Mossim Cummiugsiana [named after Mr. Smee’s intelli¬
gent gardener, Mr. G. W. Cummings] is notable for the neatly
fringed lip with a golden bronze or coppery centre. Many others
could be mentioned showing almost equal divergences of character,
and all have a capital effect arranged with the Ferns.

In the same house Lmlia purpurata and Cattleya Mendeli are still
handsome, while there are numbers of other Orchids of special in¬
terest, such as the useful Dendrobium thyrsiflorum with very long
racemes of large flowers like the variety Walkerianum ; several
Brassias, such as Keiliana, with narrow sepals and petals, dark red¬
dish at the base, tipped with orange, and a yellow lip ; B. Aniherotes,
nearly black at the base of the petal, with the upper part yellow ;
and the greenish yellow B. verrucosa. Lmlia cinnabarina has a
number of its bright orange scarlet flowers that are seen to excellent
advantage amongst the other lighter coloured flowers. Cypripedium
Lawrencianum is represented by a remarkably fine variety, the dorsal
sepal 24 inches across, and veined withveiy rich dark crimson tipped
with wfiite. The rosy crimson Broughtonia sanguinea is grown on
teak and cork blocks, but the plant on the former seems to be much
more happy than the other. Some old stem3 of Tree Ferns have been
purchased for Orchid blocks, and are cut into segments of suitable
size, according to the plants to be placed on them. These are found
better for many epiphytal Orchids than wood, and when well
moistened and the plants secured to the cut surface it is surprising
how rapidly the roots penetrate the substance.

Other plants flowering in the fernery are a form of Masdevallia
Veitchiana, supposed to be a natural hybrid between M. Davni and
Veitchiana, a very fine dark variety of M. Chimm,'a, M. Iloutteana,
and M. rosea, very free ; Epidendrum vitteliinum majus, good
variety ; Odontoglossum lmve, 0. maculatum, which has been
flowering for several months ; Lycaste fSkinneri, that has been in
flower since Christmas ; the pretty yellow Oncidium concolor ; and
Dendrobium luteolum, Odontoglossum Rossi majus, with very large
flowers ; 0. maculatum, dark variety ; 0. Pescatorei ; 0. citrosmum,
with long drooping racemes ; Oncidium macrantbum, showing its long
panicles ; Dendrobium clavatum, Cypripedium Lowi, and Hooker®,
the neat distinct Vanda cristata, and the curious Pleurothallis Bar-
beriana, with hair-like racemes of minute semi-transparent flowers
dotted purple, and the Aerides-like Thrixspertnum Berkleyi, with a
knob like lip. Trained to the roof are plants of Ball of Fire
Tropaeolum almost constantly in flower, and the Elvaston variety of
Smphanotis fl .ribunda, together with several plants, in pots or planted
out, of Begonias, Asclepias curassavica, and the graceful profuse
Hoya Paxtoni, which is so well adapted for suspending in pots from
the roof of a house.

Houses are devoted to Masdevallias, of which a large collection
his been formed, comprising many of the small-flowered species, and
also of the large and richly coloured Harryana, Lindeni, and ignea
types. The following are flowering now — amabilis, Benedict®,
Chimmra, Estrada, H irryana vars. conchiflora, cmrulescens, and
sanguinea, ignea superba, Lindeni, ochthoides, rosea, Shuttleworthi,
Trochilus, Veitchiana, Wagneri, Chestertoni, ludibunda, and Simula.
With these are also many Odontoglossums, such as crispum, cirrhosura,
cordatum, maculatum, lmve, Pescatorei, proenitens, and Rossi majus.

Jure 9, 1887. ]

JO UR X A L OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEXER.

4G9

One p’ant of M. ochthoides is remarkable for having been in flower
constantly for six years, and has now a number of flowers. Somo
Satyriums are being grown in this house with Disa cornuta, D. sagit-
talis, and the blue D. Hcrscheli, and several Pinguiculas, all very in¬
teresting and thriving satisfactorily. An adjoining house is devoted
to Laelias, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, and miscellaneous Orchids, in¬
cluding some rare and valuable specimens. Phaltenopsis, Aerides,
and \ andas also have a house appropriated to them, and are making
good progress. The interesting experiments in hybridising have
been continued, and a number of pods are swelling. Unfortunately
this, is the least difficult part, but obtaining good seed, and then in¬
ducing this t) grow, require nauch care and patience.

A little animal that performs good service in Orchid houses in de¬
stroying insects, the green frog (flyla arborea), is very abundant at
The Grange ; and though a native of the warmer parts of Europe it
seems to have become acclimatised there, for some turned out in the
garden last year have survived the winter, and their sharp croaking
may be occasionally heard in the trees for some distanco around. —
Lewis Castle.

ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP SOCIETY.

The Jubilee Exhibit’on of this old Society took place on June 4th, in the
Exhibition House of the Manchester Botanical Society, Talbot Road, Old
Trafford, and, in order to make the Show commemorative of the Jubilee of
Her Majesty, the prizes hitherto offered were considerably increased in
amount. Every effort was put forth by growers to exhibit on this occasion,
and, considering how cold and retarding the weather has been — in fact, it is
one of the latest seisons for Tulips known for years past — the Show was a
remarkably good one. There was a muoh larger number of blooms than was
expected, and if they were a little undersized they were pure in the ground
and bright in c dour, and in some instancs very correct in their marking.
Mr. Barlow will be at his best ten days hence, and what few flowers he
was able to show had been in not a few instances “ steamed ” into expansion
in a high and moist atmosphere. As is usual, thoRiv. F. D. Horner, Low-
fells, Kirkby Lonsdale, helped by his excellent Tulip house, was again well
to the fore, as usual carrying off the chief prize. It is satisfactory to know
not only that a considerable addition was made to the money value of the
prizes, but that a few young growers put in an appearance for the first time,
and though the old hands drop off one by one, otners are found coming for¬
ward to take their places.

A selection of the best flowers shown on this orcas’on may prove useful
to such of our readers as are interested in the Flori-t’s Tulip. The best
feathered bizarres were Commander (very fine on this occasion). General
Grant, deep yellow, feathered with bright red ; 'William Wilson, Garibaldi,
Sir Joseph Paxton, and Masterpiece, the latter in b autiful form, the feather¬
colouring so dark as to be almost black. The best flamed bizarres were
Dr- Hardy, very fine ; Sir J. Paxton ; Polyphemus, a flower that is n a-ly or
•quite eighty years old, and on this occasion vtry finely marked ; Orion,
Ajax, and William Lea. Feathered roses were more numerous than any
other cliss. The best were Annie McGregor, Mrs. Lea, Mrs. Thurstan, with
rfch crimson-scarlet markings ; Nanny Gibson, Mrs. Lomax or Mabel,
Heroine, very good; Julia Farnese, with a heavy bright scarlet feather ;
Mode-ty and Industry, both very gool. Filmed roses : Annie McGregor,
very fine; Mrs. Les, a good but very scarce variety ; Mrs. Lomax, Lady C.
■Gordon, an old variety, showa on this occasion in very fine form ; Rose
Celestial and Aglaia, an old but very useful flower, though somewhat narrow
in the petals. Feathered byblcemens : This is a scarce c.aas at all times,
and on this occasion the best flowers were Mr. Cooper, Adonis, Bessie, the
flowers as pure as could be desired ; Mrs. Jackson, with its exquisite b’ack
feathering, and a seedling in the way of Friar Tuck, of which more will no
■doubl be h;ard next season. The best flamed bizarres were William Park¬
inson ; Talisman, very fine ; Walker’s Duche-s of Sutherland, this old variety
"being seen in gool condition ; Carbuncle, very fine, in the way of Adonis,
and in the opinion of some good judges the best-flamed flower ia the show ;
and Alexander Magnus. The best bizarre breeders were Sir J. Paxton ;
Horatio, a grand flower ; William Lea, and William Wilson. The best rose
breeders, Miss B. Contts, Annie McGregor, Mrs. Birlow, and Mabel. The
best byblcemen breeders, Alice Grey, light lilac, always pretty and good;
Glory of Stakehill, and Beauty of L tchurch.

The cup class, a3 it is terme 1, for twelve dissimilar Tulips, two feathered
and two flamed, in each class, brought five “ pans,” as they are termed, the
Rev. F. D. Horner, Kirkby Lonsdale, being placed first, and so repeating his
victory of last year, staging remarkably good blooms of b zarres, feathered,
Sir J. Paxton and Orion ; flamed. Commander and Royal Sovereign ; roses,
flamed, Mabel and Mr;. Lei; feathered, Nanny Gibson and Annie McGregor;
byblcemens, flamed, Talisman and Walker’s Duchess of Sutherland ;
feathered, Friar Tuck and Mrs. Cooper. Second, Mr. James Thurstan, Albany
Road, Cardiff, who had a very good lot also, consisting of bizarres, Aimed,
8ir J. Paxtoa and Polyphemus ; feathered, MisterpPco and Asclepias
(Thurstan); roses, flamed, Aglaia and Lady Catherine Gordon ; feathered,
Industry and Mr. Thurstan (Thurstan); byblcemens. flamed, Talisman and
Duchess of Sutherland ; feathered. Seedling and Ecip*e. Third, Mr. D.
Barber, St inton-le-Dal.*, who had bizarres, flamed, Sir J. Paxton and
Defiance ; feathered, Masterpiece and Seedling ; roses, flamed, Mary B irber,
an improved MabT, and Triomphe Royal ; feathered, Industry and Aunis
McGregor; bybloem ns, flamed. Duchess of Sutherland and Talisman;
feathered, Mrs. Hepwor h aud Trip to Stockport. Fourth, Mr. Aider-
man Woolley, Stockport; and fifth, Mr. J. H. Wood, Royton.

In the class for six dissimilar Tulips, one feathered and one fl true 1, in
each class, the Rev. F. D. Horner was again fiat with bizarre, flamed, Sir
J. Paxton; feathered, Masterpiece ; roses, flamed, Mabel ; feath red, Nanny
Gibson; byblcemens, Aimed, Talisman: feathered, Mrs. Cooper. Second,

S. Barlow, Esq., J.P.. Stakehill House, Cislleton, with bizarres, flamed, Sir
J. Paxton; feathered, General Grant; roses, flamed, Mabe' ; feathered,
Modesty ; byblcemens, flatnel, Carbuncle, very fine iadeed, and gene- J

rally regardel as oae of the best flamed flowers present; feathered,
unknown. Third, Mr. Alderman Woo'ley w th bzirreq Aimed, Sir J.
Paxtoa; feathered, seedling, suppose! to be Johu Hart; roses, flamed,
Aglaia and Mabel; bybloemem, flamed, Adonis: feathered, Seedling, very
promising. Fourth, Mr. J. Thurstan; fifth, Mr. J. H. Wood ; sixth, Mr.
Joseph Boyde’l, Lovton.

Next came a class for the same number of flivvers, the competition
open to half-guinea subscribers only, llers Mr. Wright, Prescott, Lowton,
was first with bizarre, flamed, Sir J. Paxt n, aud feathered, Masterpiece;
roses, fl imed, Aglaia, and fea-.hered, Industry ; byb’cein -n, fl imed, Talisman,
aud feathered, A ionis. Second, Mr. R. Woolfenden, Royton, with bizarre,
flamed, Exc-Lior, feathered. Masterpiece ; roses, flamed, Mabel, feathered,
Modesty; bybloemen, flamed, Talisman, feathered, Mrs. Jackson. Third,
Mr. Tuos. Simpson, Derby, with hyb’oemen, flamed, Sir J. Paxton, and
feathered, Masterpiece ; roses, flamed, Mrs Lomax, and the same feathered ;
btbloomen, flamed, Duchess of Sutherland and feathered Proserpine. Fourth,
Mr. A. Fearnley. Lowton. Next came a class for three feathered Tulips, oue
in each class. Mr. Alderman Woolley being first with bizarre, Masterpiece ;
rose, Alice; and byb'oemen, Seedling. Second, Rsv. F. D. Horner, with
b’zirre, Royal Sovereign; rose, Modesty; and bybloemen, Mrs. Cooper.
Third, Mr. T. Simpson, with bizarre, Masterpiece; rose, Industry; bybloe-
men, Proserpine. Fourth, Mr. W. Dymocks, Stockport. Fifth, S. Barlow,
Esq., J.P. Sixth, Mr. Isaac Hesford. Ten stands competed in this class.
In that for three Aimed Tulips, oae of each class, there were seveu compe¬
titors, and the Rev. F. D. Horner was placed first with bizarre, Sir J. Paxton ;
rose, Lady Sefton ; byblcemen, Talisman. Second, S. Barlow, Esq., with
bazarre, Sir J. Paxton ; rose, Mibel; byblcemen, Wil iam Parkinson. Third,
Mr. Alderman Woolley, with bizarre, Sir J. Paxton ; rose, Chancellor ;
bybloemen, Aglaia. Fourth, Mr. J. Thurstan. Fifth, Mr. J. H. Wood. Sixth,
Mr. R. Woolfenden. The next class was for maiden growers only. Thres
p izes being offered for two Tu'ips, one flamed and one feathered. Mr. T.
Simpson was awarded the first prize with bybloemen, Aimed, Sir J. Paxton,
and bizarre, feathered, Masterpiece. Second, Mr. Isaac Hesford, with
bizarre, feathered, Lord Lilford ; and bybloemen, Aimed, Adonis. The fol¬
lowing class was a similar one, aud open to all. Here Mr. Alderman
Woolley was first wiih bizarre, flam’d. Sir J. Paxton; and byblcemen,
f athered, Seedling. Second, Rev. T. D. Horner, with bizarre, Aimed, Dr.
Hardy, and bizarre, feathered, Masterpiece. Tnird S. Barlow, Esq., with
bizarre, flamed, Dr. Hardy, and bizarre, featherel, General Grant. Fourth,
Mr. Thos. Simps sn ; fifth, Mr. H, Housley ; sixth, Mr. Jas. Taurstan.
Twelve stands competed in this class.

Then follows 1 the clashes for single bloom in each class, a large number
being staged and ten prizss awarded in each. Bizarre feathered. — First, S.
Barlow, Esq., w th William Wilson; second, with Garibaldi, and tenth with
a seedliug ; third, Mr. Alderman Woolley, with Masterpiece, seventh with
seedling, and ninth wi.h John Mills; fourth, Mr. H. Housely, with Duke
of Devonshire; fifth, Mr. T. Simpion, with S r J. Paxton; sixth, Mr.
Thomas Wood, with an unknown flower; eighth, Mr. J. Thurstan, with
Seedling. Roses, feathered. — F/rst, Mr. Moorhouse, with Heroine ; second,
Mr. D. Barb-r, with Industry, and eighth with Sarah Head'y ; third, Mr. J.
Thurstan, with Heroine ; fourth, Mr. Simpson, unknown. fifth with Industry,
and ninth with Mrs. Lomax; sixth, Mr. Woolley, with Julia Farnese;
seventh, Mr. W. Prescot, with Mrs. Lee ; tenth, Mr. J. Boydell, with Isabella.
Bybloemen feathered. — First, Mr. Woolley, with a seedling, finely marked,
and very pure ; second, Mr. W. Dymock, with seedling, also very good and
promising ; third, Mr. J. Hesford, with Talisman ; fourth, Mr. R. Wool¬
fenden, with Mrs. Jackson, and fifth with Violet Amiable ; sixth and seventh,
Mr. Moorhouse, with seedlings ; eighth, Mr. Thurstan, with Adonis ; Messrs.
Kitchen and Barber b ing ninth and tenth with unnamed fliwers. Bizarre
flamed. — First, Mr. D. Barber, with Sir J. Paxton, second with the same, and
fif„h with Dr. Hutchens; third, Mr. Simpson, with Dr. Hutchens; fourth,
Rev. F. D. Horner, w th Orion ; sixth, Mr. J. Boydell, with Duke of Devon¬
shire ; seventh, Mr. Woolley, with San Jo; eighth, Mr. Trescott, with Pilot;
ninth, Mr. Woolfenden, with Excelsior; tenth, Mr. H. Housley, with Merit.
Roses, flamed. — First, S. Barlow, E q., with Mabel, and ninth with Lady
Gordon ; second, Mr. Housley, with Annie McGregor, and fourth with
Mabel ; third, M>. D. Woolley, with Aglaia ; fifth. Rev. F. D. Horner, with
Little Rose, and tenth with Lidy Sefton ; sixth, Mr. T. Simpson, with Mrs.
Lomax; seventh, Mr. R. Woolf n len, wi h Industry ; eighth, Mr. Fearnley,
with Mr. Talbot ; aud ninth. S. Badow, Esi , with Lady Sefton. Bybloemens,
flamed. — First, R -v. F. D. Horner, with Tal sman ; second, Mr. J. Thurstan,
with Adonis; third, S. Birlow, Esq., with Lady HarJwicke, and seventh
with Luttenberg ; fourth, Mr. Woollev, with Bessie, and sixth with Lord
Denman; eighth, Mr. Simpson, with Duchess of Sutherland; nmth, Mr.
Woolfenden, with Mr. Jackson ; tenth, Mr. W. Kitchen, with Seedling.

The premier feathered Tulip was a seedling bizarre shown by Mr. D.
Woolley, greatly resembling John Hart. The premier flamed Tulip was Sir
J. Paxton, shown by the Rev. F. D. Horner.

The beautiful self-coloured breeder Tulips were in strong fores, though
Mr. Barlow was unable to show them to any extent, owing to the lateness
of the season. Th re were five stands of six dissimilar, two of each class,
the Rev. F. D. Horner being fiist with bizarres Ariosto and Sir J. Paxton;
roses, Miss B. Coutts and Thomas Parker; bjbloemens, Alice Grey and
Glory of Stakehill. Second, Mr. J. Wood, with bizarres William Lee and
Horatio ; roses, Mabel and Industry ; bybice nens, Alice Grey and Board-
min’s No. 1, which appears to be identical with Mrs. Gooper. Thi'd, Mr. J.
Thurstan, with bizarre seedlings ; roses, Annie McGregor and seedling; and
byblcemen seedlings. Foiftb, S. Barlow, Esq.; fifth, Mr. A. Moorhouse.
There wire twelve stands of three blooms, the Rev. F. D. Horner being
again first with bizarre, Sir J. Paxton ; rose, Thomas Parker ; and bybloe¬
men, Alice Grey. S;Coud, Mr. R. Woolfenden, with bizarre, William Lea ;
rose, Pr tty Jane ; and bybloemen, Alice Grey. Third, S. Barlow, Esq., with
bizarre, Hepwortli’s 27, very b ight ; rose, Mabel; and byblcem n, David
Jackson. Fourth, Mr. J. Thurstan; filth, Mr. Woolley; sixth, Mr. H.
Housley; seventh, Mr. J. II. Wood ; eighth, Mr. A. Moorhouse.

In the classes for single blooms a consido able number of flowers were
staged, and the awwds were as follows : — Bizarre. — First, Mr. Wooltenden
with Lea’s No. 2. Second, Mr. Prescott with Sulphur. Third, S. Birlow,
Esq., with Excelsior. Foirth, Mr. Woo’lev with Seedling. Fifth. Mr.
Thurstan with Seedling, and sixth with Sir J. Patton. Seventh, Mr. Tao3.

470

[ June 9, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Wood with the same. Eighth, Mr. H. Housley with R. Tates. Roses : —
First, Mr. J. Thurstan with Lord Derby, very fine, sixth with Seedling, and
seventh with Lady C. Grosvenor. Second, Mr. Woolley with Mabel. Third,
Bev. F. D. Horner with Lady C. Grosvenor. Fourth, Mr. R. Woolfenden with
Industry. Fifth, Mr. Moorhouse with Miss B. Coutts. Eighth, Mr. D.
Barber with Industry. Bybloemen. — First and fourth, Rev. F. D. Horner
with Beauty of Litchurch ; third and seventh with Talisman. Second,
Mr. Woolfenden with Alice Grey. Fifth, Mr. Hesford with Seedling.
Eighth, S. Barlow, Esq., with ABhmoles’ 114.

The premier breeder was William Lea, shown by Mr. R. Woolfenden in
excellent form. No certificates of merit were awarded upon this occasion.

READING SHOW.

June 2nd.

A BE1GHT and varied display was provided in the large marquee in
the Abbey Ruins at the Forbury Gardens, Reading, on Thursday last,
but the competition was not very brisk, and there was an absence of
large specimen plants that gave an appearance of thinness in some parts.
It seems as if much of the enthusiasm which once rendered this exhi¬
bition such a good one has been lost, and whether the fault lies with the
exhibitors or the management we cannot say. There is a danger, how¬
ever, that unless some energetic action is taken, the Reading Show will
dwindle to one of fourth-rate importance. The site for the Exhibition
is charming ; most convenient for both exhibitors and visitors. The
neighbourhood is an excellent one ; horticulture is largely patronised,
and there can be no reason why the Show could not be made one of the
best provincial exhibitions. Abundant examples are furnished by other
societies, who, with practical secretaries and committees really interested
in their work, have placed their exhibitions at the head of such events,
both horticulturally and financially. We have seen many examples of
success and failure in exhibitipns and societies, and the latter were
almost invariably the result of following up the “let alone” system
until it was too Tate to rectify the evil by a more energetic policy.

The Orchids formed a pretty group on one of the central mounds,
Mr. H. James of West Norwood winning the first prize for three plants
with excellent specimens of Odontoglossum crispum, seven racemes ;
O. Pescatorei, eight panicles ; and Cattleya Mossias, eight flowers. Mr.
Pound, gardener to G. May, Esq., Caversham, was. second with Dendro-
bium suavissimum in a basket, and bearing fourteen racemes, very
handsome Aerides Fieldingi on a block with four spikes, and Odonto¬
glossum citrosmumroseum with three racemes. Equal third prizes were
accorded to Mr. Woolford, gardener to A. Palmer, Esq., for Cypripe-
dium Lawrencianum, Cattleya Mossife, and Laslia purpurata ; and to Mr.
Baskett, gardener to W. J. Palmer, Esq., for Cypripedium barbatum,
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, and Odontoglossum Roezli, all healthy well
flowered plants. An extra prize was adjudged to Mr. Lawrence, gardener
to Mrs. Owen Knox, Caversham, for Laelia purpurata, L. majalis, with
four of its beautiful flowers, and Cattleya Mendeli. The competition and
quality of exhibits were better in this class than in any other in the
Show. Mr. Parham, gardener to J. J. Simonds, Esq., Caversham, had
the best single specimen Orchid, an extremely fine example of Demdro-
bium c ensiflorum, 3 to 4 feet in diameter, with twenty-six racemes of
golden flowers. Mr. Lawrence was second with Odontoglossum vexil-
larium, and Mr. James third with Cypripedium barbatum majus. This
Society might easily render the Orchids a still more prominent feature
in their Show, as it is evident there are several excellent growers in the
district.

There was nothing of a special character in the stove and greenhouse
plants. Mr. James secured the chief honours with capital specimens, to
which we have repeatedly referred this season ; but they were notable
for their very satisfactory freshness on this occasion. In the amateurs’
class for six stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Parham was the most
successful, having large healthy plants of Rhyncospermum jasminoides,
Lantana Le Grand, Vincas rosea and alba, Anthurium Schertzerianum,
and a capital Vanda teres with twenty fine flowers. The same exhibitor
was awarded chief honours for six Ferns, vigorous specimens of Cibotium
Schiedei, Alsophila australis, Adiantum Williamsi, Lomaria cycadasfolia,
Davallia Mooreana, and Gymnogramma chrysophylla. Mr. Armitage,
gardener to \V. Clark, Esq., and Mr. Dockerill, gardener to G. W.
Palmer, Esq., second and third, . also with good plants. Mr. Dockerill
was first for fifteen Ferns and Selaginellas, showing small but fresh
healthy plants. He also had the best six Selaginellas, being followed
in the former class by Mr. Parham, who was, however, first with best
four foliage plants, showing examples of Phcenix dactylifera, Pandanus
Veitchi, Livistona borbonica, and Maranta zebrina.

Mr. Lockie, gardener to the Hon. G. Fitzgerald, Windsor, was the
premier exhibitor of four Azaleas, medium size plants of Roi d’Hollande,
Reine des Pays Bas, Extrainei, and Duchesse Adelaide de Nassau ; Mr.
Armitage following with freely flowered small plants. Mr. Baskett was
first for the Society’s prize with four Roses in pots, strong healthy
examples of Baroness Rothschild, Paul Neyron, La France, and Duke
of Edinburgh. He was also first for Messrs. Wood & Son’s prize for a
specimen Rose, showing Hippolyte Jamain, and he had the finest single
specimen stove or greenhouse plant, a large globular Clerodendron
Balfourianum, profusely flowered. Mr. Armitage was second with
Plumbago capensis, and Mr. Hatch, gardener toS. B. Stevens, Esq., third
with Hydrangea hortensis, 4 feet in diameter, and loaded with large
heads of flowers.

In the class for nine show Pelargoniums, Mr. Ashby, gardener to
W. Fanning, Esq., was first with fine well-flowered Plants, comprising
Rob Roy, Duchess of Edinburgh, Triomphe de St. Maude, Spotted Gem,

Crimson King, Claribel (very good), Prince Leopold, and Bridal Bouquet.
Mr. Lockie had the best six Calceolarias, followed by Messrs. Baskett
and Dockerill, the two latter, with Mr. House, gardener to J. 0. Taylor,
Esq., having the best Gloxinias.

The groups of plants occupied the greater portion of the space in the
marquee. In the class for a group effectively arranged in a space
12 feet by 10 feet Mr. H. James was easily first with a most tasteful con¬
tribution, the base formed of Adiantums and other dwarf Ferns, with
numbers of brightly flowered Orchids and taller plants of Cocos,
Dracaenas, and a central plant at the back of Rhapis. Mr. Woodford was
second for a varied and bright group of Rhododendrons, Calceolarias,
Azaleas, Gloxinias, Orchids, &c., with a due proportion of Ferns. Mr.
Parham third with a showy group, but rather too formal and elaborate.
Extra prizes were accorded to Mr. Sumner, gardener to T. H. Millard,
Esq., and to Mr. G. Phippcn for good groups. Mr. Ashby was first with
a capital group of Rhododendrons. Mr. Pound was the premier ex¬
hibitor of a group (6 feet by 4 feet), followed by Mr. Balchin. For
small groups of miscellaneous plants the following prizes were awarded :
— First, Mr. Hatch ; equal second, Messrs. Phippen and Armitage 'r
third, Mr. Woolford ; fourth, Mr. Pound ; and equal fifth, Messrs.
Balchin and House. These small collections might be rendered a more
important feature in -the Bhowr- and ■ would deserve a more prominent
position. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, contributed a charming group of show
and decorative Pelargoniums, healthy vigorous plants profusely
flowered, very notable being Edward Perkins, Formosum, Lady Isabel,
Venus de Milo, Magnet, Illuminator, Marguerite, Norma, Madame
Albert Descairis, and Gold Mine. Special mention must also be made
of a large non-competing group from Mr. W. Lee, The Wilderness
Gardens, which formed a fine bank at the end of the marquee, and com¬
prised a number of well grown Ericas, Azaleas, Anthuriums, Orchids, &c.

The prizes for table plants brought several exhibitors, Mr. Waite,
gardener to the Hon. W. P. Talbot, Esher, winning first' honours with
neat plants of Croton Sinitzianus, Cocos Weddelliana, Dracaena ter-
minalis, Dracaena Guilfoylei, and Pandanus Veitchi. Mr. Lockie, who
was second, also had good plants and varieties, Aralia Veitchi, Crotons
angustifolius and Lord Derby, Oyperus variegatus, Dracaena superba,
and Asparagus plumosus ; an extra prize was accorded to Mr; Dockerill.

Cut flowers were not very: numerous ; Pansies were, however, well
shown by Mr. Laurence, gardener to Mrs. Owen Knox, who gained the
first prizes for show and fancy varieties, followed by Mr. Shfimpton.
Mr. Goodman had the best twelve bunches of stove and greenhouse cut
flowers, Mr. James being second ; and Mr. Phippen was first with twelve
bunches of hardy flowers, Mr. Sumner taking the second place. The
Misses Phillips and Barrett were the principal exhibitors in the classes
for vases of flowers. Mr. Phippen was first for a tasteful bridal bouquet,
also showing a fine floral cross and a large epergne of flowers similar to
that honoured at the Crystal Palace recently. For buttonhole bouquets.
Mr. Pound was first, closely followed by Mr. Phippen and Elliott.

Fruit was necessarily somewhat scarce at such an early period in so
late a season ; but the black Grapes were good, especially the premier
pair of bunches from Mr. Turton, gardener to J. Hargreaves, Esq.,
Maiden Erleigh, who had compact well-coloured branches of Black
Hamburgh. Mr. Ashley was second with good bunches, not quite so
black ; and Mr. Cook, gardener to J. Taylor, Esq., third, there being
five exhibitors. The white Grapes were green. Mr. Ashley was first.
wi(h Foster’s Seedling, Messrs Cook and Baskett being second and
third with the same variety. For a dish of thirty-six Strawberries there
were six entries, Mr. Goodman being first with La Grosse Sucree, large
fruits, rich in colour. Mr. Waite was second with Sir Joseph Paxton,
and Mr. Lockie third with Keen’s Seedling, Vicomtesse Hericart de
Thury being shown by two other exhibitors and Sir Charles Napier by
one. The best six Peaches were from Mr. Furton, Early Ascot of good
size and excellent colour, Mr. Cook being second with Royal George.

Vegetables were well represented, particularly in the class for Messrs.
Sutton &. Sons’ prizes, whicii brought several good competitors. Mr.
Lockie was adjudged the first place with clean excellent samples of
Tomato Hathaway’s. Excelsior, Peas American Wonder and Sutton’s
Ringleader, Potatoes Sutton’s Ringleader and Ashleaf, Beans Ne Plus.
Ultra, Cucumber Purley Park Hero, and Vegetable Marrow Moore’s
Vegetable Cream. Mr. Goodman was a close second with similar
varieties, except Tomato Reading Perfection, Sutton’s favourite Cauli¬
flower, Sutton’s Telegraph Cucumber, and Asparagus. Mr. Brooker,
gardener to C. Littledale, Esq., was third. With miscellaneous collections,
of vegetables Messrs. Lockie, Goodman, and Brooker were the prize-
takers, Rhubarb, Asparagus, Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Beans, Potatoes, and
Mushrooms also being well shown in their respective classes.

First-class certificates were awarded to Messrs. J. Carter & Co. for
their fine Queen’s Prize Jubilee Mimulus, and to Messrs. Oakshott and
Millard for a fine solid compact Cabbage named Reading Defiance.

NICOTYL YAPOURISER.

Mb. Benjamin Field, 75a, Queen Victoria Street, E.C., sends us a
sample of a new fumigator entitled Field & Hearson’s Nicotyl Vapouriser
(fig. 80), which is constructed upon the principle of converting a liquid
strongly impregnated with nicotine into a vapour, which is diffused
through the house, and is said to destroy aphides and other insects very
readily. It is thus described — “ The apparatus consists of an annular
vertical chamber, into which is dropped a conical cylinder, open at the
top and bottom. The introduction of this open-ended cylinder divides

/one 9, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER.

471

the interior of the chamt>er into two annular portions r a smaller one
next to the centre flue, which, for the purpose of this description, we
will call the super-heater, and an outer larger one, which we will call the
■boiler. Below the vertical opening in the centre of the chamber, which
we will hereafter designate the lamp chimney, we arrange a lamp
burner and a reservoir for containing the paraffin oil, by the means of
•which the apparatus is heated. The boiler being filled to a certain

Fit;. 80.— Nicotyl Vapouriser.

height with the nicotyl to be vaporised, and a certain measured quantity
•of oil poured into the reservoir, the lamp is lighted and allowed to burn
until the whole of the oil is consumed.” It is well constructed and

•worthy of a trial.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Grape Vines. — These are very late in starting this season, and
unless- we have a hot summer it is doubtful if much of the fruit will
ripen sufficiently for dessert purposes. Very excellent wine, however,
can be made of open-air Grapes, even if they are not fully ripe, and in
any case the Vines should receive attention both now and later on.
Directly it is seen which are showing good bunches, all the best placed
shoots should be reserved and the remainder removed. These laterals
must not be crowded in any way, too much foliage preventing the
ripening of both fruit and wood. In most cases they may be laid in
both right and left of the rods, being either tied to a trellis or nailed to
the wall, but this ought not to be attempted till the laterals will bear a
good twist without being drawn out of their sockets. All we shall do
to ours before the bunches are set with berries will be to stop the laterals
two joints beyond the bunches, and when they are laid in the sub¬
laterals are freely thinned and what few retained stopped to the first
joint. The bunches where extra plentiful are also thinned out early.
Where leading shoots arc required they should be laid in early or before
thej' get unmanageable, and be stopped when about 6 feet long. Young
well-ripened canes being the most fruitful, it is advisable to lay in
•several along the old rods, these being stopped at any length, or from
‘2 feet to r, feet, and may either be fruited instead of the spurs, or,
where possible, the old rods may be cut clean away. We have our best
bunches from young canes trained along the top of a south wall ateve
Peach and other fruit trees, the Vines being planted among the latter ;
and as they are not allowed to heavily shade the fruit trees no harm is
done them. One, or at the most two growths, may be allowed to extend
a few feet from young or newly planted Vines, and these arc best taken
up from near the ground, unless it happens that the cane planted is
extra strong, in which case the leading growths may be started 3 feet
from the ground, and those laterals beyond being rubbed out below the
pinched-baek to the fourth joint. When two shoots are wanted to
extend they ought to be laid in well clear of each other.

Disbudding and Stopping Wall Trees. — Plums, Cherries,
Peaches, Apricots, and Pears are all growing strongly, and the shoots on
the younger trees especially need to be freely thinned, or otherwise
thickets of weakly growth will soon result. After the clean removal
of all badly placed shoots, or those with a tendency to interlace towards
the wall, it may yet be necessary to thin out the rest, a moderately
thinly furnished branch being preferable to spurs thickly disposed.
The young shoots on the branches that are to lay the foundation of

’clusters of fruiting spurs ought, in the case of Plums, Cherries, and
Apricots to be about 3 inches apart, while Pears may well have their
spurs from 4 inches to 5 inches apart. Wherever there is space to be
filled either on old or young trees, a well placed shoot on the upper side
of the branch may be selected and allowed to grow unrestricted for
some time longer, taking care, however, to secure them in position tefore
the wood has become set. Such young growth will frequently put new
life into unprofitable old trees. All the rest of the reserved shoots
should be stopped at once, or while it can be done with the finger and
thumb, this being a far better plan than allowing the trees to expend
much of their strength in the formation of a quantity of growth only to
be cut away with a knife. Early stopping makes it better for the fruit,
as well as any young branches that are laid in, and Ls also the quickest
way of bringing a tree into full bearing. The shoots on Plums, Cherries,
and Apricots may be left from 2 inches to 3 inches in length, and the
Pears rather more. Peaches and Morello Cherries are not usually grown
on the spur system, as these bear best on well ripened shoots formed the
season previous. Only sufficient of these then ought to be reserved, and
eventually laid in to take the place of the old fruiting wood to be cut
away. Thin out the shoots, and in the case of Peaches and Nectarines,
as pointed out on page 404, take care liave a few leaves about the
fruit.

Insects on Peach Trees. — Peaches and Nectarines up to the
present time are singularly free from insect pests, notably green and
black fly. It may be the severe winter we have just passed through
has destroyed those that would otherwise, ere this, have been the parents
of a numerous progeny. As a rule they hybernate in the ground only
too safely, and the trees may yet be pestered with them. A close watch
ought to be kept for them, and a remedy applied on their first appear¬
ance, or otherwise it is almost impossible to exterminate, the black fly
especially. There are various remedies available, all doubtless more or
less effective, but after trying many find none to excel tobacco powder.
If the infested1 shoots are cleared of curled leaves and well dusted over
■with this and left for about two days the engine or syringe will free the
tree of both powder and fly. Red spider has shown itself, especially on
Apricot and Peach trees under a glass coping. To prevent a rapid
spread of this most injurious pest plenty of water must be forcibly
applied to the whole of the foliage, a garden engine being the test
implement for the purpose. If this is persevered in, especially on the
evenings of sunny days, red spider will make little progress, and the
syringings will otherwise benefit the trees.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — The suckers potted last March should, as regards the
strongest, be in their largest pots. If they be not yet potted, no
farther delay must be tolerated, as to retain them longer in small pots
is debilitating and detrimental to their aftergrowth. Recently potted
plants must have a bottom heat of 85° to 90°, and be thoroughly
watered after potting, and no more be given until the soil becomes dry,
as it is necessary to exercise more care than usual at this stage, the state
of the individual plants being ascertained before its application.

Young stock will be making rapid progress, and must be regularly
attended to in every particular, allowing such plants sufficient space for
development, as nothing is so inimical to sturdy plants as crowding
them together in their early stages. Ventilate early in the day at 75°
to 80° to render the foliage dry before it is affected by the sun. Dis¬
continue shading successional plants, but for fruiters with the crowns
in close proximity to the glass a slight shade from powerful sun will be
beneficial.

The strongest plants that were shifted into fruiting pots last Sep¬
tember will be showing signs of fruiting, or if such be not the case,
means must be applied to effect it with a view to a supply of early
winter fruits. The plants should be brought together and subjected to a
comparative rest for the next five or six weeks, lowering the heat at the
roots to 75°, maintaining a free circulation of air about the plants when¬
ever the weather is favourable, ventilating at 75°, and allowing the heat
to fall to that degree before closing the house, only employing artificial
heat to prevent the temperature falling below 60° at night, not with¬
holding water entirely, but when a plant becomes dry supply it literally.
The smaller plants that were not placed into the fruiting pots last
autumn, but were wintered in smaller pots and shifted this spring,
should be kept growing until the pots are well filled with roots, at
which time, if thought necessary, they may bo subjected to similar
treatment as advised for the larger ones, and those plants will then give
a successional supply of fruit.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Early-forced Trees. — In the earliest
houses the fiuit is all gathered from the very early varieties, such as
Alexander, Waterloo, Early Beatrice, Early Louise, and Early Rivers.
The wood on which the fruit has teen borne, it not being extensions,
should be cut out, and this will admit more light and air to the shoots
which are to afford fruit next year. The trees should have a thorough
cleansing with water from the garden engine, or if insects have obtained
a footing they must be destroyed by some approved insecticide. The
borders also must be kept in a thoroughly moist condition, and the
surface be mulched with short manure. Daily syringing will be necessary
to keep the foliage clean. Admit air freely, and keep the house as cool
as possible so as to maintain the foliage in good condition as long as
practicable. The roof lights should not be removed for some time yet,
but it should be attended to at no distant period with a view to prevent
over-development of the buds and early casting of the foliage, or the
trees will start the bloom buds when they should be going to rest.

WOKK.fWHE WE EK, .

472

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 9. 1887.

Second Early House. — Hale’s Early makes a capital succession to the
early varieties, and is a much better quality fruit, being followed by
Early York, which precedes Royal George by a fortnight. The last is
still one of the best forcing Peaches, especially in that form known as
Stirling Castle. Grosse Mignonne is unsurpassed as one of the old
Peaches, hut Dr. Hogg precedes it, the blossom setting well, and the
fruit is large and beautiful. Crimson Galande is also first-rate. Of
Nectarines, Hunt’s Tawny when well grown is superb in colour and
quality ; Lord Napier is more tempting in size, and leads up to those
excellent old sorts, Elruge and Violette Hative. Admit plenty of air to
the ripening fruit in the daytime, and at night also if a prolonged
succession of fruit is required. When the fruit is all removed resume
syringing to free the foliage of dust and red spider. The borders must
be maintained in a thoroughly moist state, as it is important the foliage
be kept healthy as long as possible. After fruiting cut away the wood
which carried the fruit to the shoot at the base for next year’s fruiting,
excepting those needful for the extension of the trees ; and if the trees
are too full of wood thin well so as to admit light and air to the shoots,
and thereby ensure the thorough ripening of the wood. No artificial
heat will now be necessary except in very dull weather, when it will be
necessary, especially where the fruit is ripening, to permit a free
circulation of air. Remove any leaves that shade the fruit too much,
so that it may colour perfectly at the ripening period.

Late Hovs/s. — Thinning the fruit will now be completed, also dis¬
budding, tying in young shoots having been attended to. Early and free
ventilation on all favourable occasions will be the order of the day, along
with early closing and syringing morning and afternoon. If there be
any aphides destroy them by repeated moderate fumigation, having
the foliage dry, and for red spider syringing ought to subdue it, or apply
an insecticide. Mildew sometimes makes its appearance, and should be
overcome by the prompt use of sulphur, rubbing it on the white specks
if any appear in the fruit. Sulphide of potassium is, however, much
more potent than sulphur, and more certain of application,

PLANT HOUSES.

Begonias. — Such varieties as semperflorens, rosea, and alba should
now be rooted in quantity for yielding flowers for cutting and decoration
next winter. They strike freely in a warm moist shaded atmosphere so
long as they are not subjected to the confinement of the propagating
frame. Cuttings of Begonia nitida and its rase-coloured form should
also be inserted in quantity, and the same may be said of Ingrami. It
is a great mistake to root any of these varieties too early for winter
flowering, for they become large and tall, instead of being in autumn
dwarf and compact. Until they are well established in small pots they
may be grown on in heat, but from the time they are placed in their
largest pots they need only cool frame treatment. B. Knowsleyana must
be well pinched in its early stages to induce it to branch freely. If this
is not attended to this variety soon becomes tall. Useful plants from
cuttings rooted now can be had by autumn, but we prefer to root
cuttings of this earlier than most others, and bring them forward gently
from the first. B. Carrierei is one of the most useful that can be grown,
for in heat it will flower the whole winter, and after pinching or cutting
back, can be had in flowering condition more quickly than other varieties.
A large stock of plants may be raised from cuttings now, but care must
be taken to insure each cutting having a growth bud at the base, or they
will not branch. If the flower stems only are inserted they will continue
to extend in length, but no pinching will induce them to break from the
base.

French and Fancy Pelargoniums. — The main secret in the cultivation
of these useful decorative plants is to start with healthy, vigorous
cuttings — that is, growing, not flowering shoots. It is a great mistake
to delay the propagation of next year’s stock of plants until those from
which the stock has to be obtained have become exhausted by flowering.
In this stage nothing remains for cuttings but flower stems, which have
become firm and take a long time to root ; in fact, plants raised by such
methods are always weak. For flowering early next spring cuttings of
growing shoots should be inserted singly in small pots without delay.
They will root freely and quickly on a shelf in a temperature of 60°.
Directly they are rooted remove the point of the plant and gradually
harden them to cool airy treatment. From the first the aim must be a
firm, stout, compact growth, and then, if wintered well, large wonderful
heads of bloom will be the result. Successional cuttings must be inserted
from time to time as good ones can be obtained. Feed liberally those
that have first commenced to show signs of coming into flower. If kept
in a cool light airy structure they will attain immense strength, and
will be found invaluable after all the earlier batches are over.

Zonal Varieties. — The whole stock intended for winter flowering
should be placed at once into their largest pots, 5 or 6-inch being
suitable. Frame room will now be plentiful, and as they are potted
these positions may be given them. Press the soil firmly into the pots,
so that a short-jointed growth only can be made. Keep the frames close
for ten days or a fortnight, and then gradually harden the plants until
they can be stood on beds of ashes in a sunny position outside. If it is
found that sufficient stock has not been raised root a number of cuttings
at once singly in 3-inch pots ; these will make useful plants, but must be
confined to small pots. Feed liberally all that are in flower or
approaching that stage if their pots arc well filled with roots.

Isolepis gracilis. — Few plants are more elegant or useful for furnish¬
ing purposes, and to have a good stock in capital condition to last through
the autumn and winter it should be divided at once. Nothing is gained
by placing them in heated structures afterwards. If given a moist

shaded atmosphere they soon become established and grow rapidly. The
pots need not be filled with soil but ample room left for liberal supplies-
of water and top-dressing in autumn. One-third of the compost should
consist of leaf mould.

Calceo' arms. — A little seed should be sown on the surface of fine
soil in a pan. Do not cover the seed, but water with a fine-rose can,
and stand the pan in a cold frame. The pan may be covered with a
square of glass and damp moss laid on the surface until germination,
takes place. .If well watered at first, and the moss and pan syringed
once or twice daily, and the frame shaded, the soil will r.ot need water¬
ing before the young plants appear.

I®

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 12.

In bee-keeping there are two principal systems of
management, these are: — 1, The non-swarming; 2, The
swarming ; and there is also — 3, A modification of both
these systems.

It is difficult to say that it is most profitable to follow
any one of these three methods, but it is comparatively
easy to lay before those who wish to come to a decision
the points in favour of each method, and so enable them to
determine for themselves how it will be most profitable-
for them, taking into consideration their individual cir¬
cumstances, to manage their apiaries.

First, When bees are placed within an easy distance
of orchards, of Sycamores, of Clover, and of Limes, the non¬
swarming system is the one calculated to give the greatest
results with the least expenditure of money and labour.

Second, If in addition to the above sources of honey
Heather is also in close proximity, or the bee-keeper is
able to convey his stocks to the moors, then the latter
system will be the most profitable.

Third, If there is little fruit and Sycamore honey to
be gathered, and Clover is alone relied on for the crop of
the year, the third system should be followed. Now in
considering the first of these positions it may be pointed
out that when there is a supply of fruit and Sycamore
honey extending from the last week in April until the
first week in June when Clover may be expected to bloom,
the bees can by judicious management be employed in
filling the sections with comb, or if liquid honey is desired
in drawing out the combs in the super bodies until the-
time arrives when the Clover honey can be gathered in
quantity. Then every cell will soon be filled and sealed, and.
a greater quantity of the finest honey will be secured than
could have been obtained if the bees had been allowed to.
swarm, and there were consequently no combs drawn out
ready to receive the honey, which will continue for
perhaps ten days to be brought to the hive. True, there
will be both a swarm and the old stock busily employed
in working supers, but unless the season is an unusually
good one I hardly think that the united efforts of the two
will equal the results obtained from one stock retaining
all its surplus population at home. If swarming is to be
allowed at all it is a sine qua non that the swarm must
issue or be taken from the stock at least twenty-one days
before the expected honey flow, otherwise those stocks
which have not been allowed to throw off their surplus,
workers will give much better results than those stocks
which have been so weakened.

With regard to the second point the absence or
presence of Heather makes the essential difference. This
must evidently be so, because Heather honey is more
valuable than even the finest Clover honey, so that part.

June 9, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

473

of the latter may with profit ho sacrificed if necessary to
the former. Every stock when taken to the Heather, or
when the Heather season approaches, must he very
strong in hees. Now if stocks are ready for swarming
during the first twenty days of May, one swarm may be
taken from each hive, the casts being returned to the stocks
from which they have issued. There will then he two
colonies of bees which may be able to take advantage of
all the flow of Clover honey, certainly of part, and which
will he in grand condition when the latter yields its
nectar.

A

Thirdly, If there is but little fruit and Sycamore
honey, and Clover is the only plant yielding any quantity
•of honey, the modified system must be adopted, because
by judicious feeding an increase may be obtained, and the
stock be in good condition bj the time the Clover is in
bloom. Half a swarm may with safety be taken in the
manner pointed out last year ; the swarm will thus be
very strong without any stock being injuriously weakened.
In no case do I think it wise to take more than one
swarm from each stock if honey is desired in quantity.
Those who can sell stocks and swarms will of course
adopt a system of management to suit their requirements,
but only a small minority of bee-keepers are able to sell
■swarms and stocks with certainty. I am aware that there
are other points to be considered before deciding to adopt
one of these three methods, but they are only offshoots
as it were of the great principles which I have endeavoured
to make sufficiently clear to enable all to grasp what are
the main considerations which should carry weight with
them when a bee-keeper is deciding to adopt the swarm¬
ing, non-swarming, or modified swarming system of
management. In subsequent articles dealing severally with
these systems, and giving detailed instructions of practical
management, every point in favour of the one or the other,
•or telling against any of them, shall be brought prominently
forward and fully discussed. At present it is sufficient
to have shown that in one district a system of manage¬
ment may be pursued with profit which in another
locality would be attended by certain failure. With those
who decry the value of orchard honey because of the
uncertainty whether the hees will have a chance of gather¬
ing it I have no sympathy, because even though possibly
in no year can the weather in May be expected to allow
of unremitting work, yet the season is rare when bees
which are in good condition have not the opportunity of
•collecting sufficient honey to keep them increasing in
■strength, and also to enable them to draw out foundation
and fill the sections with empty comb.

Those who have every stock strong in numbers and a
good supply of empty comb for each hive, will find that
they have gained a great advantage over those whose bees
have to build the comb when they ought to be collecting
and storing honey. The season does not wait, the honey
flow passes by, and the cry is heard “ a bad season ”
arising from one apiary, while in the next, not perhaps
more than a hundred yards distant, the bee-keeper is
congratulating himself upon the “grand crop” he has
secured — mainly, it should be remembered, owing to his
own practical foreseeing management. — Felix.

NOTES ON BEES.

DISEASE OF BEES.

It appears that bees are not exempt from the disease which
usually attacks them in some quarters at this season. A correspon¬
dent writes saying, “ The annual disease which our bees are subject
to at this season, beginning generally about the 20th May and con¬
tinues about eight or ten days, is decimating our hives greatly, the

bees dying by thousands.” A subsequent letter in answer to me
with bees accompanying it, which I have forwarded to Dr. Walker,
says, “ The bees lose all power of their wings as they roam about
with them extended, as well as is their hinder part, and have a bad
smell.’’ The Rhododendrons are plentiful, but are not in bloom, nor
will they be until the middle of June, and as for honey there has
not been a single cell gathered yet.” Query — What can be the
cause of the death of bees in a highland district free from all pollu¬
tion, unlike Greenock ? Iam inclined to think pollen has something
to do with it ; bat I trust Dr. G. Walker will be able to solve the
problem.

In another district of the western highlands two weeks ago the
Rhododendrons were in full bloom and so plentiful that a bee¬
keeper is hopeful of getting supers filled from them, but does not
speak of bees dying or suffering from any disease. Nor am I sure
whether the disease which affects the bees at Greenock (which I
have witnesse 1) is the same a3 those sent to Dr. Walker, but I have
asked the Greenock bee-keeper to send on some diseased bees to Dr.
Walker, and I will do my utmost to collect all the evidence possible
to solve the mystery.

CASES AND COVERINGS FOR HIVES.

I omitted to state in my last communication on cases that per¬
haps the most effectual weather joint (certainly the most simple)
for an amateur to make is to sink strips of wood flush into the
frames, from 2 to 3 inches broad by a quarter of an inch thick,
right in the centre where the edges of the lining proper comes, so
that they cover it an inch deep. Such a joint is not influenced in
any way by the weather, whether it shrinks or expands, and if the
space between the edges of the lining is pretty wide will air over
the top of the hive effectually. Economy in hives will be more
studied than it has been in the past, as well as adaptability and
suitability. Single-cased hives are doubtless the most suitable for
bee-keeping generally, as they also are the most beneficial and com¬
fortable towards the health of the bees, and in point of cheapness
cannot be surpassed. The only outlay necessary for their protection
is a sheet of galvanised iron 3 feet by 2 feet 6 inches, having a hole
pierced about G inches from each end the 2 feet 6-inch way,
through which a piece of fencing wire passes after it has
been bent at each end, so that the end of the wire about
an inch long is bent about an inch wide and runs parallel to
the long portion of the wire, which should be about 23 inches.
The iron is sprung into these inturned ends and forms a circle
and the best roof that can be procured. If the bees require
to be removed to the Heather, the wires are taken out and the iron
springs hack to its original flatness, making it handy for packing
underneath the hives on whatever vehicle they are transmitted, and
the hooked wires can be replaced in a few seconds, which keep the
iron firmly on the hive, and if desired a cord fastened to stand and
wire, no wind will throw it off. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

ARTIFICIAL SWARM.

Do you think I could make an artificial swarm of bees in the fol¬
lowing manner with any chance of success? I have two stocks of bees,
one in a straw skep, and one in a bar frame. On a fine day when the
bees are flying well I thought of taking a comb of brood and eggs from
the frame hive, and putting it in a new hive together with some spare
comb I have on hand. I should then remove the straw hive to a new
stand and put the new hive in its place, the flying bees taking possession
and raising a queen from the eggs or brood taken from the other stock.
Do j'ou think the middle of June would be a good time to try it ? — A. P.

[Certainly not, swarms without queens are useless. You may take
a comb of brood from the stock and the queen, placing this comb and
queen in a new hive, and placing the new hive 3 feet on one side of the
old stand, and the stock 3 feet on the other side. If the swarm or
stock seems to be too weak in bees, either may be strengthened by being
brought nearer ti the old stand. The same with the skep, but you will
have to drive the bees to get the queen. You may, if your stocks are
not very strong, take half a swarm from each, but a good stock is now
ready to yield a full swarm, and a comparatively weak one now will be
able to afford a swarm on 15th June, the height of the honey season. —
Felix.]

HIVING BEES.

Perhaps you will kindly oblige me with instruction as to how to
hive a flight of bees in an ordinary bar-framed hive. Both 1 and the
man are ignorant of the manner in which it is done. I shall be glad to
know, although the bees are not gone yet from the old straw skep. —
S. A. C.

[Hive your swarm in an ordinary skep, wedge up the front of the
bar-frame hive at least an inch above the floorboard, fasten a sheet to
the floorboard, and let it slope gradually to the ground. As soon as the
swarm has settled in the skep carry it to the frame hive, and with a
sudden jerk throw the swarm from the skep on to the sheet. The bees

474

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 9, 1887.

will probably at once run into the hive ; if they delay doing so take up a
handful and place them close to the entrance of the hive, when they
will at once run in, and the whole swarm will very speedily follow their
leaders. — Felix.]

c0° All correspondence should be directed either to “ The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should he written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES.— It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Lettuces in Winter {A.B. C.). — Your letter cannot be so fully answered
in the present issue as is desirable, and you will gain by waiting another
week.

Scillas and Narcissus ( W . T.). — The flowers you sent are interesting
as showing the gradual advance from a single to a double form. The
Hyacinthus non-scriptus of old writers is now styled Scilla nutans.

Chemical Manure (B. E.).— The sample you have sent appears to be
what is termed by manufacturers a blood manure, and will be good for
vegetables applied as a top-dressing in showery weather at the rate of
about 2 ozs. to each square yard of land.

Pelargonium and Chrysanthemum {H. C., Market Drayton). — The
striped Pelargonium is well worth preservation, though such forms are
not uncommon ; it is, however, more curious than beautiful. The Chrys¬
anthemum, which is apparently George Glenny, is a very neat bloom for
this time of year. It was probably raised from a stem cutting.

Asparagus (H. Palmer). — The sample heads you have sent are very fine
indeed, and the gardener who suggested they would not be equal to smaller
heads in quality we suspect was mistaken. We cooked them with some
smaller, but preferred yours for quality as well as size. They were quite
tender to a length of 4 inches or more. We shall be glad to receive the
account of your mode of culture obligingly offered.

Seedling Crassulas ( J . L.).— The specimens you sent are very inter¬
esting, and well worthy of careful preservation and increase. Both the
white and the rose-tinted forms are pretty, and would be useful for decora¬
tive purposes as plants, or for cutting. By all means grow them separately
as proposed, and develope their characters as fully as possible. If a cross
was effected between the species named they should constitute a charming
group of plants ; it is, however, sometimes difficult to determine such
matters in the early stages.

Strange Gloxinia Flowers (T. A. P.). — The flowers are strangely
malformed, apparently by the production of additional lobes from the base
of the corolla, and with what corresponds to the inner surface of the
corolla in colouring and marking turned outwards. Such freaks occa¬
sionally occur, but they do not add to the beauty of the plants, and if it
were possible to render a formation of this kind permanent it is certainly
not desirable. It probably indicates a tendency to a hose-in-hose flower.

Mushrooms (Ivanhoe).— The specimen you have sent is not the true
Mushroom, and is imperfect of its kind. It bears some resemblance to
Agaricus pratensis, which is coarse and strong, but we are not sure it is
that variety. We should not cook such productions. Are you sure the
manure of which the bed is composed is sweet ? The specimen appears as
if the gills were injured by noxious exhalations. The pileus or skin of the
true Mushroom is connected with the stem in a young state, the veil
breaking as the dome expands, leaving a ring more or less broken on the
stem. You did not send the entire stem for examination.

Clay’s Fertiliser for Vine Border (Storanthum).— It is excellent for
every description of crop, and for Vines is best applied as a surface dressing
about three times during the season of growth — i.e., when the Vines are
swelling their buds, when the Grapes have been thinned, and again as
soon as the fruit changes colour. If given prior to a good watering, if such
be necessary, its fertilising properties will be washed into the soil ; but if
not watered in scratch over the surface with a fork or a rough rake, so as
to mix it with the soil immediately after its application. Two ounces per
square yard is a proper quantity. Allow the Buckland Sweetwater to
make more growth, and do not prune so close in winter.

Dissolving Bones (J. S'.).— The following has been found a convenient
method of dissolving bones for use in gardens : — Take a large watertight
1 ogshead, and cover the bottom with about 6 inches deep of dry soil ; on
this put a layer of bones of the same depth, and cover them with wood
ashes ; on these another layer of bones,, then ashes, and so on till the hogs¬

head is full. Leave it exposed to the rains all summer and winter until
spring. Then on removing the contents of the hogshead the bones will
crumble to powder under a slight pressure, and form one of the most’
valuable manures ready for immediate use. You will also find some
particulars on the subject in an article on phosphates as manures that
will shortly be published.

Transplanting Hollies (A. G. P.). — We have transplanted Hollies-
successfully at this period of the year, and seen failures follow the removal
of these shrubs. Much depends on their size, condition of the roots,
management, and weather. You say not a word about the size of your-
shrubs, or whether they have been long in their present positions. If very
large, and have been long undisturbed, you had better perhaps preparer-
them for removal by digging a trench round and filling it with soil con-
sisthig largely of leaf mould for inciting the production of a mass of
fibrous roots. If you like to send us particulars of the nature above-
indicated your letter shall have our attention. In the abseq^e of necessary
information we cannot give a categorical reply.

Singular Insects {Buckland). — These objects offer a curious illustration
of what is called insect-mimicry. They are the caterpillars of a species of
moth called the Feathered Thorn, or Himera pennaria in science. They
belong to the group of Geometers, so styled from their mode of progression,
as they appear to measure whatever they may crawl upon by the strides
the}' make, the centre of the body being without legs. The food of this
species is several shrubs and trees, but it is not abundant enough to be
injurious. When not eating they poise themselves in the attitude noticed,
the head being stretched out and the front legs pressed together, when
they closely resemble little twigs. The moth conies out in autumn. It is
a species fond of flying into or around lights.

Menyanthes trifoliata ( W. Gilbert). — The above is the name of your
plant, popularly known as the Buck Bean or Bean Trefoil, described in
Hogg’s “ Vegetable Kingdom ” as one. of the most lovely of our native
plants. It grows in marshy places, and is very plentiful in Britain, pro¬
ducing an abundance of its white bearded rose coloured blossoms in May
and June. The whole p'ant is intensely bitter and somewhat nauseous,
and its bitter properties depend on a principle called menyanthin, which
has a pure bitter taste, is soluble in alcohol and water, but not in pure
ether, and is chemically neuter. Besides its bitter properties, which are
equal to those of Gentian, it possesses also cathartic properties, and in
large doses acts as an emetic. It is a cheap and very valuable medicine,
and ought to be more generally used. In a scarcity of Hops this plant is
used in the north of Europe to give a bitter to the beer, 2 ozs. supplying
the place of 1 lb. of Hops. Some people smoke the leaves. Villarsia
(Limnanthemum) nymphteoides, also a native of this country, has the same
properties.

Raspberries not Succeeding ( F . J.). — The fault is not in the position,
for nothing is more sun-loving than Baspberries when well supported at
the roots. Abundant crops are produced in open fields in sunny Kent.
We should attribute the non-success to poverty or dryness of soil. Try
this plan : — Encourage only three to six canes from each stool, which
should not be nearer than 3 feet in the rows, and are better 4 feet 6 inches,
pulling up all others as they appear. Mulch the surface for at least 2 feet-
from the stools all round with about half-decayed manure so soon as the-
Raspberries come into flower, and it is better if the whole surface of the-
ground be covered. During dry weather feed with the slops of the house —
i.e., cesspool, and vie have no doubt of your getting strong canes and.
excellent crops. It will be necessary to observe the precaution not to
apply the liquid too strong. The shade is quite unnecessary. Not a few
Raspberry plantations are weakened if not spoiled by having the canes,
their full length when planted, and allowing them to bear the first year,
instead of cutting them down to within a foot of the ground, as has been,
systematically advised in this J ournal.

Alexander Peach {H. P. T. !).). — The fruit you have sent is a pale-
specimen of the variety named, and which is described as follows in the
last edition of the “Fruit Manual:’’ — “Fruit about medium size, round,
with a well-marked suture, which -terminates at the apex in a deep depres¬
sion, in which there is a small point. Skin completely covered with bright
red, approaching to scarlet where it is exposed to the sun, and this is
coloured with broken streaks and patches of dark crimson ; on the shaded
side it is yellow slightly stained with crimson. Stalk inserted in a deep
and wide cavity. Flesh pale yellowish white, without any Btain of red
even round the stone, to which it adheres firmly; remarkably delicate and
very juicy, with a fine briskly vinous flavour. Flowers large. Leaves
with round glands, which have sometimes a tendency to be kidney shaped.
A very early Peach, which ripens in an unheated orchard house from the
12th to the 20th of July. Its only fault is being a clingstone, for its flesh
is so tender it quite melts before it can be separated from the stone. It
was introduced from America by Mr. Rivers, from whom Dr. Hogg
received it in 1878.” It has been extensively planted during recent years,
and colours well under full exposure to the sun in summer.

Peach Foliage Injured {Horace). — We have seen Peach trees ruined by
injudicious fumigation, and have experienced some damage therefrom
similar to that presented by the leaves before us. They are, in fact,
injured by “ smoking the house well for green fly.” The whole of the
blistered or scorched parts will fall away, leaving them as if eaten by
caterpillars to the veins and midrib. It gives a serious check to growth,
and is not infrequently fatal to the crop, imparing the vitality of the trees.
When the foliage is tender fumigation requires to be moderate, practising
it on two or three consecutive evenings judiciously and carefully, having
the foliage quite dry and the house not closed long before fumigation is
practised, for after the house has been closed some time the foliage is full
of sap, if, indeed, moisture has not been deposited on the leaves ; or the
fumigation, by heating the atmosphere, causes the moisture to be con¬
densed by the cooler surfaces of the leaves, causing them to be injured.
Care should also be taken to deliver the smoke as cool as possible. Its
effects are usually most disastrous on trees that have been kept close, or
during a period of dull damp weather. Ventilate freely before fumigating,
so as to have the foliage dry.

Anemones from Seed (L. R.). — We have raised thousands of Anemonss
by sowing the seed as soon as gathered in drills about 5 inches apart drawn

Jane 9. 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

475

across narrow beds or borders, subsequently thinning out some of the
seedlings and leaving the others to flower. The seedlings if taken up in
small tufts with earth adhering to their roots transplant very well in
showery weather. They like rather strong but well-worked and friable
soil, and if the position is shaded from the mid-day sun it will suit the
plants admirably. Should the ground be dry at the time of sowing flood
the drills repeatedly, and after sowing cover the seed half an inch deep or
thereabouts with sifted soil, loam, leaf mould, and wood ashes being
excellent, and spread mats on the beds for preventing the rapid evaporation
of moisture, th s being much better than often sprinkling the seed beds
in hot weather. The drills should be deep enough that when the seed is
covered the plants will come up in slight depressions ; in that way water
can be more effectively applied as it may be needed. We have also sown
in April, some of the plants flowering in the autumn and very freely the
following spring. If sown as soon as the seed is gathered flowering com¬
mences the following year. The fresher the seed is the better it grows.

Chrysanthemums In June {F. Godley). — When first examining the
bloom we thought it resembled an imperfect example of the Queen of
England. On submitting it to Mr. C. Orchard he expressed a similar
opinion. He considers it a late bloom, as it is produced on matured wood
euch as we see in November. You do not say what time the plant was
6truck. Flowers of this type are often produced on the side stems of
vigourous plants after the autumn flower is cut, or through the top of the
plant being damaged or blind. During last month Mr. Orchard saw at
Esher (in the gardens Mr. King has just left) clean fresh flowers of Millie.
Lacroix and J. Laing, while he has at the present time a bloom of Empress
of India on a young plant ft inches high produced on a cutting struck in
December last. That he calls an early bloom. More particulars and
better specimens are requisite for deciding on the name and merits of the
variety. A very much superior bloom of another variety, quite incurved,
was sent to us this week ; and last year Mr. Millican exhibited several
autumn-flowering Chrysanthemums at Chertsey on June 17th with foliage
as fresh and blooms as good as are often seen in November. Plants raised
from stem cuttings not unfrequently flower out of season.

Mushrooms in Boxes (G. B.). — The manure ought not to have been
u cooled ” but fermented, sweetened, and pressed when quite warm into
the boxes. It cannot be too good when used in such small bulk, and may
with advantage contain a less proportion of straw than is advised for large
beds. On page 101 of the fifth edition of “ Mushrooms for the Million ” it
is stated that Mr. Isaac Leedham grew full crops in boxes, using horse
droppings alone ; and on page 125 Mr. Fowler grew them from instructions
in the work. After fermentation and the manure has been turned a few
times to sweeten, it should, as is stated on page 30 of the work, be in the
following condition : — In appearance there should be a homogeneous or
inseparable mass of straw and droppings, the former preponderating, and
broken in particles, none of rvliich should exceed 9 inches, and few 6 inches
in length, the majority being shorter ; the mass should have a slightly
greasy appearance, be warm brown ia colour, and more than “ warm ” as
regards temperature — in fact, it should be as hot as the hand can be borne
in it. And now to the test for purity. This is simple. Draw a large
handful from the interior of the bulk and apply it to the nostrils ; if the
result is in any degree offensive another turning is needful, but if.no
impurity is detected then the mass may be regarded as sweet. This is a
negative test. A positive test is this — a rather pungent and somewhat
agreeable scent, having a suspicion of the odour of Mushrooms. When
this is the result we have the most tangible evidence of possessing a
medium in the best manner suited for the production of Mushrooms.
"There is yet another element that must not be overlooked — namely, that of
moisture. If the mass is too wet its decay will be too rapid ; if it is too
•dry a steady and continuous heat will not be maintained. Generally
speaking, however, when a heap of fermenting manure is well managed
the four important requisites — texture, heat, purity, and moisture — will be
present in the proper relative proportions; but still, with the object of
making that matter plain to all, it may be said that the material must be
sufficiently moist to be pressed into a firm adherent mass, yet not so wet
that a drop of water can be squeezed from a handful of it by the greatest
muscular pressure. If the temperature of the miniature beds (in the boxes)
does not rise place them close together, and throw a covering a foot thick,
more or less, over them of fermenting manure, and we think they will
soon be ready for spawning.

Names of Plants. —We onlv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that liaTe originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in Him
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than sixspecimens can be named at once.
( H . J. P.). — 1, not recognisable ;\2, Staphylea colchica; 3, Lunaria biennis.
( Orchidist ). — Scuticaria Hadweni.

Ventilating Floors (L. B.). — “ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ” says if you
read the articles on cheap hive-making you will find all particulars about
making ventilating floors. The floor and stand combined is separate from
the hive, as it should be. The case for the stand is made the same size as
the hive, and in the same manner, from 4 to 6 inches deep — square, if
square, and octagon if of that shape, or round, such as some straw hives
are. Then feet not more than 9 inches high, nailed at proper angles, or in
the corners of the square case. Now fill in the parts between the feet, and
projecting half an inch beyond to within an inch of the top at front, and
<lrooping towards the back, so that a little shutter or false floor, one-quarter
of an inch thick, cleated with a bar at each end to prevent warping, is
flush with bottom edge of back, where a little button holds it up, and at
the front by one or a pair of hinges. The incline on this floor is for the
purpose of getting the debris cleaned easily away, along with the many
parasites that infest bees. The zinc is tacked on the top edge of the stand,
and has five holes to the inch. All the damp falls to the bottom floor, and
if peat such as “ F. M., Dumfriesshire,” uses is laid upon it, it will absorb
the damp, and can be removed and renewed often, and all the parasites
with it destroyed. The zinc is the floor proper, and is effectual fn securing
hives against moisture, provided other things necessary are performed.

With floors of this sort the entrances to hives can be kept much closer,
which keeps the hive warmer and promotes breeding during spring where
it is necessary to have wide doorways.

Name of Bee (N. G., Birkenhead). — Specimen almost too damaged for
certain identification, but the insect is a species of Osmie, allied to the
hive bee. It is a bee partly social, partly solitary in habit, and occurs at
times very numerously about old wails, stony banks, and cliffs of chalk or
limestone.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET _ June 8th.

Good supplies in hand, with business somewhat Blower and prices easier.

FRUIT.

8. d. 8. d.

6 0 to 19 0
0 50 0

s. d. s. d.

Apples, sieve . 2 0 to 6 0

„ Nova Scotia and

Canada, barrel 10 0 13 0

Cherries, J sieve .... 0 0 0 0

Cobs, 100 lbs . 50 0 65 0

Figs, dozen . 3 0 6 0

G rapes, per lb . 2 6 4 0

Lemons, case . 10 0 15 0

Melon, each . 2 6 3 0

Oranges, per 100 ..

Peaches, dozen .. ..10

Pears, dozen . 1

Pine Apples, Kuglisb,

per lb . . . 1

Plums, J 9leve . 0

St. Michael Pine*, each 2
Strawberries, per lb . . . 2

2 0

2 0

0 0
6 0

5 0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

a.

d.

Artichokep, dozen . . ..

l

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

1

0 to

i

6

Asparagus, bundle . . . .

l

6

4

0

Mushrooms, punnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney, per lb. ..

l

S

0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt.

0

2

0

6

Beet, Red, dozen .. ..

l

0

2

0

Onion?, bunch .

0

3

0

6

Broccoli, bundle .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley, dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprout?, J sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips, dozen .. ..

1

0

0

0

Cabbage, dozen ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes, per owt .

4

0

6

0

Capsicum?, per 100

1

6

2

0

„ Kidney, per cwf.
Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

4

0

0

0

Carrot?, bunch .. ..

0

4

0

0

0

2

0

0

Cauliflower?, dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafv, bundle ..

1

0

1

8

Celery, bundle .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzouera, bundle

1

6

0

0

Colewort?, doz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale, basket .. ..

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers, each .. ..

0

4

0

6

Shallot?, per tt> .

0

8

0

0

Endive, dozen .

i

0

2

0

Spinach, bushel .. ..

8

0

4

0

0

2

0

o

Tomatoes, per lb. .. ..

Turnips, bunch .. ••

0

9

1

0

Leek?, bunch .

0

8

0

1

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

p.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi. dozen . .

8

0 to 12

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

6

0 to

9

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

Geranium (Ivy), dozen ..

0

0

0

u

,, (oommon), dozen . .

6

0

12

0

4

0

6

0

Azalea, dozen .

18

0

30

0

HydraDgea, dozen .. ..

9

0

12

0

Begonia?, dozen . . ,

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valiev, dozen

9

0

18

0

Caloeol Aria, dozen"1 . . . .

6

0

12

0

Lilium longiflorum, doz.

24

0

86

0

Cineraria, dozen

4

0

8

0

Lobelia, dozen .

4

0

6

0

Dracaena terminalis, doz. 30

0

60

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen

6

0

12

0

,, viridi?, dozen. .

12

0

24

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

42

0

Musk, dozen .

8

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

Myrtles, dozen .

6

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

0

24

0

Palms, in var., each

2

6

21

0

Ferns, in variety, dozen

i

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, dozen

6

0

15

0

Ficus elastica, each

i

6

7

0

„ scarlet, dozen

8

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var., each

2

0

10

0

Spiriea, dozen .

6

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

8.

d.

s

d.

P.

a.

Abntllons, 12 bunches . .
Anemones, 12 bundles ..
Arnm Lilies, 12 blooms ..
Azalea, 12 sprays .. ..

Bluebells. 12 bunches . .
Bouvardias, bunch . . . .

Camellias, blooms . .
Carnations, 12 blooms . .

,, 1 2 bunohes . .

Cornflower, 12 bunohes . .
Cowslips, 12 bunohes ..
Eucharis, dozen . . . .

Gardenias, 12 bloom9 . .
Hyacinths, Roman, 12
sprays

Ixia, 12 bunches
Lapageria, white, 12 blms.
Lilinm longiflorum, 12

blooms .

Lilac (white), French,

bunch .

Lily of Valley, 12 spray?
„ „ 12 bunches

0 to 4 0

0 6
4 0
1 6

0 0
2 0
0 0

6 0
S 0

0 0
4 0
0 0

8 0 6 0

4 0
0 9
2 0

7 0
1 0
6 0

Marguerites, 12 bunches
Mignonette, 12 bunches
Myosotis, 12 bunches . .
Narciss, 12 bunches
„ White, English, bch.
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Poinsettia, 12 blooms . ,
Primroses, 12 bunohes ..
Primula (single), bunch. .

„ (double), bunch ..
Polyanthus, 12 bunches..
Ranunoulus, 12 bunohes
Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

„ (indoor), dozen . .
„ Tea, dozen . . . .
„ red dozen . . . .

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .
Troparolum, 12 bunches
Tuberoses, 12 blooms ..
Tulips, dozen blooms . .
Violets, 12 bunohes . . . .

.. Czar, French, bunch

6 U
6 0
6 0
0 0

1 0

0 6
0 0

0 to 6 0
0
0
0
0
9
4
0
6
0
9
0
0
0
9
6
0
0
0
9
2
4
0

6 0
0 0
1 6

3

4
4
2
1
0
0
0

OUR CEREAL CROPS.

BARLEY.

When Wheat became so cheap and the depreciation
in value appeared likely to continue, the culture of Bur ey
assumed such a degree of importance in the eastern i coun¬
ties as it had never had before. Barley was to piove the

476

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 9, 1887.

farmer’s chief support under the depression ; to it he
turned for the profit which of yore he obtained from
Wheat, and to it he often turned in vain, for in common
with all farm produce it fell off so much in value that
profitable culture was out of the question with but few
exceptions. These exceptions were, and we may say are,
in favour only of choice samples of malting Barley, for
which 40s. a quarter was to be had even after the last
harvest, and such a price for what may be termed a crop
of 50 bushels per acre is a paying one, but alas! how few
and far between were the fortunate growers of such
samples.

The season of 1886 was undoubtedly a most unfavour¬
able one for the production of clean bright samples ; so
unfavourable was the weather that much of the grain was
discoloured in the ear before harvest, so that for one
sample of Barley worth 40s. there would be twenty not
worth much more than half that amount. No matter
how large and fine the grain might be, if it were coarse
and discoloured it could only obtain a sale for grinding
purposes. Of malting Barley we may safely venture to
say that the average price was 33s. per quarter; occasion¬
ally we saw samples for which 54s. was obtained, and at
rare intervals as much as 40s. might be heard of, but
very seldom indeed did that happen. No doubt much
Barley sold to middlemen and merchants at low rates as
grinding Barley was eventually converted into malt, but
it was then out of the hands of the grower, and the
maltster got the benefit, or at any rate the lion’s share,
of it in the transaction.

Since quality tells so much in Barley, the grower must
be on the alert to do all he can to secure it in his grain.
He cannot command quality, simply because a week of
unfavourable weather as the corn ripens may affect it so
seriously as to spoil it for malting purposes. But he may
do much by sowing carefully selected seed, not neces¬
sarily of very large size, but rather of fine form and of a
medium even size. We had a sample of what was termed
pedigree seed Barley offered us at a certain market which
we declined at once without any inquiry about price,
simply because the grain was so large and coarse. It had
in point of fact precisely the appearance of Barley grown
on undrained heavy land, and which, useful as it un¬
doubtedly is as grinding Barley for cattle food, is seldom
if ever converted into malt. If, however, a very heavy
crop of it can be produced then it might answer, and only
then.

The mention cf quantity or bulk of crop reminds us
of the remarkable results of Mr. Cooke’s experiments at
Mitcham with different chemical manures, to which we
have already called attention, and about which he was
good enough to communicate an interesting note last
week. Mr. Cooke has proved to demonstration that
Barley cannot be grown to full advantage without a
certain proportion of potash in the soil. Let it not be
supposed, however, that because with potash he had
54 bushels of head corn per acre, and without it only
1 1 bushels, that potash is the one fertiliser necessary to
success in Barley culture. Rather let it be understood
that it cannot be grown to advantage without potash.
To set the matter clearly before our readers we may state
that the proportion in decimals of manurial constituents
in an acre of Barley, the average bulk of which is 50
bushels of grain and a proportionate quantity of straw, is
nitrogen 54, phosphates 54, and potash only 44. In clay
soils, therefore, a dressing of nitrate of soda, steamed
bone flour, and mineral superphosphate would suffice ;
we might even venture to leave out the superphosphate

were we certain the steamed bone flour was genuine.
For ordinary bone flour the addition of superphosphate
a few days previously to using would be indispensable.

Clad are we to see due prominence given to the
Norfolk experiments in the last number of the “Journal
of the Royal Agricultural 8'ociety of England.” The
importance of such experiments can hardly be overrated r
for if the British farmer is to tide ovtr the depression,
and if agriculture is to take rank as a science, it will be
by the help of such good men and true as those members
of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture who have devoted,
their land and their time to such good purpose.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Warm weather and genial showers have set the grass growing to good
purpose, and we may now feel assured of a full crop of hay. The mow¬
ing machines are being put in order, and all other implements used in
the haymaking will now be examined and got ready for use. Enough,
faggots will be required for the bottom of each hayrick to keep the hay
from contact with the soil. Without faggots the hay at the bottom of
the rick becomes musty and worthless. Patent as this simple fact must
be to everyone, yet we have seen rick after rick made without faggots or
wood of any kind being used, and much good hay spoilt.

Mangolds are growing briskly, and the plants will soon be forward
enough for singling ; meanwhile the horse and hand hoes are kept going’
between the rows to keep the soil stirred, and to keep down weeds;
Early-sown Swedes have come up a thick strong plant, and with the:
soil so moist and warm growth will be so quick that we have very little
fear of injury to the crop from insects. Thousand-headed Kale, too,
drilled in rows are almost forward enough for transplanting. We like,
to drill as much land as we can with this useful crop, and transplant to
other land for a successional crop to follow the plants left undisturbed,
in the drilled rows. To those farmers who have not tried Thousand¬
headed Kale we strongly recommend it for cattle, sheep, and pigs. It
also affords an excellent supply of green food for dairy cows.

Maize for use as green food and for silage is usually sown about the
first or second week in the present month. The first sowing is coming
up well, but it had to be watched closely, for rooks are very fond of it,
and are not to be kept off without a watchman being near the Maize
from dawn till twilight. This is a most important forage crop, affording a
greater bulk per acre than anything else we have tried. Cows are most
eager for it, eating the juicy succulent green stalks ravenously, so that
care has to be taken to allow them only a moderate quantity, for if
they have as much as they can consume it is liable to affect the flavour
of the butter so much as to render it unpalatable.

Winter Tares are now in use for the dairy cows, a liberal proportion
being chaffed and mixed with dry food for them. Rye, upon which
sheep were folded, has such a poor second growth that we have re¬
served a few acres for seed, and have ploughed in the remainder for
Swedes.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Turkeys Dying (B. W.). — From your description they are suffering,
we should say, from catarrh or cold, which the late sudden change in
temperature will fully account for. Remove those affected at once to a
dry well-sheltered and moderately warm place, and feed on soft nourishing
food, to which you might add a teaspoonful of Thorley’s spice, or sprinkle
a little pepper or ginger in the food. If the eyes are puffed or swollen,
sponge them and the nostrils with warm water.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 81° 32' 10" N. ; Lmj, 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, U 1 feet.

DATE.

0 A.M.

In the Day.

1887.

Hygrome-

d .

Shade

Tem-

Radiation

p O)

C * £

ter.

■-£ a

d— o

C'rP

perature.

Temperature

c5h

C4.

May.

b r~-d 3

In

On.

SSs

Dry.

Wet.

Qo

H

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

20

20 0’J2

40.6

4i 8

N.E.

51.0

62.5

44.8

106.6

41.8

0.014.

Monday .

20 084

50 7

404

N.E.

51.0

62 3

46 6

8 L2

46.6

Tuesday ...

31

3€ .083

68 4

55.1

N.E.

513

60.4

48 I

113 0

43.0

0.01&

Wednesday.

1

20.015

54 6

52.8

N.E.

52.7

65 0

48.0

103.4

463

Thursday .. .

2

29752

51.2

40 8

N.

53 2

58.S

47.7

73.4

43.7

0.350

Friday .

3

20.635

54.7

53.0

N.

52 6

55.2

40 8

91.6

49 8

0.507"

Saturday . . .

4

20.010

55 4

53.3

S.W.

52.4

60.8

47 8

116 2

44 3

20 802

53.7

51.6

52.0

63.4

47.5

99.0

45.5

0.883 .

REMARKS.

29th.— A glimpse of snu in afternoon, otherwise cloudy all day, with slight showers in
evening.

SOth.— I lull and damn early, overcast morning, fair later.

31st. —Fire and bright, slight rain at night.

1st.— Dnil morning, fine afternoon and evening.

2nd.— Dull throughout, raiu at 6 P.M., wet evening and night.

3rd.— A thoroughly wet day, rain incessant until 9 P M.

4th.— A tine bright day.

A nother rather dull week of average temperature, but deficient in sunshine.— G. J,
SYMONS.

Jane 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

477

16

Th

Llnnean Society at 8 p.m.

17

F

18

S

19

SUN

2nd Sunday after Trinity.

SO

M

21

Tu

J cbIlt e Day. Leeds Show (four days).

22

W

HARDY AZALEAS.

MERICAN gardens were at one time favourite
adjuncts to the ordinary flower garden, a
number of beds being specially devoted to
selections of the numerous beautiful shrubs
and plants with which North America has
enriched European establishments. In some
gardens that were planned fifty or sixty years
years ago such departments are still main¬
tained, and in modern gardens they are also occasionally
seen, Rhododendrons, Ledums, Kalmias, but especially
the hardy deciduous Azaleas forming the chief feature of
such beds, and when the situation is well chosen, the soil
suitable, and taste is exercised in the general design and
planting, the American garden can be rendered a delight¬
ful retreat during’ the early summer months.

The value of Rhododendrons is familiar to all, but it
seems thatt the merits of hardy Azaleas are not fully recog¬
nised by hose engaged in the formation or planting of new
gardens. They yield their flowers in the greatest profusion,
the colo urs are much varied and rich, and a large propor¬
tion of the varieties possess a peculiarly agreeable powerful
fragrance. Many of those that flower before the leaves
are fully out become masses of the richest yellow, orange,
red, and rose- shaded flowers, the brilliant effect of which
can scarcely be realised by those who have not seen a
number of plants together. A capital example of the
beauty and utility of these plants is supplied by the
American department in the Royal Gardens, Kew, and
though this is situated in the arboretum quite out of the
track of the ordinary visitors, it yet attracts numbers of
persons every year, who are enthusiastic in their admira¬
tion. An extensive open space partially sui'rounded by
trees is occupied with a number of curved or irregular
beds cut in the turf, and these are filled with some
hundreds of large old bushes, that at the present time
are covered with flowers, filling the air with a fragrance
perceptible at a distance of some hundreds of yards when
there is a moderate breeze. Somewhat sheltered positions
such as this suit these Azaleas, chiefly because their flowers
are soon damaged by wind in exposed places. Similarly
they do not thrive in very dry soils, for most of them
are derived from the swamp-frequenting North American
species, and even those that are not found in such wet locali¬
ties are chiefly confined to woods where they enjoy consider¬
able moisture and protection. The soil must be well
drained, and though a compost of peat and loam is gene¬
rally employed the former is not essential, as turfy loam
not too heavy with a good proportion of leaf soil will
make excellent beds for them.

The hardy Azaleas cultivated in English gardens have
originated from the Mediterranean Azalea pontica, the
No. 364. — Vol. XIV Third Series.

North American Azalea calendulacea, nudiflora, viscosa,
occidentalis and speciosa, and the Chinese or Japanese
Azalea sinensis or mollis. These have been much inter¬
crossed, and the respective types are now connected by so
many intermediate forms that it is not easy to classify
them under their respective species. In the older forms
the parentage can be more readily detected. All these
species are extremely variable, frequently sporting, and
by natural cross-fertilisation they had yielded a number
of varieties before they were taken in hand by hybridisers
here.

They were first popularly known as American Azaleas,
and subsequently, after they had received much attention
in Belgium, and the number of forms had been artificially
increased very largely, they became known as Ghent
Azaleas, while now the progeny of A. mollis are com¬
monly termed Japanese Azaleas, and a collective term for
them is hardy hybrid Azaleas.

The European A. pontica, which is found in Turkey
and the Levant, is a deciduous shrub with ovate ciliated
leaves and yellow open shallow corollas, not unlike
Rhododendron ponticum, but readily distinguished by
the characters named. It does not appear to have been
introduced to England so early as some of the American
species, but it has produced a number of varieties ranging
in colour from pure white to dark coppery orange, and it
has been useful in crossing with the other species.

Of the American Azaleas, one of the first brought to
this country was A. nudiflora, which, according to the
elder Aiton, was introduced by Mr. Peter Collinson in
1734, and before the close of the century several varieties
of it had been added to collections. The flowers vary
in tint from white to blush, pink, rose, red, and scarlet; they
are tubular in shape, and suggestive both in shape and
fragrance of the Honeysuckle, under which name, with
the prefix Wild or Upright, it is known in the United
States. It is frequent in swampy districts in several
States, and Gray remarks that the varieties are number¬
less. This is a charming type, owing to the rich colours
prevailing in the flowers, their .powerful fragrance and
the freedom with which they are produced before the
leaves are fully expanded. It is also known as the May¬
flower in America, in allusion to the time at which it
blooms. About fifty varieties have received botanical
names and been admitted into authoritative works, and the
characters of the respective species are wrell preserved
throughout.

As the White Honeysuckle, another American species,
Azalea viscosa, is familiarly known in its native home,
where it is chiefly found in swamps near the coast in the
northern and eastern States. This materially differs from the
preceding (introduced at the same time) in producing its
flowers when the leaves are fully expanded ; and though the
plant is beautiful it does not present such a mass of colour¬
ing as A. nudiflora. The shades, too, have not so wide a
range, being confined to white or yellow with a rosy tinge,
but the flowers are borne in large trusses, and are very
fragrant.

The flame-coloured Azalea, A. calendulacea, is of
similar habit to A. nudiflora, but has larger, more open
flowers, and of yellow, orange, or reddish hues. It is a
native of wroods and mountains in Pennsylvania, and from .
it has been obtained a large number of handsome varieties.
A. speciosa and A. occidentalis, allied species, have also
been concerned in the production of hardy varieties, but
the foregoing are the principal types.

With regard to A. Sinensis or A. mollis, for these are
No. 2020.— Voi. LXXYI., Old Series.

478

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jana 18. 1887.

now considered synonymous, there has been some con¬
fusion. About 1829 this plant was brought into notice
under the name of A. sinensis in “ Loddiges’ Botanical
Cabinet,” and in the “ Botanical Register ” as A. pontica
var. sinensis. It appears to have been obtained from
China several times by Loddiges of Hackney and Mr.
Wells of Redleaf, but Lindley considered it an imported
plant, and remarked that he thought it “extremely probable
that these Azaleas have found their way to China from the
Caucasus by the intervention of some of the Russian
caravans which annually visit Nertcliinsk for the purpose
of trading with the Chinese, and he could not detect any
characters to separate it specifically from A. pontica.” In
18G7 an Azalea was introduced from Japan and named
A. mollis ; it attracted the attention of horticulturists on
the Continent, and during the past twenty years many very
handsome forms have been raised from it, surpassing all
the others in the size of the llowers and trusses, but
wanting fragrance, and the colours only consist of shades
of yellow, orange, or reddish orange. They are, however,
extremely handsome, very early, and especially useful on
this account for forcing, as though hardy they are some¬
times damaged by our late spring frosts.

The first systematic attempt on a large scale to improve
these hardy Azaleas was made by Mr. Gowen at Higliclere,
the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon, and by 1831 about 500
seedlings had been raised from various crosses between
nudiflora, pontica, and calendulacea. About 400 seedlings
were obtained from the plants fertilised with pollen from
A. pontica, and it was observed that, curiously enough,
three-fourths of them closely resembled the latter in habit
and foliage. From these thirty of the most distinct
varieties were selected, named and described, giving a
great impetus to the culture of hardy Azaleas. Several
British nurserymen took them in hand, especially Mr.
Waterer of Knap Hill, Woking; the Belgian growers
rapidly increased the number of forms, and they became
favourites in many gardens, a position from which they
have partially declined, but to which they amply deserve
to be restored.

At the Royal Horticultural Society’s meetings on
May 24th this year Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons showed
several interesting hybrids between Azalea occidentalis
and A. mollis, two of which were certificated — namely,
Maiden’s Blush, warmly tinted with rose, the upper lobe
yellow, very fragrant and profuse; and Beauty, delicate
blush tint with a yellow blotch in the upper lobe, also
fragrant and free. The flowers were large, tubular, but
open and very beautiful. These are shown in the two
lower trusses in the illustration (page 487), while at the
upper part are some varieties of the occidentalis type
shown by Mr. Anthony Waterer on the same occasion and
certificated. Snowflake is pure white, very fragrant, and
one of the best of its class ; the other, Peach Blossom, is
a double variety of the same type, bright pink, and
similarly fragrant. — L. C.

:SIZE V. QUALITY IN POTATOES.

W E have received the following characteristic letter from Mr.
Robert Fenn, a veteran in Potato growing and a pioneer in the
i nprovement of varieties : —

I have sent you a few of my pedigree seedling Potatoes to eat
, (. f you think them good enough), as I pitied you when reading the
wad about Potatoes degenerating. I felt sympathy for your
system. Indigestion and its attendant evils, if the esculent has
become so scarce an adjunct for food, must prove inevitable. Is it
so ? Have we not equivalents ? I know the old sorts of Potatoes
are scarce, and to attempt to grow them profitably is labour in vain.
I grew them as old friends loth to be parted with as long as I could

till they dwindled away, but I have handed down their flesh and
blood, so to speak, by years of consecutive crossings, and thus have
them in memoriam.

In the Sir Charles Douglas I send you may possibly detect the
combination of the old Regents, Daw’s Matchless, Fluke, Cam¬
bridge Kidney, Onwards, Red Emperor. In the first early,
Faith, you may possibly recognise the old Early Ashleaf, Shutford
Seedling, Turner’s Union Round, Hogg’s Coldstream, Onwards,
and in both of them the best features of the American Rose and
Snowflake. At any rate, the above is their mixed origin, and I
could ring you the changes on all my seedlings, in combination of
the best of our old English sorts, which, like nearly all my old
friends, are gone.

There is a lot of rubbish taking their place (Potatoes, I mean),
and there will be more as long as the rage for mere size sways the
fashion of the day. I scarcely know whether I ought not to con¬
sider myself obsolete, but let me hold you by the button a few
minutes longer as an old friend in horticulture, and to the Potato
in particular, to assure our friends that we have as good sorts now
as we had sixty years ago, and to prophesy that in sixty years to
come there will be quite as good, if not better, sorts then than
there are at the present time, but study for quality versus mere
size will have to play its part to achieve it.

Apropos, a Potato grower and merchant a few months ago in
conversation said he did not approve of my sorts. His were the
coming Potatoes ! his were to be the seedlings of the future ! (I
do not think he ever raised one). They veould produce for him
five to six tons per acre more than mine for the market, and that
so soon as I was dead my seedlings would die with me, and be heard
of no longer ! Well, as I am about to strike seventy, this consoling
intelligence cannot be at a very distant date. I congratulated
my friend, but at the same time I begged to assure him that our
ideas about Potatoes were as far apart as the poles assunder ; that I
merely studied the Potato in its features as sustaining food, and
that I doubted his philosophy reached no farther than his breeches
pocket, counting on mere size and sorts bibulous of water, which
would fill so many sacks per acre. I think this breeches pocket
improvement has much to answer for anent the depreciation of
Potatoes ; at any rate I have not offered any of my seedlings lately
to commerce. I am, nevertheless, pulling against the stream, in
hopes of seeing the tide turn, and working as hard as ever on my
favourite study, with no hopes whatever of being able to better
what I have done, as I delve amongst the wildings, unless I could
live over another lifetime ; but the labour is in stronger hands,
hiving youth at the prow, and more power to their elbows. I
think, however, I can feel an undercurrent running in the press
against the unwieldy size that has of late years been fostered by
dealers and horticultural societies. I got such a cold-shouldering
at the Royal at South Kensington last autumn, to forbid my ap¬
pearing there again till their rage for size is over. Many sorts of
the Potatoes there exhibited, and gaining prizes by being pampered
to an abnornal size during their process of growth, were of my own
crossings, whilst my selection exhibited, as bringing a life’s work
into view as instructional, was passed over by the judges and the
committee without a “ Thank you.”

I am your oldest contributor, although the honour is claimed by
others, and I want to try to persuade your younger people against
unnatural hankering after monstrous vegetables, fruits, or flowers ;
all become deteriorated by coarseness, and to gain this coarseness
large extra sums of money must be spent, and the credit goes to
the longest purse for spoiling that which is intrinsically good, and
1 thus again the cry of deterioration is fostered. Having been a co¬
writer with Donald Beaton in these pages, I cannot forget the
valuable advice I obtained from him against abnormal size in
everything, and I feel positive poor old Donald was right. Print
this if you like to do so. — Rout. Fenn.

[We have no hesitation in printing Mr. Fenn’s letter, first because
he is an old friend whom we shall always esteem both for the ex¬
cellence of his motives and the merit of his work ; and, secondly,
because a vein of wholesome truth runs through his communicatior.
Mr. Fenn in his life work has been endeavouring to do good, and he
has done much. He has striven for high quality in his intercrossings,
and this he has stamped on many of his seedlings. This is apparent
in those which he has been good enough to send to us in a moment
of commiseration for our unfortunate condition in having, as he
thinks, to rely on London market Potatoes. In that event there
would be good grounds for his sympathy, for we are obliged to
confess, notwithstanding all the prizes that have been offered
towards the improvement of the Potato, that in our opinion the
average quality of the great bulk of the produce now sold in London
is lower than it was a quarter of a century ago. The Potato
Exhibitions, “ International ” and otherwise, have done good,
inasmuch as they have stimulated to better culture. They hive

Jane 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

479

done good to growers and vendors, but the great bulk of con¬
sumers have not to the same extent benefited through the agency of
the shows. Prizes have been awarded to Potatoes on account of
their size and appearance alone, quite irrespective of quality, with
the result that varieties have been grown that were not, perhaps,
intended to be eaten, but only to be “ staged.”

Of late years more attention has been devoted to quality, and
notably in the Chiswick trials. But the fact remains that varieties
have been certificated that are not likely to be of service in con¬
tributing to the food resources of the country ; while others that
have proved useful in this prosaieal way have had no such honours
bestowed on them.

The honouring of size and ignoring of the quality of Potatoes
continued too long. We have more than once protested against it,
and have not been thanked for doing so by fanciers and judges. At
the same time, not being sentimentalists, we would avoid going to
the other extreme in advocating the culture of medium-sized Pota¬
toes only, on the ground of their generally better quality. Though
these we grow because they answer our purpose, the great fact has
to be recognised that the multitude has to be fed, and with the
million this is very closely an affair of the “ pocket,” a great bulk
of fair quality for a given sum finding more favour than a lesser
bulk of higher quality in the market. The demand being of
that character, it must be met, and it can only be met with fair
profit to the growers by the cultivation of varieties that produce
heavy crops, not a limited number of very large tubers, for such
are not readily saleable, but by the greatest possible yield of tubers
of medium size ; these, even if the quality is much below our
standard of excellence, give the greatest satisfaction to the
majority of consumers in towns and of growers on farms in the
country.

Recognising that fact, for fact we apprehend it is, bulk cannot
.always be ignored, even if defects in quality are apparent, in pro¬
ducing food for the masses in populous places (who are in the
blissful ignorance of not knowing what really good Potatoes are) we
are yet strongly of opinion that much more attention should be
given to the quality of Potatoes and other vegetables that are
grown by gardeners for home use than at present appears fashion¬
able, and less to mere size or bulk of produce. J udges at shows
have much to answer far in lowering the quality of Potatoes for
home use. A false standard of excellence is set up, the outcome of
which is that there are young gardeners and their affluent
employers like their hungry and humble brethren in towns, in not
knowing what first-rate Potatoes are. When Potatoes are served in
their highest excellence small tubers of the kinds are selected,
large ones being rejected ; and those with a sulphury tinge are
usually better flavoured than tubers as white as superfine flour.
The samples sent to us by Mr. Fenn we could find no fault with.
They were the reverse of large, and those of Sir Charles Douglas
not as symmetrical as eggs ; but as regards quality they were far in
advance of the London standard, also of that of not a few country
houses we have from time to time visited.]

PLANTING STOCKS AND ASTERS.

Frequently these plants are left too long in the seed bed, or,
more correctly speaking, in the position in which they were trans¬
planted from the seed pans or boxes. They are, in the majority of
cases, pricked out into some moderately light rich soil in which has
been incorporated a liberal quantity of leaf mould. This induces
rapid growth after the plants are once fairly started, and if left
under these conditions for too long, they attain a large size, and are
severely checked when transplanted. The longer Stocks, whether
Ten Weeks, Intermediate, or East Lothian, are left, the greater the
difficulty in removing them without flagging severely for some time
after planting. Stocks that are long left in the same position are
certain to move badly, for they naturally form rather long strong
roots which are almost destitute of fibre. When finally planted in
a moderately small state they can be lifted with good fibry roots,
and if done during showery weather, they quickly take to their new
quarters and grow vigorously from the first. To grow Stocks
thoroughly well they should be planted out where they are to
flower in a small shite, so that they may be checked as little as
possible. No comparison can be drawn between those planted out
while comparatively small and before they crowd one another, and
those that are allowed to attain a large size, but are weakly. Sturdy
plants and early planting in fertile soil is the secret of having
Stocks of an exceptionally fine character, well branched, and
possessing large bold full spikes of bloom.

Asters are more inclined to form large quantities of fibre, and
therefore can be transplanted with greater certainty of doing well
than Stocks. But it is unwise to allow them to become too large
before they are planted out. Only last season we were impressed

with the importance of placing them out early before the ) lants
really commenced vigorous growth and became crowded. Both
Stocks and Asters branch freely if dwarf sturdy plants are put out
directly the state of the weather will allow of this being done.
If the soil in the bed or border in which they are to be planted is
good, the latter should not be placed nearer than 1 foot apart, and
the former 15 inches. Half the beauty of these useful plants is
not developed, for they are often partially destroyed in their early
stages of growth, or ruined by being planted too closely together.
Those who have adopted such practices will be surprised at the
result of the more liberal system of treatment advised if they carry
it out properly. — D. A.

&PINACII.

More anxiety is caused by this than perhaps any other vegetable
crop. The summer crop runs to seed in a short time, the plants
being scarcely above ground when they “ spindle,” the leaves being
insignificant, and as that is the useful part, dishes are obtained with
difficulty in hot weather. Then the winter crop is liable to dis¬
appear in an unaccountable way. The plants are, for a time, very
healthy, and promise an abundance of large and fleshy leaves, but
the plants begin to turn yellow at the points of the leaves, the
whole plant soon assumes a sickly hue, growth has ceased some time,
and collapse is only a matter of a few days. The disaster is not
caused by any grub, nor is there any evidence of the mysterious
agency of fungus.

Having tried many plans and schemes, I had come to the con¬
clusion that there was no escape from Spinach failures. I had
grown all sorts, kept well posted, and come to look on Spinach
vagaries with complacency. I sowed a large breadth down after early
Carrots, another after French Beans, and a third after Peas, second
early, there being a fourth after Cauliflowers. Those independent
of the private supply, which was had after whatever might be off
in time, a reservation of ground of course being made, which was
that of early Potatoes, Peas, &c., generally the Peas, with a good
coat of well-decayed manure applied and dug in, and sometimes
after Cauliflower. Good and necessary, however, as is rotation of
crops, I have found ground highly cultivated will grow anything,
only following with crops of the same sort comes to disaster in the
end, and the longer it is continued the greater is the disaster ; there¬
fore, all I shall say of the rotation is that the Spinach does best
after Peas, Potatoes, and Cauliflower in that order, and better than
anything after summer Onions — i.e., those that are bunched, as the
Tripolis. But I hardly think rotation has much to do with the
failure of Winter Spinach. In all the cases named the Spinach
was grown on the flat at the usual distance of 18 inches to 2 feet
between the rows, and the plants a foot apart in the rows. That,
however, after Carrots, went off worst ; then the French Beans, and
Cauliflowers next. Now we have a departure from the flat system.
Between the rows of Peas I had Celery, trenches taken out in the
usual way and laid alongside the Peas. The Celery failed. I had
the wide ridges sown with Spinach after cleaning and levelling, but
not filling the Celery trenches, as that would be useful for the
house. I had three rows on each ridge. The Celery trenches were
18 inches wide, and the Spinach ridges 4 feet 6 inches wide. The
Spinach grew well, and I waited for Mr. Salesman’s telegrams,
sending only the usual consignments, and left the ridge Spinach
alone. Fully half the Spinach plants on the Carrot plot had
collapsed. That after the Cauliflower was much the best, but
sparrows took a fancy to it and tore the leaves into shreds, and that
after French Beans was not bad, only late, as the ground had been
dried in its two senses — i.e., moisture and food, by the French
Beans. The home supply had been also culled, as the supply ex¬
ceeded the demand. It came at last. “ Send on — Spinach scarce
and dear.” All hands were set to work and every bushel filled.
This was off the Celery ridges, and it weighed over 2 lbs. more
per bushel than the other. For the extra trouble I receive 3s.
per bushel, less by Is. fid. than before. I received no more telegrams
about Spinach.

The Spinach on the Celery ridges stood high and dry. That is
something in favour of Winter Spinach ; but the chief is it was
mulched with short manure. The way to get Winter Spinach is
to sow on ridges like Mangolds, thin to about fi inches apart— taking
out every other plant at the first gathering — and mulch. To get
summer Spinach sow also on ridges and mulch. The best I have
had, either for winter or summer, has been Yeitch's Victoria, which
has thick dark green leaves, very fleshy, and is not liable to run to
seed so soon as many others. Monstrueuse de Carentan is also a fine
fleshy leaved sort of the Flanders type, and good for either summer
or winter. Prickly is good for winter, and Round for summer. I
sow about the 10th of August for the winter supply, and every
fornight up to the same date in September. The summer supply

480

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane IP, 1887.

is liad from sowings made fortnightly from the middle of February,
or as soon as the weather is favourable, up to the end of. J uly.
The system of sowing Spinach as thick as Mustard and Cress
deserves to fail, as it usually does when wanted. On the raiesd
ridges it has plenty of air, is sturdier, and the leaves are thicker.
Manure buried only causes excessive luxuriance, and renders the
plants highly susceptible to frost. — Utilitarian.

NOTES ON APPLES.

Having nearly a thousand varieties of Apples it may interest
some of your readers if I send the names of those which I have found
making the best show of blossom this year. Irish Peach and the
Astrachans were, as £ have always found them, the earliest. Those
having the greatest profusion of blossom were JaquesLebel, Golden
Spire (fine rose colour), Piles Russet (fine rose colour), Reinette Jaune
ISucree (light), Rosehill (pink), Large Cockpit (pink), Belle Mous¬
se use (pink), Lady Derby (true), not Whorle Pippin of the Chiswick
Congress, was of a fine deep colour, and had a good show of blossom.

The 1 atest have been Court Pendu Plat, Lodgemore Nonpareil,
The Bess Pool, Grange’s, Evargil Pippin, and an Apple exactly like
Bittersweet in fruit but totally different in blossom ; I had ii some
years back fur Siberian Harvey, but it does not at all agree with the
description of that Apple. These six are almost without leaf when the
blossom comes out. Some late ones were pretty, most of them light
coloured — namely, Ckaze (light), Defiance (light), Kienle (small
pink), Sarry Alma (white, very’ pretty and distinct), Red Fall Pippin
(light), Flushing Spitzemberg (light), Buncombe (light), Land Sand¬
wich (large Rhododendron-like blossom, good leaves), Reinette
Pippin (good light). The latest of all was Ebner’s Tuffetapfel (small
pink bloom). For beauty nothing has come up to a wild late hedge¬
row Crab.

My plantings range from 300 feet above sea level to 600. This
range has not apparently this year made any difference in the time
of blossoming of the different sorts. I have not been from home, so
I have not had an opportunity of seeing the differences made by
latitude, mine is 52-42 N. When in fruit none of my Apples come near
Worcester Pearmain in beauty.

I sent you some specimens of Worcester Pearmain in February ; I
now send you a few to show you that after being eatable for more than
nine months, since the latter part of August, it is still not the worst
of Apples. Having several hundred trees of this they have been a
very pretty sight when in blossom, not a failure among them. The
season is quite three weeks late, so unless we have very forcing
weather they cannot be as early- this year.

The Chiswick Congress of 1884 made Guernsey Pippin and Golden
Harvey identical. There is great similarity in the fruit, but the early
leaves of Golden Harvey’ are of a much brighter green than those of
Guernsey Pippin, which are of a greyish green. The blossom stalks
of Guernsey Pippin are much the shorter. — Piiilohelos.

MR. F. BAUSE AND HIS WORK.

Some time ago the name of Bause was more familiar than it has been
of late, or at least was more prominent in the gardening press. Several
years have elapsed since he won his spurs as a hybridiser in the produc¬
tion of a famous batch of Coleuses— the progenitors of the best existing
varieties ; he subsequently revolutionised the Dracaenas by his extra¬
ordinary success in cross-fertilisation in the Anerley Nurseries, where
he was also fortunate in raising several new Ferns, Adiantums Bausei,
Lathomi, Victorias, and others that it is not necessary to enumerate.
But of late little has been heard about the author of those achievements
beyond what may be described as his home circle and the “ trade.”

All the world is not aware that Mr. Bause, who worked so success¬
fully for others, has for the last three years been engaged in establishing
a business of his owu. By untiring industry, indomitable persever¬
ance, and skilful management he has attained a position on which his
friends are glad to congratulate him. Some three or four years ago he
purchased a barren plot of ground. He had then no glass, no plants,
and not, perhaps, much money. He has now some of the most useful
structures to be found for “ manufacturing ” and growing plants to a de¬
corative size ; possesses “stock,” which is in one department at least —
Dracrenas — probably unequalled in the kingdom ; Palms, not easily sur¬
passed in the way of “ marketable ” plants ; Aspidistras in such numbers
as are seldom seen ; a good collection of Crotons ; and a few other kinds
of plants to which he devotes attention. Mr. Bause’s line of action
consists in growing a great number of a few kinds, and growing
them well, rather than growing a few of many and not having a
first-rate stock of any. What he has must be as good of its kind and for
its purpose as is producible, or he is the reverse of comfortable, and is not
content till he is abreast of his friends and fellow workers at home and
abroad.

The glass ” in the Morland N ursery, South Norwood, consists of eight
span-roofed houses, four of them each 90 feet long and from 12 to 16 feet
wide; the other four being 40 feet long, the whole of them strong,
durable, well arranged, and amply- ^heated structures, having been

erected on the sound principle that the best materials, workmanship,
and “ plenty of piping,” though involving a little extra outlay, is the
most economical in the end. The sashbars for glazing are 3 by 1 5 inch,
every sixth stronger for giving greater rigidity and supporting shelves,
strong glass being used in squares 12 by 18 inches well embedded in
putty, but top putty abandoned as superfluous, as are side lights or
sashes, the roofs resting on the wall plates. In the larger houses are
central flat stages 7 feet or 8 feet wide, with a path round, and narrow
side stages. These are not of open latticework, as the plants grown
thrive best on a close damp base of cocoa-nut fibre or ashes, nor is great
provision made for ventilation, Mr. Bause not being a believer in
creating moisture in a house for the benefit of plants and driving it out
with a rush. Yet his plants are sturdy or they would not endure their
ten miles drive more or less to Covent Garden in winter, and the ex¬
posure to which they must be submitted in the draughty covered market
No matter what the season or weather, a market day (twice a week) is
never missed ; and it is generally admitted that no plants of their kinds
that are sent to the great emporium surpass, if equal, those in question.
Mr. Bause has simply “ topped the market,” and therein rests his suc¬
cess. “Growing plants for market does not pay,’’ say hundreds of
persons ; and they are right — they do not pay because there are others
better there, and only those of the first quality meet with a ready sale
at remunerative prices. Nothing proves the metal of a man like grow¬
ing produce for market in these days of keen competition at home and
from abroad. Mr. Bause is one of those who does not sit down and
grieve over foreign competition. He took the measure of continental
producers, and can now grow plants of given kinds, that he does grow, as
well, if not better, than they can, and sell them as cheap if not cheaper,
the best proof of this being his exportations ; he sells to the Continent
as much “ stuff ” as he buys from it, and often more, but his home¬
grown plants are preferred by his customers in the market, the “ trade ”
and private individuals for he does business with all, and with a con¬
tinuance of health and strength is bound to do more.

“ Growing for market is hard work, but - .” We are left to guess

what the “ but ” with the accompanying shrug of the shoulders means.
It may be suspected to mean money, ready money ; and a s\ stem of
large sales with small profits on that basis is better than slow sales, large
profits, and long credit. “ We have now,” continued our plant manu¬
facturer, “ to sell for 2s. 6d. what a few years since was sold for 7s. 6d.

and 10s., but - .” Possibly the “ but ” here means that it may answer

as well to sell twenty plants daily for as many half-crowns as to sell one
for four of them, as in the days of larger profits and slower trade.
There can be little doubt that the trade in high-class ornamental foliaged
decorative plants has increased by much more than twentyfold during the
past ten years ; and these are the plants to which Mr. Bause devotes his
attention. Let us glance at them.

Dracmnas astonish by their numbers. They are in all stages, from
an inch high in thumb pots to handsome, well-furnished, and brightly
coloured saleable plants, 18 inches to 2 feet high, in 5 to 7-inch pots. A
few of the more prominent are Mrs. Robert Turner, a new bright, broad¬
leaved variety, colouring from its infancy ; Fredericki, surpassing ter-
minalis in colour and decorative value, the demand exceeding the supply ;
Terminalis alba, useful and “ takes well ” in the market ; but Alexandra
is the best white, early in colouring, free and pure ; Madame Charles
Heine (Chantrier) is a sturdy grower, in the style of Mrs. Wills, with
elegant drooping leaves ; Gladstonei remains one of the most massive
and rich ; Pendula is distinct and beautiful, a great improvement on
Cooperi, very hardy, and 10,000 have been sold ; Renardae is a favourite
as a dwarf, sturdy, early-colouring variety, for which the demand is
great ; Rossi is good, resembling magnifica inhabit, but richer in colour ;
Madame F. Bergman (Chantrier) is imposing with its broad-spreading,
richly coloured leaves. The best of the narrow-leaved forms for table
decoration are angustifolia (Williams) dark red ; Earncsti, dwarf, rich ;
superba, crimson, free, upright ; and Sydneyi, slender, drooping, and
bright. Only one more can be mentioned, Dannelliana, the finest stock
probably of the best green Dracaena .in cultivation ; it is known as the
best variety of rubra, and had become scarce. Mr. Bause appears, how¬
ever, to have hit on a ready method of increase. It is one of the best of
room and market plants, rivalling the Aspidistra in hardiness and
enduring rough usage.

Palms next demand attention. He would be a bold man to say how
many thousands there are, some coming up as thick as grass in pans and
boxes under stages. A sowing of 80,000 seeds of Cocos Weddelliana
gives an idea of the demand for that elegant Talm, the plants “ going ”
as fast as they are ready ; the slower to grow (the seeds being two years
germinating), but not less elegant, Geonoma gracilis, is represented by
10,000 plants. These are the two most graceful Palms known. Then
we find quite a forest of the valuable Kentias Belmoreana or Fosteriana,
and the more sturdy Canterburyana. These, by their darker leaves and
better “ character,” have practically driven the once popular Seaforthia
elegans out of the market. Only one other species is grown by the
thousand — -namely, the yellow stemmed, free and graceful Areca lutescens.
A few others are seen in lesser numbers, but those named are in the
greatest demand and are grown accordingly. In no continental estab¬
lishment can Palm-growing be seen to better advantage than in this,
and the famed Belgian growers must look out, or, to quote a remark
of a travelled horticulturist, “ Bause will beat them.” His plants
ranging from the smallest seedlings to specimens of about 3 feet high,
some larger, are in the best of health and colour, stout in texture, and
clean.

Upwards of_a hundred varieties of Crotons are grown, these plants

.Tone 1#, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

481

when well coloured in a small state meeting with a good sale in “ the
market,” the names of varieties not being a matter of great importance
there. A collection such as this, however, affords an opportunity of
noting half a dozen of the more distinct and effective varieties. There
are superbus (Kerr), narrow leaved, colour sulphur yellow, bright and
elegant ; Neumanni (Kerr), broad leaved, highly coloured, indeed
almost a “crimson self”; Flambeau (Kerr), narrow leaved, crimson,
very rich ; Sunshine (Williams), medium as to leaf growth, and a com¬
bination of crimson, red and yellow in colour ; Mortefontainensis
(Chantrier), trilobed and very rich in colour; Emperor Alexander
(Chantrier), broad leaved, after the character of Evansianus, and a fine
addition. Those are all distinct and good varieties, and if a dwarf one
of great transparency is desired it is found in Veitch’s Hawkeri. This
is a very .short list from a collection numbering a few thousands of
plants.

Good progress is being made with Nepenthes — Mastcrsiana, Northieana
and sanguinca being in admirable condition, Rajah and sincta being
also included, but smaller; and a stock is being worked up of Ficus
clastica variegata, which is expected will become a favourite in the
market and for general decorative purposes ; its variegation appears to
be constant and decided. It is wonderful to see what can l>e accom¬
plished by the combined force of good judgment, skill, and diligence
in business, and Mr. F. Bause’s work certainly merits recognition. —
A Traveller.

LETTUCES FROM DECEMBER TO MAY.

1 SHOULD be very glad if you could tell me in the Journal the best
way to grow Cos Lettuces to cut from December to May. If a heated
pit is necessary would you kindly tell me what kind of structure would
be most suitable, and which variety of Cos to grow ? A little expense
would not be objected to. — A. B. C.

[A gardener of great experience in growing and forcing vegetables
favours us with the following notes on the subject in question : —

It is a matter of no small difficulty to have lettuces, arid especially
Cos, fit to cut from December to May. The difficulty is climatic, but
may be overcome by skill and appliances. Heated structures are essen¬
tial. Those we have used were ordinary pits 6 feet 6 inches wide,
with a row of 4-inch pipes along the front and at the back, the top four
courses of the brickwork being 4^ inches built in cement, which forms
a ledge inside on which the hot-water pipes are placed, and the height
of the ledge is the level of the soil, so that the plants or soil is about
18 inches from the glass. A depth of 18 inches below the ledge is suffi¬
cient for drainage and soil. About 9 inches depth of rubble is placed
in for drainage, secured with a thin layer of turves grass side down¬
wards, or the rougher parts of the compost, which consists of good
garden soil or loam three parts, leaf soil one part, well decayed manure one
part, and one part in equal proportions of old mortar rubbish and charcoal,
the whole well incorporated, adding a bushel of soot to every thirty of
compost. The whole is prepared and ready for sowing by the third week
in July. About the 20th of that month the seed is sown in drills
15 inches apart — i.e., the Cos varieties; but we take a row of a
small Cabbage variety between the rows for early cutting. The plants
are thinned in the first instance to 3 inches, and finally to 9 inches in
the rows, but the Cabbage sorts to 6 inches. They are duly attended to
with water, keeping them free from weeds, and stirring the soil about
the plants, dusting with quicklime if slugs or worms are troublesome.
The lights are not used, but they are held in readiness from early
October for employment in case heavy and prolonged rains, frost or
snow prevailing, the lights being tilted back and front in mild but wet
weather, so as to insure a circulation of air, and when frost prevails
they are closed during its prevalence. Whenever the weather is fair
and mild the lights are withdrawn, and the sun is not allowed to act on
the pits so as to raise the temperature without air being given ; in fact,
the lights are withdrawn or ah given whenever the external temperature
is 50°. By November, if all has gone well, the plants will be strong,
the Cabbage fit to cut, having hearts not unlike a tennis ball, and are
esteemed whole, halved or quartered ; the Cos will be fit to tie — i.e., the
largest plants, this requiring to be attended to in order to secure the
needful blanching.

“ During the winter the heat is turned on to insure a night tempera¬
ture of 45° to 50°, and the latter by day, always with a little ventilation
except during very severe frost, the chief thing to guard against being
a stagnant atmosphere, losing no opportunity of exposing the plants
fully to atmospheric influences. The next evil is too moist a condition
of the soil. Moisture is essential to healthy growth, but when water or
liquid manure is given it should be in the morning when there is a pro¬
spect of a fine day, and as a safeguard against damp rising, mulching
between the rows with charcoal, or straw cut into rough cliaff is useful.
The further conditions are an open but sheltered situation, a drip-proof
roof or lights, ami a firm soil, it being well trodden before sowng, so as to
insure sturdy plants ; but the surface must be loose, or made so by
light stirring. In order to obtain a supply several pits will be necessary
to follow each other, frost only being excluded until the plants arc
wanted to make the needful growth for blanching, or about a fortnight
before required for use. For early spring use sow about the 10th of
August and grow in cold pits, employing protection in severe weather.
The finest Lettuces we have had in winter were grown in Melon pits
emptied in October and filled with leaves in November, trodden hard
and covered with 6 inches of good loam, in which plants were placed
with balls of roots from the July sowing. They were kept active at the

roots and in steady progressive growth with very little aid from fire
heat ; indeed, it was only given to exclude frost, or in dull weather to
insure a circulation of air. The Cabbage variety grown was Commodore
Nutt, of the Tom Thumb or Tennis Ball section ; but Early Paris
Market was excellent, and it is likely Veitch’s Golden Queen will super¬
sede all others of this section, it being a little except heart, the thing
wanted in a Lettuce. Of the Cos varieties, Bath or Brown Sngarloaf
and Hick’s Hardy White Cos. Both are superb.”]

ILLTCIUM FLORID ANUM.

The “ Florida Aniseed Tree,” as this Ilicium is popularly known in
the Southern States of North America, is an evergreen shrub rarely ex¬
ceeding the height of 0 feet, and as seen in this country usually much
smaller. The leaves are lanceolate in form, smooth, and shining green,
becoming a deep red colour as they fade. The flowers have a strong
aromatic odour, resembling aniseed, and are composed of a great
number of radiating, slightly recurving, dark reddish crimson flowers

Fig 81.— lllicinm floridamun.

borne singly near the points of the shoots. In the south of England it
succeeds well out of doors, but elsewhere it is generally grown in pots or
planted out in cool conservatories. It requires a compost of peat and
light loam, with abundant supplies of water, as it is a moisture-loving
plant and is found in swampy districts in a wild state.

MELON SUPPORTS.

How many and varied are the contrivances for supporting the fruit
on house-grown Melons, nearly every cultivator having his own pet
style, which it is no easy matter to alter. In reality, half the labour
and ingenuity expended in this direction is totally uncalled for, ami

482

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Juno 1 x , 1887.

very many of the supports are ugly, quite disfiguring a well grown crop
of fruit. If there was any necessity to support the Melons at any time,
say up to the time they are ripe, there would be some excuse for the
practice. As it happens, the plants are capable of bearing the heaviest
fruit grown, always providing the haulm immediately over the fruit is
fastened with a stout piece of raffia to the wires overhead. It is by no
means an uncommon practice to support the fruit when no larger than
an Orange, some being slung up in baskets, some in nets, others on
boards, and a few in saucers with perforated bottoms, made for this
especial purpose. Many are content to support them with a network
of raffia, while occasionally string only is used. Any and all of these
contrivances, if used before the fruit are fully grown, are liable to dis¬
figure the fruit, either as regards form or appearance.

Those who wish their Melons to be perfect in shape and beautifully
netted ought not to hamper them in any way. If the embryo fruit are
well formed and properly set in the first instance, and allowed to hang
naturally from the plant, they arc almost certain to be of good shape.
Whether they will be large and well netted, however, is principally de¬
termined by the quantity of fruit each plant is allowed to swell off, and
it may not be out of place to repeat what others before me have pointed
out — viz., that when Melons are overcropped the quality of the fruit is
greatly deteriorated thereby. We are apt to overlook the fact that any
kind of fruit tree or Vine is quite capable of bearing the weight of the
fruit produced, at any rate as far as the footstalk is concerned ; but if
we sling up the fruit when quite young the tendons cease to strengthen.
Exercise and use develope the muscles and tendons in both the members
of the animal and vegetable kingdom, and it is good for neither animal
nor fruit to be always riding. Let the Melons bear their own weight,
and cut them when they are ripe. About the middle of May we com¬
menced cutting Melons, and although several of them weighed 3 lbs.,
or rather more, not one of them fell. They would have fallen,
doubtless, if we had left them on the plant long enough ; but I hold it
is quite possible to leave a fruit too long on a plant. Cut it when well
coloured and commencing to crack round the footstalk, leave it on a
shelf in the same house for a few hours, and then keep it in a cool room
till wanted. Those sorts given to premature cracking, and which include
Victory of Bath, Eastnor Castle, and Longleat Perfection, very fre¬
quently have to be cut before they are coloured, but they ripen
thoroughly on a shelf in a forcing house. I have tasted numerous fruit
thus cut and ripened, and many of them were of excellent quality,
quite equal to taking prizes at large flower shows, in fact. This season
we supplied the Melons for a Royal dinner party, and were praised for
them. They were “ very good,” yet never receive any supports.

Very few will be tempted to risk losing a few fruits owing to no sup¬
ports being affixed, but if they will not discontinue supports they ought
to defer supporting them till near the time of ripening, and then little
or no harm will result. All that is needed is a few short lengths of
medium-sized strings. With one piece form a loop so as to fit closely
round the fruit slightly below the thickest part, and leave one long end ;
attach two other pieces to this loop at equal distances apart, and tie all
three ends to the wires overhead. This simple support is strong enough
for the heaviest fruit grown, but we do think it advisable for them to
actually bear the weight of the fruit, their purpose being to prevent the
fruit from dropping. Strips of raffia may be used instead of string,
but the latter is more easily tied, and is also much the strongest. — W.
Iggulden.

NOTABLE TREES AT WHITTINGHAME,

PRESTONKIRK, N.B.

Whittinghame, as hinted at page 305, is situite amidst a wealth
of charming woodland scenery, about three miles south-east from
Prestonkirk and the East Linton station of the Great Northern main
line of railway, and a like distance in an opposite direction from the
fishing town of Dunbar and its historic il castle, now, like many
others of the thirteenth century, in ruins. As I am not going
to write a description of Whittinghame and its extensive and well-
kept gardens, but simply to give the dimensions of a few of the
choice trees which abound in the grounds, I may say at once that
everything, both indoors and out, go to show that Mr. John Garrett
is a good all-round practkioncr. Close by the old Castle (which is
situa'e at the t> p of the charming grounds facing the present com¬
modious and handsome Grecian mansion) is a remarkable and most
interesting Yew tree— remarkable alike for its great age and s :ze —
ttie circumference of the trunk being 10 feet 6 inches, diameter of
s iace inside where the branches rest on the green sward 35 feet, out¬
side spread of branches close upon 100 yards in circumference, and
interesting from the fact that underneath the spreading branches of
this venerable tree Bothw ll and other Scottish nobles opposed to
Darnley, are said to have concocted a plot to assassinate him. Of
Araucaria imbricata there are trees from 1G feet to 31 feet high, and
furuished from the ground with luxuriant branches ; two bore cones
from which a quantity of good seed was saved a year or two since.
Abies Douglasii, spread of branches 43 yards in circumference, and
girth of trunk 7 feet 9 inches ; Picea cephaloniea, 50 feet high,
circumference of branches 34 yards ; Thujopsis borealis, a handsome
specimen, 25 feet high ; Wellingtonia gigantea, trunk 11 feet in cir¬
cumference, and about 51 feet high ; Picea Pinsapo, 4G feet in height,
a finely proportioned tree; P. nobilis, 71 feet high, stem 6J feet

rcund ; P. pindrow, 41 feet high ; P. Nordmanniana, 71 feet high,
stem 6| feet round ; P. Morinda, 41 feet high ; P. Webbiana, 46 feet
high ; Pinus excelsa, 41 feet high, as also is a handsome specimen
of P. Cembra ; Picea nobilis glauca, 31 feet in height ; Fitzroya
patagonica, 21 feet high ; Taxodium sempervirens, 51 feet high ;
Cupressus Lawsoniana, 31 feet high, and, like the other trees men¬
tioned, of proportioned dimensions ; Cryptomeria japonica, 41 feet.
There are several standard Portugal Laurels, having clean stems
mostly G feet in girth, and heads from 20 yards to 28 yards in cir¬
cumference, truly grand specimens ; and in the flower garden there
is a very fine silver variegated Holly, 27 feet high and 33 yards in
circumference.

Last but not least, mention must be made of a large specimen
Eucalyptus, having a trunk 1(R feet round, main limb 5 feet, others
two 3 feet 8 inches, and others of smaller dimensions, height 61 feek
Hitherto Mr. Garrett, the able gardener, had thought the species to
have been E. viminalis, it having been so named by the late Pro¬
fessor Balfour ; but Sir Jt seph Hooker, to whom Mr. Garrett lately
sent a branch, recognised it as one which he had himself gathered on
the mountains of Tasmania, called E. Gunnii, or Cider Tree. The
natives make use of the fermented juice as a potable beverage. The
soil at Whittinghame overlies the old red sandstone formation, the
subsoil being mostly of sand or gravel ; the atmosphere is conse¬
quently dry, and to this fact Mr. Garrett, naturally enough, attributes
his immunity from severe frost, as he finds a given amount of frost
does not do the same amount of damage as it does in the low-lying
districts, where the air is more moist. The elevation of Whitting¬
hame, which is about three miles westward of tho German Ocean, is
about 320 feet above sea level. It would be interesting to know
whether there is any larger specimen of the Eucalyptus Gunnii grow¬
ing in Great Britain or Ireland than the one indicated above. — H. W.
Ward, Longford Castle.

NOTES ON BUSH FEUITS.

Raspberries. — These are perhaps more liable to suffer from lack
of moisture than from any other cause. They like a soil therefore
which contains a permanency, without stagnation. They will, for the
above reason, succeed pretty well in a half-shaded situation ; but the
fruit never attains that, high flavour so much esteemed in the Raspberry.
We have some highly improved kinds of the Raspberry at present in
cultivation. Fastolf continues in bearing long after the other kinds ;
appearing to partake in some degree of the double-bearing. Those who
desire Raspberries through the end of the summer should prune some of
the canes back to later eyes, or buds, after the bushes have sprouted an
inch or two. This forces them to sprout lower down the stem. Of
course, later Raspberries like liberal manurings ; indeed they should have
a little annually, and no digging over the roots should be permitted.

Gooseberries. — Amongst all the bush fruits this delights most in
an open, free, and generous soil — one rather dark in colour seems to suit
it best. The Red and White Currant like a similar soil ; but, if too
generous, they will produce too much watery wood. It is, however,
difficult to make the soil too good for Gooseberries with any reasonable
amount of manurial matters. Many good gardeners pack about half a
barrowful round the stem of each bearing bush every winter. This
washes down in nutrition to the roots, and keeps them damp in dry and
hot periods. Little summer pruning is needed for the Gooseberry— just
enough to keep the boughs from dangling too low and becoming
splashed. For this purpose the ordinary shears may be used, only
removing any portion of the points which are disposed to touch the
soil.

Black Currants. — These love a moist soil : drought, especially
when they are in blossom, or swelling, is almost sure to engender aphides.
For this reason, cottagers in country places are in the habit of packing
damp manure round their stems, in order to retain the moisture, as well
as to encourage surface fibres. In dry periods, during the end of May
and first week in June, those who suspect any drought at the root should
give their bushes a thorough soaking of water ; if soapsuds are mixed
with it all the better : this will generally secure a good crop and avert
the attacks of the fl<-. Here I must protest against the use of the spade.
I do not allow it to come within 3 feet of my bushes. Summer pruning
is not needed with the Black Currant ; unless it be a few of the lower
shoots, bending with their weight and touching the ground. If, how¬
ever, any of the young points grow to an inconvenient height, they may
be pinched or cut back any time during this month, leaving a few of
the lower leaves.

Red Currants. — The Reds are much coarser-growing bushes than
the Whites, and do not require so much manure ; indeed, where they
make coarse breastwood, manure is out of the question ; whereas it is
not easy to over-manure the Whites. Both Red and White Currants
delight in a free and open soil, and will endure drought much better
than the Black Currant. They are apt to produce an inconvenient
amount of breast shoots, which rob the fruit considerably ; and here is
a case where summer pruning is of much service. This is performed
when the breast shoots arc about 9 inches in length ; they may be
shortened to 3 inches, which is necessary to protect them from intense
sunlight : for if it shines much immediately on the berries before the
colouring period they will lose size as well as juiciness. But the tre-

Jane 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

483

minal points also are apt to lengthen inconveniently ; these may be
shortened when from 8 inches to a foot in length.

These proceedings will throw much strength into the berry, which
is most desirable. It is of no use suffering young growing spray to any
indefinite extent, it is but adding more woody matter ; whereas the
prime object should be to throw as much into the fruit as possible. As
for weak growth, that merely points to the need of manure, and mar
be amended by surface dressings, or by digging out a trench around
them and introducing manurial matters.

Amongst the chief recommendations I have to offer, let me urge that
fhere be no surface digging at any period nearer than 3 feet from the
bole of the tree ; there is more harm done with the spade than by any
other means. It is the same, indeed, with most other fruit trees.

White Currants. — These like a light and rich soil, and require
it to be generous. They should by all means have a surface dressing
— only a little — every winter if fine fruit is desired. They require
iess shortening than the Red, and seldom much summer pruning of the
breast shoots. It is astonishing what a weight of fruit a White Cur¬
rant bush will produce if of a good variety and properly handled.

I may now offer a few miscellaneous remarks and suggestions. In
the first place, as to insects. A naper has appeared on this subject
a number or two back as regards the Gooseberry. Currants are chiefly
liable to the aphis, and a troublesome enemy it is, having the power of
distorting the foliage to an immense extent, in fact, forming thereby a
place of retreat that almost bids us defiance. The only plan is to
attack them whilst young with tobacco water before the foliage
collapses. Many, however, may be removed in the summer pruning,
for ail gardeners have not labourers enough to meet the increasing con¬
tingencies of later years ; and this, more by far than the want of know¬
ledge, is the cause of many of the evils that we still find besetting the
fruit gardener. The aphis is the most powerful enemy of the black
■Currant, and may be attacked similarly, but preventives go a long
way, as before observed. Thorough waterings, about a couple of times,
the last week in May and the middle of June, will effect wonders,
black Currants will endure almost any amount of moisture.

The retarding of bush fruit is a point too little noticed or attended
to, and this chiefly through the pressure of other matters at the period
proper to attend to them. Gooseberries, lied and White Currants,
Raspberries, &c., look exceedingly ornamental when trained on trellises,
providing they can at all times be kept in trim. If, however, they can¬
not be properly attended to, such had better be omitted. On perpen¬
dicular rails, too, they are very easily protected, or shaded when
requisite ; and this is a consideration as to both earliness and lateness,
ns well as to birds. Trellises of strained wire are cheaply knocked up
nowadays, and may be admirably adapted to their habits. Further,
with regard to pruning in the rest season, I may observe that a too
sparing hand is the common fault. Gooseberries, especially, require
more thinning than is commonly awarded them. The interior shoots of
the bush in healthy trees should be almost entirely pruned away, and
the bearing confined chiefly to the extreme points. They are thus
gathered with more ease ; indeed, the bushes may be stripped in half
the time of those choked up in the interior. The fruit, also, is much
finer, and the crop will be found to tell amazingly in bulk. As for the
Red and White Currants, their side spray — if other points of manage¬
ment be right — may be all pruned close to within half an inch of the
main stem. There is thus less summer spray to prune back, and the
fruit is in consequence much larger. Those who grow for exhibition
purposes may use liquid manure occasionally during the swelling pro¬
cess, as also just before the fruit begins to colour. This will much in¬
crease the size and improve the general appearance. — N. E. It.

SOUTH ESSEX HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

June 9th.

The revival of this Exhibition was satisfactory to many horticulturists
in the district and elsewhere, and it is regretable that through some
un'ortunate dissension no show was held last year. We have witnessed a
number of this Society’s gatherings, and they have long been noticeable
for the freshness and good culture of the plants shown. Competition has
also generally been keen, a wholesome spirit of rivalry prevailing amongst
the local gardeners. Unquestionably the Society has been greatly assisted
by their President, J. G. Barclay, Esq., Knotts Green, Leyton, who has
annually provided a site for the Exhibition in the grounds adjoining his
residence, and has also thrown open the gardens, conservatory, and fernery
to all visitors. The Shows have been enriched with the fine specimen
plants grown by Mr. Donald, the gardener at Knotts Green, who has been
one of the most prominent prizet iker.s for a number of years in succession.
It is seldom that a Society obtains so much substantial support from its
President as this one does.

The Show this year was an exceptionally good one as regards the
number and quality of the exhibits, but they were not well arranged —
insufficient tent space had been provided— and in consequence the effect
produced was not nearly so satisfactory as it would have been under a
better system of management. Some of the exhibitors a'so were very
late i i staging their plants, and the method of affixing the prize cards was
one of the most clu nsy that could be employed. A card bearing the
<dass number and exhibitor's name was insert d in the top of a cleft
stick, and then a large prize card was inserted over this as the awards were
made, effectually concealing the names of the winners. This might be
easily remedied by making another c 'eft in the stick lower down, having
another stick, or even by placing the cards on the exhibits where they
could be conveniently seen. Attention to little details of this kind renders
an exhibition far more satisfactory to all concerned.

The Orchids constituted the cliief feature of the Show, aud we have

never seen so large and good a display at a local exhibition of this
character. The plants were mostly small or of medium size, but they
were mostly distinguished by their healthy condition, their number of
flowers, and the excellence of the varieties. For a group of Orchids Mr.
W. May, gardener to F. C. Jacombe, Esq., 11, Amliurst Park, Stamford
Hill, won the chief place with a capital selection of OdontoglossumR
crispum cordatum, Kienastianum, citrosmum, and vexillarium, represented
by excellent varieties. Cattleya Mossiie was very fine, Cypripedium Veitchi,
C. barbatum superbum, and Masdevallias Lindeni and ignea very richly
coloured. These were tastefully arranged with small Ferns. Mr. J. Gilks,
gardener to A.Borwick, Esq., Hicham li ill, followed with a more varied col¬
lection but scarcely such fine varieties ; Ltelia purpurata, Cattleya Mcudeli,
Ada aurantiaea, Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, Lycastes, Deudrobiums were
xvell represented, and were disposed to the best advantage with elegant
foliage plants in a compact group. Mr. Ebbage, gardener to W. Houghton
Esq., Walthamstow, was third, his principal plants being Epidendrum
vitellinum, Dendrobiums, Masdevallias, Cyp-ipediums, and Anguloa
Clowesi. For eight Orchids Mr. May was again victorious, showing hand¬
some plants of Thunia Marshalli with six racemes of six and eight flowers
each, Cattleya Mendeli, C. Mossise, Anguloa Ruclteri with three flowers,
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum with seven racemes, the richly spotted valuable
Odontoglossum Jacombianum, O. crispum, and Ladia purpurata Williamsi.
Mr. Gilks was second with Oncidium maevanthum having fourteen fine
flowers. Ladia purpurata ten flowers, Lycaste Skinneri sixteen flowers,
Cymbidium eburneum, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Zygopetalum crinitum
five racemes, or a total of twenty-seven flowers, and Masdeva'lia Lindeni.
Mr. Ebbage was third for Cypripedium Ro sbeliui five flowers, L' caste
Deppei ten flowers, Aerides Fieldingi three racemes, Laslia purpurata
thirteen flowers, Maxillaria tenuifolia with some scores of its smad bright
flowers, Epidendrum vitellinum majus twelve spikes, and Cattleya Mossim
fourteen flowers. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. li. Drummond,
gardener to J. McLean, Esq., his best plant being an admirable specimen
of Brassavola Digbyana with large flowers and deeply fringed lips.

There were also three exhibitors of four Or. hids, the prizes being secured
in this order by Mr. T. Foster, gardener to 11. Johnson, Esq., Walthamstow ;
Mr. W. Davey, gardener to C. C. Paine, Esq., Stamford Hill ; and Mr.
Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq. In the first the plants were Den-
drobium calceolus, Odontoglossum crispum, Cypripedium barbatum, and
Cattleya Mossise. Mr. Davey had good plants of Cypripedium Laurence-
anum, Cattleya Mossise, and Odontoglossum vexillarium ; Mr. Donald’s
best specimens being Aerides odoratum, Cattleya Mossise, and Odonto¬
glossum vexillarium. For single specimens Mr. Gilks won first honours
with a beautiful plant of Laslia purpurata Russelliana having eight flowers,
Mr. Ebbage was second with a good variety of Lselia purpurata having
seven flowers, and Mr. May third with Cattleya Mossiae. There was also
a class for amateurs who do not employ a gardener, and three trios of neat
plants were shown. It is evident that with a little more encouragement in
the shape of larger money prizes the Society might render their Exhibition
famous for its display of Orchids ; as it was, one side of the large tent was
filled xvith them, and Messrs. Low & Co , Clapton, also had a large non¬
competing group of choice Orchids in another tent.

In the stove and greenhouse plant classes and those for miscellaneous
plants Mr. Donald was the chief exhibitor, his specimens being in excel¬
lent condition, and such as would have commanded attention in any
exhibition. For eight stove and greenhouse plants he was first with large,
evenly trained globular specimens of Genethyllis tulipifera, Draeophyllum
gracile, Bougainvillea glabra, Boronia pinnata, Erica Cavendishiana,
Genethyllis fuchsioides, Clerodendron Balfourianum, and a variety of
Azalea indica. He won the premier prize for four Heaths with Eri’as
Candolleana, tricolor Kingscotti, semula, and tricolor Paxtoni; for six fine-
foliage plants with Theophrasta imperialis, Croton majesticus, Dracaenas
Lindeni and Baptisti very fine, Dasylirion acrotrichum, and Croton
Disraeli; also with four Azaleas and six exotic Ferns, besides securing
honours in some minor classes. Most of the exhibitors already named
competed in other classes, but owing to the peculiar manner of affixing the
cards already noticed xve were unable to obtain the names of these in many
classes. Some of the principal prizewinners were Mr. Tween, gardener to
T. J. Morgan, Esq.; Mr. Drummond, gardener to D. McLean, Esq.; Mr.
Davey; Mr. C. Boakes, gardener to Capt. Gibbs, Upper Clapton; Mr.
Gilks, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Barton. Ferns, Palms, Calceolarias. Pelar¬
goniums, Gloxinias, Begonias, and Cockscombs were represented by good
plants. Cut flowers, buttonholes, and stands of flowers were tasteful, but
not quite so numerous as on former occasions.

Fruit was not largely shown, black Grapes being the best, Mr. A. Smith,
gardener to W. H. Sewell, Esq., Loughton, having well-coloured compact
bunches of Black Hamburgh. He was also first with -white Grapes —
Foster’s Seedling, but it was a little too early for them. Messrs. Donald
and Rann followed in the former class. Mr. G. Boakes had the best
Tomatoes ; Messrs. F. and J. Gilks the best Strawberries, these two
exhibitors being respectively first and second in the order named for
collections of six vegetables ; Mr. Donald having the best coUection of
six vegetables, all capital samples.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, had a large handsome group of
Orchids, stove and greenhouse plants. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, con¬
tributed a choice collection of hardy flowers. Mr. W. J. Short, Grove
Road Nursery, Walthamstow, had a pretty group of Orchids and small
flowering plants. Messrs. Wood ifc Son, Wood Green, had a stand of
special manures, peat and loam samples, and their duplex insecticide
distributor, which the Judges specially commended ; and Mr. W. Colchester,
Ipswich, had samples of the ichthemic guano, superphosphates, crushed
bones, and similar substances.

GLOXINIAS AT THE READING NURSERIES.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons have three establishments in Reading,
first their great and marvellous seed warehouses and offices in the centre
of the town, then their extensive seed trial grounds in the neighbour¬
hood of the town, and thirdly the nursery at Portland Road. An in¬
spection of all these could not well be made in one day, for the trial

484

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 16, 1887.

ground it is almost too early in the season, and the offices are so well
and widely known that they do not need description, but in the nursery
something fresh is found at all times, and there is always some im¬
portant feature of interest to horticulturists. Early in the year the
Primulas and Cyclamens were extremely fine, and visitors to the metro¬
politan meetings had an opportunity of seeing the extraordinary exhi¬
bition of the former, which gained so many honours at South Kensington.
Following these came the Calceolarias, which have afforded a brilliant
display for some time, but are now nearly over, the strong healthy plants
bearing a fine crop of seed. Now the Gloxinias constitute the feature,
and shortly the Tuberous Begonias which have received so much atten¬
tion from this firm will take up the succession, and then there will be
a host of outdoor attractions to interest the visitor. It is especially
pleasing to observe the methodical exactness with which the work is
conducted, and- the careful thought displayed in all the arrangements,
the scrupulous cleanliness, and the excellent culture afforded all the
plants taken in hand, whether flowers, fruits, or vegetables, tender or
hardy, annual or perennial. A record of the improvements effected
here in several classes of popular plants, and the mode by which they
were accomplished, would constitute an interesting and important work,
and would prove conclusively that success in such work does not come
by chance, but by keen observation, repeated experiments, and patient
waiting for results.

The Gloxinias deserve a special paragraph or two in these notes, for
these plants are valued greatly at this time of year ; they possess a
peculiar richness of colouring in their substantial, handsome flowers,
that must always render them favourites with plant growers, and if
there ever has been an idea that they are difficult to grow, such fancies
have been completely dissipated long since. The fact is, wherever the
heat of a stove can be, commanded an abundant supply of plants can be
easily had, and a succession of flowers for several months. Nor is it
necessary to wait so long for the flowers as was once supposed. Six or
seven months suffices for the production of strong flowering plants, and
examples of this can be seen in Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ nursery now, for
vigorous young plants raised from seed in January this year are showing
flowers freely. For seed-bearing purposes, and that, of course, is the
chief object at this nursery, they are retained another season ; thus the
greater portion of the display now provided is produced by plants raised
from seed in the previous January. Thus they are now eighteen months
old, most vigorous specimens, with leaves a foot or more in length, 8 or
i) inches in diameter, completely concealing the pots, and bearing from
twelve to forty grand flowers. Such plants can bear and mature a larger
number of large well-filled seed pods, the seeds proportionately well
nourished, heavy, and matured, the chief secrets of after success as far
as the seedsman is concerned.

An astonishing variety of colours, spotting and marking, distinguishes
this strain. They arc nearly all of the erect flowered type, but a few of
the drooping flowered sorts are in demand for suspending in houses, &c. ;
and these are retained for that purpose, but it is in the others that we
have the richest colours and the grandest flowers. Some of these are
purple, violet purple, blue purple, and purplish crimson in intense
shades, becoming lighter in throat and towards the margin. The
crimsons range from the purples to the brightest scarlet, one of the latter
with a white tube being very brilliant. Then there are some with
clearly defined white margins and variously tinted centres and tubes.
Another beautiful group is that containing tb. spotted forms, which are
most diverse, delicate, and beautiful, and gradually shade off to pure
white. Two types of the last named have been formed by Messrs.
Sutton, one with a long tube and the other with a shorter more bell-like
flower of great substance, both very pure and capital fur decorative pur¬
poses. On one plant of the former white variety we counted forty
flowers, the plant being eighteen months old, and several others were
but little inferior to this.

Where such good results are obtained we might be sure that an ex¬
cellent system of culture is pursued, and this cannot be better described
than in Messrs. Sutton’s own words in their useful work on “ The
Culture of Vegetables and Flowers.”

“ By judicious management it is possible to have Gloxinias in bloom
the year through. Those who care for a display at Christmas can have
it from seed sown in June, and a further sowing in January or February
should produce plants to flower successively in almost every month of
the yeai\ The soil most suited to Gloxinias is a light porous compost of
fibrous loam (or, if that is not obtainable, leaf mould will answer), mixed
with peat and silver sand in about equal parts. New pots are advisable,
or old ones must be thoroughly cleansed, and free drainage is essential
to success. Fill with soil to within half an inch of the top. Sow
thinly, and sh'ghtly cover the seed with very fine earth. Place the pots
in a warm, moist position, carefully shading from the sun. A light
sprinkling of water daily will be necessary. Immediately some plants
are large enough for shifting lift them from the seed pot by the aid of a
pointed stick, so as least to disturb the rest, and prick off into large
fiO-pots in which the soil has a convex surface. Follow this process as
plants are ready until all the seedlings have been transferred. When
potting allow the leaves to rest on the soil, but avoid covering the
hearts. On the first warm day give air on the leeward side of the house,
briefly at first, and increase the time as the flowering period approaches.
A clear space between each plant is necessary to prevent the leaves of
neighbours from meeting. The final shift should be into 48-pots, unless
extra fine specimens are required, and then one or two sizes larger may
be used. An occasional dose of weak ■ manure water will prove bene¬
ficial, taking care that the foliage is not wetted. A moist atmosphere,

with the temperature at about G0° or 65°, greatly facilitates the growth
of Gloxinias. With care, however, they may be well grown in either
greenhouse or pits heated by hot water. But although the plants love
a humid atmosphere while growing this ceases to be an advantage, andr
in fact, becomes positively injurious when the flowers begin to expand.
At that time, also, the liquid manure should be discontinued.”

To the other specialties we can only casually refer now, as they will
be worth reverting to at a later period. An interesting series of Cucumber
trials has been undertaken, about thirty varieties or strains being tested
in one house. Melons are to have a similar testing this season.. Out of
doors a large number of Tomatoes are again planted out for trial, while
a splendid stock of seedling Hollyhocks are growing vigorously and
cleanly. Early in the spring a good mulching was given over the roots,
and the plants are now starting away most strongly. In preparation for
the Royal Counties Agricultural Show this month are a number of boxes-
of lawn grass seedlings, as level and dense as green velvet, though only^
sown a month or six weeks. This Show takes place in the “ Jubilee
week, and it will be an uncommonly busy time for Reading if the weather
is favourable. — X.

FLORAL BOUQUETS.

In an account of the Queen’s Drawing Room the other day, reference
was made, says the Daily News, to a new style of bouquet introduced
recently by a West-end house. “ Which was the West-end house-
referred to ?” was the question put to several florists at the West end of
town. With one accord they all answered “ This is it.” The Covent
Garden florists do not come within the designation of West-end houses.
As they were clearly out of it-, they were satisfied with denying that any
house had recently introduced what it appears is known as- the posy
style of bouquet. It is at least two or three years old, say they, and’
indeed it would not be very reckless to assert that the style must be
pretty nearly as old as the flowers. The “ posy,” as it is now understood,
is a bunch of flowers all of one kind, as no doubt it was when every
flower had its significance, and it was the fashion in presenting a bouquet
to present a copy of verses with it. The blossoms R of a kind,

and they are 'so disposed as to display the natural ch&ojaetc. ics of each
flower individually. The fashionable “ posy,” therefore, is a mere fling
back to nature from the elaborate artificiality oif Qie modem bouquet,
which crowds all sorts of blossoms into a closely-packed .bunch of
symmetrical form. “ We get flowers specially cut for posies,” said one
Covent Garden florist. “ These Carnations, for instancy. — for bouquets-
we want nothing but the blossoms. We can do better without any
stalks. A bit of wire is more convenient. It allows the blossom to be
more readily adjusted, and as in a close bouquet the stalk is not seen it
is of no consequence. In a posy it has to be shown, and blossoms with¬
out stalks are of no use. The stem of the flower has, however, to be
wired in order to keep it in position.”

“ Any kind of bouquet factory ? Well no,” continued the same
authority. “ We haven’t, or anybody else that I know. We haye
about a dozen hands regularly employed during the busiest of the
summer ; but there is nobody makes up bouquets on a very large scale..
It is a very extensive business, no doubt ; but it is a very local sort of
thing, and is necessarily carried on at a good many centres. Florists in
the provincial towns mostly make up for themselves, because you see
they are bound to have their flowers fresh. The trade in dried flowers
is different, of course ; but that is mainly confined to memorial wreaths
and that kind of thing. They are not used for bouquets or posies.
Nothing will do for them but fresh flowers, and in whatever style they
are done up they are all done by girls or women. Special training !'
No ; nothing particular. We bring them right along from the beginning.
We set them in the first place to wiring the flowers — putting the wire
stalks to them, that is— and by degrees they pick up the knack of putting
them together. Some, of course, turn out more deft and. tasty than
others, to them we entrust the more important bouquets,” “ Yes,” said
our Covent Garden tradesman, “ of course we do posies when they are
asked for, and in fact we do a good many of them, and we can do floral
lyres and harps and that kind of thing as they are doing up the West-
end. Nothing is easier ; but after all it’s rather a stupkl idea. For the
next three months,” he continued, “ we ought to be very busy, and no¬
doubt balls and drawing rooms and Jubilee festivities of all sorts will
make things more than usually brisk.”

The trade generally seems to be anticipating great things this summer,
and indeed have already been at high pressure. The backwardness of
the season exerts no appreciable influence whatever on the fashionable
flower business. Every tiling is now grown under glass, and, whatever
the temperature of the open air may be, Roses and Lilies, Mignonettes
and Bouvardias, Cloves and Lilacs are always to be had for the ordering.
This Whitsuntide they are certainly in immense profusion, and open
posies, though not exactly new, appear to be a special feature of the
season. At the “ Wild West ” the other day the Queen had presented
to her one composed exclusively of white Orchids. Nothing could be
more beautiful than this, except, perhaps, a delicious bunch of Roses
such as were to be seen in the hands of some of the ladies at the-
Botanical Gardens last week, arranged in “posy” style. This new
departure in the character of bouquets has found favour no doubt from
two causes chiefly. The real beauty of the “ posy” consists in the fact
that it is a nearer approach to the ideal beauty of Nature than that of
the formal bouquet. That is one cause of its favour, and the other is
that a bunch of flowers all of one kind may be made more effectively to*
contribute to the beauty of a dress than one comprising all sorts of

Jane 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

485

colours. Florists nowadays have to study carefully the vagaries of
fashionable colours, and to bring all their resources to the production of
flowers that will harmonise with the newest effects of the costumier.
Mere rarity -or costliness is a matter of no consideration, and a posy of
simple Mignonette, or Heliotrope, or a few Rase buds, may now often be
seen where not a great while ago nothing but the choicest of exotics
would have served. Effect is everything in these “aesthetic” times of
ours, and ostentation is apt to take the form of ostentatious simplicity.
Bose buds and green Wheat ears constituted the posy which attracted
as much admiration as anything at the Royal Botanic Gardens flower
show the other da3r.

IV hile, however, there is this tendency in the direction of simplicity
•on the one hand, certain establishments in the West-end have been lately
making display of that intricate and elaborate kind more familiar to
■the Parisians. These establishment are, in fact, in the hands of French¬
men. •• We claim for ourselves,” said one of their number a day or two
ago, “that we can give you effects which English florists do not know
how to produce. We use half the flowers, and give double the effect,
and all we want is to win the attention of competent judges. But it
is very difficult in London,” said the speaker, rather despondently.

Do you oonsider, then, that Londoners are less capable of appreciating
the artistic treatment of flowers than the Parisians 1 ” “ No, certainly
not, but they ride past my shop in their carriages, and they do not look
at what I show. On the Boulevards of Paris, or Unter-den-Linden in
Berlin, or the Broadway of New York, they would walk, and if we showed
anything fine they would stop and look. But in London they ride by
and you cannot get attention, however beautiful may be the things you
have to show.” One of the most notable of the productions of this firm
lately was a design for the tomb of the late Duchess of Norfolk, consist¬
ing of a representation of the gates of heaven standing ajar for the
departed soul, executed entirely in flowers, embedded in wet moss, a
carpet of moss outside the gates presenting a quotation from some hymn
inscribed in Violets. The same firm has lately been fashioning lyres,
urns, vases, crucifixes, fans, and other objects wholly in flowers, after a
•manner not b»-c-’vy means unknown to other houses, but much more
■familiar to tl*r- ' lau flower market. The construction of any object
in flowers i.«f' Ccovrse, a very simple matter, and not perhaps particu¬
larly admirable as art. To make a vase in wickerwork or other
material, sheath :f : wet moss, and wire upon it a uniform covering
of Wallflowers or Bluebells, is not in itself very clever, nor is there any¬
thing natural op-pretty in such a use of flowers, all the individual beauty
of which is of 'fltfurse entirely lost. Such an object may be curious
•enough, and if the blossoms be scented while they are fresh they may be
a pleasant decoration for a drawing-room or a dinner-table. But it is in
the use of these floral vases and lyres and other objects as foils for artistic
grouping of other flowers that the scope for a highly cultivated taste is
found, and some of the objects lately presented in this Regent-street
window have certainly been exquisitely beautiful. All kinds of Lilies,
Jessamines, Bouvardias, Lilacs, Roses, Orchids, Spiraeas, and so on are
grouped upon these formal objects in the loveliest of open bouquets, or
trailed in wreaths of surpassing delicacy of form and harmony of
•colour.

Without venturing upon any comparison between these West-end
displays and those to be seen in Covent Garden or elsewhere, it is impos¬
sible to withhold from them a tribute of almost unqualified admiration ;
-and the exquisite effects some of these foreigners contrive to produce
with a few simple flowers indicate the artist as surely as does the
production of a charming picture by a limited number of colours and a
few bold touches. “ And are these the work of female hands 1” one
florist was asked. “ No,” was the emphatic answer. “ They are done by
(men. We can’t get them done by women.” Perhaps it would have been
snore correct to say, “ We do not get them done by women.” That
female artists are not to be found who are equal to the best of this work
it were ungallant in the extreme even to suggest, and we flatly refuse
to believe it. If the cultivated tastes of the wealthy classes are really
inclining them to eschew the mechanical symmetry of the old-fashioned
bouquet and to demand works of real art in the composition of their
floral decorations, there would seem to be every prospect of the rapid
development of a pleasant, appropriate, and profitable employment for
women of artistic tastes.

HOLLYHOCKS.

Perhaps in no position in the garden are these plants more at
home, or display their flowers to greater advantage, than on raised
mounds between shrubs. They have a most picturesque appear¬
ance when planted in such positions so that their lofty stems tower
well above the shrubs which form the groundwork of the clump.

To develope their full beauty they must be planted in thoroughly
fertile soil ; in fact, the richer the soil the stronger they grow, and
the more handsome they are, either viewed singly or in the distance.
Two or three years ago we made some new plantations of shrubs,
in which were incorporated large quantities of vegetable matter.
In this compost the majority of the spikes attained a height of
from 8 to 10 feet. They were very fine, and the same end may be
attained by digging the ground deeply and heavily manuring it
previous to planting. To trench or dig deeply large plots of
ground for this purpose is not needed, but if planted amongst
shrul>s that have ample room to develope themselves, a space of

2 feet square, well prepared, is ample for each individual plant.
Under these conditions they will attain such dimensions that will
surprise all who have only planted them in poor soil.

Aoung plants raised from seed sown during the months of July
and August, and wintered in 3 and 4 inch pots, should now be
strong and in good condition for placing out, provided they were
transferred when ready into 6-inch pots, and have been thoroughly
hardened. Strong plants in this condition will flower with cer¬
tainty, but weak puny ones will fail to do so. Plants raised annually
from seed or cuttings are more certain to pass the winter safely
than old stools. Very few of those that flowered last year for the
first time have succumbed, and none of the smaller ones placed
out last spring that failed to flower. But many old plants have
been lost through the severe weather of the past winter.

Autumn propagation is generally commended and largely
practised, but we have invariably found a great difficulty in obtain¬
ing satisfactory cuttings that have sprung from the base. At this
season good cuttings are plentiful, and we have found no perceptible
difference in propagating now instead of the autumn ; in fact, if
advantages are gained by either method, they are certainly on the
side of raising stock from cuttings in the spring. They are not
on hand so long, and are far more certain to strike than cuttings
taken in autumn ; in fact, they root freely at this period if taken
as soon as they are well above the ground. The cuttings should be
inserted in sandy soil and placed in a temperature of 60°. Amateurs
need not despair, for they can propagate them readily enough if
placed under handlights in the greenhouse. In whatever position
the cuttings are placed they must be shaded from the sun until
they are rooted. Cuttings rooted in spring do not flower the same
season, but they are in the best possible condition for doing so the
following year. All things considered, especially where frame room
is limited, we consider propagation at this season of the year much
the most satisfactory. If they cannot be planted in the position in
which they are to flower, they can be placed out closely together on
any spare portion of ground, and permanently planted in early
autumn. To defer planting until the spring means a severe check
to the plants, and they do not in consequence attain to the same
height, and thus their noble appeai’ance is somewhat destroyed
— H.

SPRING FLOWERS.

Without having any intention of writing in a spirit of detraction
respecting the large number of truly beautiful spring flowering peren¬
nials, it is quite possible to maintain the assertion that as far as the
majority of gardens are concerned comparatively few of those in general
cultivation fully meet the requirements imposed by the present state of
floriculture in this country. I do not wish to enter into the question
of the permanent planting of gardens with large and varied collections
of hardy perennials to the exclusion of what are generally known as
bedding plants, but simply to assume that the greater part of the flower
garden during the summetjtvill be planted with half-hardy and other
bedding plants. It then remains to be seen what hardy plants there are
available for the purpose of spring decoration, and it seems that before
any plant can be considered really useful for this purpose it should
possess the four following qualities — viz., free flowering, decided colour,
must be easily propagated, and finally of such a habit of growth that will
not be severely checked by frequent removal. These may seem hard
conditions, and yet they are not more than what is really required. This
being the case a few plants will be considered in detail.

Alyssum saxatile (Gold Dust). — This pretty little plant is an old
inhabitant of English gardens, having been introduced from Russia in
1710. It forms what may almost be termed a small bush about 9 inches
in height, the branching stems being of a somewhat woody nature ; the
foliage is very dense, lance-shaped, and so thickly covered with short
hairs as to give the whole plant a downy or hoary appearance. The
flowers individually are small, but are so freely produced in racemes
that the plant seems covered. It may be propagated by cuttings, but is
so easily raised from seed sown either in pots or in the open ground, that
the former method is seldom resorted to. Many defer the sowing until
July or August, when biennials and annuals for spring bedding are
sown, but it is preferable to sow in March, and transplant when large
enough into a store bed. They will by this means be much finer when
required in autumn for the purpose of filling the beds for spring display.
It prefers a light and rich soil. There are two varieties in general culti¬
vation. The one named compactum differs in no way from the type but
in closeness of habit, which, is certainly desirable. The other has pretty
variegated foliage, and in order that this may be seen to the best
advantage all flowers should be removed. As this variety is not constant
from seed, propagation by cutting should be resorted to.

Ahabis alpina and albida (Wall Cress). — These two plants arc
generally confounded, and, indeed, without considerable practice it is
difficult to distinguish them ; perhaps, indeed, there may only be a
varietal difference, but this is a matter for the botanists. They are
so well known that it is almost useless to describe them, except by say-
ing that albida mav be distinguished by its larger flowers and leaves, the
latter also having but few teeth, while those of A. alpina have many and
smaller teeth. When the plants are taken up to make room for the

486

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

| Jane 16, 1887.

summer occupants of the beds they simply require t© be divided and
planted deeply in well manured ground in the reserve beds until the
autumn. There are at least two variegated varieties, one having the
leaves tinted with yellow, the other white ; probably the former is a
variety of A. albida, and the latter of A. alpina. They both produce their
racemes of white flowers as freely as the green form, but do not add to
their effectiveness.

AubkietiA. — A genus of small rock plants of a spreading habit,
which has produced a number of various forms from seed ; this, con¬
sequently, adds considerably to the difficulty of deciding upon the best
forms for our purpose. If any reader selects a few pods of seed from
the best flowers, sows them as soon as they are ripe, pricks out the seed¬
lings into good ground, he will in the ensuing spring probably find
several different forms, varying considerably not only in the size of bloom
and richness of colour, but also in habit, some being coarse and strag¬
gling, while others form neat and compact tufts. The best of these
should be selected, and when the flowering season is over they ought to
be cut off close to the ground, when a quantity of young fresh shoots
will spring up, from which, if cuttings are taken and inserted in sandy
soil under an ordinary handlight or cloche, and shaded for a time, they
will root freely. This method is mentioned in preference to that of
division, as they often form a multitude of stems from a very small root-
stock, and unless planted in moist soil they often refuse to establish
themselves with any degree of certainty. By those who do not wish
to raise seedlings for themselves the following varieties can be recom¬
mended — graeca superba, a large flowered and free growing lilac-purple
form ; Hendersoni, probably the best of the close growing purple varie¬
ties ; and violacea, a very dark form, of intermediate habit, first seen by
me at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, Chiswick. — G. Guthrie.

(To be continued.)

ORCHIDS AT KEW.

V isitors to the Royal Gardens, Kew, who only go occasionally
can form but an inadequate idea of the collection of Orchids. Those,
however, who see them frequently, know that there is a continual
succession of curious, interesting, and beautiful forms throughout
the year, and that in some respects the collection is unequalled. It
has assumed such an important position within recent years that its
history may be worth a few minutes’ attention. When Kew was in
what might be termed its crude and undeveloped state about the
middle of the eighteenth century, the formation of the Orchid
collection was commenced with the hardy British or European
species, as there were then very few exotic or tropical Orchids in
cultivation. One of the first tropical epiphytes to flower was
Epidendrum cochleatum, which produced its flowers in 1787, and
was followed in the next year by E. fragrans, but until the close of
that century the Kew collection was a small one. When the second
edition of the “ Hortus Kewensis ” was published in 1813, there
were 115 species, eighty-four of which were exotics. Some of
these were introduced by Dr. Roxburgh from India, and comprised
such well known Orchids as Saccolabium guttatum and Aerides
odoratum, while a few years later came Dendrobium Pierardi, with
others from Calcutta brought by Mr. Pierard. Mr. J. Bowie and
Mr. Allan Cunningham commenced their travels as collectors in
1815, and during the two years they were in Brazil numbers of
Orchids were shipped to England. Subsequently Cunningham also
dispatched a collection of Orchids from New South Wales, com¬
prising the beautiful Dendrobium speciosum, and during five or six
years he sent many other species. About the same period some
were obtained from Trinidad, amongst which were Oncidium
Papilio, Stanhopea insignis, and Ionopsis pallidiflora. The Cape of
Good Hope, Java, and other countries also contributed, but there
does not seem to have been a rapid advance for a long period.
About 1841 Sir William Hooker enriched the collection by the
addition of 200 species purchased from Loddiges for £50, a mode¬
rate price for such a number. By 1848 there were 755 species
cultivated at Kew, and in 1850 the total was 830, but after that
there was a reduction in the number of cultivated forms to 038 in
1864, and to 400 in 1868. I have not been able to learn the cause
of this decline, but substantial progress has been made since
then.

The following are a few particulars concerning the Kew col¬
lection at the present time. The number of genera is 148, com¬
prising 1204 species, exclusive of varieties, and 200 unnamed plants.
Thus the collection is richer now than ever it has been before, and
there is a good proportion of what are termed botanical and horti¬

cultural Orchids. The genera most largely represented are Den¬
drobium, 105 species ; Oncidium, 90 ; Odontoglossum, 61 ; Masde-
vallia, 76 ; Epidendrum, 57 ; Cypripedium, 56 ; Coelogyne (including
Pleione), 39 ; Maxillaria, 27 ; Bolbophyllum, 26 ; Phalaenopsis, 17 ;
Disa, 15 ; and Yanda, 22.

During the year 516 species and varieties flowered, included in
ninety-three genera, the principal of which were the following, the
numbers indicating the distinct species that flowered — Odontc-
glossum, 34 ; Oncidium, 34 ; Masdevallia, 38 ; Epidendrum, 35 ;
Cypripedium, 33 ; Cattleya, 20 ; and Dendrobium, 51. Taking the
months in seriatim, the number of species which flowered in each
was as follows — January, 83 ; February, 75 ; March, 74 ; April,
106 ; May, 105 ; June, 117 ; July, 108 ; August, 96 ; September,
88 ; October. 128 ; November, 101 ; and December, 95. This is a
most interesting list, and has been obligingly supplied to me by
Mr. W. Watson, together with other statistics incorporated in these
notes. It is doubtful if any other family of plants would afford
such an equal distribution of species throughout the year. Taking
the six months, October to March inclusive, 558 species flowered, as
against 620 species during the six spring and summer months, a
difference of only sixty-two in favour of the latter.

Two houses are devoted to Orchids and open to the public,
besides a porch in which Sarracenias, Droseras, and Pinguiculas are
grown, and which, being furnished with outer and inner doors,
prevents the sudden inrush of cold air in the winter when visitors
are entering or leaving the houses. Next to this is the intermediate
or Mexican house, and then there is the warm or Cattleya house,
which contains most of the Cypripediums. Several houses to which
the public are not admitted, are also occupied with Orchids during
their resting or growing periods, and they are removed thence to
the other houses when their flowers are expanding. This permits a
much larger collection to be grown and represented than could
otherwise be the case, and is more beneficial to the plants, as they
can be accorded the treatment best suited to their requirements.

The appended list of Orchids in flower at the present time will
give an idea of the nature of the displays produced, though neces¬
sarily, as a large number of one species is not grown, such brilliant
effects as those in some nurseries and private gardens are seldom,
seen. Cattleya Mossise, C. citrina, C. Trianse, C. Skinneri, Brassia
verrucosa, Dendrobium moschatum, D. Jamesianum, D. Deari,
D. Parishi, D. hircoglossum, D. Dalhousianum, D. transparens,
D. Lowi, D. mesochlorum, D. suavissimum, Saccolabium Blumei,
S. gemmatum, Epidendrum selligerum, E. vitellinum majus,
E virens, E. variegatum, Cymbidium ensifolium, Phaius (Thunia)
albus var. superbus, P. Wallichi, Coelogyne ocellata, Lycaste
aromatica, L. (Colax) jugosa, L. Candida, Masdevallias ochthodes,
Veitchiana, infracta, floribunda, Harryana, erythrochoete, triaristella,
muscosa, coriacea, Reichenbachiana, and Wagneri, Restrepia elegans,
Liparis Loiselli, Oncidium aureum, O. dasystyle, O. ornithopedium,
O. Weltoni, O. pulvinatum, Hexadesmia crurigera, Odontoglossum
vexillarium (three fine plants with twelve racemes), O. pulchellum,
O. Halli, O. maculatum, O. hastilabium, Miltonia spectabilis, Cypri¬
pedium barbatum, C. Roezli, C. Lawrencianum, and Cleisostoma
Wendlandi. — Visitor.

OVERCROWDING.

The prevailing evil of the present system of gardening is that of
overcrowding plants. No matter how many gardens are visited the?
common practice is painfully visible in one department or another. To
think for a moment that such methods result in a better return of plants,
or flowers, or that the effect produced is in any way enhanced, is one of
the greatest mistakes, but much at this period ef the year can be done to
avert disastrous consequences that are certain in some shape or other to-
f jllow overcrowding.

The advantages that result from the proper maturation of the wood
of Vines, Peaches, and other fruit trees under glass, and on walls that
have their branches thinly and judiciously disposed, so that light and
air have free access, has long since been fully appreciated by the best culti¬
vators. If the results are so satisfactory in the case of fruit trees they
are equally essential to other plants. If we glance for a moment at the
condition of Melons and Cucumbers in many gardens, and even
Tomatoes, we find them a crowded mass of foliage. This ends in a
severe thinning, and the fruit suffers in consequence. Certainly
Cucumbers and Tomatoes will bear it without any appreciable injury ;
but this is not wise, for the plants are checked for the time and crippled
fruits follow. This is not all, for the foliage left to furnish the plant is
soft and flabby by overcrowding, and will not afterwards bear full ex¬
posure to sunshine. Good well flavoured Cucumbers cannot be grown if
the plants are allowed to become crowded with foliage, for a large per¬
centage of it is certain to be scorched or damp before the crop of fruit is
perfected. Plants that are crowded with foliage are far more suscep¬
tible to the attacks of insects than those with the whole of their leaves
fully exposed by being gradually thinned out from the first. To have
really first-class fruits the main foliage must be preserved in a healthy
condition until the fruit is ripe. This can be accomplished by the re-

June 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

487

moval of all small leaves from the axils of the large or main leaves, and
all laterals that are not required to furnish the roof. Dispose the foliage
so that it is fully exposed to sunshine. If this is done the border in

mass in the majority of cases. Under the conditions pointed out there
is perhaps not one plant in a hundred that will bear close inspection.
Do we find the exhibitor of specimen plants, such as Crotons, Ixoras,

Fig. 8.2 — HARDY HYBRID AZALEAS. (See page 478).

which they are growing will not be densely shaded, but a subdued light
will penetrate ; and this is as it should be if the most successful results
are to be achieved.

If we view the structures of amateurs and in large private establish¬
ments that are devoted to the culture of plants, we find them a crowded

and Heaths, crowd his specimens with Palms and other large-growing
examples 1 No, he stages each plant singly, so that a corresponding
amount of light and air can play about them, so as to give each specimen
ample room to developc in a natural condition all round. If large plants
require such treatment it is equally important with small ones, whether

488

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND vOTTAGE GARDENER,

[ June 18, 1887

used for decoration singly or in groups for the beauty of their foliage
or the production of their flowers. A dozen shapely, well-developed
plants are of more value for the purpose for which they may be required
than a hundred injured by overcrowding. Not only are well-developed
plants more beautiful in appearance, hut they bear hardships in trying
positions much better than those drawn up soft and weakly. The same
is the case with flowering plants ; one plant allowed room to grow and
develope itself properly is capable of giving greater satisfaction and
producing more flowers than a large quantity that has been produced
under an injudicious system of culture. The excellent examples of
plant culture that are produced by growei s for the market are not the
outcome of crowding. They have discovered the advantages to be
attained by giving each individual plenty of room. Equally satisfactory
examples could be produced — and are in some instances — in private
■gardens if houses were not overfilled with plants. All that is required
at the outset is a knowledge of the room the plants will require when
they have fully developed, and then grow no more than ample accommo¬
dation can be provided for.

In flower beds and borders the object seems to be to crowd as many
plants as possible into them. Many borders that would be gay for a
long time, and the plants flower without any break successionally, are
rendered unsightly, or fail to present that neat and effective appearance
that might be anticipated. Crowding too many plants into such
positions entails considerable unnecessary labour and unsatisfactory
results. An example of this crowding occurred only a day or two ago.
In a bed in which Roses were planted, none too far apart, Scabious and
■similar plants were being placed between them at distances not more
than 6 inches apart. If the Roses had not had possession of the bed
the plants were much too close to give them a fair chance. The result
of such planting would smother the Roses, and partially if not wholly
ruin them by autumn, while the Scabious and other plants between them
would not produce one-twentieth the flowers that would be the case if
they had been disposed 1 foot apai’t each way, in fact 15 inches is near
enough for Scabious. Pentstemons should not be nearer, and Stocks and
Asters should be 1 foot and 9 inches apart respectively. It is better to
allow 2 or 3 inches in each case. These evils do not so generally occur
when whole beds are planted with one kind as when the dotting system
•of bedding is practised. Therefore, every care should be exercised when
placing out such as are usually planted amongst the permanent occu¬
pants in mixed herbaceous borders. When the size to which they grow
is not taken fully into consideration, and planting done at random, the
beds and borders become a mass of weedy material long before autumn.

While on the subject of mixed herbaceous borders, planting too
thickly is not the only system of crowding which is allowed to prevail.
The permanent plants, such as Phloxes, Delphiniums, Asters, Helianthe-
mums, and others, are generally left to themselves, and bundled in large
clumps to a single stake. To do such plants well, and give them every
■chance of developing their full beauty, the shoots should be thinned out
at this season of the year, all the small weakly ones be removed, and
■only the strongest and best retained. The labour for this operation can
scarcely be taken into account, for it is surprising what a large number
of plants can be done in one day by a handy man. The neat healthy
plants and finer flowers more than compensate for the trouble. An
example of close planting versus giving plenty of room, may be cited in
the case of Nicotiana aftinis planted out last year. One plant was
placed out between two shrubs where it had abundance of room. It
branched wonderfully, and had open during the evening over 200 blooms
■on several different occasions during the season. It grew into a beautiful
■specimen, while a dozen of others placed out thickly together did noc
produce the same effect. The central plants scarcely branched, and but
for the outside ones that took advantage of the vacant space about
them, would have proved a total failure in comparison with the single
specimen.

If amongst plants one class more than another is ruined by over¬
crowding, it is annuals sown in the open borders outside. Too fre¬
quently they are sown and left to take care of themselves afterwards.
This means short life and tailure. As regards a display in comparison
with those that are treated to timely and judicious thinning, it is sur¬
prising what effect annuals will produce, and what a length of time they
last in beauty if they are only given plenty of room to branch naturally,
as many of them will do. Neglect in thinning has been the cause of
annuals being looked upon as weedy and worthless. Grow them well by
attending to their small wants, and such opinions will be changed
respecting a large number of varieties. — R. M.

THE MOON FLOWER (IPOM^EA NOCTIFLORA).

Referring to a note in the Florida Despatch upon this plant,
which we quoted recently, a writer in a subsequent number ob¬
serves : —

“ One of your correspondents waxes eloquent over the beauty, fra¬
grance, and rapid growth of the Moon Flower, all of which is very fine,
and calls it a native of Mexico. Perhaps it is, and perhaps it is also a
native of Florida. I remember twenty years ago gazing with wonder
and admiration upon it, running riot in the hammocks and swamps
along the St. John’s River. A succession of winters nearly free from
frost had permitted a continuous growth of several years, and vines
co d be seen, with stems like cables, clambering over the undergrowth
and into the tops of the tallest Cypress trees, which were hidden under
a smother of the large, pointed, dark green leaves of this giant Ipomcea.
That s ranger who was startled by coming suddenly upon twelve or

fifteen of the blooms around the corner of the house undoubtedly would
have been paralysed, or, as they say out West, ‘ completely chawed up,’
had he emerged from the woods and seen, as I have seen, untold thou¬
sands of snowy chalices lighting up the deepening shades of the river
forest after sunset, or wet with dew and sparkling in the beams of the
morning sun, like gems set in emerald. The eye rested upon the scene
before it as upon the decorated curtain of a theatre ; but the puny effort
of man was as nothing to the mighty screen, acres in extent, dropped
from the vault above and obscuring the horizon with a maze of richest
colour. The effect was only paralleled by that of the Yellow Jessamine
(Gelseminum), which, early in the season, spreads before us more than
acres, even miles of golden glory.

“ Romantic and aesthetic natures, with nothing else to do, may
ecstasise over the magnificent prodigalities of Nature ; but when the
stern old granger comes, whose absorbing idea is the utile without the
dulcc, they fade before his axe, plough, and hoe like the boy's ecstatic
dream before the morning call of the relentless taskmaster. The same
old man looks with dismay upon the myriads of Ox-eyed Daisies, the
Marguerites that poets rave about, taking possession of hisjields, and
he straightway turns in a flock of sheep, before whose persistent nibbling
of the buds they quickly vanish. I cleared up a patch of swamp along¬
side the aforesaid natural plantation of Ipomaeas, and as the Rice grew
was kept busy pulling volunteer Moon Flowers out of it till he wished
the whole tribe as far away as the midnight luminary herself. Never
till now did I realise how foolish I was. Those Moon Flowers, like
Whittington’s cat, might have laid the foundation of an ample fortune.
Look into all the papers and you will see these identical pestilent
weeds, for they are nothing less, puffed throughout the length and
breadth of the land by the redoubtable Peter Henderson. He actually
charges forty cents each for these weeds, and boasts of having last year
sold 50,000 of them. This only shows the difference between people.
What you and I, dear reader, pull up and throw away, the mighty Peter
turns into the snug sum of 20,000 dollars a year. No wonder he can sit
down and talk about “ Gardening for Profit." We raise Tanyahs
(Caladium esculentum) to feed our pigs and chickens, and he sells the
same tubers at a quarter each, realising about 150 dollars per barrel. If
the stern old theory of the survival of the fittest holds, what wonder
that stout old Peter flourishes like a green old Bay tree, while thousands
of his calling fail, go hence, and are seen no more.

“ Why should not we imitate Peter and make a fortune out of some
of our native weeds ? There are ‘ as good fish in the sea as ever were
caught.’ Why does not someone lay hold on that other beautiful native
Ipomrea (sinuata or quercifolia), almost as rambling in habit as the
noctiflora, and bearingin profusion a pure white bloom with scarlet throat,
and make his jack before Peter the Great gets ahead of him ? Nothing
can surpass it for screens, and its palmate deeply cleft leaves with
pinnatifid segments are exquisite as lace.”

POINSETTIAS IN SPRING.

It would be difficult for anyone to name a plant that is more
attractive in November, December, and January than the Poinsettia.
Their brilliantly coloured heads at that dull period are most con¬
spicuous, and all who have a warm pit or greenhouse should grow
them. I believe many small cultivators are deterred from doing so
by the impression that they cannot be grown successfully in any
other place but a stove. They certainly do remarkably well in a
stove, but they are very little inferior in a temperate house or pit,
and the want of excessive heat need never prevent anyone grow¬
ing them extensively and well. They have one great advantage,
and that is they do not require to be started very early in the
season. While the majority of plants are demanding attention in
February, March, and April the Poinsettias may be kept quite
dormant during that time, and they do not even require to be kept
standing up on end or in a growing position, as they do equally
as well lying on their sides under a stage and quite dry. This is
the treatment we give our old plants until we have the houses
cleared of the bulk of the spring plants, and then we have plenty
of space to devote to the Poinsettias.

We rarely retain any of the old plants, but propagate some
every spring. Our reason for doing so is that the young plants are
more compact and invariably produce the most showy heads ; but
the old ones are not dispensed with until the cuttings have been
taken from them. When they are brought out for this purpose
they are watered repeatedly, as being dust dry during the time
they are at rest one watering will not penetrate the dry soil ;
and when thoroughly saturated they are placed in a gentle heat to
induce them to grow. The result is that every bud on the stem
shoots out and becomes a little branch. It is these which form the
best of all cuttings, and they should be detached when about
4 inches long. The Poinsettia is full of a milk-like juice, and when
any part is cut this runs out, and although the cuttings will bleed
freely no injurious results will follow. It is a bad plan to cut
them with a knife, as the wood is so soft and pithy that cutting can
hardly be done without injuring the tender wood ; and the best of
all ways of taking the cuttings is to draw each little shoot off by
the part where they join the old wood. They are easily severed,

June 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

483

and the cuttings are then secured with what is commonly termed a
“ heel.’’ They root much sooner when treated in this way than if
cut. Insert each cutting in a small pot that has been filled with a
mixture of leaf soil, sand, and a little loam. Place them in a
bottom heat of 70° or 80°, and shade until Tooted. They will root
in ten or twelve days, and they may then be placed on a shelf and
away from draughts.

They will soon increase in size, and when it is seen that they
are making good headway they should have their first potting. If
the cuttings were inserted in 2-inch or 3-inch pots they may be
transferred to 5-inch and 6-inch pots. Drain these carefully, and in
repotting do not disturb the roots, as they grow best if not shaken
or broken in any way. The potting mixture at this time ought to
be substantial. We prefer fibrous loam, and with it should
be mixed a little horse droppings, leaf soil, and sand. Mix
these well together, and in potting make the soil very firm. After
potting they should again be placed in a temperature of 65° or 70°,
and in a close moist atmosphere, and when once they have rooted
into the new soil they may be placed in any unheated glass frame
during July, August, and the greater part of September, as very
dwarf healthy plants are produced in frames, and this will indicate
that they are by no means difficult to manage in summer. — M.

The Gardeners’ Orphan Fund. — The rules for the govern¬
ance of this Fund were revised at the meeting of the Provisional Com¬
mittee held last Tuesday, and advance copies ordered to be printed. It
was announced that Baron Schroder had intimated through Mr. Veitch
his intention to contribute to the fund, and that Mr. Veitch also
intended to support it with the handsome grant of £100.

- At a meeting of the Horticultural Club, Henrietta Street,

Covent Garden, on Tuesday the 14th inst., a most interesting paper on
the history and culture of the Tulip, contributed by Mr. Polman Mooy
of Haarlem, was read by the Secretary, Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain. The
paper dealt very fully with historical details relative to the introduction
and early culture of the Tulip in Holland, and traced its progress
through the period of the Tulip mania to the present time. The various
groups of varieties and their distinguishing features were referred to at
length, and many important facts were mentioned in regard to its history.
At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded for Mr. Polman
Mooy’s contribution.

- We are requested to state that owing to the pressure on the

National Rose Society’s Medallist in consequence of the Jubilee)
the medals cannot be delivered to affiliated societies until the end of

next week, about the 24th .June.

- We are desired to state that Carter’s Jubilee Mimulus

was awarded a first*class certificate at the recent Crystal Palace Show>
but owing to some oversight it was omitted from the official list.

- We learn that Mr. Archibald McIntyre, who was long

familiar to London horticulturists as the Superintendent of Victoria
Park, died on the 4th inst. Mr. McIntyre was born at Netherby, near
Carlisle, on October 19th, 1828, and after serving in several gardens with
his father he spent some time in Messrs. Little & Ballantyne’s establish¬
ment at Carlisle. He subsequently held several responsible positions,
was foreman in the Royal Gardens, Kew, and for thirteen years Super¬
intendent of Victoria Park, which during that time became celebrated
for carpet bedding and general good condition.

- We have received the schedule of the summer Show of the

Liverpool Horticultural Association, which opens on July 30th
in Sefton Park. It is comprehensive, consisting of ninety-seven classes.
The chief prizes are £15, £10, and £5 for twelve stove and greenhouse
plants ; £8, £5, and £'i for eight ; and £6, £3, and £2 for six plants.
Substantial prizes are offered for Roses, £12 in three prizes for a collec¬
tion of fruit, and the same amount for two collections of vegetables.

- Referring to Silica in Soils, Mr. D. Gilmour, jun.. writes :

—“In his last communication on this subject, Mr. Abbey announces

that he has no intention of returning to it. In that case, as he is
entitled to the last wood, I ought not to say anything further ; but I am
sure he will pardon me if I point out to him that in this matter, on the
one side we have all the authorities (as far as I know), while on the
other we have only Mr. Abbey. In the same number of the Journal in
which Mr. Abbey’s article appears I was pleased to read the capital
article on Wheat (page 453). I recommend Mr. Abbey to glance at the
second paragraph. In conclusion, I, too, have to thank Mr. Abbey for
the courteous manner in which he has conducted his argument.”

- The Committee of the Brockham Rose Association an¬
nounce that they have been unavoidably compelled to change their
Show day from July 9th, the great review day, to Tuesday, July 12th.

- We are informed that the coloured plates issued in “Familiar

Wild Flowers,” “ Familiar Garden Flowers,” and “ Familiar Trees ” arc
about to be used at the museums at Kew Gardens.

- At the Birmingham Chrysanthemum Show, which opens on

November 16th, the chief prizes are £10, £7, £4, and £2 for forty-eight
cut blooms, and £6, £4, and '£2 for specimen plants. Good prizes are
provided in the cut bloom classes generally. Classes are as usual pro¬
vided for Primulas and other plants, and a good autumn display may be
expected.

- The Fine Mushrooms referred to last week as having been

sent to us by Mr. J. Main from a bed spawned last November were sent
by Mr. J. Muir from Margam Park.

- Illuminations are now or soon will be the order of the night.

With the object of enabling the greatest number to join in them safely*
pleasingly, and inexpensively, what is termed a Candle Lamp has been
invented, and a specimen has been sent to us for our opinion. We have
no hesitation in stating that we think this lamp will serve much more
than a temporary purpose. It is in brass, 15 inches high, with an oval
shaped globe 4 inches in diameter, clear and in different colours, the
candle being kept in position by a Spring, as in carriage lamps. These
handy little candle lamps will add to the attractiveness of greenhouses
and conservatories at night, and of gardens afteT dark on the sultry
nights of summer. As may be seen in our advertising columns, this
domestic illuminator, so opportunely introduced, is ready for distribu¬
tion.

- Messrs. Paget & Co. have sent us for trial a handy garden

pump and engine. It is light, yet strong, can be easily pushed onwards
on its wheels with one hand. The necessary force for ejecting the water
is applied by the foot to a strong bellows-like arrangement near the
bottom, both hands being at liberty for guiding or distributing the
water, this being divided at will by a twisting shield at the end of the
pipe. Many persons would be glad to have such a useful appliance as
this for washing their trees and watering their flower beds on the
evenings of hot days,

- - We had the pleasure of an inspection of Mr. McIntosh’s

Garden at Duneevan on Monday last, and just “ caught” the Rhodo¬
dendrons in beauty ; but before the scorching day was over thousands of
trusses were withering. The display has not been quite so imposing as
usual, and has, through the season being late and the summer coming
suddenly, been of short duration. Yet the cherished garden was very
delightful, trees and flowers blending most harmoniously — Oaks that
must have belonged to the “ forest primeval ;” a Birch, considering its
size and contour, that may be regarded as a model ; one of the best
specimens of Abies Albertiaua to be seen ; and without any exception
the finest example of Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis in existence.
These, with a magnificent Laburnum and handsome Purple Beech, all
just in the right places, with the large beds and isolated standard Rhodo¬
dendrons, afford as much to admire in the space as it seems possible to
conceive.

- A few of the more striking Rhododendrons were Don¬
caster, glowing red, approaching scarlet, the brightest of all ; Iron Duke,
ruby crimson, white stamens ; George Paul, deep crimson, richly
spotted, fine truss ; Lady Grey Egerton, silvery blush, smooth flowers,
and handsome truss ; Lord Ongley, crimson scarlet ; Sigismund Rucker,
magenta, very dark blotch ; Garibaldi, crimson scarlet, bright ; Iago,
grand trusses of fine blooms, rosy crimson, with dark spots ; Princess
Mary of Cambridge, bold handsome trusses of blush centred flowers
edged with rosy purple ; Purity, a charming white ; and Lady Emily

490

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jute 1G, 1€87.

Peel, bright rose, richly spotted. Those are a few out of many that
commanded attention, and are distinct and good. As one of the best
patr-ms of horticulture and a helper in all good works it is particularly
gratifying to state, as it will be to many to learn, that Mr. McIntosh is
recovering from a protracted and serious illness, and that he can begin
to enjoy his garden once again.

- The gardens at Knotts Green, Leyton, the residence of

J. G. Barclay, Esq., are invariably very attractive at the time when the
South Essex Horticultural Society’s Exhibition is held, and this season,
though the trees, shrubs, and plants are much later than usual, there are
sufficient to impart a bright appearance. One vista across a small lake
bounded on each side by high shrubberies, in which scarlet and white
Thorns, Laburnums, Rhododendrons, and Lilacs are freely employed, and
which are now flowering abundantly, is charming, a small rustic bridge
near the end of the lake adding to the effect. The extensive lawns are
well kept, and the large plants in the conservatory and most interesting
K natural ” fernery are in excellent condition. On the rocks in the
fernery Begonia Rex varieties and Ncphrolepis tuberosa are extremely
luxuriant. The condition of the garden is most creditable to Mr.
Donald’s management.

- Mr. J. Udale, Elford Hall Gardens, writes : — It is pleasing

to occasionally find attention given to old-fashioned flowers, no
•matter where, or in what way. Numbers of beautiful and interesting
plants keep dropping out of sight, and it appears as though Fuchsias,
Pelargoniums, Crotons, Dracaenas, Or Dicffenbachias were to be the
principal greenhouse and stove plants. Orchids we leave out of the
category of stove and greenhouse plants. At Broom Leasoe, Whit¬
tington, Lichfield, we occasionally find something in flower that is only
to be found in botanic gardens, and rarely in private gardens. For
some time past the old-fashioned Hemirneris has been producing its
panicles of scarlet red flowers, giving a brilliancy not to be found in
any Polygala, and only equalled by the equally old-fashioned Lesche-
naultia formosa. The curious and more beautiful Schizanthus retusus,
S. papilionaceus, and S. oculatus are coming into flower, and will give a
profusion of their Orchid-like inflorescence during the summer months.
Hoya carnosa is producing a number of clusters of its beautiful wax¬
like flowers. Many people, in gathering these flowers, make the
mistake of cutting the flower stem away with them, whereas, if they
were to leave the stem, it would produce flowers year after year. At
Broom Leasoe Mr. and Mrs. Inge have found that out, and act accord¬
ingly. Phylloeactus creuatus, P. Jenkinsoni, and P. multiflorus are
flowering freely in the same garden, and though the flowers individually
are not very durable, yet their number and gorgeousness amply
compensate.”

- At a 'recent ordinary meeting of the members of the Wake¬
field Paxton Society, held at Councillor Lupton’s, the Saw Hotel,
Mr. Henry Oxley of Bond Street, one of the Vice-Presidents, was in the
chair, and Mr. G. Bott of Walton acted as Vice-Chairman. There was
an average attendance of members. Mr. R. Walker, head gardener to
Mr. Edmund Calverley, J.P., of Oulton Hall, read a brief but thoroughly
practical and most interesting essay on “ The Cyclamen.” Mr. Walker
is a well known and successful gardener, and he was a warm friend of
the late Mr. J. Wainwright, the first President of the Society. Mr.
Walker has recently been devoting special attention to the cultivation
of the Cyclamen, and in his essay he fully explained his mode of treat¬
ment from the sowing of the seed to the flowering period, and he exhi¬
bited one of his fine plants and also a quantity of bloom. A number of
questions were put to the essayist by Messrs. G. Bott, T. Garnett, E.
Fenner, J. G. Brown, and others, and at the close of a long and interest¬
ing discussion a hearty vote of thanks was a ) corded to the essayist on the
motion of Mr. Cordon, seconded by Mr. J. W. Simpson, and supported by
Mr. T. Garnett and Mr. Oxley.

- — — Wakefield Paxton Society. — The following is the pro.
gramme of meetings for the second quarter of session 1887-8, to be held
at the Saw Hotel, Westgate, each Saturday evening, at 8 o’clock. June
18th, Half-day excursion to Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey, for
which tickets must be taken by the 11th inst. June 25th, Discussion on
the Pink, Pansy, and early summer flowers, with specimens. July 2nd;
The Pea, with specimens. July 9th, The Pelargonium ; Mr. T. Marsden
Sheffield. July 16th, The Rose. Discussion and exhibition. July 23rd.
The Cucumber ; Mr. J. A. Mann. July 30th, Window garden show,

August 1st, Annual meeting of Yorkshire Association of Horticultural
Societies at Barnsley. August 6tli, Clay, its civilising effects on the
human family at home and abroad, with specimens ; Mr. C. J. Willis.
August 13th, The Carnati.on and Picotee. August 20tli, The Tomato*
Mr. J. P. Carter. August 27th, Fertilisation ; Anonymous.

- Insects on Box. — Several samples have been sent us of Box

growths infested with a flat greenish insect, and we have also seen
abundant examples of the same pest in widely separated districts this
season. The insect attacks the young shoots, and as far as we have seen
is confined to the Box. An experienced entomologist sends the following
note on the subject : — “ The insects I have also noticed some seasons,
but not so numerous, I think I have also found them on Myrtle. I take
it to be one of the Homopterous group, allied to the familiar froghopper
Cercopis spumaria, this species being Ptyelus aromaticus. It does not
surround itself with a fluid like the froghopper, but throws off a gummy
substance it extracts from the plants in which it occurs. Hence
syringing, unless this be done with hot water, has little effect upon it.
So far as I have observed, it does no particular injury to the shrubs,
except that it disfigures them. It may lessen their vitality, though it
seldom occurs in large numbers on either Box or Myrtle.”

- “ X.,” sends the following : — “ The Society of Arts Journal

claims that the largest Vine in the world is one growing at Oys
(Portugal), which has been in bearing since 1802. Its maximum yield
was in 1864, in which year it produced a sufficient quantity of Grapes
to make 750 litres (165 gallons) of wine ; in 1874, 665 litres (1464 gal¬
lons) ; and in 1884, only 360 litres (79J gallons). It covers an area of
494 square metres (5315 square feet), and the stem at the base measures
2 metres in circumference.”

- A Californian Floral Fete. — California must indeed be a

land of flowers, says Meehan’s “ Gardeners’ Monthly,” judging by the
festival that, extending over two weeks, has excited the famous old town
of Los Angeles. Hundreds of contributors of cut flowers poured them
in from all parts of the country. Designs, as they are called, of cut
flowers furnished fresh novelties every day. The “ unveiling of a floral
ship ” was the great work of the first day. On the second day a great
attraction was the American flag, the red being of Zonal Pelargoniums,
the white of Pyrethrum, and the blue of Heliotrope. A grand cross
which had been used the day before in Episcopal services was exhibited,
the golden colours made of yellow Marigolds. A huge shield made of
Marigolds, Roses, Geraniums, and. Stock Gillies, was sent by Mrs. Crocker
as a contribution from the Citrus Valley. A huge fan, the rays 15 feet
long, was a “ design ” highly applauded. A huge snow shoe made of
white Pyrethrum and Geraniums divided the applause with it, bringing
cooling memories into a warm day. The floral ship was 13 feet long, and
bore a cargo of Oranges. The grand design, however, was the famous
shoe of Mother Goose, in which her huge family of children were all
represented as large as life. Geraniums made the shoe, except Marigolds
were at the heel, and a binding of Smilax fringed the orifice. Roses
seem to be the favourite flower, as well as elsewhere. A branch of tne
Washington Noisette had thirteen flowers full blown, and fifty-seven
unexpanded buds. Mrs. Heaver exhibited 100 named varieties in cut
flowers. Mrs. Fox sent a flower of Paul Neyron that measured 18 inches
round. The “ shoe design ” was 6 feet long, and 3 feet high. The
public school children sent a huge painter’s easel, with geometrical
Ferns arranged in flowers. The triangle was made of Lilies. The door
money taken in during the first four days was 3053 dols. 80 cents. The
proceeds all go to charitable purposes.

O - “ C. B. ” writes : — “An excellent border plant, affording a very

distinct shade of colour, is Polemonium Richardsoni, and it thrives so
vigorously when once established that no one need experience any diffi¬
culty in its cultivation. We have it as a central plant in a small
circular bed that has been margined with Primroses, and as these lost
their flowers the Polemonium came into flower, and has continued up
to the present time to afford a succession of its bluish-mauve round blooms.
It lasts well cut and placed in water, but after two or three days the
flowers lose their colour and become nearly white.”

THE AURICULA.

As I take great interest in all notes on the Auricula I was pleased to
read in the Journal on pages 458 and 459, such instructive and interest¬
ing lines by “ D., Deal," Rev. F. D. Horner, and Mr. T. Pipe. I feel sure

Jane 16. 1887. ]

491

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

they are much valued bv us new beginners, but what delights me most
of all is the prospect of having a manual on our favourite flower by such
an experienced grower and charming writer as the Rev. F. D. Horner.
Let us hope and trust he will favour us in his own good time.

The descriptions of the edged Auricula by the late Rev. Geo. .leans,
twenty-five years ago, would be very interesting if they could be repro¬
duced in the Journal, as suggested i>y Mr. Ilornor, and who kindly offers
to lend the volumes in which they lie emtombed. — C. IV.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

JlTXE 14th.

Hardy flowers from Messrs. T. S. Ware and Harr & Son, Pyrethrums
from 5Iessrs. Kelway & Son, Orchids from F. G. Taut/,. Esq., and miscel¬
laneous contributions from other exhibitors nearly filled the Conservatory
and rendered the meeting very interesting.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair,
and Messrs. John Lee, G. T. Miles. W. Warren. J. Fill, <1. Xonnan, F.
Rutland, H. J. Veitch, G. Bunyard. and Harrison Weir. Mr. G. Norman,
The Gardens, Hatfield House, Herts, sent thirty fruits of Sir Charles
Napier Strawberries, extremely fine and highly coloured, for which a
cultural commendation was awarded. These Strawberries were greatly
admired by all the horticulturists present, Mr. Norman also had a fruit
of Melon Dempsey’s Favourite, for which a vote of thanks was accorded.
The fruit was a large oval one with yellow flesh.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, offered prizes for a pair of Melons,
consisting of Sutton’s Hero of Lockinge and La Favourite. Mr. T.
Lockie, The Gardens, Oakley Court, Windsor, was awarded the first
prize, and Mr. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle,
was third, the second prize being withheld.

Floral Committee. — Present : Shirley Hibberd,Esq.,in the chair,
and Messrs. Fraser, Wilks, G. Paul, llerbst, Bradshaw, H. Turner, W. G.
Lowe, B. Wyiyie, R. Dean, Noble, Pilcher, Dominy, Pollctt, O’Brien,
Lendy, Hill, Henslow, Ballantine, and Duffield.

Groups. — From the Royal Gardens, Kew, came flowers of the peculiar
reddish Streptocarpus Dunni, a plant of Oxalis brasiliensis, with bright
rose flowers, very free ; Walilenbergia graminifolia, a pretty dwarf plant
with small purple flowers ; Salvia scapiformis, from Hong Kong, with
-small ovate leaves, purplish beneath, and numerous spikes of small
mauve flowers and reddish calyx, and Onosma taurica, with clear yellow
drooping flowers. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, secured a silver Banksian
medal for a large and handsome collection of hardy flowers, comprising
Irises, Pyrethrums, and Poppies in variety. Very noticeable amongst
the Irises were Gracchus pallida speciosa, Bridesmaid, pallida ramosa,
Gazelle, and Victorine. The Pyrethrums comprised numerous fine
varieties, large, full, rich, and delicate in colour. The Poppies were
chiefly Papaver bracteatum multiflorum, very bright colour, black
blotched centre, and free (vote of thanks), with P. nudicaule varieties,
yellow, orange, and white. Of miscellaneous plants Anthericum
iiliastrum majus ; Hemerocallis fla/a ; the dark blush purple Campanula
glomerata daliurica ; the clear yellow Thcrmopsis fabacea, and Ccntaurea
montana varieties. Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, W.C.. contri¬
buted a magnificent group of Paeonies, Irises, Pyrethrums, Poppies, and
miscellaneous hardy plants,, arranged with Funkias, Ferns, and a few
Palms (silver Banksian medal).

Messrs. Kelway & Son, I.angport, were awarded a bronze Banksian
medal for a superb collection of Pyrethrums, single and double varieties
ten boxes of about sixty blooms each being contributed. Some of the
best varieties were — Double : Melton, rich crimson ; Aphrodite, pure
white ; Figaro, rosy crimson ; Rembrandt, bright rose ; Gustave Hertz,
pale rose ; Madame Minier, blush ; Boule de Neige, pure white, with
narrow twisted florets ; Empress Queen, tinted with pale pink, very
■charming. The single varieties were also very bright in colour or pure
white.

Orchi ls. — F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studlcy House, Hammersmith (gardener,
Mr. Cowley), was awarded a silver-gilt Banksian medal for a large group
of Orchids and Ferns, comprising Lnelia purpurata, Cattleya Mossim and
C. Mendelli, C. Wagneri, large and pure, in several fine varieties. Odonto-
glossum vexillarium was well represented by healthy plants and richly
coloured varieties.; 0. crispum was also well shown. Cypripedium
Swannianum ; C. caudatum giganteum, very large, with petals 2 feet
long ; C. Lawrencianum grandiflorum (vote of thanks) very large
flowers, and atro-rubens, dark colour ; C. superciliare ornatum, a neat
variety. Masdevallias were good, and a plant of Dendrobium Veitchi
was included with fusiform pseudo-bulbs, densely hairv pedicels, greenish
*8cpals. dull yellow petals, and a long green lip veined with purple.

Barm Schroder, The Dell, Staines, exhibited plants of Odontoglossum
vexillarium radiatum, the lip with dark crimson radiating lines at the
base, very distinct ; O. vexillarium vestale, pale, nearly white ; and
Cymbidium Davanum, with four pendulous racemes of buff and brown
flowers, 2 to 2} feet long. The Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim, sent
two varieties of Cattleya Mendeli, one named picturata, with white lips,
blotched in the centre with crimson ; the other named limbata (vote of
thanks), flowers large, petals broad blush-rose, lip broad, rich crimson
tip and margin, bronze throat. J. Day. Esq., Tottenham, exhibited a
plant of Odontoglossum crispum, var Wolstenholmne, with well-shaped
flowers, heavily blotched with pale brown. Mr. Blair, gardener to the
Duke of Sutherland, Trentham, Stoke-u[>on-Trent. exhibited a variety
■of Odontoglossum crispum, with nearly brown and purplish blotched
flowers. Messrs. F. Sander k Co., St. Albans, showed plants of Odonto¬
glossum crispum albanense, white, spotted and blotched with pale

brown ; also a heavily blotched form named Sclmedene. E. G. Loder,
Esq., Floore, Weedon, exhibited flowers of Cypripedium macranthum of
rich colour ; C. Calceolus majus, and a scape of Eremurus robustus,
white variety, 4 feet long (vote of thanks). Gen. G. S. Berkeley,
Sibbertoft, Market Harborough, and R. I(. White, Esq., Ardarrocb,
Garelochhead, sent plants of Dendrobium polyphlebium, which has been
considered to be natural hybrid between D. primulinum and D. Parishi,
sepals and petals rose tinted, lip open, rose centre white margin,
pubescent. E. R. Whitwell, Esq., Barton Hall, Darlington, was ad¬
judged a vote of thanks for flowers of Cattleya Mossia? and Lilies of the
Valley ; also for Cattleya labiata Warneri, with broad rose-tinted petals
and a neat lip. F. Wigan, Esq.. Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gardener, Mr.
D. East), showed a raceme of Phalaenopsis granc’iflora, with very large
flowers 3} inches in diameter, the petals 2 J across. Mr. Wigan also had
a pretty variety of Cattleya Mendeli named limbata, the lip margined
with purplish-crimson, the sepals and petals tinted with rose, and C.
gigas Sanderiana with large handsome flowers. Messrs. Heath & Son,
Cheltenham, showed a Cypripedium named Cheltonia, much like C.
Lawrenceanum, the petals having dark spots neerly to the tip.

Miscellaneous. — Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed a plant of
Anthurium Bakeri with narrow dark green leaves and spadices of bright
red fruits, also of Stenogaster concinna (vote of thanks) with small
funnel-shaped flowers, white on throat, and purple lobes ; very dwarf
and neat. Messrs. W. Balchin & Sons, Brighton, were awarded a cul¬
tural commendation for a number of extremely healthy well-flowered
plants of Leschenaultia biloba major, laden with brilliant blue flowers.
Mr. R. Spink, Victoria Road, Horley, showed several varieties of Car¬
nations. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, were awarded a cul¬
tural commendation for a basket of plants of the Edelweiss — Gnapha-
lum Leontopodium, with large velvety heads of capituhe. Dr. Wallace,
Colchester, showed a plant of Blandfordia flammea aurca, with large
drooping golden flowers. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited
several trusses of Rhododendron Fortunei Mrs. C. Butler, with large
open flowers of a delicate blush hue. G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.,
Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, sent a plant of a yellow flowered
Primula, something like a drawn P. vcrticillata. Messrs. H. Collyer and
Co., Camden Road Nursery', Tunbridge Wells, showed plants of Ampe-
lopsis Veitchi purpurea, a variety with purplish leaves. Mr. B. Gilbert,
Anemone Nurseries, Dyke, Bourne, Lincolnshire, sent flowers of a bright
scarlet double Anemone named King of the Scarlets. Mr. Gordon,
Twickenham, sent a collection of Tree Poeonies, varied in colours, semi¬
double, white, pink, and crimson (vote of thanks). Mr. It. Dean, Ealing,
had a small group of hardy flowers, including a cross between Chrysan¬
themum coronarium and C. segetum named Sunbeam, hybrids between
Aquilegia glandulosa and chrysantha, and the bright blue Phacelia
campanularia.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Masdevillia Harryana lutro-ocuhita (F. G. Tautz, Esq.). — A hand¬
some variety, rich magenta with a yellow throat, beautifully formed, of
medium size.

Cymbidium Day mum (Baron Schroder). — An effective plant with
four pendulous slender racemes, 2 to 2] feet long, the sefals and petals
buff and brown, rather dull colours, but having a i eculiar appear¬
ance.

Odontoglossum vexillarium radiatum (Baron Schroder). — An ex¬
tremely distinct variety, with flowers of medium size, the lip having
a series of heavy, dark, crimson lines radiating from the base.

Pyrethrum Magicien (Kelway & Son). — Double, of a peculiarly
bright pink colour, tipped with gold, neat and pretty.

Pyrethrum Florentine (Kelway & Son). — Double, very handsome,
full, broad euard florets, blush, nearly white.

Figaro (Kelway & Son). — Double, rich crimson, outer florets broad,
inner small.

Aphrodite (Kelway & Son). — Double, large, full, handsome white
broad outer florets, quilled centre.

Pel a gonimn Duke <f C- arenas (E. B. Foster, Esq., Clewer Manor,
Windsor). — A variety with beautifully formed flowers, symmetrical
scarlet lower petals, and dark upper petals.

Ixioliri n fat'iricum (T. S. Ware). — A pretty Amaryllidaceous plant
from Turkestan, with long scapes of purple flowers and recurving
petals.

Pyrethrum Margaret Moore (T. S. Ware) — A single variety, very
large, 3.J inches in diameter, florets broad and thick, pale pink.

Hemerocallis Middondorjiana (T. S. Ware). —Flowers larger than
most other forms, more open, and a rich golden colour.

PRIMULA SIEBOLDI AND ITS VARIETIES.

Those who have grown the best of our hardy plants for years past
will well remember how very modest in number of varieties this little
group was twelve or fourteen years ago ; they will also not have over¬
looked what was, and is still, to be considered a drawback to them for
general decorative purposes out of doors — i.c., the want of substance in
the flowers, and how, after even a slight fall of rain, many seemed to
have completely lost what little colour they once possessed. This is a
perplexing fac‘, and one not easily overcome, since we have no control
over pelting rain or hail, of which latter we have had an extremely
severe example quite recently. This did much damage to this little
group, ami also to many plants such as Liliums, which in some
instances had the foliage cut to fragments, and others such as Funkias
had their broad and handsome leaves riddled with holes by the hail-

492

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 16, 1887.

®tones. This is only to be overcome by covering with handligkts, or, in
.act, introducing them into glass structures, hut only such as are
unheated. In heated structures they soon become drawn and wealcliy
at the same time losing the colour of their flowers, wherein lies ther,
great charm. Few plants, or rather groups of plants, are more interesting
than these, and especially so when among other plants, where their
numerous and varying shades are especially valuable in spring time.
But while the introduction into glass houses or frames does to some
extent destroy the colour of their flowers, it must be borne in mind that
at the same time it preserve? Whe flowers from the storms without, and
you have clean fresh spikes of some of the most enjoyable flowers of
spring.

Taken as a whole, these plants have produced an exceedingly good
effect at the recent exhibitions at South Kensington and Regent’s Park,
and to some extent show the great number of varieties which have re¬
sulted from hybridisation. In this direction, however, much remains to be
accomplished, and the work of improvement has barely begun. In the
first place we stand very much in need of a good and pure white of good
habit, with flowers erect or semi-erect, and to obtain this end I would
advise all who are making any attempt to improve this group to aim.
We have in the variety Grandiflora alba a fine pure white in point of
colour, but the drooping habit of the plant is much against it becoming
popular ; in other respects, such as fragrance, its free-flowering and
robust habit of growth it is a good plant, in fact much the best white of
the present day. I have known it some fifteen years, but I do not knbw
its origin. One thing to avoid in this class, as well as in all other
groups of florists’ flowers, is the introduction of too many of those
invisible shades of colour which too frequently find their distinctive
characters merely in wordy descriptions rather than in the plants them¬
selves.

They produce seeds rather freely were on small plants, which if sown
as soon as ripe will germinate in about a month, or thereabouts. To the
enthusiastic hybridist there is a wide field open for extension with im¬
provement, and new and distinct shades of colour will be welcomed among
this already valuable group of hardy spring flowers. When Hyacinths
are past these Primulas might well help to fill their place, unless a more
brilliant array be needed and afforded by Azaleas, Cinerarias, and the
like. There is only one way of increasing the better named varieties,
and that is by dividing the rootstock, which in established plants is
composed of several small rhizomes thickly studded with fleshy roots
throughout their entire length. They submit most readily to this
dividing process, which may be done to good advantage when the
flowering is completed, or lifted in the autumn when the foliage is
decayed they may be divided and potted according to requirements.
A well enriched loam with leaf soil added suits them admirably, and if
partial shade can be given them so much the better.

The best and most distinct varieties in commerce at present are the
type — viz., Sieboldi, magenta crimson ; grandiflora alba, pure white ;
Lilacina, a very handsome fringed Variety ; Magenta Queen, intense in
colouring, and beautifully fringed'; Vincreflora, rich lilac ; this is much
smaller in flower, and very distinct in general appearance from all the
others ; Intermedia hybrida, a very fine variety, flowers rosy lilac ex¬
ternally, and white flushed with rose on the inside ; Lilacina marginata
is dwarfer in habit than some, but has very large handsome trusses of
pale lavender flowers externally, while the interior is 'of a whiter shade
and margined with lilac. The numerous other varieties, which I shall
refrain from noticing here, have flowers of varying and intermediate
shades of the above, which are a selection of the best. — J. H. E.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

June I5th.

An extensive and varied show was held in this Society’s gardens on
Wednesday, plants, flowers, and fruits being largely shown in all the
classes. There was not quite so much brilliancy of colour as at the first
summer show, but the exhibits were very interesting, and the collections
of Irises and hardy flowers most abundant. The weather was exception¬
ally fine, and a large number of visitors assembled during the afternoon.

Orchids. — A magnificent bank of Orchids was formed on one of the
slopes in the centre of the tent, a number of large specimens being
shown. There was also a large bank at the side of the tent. In the
amateurs’ class for twelve Orchids, Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whit-
bourn, Esq., Great Gearies, Ilford, won the premier award for Dendro¬
bium nobile, loaded with flowers ; Cattleya Mendel i, with two dozen
flowers ; Masdevallia Harryana, Odontoglosum vexillarium, very fine ;
O. Roezli album, in admirable health ; Lailia purpurata, fourteen flowers ;
Odontoglossum crispum, Oncidium macranthum, Cattleya Mossias, and
Cypripedium Lawrencianum. Mr. F. J. Hall, gardener to H. Little,
Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was second with very fine specimens of
Cattleya Mossias, Laslia purpurata, Cypripedium Lawrencianum, and
Cattleya labiata Warneri. Mr. C. J. Salter, gardener to J. Southgate,
Esq., Selborne, Streatham, was third with some very handsome plants, a
large pan of Crypripedium Lawrencianum being remarkable, also
Odontoglossum vexillarium, Cattleya gigas, and Masdevallia Veitchiana
grandiflora with eleven large flowers.

Mr. J. Cypher secured the chief prize in the nurserymen’s class for
twelve Orchids for Cattleya Mendeli and Mossias, Dendrobium Dal-
houseanum, Anguloa Clowesi, Masdevallia Harryana coerulescens,
Odontoglossum vexillarium, Epidendrum vitellinum, Cypripedium bar-
batum, Dendrobium Bensonias, and others similarly well flowered. Mr.
James was second with healthy and profusely flowered plants.

For twelve Orchids, single specimens, Mr. J. Douglas was first, con¬
tributing fine specimens of Odontoglossum vexillarium loaded with
flowers ; Cymbidium Loweanum, with four long racemes ; Saccolabium
guttatum, two fine spikes ; [Laslia purpurata, and Dendrobium meso-
chlorum. Mr. F. J. Hill was second, his plants including six Cattleyas.
Mr. H. James had the only collection of twelve Orchids, single specimens,
in the nurserymen’s class, small plants but healthy. A small silver
medal was awarded to Mr. W. May, gardener to F. C. Jacomb, Esq.,
Amhurst Park, Stamford Hill, for a beautiful group of Orchids similar
to that he had at Leyton recently, and noticed on another page.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants. — The principal class for these
was that for twelve specimens, in which Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham,
won first honours with handsome plants, but not his largest specimens.
Erica Cavendishiana, some 0 feet high and through, was profusely
flowered, other grand plants being E. depressa ; Bougainvillea glabra, very
large and beautiful ; Stephanotis floribunda, Dracophyllum gracile, Ixora
Pilgrimi, and Aphelexis macrantha purpurea. Mr. Donald, gardener to
J. G. Barclay, Esq., Knotts Green, Leyton, was a close second with very
even fresh plants capitally flowered, Statice profusa being uncommonly
fine, also several excellent Heaths. Mr. H. James, Norwood, was third
with good Heaths and other plants. For six plants Mr. Donald was first
with neat globular specimens of Erica Paxtoni, Aphelexis purpurea, Dra¬
cophyllum gracile, and others; Mr. A. Offer, gardener to J. Warren, Esq.,
Handcross Park, Crawley, was second, and Mr. G. Wheeler, St. John’s
Lodge, Regent’s Park, was third. In the nurserymen’s class for six
plants Mr. H. James took the lead, showing an excellent sample of Erica
Massoni major well flowered. Mr. J. Cypher was a very close second
with medium-sized but even and fresh plants, Erica ventricosa, magnifica
being noteworthy for its number of flowers and their rich colour,
Aphelexis macrantha purpui-ea was also good.

Pelargonium s. — Two beautiful corner groups of Pelargoniums were
formed of the competing collections. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was first
with six show varieties, handsome specimens of Amethyst, Comtesse de
Choiseul, Gold Mine, The Baron, Maid of Honour, and Sister of Mercy.
Mr. Turner was also first with six fancy varieties, delightfully fresh, pro¬
fusely flowered plants of East Lynne, The Shah, Mrs. Langtry, Ellen
Beck, Princess Teck, and Fanny Gair. Mr. J. Cypher was second with
six show varieties, Duchess of Bedford and Lady Isabel being the most
noteworthy. In the amateurs’ class Mr. F. J. Hill was first with show
varieties, satisfactory specimens of good varieties, and second with
fancies, Delicatum being a magnificent plant. Mr. D. Phillips, gardener,
Langley Broom, Slough, was first with medium sized but excellent
fancy varieties, and second with show varieties, having Mauve Queen in
capital form. The prizes for Zonals were gained by Messrs. H. Eason,
F. J. Hill, and H. Rowson.

Tuberous Begonias. — Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, were
accorded chief honours for twelve Tuberous Begonias, representing some
of their superb varieties with large brightly coloured flowers. The
varieties were Marchioness of Teck, Ball of Fire, Lady Chesterfield, Earl
of Rosslyn, Lady Falmouth, Bicolor, Queen Victoria, Primrose Queen,
Lady Brooke, Sarah J. Reed, Virgin Queen, and Marquis of Bute. The
third prize was awarded to Mr., \V. Windsor, gardener to W. H,
Williams, Esq., The Chantry, Enfield, for small plants. Classes were
provided for nineteenth century plants, but only one collection of
annuals and herbaceous plants was shown, for which Messrs. Paul and
Son, Cheshunt, obtained the first prize. Large numbers of plants were
represented, including some of the most showy of the hardy plants now
in cultivation.

Foliage plants and Ferns were chiefly shown by Mr. J. Cypher, who
had some huge Palms, Cycads, and Crotons. Mr. Offer had similarly
large specimens. Mr. Donald, Mr. H. James, Mr. R. Butler, and Mr.
Eason were also prizetakers.

Fruit. — There was a good display of fruit for the season, and the
competition in the leading classes was keen. In the Fruiterer’s Com¬
pany’s class for a collection, Mr. R. Parker, gardener to J. Corbett, Esq.,
M.P., Impney, Droitwich, was a capital first with three even hunches of
Black Hamburgh Grapes, well-coloured large bunches of Foster’s Seed¬
ling Grape, a good Queen Pine, Elruge Nectarines ; Best of All, Scarlet
Premier, and Cox’s Orange Gem Melons ; Noblesse Peaches, excellent ;
President, Sir Joseph Paxton, and British Queen Strawberries ; Belle
d’Orleans and Early Red Bigarreau Cherries, and Brown Turkey Figs.
There was an admirable collection, distinguished by the even quality of
the fruit, and one of the best we have seen at such early shows. Mr.
T. Hare, Wellingore Gardens, Grantham, was second, also with good
specimens of Black Hamburgh Grapes, but rather smaller ; Duke of
Buccleuch Grapes, good bunches and berries, but slightly green *
Murrey Nectarines, of fine colour ; Black Tartarian and Elton Cherries ;
Early Albert and Early Louise Peaches, fine ; Longleat Perfection,
Dell’s Hybrid, and a seedling Melon ; Sir Joseph Paxton Strawberries,
and Brown Turkey Figs. Mr. W. Robins, gardener to Colonel Lee,
Hartwell House, Aylesbury, was third, showing excellent Hero of
Lockinge Melons, seven dishes of Peaches and four of Nectarines,
with large bunches of Foster’s Seedling Grapes, and small ones of
Black Hamburgh and Buckland Sweetwater.

With Melons Mr. Parker was first for Blenheim Orange and Best of All,
followed by Mr. W. F. Smith, Nevill Court Gardens, Tunbridge Wells,
and Mr. Hollingsworth, gardener to J. F. Campbell, Esq.. Wood seat,
Uttoxeter. For Pines, Mr. II. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor,
Longford Castle, Salisbury, was first with a good Queen, Mr. W.F. Smith
being second, and Mr. R. Parker third.

Four baskets of black Grapes were entered, Mr. J. Hollingsworth

Jane 16, 1837. ]l

JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

493

l>eing first, Mr. Osman, gardener to L. J. Baker, Esq.. Ottersfiaw Park,
Chertsey, second, and Mr. G. Clinging, gardener to Walpole Greenwell,
Esq., Marden Park, Caterham Valley, third, all showing Black Hamburgh
well coloured. There were three baskets of white Grapes, Mr. P. Feist,
gardener to R. J. Ashton, Esq., Bishopsgate House, Staines, leading with
Muscat of Alexandria, very good for the season ; Mr. Hollingsworth was
second with Foster’s Seedling, and Mr. W. Robins third with the same
variety. Several competitors with three bunches of Black Hamburgh
entered, Mr. Hollingsworth leading with beautiful even bunches bearing
an excellent bloom ; Mr. T. Osman was second and Mr. A. Smith
third. Of any other black variety there were only two exhibitors, Mr.
H. W. Ward, who was second with Black Prince, small, but of good
colour, and Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to the Rev. W. Sneyd, Keele Hall,
Newcastle, third, with Madresfield Court deficient in colour.

In the white Grape classes, Mr. Feist was first with three bunches
of Muscat of Alexandria, of good size in bunch and berry, and
fairly coloured. Mr. Ward was second, the others being too green for a
prize. Of the five exhibitors of any other variety, Mr. Ward was first
with Buckland Sweetwater; Mr. Hollins worth second with Foster’s
Seedling, and Mr. Robins third with Buckland Sweetwater. Mr. W. II.
Divers, gardener to J. F. Hopwood, Esq., Ketton Hall, Stamford, was
first with two dishes of Peaches, Early Albert and Royal George, very
line ; Messrs. J. Harris and W. Robins following. Mr. Harris was first
■with two dishes of Nectarines, Elruge being very fine, and Mr. Robins
second. Strawberries were not of first-rate quality. Mr. Parker was
first with Figs, and Mr. Hare with Cherries, followed by Mr. Parker.
Messrs. T. Rivers &; Son, Sawbridgeworth, had a collection of Plums,
Peaches, Nectarines, and Cherries.

Cut Flowers. — Cut flowers were very numerous, Mr. J. R. Tranter,
Mr. J. Hollingsworth, and Mr. A. Gibson securing first prizes for Roses.
Mr. Gibson and Mr. Bates exhibited miscellaneous cut flowers. Mr. J.
Douglas was first with twelve trusses of Orchids, Mr. Turner with show
Pelargoniums, and Mr. Phillips with Zonal Pelargoniums. Messrs. Paul
and Son, Chesliunt ; Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham ; with Messrs. Collins
Bros. & Gabriel, Waterloo Road, had large collections of Irises and hardy
flowers.

Miscellaneous. — Messrs. J. Laing & Co.. Forest Hill, staged a mag¬
nificent group of Tuberous Begonias, Orchids, Ferns, Palms, with a neat
margin of Selaginella and Caladium argyrites (large silver medal).
Messrs. Hooper k Co., Covent Garden, had a large and beautiful miscel¬
laneous group of flowering and fine-foliage plants (large silver medal).
Mr. H. B. May, Edmonton, showed a charmingly fresh group of Ferns
and Crotons very tastefully arranged (small silver medal). Mr. G.
Elliott, gardener to W. F. Darnell, Esq., Devonshire House, Stamford
Hill, contributed a choice group of well grown Orchids and Ferns,
tastefully arranged (small silver medal). Messrs. Balchin & Son,
Brighton, had some fine plants of Leschenaultia biloba major (cultural
commendation). Mr. W. Chitty, Stamford Hill, showed plants of a very
dark Coleus with yellow and red centre.

The Comte de Paris, Sheen House, Surrey, exhibited a collection of
Orchids grown in the gardens at the Chateau d’Eu, France, either in the
open air or in a cool house. They comprised the following interesting
species — Aceras anthropophora, Cypripedium spectabile, Serapia Lingua,
Ophrys tenthredinifera, Serapias pseudo-cordigera, Ophrys bombylifera,
Cephalanthera ensifolia, Ophrys fusca, Orchis longicornu, Orchis fusca,
Orchis tephrosanthes, Orchis militaris, Ophrys lutea, 0. Speculum,
Cypripedium pubescens, Bletia hyacinthina, Orchis mascula, and O.
maculata. Mr. G. Wheeler had a group of Fuchsias (certificate).
Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons, Chelsea, had a choice collection of
new plants, several of which were certificated. Messrs. Paul
and Son, Cheshunt, showed a collection of Pyrethrums and Rhodo¬
dendrons. Mr. W. Gordon, Twickenham, had a collection of
Paeonies and Maples. Mr. D. White, gardener to Mrs. Farnell Watson,
Redlees, Isleworth, had a group of fine Calceolarias (bronze medal).
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, had a magnificent display of hardy flowers
and Pyrethrums in the corridor (large bronze medal). Messrs. Ivelway
and Son, Langport, had ten boxes of Pyrethrum flowers. Mr. John
Forbes, Hawick, exhibited twelve stands of Pansy blooms, representing
a large number of superb varieties (certificate).

Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, had a most interesting
group of fruit trees, comprising Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, Plums,
Apples, Pears, and Oranges, bearing a large number of fruits and re¬
presenting some first-rate varieties. Mr. A. Luff, Streatham, had a large
handsome group of Gloxinas and Ferns (small silver medal). Messrs.
Hooper k Co., Covent Garden, had a group of Irises and hardy flowers
(bronze medal). Messrs. Barr & Son showed an extensive collection of
Irises and miscellaneous hardy flowers (large bronze medal).

First-class certificates wrere awarded to the following : — Florists’
flowers.— E. B. Foster, Esq., for Pelargonium Marion and Duke of
Clarence ; Messrs. J. Laing k Co. for Tuberous Begonias, Duke of
Edinburgh, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Louise. Scarlet Perfection.
Terra Cotta, Marguerita, and Alba Magna, Mrs. Apthorpc, and Princess
Royal ; Mr. Charles Turner for Pelargonium Iona and Ambassadress ;
Messrs. Kelway k Son for Pyrethrums, Merry Hampton, Florentine,
Magicien, Aphrodite, and Figaro.

New Plants. — Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons for Rhododendron luteo-
roseum, Adiantum Capillus- Veneris var. Mariesi, Diplazium hians, Juni-
perus canadensis aurca, Abies canadensis argentea, A. excelsa mutabilis,
Thuia gigantca aurea, Ilex aquifolium insigne, Sequoia sempervirens
alba spica, Viburnum plicatum. Mr. Blair Trentham Gardens, Odon-
toglossum crispum Blair’s var. ; R. B. White, Esq., Dendrobium poly-

phlebium. Messrs. Sander A Co., Masdevallia Harryana grandis, Odon-
toglossum crispum albanense. Mr. Bethell, Cattleya Mendeli limbata.
Mr. W. Chitty, Coleus J ubilee.

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WORK .FopvTHE WEEK, . O

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KITCHEN

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GARDEN

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Young Vegetables. — The weather during the last fortnight has
improved wonderfully ; we have had refreshing rain, balmy nights, and
sunny days, and all kinds of vegetables have made more progress than
they did for a month previous. Outdoor Potatoes are abundant and
good in quality, Peas are now well in, and Carrots, Turnips, and such
like are excellent. There is no time in the whole year when vegetables
are more appreciated than at present, and although they take considerable
labour and much anxiety to produce them, the satisfaction they give
more than compensates for all this.

Late Peas. — A large sowing of Sutton’s Latest of All, Laxton’s
Omega, or Ne Plus Ultra, should be made now. It is a mistake to sow
late Peas earlier than this, as they pod before September is over, and by
October they are gone, but by sowing now they will continue to bear
until destroyed by frost. They are very apt to suffer from the hot dry
weather of July and August, and to avoid this form trenches to the
depth of 1 foot, manure them well, and then sow the seed, cover with
3 inches depth of soil and tread well, as firm soil does not dry as soon as
when it is very loose. The best position for late Peas is well in the
light and sun and where the autumn winds will not upset them.

Lettuce. — Early Paris Market is still our first to gain maturity. It
is very useful in the spring months, but the best of all our Lettuces at
the present time is Veitch’s Perfect Gem. It is a Cabbage variety of
compact growth, great size, and first-rate quality. It merits its name.
All Lettuces that are now planted will mature before the end of July ;
transplant more small ones to come in during August, and sow more
seed to produce plants for use in September. Very often Lettuces are
plentiful in the forepart of the summer, but by September, or before
that, they are over, and this is not desirable. Successional sowings
would remedy this ; give them all a rich soil and a cool place. Winter
Lettuces should not be sown until August.

Early Leeks and Celery. — These were planted in trenches about
the same time ; they have all grown freely, and it is time to take their
culture in hand. Weed the whole of the trenches carefully, tread the
soil very firmly round each plant, then place a little good manure on the
surface and water thoroughly. In a day or two afterwards begin to
earth them up. Break a little soil down from the edges of the trenches
and draw it towards the plants with the spade, then put it round them
with the hands. If they are earthed up 3 inches at a time good results
will follow. This way of treating these vegetables is a capital one to
secure large substantial produce for exhibition or any purpose, and to
insure success do not neglect them from now onwards.

Broad Beans.— Seville Longpod is ready for the kitchen, Carter’s
Leviathan is forming pods, and more of the same excellent sort has not
come into flower, but a supply is insured until the end of July at least,
and as many have Broad Beans until then, few afterwards, they would
find a late sowing very satisfactory. They take about the same time to
reach maturity as the Peas, and a sowing now would be in at a good
time. Give them very strong soil well manured, and do not crowd them.
Where the first sowing is longer in podding than is desired pinch the
tops off at onCe. They generally flower best on the lower part of the
stem ; there may be no blooms near the top, and it is this part which
should be pinched off.

Winter Greens. — The last of our Broccoli was cut on June 10th.
The variety was Veitch’s Model, a superb sort. The ground has been
manured, dug deeply, and is now ready for late Peas ; but young
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, and Winter Greens of all sorts are
being planted in other parts of the garden, and these should now receive
attention. It is almost impossible to have too many of them, but it is
astonishing how many can be planted by perseverance and constantly
filling up vacancies as other crops are cleared off. This is really the
secret of having plenty of Winter Greens.

Turnips. — We have these all the year round. They are sent to the
kitchen daily. Our Swedes, sown at this time last year, were not finished
when the early Milans were ready, but the cook would have nothing to
do with the old ones when the young ones were ready, but it is very
satisfactory to have an unbroken supply. All winter Turnips should
now be sown. It is a good plan to sow three varieties now — Veitch’s
Red Globe or some of the white ones for autumn use ; Chirk Castle^ or
Orange Jelly for winter ; and the Swede for spring.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Late Home*. — Let there be no delay in thinning late Grapes.
In order to secure large highly finished berries thin them well, especially
in the interior of the bunches, and do not overcrop, as Vines that are
overburdened never finish their fruit well, and it is inferior in keeping
qualities. Outside borders, now that the weather is more favourable,
should, if the rainfall be insufficient, be well watered and mulched
with short material, so as to attract the roots to the surface. Allowing

494

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 16, 1887.

the border to become dry at the surface causes the roots to descend in
quest of moisture, and the consequence is that in a cold and wet season
the Vines start very badly ; the bunches, instead of elongating, curl,
twist and wither, or if they escape they are often spoiled through
shanking. Neglect in watering the borders and mulching, especially
where the Vines are carrying a heavy crop, is not only disastrous to the
present crop, but induces red spider and the premature ripening of the
foliage, and injuriously affects next year’s crop of fruit. The cold nights
still necessitate the use of fires. It is a great mistake to let the fires
out now and have to employ them later on to have the fruit ripe ; in¬
deed, if they are not ripe by the middle of September their keeping is
extremely problematical. All late Grapes thrive in a high temperature
with abundant food in liquid form, both at the roots and in the atmo¬
sphere. Fire heat should be employed to secure a night temperature of
65° to 70°, and 70° to 75° by day in dull weather. Admit, or rather
increase, the ventilation from 75° — a little at first, increasing it with
the temperature, allowing an advance to and maintaining it at 80°, 85°,
or 90° through the day from sun heat, closing the house between 80°
and 85°, damping the paths, &c., well at closing and again before night¬
fall, at the latter time with liquid manure. Provide a little ventilation
the last thing at night, which will prevent a vitiated atmosphere and
allow the foliage to dry in the morning by the time the sun acts power¬
fully. Late Grapes generally are backward, hence the desirability of
making the most of the solar heat by the judicious application of arti¬
ficial heat as may be necessary. Allow all the foliage that can be fully
exposed to light, but when the space is fairly covered keep the shoots
closely pinched. Avoid cold draughts or sudden depressions of tempe-
perature, the most prolific source of rust.

Merely Planted Vines. — These are growing freely, and should have
every encouragement to make a sturdy thoroughly solidified growth.
The borders will need copious supplies of water, but avoid making the
soil sodden by needless waterings, mulching the surface of the borders
so as to encourage surface roots, and especially rootlets from the collar.
Syringe copiously on fine afternoons, and close early, allowing the
laterals to extend freely. Supernumeraries intended to fruit next season
should have the laterals stopped at the first joint, and the primary at
the first six or eight feet of growth, after which moderate lateral ex¬
tension may be allowed, but there must not be any interference with
the principal leaves, which must have full exposure, and be kept clean
and healthy, so as to insure the proper development of the buds at their
base.

Pines. — Fire heat will not be necessary now for successional stock
except in particularly cold localities, for sufficient heat will be main¬
tained to secure the steady growth of the plants, or a temperature of 65°
at night, if attention be given to ventilation in the daytime, which is very
necessary to secure sturdy growth. Admit air at 75° if the morning
be bright, gradually increasing it until the temperature reaches 85°, when
full ventilation will be required. Reduce the air gradually, keeping
the heat up to 80° as long as possible, at which close, affording the
plants a light sprinkling overhead when the weather is bright. It will
still be necessary to afford the needful warmth to the roots of the plants
— viz., 80° to 90°, and to accelerate plants in an advanced fruiting
stage in houses, the bottom heat of which is furnished by hot-water
pipes. The earliest fruiting plants will now, or soon, furnish a number
of suckers, which should be taken off and started at once. These will
form a supplementary batch to those started in March. They must
be watered at once if the soil be dry, and shade afforded from bright
sun until they are well rooted.

Melons. — Some consider Melons are worth little after the hot days
of summer, but they are often good when the days are bright in Sep¬
tember and October. Every available frame, pit, or house should be
utilised, and where there is likely to be a demand for fruit in late
summer plants that were raised some time ago should be placed out
now, they will set freely in the dog days, and afford very acceptable
fruit in late August and September. A last sowing should be made for
growing in dung-heated pits or frames. It is advisable to make up the
beds at once, or at the same time as the seed is sown, which should be
in 4-inch pots about half filled with soil. One or two seeds may be
placed in each pot, and soil placed around the stem as the plants
advance, but not higher than half an inch of the seed leaves. When
the fruiting bed is ready turn the plants out of the pots, place one in
the centre of each light, planting to within half an inch of the seed
leaves, with the soil inclining from the stem, give a good watering, and
shade from bright sun. Pinch out the point of the leader at the second
rough leaf, which will induce side shoots ; reduce those to four, take two
to the front and two to the back of the frame or pit, rubbing off all the
laterals to within 9 inches of the stem all round, and every lateral upon
the primary shoots, stopping those about 9 inches from the sides of the
pit or frame. The plants will be showing and setting fruit in plenty
early in August, and they will ripen in late September. All the stopping
and disbudding must be done whilst the plants are small, for large re¬
ductions of growth only tend to grossness in the parts retained, and are
unfavourable to the setting of the crop. Husband sun heat by early
closing, employ no more shade than is absolutely necessary, but with
the soil firm and stiff shading will not be needed if the plants are duly
supplied with water.

Cucumbers. — As soon as the night temperature can be maintained
from falling below 65°, fire heat may be dispensed with, much being
effected by early closing. Continue to look over the plants bi-weekly,
well thinning-out the old growths, and giving copious supplies of liquid
manure twice a week. Only syringe in the afternoon, as with bright

weather morning syringing is often the cause of much injury to the
foliage. Maintain a good moisture in the house all through the day.
With early closing it is necessary to guard against scorching in the
afternoon, particularly where the ends of span-roofed houses are north
and south, and where the non-ventilating system is practised. From
4 to 5 or 5.30 is the time of danger, but a slight shading will make
all safe.

Night covering will not now be necessary for pits and frames, closing
at 3 to 4 P.M., assisting plants in full bearing with liquid manure, taking
care not to wet the foliage. Remove bad leaves as well as exhausted
growths, thinning the shoots once a week, stopping the growths at one
or two joints beyond the fruit ; and where the plants are enfeebled by
bearing, top-dress with lumpy loam and layer some of the younger
growths at a joint, from which roots will be emitted and strengthen the
succeeding growths.

PLANT HOUSES.

Primulas. — Frame room will now be plentiful, and the earliest plants,
should be transferred from the small pots to 5-inch pots. The seed and
small lower leaves should be removed and the plants poHed as deeply in
the soil as practicable without fear of injury to the heart of the plant.
It is a great mistake in potting these plants to leave them when finished
so that they shake about at the collar. Plants in this condition generally
damp off in winter much sooner than those given the chance of
emitting roots from the stem. Press the soil firmly into the pots, and
use for a compost two-thirds good fibry loam to one-third of leaf mould ;
one-seventh of decayed manure may be added and a liberal dash of sand.
The plants should occupy cold frames with the pots stood upon ashes.
The frame should be so arranged that the full force of the sun will not
strike upon the plants. Later plants should be transferred from pans
into small pots singly and grown under cool frame treatment. The
latest intended for spring flowering should be pricked out of the
seed pot or pan into others 1 inch apart until they are ready for small
pots.

Boulle Varieties. — Those rooted some time ago may be placed into-
4-inch pots and grown on in cold frames. Those that were earthed up-
later in the season to induce the emission of roots from the stem may
now be divided and potted singly in small pots. These must be kept
close for ten days or a fortnight until they have commenced rooting in
the new soil, when they may be gradually hardened and grown in cold
frames.

Rases. — Plunge Hybrid Perpetuals in a sunny position if they have,
been thoroughly hardened for turning outside ; if not, carefully prepare
them before placing them out, so that the whole of their foliage can be.
preserved in good condition. The soil about the roots should be in a-
thoroughly moist condition when they are plunged, and very little labour
will be occasioned in watering afterwards, provided the plunging material
is kept moist, and the plants liberally syringed twice a day. Under
these conditions they will soon commence in earnest the formation of
fresh roots, and a good top growth will result. If this be encouraged it
will add strength and vigour to the plants, whereby they thoroughly
recruit themselves for the following season. Those potted in autumn
into 6 and 7 inch pots, and brought forward in cold frames, may, if they
have flowered and grown well, be transferred into pots 2 inches larger.
These may then be plunged outside. By potting these plants now they
will become thoroughly established, and be in the best possible condition
for flowering early under glass another season. Those that have not yet-
flowered should be kept as cool as possible, so that the supply will be-
continued until blooms can be gathered outside. After flowering, these,
can be repotted and treated the same as advised for those that flowered
earlier in the year.

Tta Varieties. — No artificial heat will now be needed for the Rose
house proper. Abundance of air must be given during the day, or the
temperature of the house will rise too high and the plants become
infested with red spider. A free sturdy growth must be encouraged by
syringing the plants liberally and keeping them supplied with water at
their roots. Weak stimulants may be given with advantage every alter¬
nate time water is needed. With care and good treatment the plants
will continue growing, and yield for some time a bountiful supply of
flowers. Those in pots that occupy the side stages of the house, and
have done duty since last November, may be thoroughly hardened and
stood outside or plunged ; the latter is decidedly the best. Young stock,
potted in autumn from the open ground, or small plants on their
own roots that have been in cold frames up to the present time and just
coming into flower, may occupy the side stages of the Rose house. As
soon as the first blooms are removed from these plants they may be
repotted, if they are healthy and have done well. Under these con¬
ditions they will grow rapidly and make splendid plants by autumn, and
can then be allowed to come into bloom to maintain the supply when
those outside fail. Not only will they yield useful material for cutting
at that dull period of the year, but if pruned moderately hard back,
will flower profusely again during the months of March and April.
Young stock rooted this spring may be placed into 6-inch pots and
t rown from this date in the Rose house. The flower buds as they appear
should be removed, so that the young plants have an opportunity of
gaining strength and vigour. These will also be found most useful in
autumn, and will continue to flower until Christmas. When ventilation
is abundant aphides are perhaps more troublesome than at any other
period of the year. The plants must not become infested, or else their
growth will soon be brought to a standstill. The quickest method of
eradicating these pests is to fumuate the house with tobacco smoke,
directly they make their appearance.

Jane 16, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

495

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Mixed Flower Beds. — Where a considerable number of beds have to
be filled it often happens there is a scarcity of plants towards the finish,
and rather than plant too thinly it is advisable to put out various kinds
not originally intended for the flower garden. Really attractive beds
may be formed with a judicious mixture of old plants of Fuchsias, Plum¬
bago capensis, Marguerites, Abut i Ions, double and single Zonal Pelargo¬
niums, Erythrina crista galli, Heliotropes, Cannas, Tuberous Begonias,
Yuccas. Cordylines, Musas, and Palms. Sheltered borders or beds are
preferable for this style, and the plants being put out according to their
respective heights in a fairly rich and light soil will usually succeed
admirably. The more valuable Palms, Cordylines, and Yuccas may well
be kept in their pots and plunged. All should be in a moist state at the
roots when planted, should have the soil well packed about the roots,
and the old balls must not be allowed to get very dry, or failure will
be the consequence. On one occasion when the stock of small plants
were exhausted two large beds were filled very effectively and cheaply
as follows : — We divided a lot of old plants of Stachys lanata, and with
these formed a broad edging next the grass. Inside of this was planted
a number of large old plants of semi-double Zonal Pelargoniums, Guillon
Mangilli, disposed in a sloping direction so as to admit of their being
pegged down, the centre of the bed being filled with yellow Marguerites,
among which were dotted a few plants of Ricinus Gibsoni, white Mar¬
guerites, or the single Dahlia alba. The latter being pegged dovvn might
be substituted for the yellow Marguerites, and the secould be banded by
any sort of Zonal Pelargonium. Much depends upon the way in which
the work is done, as when planted in an haphazard fashion it is almost
impossible to properly cover the ground.

Carpet Beds. — By the time the hardier bedding plants are in position
the time will have arrived for filling in the figures, already outlined on
the carpet beds, with the somewhat delicate Alternantheras and other
coloured plants used. Those who have not yet made a start are advised
to give plenty of time to the work, as unless well done carpet beds are
unattractive. The surface should be made perfectly level, and the edges
of the beds be raised well above the turf and covered either with
Echeveria secunda glauca facing outwards, or, failing these, with such
neat-growing plants as Antennaria tomentosa and Sedum glaucum. The
figures in the design should be well defined and simple rather than
intricate ; the latter looking well on paper, but are seldom effective on
the ground. The better to preserve these finely marked lines, they may
be rendered conspicuous with the aid of a little silver sand. Tiny
ulants of Golden Pyrethrum dibbled out about 2 inches apart may well
be used for the outline of the figures, the centres being filled in with
Alternantheras, Leucophiton, and other neat-growing plants available.
The trowel disturbs the ground too much during the process of planting,
and it is advisable to do the work principally with the hand. The
groundwork or spaces surrounding the figures of the design should be
covered with very close-growing plants, such as Herniaria glabra and
the golden form, Sedum Lydium, Sedum glaucum, Antennaria tomentosa,
Veronica repens, and Mentha Pulegium gibraltarica. They must not
be planted in large patches, but should be freely divided, quite small
pieces soon becoming established, and if they are pressed into the ground
rather thickly and watered a few times, a neat well-covered surface is
quickly obtained.

Watering Bedding Plants. — The owners of small gardens especially
are in the habit of freely watering their beds — this, in sunny weather,
being a daily process. Pond water being available this may answer fairly
well, but when very hard and cold water is applied more harm than good
results from these drenchings. When planting in succession to Wall¬
flowers, Forget-me-nots, and other soil-impoverishers it is advisable to
well moisten the ground if possible with liquid manure a few hours
Drior to planting, and after the plants are in position another watering
is necessary to fix the soil about the roots. Subsequently no heavy
waterings should be given unless the ground is found to be really
approaching dryness, but overhead waterings may be given in the
evenings of hot days with advantage. Rather than to be continually
saturating the ground, thereby both cooling and impoverishing it, we
prefer to lightly shade any plants that flag badly at the outset. Those
plante 1 from small pots do not need this temporary shading of tree
branches, but Pyrethrums, Verbenas, Lobelias, Stocks, Asters, in fact
anything moved from boxes, are usually benefited by it. After the
ground has been stirred with a flat hoe and levelled about the plants it
is a good plan to mulch with leaf soil, fine peat, cocoa-nut fibre, or grass
from the mowing machine. This encloses the moisture, does away with
the necessity of frequent waterings, and preserves a neat appearance.
Such moisture-loving plants as Violas, Tuberous Begonias, and Ver¬
benas ought to have the ground well enriched for them, occasional
waterings in hot weather also being beneficial. Planted on poor ground
no amount of water will insure a healthy growth.

W.

m

BEE-KEEPER.

6)

APIARIAN NOTES.

MOVING BEES.

Aftep. a swarm of bees was transposed in November, several
bees returned to their original stand in tbe spriug, and many would

have been lopt had I not removed them. On a warm day when the bees
are flying, a hive may be removed many yards distance, and if no
other hive intervenes the bees will search it out, mark their new site,
and return unerringly to it in a few hours after if done early in the
day. If any hives intervene the movement will result in a failure.
The summer time, as stated above, is, with the exception of moving
backwards short distances, the only safe way to move bees, and at
no other time of the year should it be attempted unless they are
moved some miles distant, remaining until they are fully accustomed
to their new site and have forgotten their old one, which, as a rule,
may be said to do in not less than eight weeks.

CYPRIANS.

These crosses have been extra busy of late, and appearingly deter¬
mined not to lose any of their reputation for their good qualities they
have previously won. Like all the others, they have many young
bees, having bred as usual without stimulating, neither requiring it,
nor does the withholding it prevent Nature taking its course. Bee¬
keepers may note that to their own advantage by lessening not only
labour but appliances. “ Are these Cyprians not very vicious ?’’
queried a visitor to-day. “ Oh, not at all,” 1 rejoined. From what
I have written about the doings of the Syrian races appears to have
frightened many at their very name, but I assure all such, if they but
adopt the hives I have described and manipulate according to my
instructions, they are quite manageable, and if the Syrians are some¬
what fiery adopt tbe Cyprians.

FLOORBOARDS.

These should be regularly cleared of all debris, which should be
destroyed out of the reach of bees. Those having ventilating floors
should make frequent examinations of the shutter, removing from it
debris, and along with it all mites and parasites.

QUEENS.

Very often a little before a queen is deposed she lays excessively,
so if any aged queens are observed to do this, supersede her as early
as possible by introducing a young fertilised one. It is erroneously
stated that a queen bee is at her best when she is three years of age.
She is nothing of the sort. A queen bee is in her prime a few days
after she is fertilised, and may continue so for about a year, after
which she decreases in fertility, with a great risk of being deposed
at any time. For about a quarter of a century past I can only recall
the loss of one yearling queen before June. The average loss of
two-year-olds for the same time has been about 30 per cent., three-
year-olds as high as 80 per cent., and rarely have four-year-olds
lived to do any service. Several times I have had Ligurian queens
at the age of fully six years, and which bred seven seasons, but ex¬
perience has taught me to rely on none but yearlings. The study
and management of bees at the present day with the new varieties is
a very different thing from what it was when nothing but the com¬
mon black bee was kept, and if we wish to be successful we must
adapt ourselves and appliances to their requirements.

DOUBLE versus SINGLE WALLED HIVES.

During the past few weeks I have about fifty letters from bee¬
keepers expressing their opinion and experience, and without exception
all of them declare in favour of single cased hives, which I concur in
and endorse the sentiment. It is now nearly thirty years since my first
letter appeared in The Cottage Gardener , and my opinion has never
changed on the way to manage bees. 1 pursued a course of my own,
and I now reap the pleasure of seeing others following the advice of
— A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

DISEASED BEES.

By this post 1 send you some bees picked up before a hive this
morning, and shall be glad if you can tell me what is amiss. So far as
I can see they are fully developed, but lack the power of flight. On
warm, especially bright sunshiny days, literally thousands come out. of
the hive and dropping from the fly board run about the garden making
frantic efforts to rise, but cannot do so, while others climb the young
Fennel plants (a bed of which is immediately in front of the hive), and
hang listlessly about ; and a very large number unable to return to the
hive are killed by the dew. An old bee-keeper examined the hive on
Saturday, but could not account for it.

The swarm is moderately strong, and the queen must be particularly
vigorous, for the hive is full of brood — both worker and drone — in all
stages of development. There is, however, very little honey, and
although the swarm has been working for some weeks no new comb has
been made this season. The hive is a wooden bar-framed one and is
raised about a foot from the ground facing south-east, and is very well
screened. I only had the hive in February, and was told that a new

496

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 16, 1887.

queen was added last season when all was well. As the supply of food
ran out feeding was. resorted to, and although not freely supplied I
believe a sufficient quantity was given. The syrup given was made
from receipt in Taylor’s “ Bee-keeper’s Manual.” Can it be that the
young brood was insufficiently 3fed in the early spring, or is there per¬
haps some malformation in the queen ? Would it be advisable to re¬
move her and place a frame containing newly laid eggs from another
hive inside ? If you can give me any explanation or advice I shall be
much obliged. Some of the bees are alive now when being taken to
post, the swarm to all outward appearance is working hard, and the
hive is quite sweet. — R. T.

[The bees sent are evidently not all from the same hive, as several
pairs were attached to each other by the sting in deadly embrace, both
having lost their life through the stinging. Then there are other bees
with empty stomachs that may have died through want or had been
compelled to disgorge all its honey to a robber bee, and the result would
be the same. The third and larger number of bees, which may be young
ones (but have not that appearance), have their stomachs and intestines
full of pollen. When that occurs, and bees rallying on a day chilly to
the bees, many (young ones particularly) are unable to recover their
strength to enabie them to discharge fceces and present the appearance
you describe.

“ There is, however, very little honey,” is an indefinite term to use
to indicate the proper state of your hive. You should have stated,
definitely the approximate weight, but from what you say we are in¬
clined to think the bees lack food, which should be supplied at once
while changeable weather continues. We do not think that bees would
suffer now from a scarcity of meat in early spring, although we are
satisfied that if bees are fed on nothing but sugar for some years, as they
were about 1859 to 1861, they are weakened, although they do not seem
to suffer at any other time when feeding does not extend over one
year.

There is no necessity to depose the queen at present, but it is ad¬
visable to keep nothing but young ones for next year’s work, or even late
summer or autumn. The bees do not appear to have died from any
disease further than stated ; certainly neither chloric dropsical fever
nor the mysterious disease that attacks the bees annually at Greenock
and other places about this time of the year. Our own apiary has had
ap entire immunity from disease or mysterious killed bees, but in my
neighbour’s garden hundreds of thousands have been killed, very
probably bees from a dwindling apiary about half a mile distant. Cer¬
tainly they are neither his own nor my bees, although it is not always
the invading bees that are destroyed, and hives attacked by them suffer
much. After bees have been confined to their hives two or three weeks
during summer through stress of weather, we have seen great numbers of
worn-out bees deposed in a few hours. When hives are cooled by any
manipulation or loss of adult bees through a low temperature, the young
bees are feeble as in your case, and many of them are lost through re¬
tarded hatching and general weakness through cold.

An acquaintance this year added a pretty white comb of worker
cells to the hive, putting it in the centre. The result was that two full
combs of brood were chilled and part of the other two through the
operation. He will not attempt brood-spreading again, although at the
time he performed it seemed . favourable, the weather suddenly became
wintry. At the same time we had a Syrian hive requiring more room,
and we added two combs to the outside, resulting in a large quantity of
larvae being destroyed. In d future article we will give our advice and
experience on this point, but we hope the fine weather will soon chase
away all signs of disease in the apiary, and the bees will fill their hives
with honey.] "

DISEASES OF BEES.

The bees sent to me by “ A. L. B.” were affected with what
the German bee-keepers call maikranUeit ,• that is to say, “ May
disease,” from the month in which it occurs. There was a strong
fcecal odour, the abdomens were distended, and I found the in¬
testines clogged with what was evidently a mixture of honey and
pollen in a state of putrefaction. The disease is supposed to be
due to the bees gathering pollen which has _ been touched by the
frost, and, not being able to digest it, this altered pollen collects in
the intestines and causes death.

The most efficacious remedy is salicylic acid in the syrup given
to the bees, as that adid has the property pf destroying germs, and
so preventing putrefaction. There was no trace of prussic acid,
and this is so volatile that even a small quantity can be detected by
the smell, which is like bruised Peach or Laurel leaves. I have not
yet received any bees from the Geenock bee-keeper alluded to, but
most likely they were affected with the same disease. — Geo. Walker,
Wimbledon.

THE PROPOSED BEE-KEEPERS’ UNION.

The British Bee JfyrntU for June 9th contains an editorial article
on the above headed “ A Word of Caution,” which is characteristic. I
cite one sentence between two full stops as a sample. “ The document
is rough in arrangement, slatternly in style, ungrammatical in construc¬
tion.” Surely those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Neither myself npr the rest of the promoters profess to be grammarians,
but I question whether a third standard school boy could be found to

compose such a slatternly and ungrammatical sentence. It further says,
“ A singular document, purporting to be a prospectus of a Bee-keepers’
Union, has been forwarded to us. It contains no names either of the
promoters or the secretary ; the name of the printer is also omitted.”

The “ document ” in question is a draft proof of the prospectus.
The front page is left blank for title, list of officers, &c. They were
printed for the private use of the promoters. Not one has been sent
through the post without my sign manual attached either to it or to a
letter sent with it. Not one has been sent either to the Editor of the
British Bee Journal or any director or officer of the Honey Company,
but several have been sent to prominent members of the British Bee¬
keepers’ Association, who profess to be and are considered friends of
bee-keepers, asking them to join the Council as promoters ; but singular
to say, all who replied tried to throw “ cold water ” on the scheme. One
said he did not consider the objects aimed at were desirable or necessary,
. nor did he think they could be carried out ; excepting these, the scheme
is being received with enthusiasm.

We are wanting^ to make the Council as representative of the
twenty-one districts' as possible, and anyone who is favourably disposed
can have a copy of the “ singular document ” by applying to me. As
far as I am concerned, I would like to get out of the work if someone
will come forward to relieve me of it. Neither 1 nor the others have
any thought of giving it up now. It is hoped to issue the prospectus
to the public shortly, and those who are willing to do what they can to
help forward the work' will kindly oblige by applying at once for a draft
prospectus. — J. Hewitt, Cambridge Street, Sheffield, Hon. Secretary
pro tern. ......

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

John R. Box, 118, North End, Croydon. — Summer Catalogue of Bedding,
Border , and other Plants.

Ewing & Co., Havant, Hampshire. — Catalogue of Roses, Hardy Trees
and Shrubs, dc.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Advertising (M.\ A e » re not able to suggest a course for you to
pursue. T our proposal has been submitted to the publisher, and he agrees
^0 do what you wish.

Small Rhubarb ( Philomelos).—We have not yet been able to identify
your variety. It is very rich in colour. Can you give us its history ? We
had the little bundle you sent stewed, and found it a delicious sweetmeat.
The seedling from it resembles the St. Martin’s.

Cabbages not Hearting (B.). — The prolonged mild autumn had a great
ideal to do with Cabbage plants forming flower stems instead of hearts this
spring, and tlm evil was also no doubt contributed to by the severe cheek
the plants received in the Winter, and the protracted cold of what ought to
have been spring— checks to growth predisposing must plants to flower.

Painting Cucumber House (Cambridge).— If you paint the inside of
the house in which “Cucumbers are just well established” they will
jalmost certainly be seriously injured, and may be ruined. We should
ipush them on quickly, take a good crop, clear them out soon enough in
the autumn for the house to be painted then, and get dry and sweet for
'winter occupation.

Watering Strawberries (Mrs. Mayor). — Wo do not give liquid manure
after the fruit commences colouring, as we can get it as large as we desire
by generous assistance before then in the form of drainings from manure
heaps and stables, and covering the ground thickly with clean litter for
arresting evaporation, this also preventing the fruit being soiled by contact
'with the earth.

Insects in Strawberry Bed (IF. J. B.,' Wells). — These are the grubs of a
Tipula or Crane-fly, the particular species being T. gigantea. Although
you may not hitherto have observed them, it is probable you will find them
doing injury at the roots of other low-growing plants. One of the best
[remedies for these and similar subterranean feeders is gas lime, the uses
lof which have been explained in a recent number of this Journal.

Juno 16, 1887. ]

497

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAR1

Flowers for the Shooting Season {Hermit). — Double and single
Dahlias planted now, also China Asters in quantity, French and African
Marigolds, Anemone japonica and its variety alba, double and single
perennial Sunflowers (Helianthuses), Michaelmas Daisies in variety,
Pvrethrum uligiuosum, and late summer and early autumn-flowering
Chrysanthemums. Such are all suitable for the purpose in question, and
of the easiest culture. Herbaceous plants for flowering in the autumn
should be planted early in spring. Tomatoes will not answer with cer¬
tainty as you propose.

Insects on Chrysanthemum (T V.J. M.). — One of these insects for¬
warded appears to be the larva or caterpillar of a small moth belonging to
the Pyralis group. The second and third objects we take to bo identical,
only in a different stage of growth, and this insect is the maggot of a fly,
presumably an Anthomyia. It is likely you have more to apprehend from
the fly grub than from the moth larva. Both might probably be destroyed
by judicious syringing. If you wish for more definite information con¬
cerning these, have the goodness to send living examples enclosed in a tin
box, with a portion of the food plant.

Thinning Pears (Ebnr). — Taking the cluster of Doyenn6 d’F, t6 you
send as an example we should take half the fruit off at once, and the others
would swell the better, and assuming they all advance satisfactorily we
should remove three others before the end of the month. Three fruits of
this Pear may be left on a spur of a healthy tree, or four if the growth is
very strong, as the crop bemg gathered early there is plenty of time for
the tree to recuperate itself after the strain to which it may have been
subjected by its crop. This answers your other question as to ‘ why early
Pears may be permitted to bear heavier crops than advised for late
varieties."

Coleworts (D. Mason). — IV e usually sow from the middle to the end of
May, and have plants of the right size for planting on ground vacated by
Potatoes or other early crops. Those crops are, however, generally later
this year than usual, and Coleworts raised from seed sown now would
almost certainly be useful in due time. If the weather is hot and ground
dry drnw deep drills and flood them repeatedly, then after sowing cover
the bed with mats in the daytime, withdrawing them at night, until the
plants are seen pushing through the soil. The Bosette Colewort is good
and very hardy, any of the dwarf early Cabbages being also useful when
raised at the present time.

Propagating Cinerarias (L. M. B.). — You have attempted too much.
It is not at all uncommon when all the seed possible is left to ripen for the
plants to either die or produce few or weak suckers. It is better to cut
down any plants of varieties you desire to perpetuate as soon as the flowers
fade, as then the growths from the base will be more numerous and strong,
always provided they are kept free from insects. It is a simple and good
plan to plant out cut-down Cinerarias rather deeply in free soil in a shaded
position, but not under trees ; and if kept moist healthy growths will
cluster from around the base of the stems and form roots. They can then
be divided and potted.

Rhododendrons not Flowering ( Clericvs ). — Your shrubs were perhaps
exhausted by flowering last year, and they would be the less likely to
flower this if the seed pods were not picked out as soon as the flowers
faded. That should always be done, and copious supplies of water given
in dry weather for encouraging quick and free growth, as late growths are
not always matured. Mulching thickly with leaf soil or much-decayed
manure, such as the refuse of Mushroom beds, is excellent for Rhododen¬
drons, and when the shrubs are “ few and choice,” as in your case, some
such assistance can usually be afforded. Short grass that is cut from
lawns is much better than nothing.

Pelargoniums ( Undergardener ). — Cuttings of Show Pelargoniums can be
made of the ripened stems that are severed from the plants in the process
of cutting down, taking care that there is a growth bud — not a flower bud
— in the axil of tbe leaf that is above the soil after the cuttings are
inserted. A quicker method of forming good plants is by striking the
short-jointed flowerless shoots that usually push from the base of the stems
of healthy plants just before the expansion of the flowers. Some of those
cuttings that we inserted three weeks or more ago are now thrifty young
plants, and will be much superior next spring to others raised from
matured wood six weeks or two months later.

Watering Flower Beds ( J . C.). — The evening is the best time for
watering in hot weather, because there is then little or no evaporation of
moisture from the earth for several hours, and in the meantime the plants
are imbibing support to fortify them for the strain on their energies
during a possible exhausting day. When water is applied on hot bright
mornings, and the greater part of it is extracted by the Bun, the lesser by
the (lants; at the same time the temperature of the soil is lowered, cold
always accompaning evaporation, and consequently the tops of plants may
be roasted, so to say. and the roots perishing. Watering to be effectual
in hot weather must be thorough ; and it is better to do one portion of a
garden well on one evening, and another the next, than to merely sprinkle
the whole, making the surface alone wet, leaving the ground dry below.
Where mulching <annot follow watering it is an excellent plan to run the
hoe through the soil as soon as it is dry enough to be worked freely.

Dressing Vines (G. Jackson). — We do not consider it a good plan to
remove much of what you call “superfluous lateral growth ” after the
Grapes commence changing for ripening. It is much better to prevent
euch an excess of growth by timely pinching those laterals that are not
wanted. We never use a knife for dressing Vines in summer, but “ run
over” a large house frequently before breakfast and nip off s<ch growths
that can serve no good purpose, the '* prunings ” of a a ozen Vines being
held in the hands. There is no check to the flow of sap after that pract ce,
but there is when armfuls of “ stuff ’’ is taken out at once, and we have
•oen Grapes remain stationary for some days when that has been done,
and have never made up for the lost time, thus being smaller than
they ought to have been, and would have been if the plan indicated had
been followed When pinching has been neglected we would rather bend
the sub laterals and let them hang below the main leaves than sevor them
from the Vines in large quantities when the fruit is colouring. Black
Grapes colour better iu the shade than under the direct action of the sun.

Names of Plants. —We oulv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh Btate in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Lady King). — Erigeron aurantiucus, and we thank you for sending such
a good specimen.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 15th.

Business steady, with market well supplied. Strawberri s coming
shorter.

s. d.

Apple?, J sieve . 0 0

„ Nova Scotia and

Canada, barrel 10 0

Cherries, J siove .. .. 0 0

Cobs, 100 lb9 . 0 0

Fig?, dozen . 3 0

Grape?, per lb . 2 6

Lemons, case .. .. ..10 0

Melon, each . 2 0

to 0

IS

0

0

6

4

15

3

FRUIT
d.

0

Orange?, per 100
Peaches, doztn

Pine Apple?, English,

per lb .

Plums, J sieve .

St. Michael Pine?, each
Strawberries, per lb. ..

s. d.

Artichokes, dozen . . . . 1

Asparagus, bundle . . .. 1

Beans, Kidney, per lb. . . 1

Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 1

Broccoli, bundle .. .. 0

Brussels Sprout?, J sieve 0
Cabbage, dozen . . . . 1

Capsicums, per 100 .. 1

Carrots, bunch ,. 0

Cauliflowers, dozen .. 3

Ceriry, bundle .. .. 1

Colewort?, doz. bunches 2
Cncumber?, each .. .. 0

Endive, dozen . 1

Hero?, bunch . 0

Leek?, bunch . 0

VEGETABLES,
s. d.

0 to 2
6 4

Lettuce, dozen .. ..

Mushrooms, punnet
Mustard and Cress, pant.

Ouion?, bunch .

Parsley, dozen bunches
Parsnips, dozen .. ..

Potatoes, per owt .

„ Kidney, per owt.
Rhubarb, bundle .. ..

Salsafy, bundle .. ,.

Scorzouera, bundle ..
Soakale, basket .. ..

Shallot?, per tb .

Spinach, bushel .. ..

Tomatoes, per lb .

Turnips, bunch .. ..

PLANTS IN POTS.

Aralia Sieboldi. dozen . .

B.

8

d. B.

0 to 12

a.

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

,. (common), dozen. ,
Azalea, dozen .

6

0

12

0

Geranium (Ivy), dozen ..

18

0

80

0

„ Tricolor, dozen

Hydrangea, dozen .. ..

Begonias, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Calceolaria, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley, dozen

Cineraria, dozen

4

0

8

0

Liliura longiflorum, doz.

Creeping Jenny, dozen ..

3

0

4

0

Lobelia, dozen .

Draccena termiualis, doz. 30

0

60

0

Mirgueiite Daisy, dozen

„ viridis, dozen. .

12

0

24

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . .

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

30

0

Musk, dozen .

Euonymu8, in var., dozen

6

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18

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Myrtles, dozen .

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

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24

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Palms, in var., each
Pelargoniums, dozen

Ferns, in variety, dozen

4

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18

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Foliage Plants, var., each

i

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„ scarlet, doz.

2

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OWEBS.

Abntilons, 1 2 bunches . .
Anemones, 12 bnnehes . .
Aram Lilies, 12 blooms ..
Azalea, 12 sprays .. ..
Bluebells. 12 bnnehes ..
Bouvardias, bunch . .
Camellias, blooms . . . .

Carnations, 12 blooms ..

„ 1 2 bnnehes . .

Cornflower, 12 bundles ..
Daisies, 12 bunches
Encharis, dozen .. ..

Gardenias, 12 blooms . .
Hyacinths, Roman, 12
sprays

Ixia, 12 bunches .. ..

Lapageria, white, 12 Dims.
Lilinm longiflorum, 12

blooms .. . .

Lilac (white), French,

bunch .

Lily ot Valley, 12 spray?

„ 12 bunches

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Myosotis, 12 bunches ..
Narciss, 12 bunches
„ White, English, bch.
Pansies, 12 bunches
Pelargoniums, 12 trasses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Poinsettia, 12 blooms , .
Primula (single), bunch..

„ (double), bunch ..
Polyanthus, 12 bnnehes..
Kananoulns, 12 bunches
Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

„ (indoor), dozen ..
,, Tea, dozen . . . .

„ red dozen .. * .

Rose le Mois. 12 bunches
Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .
Tropffiolum, 12 bunches
Tuberoses, 12 blooms . .

Tulips, dozen blooms ..

White Pinks, 12buuohes

s.

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OUR CEREAL CROPS.

OATS.

For all the live stock of the farm Oats form an
important and nourishing article of diet. E or fattening

493

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 16, 1887.

poultry, pigs, and sheep we can have nothing better,
nothing cheaper, whether as home-grown or purchased
food. Imported Oats have been and are still very cheap,
but many samples of foreign Oats are so inferior in
quality as to be comparatively worthless, affording un-
mistakeable evidence of the poverty of the soil in which
they were grown. No corn answers better under high
culture — none repays better ; and yet we often find less
care bestowed upon it than upon any other crop.

We know that 15 quarters of Oats can be grown per acre,
and if the sample is a good one there is very little diffi¬
culty in obtaining a fair price for it— that is to say, a
price that really affords a fair profit. At 18s. per quarter
w i have a return of £13 10s. per acre for grain, and we
must not forget how valuable the straw is when cut into
chaff for feeding horses, bullocks, cows, and sheep. It
has been possible to obtain the price we mention for
home-grown Oats even during the prevalence of exception¬
ally low rates, which have been brought about by heavy
importations of foreign corn. We have, therefore, ample
reason for our assertion that this corn crop is a profitable
one, worthy to take rank with our best farm crops if only
due care and pains are bestowed upon its culture. In
point of fact it is really superior to either Wheat or
Barley in many ways. If we take winter Oats we can
sow them in the autumn either for grazing as a green
crop in spring ; for a supply of ripe corn in July, which is
harvested and threshed before other corn is ripe, or for
both purposes ; for winter Oats may be fed off by sheep in
spring and yet afford a fair crop of grain subsequently.
Last year we did not get our winter Oats off the land so
early as usual, yet never did we find the crop more useful.
It was at once threshed, the corn was sold at 18s. per
quarter, and the straw was either chopped or turned to
account for thatching other corn stacks. When Oat
straw is thus used for thatching care is taken to build the
top of the ricks to an acute angle, so that rain water may
pass off quickly, as Oat straw becomes sodden with wet
more quickly than any other.

Winter Oats should always be sown on land that is
well drained, and if possible on an elevated position. In
so severe a winter as the last one was the winter Oat
plant suffered so much in the lower fields that whole
patches of it were killed. It is not often that this happens,
yet it is as well to avoid the risk by sowing both winter
Oats and winter Beans on upland fields where the cold is
less intense and drainage is sound. Let the Oats also be
sown early, so as to get a strong sturdy plant before
severe weather sets in. Avoid over-luxuriance of growth
in autumn by having the land sound but not too rich in
fertility. Rather give a liberal dressing of chemical
manures in February, when the manures are quite certain
to be dissolved quickly, and to take speedy effect upon
the plant. We have several fields of this useful crop on
different farms, the best of which was self-sown. The
field was ploughed early in autumn, and the Oats sprang
up so thickly that we decided to leave them undisturbed
till spring, when the plant seemed thick enough to be
worth keeping and dressing with chemical manure. This
was done, and now it presents a luxuriant appearance,
the growth being strong and of that dark green hue which
betokens unmistakeably soil stored with fertility in the
best way.

Spring Oats are also very useful, and may be sown
earlier or later than any other corn. We may sow them
in February or May with an equal degree of certainty of
getting a full crop. We may add that we have done so
this year, and although the late- sown Oats are somewhat

backward in growth yet they are full of promise, and will
follow the other crops closely. White Oats or black Oats
are very much alike as to results : the first may be classed
as Avena sativa, the common Oat; the last as Avena
orientalis, or Tartarian Cat. Varieties of both are
numerous enough, yet we have only to take care in our
selection of seed that it is free of tail corn and seeds of
Charlock or other weeds. We prefer a thick, short,
plump grain to a long thin one. One word more about
manure for Oats. We have on the poor thin soil of mid-
Sussex had Oats in the same field G inches high and
6 feet high, the 6-inch and the G-feet straw each alike
bearing its panicle of grain perfect in development,
though wonderfully different in size. The lesson is clear
enough : feed the Oat crop well and it will repay you, for
the manurial constituents of an acre in decimals are —
nitrogen G3, potash 48, and phosphates 4 -*.

WORK OX TRE HOME FARM.

Sheep-shearing is now practically ended once more, but we shall
not sell the wool till prices are steady. We did hope to obtain Is.
per pound for wool this season, but are now doubtful if we shall get
more than lOd. The ewes come out of the wool in fair condition, having
regard to the fact of the heavy strain which big growing lambs have
made upon them up to the time of shearing. We do not like to see
newly shorn ewes so much reduced in condition as to be just so many
“ bags of bones,” for then they are a long time before they recover from
the effects of such treatment. In the case of young ewes so fallen off
in condition, the growth is stunted, and the lambs next season are apt to
be weakly and delicate. It is the habit of many farmers to feed the
lambs well, while the ewes are only half fed, yet they ought to know
that the milk of such ewes affords much less sustenance than that of a>
well fed ewe. Truly such men are “ penny wise, pound foolish.” We
cannot upset the balance of Nature with impunity, and we repeat that
every animal kept upon a farm should be either fat or in a kindly
healthy condition. A week ago we sold our first batch of store lambs
at 28s. 9d. apiece. There was a hundred of them, and they were fine
sturdy animals, forward in condition, but not fat. They were the off¬
spring of half-bred Suffolk ewes and Hampshire Down tups. From
this cross we obtain big sturdy lambs which, under careful treatment,
grow quickly, and which may be fattened early or soon brought on
as hoggets. The best test of ’the value of lambs is a comparison of
prices at the early sales, and for pure Suffolk lambs sold a day or two
after ours we note such prices as 27s., 26s., 22s. 6d., 20s. 6d., and 16s.
Such prices speak for themselves, and may be taken as a clear indication
of value in an open market. On the day we sold our first batch of
lambs we saw hoggets sold for 33s. apiece. Those hoggets had evidently
had “ to earn their own living ” from the time they were weaned, and
they could not have been well fed, even as suckling lambs. We maintain
that this semi-starvation practice is altogether a mistake, involving, as it
undoubtedly does, a loss of money, poverty of condition, both in the
animals, and also in the land on which they are kept.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Flies and Horses ( G . D. P.). — When flits are very troublesome Dr.
Ridge recommends a mixture of one part of crude carbolic acid with six or
more parts of olive oil. This should be rubbed lightly all over the animal
with a rag, and applied more thicklv to the interior of the ears and other
parts most likely to be attacked. This application may need to be repeated
in the course of the day, but while any odour of the acid remains the flits
decline to settle, and the horse is completely free from all their annoyance.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 61° 82' 10" N. ; L mg, 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude. Ill feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

1887.

g?< 8—

S2ȣ

Hygrome¬

ter.

d .
CrJ

tz

I Temp, of

| Soil at

| 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

d

~A

June.

03 is

Dry.

Wet.

t-

«o

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday .

5

Inches.

30.122

deg
69 2

deg.

63.4

N.E.

deg.

64.0

deg.
69 6

deg.

50.8

deg.

1113

deg.

47.0

In*

Monday .

6

30.140

58 0

60.1

N.W.

55 2

67 9

632

114.2

49 2

Tuesday ...

7

£€.045

64.5

68.6

S.

65 2

68 3

53 4

101.6

47.7

Wednesday.

8

30.056

63 6

60.1

S.K.

55 9

74.8

56.4

116 4

52.8

Thursday .. .

9

30.187

60.6

55.1

W.

56 3

73.4

49.7

119.4

44 9

Friday .

10

30.385

613

64.7

N.W.

57.4

72.2

49 4

121.5

42.7

Saturday ...

11

30.433

61.3

53.9

s.

67.6

75 2

46.6

1182

S9.7

—

30.196

01.3

50.0

55.9

71.6

61-4

114 7

46.3

0.< 52

REMARKS.

5th.— Fine and bright day and night.

6th.— Generally cloudy till after 3 P.M.

7th.— Fine and generully bright.

8th.— Fine hot morning ; showers with thunder in afternoon; fine evening.
9th.— l ovely alt day.

10th.— Fine, cool, and pleasant.

11th.— Bright and tine.

A fine dry week ; temperature about 1° above the average— G. J. STMoxs

Jane 53, 1887. ]

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage GARDENER .

499

53

54

25

TH

Bary St. Edmunds Show (two days).

s

21

SUN

3rd Sunday after Trinity.

27

M

28

To

Royal Horticultural Society. Committee Meetings at 11 A.M.

29

W

Richmond and Croydon Shows.

REMINISCENCES OF FIFTY YEARS AGO.

looking back from the horticultural stand-
point over the fifty years that are past since
j Her Majesty began her prosperous reign, one
is naturally reminded of the great changes
j that have taken place, of the ups and downs
which horticulture and horticultural institu¬
tions and establishments have undergone, and
above all of the marvellous progress and de¬
velopment the cultivation of fruits, flowers, anti vegetables
has undergone in that time. Fifty years ago there were
many large horticultural establishments which do not
now exist, and it may surprise the present generation to
be told that there were nurseries in Sloane Street and
continuously along both sides of the King’s Road, Chelsea,
the boundaries of which consisted of quickset hedges and
a ditch, where now crowded streets and thriving shops
have taken their place. At the east end of that road,
where Colville Terrace now stands, was the noted nursery
of Colville, whose foreman was the unfortunate but cele¬
brated Robert Sweet. A little farther west was Davej’s,
the noted florist, celebrated for his collections of Tulips,
Auriculas, and hybrid Pelargoniums, one of which gave
him a wide celebrity under the name of Daveyanum. Mrs.
More’s place was on the opposite side of the way from
Davey’s, where many of the early hybrid Pelargoniums
were raised, and notably that charming form called More’s
Victory, now rarely to be seen. The great King’s Road
nursery of Joseph Knight was then in the height of its
prosperity. It later became known as Knight & Perry’s,
and eventually under the designation of James Veitch
and Sons.it attained a development and distinction that
the nursery of Joseph Knight never knew.

Following the King’s Road beyond Knight’s and a
little beyond Stanley Bridge there was at that time an
old direction post which indicated “ This is ye King’s
Private Road.” How long it had been there the quaint
inscription indicates, but it has long since disappeared
before the invasion, of bricks and mortar. This road led
to Fulham, where was the noted nursery of Whitley and
Osborn, now a thing of the past, of which no trace
remains except the good name and great reputation of
the conductors.

Brompton and Little Chelsea were composed almost
entirely of nurseries and market gardens. Where Thurloe
Square now is, and extending all round, was the nursery
of Harrison & Son, subsequently Harrison & Bristow,
and thence in the direction of Fulham on the right the
whole district was open and cultivated. At Earl’s Court
were the large market gardens of Gunter the noted con¬
fectioner in Berkeley Square, whose name is preserved
in that of many parts of this, the valuable estate of which
No. 365.— Vol. XIV., Third Series.

his heirs are now the possessors. At Hammersmith the
noted “ Vineyard ” of the Lee family was in the full
extent of its original proportions, now sadly shorn by the
encroachments of railway companies and speculating
builders. Messrs, Lee still retain their ancient home-
stall, though the business is carried on as vigorously as
ever in other parts of what are now suburbs of London,
but which at the time of which we are now writing were
looked upon as being in the open country. At Brentford
the large and important establishment of Hugh Ronalds
and Son was at this time in the height of its prosperity,
and commanded a wide and extensive business, not only
in the nursery, but also in the seed departments. It,
too, has passed away and has left no trace behind it.

Coming nearer town we reach Kensington, where were
the nurseries of William Malcolm, a prominent character
in his day. These were between what are now called the
Gloucester Road and Victoria Road opposite the Palace
wall. These nurseries before they were occupied by
Malcolm belonged to Grimwood, whose name is perpetu¬
ated in the Peach called Grim wood's Royal George.
Nearer town, and where Prince’s Gate now stands, was
the entrance to the celebrated Brompton Park Nursery
founded by Lukar, Field, Cooke, and London in 1681,
and celebrated by Evelyn and Sir Richard Steele. At
this time they were in possession of Gray, Son, & Adams,
and extended over about 50 acres, embracing the whole
of what is now Prince’s Gate, the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Garden, Queen’s Gate, and extending to the
Gloucester Road. What is now called Exhibition Road
was the broad centre walk of the Brompton Park Nursery.
Kirke’s nursery was where the Natural History Museum
now stands. It was entirely occupied with fruit trees,
and the name of the owner still survives in the names of
various Apples.

Crossing the Park to the Edgware Road we find fewer
changes. The same establishments still exist, the most
noted of which is that of Pine Apple Place and Wellington
Road, conducted by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son,
representing the third generation of the same family who
have carried on the business. The grounds now occupied
by the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society were at the
period of which we are now writing the nurseries of Mr.
Thomas Jenkins. Early in this century — in 1806 — these
grounds were the scene of a romantic affair. In the
neighbourhood of “ Marybone Fields,” as the Regent’s
Park was then called, there were several boarding schools
for young ladies, the inmates of which were permitted to
walk in the nursery grounds. One of these young ladies
either attracted or was attracted by George Gwyther,
the nephew of Mr. Jenkins, who rewarded the attention-
bestowed upon him by presenting the young lady with
occasional bouquets. She in return resigned to him her
heart, and they were married. On the 11th of February,
1817, on the death of her father, Mrs. George Gwyther
became Countess of Rothes in her own right, and George
Gwyther was the father of the present heir presumptive
to that peerage.

Pursuing our course round the north side of London
where there were many small nurserymen and florists, we
come to Barr & Brooks of Balls Pond, which has long
since passed away. Milne of Stoke Newington has also
disappeared, but we have still in that region the old and
flourishing establishment of Hugh Low & Son at Clapton.
Bunney of the Kingsland Road, a noted man in his time,
was “ built out,” and took refuge at Stratford-le-Bow,
where he was again built out and eventually effaced.

No. 2021.— Voi. LXXYL, Old Series.

500

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t June 23, 1887.

Loddiges of Hackney -was flourishing at the beginning
of Her Majesty’s reign, and those who knew him will
ever remember the benevolent countenance and genial
courtesy of Conrad Loddiges. The locality of this famed
establishment is to be found in Loddiges Square, another
vile invention of the speculating builder as a substitute
for green fields and flower gardens.

Coming nearer the City there was the famed Mile End
Road nursery of Gordon & Thomson. Gordon, after
whom that beautiful shrub Gordonia was named, had
long since died, but the nursery was still kept up by
James Thomson, who in his turn had to yield to the
pressing necessities of the time, and become a martyr to
bricks and mortar.

On the south side of the river were Wilmott and
Chaundy of Lewisham, large and important nurserymen
and seed growers. At New Cross Cormack & Son, also
great nurserymen and seed growers, who introduced Cor-
mack’s Prince Albert Pea, and who had for partner George
Sinclair, the author of “ Hortus Gramineus Woburn-
ensis ” after he retired from the service of the Duke of
Ledford at Woburn. These are all gone, as is also Myatt
the market gardener hard by who was the first to intro¬
duce the leafstalks of Rhubai'b as a cooked esculent;
and the ditch beyond New Cross Turnpike Gate, into
which the writer of this stumbled in a dense fog in 1837,
is long since filled up, probably replaced by some filthy
sewer or foul drain diffusing fever and fragrance round.
At Camberwell was the well-known nursery of Buchanan
and Son. In Walworth, Broom, the noted bulb grower
and florist, cultivated his Tulip beds and Lily bulbs,
before he removed to the Clapham Boad. At Clapham the
celebrated Heath culture of Fairbairn & Son was con¬
ducted ; while a little further on, at Tooting, was the
still greater and more important business of Rollisson and
Son. And now to complete the circle we shall conclude
our notice of nurseries by that of Chandler, the noted
Camellia growers of the Wandsworth Road, Yauxhall.
And speaking of Yauxhall reminds us that the lights of
the celebrated gardens had not yet been extinguished,
nor had Mr. Simpson ceased to raise his hat and exhibit
is calves, bidding welcome to his distinguished patrons.

There are some of the provincial nurseries that deserve
a passing notice in such a record as this. The vast
nurseries of Miller & Sweet of Bristol are no more, but
a portion of the ground and homestall are in the occupa¬
tion of Messrs. Garaway & Son. The great nursery of
Mackie of Norwich has become extinct, and of Falla of
Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Skirving of Liverpool. But there
are still in vaster proportions than at the beginning of
the reign Kichard Smith & Co. of Worcester; the two
houses of Dicksons of Chester ; Fisher, Son, & Sibray
of Sheffield ; Backhouse & Son of York. The old house of
Adam Paul is represented by the two prosperous establish^
raents at Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. The cultures of
fruit trees and Hoses at S' awb ridge worth are continued
with ever-increasing ardour andabiiity ; and the two great
houses of Lueombe Pince, & Co., and Yeitch & Son of
Exeter, have still their representatives. A remarkable
circumstance in connection with the nursery trade is how
families of the Quaker community have all but ceased
to be associated with it. At the beginning of the Queen’s
reign there were the great house of Mackie of Norwich,
already referred to ; John Atkins of Northampton, lately
dead, and in these recent times better known as Atkins of
Painswick; John Young of Taunton; and James Back¬
house & Son of York. The last is the only one of these
now in existence.

The principal seedsmen of the metropolis at the com¬
mencement of Her Majesty’s reign were, Jacob Wrench
and Son of London Bridge, still in existence, and this is
the only one of the “ large houses ” that is. The names
of Beck & Allen, of the Strand; W. & J. Noble, of
Fleet Street; Warner, Seaman & Warner, of Cornhill ;
Field & Child, of Thames Street; John Gardiner, ol the
City Road ; Hay, Anderson, and Sangster, of Newington
Butts; George Charlwood, of Covent Garden; Nash,
Adams and Nash, of the Strand have all passed away.
The present house of Nutting & Son was then represented
by Flanacan & Nutting; that of Rutley & SilverRck by
George Batt in the Strand ; the great agricultural seed
house of Thomas Gibbs & Son has become merged in that
of George Gibbs, who has adopted the former title. James
Carter at that time had a very tiny shop in Holborn,
where he had a well deserved reputation for scientific
knowledge of his leading commodity of flower seeds, and
where lie carried on a prosperous business, little dreaming,
good worthy man, that within the same reign that little
shop would become a range of great warehouses, and the
business one of the largest in London.

At that time the important house of Hurst & Son did
not exist, nor did that of Waite, Nash & Co., only so far
that it absorbed the old house of Nash of the Strand.
Robert Cooper of Southwark Street (now deceased) was
at the time an office clerk and traveller to Nobles of Fleet
Street ; but there is no important house existing now,
which had its origin prior to the Queen’s accession, except
those we have mentioned. Although not strictly speaking
a London house, though they have offices in London, that
of Messrs. Sutton & Sons of Reading must be noticed as
one of the pre- Victorian period, which has acquired a
development m one generation such as is not to be sur¬
passed for extent and reputation. Those who remember
the small shop in the Market Place of Reading, and who
have seen the vast storehouses that are necessary to
supply the present requirements of the establishment,
cannot but be struck with surprise at the accomplishment
of such results, involving as they must have done resources
of mental power and business capacity rarely met with.

There is a remarkable contrast between “the trade”
of the Queen’s reign and the former, and that is the ideas
they had with regard to catalogues and advertising. At
that time the house that advertised was hardly considered
“ respectable,” and certainly not “ genteel.” But certain
houses thought otherwise, and persistently appealed to
the public through the weekly pages that were ready to
afford them the desired publicity. The consequence was
that they shot ahead of their antiquated rivals, and many
of them are now the most extensive and the most pro¬
sperous to be found. In fact we may say that almost if
not all the great firms that have sprung into existence
during Her Majesty’s reign have attained their position
through advertising. Another peculiarity of the old-
fashioned trade was not to issue priced catalogues. Cata¬
logues of their saleable commodities were common enough,
but to indicate the prices of them was a privilege that the
public was not admitted to. How all these are changed !

At the time of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne
the literature of horticulture was represented by John
Claudius Loudon, a man ever to be remembered ; Charles
M’lntosh, Joseph Paxton, Joseph Harrison, Robert Mar-
nock, and George Glenny. “ Loudon’s Gardeners’ Maga¬
zine ” was the leading gardening periodical, and continued
to be till Loudon’s health failed, and it had to encounter
the rivalry of cheaper monthlies, and the still more power¬
ful attractions of two weekly papers. The two monthlies

Jone 23. 18*7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

501

were the “ Horticultural Register,” edited by Paxton and
Marnock, and the “ Floricultural Cabinet,” conducted by
Joseph Harrison. The first weekly paper was the “ Gar¬
deners’ Gazette,” projected by George Glenny ; this
appeared in 1837. It was conducted in a bad spirit, and
was remarkable more for its personalities and abuse than
for any real benefit it was to horticulture. The manner
in which it was edited afforded a golden opportunity for
a rival, and this very soon appeared in 1841 as the “ Gar¬
deners’ Chronicle,” projected by Paxton and Wentworth
Dilke, with Lindley as Editor. This may be said to have
been Lindley’s first connection with gardening literature,
unless we except his “Theory of Horticulture,” which
appeared in 1840, and that is as much botanical as horti¬
cultural. In 1848 “The Cottage Gardener” was first
published, and eventually was much enlarged, appearing
as “The Journal of Horticulture.” The whole of the
periodicals that appeared prior to the “ Gardeners’
Chronicle” have disappeared, and their places have been
supplied by successors, which by the ability with which
they are conducted have raised our horticultural press to
a high position in the periodical literature of the world.
It will be conceded, too, that this gardening literature
has contributed in no small degree to the wide and ever-
widening interest that is taken in the cultivation of plants
and crops by almost every section of the community.

PLANTING IN SUMMER.

When is the best time to plant the various kitchen garden
crops, that, from time to time, require removal from the seed bed
to the quarters where they are expected to remain for permanent
use ? This is a question that has several times been asked, and is
one to which anything but a general answer can be given ; for,
although it is customary to say, “ plant out after rain,” the many
failures we see from so doing would seem to imply that the advice
must be acted upon with caution, or, in other words, it must be
qua'ifi.d to suit the circumstances of the case. We have all seen
fine young batches of Lettuces planted out in their final quarters,
disappear within a very few hours after ; and beds of tender
annua’s have sometimes suffered a like fate, more especially if they
be margined by a considerable breadth of grass, which forms a
lurking place from which foraging parties of their enemies make
nightly sallies, and carry away all that is most valuable. Now, this
drawback amounts, in some instances, to the entire loss of a crop, or
several crops in succession ; nor are protective measures so effective
as could be wished : it therefore becomes the inquiring mind to
weigh well the benefits of planting after heavy rains, and the evils
to which the system is exposed. We have been so situated, as to
find it almost impossible to save our Brussels Sprouts, Greens, &c.,
which it is customary to plant out early in June, if we planted
them out in wet weather ; we, consequently, adopted the other
extreme, and planted them out when the ground, as well as the
weather, was very dry, and usually with great success. The reason
was obvious — a stiff, retentive soil is the one most favourable to the
production of slugs, the enemies of almost all young and tender
vegetation ; while a soil of an opposite kind is one of the best
antidotes to their increase — the sharp, gritty particles of which a
sandy soil is composed being at variance with the locomotive powers
of slugs, and they are less able to crawl about in search of food,
and do not, consequently, exist in such number as in the more
adhesive loams, better known, in garden phraseology, as heavy
soils.

Now, as the slug exists in the stiff soil to a more dangerous
extent than in the dry, sandy one, we may reasonably infer that
the planting operation ought to be done on the stiff soil in dry
weather, in order that the plants may escape the ravages they would
be subjected to were they planted out whilst it was wet, and appa¬
rently favourable to the plants growing well. A few dull days in
the midst of dry weather, are to be preferred, and to such plants as
those of the large Cabbage family, which root rather deeply, there
is seldom that lack of moisture, in such soils, as to render more than
one watering necessary; while, on the dry, sandy, or gravelly soils
of some districts, they would want that assistance almost daily, in
order to support themselves against the drying influence by which
they are surrounded.

Now, in planting out crops on these two soils, it is easy to see

hat two different courses must be adopted — the.stiff, retentive one
tmust be planted in dull, dry weather, and when the surface of the
ground is tolerably dry ; while the sandy, or gravelly soil must be
planted, if possible, in a showery season, in order that the plants
may derive the full benefit of that agent on which they must look
as affording them the most important portion of their daily food —
i.e., atmospheric moisture. These reasons being given, it is easy to
see when the best time has arrived for planting out the various
Cabbageworts in summer.

It is next a matter of inquiry as to their size, and other parti¬
culars, and this is, also, tolerably easy to define ; for a small, delicate
plant, with its leafstalks elongated, so as to be unable to support
the broad portion of its leaf, is not at all likely to withstand the
sunshine of midsummer, nor the drying effects of the dog days ;
but such an one may be able to endure the change which is rendered
comparatively easy, when performed at a time when both the ground
and the atmosphere is saturated with moisture ; it then speedily
accommodates itself to the altered circumstances of its position, and
those leaves, which, at planting out, were unable to hold up their
proper side to the sun, quickly recover strength to do so, and that
before any serious harm takes place from their reversed position, for
the latter was done while the sun had, comparatively, little chance
to injure them, the air being moist, &c. Let it be observed that
this operation must only be performed on such ground as is tolerably
free from such pests as prey on the young plant, otherwise its
delicate condition, when in the state we have thus described, will
speedily tempt them to its destruction. There is a class of plants
less robust than the Cabbageworts, and equally, if not more, agreeable
to the stomach of the voracious slugs ; these must be differently
treated, for they cannot well endure the scorching sunshine that the
others can, neither are they so deep-rooted as to penetrate below
its influence ; with these, therefore, some more stringent means
must be adopted to drive out, or keep at bay, those enemies they
are so likely to suffer from. Usually, repeated workings of the
soil will effect that purpose ; but when that has not been accom¬
plished, the addition of something or other as a repellant to them ;
for this, nothing is better than soot or wood ashes, which, besides,
are excellent manures ; but, in addition to their use, the ground
must be made very fine, and, if it be very dry, it ought not to be
planted immediately after being watered ; but after the top has got
a little dry again, and when the plants are put in, and, if needs be,
watered, take the precaution to scatter some dry ashes, or other
offensive substance, over the ground, to repel the invasion of the
enemy. By this means it is likely the plants will get hold enough
with the moisture which there exists to withstand the more trying
part of the season without having recourse to the watering pot,
which too often invites the depredators.

During the spring, when the slugs were making sad havoc
amongst many crops, our Peas were saved by removing all rough
and cloddy lumps from near them, and supplying their place with a
finer material, to which lime, soot, or ashes had been added — the
distastefulness of these latter substances kept the enemy away
until the plant outgrew their attacks. Beds of Carrots, too, are
especially favourites with them ; and we know of many one who
had to sow again, and blaming their seedsman, had to submit to a
very late crop ; whereas the fault lay with their own want of care,
or, it might be, want of means ; for the season was very awkward,
so that the proper working of the ground, which ought to have
been proceeded with at various times during the winter and early
spring, was sadly impeded by the unfavourable state of the weather ;
but when anything like a smooth surface was obtained, with a fair
average depth of friable soil below, we do not see any reason why
a “ good plant ” of Carrots might not fairly be looked for, as
repeated dustings of lime, commencing about a week or so after
sowing, ought to preserve the crop, unless under circumstances
peculiarly favourable to their enemies. For instance, we dislike to
sow Carrots after a Cabbage crop, the latter harbouring so many Of
these voracious vermin, which only retire underground during the
daytime, to come out at night on their marauding excursions. To
stop these gentry, it is necessary to seal up, as fast as possible, their
place of abode, and a fine state of the soil will usually effect this
object ; many will still escape, and these must be deterred from
committing any ravages, by their journey being made as distasteful

as possible. t . .

As much of the after success of a plant depends on its deriving
all the advantages it ean at planting time, and consequently avoid¬
in'* all the evils, it becomes a matter of importance to select the
most fitting time on which to perform these various operations ;
and not only that, but to watch them sedulously afterwards for
some time. It is worse than useless to say that everything depends
on the watering pot, for be assured of it, that cold well water
(perhaps hard too), is just as likely to do harm as good, more
especially when given in daily deluges. Much as our ulant-growing

[ Jana 23. lt$7.

502 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

friends condemn the dribbling system, it is infinitely better for out¬
door tilings than severe duckings of cold well water ; and we have
been sometimes grieved to see the poor cottager watering his plants
as he would a lime heap, by bucketsful at a time, while his plants
were absolutely perishing before him.

In concluding this article on planting, we must not omit to enter
our protest against another practice we have seen adopted, which is,
puddling the plants, by drawing their roots through a substance of
clayey mud, made as thick as batter, aiid planting them with what
adhered to them ; this was bad, because the sealed-up condition
that the rootlets were in is sadly against their after ramifying for
food ; while the only benefit, if it even be one, is, that they perhaps
do not flag so much at the precise moment ; but this is dearly
bought by the difficulties it places in the plant’s way afterwards. —

R. J. N. _ •

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 457.)

LIQUID MANURES AND STIMULANTS.

After the beginner has reaped his first crop of Roses, if he
still intend to persevere and improve the quality of his flowers —
and I suppose most folk like to go on improving — he will begin to
make inquiries how he can best effect his object. Provided he has
plenty of air and light, and his drainage has been attended to, the
only means of doing this, as far as I know, is by the use of lime,
manures, and stimulants. I am not going to enter into any long
and tedious explanation of these matters ; what I have to say will,
I think, be to the point.

LIME.

What will this do for us ?

Applied to heavy clays, it lightens them and makes them easier
to work.

Applied to light, poor soils (in the form of chalk), it stiffens
and consolidates them.

It neutralises and removes noxious matters from the soil, and
promotes the decomposition of all organic matters therein.

It combines with and holds manures in soils.

It improves barren sands.

It prevents disease, and ripens crops at an earlier date.

It kills seeds of weeds and fungi, and in pastures destroys weeds
and worthless grasses, while forming and encouraging the growth of
sweet and nutritious herbage.

It destroys moss, grubs, snails, &c.

It liberates the mineral matter in the soil.

It supplies to the plant ingredients indispensable to fertility.

But remember —

Lime exhausts the land.

Lime gives two crops instead of one, but when the land is
exhausted it ceases to act.

These facts should be sufficient to satisfy most people as to the
advantages of lime, so I will pass on to say in what state we should
apply it to the different kinds of soil.

On clay lands, or such as are boggy, marshy, or peaty, or contain
a quantity of inert vegetable matter, quicklime will do most good.
The more freshly slaked, the more powerful the result. It should
be applied when the land is fallow', and manure should not be
allowed to come in contact with it.

On light sandy soils quicklime, is not advisable ; here it burns
up the vegetable matter too quickly,. And renders the land in a
short time poorer than before. For this kind of land chalk is most
suitable, but quicklime can be turned' into something very like
chalk — viz., carbonate of lime, by exposure to the weather ; it loses
all its caustic properties by absorbing water and carbon from the
atmosphere, and is then in a suitable; state for applying to light
soils. It may be put on in this state at any time.

Soil should not contain less than 3 per cent, of lime, wffiile it is
not considered any advantage to add more than from 6 to 10
per cent. To add 1 per cent of lime to any soil 12 inches deep, wre
should require 1G tons per acre, so that to give 3 per cent. wre
should have to apply 48 tons. As s.oil containing as much as
38 per cent, of chalk or carbonate of lime has produced good crops,
I do not think we need have much fear of overdoing it.

One of the best plans of applying lime to land in cultivation is
in the form of compost ; that is, when it has been thrown together
for some time — the longer the better — with soil, weeds, road
scrapings, &c., and left to amalgamate! This mixture, when old,
may be applied at any time without danger to plants, and possesses
this advantage over lime laid up alone to become slaked, that it has
already undergone some chemical changes that are favourable to
plant life.

Where our operations are extensive supplying the neces¬
sary lime to our land becomes a serious consideration. The

cheapest plan I know is to procure gas Thne in quantity, and
when the roads and ditches are cleaned, to get in an equal quantity
of these scrapings, and mix the two together. This, after being
allowed to stand for one .or two years, forms a most enriching,
compost for any soil.

Where wre grow Roses for exhibition our aim is to enable our
plants to get the whole benefit of the manure in a very short time ;
this being our object, we have to turn all the manure into plant
food. We may do this by the application of quicklime and common
salt ; the quicklime may be added to the soil first, and then watered
in with water in which the salt has been dissolved. Salt should not
be applied stronger than at the rate of 2 cwt. per acre. (This
operation should only be carried out at a time wrhen the Roses are
in full growth.)

To ascertain if a soil contain lime, a little of it should be put
into a glass vessel and strong vinegar poured on. If the liquid boil
or effervesce, this shows that lime is present.

Where land contains already a sufficiency of lime, it will be a
waste of time and money to add more, and although all plants
contain a certain proportion of lime, still lime itself is more of a
stimulant than a manure, as it acts mostly in preparing other
manures for the plant, and removing or neutralising noxious
matters in the soil. It is said to be the basis of all good
husbandry.

As lime turns all the manure in soil into plant-food, most
people will understand that when the plant-food is exhausted,,
more manure must be added to the soil — a water mill cannot work
without water to turn the wheel, neither can lime work except it
has something to work on.

MANURES.

There are three kinds of manure — vegetable, animal, and
mineral. Vegetable manure consists of grass, hay, Potato tops, &c.,
but the most valuable form, and that most used by gardeners, is
turf, or the roots of the grasses and other plants, this being the
basis of the material used in potting Roses. Peat, bog stuff, and
swamp mud are also vegetable manure ; the two latter are useful
on sandy or light land.

Animal manures are blood, bones, the excrement of animals,
night soil, and bodies and refuse of fish. Blood is generally sold in
a dry state, and is said to be a powerful manure. Bones crushed or
ground to powder, or dissolved in acid, form an excellent manure.
For permanent effect they are best put in as half-inch bones, but
where we wish them to act quickly it is better to have them
dissolved. . ;

The droppings of animals, otherwise farmyard manure, is the
mainstay of the Rose grower. For light soils cow manure is best,
as it holds the moisture much longer than any other. Horse
manure is more valuable than that of the cow, and is preferable
for strong soils. Night soil is a very sti’ong manure, and should be
mixed with its own bulk of soil, and be a' lowed to lie for at least
three months before being applied to Roses ; then, as a top-dressing,
it is excellent ; if mixed with coai’se ashes the land is better without
it. Guano is usually such rubbish that I consider it a waste of
money to purchase it.

Mineral manures are principally mineral phosphate, nitrate of
soda, sulphate of ammonia, soot, and lime. The last I have already
spoken of. Mineral phosphate is now supposed by the authorities
to be more valuable, cost for cost, than dissolved bones. It may be
had either dissolved or in a natural state ; dissolved, it acts quickly ;
undissolved, more slowly.

House sewage is a very valuable manure for dry lands, but on
heavy ill-drained soils only the solid parts can be applied, which are
the least valuable.

In the present state of ignorance in which we stand as regards
the component parts of Roses, the safest plan to follow is to use
farmyard manure principally ; the artificials must be looked upon
simply as auxiliary to this. .

The three principal elements that are removed from soils by
plants are phosphates, nitrates, and potash. All these three
elements, and many others, are contained in farmyard manure, and
they are not present in such quantities or in such forms as to be
injurious to plant life. In using artificial manures many people
lose sight of the fact that 100 lbs. of ordinary farmyard manure
contains about 75 lbs. of water ; the phosphates amount to less
than half a pound ; the ammonia to about three-quarters of a
pound, and the potash to less than 1 lb. In applying artificials
alone we should be guided by a calculation of the quantities of the
aforesaid phosphates, &c* contained in the weight of farmyard
manure we are in the habit of applying, and not go much beyond
them.

Bones, applied in excess, are apt, on dry soils, or in dry seasons,
do burn plants exposed to their influence. The cheapest way to
apply potash is to dress the land with clay. This applies only to

June 28, 1887. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

503

light lands ; as clay contains potash, heavy lands will probably
contain plenty of . it.

The land loses its phosphates first, I believe, and to make up for
this loss we should apply bones or mineral phosphates ; I should
prefer the latter, and should suggest that it be used in a dissolved
state and strewn on the surface of the soil round the plants, and
then hoed and watered in. It may. be applied any time, but wet
weather should be chosen, so that the rain will act upon it.

The nitrates can be supplied by means of nitrate of spda or
sulphate of ammonia (these must be applied with' car e^, wh’ile clay
will give us the necessary potash. ^ .

STIMULANTS. *1*

Except plants are in a vigorous state of health they 'Tire 'hot in a
position to take up the manures and ' Stimulants adipirftsterSd to
them ; to Weak and sickly plants these are simply jtbtSohy^'&’iheal
that would delight and satisfy a healthy ploughboy Vbnld be very
unsuitable for a sick person, and the moral here is1 (fiat efiir plants
must be strong and full of growth when we apply; stimulants.
Newly potted or weak specimens are best let alonb.iilptil such time'
as the pots are full of roots and the plants become strong1. 5

There are certain manures which, besides supptyitig'The plant

that, and a method of planting in triplets without digging the ground.
I shall be glad to have the number containing the notes if it can be
found. — W. Page.

■ [The article we have found, but as the number containing it is out of
print we reproduce the gossip in an abridged form, as not unseasonable
at the present time. After referring to the hardiness and productiveness
of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, the writer goes on to say — Newtown
Seedling is my sheet-anchor Strawberry. I have been occasionally
deceived in other sorts as to a crop; but in this one never. That, how¬
ever, is its best recommendation, but it is not devoid of usefulness. • By
its extreme firmness, high colour, and nice appearance it is the best
I know for bottling ; it is also useful for preserving, but rather too
acid for dessert when there are so many others better. I have grown it
for several years, and hope to grow it for several more.

The two next best, and best of all for general purposes and midseason,
are President and Sir Joseph Paxton. The longer I grow President the
better I like it for light land, and am Certain it is the Strawberry for a
non-strawberry soil. The crop is immense, and superior in this respect
to Sir Joseph Paxton, but a trifle inferior in flavour, though not much.
President requires more room than any other variety I grow. The rows
should be quite 3 feet apart to allow its fine fruit bunches to spread and
have air. Last year I had it less than 2.) feet distant, when the fruit
' overlapping and lying one on the other was one-half spoiled. I took out

Fig. 83.— THE TERRACE GARDENS,' WINDSOR CASTLE. (See page 510.)

with substances which form some of its component parts, also serve
as stimulants, and when present in the soil, enable the plant to
absorb or take up a larger quantity of other manures, and so make
a quicker and more vigorous growth. These stimulants, I believe,
all contain ammonia, or in other words, nitrogen. , -Nitrate of soda
or sulphate of ammonia are the two principal substances used. But
perhaps the safest plan to follow is to make up a tub with fresh
horse droppings and soot, and to occasionally give our Roses a dose
of this, diluted to the colour of pale ale. The artificials, if pre¬
ferred, must be used with the greatest caution ; for pot plants, a
pinch of either in a two gallon can of water will be quite sufficient ;
for outdoor plants more may be used, but it is better to err on the
safe side. The spring is the time to apply these stimulants to out¬
door plants, and as they are very volatile, they should be applied in
wet weather, or when the land is moist. They are also useful when
the buds are showing colour, and to give a finishing touch to both
foliage and flowers. — D. Gilmour, jun.

(To be continued.)

STRAWBERRY GOSSIP.

I remember some years ago reading an article under the above head¬
ing by 'Mr. J. Wright. A variety — Newtown Seedling— was mentioned in

every alternate row, and this. year have more than double the quantity
of fruit from just half the number of rows, and I adduce that as the
best argument for plenty of room. President has one advantage over
most, i! not all others. After the. first gathering of large ripe fruit, the
smaller green ones continue to grow larger, and do not, as is common,
lie still and ripen small. I do not mean to say that all the small ones
get large, but they do this to a greater extent than any other variety.

After President comes that fine sort Dr. Hogg, but the little ones of
this do not get big. ' The big oiies, however, are 'fine, indeed, alike m
size and quality. It is not so hardy as those previously named, neither
in frost nor wet-resisting qualities, but is, nevertheless, thoroughly
recommendable. It will grow on lighter, poorer soil than British Queen,
yet I will put the latter and Dr. Hogg together, and pay due and loyal

respect to both. •" . , ,

Now for lates : and here Elton Seedling comes in, but not all alone in
its glory. As a distinct sort Late Prince of Wales, kindly sent me by
Mr. Record, is fully is late, and Eleanor (or Oxonian) is very large,
late, and useful, but not a heavy cropper, nor rich.

. i .11 _ HPU' - Trni-TT

/v, - - - 7 - - - -J

And now a word as to culture.

This must vary according to soils, but
•round, however, is

in all cases planting early in July if possible ; ground, however, is not
always vacant at this time. The most fruit from a given quantity ot
ground I have obtained this year has been from plants put m, just a toot
apart all ways, on the 1st of August last year. As soon as fruiting is
over, and in showery- Weather, half of these will be lifted and planted, hncl

504

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t June *8, 1887.

will again do well ; but if the weather continue hot they will be thrown
away, and young plants again depended on. Another favourite plan of mine
is at every 24 or 24 by 3 feet to put in three stout young plants in a tri¬
angle with a base of 6 inches. No one at next gathering-time can, without
very careful examination, tell these from established two and three-year-
old stools. 1 n strong soils thorough deep-digging, and making the ground
rich to a depth of 15 to 18 inches, and a top-dressing of manure on the
surface, will be all that is really necessary. If much deeper than this,
and without surface-dressing, I have often observed the plants run too
much to leaf. For fruit of all kinds there is nothing like surface roots,
but they must be taken care of.

Strawberries like firm ground, and in a soil naturally light and warm
I can get better crops by not digging at all, either at planting time or
afterwards. I render acknowledgments to Mr. Kadclyffe for this hint
that I have put into practice. At desired distances scoop a hollow in
the soil capable of holding 2 gallons of water. Soak this thoroughly
with liquid manure, level-up, and put three plants in each spot. The
manure water should be strong, and the hollow 1 foot in diameter. I
have trie d different sorts of measure, and find 2 ozs. of guano and 1 oz.
of salt to the gallon the best of all, and better indeed than holes dug out
18 inches deep and filled-in and trodden with good manure. For a time
the manured roots took the lead, but after two years the liquid-manured
roots produced the most fruit, and best withstood the drought. It is the
firm soil that does it. I always surface-dress my Strawberries in the
autumn with half-rotted manure, or not quite half-rotted, and never
take it off again. This may not be so necessary in districts with a heavy
rainfall, but I know it is good practice here. Last autumn, considering
the tremendous wet, I was for once doubtful as to the wisdom of the
practice and only did a portion, but those dressed are much the best, and
I decide that if it is good in a wet season it must be good in a dry one,
at any rate where the soil is light. The winter’s rains clean the manure
perfectly, and leave a surfacing of smooth sweet straw, better packed
than any hand could pack it, for the fruit to rest on. Where this top¬
dressing is not given, the best recipe to keep the fruit clean is Mr.
Peach’s — viz., straw cut into inch lengths. It is handy to apply and
snug when it is there, and is the best slug-antidote I know. I have
watched the hungry “ varmint ” in their pilgrimage to the fruit, and am
bound to say rejoiced in their treadmill-like work in turning over, and
instead of the straw beim; the foundation for the slugs, the slugs were a
foundation for the straw, and they were glad to get out of it. This
would not have been the case had it not been cut into inch lengths.

It is important that clean surfacing be applied early, and it is the
greatest possible mistake to defer it until the fruit is ripening. No one
can possibly do the work then without more or less injury to the fruit-
trusses. Strawberry trusses are as impatient of being disturbed as the
haulm of Peas, and neither can be meddled with without damage. Early
surfacing has also another valuable point in its favour, in arresting
evaporation and retaining the earth’s moisture. It should be applied
before the plants are in bloom, and it can never be done so well after¬
wards. A sprinkling of salt in early spring at the same time and in half
the quantity of that given to Asparagus, or, to be more definite, about
half an ounce to the square yard, is of much value, but more will not
hurt if it be kept out of the crowns. By its deliquescent nature it keeps
the ground moist anil cool. It is certain to do good in dry localities to
more things besides Strawberries. It should be applied previous to the
straw surfacing. B3’ salting and surface-dressing in autumn and early
in spring I have had no occasion to water, although much hot and dry
weather has prevailed. But — and this is important — I set aside two
rows ; one had no salt, and the other was not surfaced until the fruit
changed colour ; both these we have been compelled to water copiously,
and then could not get the fruit so fine as the rest, but it was equaliy
plentiful in point of numbers. Every point urged in this gossip is based
on actual and careful practice.

I have never been sufficiently careful or curious as to note the relative
value of the first or second roots of runners, but I do know that barren
plants will produce barren progeny ; I do not say invariably, but suffi¬
ciently so to make the practice of planting from them an unsafe one. Just
another hint : I cannot grow British Queen or Dr. Hogg by runners from
my own plants, but if l have them from a thorough strong Strawberry soil
I can get fair crops. I am certain this is a point of considerable value,
and will in many gardens make all the difference between Strawberries
and no Strawberries. Let those who grow this fruit under difficulties
try it, and I am very sanguine they will do as I do, “ try again.”]

COLOURS IN EXOTIC FERNS.

One of the characters through which Ferns in general com
mand the greatest amount of attention is the various tints of colour
of many of the species and varieties in cultivation. The different
modes of growth and the immense diversity of forms of certain
genera are by themselves sufficient to enable anyone to dispense
with the help of plants belonging to other families in the formation
of groups of most decorative character or of the greatest interest.
Leaving aside for the present those highly curious or fantastic
forms of Ferns to which we will refer later on, such as the
Elephant’s Ear Fern (Dictyoglossum crinitum), the Stag’s Horn
Fern (Platycerium alcicorne), the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium
Nidus Avis), the Ivy-leaved Fern (Hemionitis palmata), and others
which, although used sparingly in the grouping of these charming

plants, should however be present if only in single plants of each
kind ; and keeping only to the more natural sorts, or at least to
those with foliage of a shape more in conformity with the general
idea of what a Fern should be, we still find a really imposing num¬
ber of plants possessing the greatest power of attraction on account
of the beautiful tints particular to species whose foliage in its youth
is as bright in colour as many flowers and of quite as long in dura¬
tion. Take, for instance, the most numerous genus of Ferns pro¬
vided with coloured foliage — that of the Maidenhair Ferns — and
compare the difference in shape, size, and colour between all other
Ferns and the deservedly popular Adiantum macrophyllum and its
rare variety bipinnatum, with their pinnas and pinnules at first of a
lovely deep rose colour gradually fading to a yellowish green, which
they retain until they have reached their maturity, and the advan¬
tage derived by comparison will undoubtedly be in favour of that
handsome West Indian species of erect growth and sturdy habit,
which requires stove treatment. Even the beautiful Adiantum
farleyense, naturally and at all times the most handsome member
of a whole genus which contains so many interesting and exceed¬
ingly decorative species, has when in young state its lovely appear¬
ance enhanced by the tender colours of its fronds, which then
assume before taking their permanent pale green colour all the in¬
termediary tints from the brightest pink to a very pretty pale
yellowish green, the combination of which renders the plant most
attractive.

Of other Maidenhair Ferns with coloured fronds we may note
among the strong-growing kinds, the tropical American A. cardio-
chlsena, a stove Fern of stately appearance, producing fronds which
under liberal culture frequently attain 6 feet in length, and which
in their young state are of a particularly light greyish pink colour ;
A. pentadactylon and A. Sanctse-Catharinae, two South American
species somewhat similar in appearance, the former with fronds of
a beautiful bright red in their youth, and the latter possessing a
metallic colour quite unique among Maidenhair Ferns. In growth
these two species much resemble the better known A. trapeziforme,
which like them is of South American origin, but whose foliage in
its young state is of a lovely pea green colour, which it retains for
a very long time. Another very handsome species which, as its
name indicates, comes from Peru, and which rivals if it does not
surpass A. trapeziforme in the size of its fronds and the length of
eheir drooping divisions, is the A. peruvianum, which, on account
tof its pendant habit and also by reason of its bold and strongly
marked character, at once commands the attention of all beholders.
Its fronds, which frequently reach 4 feet in length, have when
partially developed a very peculiar light greyish pinky colour, which
forms a most pleasing contrast with the dark green tint of the
mature fronds. The two Adiantums, Yeitchi and cyclosorum,
equally of Peruvian origin, are also among the best coloured of the
strong-growing kinds known. The former has all the appearance
of a much enlarged form of the common Maidenhair Fern, but
with fronds erect and pinrne of a glorious colour in youth ; while
in Adiantum Hendersoni we have a plant belonging to that inter¬
esting class of Maidenhairs with a peculiar hirsute foliage which
comprises A. pulverulentum, &c., but its young fronds are of an
intense red shining colour, which gradually changes into the most
beautiful bronzy and very effective tints, which they retain until
they assume the permanent dark green colour which distinguishes
this plant from almost any other Maidenhair Ferns.

But these attractive colours are not exclusively the character of
strong-growing kinds, for nothing could be brighter than the
young growth of the comparatively dwarf Peruvian species
A. tinctum and rubellum, which rarely exceed 8 inches in height,
and whose young fronds, which are abundantly produced from a
central crown, are always more or less decorated with the roseate
hue which has suggested their names. The same may equally be
said of the foliage of A. rhodophyllum, a natural hybrid of garden
origin which grows to about 15 inches high, and the pinnules of
which, when first developed, are of a bright crimson, they gradually
change with age to a rosy fulvous colour and finally to a soft very
pale green. The remarkable diversity of colours presented by the
pinnules at the different stages of their growth, and which are all
to be seen on the plant at the same time, renders this Maidenhair
one of the most decorative Ferns in cultivation. Equally precious
to the collections are the metallic and bronzy tints which distinguish
the equally small-growing New Zealand A. fulvum and hispidulum,
both of which succeed very well under cool treatment.

Besides the Maidenhairs there are other Ferns with fronds of
equally bright colours, such as the gigantic Davallia polyantha, a
native of the Malayan Archipelago, whose fronds of a beautifully
bright purple colour at first, gradually fade into a coppery tint
which, as is also the case with those of another gigantic Malayan
Fern, the Didymochkena truncatula, possessing the same chameleon
properties, is retained for a very long time. The fronds of

■Job* iJ, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

505

Blechnum corcovadenae and those of the smaller B. occidentale are
also of a particularly attractive colour during their youth ; while
those of the tropical American Polypodium appendiculatum also
deserve a special mention on account not only of their transparency,
*s uncomraon to all other Ferns in cultivation, but also for

deep purple colour which is peculiar to them ; both characters
which are shown to perfection when the plant is grown in hanging
baskets against the light, in which position it delights. In Osmunda
p ilustria we have a Brazilian evergreen species of the Royal Fern
Oi diminutive size, but which produces in great abundance its lovely
pale fronds, which in youth are equal in colour to the best of the
Maidenhair Ferns above quoted. The genus Lastrea also contains
several species very attractive on account of their bright colours, as
besides the variegated Japanese form of L. aristata, we have in
B. erythrosora and varia, two species equally of Japanese origin,
some superb bronzy tints unequalled by the foliage of any other
I1 erns ; but of all that numerous genus the species which has the
prettiest coloured fronds is undoubtedly Lastrea prolifica, another
Japanese plant with leathery fronds finely divided and of a bright
pink when partly developed, bronzy afterwards, and finally of a
dark shining green, a species doing well under cold treatment.
Doodia aspera multifida, again, is a plant of small dimensions, but
with beautifully coloured created foliage.

That extensive genus, Pteris, also a number of forms with
coloured foliage, for independently of the popular forms with
w-hite coloured fronds, such as the gigantic P. argyrsea from the
Fiast Indies, the P. cretica albo-lineata, of dwarfer stature, the new
P. Mayi, a natnral hybrid of garden origin, which appears to be a
crested form of the latter, and promises on account of its hardy
texture to become one of the most useful plants for room decora-
tioii; We have in P. aspericaulis a plant of good free growth,
attaining noble proportions, and furnished with foliage whose bright
colours when only partly developed can vie in comparison with that
of the best Maidenhair Ferns. The pearl of that genus, however,
is the beautiful though somewhat more delicate East Indian
P. tricolor, whose fronds are most beautifully variegated ; the centre
of each of their divisions forms a space of bright rosy red colour,
with a margin of white on each side, the whole set off by the con¬
trast of the rich shining green of the outer portion of the limb of
the frond.

Then, again, what can be more effective than the beautiful
glaucous tint of the foliage of the strong-growing tropical American
Polypodiums aureum and sporodocarpum ? Their colour is par¬
ticularly useful to the decorator when the plants are used in com¬
panionship with the dark shining Polystichum setosum, certain
Marattias, Aspleniums, Lastreas, &c., or in conjunction with the
Adiantums venustum, speciosum, concinnum latum, Davallia Moore-
ana, Pteris scaberula, Osmunda japonica corymbifera, and many
other kinds whose pale green colour blends so admirably with darker
tints and shows them to the greatest advantage. If to the above-
described plants we also add the several species and varieties of
Silver and Gold Ferns, and a host of plants with intermediate
tints, we shall find ample materials for making very effective groups
composed exclusively of Ferns, all beautiful in appearance, elegant
in habit, and of a duration equal to if not surpassing that of
fiowering and other decorative plants combined. — Theo.

MELON SUPPORTS.

Mb. Iggulden appears to be an adept in treating the readers of the
Journal to something startling and original, the latest of which is
growing Melons, as I presume he means, on wire trellises without sup¬
porting the fruit. That he will get very few practical gardeners to
follow his ideas I feel convinced, but as there are many amateurs who
read the Journal, with the view of assisting them in adopting the best
methods, I would strongly advise them not to follow it either, as I am
positive more disappointments and failures would follow than if a little
care was bestowed in making the fruit secure.

I fully admit that this is often done in a very bungling way, but
this should not cause the practice of supporting Melons to be condemned
as “ uncalled ” for and useless. I think it would take one very little
time to convince themselves that supports are at least the safest, and
for other reasons much the better plan. If Melons are only grown pro¬
perly neither “ Royalty " nor anyone else can detect in the appearance
or flavour whether they had received the support of saucers, strips of
raffia, or anything else. I should think after all Mr. Igguldeu only in¬
tends a little banter. — R. Parker, lmpney Garden *.

FASHION IN FLORAL ART.

That there is no law which controls fashions is everywhere apparent,
and the ever increasing number of floral artists who are constantly on
the alert to create some new design which is likely to meet with the
tastes of a flower-loving public. The much-admired Maidenhair Fern
( Adiantum cuneatum), which in its relationship to flowers artistically

arranged has so long been an indispensable favourite, seems for the
moment to be losing ground, though there is little fear but that it will
always be in demand in the majority of floral designs. The reasons for
its being less in request just now are various, primarily perhaps on
account of its sudden collapse when subjected to much exposure, for if
ever so hardily grown it is not calculated to endure a great amount of
hardship when severed from the plant. This has been the experience of
many who have placed some of their handiwork in the shape of a floral
wreath, cross, or other design in competition upon the tables of their
local horticultural societies. Fresh and bright no doubt when staged,
and possessing that lightness and elegance which should grace all floral
devices, but which ere the judges came to make the awards, was suffer¬
ing considerably from the exposure to which it had been subjected.

In place of the Maidenhair various coloured leaves are fast coming
into general use, and if carefully associated with the flowers they not
only considerably economise the latter, but introduce varying tones of
colour which we cannot always command in flowers. The majority of
this coloured foliage may be gathered from trees, shrubberies, and
hedgerows in the autumn. Those who have experience in large gardens
or in nurseries where deciduous trees and shrubs are grown abundantly
will not need reminding of the many exquisite shades of colour to be
found in foliage in autumn. Very pleasing instances of how effectively
both foliage and fruits of wayside plants may be utilised may often be
seen at various harvest festival services in country places, and it is
worthy of note that in the isolated districts decorations of this kind are
carried out extensively, and in a manner highly creditable to the
workers.

Apart, however, from such decorations as these, the fashion for per¬
sonal adornment is considerably changed, buttonholes and sprays being
frequently seen with coloured leaves which are fast coming into general
use, and which certainly make up a very appropriate arrangement on
the whole. Very natural is it, then, with such a change as this the Ivy
should hold a very prominent position, and especially that known as the
“ Heidelberg,” a variety with small leaves and of a beautiful reddish
bronzy hue, and which in clever hands may be worked up most effec¬
tively with flowers of various hues, and are even pleasing alone when
several are placed artistically together. Whether such a departure as
this will be beneficial to the English florist generally is a doubtful ques¬
tion, seeing that the majority of these Ivy leaves are imported from
France, which, coupled with the disuse of the Maidenhair Fern, does
not increase the advantages of the Britisher, and especially so when we
consider that although we can grow Ivy abundantly in England, we
cannot obtain that pleasing hue which gives it the preference. But
while the Ivy in question makes a very appropriate arrangement it is
generally admired. Yet there is no reason to stay there, for we have a
great variety of other foliage which in many floral designs may be
utilised in various ways, each in themselves unique. Take, for example,
the lovely little Panicum variegatum, which is invaluable, especially in
crosses, wreaths, and many ordinary bouquets and sprays ; it gives an
air of lightness and elegance to the arrangement which is much to be
desired, especially if disposed in an easy and natural manner. At some
of the Chrysanthemum shows last year the use of coloured leaves and
the general falling off in Maidenhair Fern was particularly noticeable.
For instance, a lady’s ball dress trail was composed of Roses, Ivy
leaves, Roman Hyacinths, Copper Beech leaves, Rose twigs, Bouvardia,
and Asparagus plumosus, with not a sprig of Maidenhair Fern in the
whole arrangement, which was certainly most effective. In another
case, richly coloured Vine leaves, with purple Nut leaves, were effec¬
tively used with bronze and gold Chrysanthemums. Very effective and
hardy, too, are some of the Berberis, while the miniature sprays of
Lonicera aurea reticulata invariably work in with any flowers except
those of a golden hue. Particularly rich in this respect are the numerous
Japanese Maples, but as they are deciduous it considerably diminishes
their value. Take, again, the Maidenhair Tree, Salisburia adianti-
folia, which affords an excellent foliage for many purposes ; it is not
perhaps sufficiently abundant to be had in quantity, but if the foliage
is dried it is ready at any time for use. The White Thorn of our hedge¬
rows, and in many places the leaves of the Brambles, are also pleasing in
their varying tints, such as we cannot imitate in flowers during a cer¬
tain period of the year.

In Azaleas of the mollis section again we meet with hues of red and
bronze and some gold, while in the foliage of Roses we have an abun¬
dant supply of tints, with centres of green and margins of a reddish hue,
which, if preserved, will be found most helpful to those whose time is
spent more particularly in artistic work of this kind. — J. H. E.

THE YORK GALA.

In almost tropical heat this great Yorkshire horticultural Show com¬
menced on the 15th inst. with a larger attendance of visitors than
usual. Of course Roses and some of the other cut flowers suffered from
the great heat.

Plants. — Stove and greenhouse plants were well represented ; and
with a collection of sixteen plants Mr. Letts, gardener to the Earl of
Zetland, was first with capital plants, which included fine Palms,
Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, and A. spectabilis, a fine Erica tricolor
Wilsoni, and a grand Anthurium Schertzerianum Wardi. Mr. Cypher of
Cheltenham was second, and his group included a grand plant of
Anthurium Schertzerianum (Shuttleworth’s variety) with quite eighty
spathes, Erica coccicea minor, fine Crotons, Azaleas, &c. Mr. E. Adams
of Newcastle-on-Ty l was third. In the class for six stove and green-

5;Q€,

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[.June 2S,'I»I7.:

house plants Mi-. Letts was first with very fine specimens of Cleroden-
dron Balfourianum, Anthurium Schertzerianum, Pimelea decussata,
Erica Cavendishiana, Azalea Chclsoni, and Hedaroma tulipifera. Second
prize J. B. Hodgkin, Esq., with Erica, ampullacea ohbata, E. Caven¬
dishiana, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, a very fine Ixora Williamsi,
Clerodendron Balfourianum, and Anthurium Schertzerianum, very good.
Mr. Cypher was first for three Ericas, a grand Cavendishiana, tricolor
Wilsoni, and a very fine ventricosa hirsuta alba. Some very handsome
Crotons were staged. Mrs. Gurney Pease’s first-prize four — viz.,
Warneri, Hammondi, Chelsoni, and Andreanus were superb specimens in
fine character. The second prize plants from J. H. M. Sutton, Esq.,
were specimens of large size and well coloured. Palms, Ferns, Dracaenas,
and ornamental plants were plentiful and good. Bedding plants in groups
and in- masses of each kind are always well shown at York ; and on tliis
occasion Mr. R. Simpson, nurseryman, Selby, took the first prize, for six¬
teen varieties, all well grown ; amongst them a grand plantof Hydrangea
Thomas Hogg, tied down so as to form a carpet of from sixty to
seventy fine trusses ; and a similarly trained specimen - of Earl of
Beaconsfkld Fuchsia, 3 feet through and well bloomed. Mr.’. Letts,’ s six.
fine-foliaged plants, which took the first prize, contained a .grand Cyeas
revoiuta, and well coloured Crotons Johannis and angustifolius.

The generous Orchid prizes offered did not bring so many 'competitors
as was expected. For the Jubilee prizes of £21, £15 15s., £.-10 10s., and
£5 5s. for sixteen Orchids, there were but two exhibitors. Mr. Cypher
was first with beautiful plants — viz., Cattleya Mosske Rothschildiana,
Lselia purpurata alba, Dendrobium *hyrsiflorum with thirteen racemes ;
J.ailia purpurata Brymeriana, Calanthe veratrifolia, Epidendrum vitol-
linum majus, .Cattleyas Mendeli, Mossirn, and Mossiae magnifica, Sacco-
labium guttatum, a fine Dendrobium Bensoniaj, Cypripediqms Law-
rencianum and barbatum, Odontoglossum vexillarium and vexillarium
roseum, and the seldom seen .Cattleya lobata, with eight fine blossoms.
The second prize for sixteen Orchids was awarded to .Mr. Atkinson,
gardener to C. Broadwood, Esq., Dendrobium Bensonke, Odontoglossum
vexillarium, Cattleya Sanderiana, and C. Warneri being especially
good plants. In the class for eight Orchids, Mr. Cypher wras first with.
Lffilia purpurata alba, L. Brymeriana, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Odon¬
toglossum vexillarium, and Cattleyas Mendeli, Mossise, Mossiae- grandi-
flora, and labiata Warneri.; also first for four Orchids, the second prize
for four going to W. Bateman, Esq. For Messrs. Backhouse & Son’s'
special prizes for four Orchids, IV. Bateman, Esq., was first, and T. M.
Weddall, Esq., second. Mr. J. Charlesworth, Orchid importer, Bradford,
sent a good display of. Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, Ac,, and Mr. Harrison,
St John’s Grove, Leeds, a few well grown Cattleyas and other Orchids.

A large tent was devoted to groups of plants. In the class for a
group in a space of 250 square feet there were eight exhibitors, and the
groups were all fine. Two of these were placed equal first. One set up
by Mr. McIntyre, gardener to Mrs. Gurney Pease, contained some bright
Crotons, Palms, Azaleas, with flowering plants, herns, Ac., and an
artistic telling arrangement was produced. The other equal first was
set up by Mr. Arthur Webb, gardener to J. H. M. Sutton, Esq., Newark,
was quite different in design, artistically set up, and pleasing, but want¬
ing in brightness. As two first prizes were given no second prize was
awarded, and the third was awarded to Mr. Lyon, gardener to Vis¬
countess Ossington, and fourth to Messrs. A. Simpson & Sons, York.
Extra prizes were also awarded, to other exhibitors. In the .class for
smaller groups for amateurs there were three exhibitors. Mrs. Gurney
Pease was placed first, T. L. Brogden, Esq., second, and Viscountess
Ossington third. There was too great a preponderance of foliage in
these three exhibits, and a paucity of flowering plants.

Good prizes for Roses, both in pots and cut bloom state, were offered,
and in the cut bloom department Mr. Hcnr,' May of Bedale took the
first prizes for seventy-two, forty-eight, thirty-six, and twenty-four
blooms respectively. Roses in pots were in good numbers, and some
of the plants were very creditable, but Paul and Turner’s style of growing
has not yet been reached by the northern growers.

Pelargoniums are always to the front at York, and the plants staged
by Mr. McIntosh, gardener to J. T. Hingston, Esq., of York, won the
admiration of all the horticulturists present, and his twelve plants
which took the-first prize of £12 was the finest ever seen at York, and
that is saying very much. Large handsome specimens, strong healthy
foliage, naturally tied to support the blooms safely, but really seeing
very little of the tying, and with full sized blooms, unstinted praise was
so generally expressed for his plants throughout. For twelve plants, first
Mr.' McIntosh. Mr. Eastwood, gardener to Mrs. Titley, Leeds, for
fine plants-was a capital second ; third Miss Steward, York. In the class
for six Pelargoniums, Mr. Eastwood was first with superb plants — viz.,
Triomphe de St. Amand, Pericles and Queen Bess, very much alike ;
Albion, Kingston Beauty, and Old Rose Celestial. Second Mr. McIntosh,
with six very fine plants of sterling market varieties. For three Pelar¬
goniums. — First Mr. McIntosh, second Mr. Eastwood, third Miss Steward.
The Pelargoniums throughout were very fine, and some marvellous plants
of Kingston Beauty were shown. Zonal Pelargoniums were as usual
very fine, Mr. Eastwood carrying off the first prizes for twelve and six
plants, all in the highest possible condition of good cultivation. For
twelve Messrs. PybusASon were second and Miss Steward third, all very
fine specimens. Double Pelargoniums, Bronzes and Tricolors, were not
quite up to the usual mark. Some excellent Fuchsias, herbaceous Cal¬
ceolarias, hardy Ferns. Mr. McIntosh had in one of his collections of
Pelargoniums a fine semi-double sport from Madame Thibaut named
Miss Winnie Hingston, . a very. promising variety.

. (Jut. Flow.ees,— Tl^e. cut herbaceous . flowers were in good form,. and

a grand competition. Cut exotic blooms were also; very. .fine,, the- first,
prize for twelve being gained by Mr. Williams, gardener to Sv Barlein,
Esq., for grand blooms. A. Heinze, Esq., was first for' six varieties, all
Orchids, a superb stand including nine blooms of Ariguloa Clowesi, but
badly staged. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., florists, KotKsay, sent fine FAncy
Pansy blooms, many of them of their own raising ; Mrs. Maxwell, a new
one, will be welcomed by Pansy growers, and such fine varieties as-
William Cuthbertson, A. Strachan, Mrs. T. McComb, William Dean,
Mrs. G. P. Frame, were amongst the best blooms staged ■ in good1'
condition. A really rich glossy black self Papsy named W. G. Howie,!
of good form, will be welcomed by Pansy growers and exhibitors. This*
firm also contributed a fine collection of cut Violas, and a wonderful,
improvement has been made in these most valuable decorative plants.
To Mr. Baxter of Daldowie a high meed of praise must be given for,
some very beautiful new varieties, sttch as York and Lancaster, Spofctedj
Gem, Dawn of Day, Ethel Baxter, Bullion, a very fine fellow ; Mina,
Baxter, Mrs. "Baxter, Ac; Queen of Scots- is' a decidedly improved
Countess of Kintore. Merehiston Castle is’ a miniature Fancy Pansy of'
great beauty, rich maroon violet, with a wire edging of Creamy whiter-
beautiful,, but it is surpassed by Admiration, shown by Mr. Dobbie, and
it is a better grower. Morning Star is another lovely .variety of this-
type. Clipper is a beautiful variety, almost white, with a rich purple,
centre. Blue Cloud is an improved Skylark; white, with a bright
margin of blue. Messrs. Harkness A Sons, nurserymen, Bedale, contri¬
buted a display of Fancy Pansies and Violas ; amongst the former were,
such fine collections as Ellen Dalghish, Charlie Stansell,..May Tat.e, and
others, and their blooms of Viola Mrs. Baxter were' grand. So. also-
Firefly, light rosy purple,' with lighter margin. This firm staged forty-
eight splendid Marficlial Kiel Rose blooms, which took the first prize in
the class for Messrs. W. Wood A Sons’ prize for the best stands of Roses-
which had been grown with their liquid manure, and Messrs.- Harknes*
also carried off the first prize for cut herbaceous blooifis,’ and in this class
there was good competition. Messrs. Backhouse A Son- of -York- staged!
handsome cut Rhododendrons, Pmonies, Iris, and other, herbaceous plant*
so well set up as to form a decided feature of the Exhibition ; and Messrs^
Kelway A Son of Lamport set up fen boxes of Pyrethrum blooms,,
single and double varieties. - ■; ,

A few excellent bouquets were staged, Messrs. Perkins A Sons,.
Coventry, taking first prize in each class foi two ‘ball bouquets, two-
bridesmaid’s bouquets; and two hand bouquets. .These’ were all beauti¬
fully finished bouquets. Mr. John -Cragg, gardener to A. Heinze, Esq.,
was a good- second -in each class -with handsome bouquets. ' - : *'

P’RUIT.-— -This part of the Exhibition was well supported, several,
leading cultivators being represented. For a collection of eight varieties!
Mr. Me Indoe was first with Scarlet Premier' Melon, Queen' Pine, Grosse
Mignonne and Bellegarde- Peaches, Brown Turkey -Figs, Pitmastom
Orange Nectarines, Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes. Second
Mr. R. Dawes, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram, who had ex¬
cellent Black Hamburgh Grapes and a fine Queen Pine. Third Mr-
Edwards, gardener to the Duke of St. Albans, who had capital Black
Hamburgh Grapes, a good Queen Pine, anfl a .fine Melon named
“ Luscious and Melting.” Fourth R. H. C. Neville, Esq. (Mr. T. Hare,,
gardener), whose collection was a dish of fine Murrey Nectarines. For
six varieties of fruits, first Mr. J. Edwards with extra fine Black Ham¬
burgh Grapes, Foster’s Seedling ditto, a good Queen Pine, a fine Eastnor
Castle Melon, Hale’s Early Peach, well coloured Elruge Nectarines ; a
capital collection. Second Mr. Mclndoe, third Mr. R. Dawes, fourth
Mrs. Gurney Peas'5.

For a collection of four fruits, first Mr. Clayton, gardener to J. Fielden,
Esq., Grimston Park, with fine “ A Bee” Peaches, Violette Hative
Nectarines, well finished 'Black Hamburgh Grapes, and; a .High Cross*
Hybrid Melon. Second Mr. Duncan, gardener to C. H. Wilson, Esq., M.P.,
third Mr. Edwards, fourth Mr. Mclndoe. Only three Pines were staged,
all Queens, and none first rate. Ten dishes of Peaches were staged.
First Mr. Divers, gardener to J. F. Hopwood, Esq., for fine fruits of
Roval George. Eight collections of Black Hamburgh Grapes were ex¬
hibited ; Mr. Allsop, gardener to Lord Hotham, taking the first prize for
some well finished bunches, also first prize for white- Grapes, highly-
coloured well finished Buckland- Sweetwater. Excellent" Melons were
staged. - -

Brilliant weather, too hot in reality for the cut flowers, brought ail-
immense assemblages! visitors, and as the profits of this gala is to- be-
given to the- York charities, there is a reasonable hope! that a good Sum
will be at the disposal of the Committee. -•

Miscellaneous. — Messrs. Rd. Smith A Co., "nurserymen, Worcester,,
contributed a grand group of specimen Clematises of large Size and Well
flowered. Eighteen of these fine specimens made an excellent display,
the most noticeable being Mr- George Jackman, an extra fine white';.
Madame Van-Houtte ;' lanuginosa Candida ; Duchess of Edinburgh, a fine-
double white ; Fairy Queen; blush white, with a pink stripe ; Gloire de
St. Julien ; Lady Caroline Neville ; Marie Lefebvre ; Sensation, very fine
and distinct ; Venus Victrix, double shaded blue lavender, and very;
handsome ; Lord Nevill ; Countess of Lovelace ; Purpurea efegans,'.
deep purplish-tinted lavender, a fine variety ; and Beauty of Worcester,
producing double and single flowers of a blue- violet shade of colour, and
Landsome.

Large collections of exotic and hardy Ferns, quite 1500 plants, were-
staged, not for competition, by Messrs. W. A J, Birkenhead, Sale-
Nurseries, near Manchester. Amongst these, wei’e — Athyrium regale, all
improvement on A. plumosum multifidum, and (jeauti.fully crested.;
Latitrca mpntana, rapio-coronaus, a beautiful densely., crated’ dorm pi

Jane 23, 1887. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE NEC.

A. montana Polystichum Raceyi, a great improvement or! P. plumosum,
a perfectly barren Fern, propagated only by division ; Adiantum Birken-
headi, Athyrium plumosum elegans, Onychium auratum, Nephrolepis
rufescens tripinnatifida, a most beautiful Fern ; Adiantum Mariesii,
A. neo-caledonim, and a number of North American Ferns. Mr. T.
Wjilkworth, gardener to Pi. Brocklebank, Esq., Childwall Hall, Liver¬
pool, sent blooms of Heliotropes, but they were so withered that they
could not be staged. These were — Swanley Giant, White Lady, Pre¬
sident Garfield, and Cheshire Favourite, which appears to be an im¬
provement on Swanley Giant. Mr. John HarDson, St. John’s Grove,
Leeds, obtained certificates for seedling Zonal Pelargoniums Princess
Ida arid Princess Alice, and for a new Cattleya Mossise Harrisoni, an
imported plant from Venezuela. Certificates were also awarded to
Messrs. Birkenhead for Adiantum Birkenheadi, Athyriuin regale, and
Nephrolepis rufescens.

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The concluding meeting of this Society for the present session was
;held on Wednesday evening, the 15th ir.st., at the Institution of Civil
Engineers, 25, Great George Street, Westminster, Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S.,
President, in the chair.

The following papers were read : —

1, “Amount and Distribution of Monsoon Rainfall in Ceylon Gene-
eally, with Remarks upon the Rainfall in Dimbula,” by Mr. F. J.

; to 2 or 3 feet overhead, numerous globes of light, the size of billiard,
balls, which were moving independently and vertically up and down,
sometimes within a few inches of the observers, but always eluding the
j grasp. Now gliding slowly upwards 2 or 3 feet, and as slowly falling
i again, resembling in their movements soap bubbles floating in the air. The
j balls were all aglow, but not dazzling, with a soft superb iridescence,
rich and warm of hue, and each of variable tints, their charming colours'
heightening the extreme beauty of the scene. The subdued magnificence
of this fascinating spectacle is described as baffling description. Their
; numbers were continually fluctuating, at one time thousands of them
enveloped the observers, and a few minutes would dwindle to perhaps as
few as twenty, but soon they would be swarming again as numerous as
ever. Not the slightest .noise accompanied this display.

3, “ Ball Lightning Seen during a Thunderstorm on July 11th 1874,”
by Dr. J. W. Tripe, F.R.Met.Soc. During this thunderstorm the author
saw a ball of fire of a pale yellow colour rise from behind some houses,

. at first slowly, apparently about as fast as a cricket ball thrown into the
, air, then rapidly increasing its rate of motion until it reached an
' elevation of about 30°, when it started off so rapidly as to form a con-
J tinuous line of light, proceeding first east then west, rising all the time.

After describing several zigzags it disappeared in a large black cloud to
I the west, from which flashes of lightning had come. In about three
minutes another ball ascended, and in about five minutes afterwards a
: third, both behaving as the first, and disappearing in the same cloud.

4, “ Appearance of Air Bubbles at Remenham, Berkshire, January,

Fig. 84 —BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS. (See page 510.)

Waring, M.Inst.C.E. The principal feature in Ceylon as determining
Iboth the amount and distribution of rainfall is a stroup of mountains
situate in the south central portion of the island, equidistant from
its east, west, and south shores. The south-west and north-east .
monsoons in Ceylon may be said respectively to blow steadily from May-
to August inclusive, and from, November to February inclusive. In
March and April, and in September and October, the weather is more
or less unsettled, and no regular monsoon or direction of the air current
is usually experienced. After giving, details of the rainfall at twenty-
five stations, the author concludes by remarking upon — T, The effect
•of the mountain zone in determining the amount and distribution of
the rainfall ; 2, The apparent gradual veering of the rain-bearing cur¬
rents of air as each monsoon progresses. 3, The relative insignificance
•of the south-west monsoon as compared with the north-east monsoon
in inducing rainfall. 4, The cause of the lar,e general rainfall of the
north-east monsoon throughout the island generally as compared with
•that of the sout-west monsoon ; and 5, The influence of the gaps in
the external ring of the mountain zone, and of the central as well as the
other ridges in it, in determining the amount of rainfall within the zone
and in the neighbouring districts outside it.

2, “ Note on a Display of Globular Lightning at Ringstead Bay,-
Dorset, on August 1 7th, 1876,” by Mr. H. S. Eaton, M.A., F.R.Met.Soc.
Between 4 and 5 P.M.’two ladies, who were out, on the cliff, saw surround¬
ing them oh all sides, and extending from a few inches above the surface

1871,” by Rev. A. Bonney. Between 11 and 12 A.M. a. group of air
bubbles of the shape and apparent size of the coloured india-rubber balls,
that are carried about the streets were seen to rise from the centre of a
level space of snow within view of the house. The bubbles rose to a eon-
■siderable height, and then began to move up and down within a limited
area, and at equal distances from each other, some ascending, others '
descending. These lasted about two minutes, at the end of which they
■were borne away by a current of air towards the east and disappeared.
Another group rose from the same spot to. the same height with precisely ■
the same movements, and disappeared in the same direction after the
same manner. Mr. H. C. Russell, F.R.S., of Sydney described a fall of
red rain which occurred in New South Wales, and exhibited,, under the
microscope, specimens of the deposit collected in the rain gauges.

THE ROYAL GARDENS.

Tiie celebration of Her Majesty’s Jubilee is such a memorable
event this week, and horticulturists are so notable for their loyalty,,
that a most fitting opportunity is afforded in our especial province .
of referring to the Queen’s principal residences and gardens. In a .
country so famed for horticultux-e as Great Britain, abounding in such
magnificent gardens, and ruled by a lady of such cultivated taste
as Queen Victoria, we naturally look for something of an unusual

508

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

| Job* 13, 1887.

character in what must be termed the leading establishments of the
kingdom, and all know how much Prince Albert’s enthusiastic love
of gardening was shared by his Royal Consort.

FROGMORE.

Frogmore house and gardens are about a mile from Windsor
Castle, and are situated in the Home Park, with the mausoleum
and the model farm constituting the only portion of the Royal
possessions at Windsor from which the public are excluded. The
Home Park is to the left of the magnificent three-mile avenue of
Elms, which forms such a grand vista from the Castle, and is so
well furnished with trees, distinguished by its luxuriant vege¬
tation and rural charms, that it h not surprising it has long been
the Queen’s favourite retreat when the Court is at the Castle.
Frogmore house is a substantial elegant mansion, quite free from
all attempts at fantastic adornment, and stands in a beautiful
garden abounding in exceptionally handsome trees and shrubs. It
was formerly the residence of the Duchess of Kent, who died there
in 1861, and it then passed with her other property into the pos¬
session of Her Majesty. The garden is a most charming one, laid
out in a natural and graceful manner, with spacious rich green
velvety lawns sloping to the small but picturesque lake thickly
fringed with Iris pseudo-acorus, now bearing a profusion of its
bright yellow flowers. There are numerous nooks, glades, and tree-
shaded walks, bold clumps of trees and shrubs, and single specimens
of remarkable size and beauty. The Conifers thrive most luxu¬
riantly, and one grand example of Thuia Lobbi (T. gigantea), is
probably the finest in this country, as it forms a dense deep green
column, even from base to summit, and now between 60 and 70 feet
high. A specimen of this handsome Conifer at Linton Paik exceeds
50 feet in height, and well proportioned, but the Frogmore tree is a
marvellously fine example, in perfect health. It stands alone upon
the lawn, and has an imposing appearance from the terrace in
front of the mansion. Numerous handsome Abies, especially
A. pinsapo, are notable, as well as other Thuias, Taxodium distichum
(admirably represented); of the Maidenhair Tree, Salisburia adianti-
folia, there are some superb trees, and many others could be enume¬
rated, remarkable alike for their size and vigorous health. Favourite
shrubs are the Mock Orange and Lilacs, while white and scarlet
Thorns add their floral charms during the spring, and the garden is
environed by tall Elms, Beeches, and other forest trees, with
delightful vistas cut through them at suitable points. A series of
beds is devoted to hardy hei'baceous and old-fashioned flowers that
are especial favourites at Frogmore, and thrive with a luxuriance
that is most pleasant to lovers of such plants. There are no elabo¬
rate beds of gaudy flowers, but an air of cultured refinement,
combined with all the freedom of an old English country garden,
most refreshing in contrast with the prevailing formality of modern
establishments. We have been favoured with a photograph of the
mansion, taken from a picturesque point of view near the lake, and
this has been carefully reproduced in the engraving (fig. 85, page 509).

Horticulturally considered, the important portion of the Frog¬
more gardens is that devoted to the culture of plants, fruits, and
vegetables for the supply of Her Majesty’s household, and in this
respect it is one of the most remarkable in the kingdom. It is a
vast establishment, tbe amount of produce it yields annually is
astonishing, while the system of management must be an admirable
ono that insures a continual succession, and such excellent cultural
results as those achieved by Mr. T. Jones. Practical utility is the
prevailing character of every department and everything grown ;
there is no time nor space for fanciful specialities, but an abundant
unfailing supply of good quality productions is the object con¬
stantly in view, and to the accomplishment of this all efforts are
directed. At the other Royal residences, Buckingham Palace,
Osborne, and Balmoral Castle, the pleasure gardens are the principal
features, but at Frogmore the thirty acres of garden, five acres of
which are under glass, are exclusively devoted to the production of
the extensive supplies necessary for such an important household.
It would be impossible to refer in detail to all that is interesting in
these gardens, but a few notes on the chief departments will indi¬
cate their chai aster, commencing with the indoor and outdoor fruit.
It may be briefly stated that the garden is oblong in form, the
longest diameter being from east to west. It is intersected by sub¬
stantial walls about 8 feet high, and taking both surfaces, there is a
total length of wall space occupied by trees of various kinds of
six miles, which will give some idea of the labour in training and
pruning. The gardener’s house — a tastefully designed commodious
structure, is in the centre, at the upper part of the garden, and
most of the glass ranges run east and west of this against the walls,
with detached span houses, pits, and frames innumerable. The
principal ranee is on the south side of a wall continuous from
the house, the north side being occupied by the bothy,
offices, potting sheds, &c. There are twenty miles of drives to be

kept in order, with broad grass margins that have to be kept cut
frequently, and Mr. Jones has a staff of 140 men under his
direction.

FRUIT.

Grates. — Foremost in importance amongst the indoor fruits are
the Grapes, of which an extremely large quantity are grown ; com¬
pact, serviceable bunches, of medium size, with good berries, well
finished, being what are mainly required ; sensational bunches being
often more trouble than profit. Another point is, that although
the vineries are numerous, the Vines have to be somewhat heavily
cropped to obtain the requisite supply, and in consequence Mr. T.
Jones finds it far better to rely upon young vigorous Vines than
upon old ones, which are speedily exhausted by heavy cropping.
Many old Vines have been removed, and young ones are being'
gradually brought on to take the place of others that have done
good service in the past. Most of the borders are inside the houses,
but the roots of the Vines can find their way to outside borders as
they advance, and the inside borders are made up, a small piece at a.
time, as the roots progress, as a good number of evenly distributed
roots near the surface are more under the control of the cultivator-
Comparatively few varieties are grown, the early and main supply
being derived from Black Hamburgh, with Foster’s Seedling as a
white ; while as late varieties, Lady Downe’s and Alicantes are-
extensively grown, with a few West’s St. Peter’s, which are speci¬
ally prized for their quality, Buckland Sweetwater, and some other
varieties. The annual amount of Grapes produced is astonishing,
and the following record of the weight cut for each month in 1886
is very interesting : — January, 395 lbs. ; February, 207 lbs. ; March,
215 lbs.; April, 149 lbs.; May, 149 lbs.; May, 220 lbs.; June,
300 lbs. ; July, 510 lbs. ; August, 291 lbs. ; September, 296 lbs. ;
October, 239 lbs. ; November, 448 lbs. ; and December, 544 lbs., a
total of 3814 lbs., or with extras, as gifts, a total exceeding
4000 lbs. The amount for the last month in the year is remark¬
ably high for such a season, exceeding that of July by 34 lbs. The-
quantity cut in May was also large, as these were all ne\v Giapes,
chiefly Black Hamburghs, but in May of the present year even this
record has been exceeded, as 301 lbs. of Black Hamburgh and
Foster’s Seedling were cut. Upon exceptional occasions 100 lbs. of
Grapes have been cut at one time, and the resources of the estab¬
lishment w'ill be severely taxed this year. The earliest Grapes are
obtained from Vines in pots, to which a large house is devoted -
This is then filled with Strawberries, that will now soon be ex¬
hausted and cleared out to make room for Melons, which will be
continued until November, when they in turn will be removed and
give place to pot Vines again. This is the system adopted for
utilising space whenever the houses are not occupied by permanent
Vines or fruit trees. The Vines throughout are very healthy, with
clean vigorous growth and foliage, and in several cases with
remarkable crops of fruit, twenty to twenty-four 2 lb. bunches to
a rod.

Strawberries. — Strawberries form another indispensable crop,,
as both for forcing and outdoor supplies they are grown very ex
tensively. With them, as with the Grapes, it is found preferable to
rely mainly upon one or two well proved varieties than to have a
number of uncertain character, and this principle is followed con¬
sistently throughout the garden in regard to all crops. Nine thou¬
sand Strawberry plants are forced every year of La Grosse Sucr^e
with a few others, but the former is the chief favourite, because it
bears a good crop of even fruits that colour well, and possess an
agreeable flavour. The disadvantages attending other varieties
tried at Frogmore have been that they either produce fine fruits in
small quantities or they bear a large number of fruits that unless-
carefully thinned are very irregular in size, and many compara¬
tively useless. La Grosse Sucree also travels well, and this is an
important matter when it is considered that the fruit has to be con¬
veyed to Balmoral when Her Majesty is residing there, and a-
journey of 600 miles is a serious trial for such a delicate fruit as
the Strawberry. The forced plants are placed out each season, and
after the second or third year are removed to make room for
younger plants. A bed of these planted out last year is in splendid
condition this season, and a useful second crop is often obtained the
season they were forced. Sir Joseph Paxton, Vicomtesse Hericart
de Thury, L’ Aromatic, Frogmore Late Pine, and Alpines are also
grown out of doors, and all seem very promising this year, notwith¬
standing the hot dry period now being experienced. Most of the
beds are carefully netted, and where they are near the paths a little-
clean straw placed on the latter prevents the fruits being disfigured
by dust. The Strawberries are forced wherever there is suitable
space, but several houses are devoted to the main supply, and one,
a portion of a long range, chiefly occupied with Peaches and other
fruit trees, has a moveable stage, which is placed near the front, and
upon this the plants are arranged. After the fruit is gathered the
stage is removed, a wire trellis is placed in front, and the house is

Jane 28, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

509

filled with Tomatoes trained to the wall at the back and the trellis
in front, another instance of economical arrangement similar to
those already noted. To avoid a break in the succession between
the forced and outdoor Strawberries a large frame sloping to the
south with a raised sloping bed close to the glass is filled with Straw¬
berries planted out, which can be readily hastened or retarded as
desired, or rendered necessary by the state of the supply.

Miscellaneous Fruits. — Peaches and Nectarines are grown in
quantity both indoors and out, either on open walls or with a pro¬
tector along the top, and there is a large number of beautifully
trained healthy fruitful trees, which yield bountiful supplies of good
fruits. More varieties are represented of these than of Grapes and
Strawberries, and a long season of fruit is obtained. The important
point in the culture of these trees, thorough cleanliness, is fully recog¬
nised at Frogmore, and seldom do we have the pleasure of seeing so

Ntgro Largo being found too strong in habit for this form * of
culture. One long house, a portion of lean-to range 400 feet long,
is devoted to cordon Peais on the back wall and a trellis in front.
The trees are four years old and just coming into fine bearing con¬
dition. Fondante d’Automne, Bergamotte d’Esperen, Baronne de
Mello, Pilmaston Duchess, Jargonelle, Anna Nelis, Madame
Treyve, Williams’ Bon Cbietien, and Winter Nelis are looking par¬
ticularly well this year, and some clean handsome fruits are develop¬
ing. Out of doors there are some old trees on the walls which are
getting past the best, ar.d will probably be removed. There are
also some interesting old trees trained on arches each side of the
central walk leading from the gardener’s house through the kitchen
garden, but they do not give large crops. A plan Mr. Jones has
tried on a small scale might well be extended, as the results have
! been satisfactory. It consists of a strong* jwooden'[framework

Fir. 85.— FROGMORE

large a number of specimens free from all insect pests. The trees
are well furnished with evenly balanced growth, and the crops
indoors are good, though the fruit on outdoor trees is likely to
suffer owing to the dry hot weather we are now experiencing.
Varieties depended upon chiefly for the chief supply are Peaches
Grosse Mignonne, Stirling Castle, Royal George, Noblesse, Victoria,
and Buckingham, the principal Nectarine being Elruge, of which
there are many handsome trees. Cherries in pots constitute
another feature and yield their fruits plentifully. Many of the
trees have been stripped of their crops, and turned out of doors for
the season, but there are still some good specimens in a late vinery,
such varieties as May Duke, Black Eagle, Black Tartarian, and
Biggarreaus being laden with fine fruits ; May Duke is especially
handsome, and is much prized. On the walls out of doors Morello
and Kentish Cherries are grown in large numbers, and of the former
there are on one north wall twelve grand fan-trained trees that
occupy much space, and have a wTonderful show of fruit. A house
is devoted to Figs, in which the trees are planted out in borders,
bricked off into compartments 2 or 3 feet square, but the same diffi¬
culty is experienced in preventing their becoming too luxuriant.
Brown Turkey and Osborn’s Prolific are the favourite varieties,

HffSS, WINDSOR.

sloping to the south ; the Pears are planted in the centre, and the
branches trained up and down ; upon this framework supports at
the top, sides, and lower edge being utilised for canvas or netting
on rollers that can be run down at night as protection from frost.
With this assistance very fine fruits have been obtained repeatedly
from the trees so tried. A succession of Melons is maintained
during a long period, a number of houses and pits being specially
devoted to them. An excellent substantial loam is used as soil, and
plentiful fruits are obtained of Hero of Lockinge, Royal Ascot,
Read’s Scarlet, Longleat Perfection, and a selection made at
Frogmore known as Pale Flesh. Cucumbers are extensively grown ;
All the Year Round being a favourite early variety, and fruit has
been cut in seven weeks from the time of planting out. A large
pit is filled with Pine Apples planted out, chiefly Smooth Cayennes,
of which there are some grand fruits fit for any exhibition table,
and Queens are also well grown. Very seldom indeed do we see
Pines in such beautiful condition as they are at Frogmore.

The chief of the other fruits outside are the Plums, to which
considerable length of wall is appropriated, the varieties Coe's
Golden Drop, Orleans, Imperatrice, and several Green Giges being
largely represented, Of Apricots there is also a great number, but

JOURNAL OF- HORTICULTURE AND vOTT AGE GARDENER,

[ Jane 23, l88ir

510

the trees are subjected to the same malady as they are nearly every¬
where, repeatedly losing fine limbs. A feature on some of the
walls are the cordon Currants, of which the Cherry Red Currant is
a favourite and holds a leading position for dessert, producing its
large brightly coloured berries in long handsome bunches ; a large
quarter is also occupied with bush trees, White Dutch, Red Dutch,
and Warner’s Grape Currants bearing heavy crops of fruit. A
total of about a ton of Currants is produced annually for preserving.
Raspberries are an important crop, and there are some large rows
in the kitchen garden of Fastolf, Northumberland Fillbasket, and
Carter’s Prolific1, with the White Raspberry. Black Currants and
Gooseberries are not cultivated on a large scale, as it has been found
.the space could be more profitably occupied with other crops.

VEGETABLES.

The kitchen garden is divided into several large quarters by the
walls, and it is very closely cropped throughout with excellent
vegetables. The soil is a heavy loam of good heart, not readily
exhausted, but difficult to work, and as the quarters are in most
eases 100 yards or more in length, much time is saved by ploughing
the land ; in fact, it is land that cannot be satisfactorily worked in
any other way. All the more important vegetables are grown on
the same extensive scale as the fruits ; for instance, 10,000 Seakale
roots are forced every season ; the demand for Asparagus is very large,
dour beds each 100 yards long being similarly employed for forcing
annually, and to maintain this quantity a corresponding number of
beds are made up each season. The system adopted for obtaining
intermediate supplies is one that has been strongly recommended,
.and is found satisfactory at Frogmore. A series of parallel beds close
"together with bricked sides, but with numerous open spaces to admit
the heat from the hot- water pipes which run between the beds, are
filled with Asparagus ; upon a framework above shutters are placed
to exclude light and retain the heat, which can be regulated accord¬
ing to the weather and the progress of the crop. With some of
the beds for the main outdoor supply of Asparagus it was found
that the roots at the edges of the beds suffered by the soil becoming
excessively dry in hot weather, and the evil has been completely
remedied by a thick mulching of straw applied in the alleys and to
the sides of the beds. The earliest Peas are grown in frames, Little
Gem being valued for its dwarf sturdy habit, abundant crops, and
good quality ; from this large supplies have been already drawn,
while now the first of the outdoor crops, Daniel O’Rourke and
Dickson’s First and Best are affording abundance of fine well-filled
pods. There are numerous rows of Sangster’s No. l,and for suc¬
cession Early Emperor, Dickson’s Favourite, Veitch’s Perfection,
and Champion of England are the favourites, but several other
varieties are also grown. Potatoes, Lettuces (and all salading),
Cabbages, Onions, and Spinach may be taken as examples of vege¬
tables required in great quantities. Of spring Cabbages, for in¬
stance, ten to twelve dozen are now being cut daily. Cauliflowers,
neat white heads about the size of a teacup, chiefly of Early London,
being in great demand, and the huge specimens occasionally seen
are not tolerated here. Numerous frames are devoted to the early
Potatoes, Veitch’s and Myatt’s Ashleaf, but there are also extensive
outdoor quarters. Onions are not satisfactory in some gardens this
season, but Mr. Jones has a grand piece of Tripoli in the best pos¬
sible condition. The clean vigorous condition of the crops and the
■close succession maintained afford an example of the best system of
market gardening applied to a private garden such as is rarely
seen.

PLANTS.

Plants for decorative purposes are grown by thousands. Bulbs
and other plants forced for their flowers have much space devoted
to them early in the year, Lilies of the Valley and Roman Hyacinths
being in especial demand. Palms, Crotons, Ferns, and miscellaneous
graceful plants of a similar character for table decoration are re¬
quired in thousands, necessitating a succession of young plants to
take the place of those becoming too large for the purpose or which
are damaged during the time they are in use. For the accommoda¬
tion of these plants there are several convenient pits, and the stock
of healthy little specimens is an unusually large one this season.
Gardenias are always valued for their flowers, and at Frogmore the
principal supply is obtained from young plants placed out in borders
at the back of a stove. The house is in two divisions. The borders
are narrow and raised some 4 feet above the path with a hot chamber
beneath. They are filled with good turfy loam and a single row of
plants placed in them. Fresh plants are raised every year, as after
two seasons forcing and hard cutting, or three if the plants are ex¬
ceptionally strong, they are discarded and young planted, and as the
two divisions are treated alternately in this way an unfailing suc¬
cession of freely flowering plants is insured. In the same house
Stephanotis is trained along the roof on wires, but the stems are
not allowed to twist round these, as when required for wreaths it is

much more convenient to be able to cut a shoot a yard or two in
length than cutting the flowers in trusses separately. Caladiums
are numerous, the variety Marga having neat medium-sized leaves
greenish yellow "with dark blotches between the veins, and the
silvery white variegated argyrites being chief favourites, but many
others are also included. Coleuses are well grown, and one of the
most effective varieties is Princess Royal, of good habit and excellent
colour, the leaves rich crimson margined with gold. Tall plants of
Begonia metallica 4 or 5 feet high are useful for decorative purposes,
the distinct bronzy foliage having an uncommon appearance. Pelar¬
goniums, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Gloxinias, Kalosanthes, Poin-
settias, Carnations (Souvenir de la Malmaison is very handsome),
Tuberoses, Fuchsias, and Cytisus are all grown in large numbers.
Roses have a house devoted to them, chiefly Tea varieties, and such
varieties as Homere, Safrano, Celine Forestier, and a blush-tinted
delicate and pretty Tea Rose named Pauline Labonte are grown in
some other houses trained to the roof, and produce their flowers in
abundance early in the season.

The Orchids include a number of very handsome specimen
Cypripedium insigne, Coelogyne cristata, and Calanthes Veitchi and
vestita. Of Calanthe veratrifolia there is an unusually fine specimen,
bearing about thirty spikes of pure white flowers. Cypripedium
caudatum, C. barbatum, with some Oncidiums, are the chief plants
in the collection, and these are grown with other stove plants.

The principal ornamental house is a conseryatoy 200 feet long
with a lofty7 span-roof, supported on iron pillars, with central beds
and side stages. The beds are filled with Camellias, strong handsome
bushes in splendid condition, and which afford a harvest of valuable
blooms of many varieties. There are also numerous fine specimen
and half-specimen Palms, the roof being covered with Tacsonias
exoniensis and Yan Volxemiwith other climbers, and the side stages
at the present time are filled writh Pelargoniums, Marguerites, Rho-
danthes, Petunias, and exceedingly fine Hydrangeas, bearing large
globular heads of flowers, varying from pink to bright blue. At
the end of the house is a pretty rock fernery and tall plants of the
red and white Daturas sanguinea and suaveolens.

Several columnar specimens of Cytisus canariensis 6 or 7 feet
high have been very handsome, but are now past their best and are
placed outside. A very gay effect is produced in this house in the
early spring, "when the miscellaneous bulbs are in flower, but at all
times when the Court is at Windsor the resources of the plant de¬
partment are concentrated in this house, which requires much
attention and a liberal supply to maintain it in good condition.

Facing the entrance gates of the garden, the pillars of which,
with the adjoining walls, are richly covered with the large-leaved
form of Ampelopsis Veitchi that in the autumn produces a grand
effect, is an avenue of old Cherry and Apple trees, and it is pro¬
posed to plant this with Evergreen Oaks, in memory of the Jubilee
year. It is expected that Her Majesty, with the members of the
Royal Family, will assist in this interesting ceremony.

WINDSOR, BUCKINGHAM PALACE, OSBORNE AND
BALMORAL.

To the other Royal gardens wTe can only refer briefly, and
though they are all beautiful, they afford less of general interest
to horticulturists than Frogmore, as they are employed as pleasure
gardens. The Terrace Gardens at Windsor Castle (fig. 83, page 503),
which are also under the superintendence of Mr. T. Jones, are taste¬
fully laid out, well planted, and excellently kept, the appearance
having been greatly improved in recent years by the handsome
Golden Yews and Arbor-Vitses, with Retinosporas and other orna¬
mental Conifers, which are now forming elegant specimens. Mis¬
cellaneous plants of the ordinary character are employed in the
beds and vases, but at one side, on a slope, are some beds of Heaths,
Ericas vagans and carnea, in opposite pairs, which are very beautiful
when in flower. The terrace walls are clothed with Roses (the
yellow Banksian is now flowering freely), Clematises, &c., the pure
white Clematis montana forming a graceful wreath of flowers over
one porch. A delightful and most extensive prospect is obtained-
from the terrace across a charmingly diversified country, while upon
the Castle slopes a dense growth of trees and shrubs has a fine
effect, the fragrance of the numerous Philadelphus coming up in
most agreeable gusts when they are stirred by a slight breeze. The
Mountain Ash is also abundant on these slopes, and when their
brightly coloured fruits are ripe they are worth a long journey to
see. Numbers of other deciduous and evergreen trees clothe the
slopes, amongst which is a fine specimen of Paulownia imperialis,
now flowering, but like many other trees it has suffered during the
severe weather and heavy snowstorms of the past winter.

Buckingham Palace Gardens comprise about fifty acres, nearly
half of which is occupied with lawns. The geiieral design is pictur¬
esque, and unusually beautiful for a town garden, such as this
really is, for the Prince Consort devoted much time to their im-

June 2S, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

511

provement, and they were chiefly laid out under his direction. The
lawns slope down to an ornamental lake embowered in trees and
shrubs, and a peep across this is afforded in the illustration (fig. 84,

. 507). There are numerous winding shaded walks, and so plentifully
ave large trees been employed, that they have effectually screened
the garden from all appearances of town life. A diversity of old-
fashioned hardy plants occupy the beds, with Chrysanthemums for
late autumn display, and the garden altogether furnishes a charming
rural-like retreat, admirably adapted for garden parties such as the
great gathering of illustrious visitors at the end of the present
month.

Osborne," one of the Queen’s favourite residences, -owes
much of its fame to its charming situation at East Cowes over¬
looking the Solent, and to the number of memorial trees its garden
contains ; for, like other districts in the Isle of Wight, many
Conifers, trees, shrubs, and plants that are delicate or unsafe farther
north succeed there admirably. Handsome Catalpas, Paulownias,
Eucalyptus globulus, Arbutus, Griselinia littoralis, Eriobottya
japonica, Escallonias, and Buddlea globosa are conspicuous the
Conifers comprising Retinosporas, Thuias, the Umbrella Pirie,
Sciadopitys verticiHata, Arthrotaxus selaginoides, Picea Engel-
manni, Liboeedrus chilensis, and Abies bracteata, with innumerable
others of similar interest. Amongst the memorial trees deserving
special attention are a Myrtle and a Cedar of Lebanon, the former
raised from a sprig in the bouquet of the Princess Royal, now
Crowm Princess of Germany, and the other brought by th:e Prince of
Wales as a seedling from Mount Lebanon. Hollies thrive well,
and there are several fine examples of green and variegated forms.
A magnificent avenue of Austrian Pines and Cornish Ehms leads up
to the mansion, which is in the Italian style, and overlooks a-terrace
occupied with ordinary bedding plants, Camellias, and Vines
trained over arches ; also commanding beautiful glimpses between
the trees of the Solent and the Hampshire coast. The garden is
carefully kept, and is now under the charge of Mr. Todrnan, Mr.
McPherson having, after a long service, retired on a pension.

Balmoral Castle (fig. 86, p. 516) Her Majesty’s northern retreat, is
situated amidst some of the grandest of Scottish scenery about fifty
miles west of Aberdeen. The river Dee there partly encircles the
base of the Craig-an Gowan range, and on the south bank stands
the Castle, which is architecturally a noble building in a modification
of the old Baronial style with a tower rising to the height
of 100 feet. A magnificent view is obtained from there of the
neighbouring mountains, several of which exceed 4000 feet in
height, densely wooded with Scotch Firs and Larch, of which
some millions have been planted on contiguous estates. There
is no kitchen garden and only two or three small houses de¬
voted to plants, but the Flower Gardens and Rose Gardens are the
chief features, and receive the best attention from the gardener, Mr.
W. Paterson. Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, and other ordinary
bedding plants are employed in the Scroll flower garden to the east
of the Castle, the terraces on the opposite side containing large beds
of Common Juniper and Rhododendron hirsutum, with bronze
figures of deer and wild boars amongst the shrubs. The Rose
Garden contains a good selection of varieties which succeed well
though so far north, the plants being healthy and floriferous.
Another interesting feature is a long border of herbaceous plants
that present a series of attractions during the greater portion of
the year.

In all these gardens there is one prevailing character, a graceful
picturesque simplicity of design, and a freedom from ostentation,
which indicates the most cultured taste. Many might derive a
lesson from this that would improve some of the most celebrated
British gardens. — L. Castle.

APHELEXIS CULTURE.

This beautiful and justly much-admired genus has for many years
formed one of the greatest ornaments in the splendid collections of
plants that have annually graced the tents of our great metropolitan
exhibitions ; a few practical hints, therefore, respecting its cultivation,
which 1 have conducted successfully for many years, may not be
uninteresting. I will commence with its propagation, which is con¬
sidered by many rather a difficult task, but, having raised some
hundreds of them by the following process, I venture to assert that
by strictly pursuing my plan no one will be disappointed in the
attempt. I would choose the month of June for the purpose. In
selecting cuttings make choice of good strong ripe wood, 3 or 4 inches
long, if fcuch can be obtained ; and if there are three or four side
shoots to the cuttings all the better, as in that way neat dwarf bushy
plants will be formed at once. In- taking off cuttiDgs, instead of
removing them with a knife, break them out down to the joint, with
a shoulder or heel to them, and just pruning off the loose bark with
a knife, is all that is required. Prepare some -5-inch pots by well

draining them, and nearly filling them with light peat and sharp
■ sand in equal proportions ; on this place half an inch of clean sharp
; sand, press all down close, and place your cuttings round the edge
of the pot, pressing them in tightly. When finished select a shady
place out of doors under a north Wall for them. Take out a trench
about 9 inches deep ; place in the bottom of it 3 inches of coal ashes
for the purpose of keeping down worms, and on this plunge the
pots to their rims, filling up between them with ashes. When this is
done put a sound handglass over them, pressing it down firmly on
the ashes to prevent air entering. They may then be left three or
four days, when they may receive a slight sprinkling of water.
Put the glass carefully on them again, when there will be bub
little to attend to until they are rooted, except looking to them
occasionally, in order to sec that they do not get dry or that damp
does not accumulate.

In August they will be ready for potting, which should be done-
as soon as they are rooted, in order to get well established bushy
plants before winter. When potting use the same compost as
is recommended for the bottom of the cutting plants, and pot them
into 3-inch pots. Set them in a close cold frame, and shade them
from the hot sun. In a fortnight they will be sufficiently established
' to permit of the operation of topping being performed, which should
be done to every shoot ; this will insure your getting them 6hort and
bushy, and a proper foundation will be laid for a fine specimen.

When the season arrives for placing them in their winter quarters,,
make choice of a dry airy shelf in the greenhouse for them, as close
to the glass as can be obtained, where they may remain until the
following April ; they will then require shifting into larger pots,-
using the compost rather coarser and with less sand in it than before,
and mixing some small pieces of charcoal or broken potsherds
with it, which prevent the soil becoming soddened and unhealthy.
Keep them either in a cold pit or frame, and see that they are con¬
stantly topped, which will be found to give them more strength and
vigour. They will require another fresh potting about the middle
1 of June, which should be their final one for that season. When
properly established, after this time of shifting, begin to expose them
to more sun and air, until they may eventually be placed out in the
open ground, making choice of a partially shaded situation for them,
free from all drip of trees, and where they may remain until housing
time arrives, when they should be replaced in the greenhouse as before
; recommended, paying great attention not to give them an over-supply
of water during the winter. As spring advances attend to potting
them as they may require it ; and should the plants not be wanted te
i bloom in a small state, they may again be regularly topped as before
directed. By following the practice I have just described, hud
attending to shifting them as they increase in growth, in two years
you will be in possession of some good bushy plants. Bhould this,
however, be too long to wait, young plants may always be purchased
at the principal nurseries, taking care to choose dwarf bushy ones
in preference to those having long weak wood, and by following
up the principle of potting and topping, you will insure a specimen in
much less time than you could from cuttings.

My object in giving the full particulars of the most successful
mode of propagating them is to show that there is not that difficulty
in the operation that many suppose. It may here be observed
; that as the plant advances in growth the soil should be used in a
coarser or rougher state, always employing sharp sand rather liberally
with it, and increasing the size of the pieces of charcoal or potsherd,
mixed with the compost, and when they receive their final shift, say
into 15-inch pots, pieces as large as hens’ eggs may be introduced,
pressing them firmly into the soil. This will be found of the
greatest possible advantage. It will promote in many ways the well¬
doing of the plant, as, for instance, in keeping the soil open and
porous, kind and healthy, and in. giving the roots full scope for
extending themselves through the ball of earth, -without coming in
contaot with soil that has become by constant watering soddened and
unhealthy. — W. B. G.

A CALAMITY WITH GRAPES.

I should feel extremely obliged to you if you could help me to
solve the cause of the Madresfield Court Grapes decaying;" as indicated
by the enclosed sample. The Vine is planted in a good ordinary lean-
to vinery, ten years ago. I started the house early in February. Thq
Vine showed great promise, and on the 4th of June was carrying nine
splendid bunches. As there was great interest evinced by all who saw
the Vine, I wished to give it every advantage. Finding a very slight trace
of thrips in the house, I determined to give a light fumigating as a pre¬
ventive. On the 6th to my great dismay I observed a few of the berries
turning a dirty colour. I cut them out thinking they were “ scalded.
The berries have gone worse daily since, and to-day, the 14th inst., to
my great regret I cut all the bunches. I also enclose a leaf, how, if
the fumigating has done the damage, the foliage is still perfect, and also
good crops .... of Black Hamburgh, Mill Hill Hamburgh, and Fosters

512

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jam 28, 1887.

Seedling are quite safe. The Madresfield Court is planted in the centre
•of the house, borders inside and out. I think if the fumigating is the
cause it may have been because the Vine was more vigorous than the
•others, and a thin-skinned variety. I should be very glad of your
opinion in the next issue.— A Hampshire Gardener.

[We print this letter in order that those of our readers who have
fumigated vineries containing the Madresfield Court Grape may record
their experience on the subject. The Grapes referred to are very fine
indeed, the few that are not injured being quite green and upwards of
inch long and an inch in diameter; the others, and they are the
majority, a dirty brown colour, more or less shrivelled, and undergoing
the process of decay. The footstalks are healthy. The leaf sent was
very stout and indicated good health and good cultivation, but the crop
is ruined. What was the cause of this? Can it have been the fumiga¬
tion ? We have never known such injury to result from the process,
even when the fumigating has not been light ; but we have not had
occasion to try its effects on the variety in question.

The Grapes appear as if scalded, or rather chilled. It is quite certain
that there has been an escape of moisture from them, for only the few
green berries are plump and distended, the others having shrunk so
much that the skins are loose and wrinkled. Extreme evaporation is
accompanied by a sudden lowering of temperature of the substance
from which the moisture escapes ; this lowering of temperature results
in contraction, and this may be sufficient to injure the tissue and give
the appearance of scalding ; but it is really chilling. The opinion
that the temperature of closed vineries heats the moisture that
is in contact with the Grapes to a degree that actually causes
scalding is, we believe, what Mr. Iggulden would call a “ fad,”
and a very old established one. We have applied water to Grapes very
much hotter than the moisture of the house, and in contact with the
berries, could possibly be, yet no “ scalding” followed the experiment ;
but a sudden outrush of air through throwing the too long closed venti¬
lators too widely open has dragged the moisture, and with it the heat,
from the berries to such an extent that they have been chilled— not
scalded.

The very fine examples of Madresfield Court that we are sorry to see
before us have exactly the appearance of Grapes that have been subjected
to the ordeal indicated, but we are not prepared to assume that such a
good cultivator as our correspondent evidently is has made such a mistake;
yet we think he would not have erred if, when the first signs of discolora¬
tion were apparent, he had afforded some shade to the Vine. We shall
be glad if some of our Grape-growing friends can account for the cause
of the injury that has resulted in the loss of a crop of Grapes that must,
if they had continued swelling, have been very fine indeed.]

We are desired to remind our readers that a special general
meeting of the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society will
be held at 3 P.M., on Tuesday, June 28th, in the Conservatory, to
consider the results of the negotiations and inquiries which have been
made by the Council as to the future maintenance and housing of the
Society.

- Leeds Horticultural Society. — A four-days exhibition,

under the auspices of the above Society opened on Tuesday, the chief
exhibitors in the plant classes being Mr. Letts of Upleatham, and Mr.
Edmonds of Bestwood Lodge. In order to connect it more intimately
with the great object of the national festivities, Her Majesty consented
to receive a basket of Roses from the Society. This was delivered by
special messenger on Monday, and its grateful acceptance acknowledged
by telegram. Photographs of the arrangement, also a fao Kindle basket,
were a centre of attraction in the Show. The blooms consisted appro¬
priately of fifty red and fifty white Roses, bordered with Brussels lace,
and the ribbon was embossed with the crown and Royal arms. The
flowers were arranged with great taste by Mr. R. Featherstone.

- Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick. — A

Strawberry Fete, with band and promenade, will be held early in July,
date of which will be duly announced. Admission. — As on ordinary
days to Fellows and their orders, season ticket holders, and subscribers
to the Chiswick Horticultural Society, or bearers of their tickets.

- It is with much regret that we learn of the death of Madame

Van Geert, wife of Mr. Charles Prosper Van Geert of Antwerp, and
one of the oldest and most esteemed of Belgian nurserymen. Madame
Van Geert had been a sufferer for some years from a paralytic seizure

that refused to yield to the best medical treatment. Visitors, of what¬
ever nationality, to Mr. Van Geert’s horticultural establishment cannot
fail to have been impressed with the unvarying amiability of the de¬
ceased lady, and her constant solicitude for the comfort of all by whom
she was surrounded ; and we join in the wide expression of sympathy
that will be tendered to the family on the great loss they have sustained.
Madame Van Geert was in the 70th year of her a e.

- Fruit at the Early Summer Shows. — The collection of

fruit with which Mr. Parker, gardener to J. Corbett, Esq., M.P., Impney,
Droitwich, won the chief prize at the R >yal Botanic Society's Show
last week, was a most creditable one both for variety and even quality
in such a season as the present. His Black Hamburgh and Foster’s
Seedling Grapes were his strong points, but the Peaches and Nectarines
were also fine. Mr. Hollingsworth, gardener to J. Campbell, Esq., Wood-
seat, Uttoxeter, had three very handsome bunches of Black Hamburgh
Grapes in the class for black Grapes, and very rarely do we see such
excellent samples at the June shows. They were of medium size, com¬
pact, with fine berries, and admirably coloured. Mr. P. Feist, gardener
to R. J. Ashton, Esq., Bishopsgate House, Staines, who make3 a specialty
of Muscat of Alexandria, had his favourite in capital form on the same
occasion, though it would have been improved considerably by a few
more days on the Vines. As an exhibit worthy of special notice we
must not omit the beautiful samples of Sir Charles Napier Strawberries
from Mr. Norman, Hatfield Gardens, at Kensington, on the previous -
day. In size, form, and colour they were all that could be wished —quite
models in fact. At York Mr. Mclndoe was the most successful exhi¬
bitor, where also a general good quality was noticeable.

- At the Royal Botanic Society’s evening fete, Regent’s

Park, Thursday, July 7th, 1887, there will be an exhibition of floral
decorations, &c., prizes of £5 to 10s. being offered. All classes
open to all competitors. All plants and cut flowers must be natural ;
no artificial flowers admitted. The following are the principal classes :
— Floral decorations arranged for a dinner table 10 by 5 ; ditto, ditto
dressed ready for use ; ditto, three groups for ditto, only one kind of
flower in each group ; foliage and flowers, suitable for a sideboard; small
group of growing plants, suitable for table ; group of plants, arranged
for the decoration of a recess, alcove, or fire-place in a room ; standing
basket, furnished with plants suitable for growing in a living-room ;
hanging basket, with growing plants ; bridal bouquet ; ball-room
bouquet ; group of flowers, <5co., stalks in water, and neither tied nor
wired ; flowers (either cut or on the plant) which only expand at night.
Medals are also offered for the following : — Arrangements of flowers,
leaves, &c., for personal adornment, such as wreaths, chaplets, and the
like, and also for use in dress trimming and ornament. These may be
prepared rea ly for attachment to the dress, or the dress may be exhibited
as ornamented. Lamps or illuminants for ornamental outdoor or con¬
servatory U3e. Self-contained garden and conservatory fountains.
Works of art. — The Glass Corridor and Museum will be reserved for the
exhibition of paintings and carvings of trees, plants, flowers as pictures,
or on glass, china, wood, or other material. Exhibitors desiring space
for such exhibits should make early application for space, which is
limited.

- Mr. W. J. Murphy writes :— I cannot allow you to close the

very important Discussion on Potatoes and Potato Degenera¬
tion initiated by me some months since in your pages without notifying
that already some good seems likely to arise from it. I have found in
Sutton’s No. 36, planted 17th February last, and Laxton’s No. 1 planted
later, two of the latest growing Potatoes in cultivation. The former,
though quite sound and vigorous, did not come above the ground until
about 20th May, three months after planting, so I have come to the con¬
clusion that here is a fine opportunity for the hybridist. A cross of either
of those with the Champion, the first to move, or with such vigorous
growers as Carter’s Freedom or Carter’s King of the Potato (new) should
give valuable results.” -

- “ E. M.” writes — 1; Seldom indeed do we see Mandevtlla

SUAVEOLENS so well grown as it deserves, probably owing to the
difficulty in keeping the foliage free from red spider, to which this
plant is much subjected. It does not require much roof space, and
being deciduous, does not obstruct the light from plants growing under¬
neath it during the winter months. It may be planted at the foot of a
back wall, and trained up with one or two stems until it reaches the
roof, when more branches can be allowed to grow at will. Plants may

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

513

Jane 23, 1*8;. ]

be easily raised from seed sown in a mild bottom beat in the spring.
The soil best suited is composed of good fibry loam, peat, and leaf soil,
with a dash of ground bones. Water freely at the roots during the
summer months, when growth is active, as dryness at the roots encou¬
rages the spread of red spider. The foliage, too, must be vigorously
syringed every day during the spring and summer, to ward off the
attacks of this plant's most inveterate enemy — red spider — otherwise
the growth will be poor, and consequently few flowers, these being
borne on the current year’s growth, renders a free growth necessary
to secure a good harvest of blossoms.”

- Garden Phloxes. — Mr, W. A. Manda of the Cambridge
Botanic Garden (U.S.A.) said at a recent meeting of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society that of the hardy herbaceous and perennial
plants the Phlox is one of the best, the different species of this showy
genus affording flowers at all seasons. Phlox subulata forms a dense
mass of rose-coloured flowers, with pink eyes, in the earliest spring-
Many garden varieties have been produced from this species, such as
Nelsoni, atropurpurea, nivalis, The Bride, and others from the darkest
purple to snow-white. P. amoena is another vernal bloomer ; it grows
about 8 inches high and produces in May a profusion of purple flowers.
b>ot less valuable is P. ovata, wrhich sends up large heads of beautiful
flowers on stems from 1 to 2 feet high in June. P. divaricata has pretty
bluish or lilac flowers on stems a foot high and blooms in May.
1 . glaberrima is a very neat and compact-growing species, a foot high,
with long shiny foliage and dense heads of pinkish flowers in June and
July. p. reptans is a dwarf and neat species, never growing over
b inches high, and bears large flowers in May. But P. paniculata is best
irnown and most cultivated ; it grows from 2 to 6 feet high. The type
usually has purple — seldom white — flowers in large and dense pyramidal
spikes. Innumerable garden varieties have been produced from this
species, of all colours from red to white. They flower from July to
October.

' Gardening Appointment. — We are glad to learn that Mr.
C. Herrin, who was for 3ome years gardener at Gerrard’s Cross, has been
appointed gardener to the Hon. G. M. Fortescue, Dropmore, Maidenhead,
succeeding the late Mr. Frost, Mr. Herrin is well known as a careful
and intelligent gardener, and has been very successful as a grower and
exhibitor of Chrysanthemums. Mr. Jacques, recently gardener at
Davenham Bank, Malvern, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Bradshaw
as gardener to Baron Ferdinand Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor, Ayles¬
bury.

- Blue Flowers.— It is often remarked with regret that we

have too few blue-flowered plants available for culture in houses, and
yet it seems that those which are procurable are disregarded. What
could be more brilliant than the Leschenaultia biloba major, of which
such well-grown plants have been shown in London during the past
week or two 1 The plant, with ordinary care, is easily grown, and
flowers most profusely, while the shade of blue is at once rich and
■distinct.

- “H. H. M." writes — “Very charming now are the Iceland

Or Arctic Poppies, as the varieties of Papaver nudicaule are popularly
termed. Their flowers possess a peculiar grace, and the colours are so
pure, that it is not surprising they have steadily advanced in popular
favour. Pure white, clear yellow, and rich orange, are the shades re¬
presented, and the flowers possess more substance of petal than our
native scarlet Papaver Rhoeas, which may be regarded as its near
■relative, botanically. The flowers are beautifully cupped, slightly
nodding on the slender stalk, and very freely produced. The plant
succeeds in any cool, not too dry, position, but is best raised from seed
annually.”

- The Times of June 18th reports the evidence of Mr. Martin J

Sutton, the managing partner of the firm of Sutton & Sons, Reading)
ljefore the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Sunday
Postal Labour. He stated that for four months of the year they
received from 1200 to 1.100, and despatched about 2000 letters a day,
and during the rest of the year from 500 to 800 a day. They sent out
1.10,000 catalogues every year, and often as many as 200,000 circulars
'besides, and their arrangements were made for the despatch of a ton
weight of parcels by Parcels Post every day. Their expenditure during
the last six months in stamps was £3411, and during the-samc time they
Rad used and posted in letters as remittances £1948 worth of small

postal orders and £.120 worth of stamps without a single order or stamp
having been lost in the post. They had never received or despatched
letters on Sundays. His firm had posted as little as possible on
Saturdays, with the object of avoiding labour in the Post Office on
Sundays. That was a serious inconvenience to them in this respect
— that it restricted them to about four days a week for posting their
catalogues, because the Post Office required notice, for as they were
posted in batches of 20 tons to 30 tons at a time, they could not be
accepted by the Post Office without previous arrangement. If there
were not a Sunday delivery they could post on Friday and Saturday,
as on other days, without fear of throwing additional Sunday work on
country postmen. But the varying values of seed often made the
premature posting of catalogues a great inconvenience, and sometimes
a serious loss. Notwithstanding such disadvantages, however, he was
glad to have the opportunity of giving evidence to prove that the
Sunday delivery of letters was quite unnecessary for the management
of a large business.

- The Winchester Horticultural Society is now affiliated

with the National Rose Society, and will .offer £105 in prizes at the
show to be held in Winchester, Thursday, July 7th, this year.

- We learn with regret that Mr. Francis R. Kinghorn, The

Sheen Nurseries, Richmond, Surrey, died on June 11th, in his seventy-
fifth year. Mr. Kinghorn had long been a well known horticulturist, and
for a considerable time was member of the Floral Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society, frequently also officiating as Judge at
metropolitan and provincial shows. He was born on February 13th,
1813, at Lennox Love, Haddington, N.B., and after service in several
establishments in the north was appointed, at the age of twenty-four,
gardener to Alexander .Murray, Esq., Orleans House, Twickenhami
where he subsequently also served the Earl of Kilmorey. He raised
several good Indian Azaleas, but his chief fame was made by Flower of
Spring Pelargonium, which was sent out by Messrs. Henderson, and
became a great favourite for bedding. Since 1855 he has been in busi¬
ness at the Sheen Nurseries, that will now be carried on by his son.

- Ceylon Agri-Horticultural Exhibition.— Messrs. James

Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, write — “ By advices just
received from Ceylon we learn that at the great Agri-Horticultural
Exhibition held in the City of Kandy during May last, three of our
ustomers were awarded the following extraordinary array of medals for
plants, &c., grown from our seed. The gold medal — For the best collec¬
tions of plants and flowers, all grown from Carter’s seeds, &c. Silver
medals — For Carter’s Victoria Prize Calceolaria, Holborn Prize Primula,
Crown Jewels Begonia, Marble Prize Gloxinia, Fuchsias, Geraniums, and
Mont Blanc Cauliflower. Bronze medals — For First Prize Cyclamen
and Prize Achimenes.”

- Gladiolus Col villi. — “ A Cultivator” remarks that G. Col-

villi alba and The Bride are excellent when grown in pots and flowered
during the end of May or early in June for house decoration or for
grouping in the greenhouse with a base of Maidenhair Fern. They are
alike useful for cutting ; the snowy whiteness of their flowers harmo¬
nises well with others in bouqets. To have them in flower at the times
named, procure the corms in October, placing five or six in a 48-sized
pot in a fairly rich soil, to which has been added plenty of decayed
leaves. Cover the bulbs an inch deep with the soil, plunging the pots
then in cocoa fibre refuse, ashes, or sawdust, giving if possible the pro¬
tection of a cold frame. When roots are freely made, and the growths
are starting, remove the plants to an ordinary greenhouse from which
frost is simply excluded, when they can remain until they bloom, or if
required earlier in batches, place some in a gentle heat when growth i9
fairly on the way. Stimulate the plants with liquid manure occasionally
when in active growth.”

_ We learn from a local paper that at the Sale of Plants at

Fxir Lawn, Lytham (exclusive of the Orchids) the specimens realised
very low prices. Excepting a few Pelargoniums, small Ferns, &c., the
only plant that brought anything like its value was a fine Lapageria
alba bought by Dr. Slater for 7J guineas. The magnificent greenhouse
Rhododendrons, a class of plants the late Mr. Fildes was particularly
fond of, and of which he had a fine collection, fetched scarcely a quarter
of their value. One magnificent specimen Countess of Sefton was
knocked down to the Rev. Canon Tayloi for the mere nominal sum of
2 guineas. A fine Rhododendron Veitchianum went to the Rev. Canon

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE' AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

5 l.i

[ Jane 23, 1887.

Taylor for 2 .g-uineas. . Fine specimen Azaleas, Camellias, Allamandas,
Stephanotis, Bougainvilleas, Ferns, &c., brought equally low figures.
Every credit is due to. the energetic gardener, Mr. Thornber, for the
excellent culture the plants have received.

— — A weitee in “ Vick's Illustrated Magazine ” has the following
on the Tubeeous-booted Cheevil (Chmrophyllum bulbosum). —

“ This is a vegetable of comparatively recent introduction. Its roots
closely resemble a Parsnip in shape, and is of a grey colour, the white
and mealy flesh tasting something like a Sweet Potato. I, do not think
that it will ever be cultivated for market purposes to any great extent,
yet for amateurs I think it is a very desirable addition' to the limited
list of garden vegetables. It' is equally as hardy as the Parsnip,' and,
'like it; rnuch improved by frost. It can be cultivated'M "the Carrot and
Parsnip, and, like them, should be grown in a deep, well enriched, light
loanfy soil. The seed should be sown thinly in rows 16 inches apart and
dov&red slightly, and if the ground is at all dry at the' time pf sowing it
should be well firmed around the seeds. It is advisable to sow early in
the spring ; in fact, as soon as the ground can be properly prepared, as
it is very slow to germinate, especially if the weatheSfe becomes hot or
dry. After the plants are up and strong enough to handle they should '
be thinned, so that they stand about 4 inches apart, and after this the
only care they will require will be to keep them free from weeds until
Cold weather sets in, when they can be taken up ana -Stored' for winter
iise. This is best done by placing them in a shallow pit and covering
with earth to the depth of 18 inches, the roots being piled in a conical *
form, and in this manner covered so as to throw off water.”

ON TULIPS.

[By MR. POLMAN MOOT, of Haarl»m (Holland). Head at a meeting of the Horticultural

Club, June 14th, 1887.]

The Tulip derives its name from the Persian word, “ Thoulybau,” turban,
the eastern head dress much worn in Turkey. Persia, and other eastern
countries. In Turkey the Tulip is named <;'Tubilent,” also because of its
resemblance in shape to tl e head dress there in use.

According to an ancitn-. writer on this subject, Dioscorides, the name of
the Tulip must have been Satyriura triphyllum, and also has gone by the
name of Narciss of Pliny. In Turkey the early sorts go by the name of
Cafia Lale, and the late-blooming sorts are named Cavala Laic after the
names of the localities where they mostly grow. ’

The Tulip is a bulbous plant, throwing up a single stem of from 4 to
36 inches, forming its smgle flower at the very top, consisting of six petals
forming a cup-shaped flower, with its functions for fructification by seed in
the centre of this cup j they are divided into various classes according to
their time of blooming and the different characters and nature of colouring
of each individual class when in bloom. From a book published in the
Dutch language, printed in Antwerp in the year 1644, by Rembertus
Dodonseus, a botanist at that time, it is mentioned that the Tulip in former
ages was known by the name of Pythion, and at that time the wild Tulip
waB eaten and was used for thickening the milk. Theophrastus, another
author of past ages, dcc'ares the Tulip to be a very good food, while two
other authors, Hespecbius, together with Gesner, in their botanical works,
mention that the oid name has been Satyrium Erythronium, producing only
a red flower, which was considered at that time a very good eatable bulb.

The learned gentleman, Gesner, called the Linnaeus of the sixteenth
century, met with the first Tulip at Augsburg (Germany), in a garden of
which the Councillor Johan Heinrich Herwart was the proprietor.

It further appears that the first Tulips were imported into Holland in the
year 1522 by Augerius Gislenius of Busbecq. born at Commines. in French
Flandres, and died at St.' Germain, near Rouen, on October 28th, 1592
which gentleman had been sent out by the Emperor Frederick the First to
Soliman the Second to Constantinople. This gentleman having travelled
through a good portion of Asia, brought the Tulip in Holland, having
collected it in Persia.

The first Tulip was seen in bloom in Amsterdam at an apothecary’s
there of Walich Kienwertz, where it was greatly admired by the public
but Carolus Clusius, a botanist at Utrecht, was the first who occupied him¬
self with growing and distributing Tu ips. This gentleman distributed
Tulips all over Holland, and created a taste for them among the public,
which led at the time to the neglect of all other flowers. Already at that
time Tulips were sold at pretty high prices, although not equal to the prices
in the speculative days later on. At the above-nam d date Tulips were
known only in two wild-growing sorts, distinguished by the names of Large
and Small sort, the latter being only in one colour— viz , yellow, and this sort
is probably the original sort from which our many early Tulip varieties
have sprung.

As regards the edible property of our present Tulip bulbs I cannot say
anything either in their favour or otherwise, as I have never tried them
myself, and I have only heard of one grower in our neighbourhood who has
tried them at the time that the Due Van Thil varieties were so abundant
that they could not be sold, who declared that he could not eat them • but
perhaps he did not have the proper receipt for their preparation and cook¬
ing. Very possibly these bulbs may possess valuable culinary properties
and if prepared carefully under the able supervision of some lady domestic
botanist, may iead perhaps to a splendid addition to our cookery, and pro¬
duce a deiicious dish hitherto unknown. I can very well understand that
in the past years when Tulips were only grown in limited quantities, simply
to satisfy the floricultural fancy of the flowers, there must have been little
ihducementrto prepare TuPps forthe table at the cost' of hundreds, even if

t

jheir delicacy should have been ever so great ; but at the present day, when
hey are grown by millions and can be procured at a small price, a Tulip
dish might not prove such a very costly or difficult delicacy to bring on the
table, in case such may be found desirable.

I should almost presume that some of the fair lady members of our Club
may feel interested to arrange experiments in this way, when the members
should certainly feel extremely thankful and happy when they were allowed
a taste of so novel a dish.

The classes in which the Tulips are divided are named as follows : —

a. The single early Tulips,

b. „ Double early and double late Tulips,

c. „ Garden or single late Tulips (fancy Tulips), Tulipes d’ Amateurs.

cl. „ Parrot Tulips.

e. ,, Botanical Tulips.

The early Tu'ips are again divided according to their tims of flowering,
of which the single early Due Van Thol Tulips (Tulipa suaveolens) in
various colours are the very earliest, and are therefore most esteemed for
early forcing in pots or vases for indoor decorations, when with proper
treatment these can be had in bloom by Christmas or even earlier. They
can be had in the following different colours — viz., brilliant scarlet, red with
golden yellow border, vermilion, crimson, red laced with gold, pure white,
yellow, rose, purple, rose spotted, orange, and violet. When the above-
named Due Van Thol Tulips are planted in pots or vases, they prove a very
beautiful and very early indoor decoration at a season when blooming plants
are generally very scarce indeed.

The somewhat later blooming single early Tulips comprise at the
present date numerous colours, from pure white up to the most intense
scarlet, and they are highly ornamental if planted in beds in the autumn,
when early in spring they make a most pleasing and effective show. Their
beauty for this purpose has become so highly appreciated, and has become
so much in favour of the general public throughout the civilised world,
that thousands (even millions) of bulbs are now sent all over the world to
satisfy the increasing taste for these garden decorations in early spring.
These early Tulips are the more valuable and appreciated because they
bloom very early in spring, almost immediately after the severity of the
winter has left us, being a time too early for planting out the summer
plants, and thus filling up the period between winter and summer plant¬
ing, which, without them, would have to be left without any floral garden
decoration. At the time when the Tulips have finished blooming and can
be taken up is just the proper time when summer plants should be
inserted. ,

The Tulips for garden decoration should be planted in October or
November, and should be somewhat protected against the severity of
winter with some covering material such as straw, reeds, or leaves, which,
however, should be removed immediately when milder weather sets in, as
otherwise the Tulips get drawn up, and are consequently weakened.

The early Tulips which are most suitable for the purpose of bedding
out and bloom pretty well at the same time are the following : —

Vermilion Brilliant
Rembrandt
Belle Alliance
Artus
Brutus

Crimson King

( Scarlet, crimson,
( and vermilion.

Chrysolora
Canary Bird
King of Yellows
Pottebakkar
Yellow Prince

Pax Alba
Pottebakker
Snowball
Queen Victoria

Proserpine
Adeline

Cramoisi pourpre
Epaminondas

Wouwerman
Vander Neer
Panlus Potter
Moliere

President Lincoln

Rose Luisante
Cottage Maid
Rose Gris de Lin
Rosamundi
Princess Mary Anne

Keizerskroon
Duchess of Parma
Leonardo da Vinci

Belle Alliance rectified, scarlet and gold

Bride of Haarlem,
Duchess of Austria,
Globe de Rigaut,
Golden Standard,
Silver Standard,

Tulipa Florentina
Bizard Pronkert
Prince of Austria
Yellow Prince

.Pure yellow.

Pure white and
rosy white.

( Soft rosy red of
("various shades.

>Shades of violet.

Rose and white
or pink.

}Red and yellow
bordered.

1

cherry and white
orange and red
white and violet
gold and scarlet
white and red flamed J

Various
f variegations.

}Sweet-soented
Tulips.

The above-named and many more Tulip sorts are also much used lot

June 25, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

515

forcing in pots. By planting three to four bulbs in a moderate-sized pot
they can do very well in a room, when their gradual development during
winter i3 a daily pleasure for an admirer of Nature to notice. These Tulip
roots can also be used on water like a Hyacinth, in which style they look
very showy among other flowers or plants. Of the class of single early
Tulips there are numerous varieties in almost all shades of colours, and
although fifty years ago many varieties existed, during the last fifty years
the most striking and most beautiful sorts, now so much in esteem, have
been raised and brought into use, and are certainly very great improvements
upon the older varieties. During the last few years a little collection has
been formed of Tulips with variegated foliage, of which some are very
conspicuous. It appears that th:s class is not so much known, but some of
them would be useful for decorative purposes. The Yellow Prince, with
foliage, is indeed a real beauty, while Purple Crown and Silver
Standard, La Precieuse, &c., all with variegated foliage, are aho very fine.
I his class has an important advantage over the oth<rs, because they are
decorative independent of the flower, and therefore their decorative property
lasts longer and begins earlier than all others.

The double early Tulips now in cultivation are not so numerous in
variety as the single, but some of them are very beautiful and highly
attractive by the large size of their Rose-shaped flowers and also by their
fine combination of colours. Some of these double Tulips are most suitable
for planting out in beds owing to their short-growing habit and the very
sharp and well-distinguish'd colours.

The following early varieties are dwarf growing, and together grow very
““form, aR of the same height, and coming into bloom at the same time,
.these are : — Rose Blanche, pure white ; La Candeur, whits ; Agnes, briUiant
scarlet ; Rubra Maxima, deep red ; Rex Rubrorum, dark red ; Queen
Victoria, purplish red; Murillo, rose ; Tournesol, red and yellow; Lac Yan
Haarlem, pure violet, and many more.

When planted in beds all sorts of figures in distinct colours can be made
of them after certain designs.

Of the tall-growing “ double late ” sorts, some are extremely beautiful,
among which I may mention the Mariage de ma Fille, red, striped with
white; La Belle Alliance, white, striped with violet; Yellow Rose, pure
yellow ; and so many more which, when planted in front of or between
shrubberies, produce a very fine t fleet.

(To ba continued.)

HARDY ORCHIDS.

An interesting collection of hardy and cool-house Orchid flowers
was contributed by the Comte de Paris, Sheen House, Surrey, to the
Royal Botanic Society’s Show last week, and though they were not very
conspicuous they attracted the attention of many orchidists. The
plants from which the flowers had been gathered were grown in the
gardens and cool houses at Chfiteau d’Eu, France, and most of the
European species had been collected wild in various districts, and there
are several parts of southern Europe where there are far more native
representatives of this family than in Britain. It is urged against many
-of these that they are more curious than beautiful, but some species of
Orchis, like mascula and maculata, will, when flowering freely, compare
favourably with many tropical epiphytal Orchids. Then we have the
North American Orchids, and with the help of a frame or cool house
we can have several Chinese or Japanese forms. Cypripedium specta-
bile is a grand plant for moist positions ; C. macranthum, especially
when it is seen as it was recently shown at South Kensington from
Floore Gardens, Weedon, is also very handsome, of a purplish-crimson
colour, and for uniformity and richness it is scarcely surpassed even by
the choice indoor Cypripediums. The Cape of Good Hope yields us the
Disas, which through a source of difficulty to some cultivators, are not
very troublesome when a suitably moist cool situation is provided for
them in a house or frame. The Satyriums include some very curious
and handsome terrestrial Orchids, somewhat fastidious, but worthy of
the care necessary to ensure their success. There are thus ample to
select from, yet collections are rare, even in large gardens. The Orchids
shown by the Comte de Paris were as follows : — Aceras antliropophora,
Cypripedium spectabile, Scrapias Lingua, Ophrys tenthredinifera,
Serapias pseudo-cordigera, Ophrys bombylifera, Cephalanthera ensifolia,
Ophrys fusca, Orchis longicornu, Orchis fusca, Orchis tephrosanthes,
Orchis militaris, Ophrys lutea, O. Speculum, Cypripedium pubescens, •
Bletia hyacinthina, Orchis mascula, and 0. maculata. — X.

ORCHIDS AT HIGHGATE.

Mb. H. Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., Hope Cottage, Highgate,
has long been known as a prizetaker at the Royal Botanic Society’s and
■other exhibitions, but he is- perhaps not so well known as a successful
Orchid grower. 1 had the pleasure of being shown over his place a few
days ago, and amongst his small, but very select and exceedingly well
grown collection of Orchids, I was much struck with his examples of
Cypripedium niveum, numbering some twenty plants in 48-sized pots,
suspended from the roof by wire, about 2 feet or so from the
glass, and all in full flower. The pretty variegated foliage looked the
picture, of health, and quite a number of the plants had four to five
blooms each, the charming satiny-white and speckled blossoms looking

very beautiful indeed, and the beau ideal of a chaste “ buttonhole."
It is, I believe, not unusual to suspend this Burmese Orchid in its cultL
vation, but Mr. Eason always treats it in this way and his success is
beyond doubt. Amongst others in the collection I noticed a dozen plants
of Epidcndrum vitellinum majus, Cypripedium superbiens, and Aerides
Veitchi, all splendidly grown and flowered ; also a number of grandly
grown plants of Coelogync cristata (Cliatsworth variety) in 14-inch pots
full of splendid pseudo-bulbs and in remarkable health. — J. L.

AN ORCHID BOUQUET.

Messes. F. Sandeb & Co., St. Albans, on Monday last had on view
at Mr. Stevens’ Rooms, King Street, Covent Garden, a magnificent
bouquet of Orchids that had been prepared for H.M. the Queen. It was
about 7 feet high and nearly as much in diameter, surmounted by a
crown formed of Dendrobium clirysotoxum, D. suavissimum, and
D. thyrsiflorum and Oncidium sphacelatum, the greater portion of this
huge bouquet being composed of Cattleyas Mossias, Mendeli, Sanderiana,
Laslia purpurata, Odontoglossum crispum, 0. cordatum, Oncidium
crispum, Phalffinopsis grandiflora, &c., with the letters V.K. in bands of
Epidendrum vitellinum. It was an extraordinary production, and com¬
prised some thousands of Orchid flowers, the value of which it would be
difficult to estimate.

WORK FoiyrHE WEEK. .

S5

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Newly Planted Teees. — The unusally hot and dry weather recently
experienced has naturally checked all active growth on late-planted
trees. Very few of them will form any lateral growth, nor will the lead¬
ing shoots make much progress ; but if properly attended to the root-
action will be going on. Unless these comparatively poorly rooted trees
are kept well supplied with moisture, which a liberal mulching on
strawy manure will help to conserve, very few fresh fibres will Ire
formed, and as a consequence they will break weakly next season.
Syringing the foliage in the evenings of sunny days will also
benefit them. No newly planted young trees ought to be allowed to
bear any fruit. If left on the trees it rarely attains a serviceable size,
but the attempt to perfect it materially checks both leaf and root growth.
Do not hastily remove any Apple or Pear trees that have failed to start
into growth. If the wood remains plump and green it may start into
growth at midsummer, or even next spring. Water them at the roots
occasionally, syringe over the foliage and mulch. Pyramids and standards
in the open ought long ago to have been properly secured to stakes, other¬
wise wind-swaying effectually checks root-action. Besides, the stems
also require to be kept straight.

Thinning' the Chops. — Pears bloomed very abundantly, and where
they set well the young fruit ought at ofi.ee to be freely thinned out,
otherwise the trees will attempt to perfect the lot, the most probable
consequence being a general failure to swell any to a good size. Nor is
this the only evil result, as, when overcropped one season, it takes one
or more seasons to recover them from the check. Therefore thin early
and freely, and be the gainers thereby in every way. In the case of all
the larger sorts, such as Pitmaston Duchess, Marechal de Cour, Yan
Mons Leon le Clerc, General Todtleben, Beurre Bachelier, Beurre Clair-
geau, Doyenne Boussoch, Duchesse d’Angouleme, and Uvedale’s St. Ger¬
main, not more than one fruit should be left of each cluster, and where
they have set plentifully, even those left ought to be eventually reduced
in number. They are nothing if not large. Nor can such fine sorts as
Williams’ Bon Chretien, Jargonelle, Beurre Superfin, Louise Bonne of
Jersey, Marie Louise, Beurre Diel, Doyenne du Comice, Glou Morgeau,
Beurre Hardy, Brockworth Park, Ne' Plus Meuris,- HuysheS’ Prince of
Wales and Prince Consort, Easter Beurre, Hacon’s Incomparable, and'
Gansel’s Bergamot; be well grown too large. Only the -best fruit in each
cluster-, of these should be saved. The small, or comparatively small
sorts, njay frequently be left in clusters of two or three fruit, but even
these, if abundant, may well be left hanging singly. In the latter
category we include Alexandre Bivort, Crasannes, Autumn Bergamot,
Bergamotte Esperen, Beurre d’Aremberg, Beurre Giffard, Beurre Sterck-
mans, Citron des Carmes, Jean de Witte. Jewess, Josephine de Malines,
Knight’s Monarch, Olivier de Serres, Seckle, and Winter Nelis. Unless !
Plums attain their natural size the fruits are of very poor quality. It
is advisable to thin out lightly now, and. again when nearly fully grown,
the latter thinnings being excellent either for tarts or making into
preserve. Cherries are much finer if thinned out early, and the same
holds good with regard to the dessert Gooseberries. Peaches are set very
thickly, and in many instances if more than one in ten of the. fruit are
left on the trees only small fruit will be ripened off. Thin out at once, .
not waiting for the trees to shed a number of the fruit.

- Geoss Shoots on Tbained Tbees.— Peach, Apricot, and. Plums,
are especially liable to form extra strong shoots, and if those are not
checked they quickly spoil the shape. of the trees. Not only do these
gross shoots rob the other branches, but they are not calculated to even- .
tuajly develope into good bearing wood. If they are necessary for fur- j
nishing blank spaces, lay them in, taking care to depress them as much

516

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jana 28, 1887.

as possible, and if several of the leaves are removed from them this will
further check such over-luxuriant growth. If this remedy fails, they
must be stopped and the side shoots also kept pinched back. In very
many instances they are best pulled out of their sockets or cut clean
oil. A timely removal is most advisable, this diverting the sap to the
formation of medium-sized well-ripened growth all over the trees.

Watering Strawberries. — There was never a better prospect of
abundance of Strawberries, but where the plants are rooting in poor or
untrenched ground the exceptionally hot anc dry weather experienced
will have rendered them very dry at the roots. They are essentially
moisture-loving plants, and unless assisted at fruiting time in very many
instances the crops will be of short duration. Driblets of water or
liquid manure will be quite thrown away on them. It is better to do part
of the beds well than to merely moisten the surface of all the ground.
They should have liberal supplies of pond water if possible two nights in
succession. It is not advisable to use any kind of liquid manure at this
advanced stage, as this cannot well be kept off the fruit. At the same
time, if some kind of fertiliser can be washed in the crops will be greatly
benefited thereby. A sprinkling of guano, bone manure, Clay’s fertiliser,
or some other kind of soluble artificial manure applied prior to giving

no check is given likely to induce the premature ripening of the wood
and foliage. Keep the latter free from red spider by syringing- occa¬
sionally, and if necessary apply an insecticide, as it is of the greatest
importance that the foliage be kept healthful and ripen naturally.
Laterals must be kept stopped, but where there is space to allow of
growth being made without overcrowding, encourage it, thus promoting
root action, which prevents the wood and foliage maturing too early.
All shoots that have borne fruit and are no longer required should1
be cut away to admit light and air freely to the growths, and if there
is too much crowding of the shoots for next year’s bearing thin them
well out, alike to make space for the free admission of light and air, and
the action of water to cleanse the foliage from red spider.

Fruit Ripening. — With a view to prolonging the season of fruit fire
beat may be discontinued, and air admitted freely day and night, main¬
taining a good moisture at the roots to compensate for the lessened
moisture in the atmosphere consequent upon the fruit ripening. Where,
however, it is not desired to retard the fruit a temperature of 60° to 65°
and 70° to 75° by day, and free ventilation will enable the crop to swelj
freely and develope good-flavoured fruit, allowing a rise of 10° to 15°
from sun heat, the atmosphere being kept dry, but the floors and other

Fig. 86. — BALMORAL CASTLE. (See page 511.)

the second watering and well washed in will have a marked effect, more
especially in swelling the later fruit. A dressing may also be given
in the event of soaking rains falling before the crops are cleared off.

Birds and the Strwberries. — Blackbirds are at the fruit almost
before ripening commences. The gun is the best remedy where large
breadths are grown, but in small gardens, wholly or partially surrounded
by good cover for birds, nothing but nets will serve the fruit. We prefer
to erect a light framework of stakes and tar twine, and over these strain
the netting at a sufficient height for anyone to walk or crawl under
them. When the nets are merely thrown over the beds, the birds settle
on the top and help themselves to the fruit through the meshes.
Besides, new netting is very injurious to the foliage, and ought always
to be kept clear of it.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Early Forced Tree*. — Those con¬
tinuously forced to ripen their fruits in May have a great strain upon
their energies, as they have to make the growth during the early spring
months and mature it in early summer. It is necessary to ventilate to
the fullest extent after all the fruit is gathered, removing if possible the
roof lights about midsummer or before the end of the month ; or if they
are not moveable (which is a great mistake), in addition to full ventila¬
tion, the border should be frequently damped and duly watered so that

available surfaces should be damped so as to afford a certain amount of
air moisture for the benefit of the foliage. Moisture at the roots must
be given both to the inside and outside border, and as a frequent appli¬
cation is undesirable during the ripening a mulching of rather short dry
material will lessen the necessity for it.

Fruit Sivelling. — In houses where the fruit is taking the second or
last swelling after stoning employ the syringe vigorously to keep down
red spider, as if it gets a hold before the fruit commences ripening it
will seriously impair the quality of the fruit and affect disastrously the
foliage, preventing it perfecting the buds for future bearing. Keep the.
border well watered through a mulching of short manure, giving a
sprinkling over the surface of guano or some other approved fertiliser,
and wash it well in. Admit plenty of air, especially in the early part
of the day, but to insure the fruit swelling to a lar*re size close early
with abundance of atmospheric moisture, allowing the heat to rise to
90° or more afterwards. Let the fruit be turned with its apex to the
light, and draw the leaves aside or shorten them so as to admit light and
air to the fruit, and thereby secure its even colouring and ripening.
Keep the shoots well tied down. Pinch laterals on the strong shoots
back to the lowest leaf, and thin out the growths where crowded, re¬
moving superfluous shoots.

- Late House*. — Admit air freely. Syringe morning and afternoon.
Keep the shoots tied down as they advance, reduce the fruit to the
quantity required for the crop, or a few more may be left than will be-

■Jane 83, 1837, ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

517

required to allow for casualties in stoning. Mulch both the inside and
outside borders with short manure, and give water abundantly. Shoots
uot required for next year's crop and those not wanted for furnishing
the trees should be removed, keeping any laterals upon strong shoots
closely pinched. Young trees should be properly disbudded ; and the
shoots for next year bearing, if they are disposed to elongate beyond
18 inches, may be pinched at 12 to 15 inches, stopping the laterals at the
first leaf, but extensions or main shoots should be allowed to grow their
full length provided they are evenly balanced and there is space.

Gathering the Fruit. — Great care is necessary in removing the fruit
of Peaches, as the least pressure makes a mark and spoils its anpearance.
A piece of wadding should be held in the hand and the fruit removed
by gentle pressure, then laid gently in a padded shallow basket. The
fruit ought not to remain on the trees until it is dead ripe, and allowing
it to remain until it falls is a bad practice. Where that course is
allowed the fruit should be caught in the fall by some netting fixed a
short distance from the trees, and looped to form pockets and so prevent
the fruit damaging each other by contact. Morning is the best time for
gathering the fruit, and it should be placed in a cool room to mature
before being sent to table.

Figs. — Second Crop. — The first crop being gathered, generous treat¬
ment will be required to swell the second, s> ringing twice a day to keep
.ml spider in check, and affording liquid manure whenever water is re¬
quired, trees in pots requiring it daily, and those in borders once or
twice a week, according to the vigour of the trees and the extent of the
rooting area, those with the border of limited extent requiring it more
frequently than those with the roots less restricted. The second crop
should be thinned where thickly set before the Figs are the size of
Wain tits ; and in thinning reserve the largest fruits at the base of the
shoots. All the trees should be mulched over the roots with short
manure, especially those in pots with richer material and oftener re¬
newed. Keep the growths thin, and with their point well up to the
light.

Fruit Ripening. — A free circulation of air is imperative, and it should
be warm ; therefore gentle fire heat may be necessary in dull weather.
It is also important that the fruit be kept dry, but a moderate degree of
air moisture is necessary for the benefit of the foliage. Those conditions
are essential to high quality : not less so is tying-in and regulating
the growths by thinning and stopping.

Young Tree* in Pots for Early Forcing. — Those coming on for that
purpose must not on any account be neglected, or they will disappoint
the grower. They must have all the light, possible, and not be at a
greater distance from the glass than is necessaiw for their growth, keep¬
ing them well syringed and supplied with liquid manure so as to insure
sturdy growth : and when the growth is complete they should have
abundant ventilation so as to ripen it thoroughly. In order to insure
rest to the trees they may, when the growth is matured, be placed out¬
doors in a sunny corner, but in a dull and wet period this should be
avoided, or means should be at command for warding off heavy rains. It
is essential that Fig trees for early forcing have the wood matured early,
and be given a few weeks’ rest — the more complete it is the better.

B

HE BEE-KEEPER.

PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING.

No. 13.

When a bee-keeper has decided to adopt one of the
three systems of management before laid down he will
naturally inquire, unless he already possesses the neces¬
sary knowledge, how his stocks must be managed to bring
such a system to a successful issue. It will also be of no
little practical value to every bee-keeper if he is able to
learn how to manage an apiary upon each of these several
systems, because, although this year he may be so cir¬
cumstanced that he judges the first system to be the
more profitable one for him to adopt, another season
a change of residence may necessitate a change in his
management if he desires to obtain the greatest results.
All these three methods shall, therefore, be treated
at length and in order. When stocks are to be
managed upon the first, or non-swarming, system there
are several points to which special attention must be paid,
and upon the care and attention paid to these points
depends success and failure.

From time to time some system of management, which
it is claimed will entirely prevent the issue of swarms

against the wish of the bee-keeper, is introduced, and for a
short period appears to be attended with success. I do not
believe that the bee-keeper has yet drawn breath who can,
in a practical and easy manner, prevent a swarm from
issuing if the bees have determined to throw off their
surplus population. It is useless to clip the wings of the
queen and to destroy queen cells; this may postpone the
evil, but will not prevent it. The only practical way of
preventing the issue of a swarm is to take away the desire
by removing the necessity. By such a course a very great
measure of success is assured. It is recognised that the
desire for swarming is engendered by the necessity laid
upon the bees in common with all other creatures of race-
perpetuation, and, therefore, it is this necessity which we
must remove, and the necessity having been so removed
the desire will be lost. It is true that some difficulty
attends upon the removal of the necessity, because the
necessity returns upon the bees at certain periods. Now,
the two principal causes which give rise to a necessity for
increase, and hence engender the desire to throw off’ a
swarm, are —

1, An old enfeebled queen.

2, A population too large for the hive.

A queen becoming enfeebled excites in the minds of the
bees a fear of extinction unless they raise a successor.
This they at once proceed to do, and in raising one gene¬
rally raise several other princesses, thereby having, as it
were, more than one string to their bow. If these young
queens are raised at a time when the stock is strong and
populous, the old queen leads forth a swarm, and leaves
the young princesses to occupy the throne she abdicates.
The old queen going with the swarm has some relaxation
from her labour because the swarm has to build the cells,
and the breeding season drawing gradually to a close there
is less necessity for so large a supply of eggs being daily
produced. In the following year perhaps the same event
happens, until at last the old queen dies, and possibly,
unless the bee-keeper gives assistance, the stock or
swarm, of which she was then mother, is destroyed. If,
instead of allowing this old queen to survive, the bee¬
keeper had in the preceding autumn supplanted her by a
young fertile queen, the necessity occasioned by the en¬
feebled state of the queen, which would without such
removal have been head of the stock, would have been
removed, and the probability of the issue of a swarm, if
due attention is given to the second point, will have been
removed.

A young queen must be kept at the head of every
stock. This is the first necessary step which must be
taken to prevent the issue of a swarm.

The second point is one which requires much care and
judgment in the bee-keeper, the slightest inattention often
being the sure precursor of failure.

Supers must be provided immediately that the stock
is ready for supering. Super must be added to super, so
that there is always sufficient room to keep every bee at
work, and to prevent the rapid rise in temperature which
makes a hive too small for the colony located in it unbear¬
able. A delay in placing the first super may occasion
failure in spite of every effort made afterwards to remedy
the mischief. I believe that no colony headed by a young
fertile queen will ever throw out a swarm provided suffi¬
cient super room is given at the right time. It is diffi¬
cult, I know, to tell the exact day when a stock is ready
for supering, but it must be done if success is to follow
our efforts. If there is any doubt a super should be
placed during the morning of a fine day, and removed

518

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June S3, 1887.

again at night if not taken possession of by the bees.
When once the first super has been placed successfully
the after management is comparatively easy. But to
return. Supers must supply room sufficient to contain all
the bees. When a stock is well at work in supers, and
fresh space is continually afforded in advance of the re¬
quirements of the bees, no swarm will issue provided the
queen is healthy and fertile.

Upon such lines must those proceed who desire to give
this system a trial. They must give their attention to
these two essential points, and to every stock which they
wish to prevent from sending out a swarm they must
supply—

1, A young active queen in the preceding autumn.

2, Ample supering room.

Success or failure will mainly depend upon their own
skill and judgment. If they fail to pay strict attention
to these two points I cannot be blamed for their non¬
success, hut by carrying out the above instructions I believe
that the chance of failure is infinitessimal, and the cer¬
tainty of success almost absolute.

It may be said by some that “ ample supering room ” is
a very indefinite expression. It is so, I confess, but it is
impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast rule; but it will be
quite safe for me to say that during the whole of May, in
fact until the Clover is well in bloom, a new super should
be supplied as soon as the bees are properly at work in
the one last placed, unless the weather is cold. So when
the comb in the first super is built out then a fresh super
may be placed beneath, but all depends upon the weather
and the bees themselves. Between the placing of the
first and second super a far longer time will ordinarily
elapse than between the placing of the second and other
supers. The more combs there are built out in supers
prior to the Clover harvest the better the chance of secur¬
ing a great profit. Five racks of sections, each containing
twenty-one 1 lb. sections, ought to be in position in every
hive every season, and in a good year, and in a good
locality, every one should be filled. A stock must be
poor and profitless unless it has population sufficient to
work in 120 sections in a good year. The subject must
now be left with the hope that all who make a trial of
this system of management will succeed and prosper in
their success. — Felix.

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

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot he answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Address (A. K. 1 The address you require is Messrs. W. & J.

Birkenhead, Sale, Manchester.

Asparagus ( E . 0. Dalston). — The less you cut your Asparagus after the
present time the better. Give the beds a good salting to destroy the small
weeds, and apply liquid manure copiously to encourage strong stems this
summer, as the finer they become the better will your Asparagus be next
spring.

Seedling Pansy ( IV. II. T.). — Your Pansy flowers having been packed
in dry cotton wool arrived in a much withered state, through the wool
extracting the moisture from them and fading the colours. We can only
say the variety appears to be a pretty miniature worth preserving, but v/e
doubt if it possesses any material commercial value.

Repotting Auriculas ( W. J.). — Most persons repit their plants in May,
but, as “D, Deal,” has recently stated, Mr. Bolton, who is an excellent
grower, does not. We repotted a few plants in May, leading some others
undisturbed, and these latter are decidedly the better now. We do not
apprehend that gre.it injury has been done by what you call “ neglect ” in
this matter.

Growing Cucumbers ( Manchester ). — As you have found your method
of culture, with ventilation, s itisfactory, why do you want to change ?
The non-ventilating system answers well with some growers for market, but
all of them do not adopt it ; and we have known some gardeners who have
attempted it revert to the 11 old plan,” and growers for market too ; but
this does not prove the non-ventilating method wrong in all cases and
localities.

Thinning Raspberry Growths (W. James). — It is an excellent plan to
thin out a number of suckers at this period of the year where there are
many of them clustering from the roots. These if left injure each other,
and the majority have to be cut out when dressing the plantations in
winter. It is in every way better to draw out now those not wanted, and
the others which remain will become the stronger and mature the better,
hence being in good condition for bearing next year.

Cornflowers (Henley). — There is no difficulty whatever in having
Cornflowe s for cutting at this season of the year. We have plants 2 feet
high, three or four of them planted together forming bushes of nearly the
same diameter. They are covered with flowers and buds, and will con¬
tinue attractive for along time. The seed was sown — in fact, self-sown
last August, and the plan s coming up thin’y assumed a sturdy habit, and
sustained no injury from the frost and snow of winter. They were taken
up, and planted in their flowering positions early in April.

Destroying Wire worm ( G . P.) — Dress the ground with gas lime, one
peck (level measure) per square rod, distributing equally over the surface,
it being best applied in autumn and forked-in. The ground should be
forked over again so soon in spring as the ground is in working order, and
again before putting in the crop. It will drive them away if not destroy
them. Many may be destroyed by baits of Carrots or Potatoes buried m
the soil 1 to 2 metres deep, which should be examined daily, and the wire-
worms that have peuetra'ed the baits destroyed, re inserting them in the
soil. If the baits have a stick thrust through them, so as to serve as a
handle, they are more readily takm up and examined.

Autumn-sown Onions for Exhibition (M D.). — The seed should be
sown the second week in August. The ground should be trenched as deep
as the soil will admit without bringing up any bad soil, though if the
bottom soil be bad it is well to loosen it. A good manuring should he
applied, mixing it well with the soil, the manure being thoroughly decom¬
posed. The ground should be made firm, and the seed sown in drills afoot
apart. When the plants hive a pair of leaves thin to 2 inches distance
apart, and keep clear of weeds, stirring the soil between the rows. To
avo:d the maggot, when the plants show the second leaf water over them
with p troleum — a wineglassful to three gallons of water, stirring well;
let stand twelve hours, then stir again, and after standing another
twelve hours skim off the oil from the surface, watering the plants with
the clear or skimmed water only. This may he repeated iu the early part
of April, May, and June respectively. In March you may remove every
three plant-*, leaving the fourth, planting them in well-manured deeply
trenched ground in rows a foot apart, and 9 inches apart in the rows, the
ground being well firmed before planting. All that is wanted is to water
until establ shed and to keep clear of weeds. A sprinkling of soot may he
given every month, commencing with March and continuing until June,
applying in such quantity as just to blacken the surface, applying guano
between the soot applications at the rate of 2 lbs. to 30^ square yards,
which will cause the manures to he applied at fortnightly intervals. If the
weather be dry at the time of applying the manures they should he given
in liquid instead of sol'd f rm — one peck of soot to thirty gallons of water,
and 2 lbs. guano to the same quantity of water, the watering to be at the
rate of one gallon per square yard.

Petunias in Pots ( J . Edwards). — You are right : they are very beautiful
when well grown, but too often seen “ drawn and weedy-looking.” The
following is a good method of culture : — Supposing a plant to be in a
tiO-pot, and to have passed through the winter unscathed, it should be a loyv
bushy plant well furnished with branches and healthy leaves. The soil
for repotting being moderately dry, let the plants be brought out of the
greenhouse to the bench, and prepare the pots to receive them. If old and
dirty let them he clean-washed, and do not use them till they are perfectly
dry. Put in drainage in the usual way; place some rough siftings over
the drainage, and upon them place as much soil as will raise the ball of
earth the plants are growing in to the level of the rim of the new pots;
then turn the plants in succession out of the pots, remove carefully the
drainage that may be attached to each ball, place the plant in the fresh
pot, and fill round the hall the new compost till the pot is full, then give a
gentle stroke upon the bench, and fill up the deficiency. The old ball
should then be covered about half an inch, and a small space left below
the level of the rim, then give a gentle watering, and return them to the
greenhouse, placing them close to the glass. As they grow take care to
stop each shoot, thereby inducing a bushy habit. The tops, if required,
may be made use of as cuttings. In this Btage the plants will require
constant attention to keep them duly supplied with water, and plenty of
air whenever the weather is mild. About the middle of April they will
require a second shift into larger pots, into the same compost, using the
same precautions as to drying the soil, draining the pots, and so forth.
Most probably the green fly will now make its appearance, and it must be

Jane 23, 1887.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

'519

instantly destroyed by frequent fumigations of tobacco. When the
weather becomes warmer they will grow much stronger and bushy in a
cold frame or pit upon a layer of coal ashes than on the greenhouse stage.
A third and last shift will be necessary in June ; the plants should then be
put into pots 9 inches in diameter, and in these they are to flower. As
soon as the usual inhabitants of the greenhouse are removed into their
summer quarters the Petunias will be in a fit state to take their place.
Plenty of air mnst be given, and the roof should be shaded whenever the
sun shines brightly.

Election of Pansies ( F . S., Durham). — You are not in error. An
election was conducted by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Paisley, two years
ago. ‘ They asked twenty-five of the leading amateur and gardener growers
who compete so successfully at the great Pansy shows to furnish them
With the names of what they consider the best twenty-four Fancy Pansies,
the best eight Show dark seifs, the best five Show white seifs, the best five
Show yellow seifs, the best nine Show white grounds, and the best nine
Show yellow grounds. We have given the number of Fanc:es up to
thirty-six, so as to correspond with the Shows. The elected varieties are
as follows, the figures representing the number of votes the varieties
received Fancy Pansies : May Tait (Laird & Sons), 25; W. Cuthbert-
son (Dobbie), 25 ; Catherine Agnes (Dobbie), 25 ; Miss Bliss (Downie .and
Laird), 24 ; Evelyn Bruce (M’Comb), 23 ; Jas. Gardener (Downie Laird),
22 ; Mrs. Finlay (Samson) 22; Mrs. T. M’Comb (M'Comb), 21 ; Mrs. Jamieson
(Downie it Laird, 21 ; Mrs. G. P. Frame (Weir), 20 ; Bob Montgomery
(Paul), 19; Craigforth (Brodie), 19; Endymion (W. Dickson), 18 ; Miss J.
Orkney (Dobbie), 16; Mrs. W. Stewart (Stewart), 15; David Saunders
(Paul), 12; John Gold (Weir), 12; Agnes Mitchell (Paul), 10; Mrs. J.
Stewart (Paul), 10; Mrs. J. Downie (Sutherland), 10; Mrs. Goodwin
(Dobbie), 10; Mrs. Storrie (Paul), 9; Charles Stansell (Stansell), 9 ; Per¬
fection (Dickson it Co.), 9 ; Mrs. Barrie (Downie & Laird), 8 : Ruby (Laird
and Sons), 8; Mrs. Forrester (Downie & Laird), 8; David Wallace (Stewart),
8; Earl Beaconsfield (Samson), 8; Mrs. Duncan (Robertson), G; Bessie
Stewart (Paul), 5 ; Maggie Weir (Frew), 5 ; Mrs. Sword (Sutherland), 5;
Flora Gem (Matheson), 5; A. Macmillian (Dobbie), 5 ; Robert Godwin
(Dobbie), 5. Show Pansies. — Dark Selfs: Rev. J. Morrison (Taylor), 25 ;
D. Malcolm (Ciithbertson), 23 ; Peter Lyle (Paul), 19 ; Mauve Queen (Paul),
18 ; Andrew Miller (Paul), 17 ; Crosshill Gem ( — ), 14 ; Harry Paul (Paul),
13; Alexr. Watt; (Paul), 11. While Selfs: Mrs. Galloway (Paul), 23 ; Mrs.
Dobbie (Dobbie), 23 ; Mrs. Cadzow (Dobbie), 22 ; Mrs. Turnbull (Dobbie)
21 ; Mrs. Goodall (Paul), 13. Yelloio Selfs: Gomar (Ross), 25; G. McMillan
(Dobbie), 24 ; W. Crockart (Dobbie), 24 ; Lizzie Stewart (Dicksons it Co.),
11; Golden Bee .(Paul), 6 ; White Grounds: Mrs. J. G. Paul (Paul), 24;
Mrs. James Millar .'(Paul), 24 ; J. Foote (Downie it Laird), 24 ; Miss Ritchie
(Dobbie) 19 ; Miss Barr (Robertson), 18 ; Jeanie Grieve (Dicksons & Co.),
18,; Miss Meikle (Paul), 14 ; Mrs. Stewart (Stewai-t), 8; Miss Baird (Paul),
6b Yellow Grounds : D. Dalglish (Robertson), 25 ; William Robin (Paul),
22g J. B. Robertson- (Robertson), 20 ; Robert Pollock (Paul), 15; Lizzie
Bfillo&k ( Sutherland) , 15; Lord F. Cavendish (Robertson), 13; Thomas
Ritchie (Robertson), 12; Bailie Cochrane (Dickson), 11; G. S. Veitch
(White), 10. ' •

Epacris Culture (P. King). — These plants are highly attractive and
useful for afforffii>% flowers for cutting. They are by no means difficult to
growl SfkppAsAstb^t the plants are obtained in 4J or 6-inch pots during
March or April or.dn September. At the latter period, of course, we secure
thenSlin-'bl&dm^tM^tfirst season. Their flowering will be over by the middle
■of April; theyiehabld then be pruned and carefully watered for a time, or
until, they are growing freely. We usually remove Epacrises to a pit after
pruning. Wheh"Blfe bloom is past remove all the decayed flowers and
any seqtl vessels, Dwiil cut back the strong shoots to within 2 inches of their
origin from..t4eMwv3:year-°ld wood, but the small twiggy shoots of not
iqore than a.-coiipjb of inches in length are not interfered with. Shoots of
this description o"&ht to be encouraged to as great an extent as possible
by, checking the*gRrwtli of the strong shoots by frequent stopping. When
removed to the-^^t— say at the end of April — the plants are kept just
moisty but a^gooGtSfcipply of water is afforded before they are affected by
dryness. Any potting is best done when the shoots are about an inch
long. Turning the plants out of the pots, remove the drainage carefully,
and loosen the sides of the ball with a pointed piece of wood. The pots
should be well drained to one-fourth of their depth ; place a large crock
over the hole, them some rather large pieces, and finish off with small.
Over the drainage half an inch of charcoal that will pass through a three-
quarter-inch and. not a quarter-inch sieve is excellent. The soil may con¬
sist of three parts sandy fibrous brown peat chopped up very small (the
roots and stems of the Heather picked out), and. one part of light ve ry
turfy l’oam, with half a part of charcoal broken to pass through a half-inch
sieve, anct a like proportion of silver sand. Place enough in the pot to
bring the collar of the plant level with the rim of the pot ; put the compost
round ttie bill, -ram it pretty tightly with a piece of lath, and in this way
bring it up to within half an inch of the rim. Large shifts are not good.
A pot 1 tO’f J inch larger than that in which the plant has been previously
growing. is sufficient. Finish off with a dash of silver sand on the surface.
Water carefully after repotting, and take care that the centre do not
become -dry ; .but if the plants are deluged with water they will soon
appear sickly and die. When the roots are pushing freely in the fresh
soil water liberally, but without rendering the soil sodden. In Epacris
culture no stakes nor ties are wanted, but stop the strong shoots when
they have grown 3 inches, and repeat the stopping whenever the shoots
attain this length unt'l August, then leave it off ; and in October, if there
are any young shoots longer than G inches stop them. This will keep the
plants very compact, and they will have none of those long straggling
shoots that flower at the base and for a great extent at the end are bare of
bloom. Such irregular growth may even be stopped (luring the winter or
blooming season. This throws more vigour into the little stubby shoots,
which are mostly spikes of bloom. The plants are kept in the pits without
heat from April until the middle or end of September, and have abundance
of air, though for a for night or three weeks they are kept rather close. In
this way they make very firm wood, and flower remarkably well. They
thrive better in pits than in houses in summer, from the former having
more moisture. In the house they have a light and airy position, come
into bloom in November or December, and continue flowering till April in

a temperature of 40° to 46° from fire heat. In watering Epacrises care
should be taken not to pour the water directly on the stems of the plants,
but just within the pot’s rim, for when it is poured on near the stem,
there being few or no fibres”there to take it up, it destroys the bark, and
the plants decay at the neck.

Namee of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than sixspecimens can be named at once.
( W II. C.). — Iris pallida dalmatica, very attractive.

MARKET. — June 22nd.

A few outdoor Strawberries to hand,

FRUIT.

8

COVENT GARDEN
Trade brisk with good supplies.
Prices generally as last week.

a.

Apples ,$ sieve .

Nova Scotia and

Canada

.barre 110

0

13

0

Cherries, £ sieve

.. .. 0

0

0

Cobs, 100 lbs. . .

0

0

Pig?, dozen . .

0

6

G rapes, per lb. . .

.. .. 2

0

4

0

Lemons, case . ,

0

15

0

MeloD.each ,,

0

3

0

Oranges, per 100 .. 6 0tol2 0

Peaches, dozen .. .. 4 0 It 0

Pears, dozen . 0 0 0 0

Pine Apples, English,

per lb . 16 00

Plums, h sieve . 0 0 0 0

St. Michael Pines, each SO 0 0
Strawberries, per lb. 0 0

Artichokes, dozen . . . .
Asparagus, bundle . . . .

Beans, Kidney, per lb. ..
Beet, Red, dozen .. ..
Broccoli, bundle . . . .

Brussels Sprouts, J sieve
Cabbage, dozen .. ..
Capsicums, per 100 ..

Carrots, bunch . . . .

Cauliflowers, dozen
Celery, bundle .. ..
Coleworts, doz. bunches
Cucumbers, each . . . .

Endive, dozen .

Hero?, bunch .

Leeks, bunch . .

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d

l

0

to 2

0

Lettuce, dozen .. .. 1

0 to

1

6

1

6

4

0

Mushrooms, punnet .. 0

6

i

0

1

8

0

0

Mustard and Cress, punt. 0

2

0

6

1

0

2

0

Onions, bunch . 0

3

u

6

0

0

0

0

Parsley, dozen bunches 2

a

3

0

0

0

0

0

Parsnips, dozen .. . . 1

0

0

0

1

6

0

0

Potatoes, per cwt . 4

0

5

0

1

6

2

0

„ Kidney, per cwt. 4

0

0

0

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 0

2

0

0

3

0

4

0

Salsafy, bundle .. 1

0

1

6

1

e

2

0

Scorzonera, bundle .. 1

6

0

0

a

0

4

0

Soakale, basket .. .. 0

0 -

0

0

0

4

0

6

Shallots, per lb . 0

3

0

a

l

0

3

0

Spinach, bushel .. .. 8

0

4

0

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes, per fb. .. .. 0

9

1

0

0

8

0

4

Turnips, bunch . . . . 0

4

0

8

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

8.

a.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi. dozen .

8

0 to 12

0

Fuchsia, dozen . 4

0

to 9

0-

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen . 0

0

0.

0

„ (common), dozen . .

6

0

12

0

Geranium (Tvy), dozen .. 4

0

6

0

Azalea, dozen .

18

0

30

0

,, Tricolor, dozen 3

0

) 6

0

Begonias, dozen . . .

4

0

9

0

Hydrangea, dozen . . , . 9

0

12,

0

Calceolaria, dozen . .

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valley, dozen . . 9

0

18

0

Cineraria, dozen

4

0

8

0

Lilium longiflorum, doz. 18

0

30

0

Creeping Jenny, dozen . .

3

0

4

0

Lobelia, dozen . 4

3

6

0

Dracaena terminalis, doz. 30

0

30

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen 6

0

12

0

,» vindis, dozen. .

12

0

24

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . . 4

0

9

0

Erica, various, dozen

18

0

30

0

Musk, dozen . . . . . . 2

0

6

,0

Euonymus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

Myrtles, dozen . . 6

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

0

24

0

Palms, in var., each . . 2

6

21

0

Ferns, in variety, dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, dozen . . 6

0

15

lO’

Ficus elastica, each

1

6

7

0

., scarlet, doz. 3

0

•9

0

Foliage Plants, var., each

2

0

10

0

Spine i, dozen . 6

0

P

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

B.

d.

Abutilons, 12 bunches . .

2

0 to 4

0

Marguerites, 12 bunches 2

0 to 6

0

Anemones, 12 bunches ..

2

0

4

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches 4

0

.6

0

Arum Lilies, 12 blooms . .

3

0

8

0

Myosotis, 12 bunches . . 2

0

'6

0

Azalea, 12 sprayg .. ..

0

6

1

0

Narciss, 12 btinches . . 2

0

e

0-1

Bluebells. 12 bunches . .

1

0

1

6

„ White. English, bch. 0

0

0

0

Bouvardias, bunch . .

0

6

1

0

Pansies, 12 bunches . . 2

O'

4

0

Camellias, blooms . .

1

0

3

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 0

9

i

0

Carnations, 12 blooms . .

1

0

2

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses 0

4

G

6

.. 12 bunches..

0

0

0

0

Poinsettia, 12 blooms . . 0

0

0

0

Cornflower, 12 bunohes . .

8

0

6

0

Primula (single), bunch. . 0

0

, o

0

Daisies, 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

„ (double), bunch .. 0

9

1

0

Buchans, dozen . . . .

4

0

6

0

Polyanthus, 12 bunches. . 2

0

4

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms . .

X

6

3

0

Ranunculus, 12 budehes

0

6

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

Roses, 12 bunches . . . . 4

0

9

0

sprays

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor), dozen .. 0

9

1

6

Ixia, 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

„ Tea, dozen . . . . 1

6

8

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

„ red dozen . . . . 2

0

4

0

Lilinm longiflorum, 12

Rose le Mois. 12 bunohes 6

0

8

0 •

blooms .

8

0

6

0

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . . 2

0

4

0

Lilac (white), French,

TropEeolum, 12 bunches 1

0

2

(J

4

0

7

0

Tuberoses, 12 blooms •• 0

9

1

0

Lily oX Valley, 12 spray?

0

9

1

Tulips, dozen blooms 0

0

0

0

„ „ i2 bunches

2

0

6

0 '

White Pinks. 12 bunohes 1

0

4

0

FORAGE CROPS.

Glorious weather heralds the beginning of the hay
harvest once more. A clear sky day alter day is an

520

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane SI. 1867.

incentive to begin this important work to which most
farmers yield, for if we do not make hay when the sun
shines we cannot justly complain if subsequently it is
spoilt by heavy rain. When to begin? is the momentous
question by which the minds of so many men are exercised.
Is it best to do so just as the crop is coming into flower,
when it is in full flower, or just as the tioaers fade?
For general guidance we might answer that the best time
is just when the crop is in full bloom, and before any
demand is made upon the economy of the plant in the
development of seed vessels. But seasons occur when we
may advantageously break through rules, and the
present season appears to us to be one of them. To let slip
fine weather for the sake of seeing all the flowers expand
before beginning mowing is simple nonsense — nay, it is
more, for it is a grave error. 8aicl a clever old farmer
to us only a day before writing this article : “ I have had
too much musty Clover in my day to waste such fine
weather for haymaking now,” and he went on to s.iy :
“Why should I wait? I know that I am mowing
Sainfoin and Red Clover before the growth is in full
bloom, but then while waiting for another inch or two of
growth I may lose the fine weather, and by mowing at
once I make sure of a fine lot of stover, and may fairly
reckon upon a vigorous second growth, which I shall
either also mow or feed off in folds, or save for seed
according to the state of the weather later on.”

We have advisedly taken “ Forage Crops” for the title
of this article, because we wish to call attention to the
importance of the exercise of caution in laying down land
to pasture. If the price of corn continues low we shall
certainly have more and more land in pasture, but we
shall also maintain a due proportion of other forage crops
upon every farm. Take for example Sainfoin ; what a
bulk per acre of it do we get, not only in the ffrst year,
but also in the second and third also. For three years
the culture of land under this crop is reduced to a mini¬
mum. We have recently had sheep and lambs in folds
upon two fields of first-year Sainfoin. No forage crop
is better than this — few so good to “ finish ” lambs upon,
and the sheep have so thoroughly enriched these layers
that the second growth is certain to be so good that we
may turn it to profitable account either for seed, for
stover, or for grazing. We shall not save it for seed,
because that would exhaust the plant, and we wish to
retain it for at least two years longer.

It is not, however, on all farms that Sainfoin can be
grown, from the fact that it requires lime in the soil,
or rather, we might say, soils with both lime and chalk.
But the mixed layers of alternate husbandry and Clovers
are open to every farmer, ('lover- sick land do you say?
Only a few hours ago while travelling by rail, and on the
sides of an embankment alongside the line, to Norwich, we
saw occasional patches of Clover high up upon the slope
where the hot sun and drought must have tried it sorely,
yet there surrounded by parched and stunted turf were
the Clover patches, green, vigorous, and positively
rampant. What had happened to those isolated spots to
induce such vigorous growth of one forage plant, while
another surrounding it was sickly and languishing ?
Why, just this, each patch of Clover had sprung up
where the clippings of the railway boundary hedges
had been burnt, and it was undoubtedly the potash of
the ashes that had imparted vigour to the Clover under
such peculiar conditions of position and exposure to the
effects of heat and drought.

The lesson is obvious : Clover revels in potash, and

therefore one of the best forms of applying it is in that of
the cheap and simple one of a dressing to the land of
wood ashes. More than once previously have we drawn
attention to the value of wood ashes in the culture . of
Clover. We have used them on permanent pasture with
excellent results, but we must own that on permanent
pasture some nitrogen should be mixed with them.

For mixed layers we require really fertile soil, con¬
taining in due proportion nitrogen, potash, and phos¬
phorus ; we then get a wonderful bulk per acre of splendid
forage, much more than is usually obtained from per¬
manent pasture, and we may by annual dressings of
chemical manures in February, or by sheep folding, main¬
tain such layers in full vigour for full four years. Such
crops enable us to keep down labour expenses, a matter
of vital importance under the agricultural depression.

(To be continued.)

WORK OR THE HOME FARM.

The hot dry weather though favourable to Wheat has proved trying
to other corn, especially upon light land. Wheat absolutely revels in
such weather, aud wc never saw the crop in better condition at this
season of the year ; the plant is very vigorous and robust, and Wheat
ears will soon be plentiful enough. Winter Oats, too, have improved
wonderfully, and the beneficial effects of the timely application of
manure may now be seen unmistakeably in this crop. We have not had
to put sheep upon any of our Oats, but we have seen it done upon farms
where green food was scarce.

Hoes, ploughs, harrows, and cultivators have been in full swing upon
land in preparation for late Turnips and between Mangolds and Swedes,
one or other such implements being brought into use as could be done to
best advantage. Keep down the weeds say we, and there never was a
better opportunity than the present fine weather for doing this. Land
badly infested with couch grass has been ploughed and harrowed re¬
peatedly at intervals sufficiently long to expose the grass roots fully to
the sun. That weeds draw fertility from the land is a self-evident fact;
to suffer them to do so and then subsequently to make good the waste
by the application of manure is clearly a mistake. By all means let us
practise strict economy, but let us also learn when and how we can best
do so.

Haymaking is going on briskly, the first crop of Sainfoin, Lucerne,
Clover, and mixed layers being very good. Our meadow hay crop on
the home farm is generally very good ; there are, however, two or three
poor pieces of pasture which must have special treatment before another
spring comes round. We have not had the flock out on the park or
meadows since they were laid in for hay, as we had plenty of roots and
green crops upon arable land for them up to the present time. They are
now upon Winter Tares, which are a good crop, but the land is light,
and the drought has laid hold of it so that growth has ceased in the
Tares and the sheep will soon be through them. We hope, however, to
have enough pasture cleared of the hay crop in readiness for them by
the time they require it. Luckily our first field of pasture from which
the hay was cleared contains much Dactylis, which gives a strong second
growth sooner than any other sort of grass.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 11° 31' 40" N. ; Long, 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

Hygrome-

d .

o

Shade Tern-

Radiation

a

1887.

is*!

ter.

'2 a

a I

perature.

Temperature.

»

Jnne.

0> pH

In

On

«£§

Dry.

Wet.

So

H

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In..

Sunday .

12

30.201

65 9

59.0

N.E.

58.6

78 2

51 2

124.8

46 O

—

Monday .

30.165

67.4

59.9

N.

60.2

81.8

52.1

124 8

436

—

Tuesday ...

14

£€.237

71.1

58.2

N.

61 4

79.6

55 6

112.9

47.7

—

Wednesday.

15

30.305

71 6

61 4

N.F.

61.4

85 3

513

128.9

45.2

—

Thursday .. .

16

3O.'50

67.1

60.9

N.E.

62 8

79 9

56.8

1191

49 4

—

Friday .

17

30.352

67 9

6o.2

E.

63.0

75.4

53.9

118 6

52.6

—

Saturday . . .

18

30.3;‘3

66 8

69.1

N.E.

63.2

80.4

50.2

122 8

47.2

—

30.279

683

60.0

61.5

80.1

63 0

121 7

47.4

-

REMARKS.

12th. — A bright summer day.

13th.— Bright and hot ; the first day of the year with a maximum temperature above 80°. •
14th.— Fiue and bright, but slightly hazy at times.

15th — Fine and very hot ; maximum temperature above 86°.

16th.— Bright, with p'easant breeze.

!7th.— Bright, with cool N.E. wind.

18th.— Fine and hot.

A week of rainless hot summer weather, Temperature about six degrees above the'
average— G. J. SYMOSS.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

521

Jane 30, 1887. ]

30

Th

Shepperton Show.

2

s

3

SUN

4th Sunday after Trinity.

4

M

5

Tu

National Bo3e Society’s Show, South Kensington.

6

W

Twickenham, Wimbledon, and Brighton Shows.

OLD ROSES.

ARRIORS of the Rose are preparing for the
fray, burnishing their armour, and reviewing
their strategic plans for conquering former
successful adversaries. Soon we shall see
the pages of “our Journal” teeming with
records of the conflicts, and the excitement
almost induces some steady-going non¬
exhibitors to test their strength in the field.
Still, however, we content ourselves with witnessing the
triumphs or defeats of others, revelling in the beauties of
our own homely Rose trees and their plentiful blooms.
For seeing perfection of individual form, and comparison
of varieties, Rose shows are admirable institutions ; but
it is perhaps an open question whether the rosarian’s
chief pleasure is not found in watching the development
of his treasures at home, and gathering them sparklingly
fresh with the morning dew to adorn dainty vases or
delight a friend. There is an indescribable satisfaction
in wandering through a rosery and observing the objects
of one’s care during so many months, repaying us ten¬
fold with brilliant or soft-tinted and fragrant flowers.
This season the exceptionally dry weather has somewhat
diminished the enjoyment, as they are coming with less
substance and do not last so well; but the colours are
excellent, and exhibitors may find some compensation in
this.

Much is written about the “ New Roses ” every year,
but few seem to think it worth while saying anything
about “ Old Roses;” yet there are many old varieties that
possess all the charms we expect or desire in a Rose
except the symmetry of form considered essential in varie¬
ties for exhibition. Unfortunately magnitude is regarded as
an indispensable character also, and then too often there
is an approach to what is correctly, but inelegantly,
described as “lumpiness.” Non-exhibiting amateurs,
like myself, can happily disregard all such imaginary
attractions, and find our satisfaction in a liberal supply
of blooms, varied in colours and rich in fragrance. The
last named quality is one that has been most neglected
in recent years by raisers of new Roses, yet thirty or forty
years ago it was one of the principal recommendations of
candidates for popular favour. In richness of colours
there has also not been much advance, for several varieties
in cultivation forty years ago cannot be surpassed in that
respect now. For example, the old Geant des Batailles
was extraordinary for the brightness of its colour, and we
• have just cut a bloom that is almost dazzling in com¬
parison with some of the best of the modern Hybrid
Perpetuals, though not equal to them in form. Said Mr. T.
Rivers, when writing about Roses in his agreeable manner,
“It should have been named Etna, or Vesuvius, or Fire-
No. 3CG. — Vol. XIV., Third Series.

brand, or some such fiery name, for who ever saw any¬
thing amongst flowers so glowing, so live-coal-like?”
Cramoisie Superieure was another superbly rich Bose, and
Velours Episcopal was equally remarkable for fine crim¬
son shade and velvety substance of petal, but I have not
seen it for many years, though the other two are some¬
times found in old gardens.

The Cabbage Roses have gradually declined in general
favour, mainly because their season of flowering is so
much shorter than the Hybrid Perpetual group ; yet they
are very beautiful, and what can equal them in fragrance ?
From the time of Gerard, when the Holland Provence
Rose was figured in his celebrated “ Herball,” until the
middle of the present century, the Provence or Cabbage
Roses were garden favourites, and still they have admirers.
One variety that attracted much attention was the Unique
Provence, which, I believe, was found as long ago as 1777
in a cottage garden at Needham Market, Suffolk, by a
Mr. Grimwood, then a nurseryman at Kensington, and it
was sent out by him. The flowers were pure white, of
good shape, and the variety became a great favourite, as
being quite distinct from the numerous crimson and rose-
coloured forms of the same type. Some of the large
Rose -growing nurserymen of the present day catalogue a
variety under the name of the White Provence, but I have
not had an opportunity of satisfying myself whether this
is identical with the Unique Provence Rose, but probably
it has been derived from it. The Rose de Meaux is
included in this group, and a charming little early-
flowering variety it is ; while its sport, the Mossy de
Meaux, one of the best-known of the old Moss Roses,
introduces us to another beautiful type, of which there
are scores of forms as much admired now as they were
early in the century. The original Moss Rose seems to
have made its first appearance in this country in 1596,
having been brought from Holland with other horticul¬
tural curiosities or valuable additions to garden plants ;
but the Mossy de Meaux originated in a garden at
Taunton, where it was found in 1814, and purchased for
£5 by Mr. Sweet of Bristol. It is an exceedingly pretty
variety, and though such Moss Roses as Lanei, which is
remarkable for its fine crimson colour and well-formed
fragrant blooms, have to some extent taken its place now,
it should by no means be despised. With regard to the
terms Provence and Provins, which are still applied
indiscriminately to the Rosa centifolia or Cabbage group,
it may be pointed out that it was long since decided that
the Provins Rose belongs to the species R. gallica, and is
quite distinct from the Provence. About Mitcham, where
Roses have for many years been cultivated for their
flowers, which are employed in the preparation of Rose
water, R. gallica varieties or the Provins Rose are those
grown, as they were also about Provins in France, which
was celebrated at one time for a conserve of Rose petals.
Under the R. gallica hybrids must be mentioned the
interesting old striped Roses Rosa Mundi and "V illage
Maid, the latter of which is occasionally seen named York
and Lancaster, though this is a Damask Rose and dis¬
tinct from the preceding, though all are pretty.

The China and Hybrid China Roses constitute a
beautiful group, and some of these make handsome
bedding Roses, flowering late into the autumn, but the
strongest growers are best suited for pillars. One of the
most noted of the section is General Jacqueminot, which,
in its way, is unsurpassed to the present time, and is
highly appreciated in hundreds of gardens. Rivers’
George the Fourth and the Duke of Devonshire, both
No. 2022.— Yol. LXXYI., Old Series.

522

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 30 , 1887.

capital varieties, enjoyed a large share of popularity
thirty years ago, hut there are many of the type now
which have been so intermixed with others by crossing
that it is difficult to determine their proper position.
The semi-double forms are very graceful, their delicate
petals having a shell-like transparency.

The climbing or tall-growing straggling Roses suitable
for covering walls, pillars, or arches include a great number
of varieties of different types that in old gardens may be
found scrambling about in grand luxuriance and pro¬
ducing their flowers by thousands. I have two of these
covering a porch and intermingl ng their innumerable
flowers in the most delightful confusion. They are old
plants, their names having long since been lost, but they are
just as much appreciated as if they boasted some long pre¬
tentious title. One has dark rough foliage and neat white
blooms, occasionally slightly tinged with pink in the
centre, but the majority came pure white, and the branches
are crowded with flowers as closely as they can be pro¬
duced. One beautiful branch arching across the porch is
a natural wreath of pure flowers ; they are, however, of
little use for cutting except in the bud stage. An eminent
rosarian has determined this to be a variety of Rosa alba,
known as Blanche Belgique, and evidently of continental
origin. The companion to this is very different in
character ; the flowers are a very pale pink, with delicate
petals forming a compact oval bud, which does not open
as full as the other, but is better adapted for cutting.
This is regarded as the Blush Boursault, of which type
there are some grand richly coloured climbing Roses, all
distinguished by their free habit and marvellous
floriferousness.

The Ayrshire Roses constitute another series of
climbers or stragglers, of which Dundee Rambler, with
semi-double white flowers, is one of the best marked
varieties. The Evergreen and Polyantha Roses are others
suited for similar purposes, and are charming when trained
to pillars 10 feet or more apart, and then festooned from
one to another. I am familiar with an old collection of
these Roses near London where this method is adopted
with delightful effect, both the pillars and the connecting
chains being covered with flowers at the present time.

Perhaps these hurried notes may induce some of your
numerous rosarian readers to favour us with a few obser¬
vations on other old Roses, for there must be many like
myself who still admire them. — Amateur.

LATE GRAPES.

Remembering last autumn that a few complaints were made in
the Journal respecting the shrivelling of late Muscats has induced me
to offer a few remarks concerning the probable cause. It was con¬
sidered by some that the sudden reduction of moisture both at the
ronts and in the atmosphere was the chief cause, and I have no
doubt that in a great measure has something to do with it; but I do
not consider that is the sole cause, although at the same time changes
should be brought about gradually, so that the Vines may not feel
the effect too suddenly. But the condition the Vines are in, and
the way they have been previously managed, have a great deal to do
with their being able to withstand any sudden alteration in their
management. Late Grapes as a rule are allowed a long season of
growth, and that growth to bring about the best results should (from
the first signs of starting into leaf) be built up in a robust solid way,
••md the four things necessary — that is, light, heat, air, and moisture,
must be brought to bear upon them in due proportion ; one of the
chief things, and one of which in our climate we cannot very well
have too much light.

Before one begins to advance any particular information it is
necessary to consider what state Vines are in, for to treat Vines with
a weak constitution the same as those that are strong and in good
condition, would be simply .courting failure. Unfortunately (or
perhaps I might mor§ appropriately say fortunately, for 1 was

enabled to gain good experience by it), during my practice I have
on one or two occasions had to take to Vines in a very bad state.
Without in any way interfering with the roots, beyond giving a good
mulching with manure, I have put very weak Vices into strong
robust health in a couple of seasons, without entirely sacrificing the
crop.

With weak Vines I like to encourage'as much growth as is possible
to be had under the glass without crowding it, and until this is
obtained I stop but little. If plenty of growth can be had from the
main laterals I keep the sub-laterals in check, if not I allow them
their liberty until all the space is filled up. To get Vines strong,
freedom from insects is absolutely necessary, for with healthy growth
strength will soon be obtained, and the reverse if otherwise. Strong
Vines in good condition I treat differently, but even these require
special treatment, according to whether small or large bunches are
required; if the former, the laterals may be closer on the rods than for
the latter, for large bunches plenty of space must be allowed between
the laterals. I generally stop at the second leaf beyond the bunch,
and when the sub-laterals make their appearance (which they com¬
mence to do at the end of the shoot generally, directly after stopping
takes place) I gradually rub them off except one, which I leave
between the bunch and the base of the shoot, to act as a kind of
safety valve, to prevent the base buds bursting. By so doing the base
buds are more fully developed, and the risk of their being not pro¬
perly ripened is reduced to a minimum, and the close pruning
system may with a certainty be brought into practice wi.hout any
risk of failure. When the latent buds burst they are allowed a little
freedom to enable the available space for the foliage to be filled up ;
but a thick canopy of foliage is not to be recommended, but sufficient
light should be admitted to solidify the growth as it is made, thereby
gradually building up good sound growth, which cannot fail to be
strong and fruitful.

Some good Grape growers differ in opinion as to admitting light
to the bunches in the earlier stages of their growth, but, in my opinion,
it is a mistake to grow the bunches under a dense shade, and then
later on to subject them to full light, as some do with Muscats. I am
aware that early black Grapes soon lose their colour if exposed to
too much light, but I am inclined to thii k a great many are grown
under too much shade ; the colouring matter, not being substantial, soon
flies. Late Grapes, I consider, require light, and those grown with
a fair proportion will have better flavour and keep be ter than
those grown under a dense shale, and it is my opinion that
exposing the bunches after being previously in the shade is one of
the causes that make them prematurely shrivel. As to the colouring
of black Grapes, I am strengthened in my opinion in the observation
I made here last year in an Alicante house. One of the rods was so weak
that it did not make sufficient foliage to shade the few bunches that
it had on it, and some of the bunches were exposed to full sunshine
from the time of setting until they were cut, and yet they wire
coloured as well as any in the house, and had the appearance of
keeping well had they been required.

Good ventilation on all favourable occasions must not be neglected,
and as late Vines make most of their growth during the most favour¬
able time of the year, no opportunity should be lost in giving abun¬
dance of air in hot weather, and care should be taken to begin giving
air as soon as the temperature begins to rise in bright weather, which
I believe is generally admitted to be a oreventive of scalding. I
once had some Black Hamburghs badly scalded through neglect in
early ventilation, the house being a lean-to with an east aspect
necessitated very early ventilation. — W. Bimpson, Knowsley.

HORTICULTURAL PROGRESS.

I read with great interest your admirable leader in last wee ids
Journal, and with many of the facts there stated I was familiar, for 1
well remember the majority of the nurserymen and leading market
growers in the west and south of London fifty years ago. During the
period that has elapsed since there has been much progress in horticul¬
ture, and during the life of the Queen’s illustrious Consort horticul¬
turists had a noble and generous patron in that estimable Prince. In¬
fluential men do not seem to take so much interest in this delightful
subject now as their position demands ; they support much more freely
objects less conducive to the national interests. In the progress of
the last fifty years much has been done by private practical workers,
who have introduced an immense number of new plants from various
parts of the world which have been of great benefit commercially as well
as ornamentally, and nurserymen have done much to provide plants
that suit the tastes of the ever varying and changeable fashion of the
times. Those that have been in general favour at one time have given
place to others. Dahlias had their run and declined, but are now re¬
viving in another form. Pelargoniums have changed from one class (o
another. Carnations are thought old-fashioned. Auriculas, the pets of
dames of old. The Chrysanthemum has passed through many changes
of form, but it is in a higher and more beautiful state than we ba\e
ever had it before, and although an old favourite the admiration for t

Jane 30, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

523

is still increasin?. Our national emblem, the Rose, has made consider¬
able progress, various sections have been produced that have their
respective admirers. Fifty years bach Orchids were scarce and not
much in favour, but on account of numerous introductions they have
become very popular, particularly among the wealthy, who have a taste
for the rare and beautiful, and who have been at great expense in ob¬
taining choice collections. There are many other plants which have hail
their rise anti fall according to the tide of fashion. Much has been
done for Begonias ; in my remembrance Evansiana was almost the only
one to be seen in a general collection of plants, but now there is great
variety and beauty of foliage and colour of flowers which renders them
highly desirable for grouping among other plants. It must be acknow¬
ledged that horticulturists have shown the capability for improvement
in all kinds of plants that they have taken in hand, both in the open air
and under glass their achievements are too numerous to mention, but
their works will show the progress of the times. Rhododendrons and
Azaleas have received great attention, and have well repaid the workers
for their trouble. Much also has been done with Fuchsias, and although
most graceful in habit and distinct in colour they have declined in
favour among the plant-loving public, and are not so generally grown
as formerly. There are some admirable colours in Gloxinias which com¬
mand especial notice. Heaths have gone very much out of favour with
a few exceptions.

In taking a general survey of the trade the demand has increased in
proportion to the population. It is the ambition of many persons to show
their respectability in their gardens. Although there were numbers of
nurseries around London that did a good trade which are now almost
lost to memory, their places being occupied by streets and houses, there
are now many more on a larger scale a few miles distant from the
smoke. A large trade is done in cut flowers, which have become much
more fashionable than formerly, and has induced the continental
nurserymen to send large quantities to this country with the effect of
keeping down the prices of our home supply.

Of fruits and vegetables plenty of new sorts have been introduced,
but considering the quality, hardiness, and productiveness generally
speaking, I cannot see so much improvement as I should desire.
There is not much gain in quality in fruits, if any. In vegeta¬
bles we had good Marrow and other Peas. Our Potatoes were superior
to the present day. Beans, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Onions, Carrots,
Parsnips, Celery, and indeed I may say everything, was as good and
some things better. Those who imagine the old gardeners were with¬
out many of the good things that are now grown may be pleased to know
that they had plenty for their requirements, and that they knew how to
grow them without many of the appliances now at the command of
horticulturists. — An Old Gardened.

A JUBILEE INSECT— THE EARWIG.

Almost every year that passes over us is remarkable for the appear¬
ance of some insect or other in unusual plenty, perhaps more than one
species, and it would be quite according to the usual course if 1887 were
thus made memorable by an insect, leading us afterwards to look back
and say, “ Oh, that species swarmed in Her Majesty’s Jubilee year!”
Were I to hazard a conjecture as to what may prove to be the insect of
this season, I should feel tempted to say, the earwig probably, or a
leading one at least, for reasons I will give. It should be premised that
this is an insect which occupies a special position ; it is indeed a garden
species, but also somewhat of an Arab in its habits. The earwig is
detested by horticulturists, being specially injurious to many flowers and
to fruit. It is disliked by the public as an unpleasant intruder into
houses, and to picnic parties it is an object of alarm, being sure to turn
up when an open air “ feed” is going on, in company with caterpillars
and spiders. Everybody is acquainted with the common earwig as a
mature insect, but even amongst gardeners there are only a few that
have made its acquaintance during its early stage of life.

Possibly it may be desirable to repeat once more, what has often
been stated in scientific manuals, that there is no ground for the
traditional belief that the earwig makes a point of entering the human
ear whenever it can, and does serious mischief there. Those seemingly
formidable force] s at the tail Nature chiefly designed to be used in
folding up the v\ n ;s. They are not venomous, nor are the jaws the
insect possesses adapted for biting any substances that are not soft. It
has been supposed, indeed, that the name ought to be “ earwing,” the
reference being to the shape of the beautifully veined wings, which
resembles that of the ear, but as “ ear-piercer ” and other equivalents
expressive of the popular notion occur in various countries, this will
hardly do. It is granted that an insect so fond of hiding might creep
into the ear of anyone lying on the ground, but it could not possibly do
any harm, and could at once be killed and removed by dropping in a
little sweet oil.

Concerning the transformations of the earwig tribe, it will suffice to
state that in the larval condition these insects, like the nearly allied
crickets and grasshoppers, much resemble the matured form, but their
mode of life is even more secluded than when they are best known, as
they reside under bark or beneath loose soil, feeding upon vegetable
substances chiefly, yet sometimes being carnivorous. He Geer was the
first to announce the discovery that the mother earwig carefully attends
upon her progeny long after the eggs are hatched, and others have
repeated the observation, though for my part 1 have as yet to verify this ;
still, we may accept it as a fact. No doubt the young earwigs are fre¬
quently lost sight of amongst the host of subterranean insects. They

may be found of various sizes during the winter and spring months.
Many of the autumn insects hybernate to reappear in the spring, hiding
themselves in nooks and corners. I am inclined to think there is only a
single brood each year, but would not be positive.

Now, it appears by Miss Ormerod’s annual report, and we have
evidence confirming this from a number of observers, that the common
earwig, and also some of the smaller species, were notably abundant in

1886. Such was the case about North Kent, and in some of the London
suburbs with which I am acquainted. Professor Westwood long ago
stated that the earwiu had its times of special profusion ; one of these was
chronicled as far back as 1755, when the insects seriously damaged the
Cabbage crops, and it was remarkable last year how many complained
of a new and startling appearance of hosts of earwigs amongst Brassi-
eaceous plants. At Biggleswade, early in August, such quantities
occurred in the fields at a depth of from 1 to 3 inches, that Turnips and
Mangolds were actually destroyed by them. Later on during that month
a plague of earwigs was reported from Great Missenden, where they also
attacked Clover and Wheat. Near Reading Turnips suffered severely and
Kale. Similar reports came from various places in Wiltshire and Kent.
In some places the creatures became a domestic grievance. One gentle¬
man writes — “ They came in at all windows and doors, they dropped
upon the tables, they swarmed in the pantry. Frequently they entered
pastry after it was cooked, and even pushed their way into the bread.
One night I amused myself by killing them upon the walls outside, and
hit upwards of 1100 of them with a hammer in about half an hour. I
took, then, a lantern, and examined a Privet hedge of many yards in
length, and found quite as many earwigs as flowers.”

One curious circumstance was that at Sittingbourne, Kent, an ex¬
perimental Tobacco plantation was damaged by one of these, the par¬
ticular species being Forficula Corcalis ; the insects ate holes in the
leaves, and also gnawed the fleshy part of the stems. Associated with
these attacks upon vegetables there was, of course, much harm done to
flowers and fruit. One farmer suggested whether the en diage system might
not prove favourable to these insects, the silos affording them convenient
abodes during the winter months, but this opinion has not met with
general support. In one instance, where they were abundant in a silo,
it was proved that they swarmed amongst the grass and Clover on the
farm before the silo was filled. Looking at the circumstances of last
winter and spring, it would seem they were, on the whole, favourable
for the continuance of earwig life, since moisture is much liked by these
insects, and it is, therefore, probable we may have many earwigs during

1887, for it is not an insect foe by any means easy to extirpate. —
Entomologist.

ROSE-GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.

( Continued from page 503.)

WATERING.

When it is remembered that plants have to take up nearly the
whole of their food by means of water, it can very well be seen
how necessary a proper supply is ; but too much of anything is
worse than too little ; potted plants in the hands of beginners, I
think, generally get too much. In the open ground Nature so
adapts herself to circumstances, that with established plants it is
rarely necessaiy to apply water — an exception to this might be
where one was preparing for exhibition. I should never recommend
watering with plain water — except where the plants were very dry —
where liquid manure could be obtained. When we do water we
must give a good soaking ; wetting the surface only chills the
ground, and is worse than useless.

MULCHING AND HOEING.

These, in dry neighbourhoods, are a great assistance in keeping
the ground moist. Decayed leaves have a most wonderful power
of retaining moisture, while manure is not to be despised. A thin
layer of either spread over the beds in summer will be of great
benefit to the Roses.

Surface-hoeing is the next best thing to mulching. Some
peop'e cannot understand how this prevents evaporation. In hot
weather the ground bakes and cracks, which allows the moisture to
escape, and dries the roots. The keeping of an inch or two of fine
soil on the surface prevents these cracks, and helps to retain the
moisture.

PESTS AND GARDEN VERMIN.

I have already incidentally alluded to some of these, but perhaps
I may be excused if I just run quickly through them again. Under
<dass mildew and green fly are our main enemies. Smoking, as
already advised, will quickly kill the latter, and good management,
combined with softsoap, will generally keep away the former. I
described the use of softsoap in a former article. Red spider is
apt to be troublesome under glass, and is brought into prominence
by the neglect of plants by allowing them to get dry, and keeping
the atmosphere of the house too dry generally. When once it gets
fairly hold in a house, it is, as far as I know, quite impossible to
get rid of it. It is first noticed by the older leaves on a plant
having an unhealthy look, and white lines and patches appearing on

524

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June- 3D, 1S8T

them ; on turning the leaves, the underside is found to be covered
with little white specks, much resembling very fine grains of white
sand. If these plants are in pots the best plan is to put them
outside for the rest of the season ; if they are planted out, the
only way is to keep the syringe going, taking care to get well under
the leaves, so that the insects which are always clustering on the
underside will get the full benefit of the water. There are many
insecticides in the market which may be used with the water, and
which would probably help to destroy the insects, but my experience
of them is nil, as I am thankful to say that I have not had any
difficulty with the red spider so far, and I do not think anybody
else will, if he only keep his eyes open, and act vigorously while
the enemy is in a small and young state ; every day’s delay means
extra work and trouble in the future. Woodlice, though they
seldom injure Roses, are often very annoying in Rose houses.
These are very easily disposed of. A capital plan I saw some time
ago spoken of was to procure two old dirty boards, the dirtier the
better. These were to be placed on the floor or under the stages,
one on top of the other, and carefully carried outside each day. A
wholesale business may be carried on in the destructive line in this
manner at very little expense of time and trouble. Mealy bug I
have had no experience of, and I can say the same of scale and
thrips. I do not think that these three trouble Rose growers
much, at any rate those who look well after their plants.

In the open air the first insect trouble we meet with in the spring
is generally maggots or caterpillars. These make nests for them¬
selves by glueing the leaves of the Rose together, and as the shoots
grow and form new leaves, they move on along the shoot, eating
their way through everything. The only way to stop them is by
hand-picking. I pull off the leaf in which the grub is concealed,
and which can always be detected by its being curled up, and throw
it away. Some persons squeeze the leaf between the thumb and
forefinger. This kills the insect, but the leaf remains, and causes a
waste of time as we pause to examine it each time we visit the
plant. Another grub, called a borer, eats its way down through
the interior of the stem of the shoot. He is discovered too late to
save the bud. Hand-picking is the only remedy here also.

In the ground slugs and snails may sometimes eat away the very
young shoots, but I never noticed any damage which I could trace
to them ; but I find a large brown grub, about as thick as a lead
pencil, which does not appear to be so innocent. Several times this
spring I have noticed shoots from the bud about 6 or 8 inches long
flagging, and on taking away the soil I find the stem eaten through,
and always in close proximity to such plants I have found our
brown friend coiled up snugly under ground. Some years ago I
was very much troubled with a mysterious insect that devoured
every leaf and young shoot as fast as these appeared. Nothing
could be seen in the daytime, so I purchased a dark lantern, and on
my first visit found the branches swarming with small beetles or
weevils. The moment I touched a branch the whole lot fell to the
ground and disappeared like magic. I afterwrards destroyed the
whole colony by picking them off and squeezing the life out of
them. I wore leather gloves for the job. A sheet of white paper
should be spread under the trees, so that any of the insects falling
cannot make their escape before being seen.

Green fly is the next pest that make3 its appearance, and the
best way to do away with it is by means of a brush, laying the
shoots in the palm of the hand and gently brushing away the
insects. Syringing with tobacco water, or a solution of quassia chips,
very simply made by boiling the chips in water, makes the shoots
so bitter that the insects do not appreciate the flavour. A plentiful
syringing with cold water — all insects hate water — as often as
possible, will also help to lessen their number.

Later in the season mildew will probably appear ; something
may be done perhaps to pi-event its spreading, but I do not know
of anything. A solution of copper answers well in France on the
Vines, but I do not know exactly how it is made or applied. Here
sulphur powdered on is generally used. Where certain varieties
always show mildew each season the best plan is to abolish such
varieties from the collection as soon as possible. Duke of Edinburgh
is a Rose that invariably becomes covered with it here, but I am
thankful to say it never spreads to adjacent plants ; if it did it
would not remain long in the ground. Orange fungus is another
similar pest which was very destructive last season. It comes from
France originally I think, and in dry seasons will always be
plentiful. I do not think anything can be done to cure it. Some
unfortunate growers, in consequence of the position of their
gardens, will always be martyrs to mildew ; but leaving these
unhappy ones out of the question, I think that those who are
tormented with vermin have, in most cases, only themselves to
thank for it. Just as healthy individuals are free from disease, so
are healthy plants. If we keep our Roses healthy and strong we
shall have little trouble with parasites and such things.

A LAST WORD.

Another dip of the pen will bring me to a conclusion. I have
said nothing about the moral side of Rose-growing, much on this
point would be out of place here ; all I wish to say may be said in
one sentence. It is this — where our highest aim in Rose-growing
is simply the winning of cups and prizes, we can never hope to
derive the full benefit from our occupation. No ; let us, if we will,
cultivate Roses because of their purity and freshness — because of
their beauty ; let us cultivate them because they bring us — con¬
demned as we are, most of us, to spend so much of our time in the
stifling and impure atmosphere of our towns— face to face with
Nature, and enable us to admire and look upon one of the loveliest
objects of her creation.

“• How much of memory dwells within thy bloom,

Rose, ever wearing beauty for thy dower.

The bridal day, the festival, the tomb ;

Thou hast thy part in eacb, thou stateliest flower.

WDrefore, with thy sweet breath come floating by
A thousand images of love and grief ;

Dreams filled with tokens of mortality ;

Dtep thoughts of all things beautiful and brief.

Not such tby spells o’tr tho?e who hailed thee first
In the bright light of Eden’s glorious day ;

There thy rich blooms to crimson glory burst,

Tinged with no dim remembrance of decay.”

— D. Gilmour, jux.

A CALAMITY WITH GRAPES.

The Editorial note under “ A Hampshire Gardener’s ” letter, in last
week’s Journal, induces me to write a line or two upon the question of
Grapes scalding. I can fully sympathise with “A Hampshire
Gardener ” in the loss he has sustained, and it will no doubt be a little
consoling to him. to know that he is not the only one who has lost more
berries than they desired in the way indicated in his letter. For the
last three weeks I have been caused some anxiety through a house of
Grapes under my care being somewhat injured through scalding, but I
am glad to say that my anxiety is at an end. It will be remembered
that for some days previous to June 4th there was an absence of sun,
and since then we have had some very hot days, and almost daily I have
had to cut injured berries a wav from the bunches until yesterday, when
it seemed to have stopped, as the fruit is now changing colour. Madres-
field Court and Lady Downe’s are "the varieties that suffered most. I have
had cause to fumigate the house within the period mentioned, as some
thrips had attached to the Vines from some Azaleas that were standing
under them, but I have not the least idea that the smoke caused the
berries to go bad. The first place 1 should expect to see injury from
fumigating would be in the leaves, and these remain quite perfect. From
close observation I noticed that the injury was done through the hottest
part of the day. — R. M. i

I having had cause to fumigate a vinery, which is almost devoted
to the above named Grape, to arrest a little areen fly, and as it was done
within a few days of the date upon which those of “A Hampshire
Gardener’s” were fumigated, I thought the result of our smoking may
in some degree help to solve the question as to whether the misfortune
referred to on page 511 was brought on by 'tobacco smoke. My experi¬
ence justifies me in saying, that where ordinary precaution is taken in
smoking vineries no injury will occur to Madresfield Court any more
than to other kinds of Grapes. I am very sorry to learn of your corre¬
spondent’s mishap, but am afraid the damage has been caused by exces->
sivc evaporation. — A. W. . . - ...

THE HELIOTROPE AS A WINTER-FLOWERING PLANT.

The fragrant flowers of this plant are at all times in request, and a
few sprus with a base of Maidenhair Fern are much appreciated in the
boudoir and drawing room, also for bouquets. In order to have a supply
of this favourite flower through the winter and spring months, and
indeed all the year round, cuttings should be inserted at once, and be
placed into 3-inch pots as soon as they are rooted in a compost of three
parts loam and one of sweet leaf mould, with a sprinkling of sharp sand
added. Arrange them in a frame or pit near the glass, and keep them
close for a day or two until the roots have taken to the soil, after which
they should have abundance of air until the approach of frost, when
they should be placed in an intermediate house along the edge of the
stages. Stop the plants two or three times during the interval from
potting them, and putting them into heat towards the end of September
or early in October next.

In the spring a few dozens of the strongest plants (more or less,
according to circumstances) may be shifted into 6-inch pots, the shoots
having been previously shortened back a little to make them bushy. In
this size pot, with frequent stopping the shoots and feeding at the roots,
the plants will make shrubby little specimens by the autumn ; and the
plants having been stood out of doors during the months of June, July,
August, and the best part of September, the wood will therefore be well
ripened before being subjected to gentle forcing a few weeks later on. If
larger plants are desired they should be shifted into suitable sized pots,

June $0, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

525

as they require more room at the roots, and the plants be grown as
standards, pyramids, bushes, or trained to a flat upright trellis rounded on
tlm top. For large plants the latter is the most convenient mode of
training, inasmuch as the plants can be placed in better positions :
against the glass at the ends of the houses, where they will not only look
well but flower well. We have a few plants of this description in 14-inch
pots occupying similar positions, which, together with several miniature
bushes and a few scores of plants in 3-inch pots of this agreeably
scented plant on the side stages and shelves in intermediate houses,
yielded us a good return during the autumn, winter, and spring months
for the care bestowed upon them. We give our plants liquid manure at
the roots a few times in the week, which has a good effect upon them.
Until lately there was a plant of Heliotrope here growing in a border under
the flagged pathway and staging, and trained against the back wall of
an. old lean-to house, which was said to be about “three score and ten ”
years old at the time of its death through old age. — H. W. Ward.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 4 SO.)

A few remarks on the artificial supply of water to the roots of the
Coffee tree during seasons of protracted drought for the purpose of
forcing out the blossom and setting the fruit may not be uninteresting.
I have already mentioned that estates on Bamboo land in the Wynaad
district lying far to the east or on the confines of the Mysore territory
frequently suffered to a very great extent from want of moisture and
the long-delayed spring showers. To such an extent indeed did this
climatic privation extend that a total loss of crop over many hundred
aeres-was frequently the result. A magnificent show of blossom bud
in the early part of the season, giving promise of an abundant crop,
would not unfrequently end in no crop at all, and so the planter had to
toil on for another year. Without the aid of precedents to guide him
in his calling, the planter had, in a great measure, to grope his way in
the dark with regard to all matters of cultivation, or if he had any guide
at all it was merely that of his neighbours’ opinion, derived not from any
act- or acts of intelligent experiment or course of study, but simply
opinions handed down from one generation of planters to another, and
how derived no one knew nor cared. Among other beliefs obtaining
was the one that irrigation was of no use, in fact was positively inju¬
rious when applied to Coffee, and was much better left alone. If a
young planter happened to state that he intended some day to try the
experiment he was put down immediately as a person that should be
kept under restraint ; the consequence was that for many years planters
in these arid districts who had invested their money were content to
abide by the opinion of the majority, and go on toiling year by year,
r.eaping crops in abundance of fever and disappointment, but very little
Coffee.

The first time I saw the blossom of the Coffee tree was in the
height of the dry season on an adjoining estate to the one I had charge
of. The propretor had cut a drain or water lead from a ravine in the
jungle through his Coffee fields to his pulping and curing works, wind¬
ing along the hillsides all the way. The water had percolated through
the loose soil on the under side of the drain to a distance of one line of
.Coffee trees, reaching their roots and bringing out a splendid blossom
throughout the whole length of this artificial channel. I shall ever
remember that sight, the surpassing beauty of the rolls of white blossom
highly scented and intermixed with the bright and polished green
leaves when all else around was drooping and seemingly perishing in
the hot midday sun. Few shrubs can, I imagine, rival the Coffee in
beauty when seen in full flower. By the way, I think it a great pity
that it is not more frequently grown as an ornamental plant in
England. It is very easily raised from seed, and as easily grown after¬
wards ; it is always beautiful in flower or otherwise, and would amply
repay any little care bestowed on it. The proprietor of the estate in
question on seeing so many of his trees in full blossom greatly deplored
the circumstance, and almost seemed to think that the trees would be
ruined in consequence ; but the grounds for his opinion he failed to give,
except that the bringing out of the blossom in this unnatural way was
sure to weaken the tree and engender disease. As time went on, and
crops and planters’ patience began seriously to lessen, opinions began
gradually to change with regard to irrigation, until at last someone
fairly broke the ice, and towards the end of an exceptionally parching
season set to work, cut drains, and utilised every available drop of water
on his plantation for the purpose of forcing out the blossom on at least
part of his estate and setting his crop. This was done with the most
happy results. A heavy crop on the irrigated portion of the property
was secured, whilst the other portions shared the too usual fate of total
failure or only partial crop. The neighbouring planters were not slow to
take the hint, and the following year every stream in the district avail¬
able was made use of, and water was brought in channels from the
neighbouring jungles, in some instances at great expense. Existing
■ estates, however, were so situated as to preclude the possibility of their
whole area being irrigated, so planters had to be content to water as
large an area as possible, and the remainder had to take its chance of
the spring showers, come when they might. In course of time as land
was required for the cultivation of Coffee, great pains was taken to
select blocks only which could be brought under the influence of
irrigation either by streams existing on the particular block selected, or
if it were so situated so as to be capable of being watered by some distant
stream or river. There can be no doubt that in India, to allow the

Coffee plant to pass through a succession of long seasons of drought is
trying to the plant in the extreme, and superinduces decay, so that any
assistance in the shape of water at the right period not only secured the
crop of berries, but kept the trees in health and vigour also. One draw¬
back was that as the blossoms, owing to the general limited supply of
water on most estates, could only be brought out in small patches at a
time with short intervals between, so that the crop did not ripen equally,
and consequently gathering was a matter of greater expense than when
the blossom was brought out by natural showers. When these came in
due season every pip of bloom on an estate expanded in one day and
the crop ripened in the same manner, rendering the harvesting of crop
a very simple matter in this respect. South Indian planters had a great
advantage over their brethren of Ceylon. In that island, I believe,
rain falls more or less durinj every month of the year, bringing out
small patches of blossom, and of course the fruit will ripen accordingly,
which causes great trouble and inconvenience, especially during the
heavy south-west monsoon rains.

In the Wynaad irrigation was undertaken something after the follow¬
ing fashion : — Main channels were cut from the streams at regular in¬
tervals over the estate, and from these, when the time arrived, small
runulets were led to the roots of the trees. In the first instance — viz.,
the cutting of the main channels, a good deal of expense was frequently
incurred, but the actual work of watering the shrubs was not an ex¬
pensive one. The Mysore cooly was usually very expert at this work,
and it was quite wonderful to see what a number of trees he could get
over in a day, and quite as marvellous to see with what rapidity the
trees sprang into leaf and flower in that tropical climate through the
influence of a very little quantity of the life-restoring element. Th#
mamoty or large hoe was alone used, but it is the tool used by the
Mysore peasant for ages, and one he can use with great dexterity as a
spade in digging the soil, as an axe in cutting roots, and as a shovel in
filling baskets with earth, and in heaping it or throwing it to a distance.
With the corner of this hoe he would form small channels from the
main drain to the roots of the trees very quickly and cleverly, the water
following him as the channel was formed, and he had generally a vei'y
good idea when a tree had sufficient to do the work required of it. It
was light work too, and on that account one the Mysore labourer dearly
loved. Given light work where some dexterity was necessary in its per¬
formance, and there was little fear of his shirking his task ; but if the
work was heavy and uninteresting sleepnsually overtook him long e’er
his task was completed.

By irrigation, even on the limited scale described, much crop and
consequently money was saved to the planter, and one cannot help
thinking that had the work been systematically undertaken at a much
earlier stage of the Coffee planting industry in South India such in¬
dustry would have been established on a firmer and more secure basis,
and its existence been of much greater permanency.

With plantations in perfect order and crowded with blossom bud
waiting the advent of a single shower to expand it into rare beauty and
profit, planters had to wait patiently through the long hot dreary
months, anxiously hoping that the one shower would fall before the
blossom bud was entirely ruined ; but this hope was too often deferred,
and the heart grew sick indeed as day by day, week by week, and month
by month the sun shone on in a brazen sky, giving no sign of the slight¬
est moisture till too late, or the blossom bud had become like so many
black specks, dropping and sanding the parched earth with every puff
of wind. That this had a most depressing effect upon the planter, after
undergoing numerous privations, and expending all his energies in
bringing his estate into a high state of cultivation, can be easily imagined,
and in many cases led to very disastrous results.

It was always an open secret that the Government of India, although
not actually prohibiting Europeans settling in the country for agri¬
cultural purposes, at the same time almost invariably showed a passive
unconcern as to their interests and success, and certainly did not extend
to them that assistance and encouragement their energy and courage
deserved. Anything to help the planter in his calling, or to facilitate
the carriage of his crops to the place of shipment, or that of material of
various kinds requisite for the cultivation of his property, had generally
to be wrung from the Madras Government through the medium of the
Planters’ Association and other bodies, which was, of course, a most
unsatisfactory state of things. The result of all this lukewarm action
on the part of the Government was the waste of tens of thousands
of pounds of English capital ; the destruction of thousands of acres of
magnificent forest ; the permanent ruin of as many acres of splendid
land, only now capable of supporting Lantana and other thorny and
pestilential scrub. At the dawn of Coffee planting in the Wynaad the
country was a magnificent one. An unbroken line of forest clothing
the Ghaut range on the western side, falling away into an equally un¬
broken sea of beautiful Bamboo jungle on the east, covering land that
had been untouched for ages, and stocked with wild beasts in great
numbers, from the huge elephant down to the tiny mouse, deer, and hare,
and teeming with birds of gorgeous and varied plumage.

Better by far had the Government, at the outset, when it was proved
by some adventurous Englishman that the Coffee bean could be produced
in the district of excellent quality, refused permission to Englishmen
and native alike to destroy the forest for the purpose of Coffee planting
till such time as all reliable and trustworthy information had been
gained with reference to the capabilities of the district by the investi¬
gations of capable and responsible agents for the guidance of the
planter in all his future operations. A foundation might thus have
been laid for instituting and upholding, on a permanent basis, of a

526

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 30, 1887.

system of husbandry well calculated to be of great benefit both to the
individual and the State; instead of which the Government unquestion¬
ably encouraged, by apathetic neglect, a wasteful system of agriculture,
disastrous alike to the district, to the English and native planters, and
to the Government of the Presidency itself.

I can conceive of no more interesting, and perhaps profitable under¬
taking, than if the Government of Madras had at the commencement of
the Coffee industry established an experimental garden in some suitable
p vrt of the district under the supervision of a competent English
gar lener capable of conducting experiments with a view to discovering
the best ami most permanent mode to be adopted in the cultivation of
the berry, the demonstrating of the advantages of conservation of the
many natural advantages the district possessed, as well as conducting
other experiments outside Coffee planting, which would doubtless have
been of the highest interest both in a horticultural and botanical point
of view. The opportunity was lost, and in consequence a magnificent
district of Malabar, rich in splendid soil and numberless .natural pro¬
ducts, has been partially if not wholly ruined. It will take many ages
before the soil can be renewed that has been washed down to the sea in
thousands of tons, or the forests be renewed on the Ghaut ranges. Vast
tracts whereon once stood magnificent jungle containing trees of vast
size and great value, then clothed with fields of beautiful Coffee trees, are
now only covered with impenetrable thickets of thorny scrub, bearing
silent testimony to the mistaken and wasteful policy of the Govern¬
ment.

My next paper is the last I shall devote to my remarks on this dis¬
trict of Malabar. I left it about the year 1807 to reside on the
Neilglierry hills, but returning to the Wynaadin 1871 I found matters
greatly altered. Leaf disease had made its appearance, and was steadily
pursuing its course of destruction ; but of this 1 shall have more to say
in my concluding paper on the Wynaad. I will only say here that 1
have frequently noticed what I used to suppose was a distinct species of
Coffee, which seemed to escape the leaf disease to a considerable extent.
Every estate had a small proportion of this sort. It grew more stiff and
erect than the ordinary type, had much narrower leaves, and flowered
twice a year, the first time just after the south-west monsoon, and the
second when rain fell or together with the other kind. The berry was
more oblong, and the plant seemed to withstand the long drought much
better than the ordinary kind. The nature of the climate and the
planter’s duties preclude the possibility of his undertaking experiments
in the way of hybridising or selection of a nature likely to prove of any
real utility in the way of producing new varieties likely to prove more
hardy and better adapted to the climate. It was therefore all the more
to be regretted that the. Government did not come to his assistance, and
instead of devoting all their attention in horticultural matters to the
gardens situated in such delightful climates as Ootacamund and Banga¬
lore, they did not divide it between them and such deeply interesting
and splendid districts as Wynaad and Coorg.— Planter.

(To be continued.)

YINES AND BORDERS.

Soil and climate vary in different latitudes, or in the same parallel
there is so much diversity of strata and of surface as to necessitate a
different routine of practice, which has given rise to diversity of opinion
on the part of cultivators, and caused no little perplexity to beginners in
Grape cultivation. There is not any questioning of authorities in pro¬
pounding opinions which verified by practice run counter to their
expositions, for the simple reason that good as a certain system mav
be in a certain locality and generally applicable to most, it docs not
meet the requirements of cultivators in some, it may be peculiar soils
and locations, so that much is necessarily left to the judgment of culti¬
vators. With all deference therefore to the authorities, I consider much
must be left to the individual cultivator, as none are so near disaster
and failure as those who follow authorities with a blind confidence
without the exercise of judgment in the measure of their application
to the exigencies of their case.

The vagaries of Grapes are proverbial. Some varieties do remarkably
well with a certain cultivator in a particular locality, but he fails to do
anything with other sorts with which a neighbour may be very successful.

“ Experientia docet ” has favoured us (page 389) with a remarkable
article on “ Unorthodox Vine Pruning,” in which he mentions my having
elaborately reviewed a previous article of his. At the onset your corre¬
spondent must understand that in the article on page 173, August 20th,
1806, he attributed better results in Grape growing to long pruning only,
and in his second (page 389 of the current volume) he takes the credit
of a dressing of lime — “ an extraordinary one” — at least 2 inches thick,
and that “ with the fresh soil and manure dressing on the strip of
border ” (6 feet) “had a good effect.” This is clenching an argument by
an argument of another character. They are very different. It was
long pruning (page 173, August 26th, 1886), now (page 389, May 19th,
1887), addenda liming and border renovation, which amounts to this,
that long pruning or extension prompts increased and corresponding
root-action, liming liberates inert matter or converts it into humus ; it is
taken up and nitrogenised in the Vine by the increased power of the
leaves elaboration and assimilation, stouter wood, plumper eyes, and
more stored-up sap is deposited — the wood in fact is mineralised— giving
solidity alike by the lime and the increased food supplies resulting from its
application. Then there is the fuller exposure of the foliage to light and
air, inasmuch as with extension there are fewer parts — two or more
shoots are converted or turned into one, so that we get a shoot the

strength of two or more, and concentrate by the eularged foliage more of
the assimilated matter in one bud than was effected on the old lines or
small leaves on four. By “ the fresh soil and manure” we get the good
effect through encouraging fresh (especially if the dressing extended up
to the collar of the Vines, as I presume it did) rootlets, and the conse¬
quence is that the Vines are to all intents anil purposes in a renovated
border. Who can wonder that Mr. T. W. Sanders attributed most of the
rejuvenated condition of the Vines at The Firs to the lime ? “ Expe¬

rientia docet ” admits that the lime with the fresh soil and manure
dressing had a good effect, but he falls a long way short of the fact he
sou. lit to establish by his first communication. If extension be essential
how is it that so many Vines bear excellent crops on the restricted
system ? Our friend’s long pruning owes its potency to the r gard had
to the roots, but that is foreign to the issue raised by his first communi¬
cation. In that it was a question of rejuvenating Vines by means ot
the foliage alone, there not being in many cases means of access or
consent to renovating the borders, but he now tells us to “ by all means
improve the roots of unfruitful Vines whenever that is possible, and
when active fibres are induced to form freely and abundantly in firm sou
near the surface of the border the character of the foliage and wood
will soon be changed,” which is the practice of all successful Grape
growers from time immemorial ; and is it not that which caused the
improved condition of the Vines named by your correspondent.
Rejuvenation surely is not effected by extending the Vines whilst the
feeders — “ the roots of which are practically beyond control in cold
wet borders away from the influence of the atmosphere. Will the
extension cause the Vines to root nearer the surface ? It will cause tliem
to make longer growth, more foliage, and the buds will correspond ; but
what of the wood ripening? Are the bunches not loose, bad setters,
having stoneless berries? Do they not shank? Are the Grapes not
deficient in colour and finish ? Who would rely on Grapes so grown to
keep ? It is extension ; then it is getting the roots to the surface, and,
lastly, avoiding ovei crowding. The fact is, get a proper medium for the
roots, and good management will be rewarded by abundant crops ot
useful Grapes. The extension is after all only another name for keeping
the foliage duly exposed to light and air, so that it can properly assimilate
the food transmitted to it by the roots. It is thorough solidification ot
the growth as made — stout (two or more shoots in one, through the
increased aliment and power of elaboration and assimilation), short-
joint wood, thick leathery foliage, full well-fed buds that afford the
most satisfactory crops of Grapes.

The case of the Vines at The Firs contradicts rather than proves your
correspondent’s argument of Vines being renovated by extension pure
and simple. The roots were not beyond the influence of lime and ot
fresh soil and manure applied to the surface — they were not in any
sense beyond control. If our friend thinks extension is any remedy for
Vines that from having the roots beyond control in a border that from
being cold and wet is unsuited to them as a rooting medium, I may tell
him that he is mistaken, and that nothing short of fresh soil and manuie
at the surface so as to encourage fresh roots from the collar will avail
in rejuvenating the Vines and getting them into a satisfactory fruiting
condition. The extension I admit will promote root-action, but with¬
out the stimulus of fresh soil and manure to the surface it will only
aggravate the evils of grossness, long-jointed wood, imperfectly deve¬
loped buds, unripened wood, a bad setting, loose bunched, mildewed,
rusted, shanked, bad finished, and unwholesome crop of fruit. If) on
the other hand, the Vines are weak, the soil not being an unfavourable
rooting area, then another complexion is given to your correspondent s
case. The extension and the longer pruning, with the advantages ot
increased space for the foliage, will effect wonders, making just, all the
difference between strawy and cane-like wood, between a miserable crop
of small bunches of priceless fruit and a full and good one of well-finished
and refreshing Grapes.

I be ran with the full intention of having something to say about
lime and other inorganic substances in respect of Vines, but as I have
gone so far without alluding thereto, it will perhaps be best to reserve
that for another occasion. In the meantime allow me to inform your
corresr ondent of the strong impression he has given me of the great im¬
portance of surface roots, and of inert matter rendered active by an
application of lime. The first is highly suggestive, pointing as it does
to the unimportance of border's being made nearly so deep as they are
on the orthodox s stem, and of most soils (only secure an ameliorated
surface with water freed from the subsoil) being capable of Grape pro¬
duction.— G. Abbey.

LEEDS SHOW.

June 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

The annual Exhibition took place on the above dates in spier did weather.
We are sorry to have to r cord the fact that the effoits of the Committee to
provide a first-class Show for Leeds and district have not met with the
support they merited, and it will now be for them to consider whether they
are justified in carrying on the Show. For years they have struggled man-
fully against innumerable difficulties, hoping for outside support, and this
year the Fates seemed likely to favour them. The weather was all that
could be des:red, a beautifully arranged Show had been brought together,
and it only needed the presence of the public to ensure a gr at success; but
once more the hopes of the Committee were doomed to disappointment, as
the attendance on each of the four days was meagre in the extreme. That
such a Society as this should collapse would be nothing short of a disgrace
to the town, and it is to be hoped that the wealthy inhatitants will come
forward and support the Committre in their praiseworthy efforts to make
tL e Society a permanent institution.

Jane 30, 1867. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

527

In the class f jr twelve stove and greenhouse plants, not les3 than six in
lflower, Mr. E. H. Letts, gardener to the Earl of Z-tland, Aske Hall, Ricli-
xnond, was easily first with grand examples of Stevensonia grandifflia,
'Coamaerops excelsa, Cycas circinalis, KeDtia Belmoreana, Cordylioe
indiviea, Croton Johanni-*, splendidly coloured ; Pimelea decussata, 5 f et
through, full of flower but slightly past its best; Aphelexis macrantha
purpurea. Azalea, Ericas coccinia minor and ventricosa Bothwelliana, and
ffxcra Williamsi. Mr. E Adams, Swalwell. Newc istle-upon-Tyne (gardener,
Mr. Taylor), was a good second with large healthy plants of Kentii Bel-
■moreana, Dasylirion aprotriehum, a Phoeuix, and two others in foliage
plants. His best flowering plants were Statice profusa and Phcenocoma
roltfera Barnesi. Mr. J. W. Frankland, gardener to Jno. Barran, Esq.,
I P.., was thi d with very creditab’e plants, the best of which were
■Gloriosa superba good, Genetyllis (Hedaroma) fuchsioides, Cycas revoluta,
and Latania borboni a.

Tn the class for six stove and greenhouse plants were to be found some
of the finest examples in the Exhibition. The first prize plants were all
marvellous examples of good cu’tivation. Mr. Letts was again first with
■Clerodendron Balfourianum, Phoenocoma prolifera Barnesi, 5 feet across,
splendidly flowered and coloured; Pimelea diosmsefo ia, very healthy and
fine ; a splendid plant of Anthurium Schertzerianum, with large, bright
green, leathery leaves, and large brlliint scarlet spathes ; Erica Missoni
major in fine condition, and E. tricolor superba. Mr. Adams was a very
good second with a large and healthy Phoenocoma, a good Statice profu a,
’three Ericas, and a small plant of Stepbanotis floribunda. Mr. W. Tuke,
gardener t> Geo. Gelder, Esq, Heading’ey, was a very close third with
Bougainvillea glabra, St phmotis floribunda, Anthurium Schertzerianum,
two Heaths, and a red Azalea, all in admirable condition. This was an
exceedingly good class. In single specimens Mr. R. Simpson, Selby, wai
first with a splendidly flowered plant of Hydrangea Thomas Hogg; second,
Mr. Tuke ; third, Mr. J. Brown, South Milford.

Groups, once the strongest feature of the L^els Shows, were this year
ew in number and not up to the usual standard in qualitv. For the
300 square feet group, Messrs. R. Simpson and J.W. Franklind competed,
and the awards were given in the order named. The first-prize group was
a v ry light and pretty arrangement, but rather overdone with a number
<of plants of White Variegated Maple. The style adopted was somewhat
•original, the most proninent plant being Dracaena australis flanked by
four graceful Palms, the intervening spaces being filled with a variety of
plants very suitable for the purpose, the whole rendering a very pleasing
combination. Mr. Franklano’s group was richly coloured, but somewhat
heavier than the foregoing. Had this exhibitor had a more graceful centre
plant in place of the Phoenix sylve9tris used, and one or two plants of too
lumpy a character remove!, it is quite possible the Judge’s decision might
fliare been rev rsed. In the smaller groups (150 squa-e reet) those two old
competitors, Messrs. Wright and Tuke, once more met. For some years
past the keenest struggle for supremacy has existed between the exhibito-s
named, and with varying success, but on this occasion Mr. Wright was
placed first with a very neat and well-arranged lot of plants. The cel>urs
were admirably blende!, and on a bed of beautifully fresh Maidenhair Fern
had a charming eff ct. Mr. Tuke was a capital second, only losing by a few
points. In this group were some beautifully fresh and extremely elegant
plints, but the outer margin did not possess such a complete finish as that
•of the first-prize group.

Orchids were fairly well represented. For six distinct varieties, C. Y.
lEroadwood, Esq., Acomb. York, was placed first. In this collection was a
good Odontoglossum vexillarium and Lselia purpurata, Cattleyas Moss’®.
Warneri, and Mendeli, and a pan of Cypripedium barbatum. Mr. Frankland
was second, having Odontoglossum citrosmum with ten eood spikes, Lre'ia
purpurata, and Anguloa Clowesi. For three Orchids Messrs. Broadwood
and Wright divided the first and second prizes. Mr. Broadwood was also
first for single specimen Orchid, and Mr. Letts was second.

For six stove and greenhouse Ferns, Mr. Frankland was first for bright,
healthy, medium-sized plants Mr. Wright being second with larger but
■uomewhit stale plants. In this collection was a good Gleichenia Mende’i.
Third, Mr. E. Simpson. Mr. Wiight was first for three Fame, and Mr.
Eastwood, gardener to Mrs. Tetley, Weetwood, was placed second. Three
•co!l> ctions of British Ferns were stag d, all ia admirable condition. First,
Mr. Goodchill, gardener to Mrs. Naylor, Potternewton. Second, Messrs.
Pybus & Son, Monkton Moor, Eipon. Third, Mr. Simpson.

Roses were shown in splendid condition by Messrs. Pybus, whose
exhibits were far in advance of the others. They were first for twelve,
s>x, and sing’e specimen. The other prizewinners in these classes were
Messrs. Cross (Meanwood), Eastwood, Brown, Wright, and Miss Steward
(York). The competition in Pelargoniums 1 id between Mr. Eastwood
and MBs Steward. For twelve and six the prizes were given in the order
named.

For Bix Zonal Pelargoniums, Messrs. Pybus was first wiih large, well-
flowt red plants of good varieties, followed very closely by Mr. Eastwood,
and Miss Steward was third. Mr. Eastwood was also first for six doubles,
Mr. Brown being Becond, and in the class for six Tiieolors or Bronzes
Messrs. Pybus were first and Mr. Simpson second. Only two collections
•of Fuchsias were staged, Mr. Frankland being first, and M-. Eastwood
second. Gloxinias were not as will shown as usual, M'\ W. J. Dixon,
Alton Nurseries, Headingley, be’ng placed first, and Miss Steward second.
Table plants were not very numerous, the prizeLkers being Messrs. Adams,
Fraukland, and Wright.

For group of natural flowers in vase four competed, but with the ex¬
ception of that shown by Mr. Wright, which gaim-d the first prizp, call for
no special comment. Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Covent y, were a long way
tin front with bridal and ball bouqmts the other successful compet'tors
'being Messrs Wright and Frankland. Considering the very unfavourable
nature of the season cut Roars were remarkably well shown. For thirty-
six distinct varieties, Mr. Hy. May, Hope Nurseties. B-idale, was first, Mr.
W. BostoD, Carthorpe, Bedale, being second, and Mr. Eastwood third ; and
for eighteen distinct the same order was maintained in the award-<. Oilier
isucce-sful competitors in the Rose classes were Miss Steward, Messrs.
Brown ai d Hutchinsor. Mr. A. Halliwell, BrLhouse, was first for bunches
■of stove and greenhouse blooms, and Mr. Tuke re oar*. H irdy heibiceous

and perennials made a gallant display. Mr. S. Hartley, Headingley, being a
gool first ; Mr. Dixon, second ; and Mrs. Naylor, third.

Fruit was, on the whole, well represented; some of the Grapes, how¬
ever, required two or three weeks more time to finish off properly. Ia the
premier clas3 for six varieties of fruits, Mr. Edmonds, gardener to the
Duke of St. Albans, Bestwood Lolge, Notts, was well to the front with
Queen Pine, Black Hamburgh and Buckland SweetwaW Grapes, Royal
George Peaches. Lord Napier Nectarines, and Luscious and Melting Melon,
all in fine condition. Mr. Mclndoe, gard-ner to Sir J. W. Pease, Bart., M.P.,
was second, and R. N. C. Neville, Esq., Grantham, third. Mr. Edmonds was
also first for four varieties, with duplicates of some of the varieties named
Mr. Davies. garden°r to the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram, being second wi h
Madresfield Court Grape, good in bunch and fine in berry, but not quite up
in colour; Royal George Peaches, Longleat Perfection Melon, and B'own
Turkey Figs. A. Wilson, Esq., Hall, was third. Mr. H. Gill, B iston Sp',
was first for black Grapes with magnificent examples of Black Himburgn,
Mr. Edmonds being a good second wi h the same variity, and Mr. Mcludce
third. In white Grapes the positions w. re reversed, Mr. Edmonds b ing
first and Mr. Gill second, while for the heaviest bunch the order was — fi sr,
Mr. Edmonds ; second, Mr. Mclndoe : third, Mr. Gill. Peaches and Nec¬
tarines were excellent. For P aches Mr. Townsend, gardener to Hon. R. C.

Fig. 87.— Onosma taurica.

Parsons, was first for large finely coloured fruit of Early Gros3e M gaonn'-,
Mr. Tnompson w is a very close second with R >yal George. In the remaiu-
i ig classes for fruits the above named exhib tors divided the prizes, and
P. Thellusson, E q., A. Halliwell, and Frankland weie also successful.
Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Realinz, oflered priz s for Cucumbers Purley Park
Hero or Sutton’s Improved Telegraph, and Mr. Brown was first, and Mr.
Eastwood second.

We must not omit to mention a splendid collection of Clematis from the
celebrated firm of Messrs. R. Smith & Co., Worcester, also a charming dis¬
play of 0 chids, chiefly O Jontoglots, Cattleyas, Dendrobes, ifec., from Mr.
J. Charlesworth, Heaton, Bradford. Messrs. Wood it Sons, Wood Greea,
had a stand containing examples of the various specialties in manures,
composts, itc., for which they are so well known, and they give a silver
medal for the sp'cimen Rose above mentioned.

Mr. R. Feath rstone, So. Anne’s Nursery, Kirkstall, contributed a largs
number of plants not for competition, and these were tastefully disposed in
groups round the sides of the tent in the gaidenesque style, and weregreu’ly
admired. _

ONOSMA TAURICA.

This is one of those plants about which we hear cultivators say it is
no use trying it. The first severe winter either kills it or so cripples it
as to make it an eyesore in a collection. The truth of this, however, to
a large extent depends upon the ingenuity of the grower, and also upon
the means at his command. All plants, as we know, grow best when we
give them the positions most suitable to their requirements ; and
although the Onosma is perhaps more fastidious than the majority, its

528

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND vOTTAQE GARDENER.

[ Jane 80, 1887

culture we have found to be of the easiest when we happen to hit upon
the suitable spot. It is no exception to the other Borageworts of this
class, and will not stand damp or stagnant moisture at any season,
especially during winter. This is just the time when they are gene¬
rally lost, and all because care has not been taken to keep them com¬
paratively dry during this season. Of five plants put out three years ago
only one has suffered, and this in the neighbourhood of London, where
the fogs, &c., are most destructive to plant life. One of those left is
over 2 feet in diameter, and the others are in excellent health, though
not so robust. We choose the highest and driest positions we could find
fully exposed to sun ; and to insure thorough drainage built up small
rocky mounds a foot or so high, and planted on the top.

In this way we have had one of the grandest displays of large
glistening golden flowers we have ever seen, coming at a time, too,
when flowers, especially this season, were comparatively scarce, and con¬
tinuing until now in full beauty. It is an excellent plant for cutting ;
the blooms last a considerable time in water, and its charming drooping
habit, well represented in the accompanying figure, gives it quite a
unique character among its fellows. The effect of a mound covered with
its large clusters of gold and curiously starry haired leaves is very
imposing. We make no choice of soil, and our plants do well in
ordinary garden ground, as well as brick and lime rubble. We give
plenty of water during the growing season, and cover with large
squares of glass from October until the beginning of March.

It rarely, if ever, ripens seed, but is easily propagated by cuttings,
taking them off in autumn with a heel, and keeping them in a dry pit
where frost is excluded. It is a native of open hills in Tauria, as well
as on the mountains of the Caspian Caucasus. A new one has been in¬
troduced lately, and that has flowered in the rockery at Kew und r the
name of Onosma bracteata. It belong.? to the Himalayas, and is found
on rocks at elevations of 8000 to 9000 feet. It has flowers almost as
large as O. taurica, but instead of golden are deep crimson, and ex-
tremelv striking and effective in large groups. It appears to require
much the same treatment as 0. taurica. — D.

ON TULIPS.

[By MR. Folman Y OOY, of Haarlem (Holland]. Read at a meeting of the Horticultural

Club, June 14th, 1887.]

(Continued from page 515.)

The late Tulips (also called fancy Tulip3 — Tulipea d’Atnateurs) is the
class wlrch has created the greatest and most important sensation during
the period that Tulips have been introduced into the floricultural world,
and it is this class which has had ever since its introduction most of the
ambition and love of florists and fanciers. This class has received for more
than 200 years all the care and attention that could possibly be bestowed
upon a plant, net only by the Dutch florists, but by every skilled gardener
throughout the civilised world.

The Tulipa Gesneiiana, brilliant scarlet with black cent e, is probably
the Moth r Tulip from which all the many hundreds of different varieti s
have originated in almost every shade of colour from pure white to the
darkest crimson. This is an importation from Asia Minor, the Caucasus,
Calabria, and Central Itily. Conrad Gesmr, a Swiss naturalist, in whose
honour it was named, mentioned this Tulip first, and published a descrip¬
tion of the same, accompanied by a drawing, in 1559. This gentleman
obtained it first in a garden at Augsburg, where it had been grown from
seed brought there from Constantinople. Ir. was first flowered in England
by Mr. James Garres, an apothecary in 1577. Of this class of single late
Tu'ips there is almost an endless variety. I must also mention that the
amateurs and Tu ip fanciers in England have also contributed largely during
the last eighty years to the very great improvements among the fancy
Tulips. Notwithstrndiog the mania of former days (of which I wish to
speak later on] has safely p ssed over, I at present keep over 1800 varieties
of this splendid flower. When I was a young man, nineteen to twenty
years old, I was apprenticed with the late Mr. Henry Groom, at that time a
nurseryman in Walworth, which gentleman used to keep a most beautiful
collection of Tulips of English raising, of which he was in the habit of
opening a private exhibit ou every year, to wlrch the nob lity and gentry
reti ing in or about London were invited by private cards, and which many
thousands of ladies and gentlemen came to see and admire.

The charact r of a good Tulip consists in the novel y of the sort and in
its peculiar marking of col mrs, either feathered or blotched, with a pureness
at its interior base. The ground colour should be clear and distinct,
whether white or yellow. The petals should be of a fbm substance, not
withering soon by the action of the sun, but keeping their true cob u ing
unwithered for at least ten to fourteen days. These late or fancy Tulips
which have been so much admired by many gen< rations, have been grown
from seed by thousand-1, and the result of this has been the acqmsition of
many superb varieties, at first in Holland and Belgium and later on also in
England. There is a singularity in Tulips which belongs to no other flower,
and which, as experience shows, affords an extraordinary inducement to
lovers of flowers for their cultivation and improvement. The seedlings
generally when they first bloom produce flowers without any stripes or
markings, but with a yellow base, the upright portion of the petals being
self-coloured brown, ted, purple, scarlet, or rose. In this state, when they
have been grown for years without variation, they are called breeders or
mother Tulips. These are planted every year until they break into stripes,
when if the markings are fine or different from any one known they receive
names, and are taken up in the existing collectims. It is often so many
years before they break, and the multip ication in the breeder state is so
rapid, that the border soon becomes fi led with this self-coloured variety.
Each Tulip grower who has broken seedlings claims, and has a perfect right,
to give it a name ; but some confusi m is naturally brought on, because of
the fact that different names have been given to those that have brokm
almost exactly al ke. In a bed of a hundred seedlings it is not probable
that any two will be very nearlv a ike in their markings, which uncertainty
adds greatly to the charms of Tulip cultivation. The hope of obtaining

something new in the markings and pencilling is a sulfiiient stimulant for
the f-nthusiast to persevere in his labour of love until he has found one quite
woithy of a name. Another singular feature in the Tulips is that after it
breaks it ever remains the same, and never returns to its self colour again.

The show or fancy Tulips are divide 1 into three classes : —

1st. Bybloemen or Violets, such as have a white ground variegatid with
purple or violet, the edges well feathered, the petals erect, and the whole¬
forming a perfeit cup.

2nd. Bizarres having a yellow ground variegated with rose, scarlet,
purple, or violtt.

3rd. Boses with white ground colour variegated with rosy red, pink, or-
soft rose.

The properties of a good Tulip flower are as follows : — .

1st. The cup should form, when quite expanded, from half to a third of
a round ball. To do this the petals must be six in number, broad at the-
ends, smooth at the edges, and the divisions between the petals must scarcely
show an indenture.

2nd. The three inner petals should set closely to the three outer ones,,
and the whole should be broad enough to allow of the fullest expansion-
without quartering, as it is called, or exhibiting any vacancy between the-
peta's. .

3 d. The petals should be thick, smooth, and st'ff, and keep their form.-
well.

4th. The ground colour should be clear and distinct, whether white or
yellow. The least stain, even at the lower end of the petals, renders a*
Tulip of less value.

5th. Whatever be the disposition of co’ours or marks upon a Tulip,,
all the six pet-ls should be marked alike, and be therefore perfectly/
uniform. . .

6 h. The fea'hered flowers should have an even close feathering all
round, and whether narrow or wide, light or heavy, should reach far enough-
round the petals to form, when expanded, an unbroken edging.

7th. If the flower has any marking besides the feathering at the edge it
should be a bold mark down to the centre, but not reaching the bottom of
tne cup. This mark must be similar in all the six petals.

8th. Flowers not feathered, and with the flame only, must have no>
marks on the edge of the flowers. None of the colours must break to the
edge. The colour may b; disposed in any fo m so that it be perfectly
uniform in all the petals, and does not go too near the bottom.

9th. The c flour, whatever it may be, must be dense and decided, whether-
it be delicate and light or bright or dark ; it must bi distinct in its outline-
and not shaded or flushed.

10 h. The height should be 18 to 36 inches. The former is right for the
outside row in a bed, and the latter is right for the highest row.

11th. The purity of the whole and the brightness of the yellow should!
be permanent — that is to say, should stand UDtil the petals actually fall.

Aftir I have pointet out the pleasure and ambition which the culture
and improvement of Tulips has given to so many admirers of Nature
through many generations, I can hardly overlook the wonderful excitement
of which this at first quiet and innocent pleasure and trade was the-
precur.-or in past ages, and I presume that some information about this-
extravagant trade, or rather foolish speculat.on, may prove agreeable and
interesting to some of the members. I have endeavoured to procure every
possible informa ion od this subject, for which I have taken the trouble or
searching tlrough all the old libraries, as well in the old documents of the
city of Haarlem as in those of private property, but I am Borry to say thak
my gatherings have not been so successful as I had expected, while it
appears that very little in detail has been noted down of taese remarkable-
times. . .

The best information on this subject which I have been able to find is in
a little book containing three different dialogues on Flora’s rise and decline,,
printed and publi-h d by Johannes Marshoorn, printer, residing at that time-
at Marckt, in Haarlem, in 17c4. It appears that what has been published
after that date on this subject has all been obtained from this book, which
seems to have been the only source for information in this respect. The
city of Haarlem was at the time I speak of very famous for the manu¬
facture or handweaving of various goods, which were mostly intended for
export to India and other foreign countries, while the weaving by steam/
power now in use was at that time quite unknown. _ •

It appears that these weavers, who were well-to-do citizens, during their
holidays and Sundays, and all recreation days, amused themselves and found-
great pleasure by growing flowers, for which purpose they possessed small
gardens juBt outside the city, wfith little summer houses for shelter in rainy
we ither and to store away tbeir garden tools.

The very spot on which my offices and warehouses in Haarlem now
stand, and the nursery in the back of it, used to be the site of thirty off
these gardens, where on a holiday these people visited each other, played
at marbles, and took a great delight in the growing of flow- rs to their taste.
Among ihese quiet and honourable people Tulip growing appears to
have at first originated, and has gone on for several years without being
much noticed ; but the seedlings of Tulips, and the breaking of flowers into-
a variety of fine colour, gave an interesting stimulus to this sort of fancy,
and brought on a litl le trade among them of noveliieF. And by the intro¬
duction now and then of more wealthy citizens among these fanciers, this
trade became more and more popular, until in the year 1033, when the trade
in Tulips became so extravagant that it ruined thousands of people, and which,
was at last so very much taken up by all classes in society that at the end,
of the fourth year Government found it expedient to interfere.

As to he great cause of this famous trade and wild speculation which-
sprang up in Holland in the year 1634 there is no publication which gives a-
decided answer, but it is more than probable that the great impulse to this-
extravagance has come from Paris, where, in the ye ir 1632, a fa hion amongst
ladies sprang up among the nobility and wealthy classes of society to wear
Tulip flowers of the most beautiful colours on the left side of the bosom.
Tulips were at that time rather novel and scarce, and consequently very
co-tly, which may have led to it that they were used 1 ke diamonds and other
precious stones, so as to sati-fy the wea thy class of people in their love for
show or pomp, whioh has at all times been found among human society.

This fashion soon exhausting the stock of Tulips in hand sent up
their value to very high prices, when tradesmen and speculators, finding

Jane BO, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

529

that m Haarlem the Tulip fanciers existed, endeavoured to suoply their
wants for this co3tly fashion among these growers, who thereby received a
gi eat stimulant to the trade, which soon degenerated into extravagant
speculation ; and as fashions, particularly of such a costly nature, never list
'very long, it is quite natural that two years afterwards, when the fashion had
changed and Tulip fliwers were no more wanted, the Tulip trade fell to the
aground. ’ r

From the publication above-named I find a list of the names of the
-tulips at that time known among the trade, consisting of 121 different
varieties (although I certainly believe that a good many more sorts were
Known at that time, although not in this list). The greater portion of the
■sorts in this list are not in cultivation at present; but I, bowevir, find
among them six sorts still in my collection at the present day — viz.,
Isruid van Haarlem, Geeltrood van Leijd-n (red and yellow of Leiden),
•u-eneralissimo, Lac van Rhyn, Nons (wit), Somerschoon (Summer Beauty).

. It appears that at the time when the greatest speculation was going on
'the Tulip3 were soli by weight, and they were handed over at very high
•prices, especially considering the so much higher value of money in those
times.

There was in those days a committee nominated out of the florists, who
assembled almost every day, and all the Tulip roots intended f r sale wer;
‘bought to this committee, who took the bulbs, weighed them carefully, and
•sold them to the visitors of the sale, of which at that time there were always
.agoodnumberreadyto tuy accoiding to their fancy, and at all fancy prices.
The Tulips were there sold per root, hut also at a certain price per Ace
weight (the smallest medicinal weight, 0728 Acen, being equal to 1 lb.

In these times almost every man in all poutions of life, either noblemen
-or tradesmen of the lowest class in society, even coachmen, letter carriers,
carpenters, and weavers were then more or less actively engaged in the Tulip
trade, stimulated by the heavy sums of money the bulbs so often fetched,
and the apparent large profits which they brought to the lucky speculators.

In order to give you some idea as to what pric s some sorts fetched at
this time I may mention the following :

Oae bulb of Geeltrood van Leyden, weighing 515 Acen, sold first for
40 francs, or £1 and a few days later for 550 francs, or £40.

One bulb of Gmla, weighing 4 Acen, was sold at first for 20 francs, or
about 32s., and two or three weeks afterwards was sold for 225 franos, or
about £18.

One bulb of Admiral de Man, weighing 130 4-cen, 3o'.d at first for 30 s.,
•was sold a few days later for 175 francs, or about £15.

One bulb of Generalissimo, weighing 10 Acen, first sold for about £8,
was sold a few days later for £88.

One bulb of Scipion, weighing 1000 Acen, was first sold for about £6,
and a few days later for £180.

One of YeUowcrown, sold at first for £2, was sold within a month for over

£100.

One of S witser, sold for £5, was sold soon after for £150.

One of White Crown, soli for £10, fetchei a few days later the sum of
£300. ’ “

1000 Acen of Viceroy was sold at first for £300, and a short time after¬
wards for £600.

1000 Acen of Coorenaerts, sold at first for £5, fetched a few days later the
price of £40.

One thousand Acen of Aulenae de, sold at first for 70 francs or £6, was

■ sold a few days later for £600, and so on, the price p°r Ace being higber or
lower according to the public favour which each individual happened to
enjoy at the time.

One bulb of Semper Augustus was sold for the sum of £176, with the
special condition that the purchaser should not be allowed to sell it agiin
■without the written consent of the seller, and for ten Tu'ip roots in ten
different sorts the sum of £1000 was offered, which the proprietor refused
to accept, as he considered that to be less than the actual va^p.

Respecting the above-named variety, Viceroy, a most curious story is
told in one of these ancient books of a Tulip fancier, who was so very
anxious to get po=session of this Tulip, but not having sufficient money to
pay for it in full, he arranged with tbe seller to give nim in exchange for
-one bulb the undernamed articles, besides a sum of silver money, also 2 tons
of corn, 6 tons of Rice, four fattened bullocks, a dozen sheep, e’ght fattened
pigs, two barrels of wine, four barr Is of beer, two barrels of butter,
•1000 pounds of cheese, one bed, with various wearing apparel, the whole
calculated to represent £210. Another fancier exchanged the freehold pro¬
perty of 12 acres of land for one Tulip root, and at a public sale one morn¬
ing in Haarlem, £800 was realised for only a few Tulips. A very good
dwelling-house, now still stinding in one of the principal streefs of Haar¬
lem, was also exchanged for one Tulip root. An inhabitant of Brussels at

■ the time was proprietor of a small gaiden there, where the nature of the
soil appeared to possess a particular natural power to bring seedling Tulips
■to break, and thus greatly to improve their value. A good many dealers in
Tulips sent their seedling breeders there to be p’anted at a pretty high
.premium per sr ason.

All sorts of Tulips were sold and re-sold day after day, always at an
advanced price, which, I may say, made some people wild in their extra¬
vagant desire to gather riches. Several weavers in fairly good ciicumstances
left off working and sold their looms for the purpose of laying out all th<4r
money and employing all their time in the trade of Tulips. Daring the
time when the Tulip roots were in a growing state in the grounds, they
could, as a matter of course, not be sold by w. ight, but, however, the same
extravagant trade was still kept going by written contract blanks, which the
tradesmen carried in their pockets ready made, and only requiring to be
•filled up and signed. These contracts contamed an accurate stipulation of
the place where the bulb sold had been planted, and the purchaser had the
right to take it up when withered, but could only do so in company of the
seller, to avoid fraud, while the gardens where these valuable Tulips were
planted were watched day and night. A strange custom with some of these
private sales seems to have been adopted — viz., when a Tulip bulb sold

■ during winter was to be taken up in summer, both the seller and the buyer
went together to the place where the bulb had been planted, and after the
bulb had been taken out of the ground it was placed in a small box, which
was carefully sealed, and the box in this state was kept by the seller, while
■the purchaser was allowed a certain time, probably fixed by contract, to

decide whether he would accept it at the price and pay for it or refuse it,
when the transaction could be conside ed as undone ; but the party thus
refusing had to pay a certain per-centage for wine as penalty. It appears
that several of these private sales had been effected on every curious con¬
ditions, but what little ha3 been said of them in the way of explanation how
it was done. This has been described in such obscure and incompn honsible
words that it cannot be considered an explication at all, and leaves it
entirely obscure to posterity.

The most common Tulips, which in former years bal been thrown away
as being surplus stock and of no value, was then brought to the market of
tie florists and sold at high p*ices to tie f mciers.

It may be interesting when I mention an ex rict of some few of the
highest priced Tulips, which at thattim; were con-idered of most value ; —

Admiral Lei fkens .. ..

Catelyn of Entchuizen . .

weigbirg

40)

215

Acen 4 4 00 f . , or
.. 6400

£367

450

Ballaert .

S99

15;0 ,.

126

Bruine purper .

32-1

2025 „

170

Bl0}enburger .

443

13 0

103

Brabanson .

5 12

1M0 „

85

Fama .

158

700 „

58

G jada .

Js7

3380 „

278

Grebber .

523

H85 „

124

J ohn Catel> n .

Sjmerschoon (otiil now ia

ti

6i9

i»

2U0 „

130

cultivation) .

388

1010 „

85

Viceroy .

a

4 10

♦i

6700 „

553

All the other sorts in this prire list off--red at var'ous prices between £5
to £200 and £300 tach.

After this trade had gme on for four years a general meeting has been
held of the florists on February 3, 1637, at which it appears that a change in
the market took place as if suddenly the eyes of the foolish speculators had
been opened. Every one of them wanted to sell, but could not find anybody
to buy, and from that day the speculation fell to the ground, and in its crash
brought ruin and sorrow over the whole of florists and Tulip fanciers, which
must have been felt severely through all classes of society, doing consider¬
able injury to the trade at large. I may presume that during this extraor¬
dinary time many singular occurrences have taken pla-e, of which it might
have been interesting for posterity to know tbe details, but as they appear
not to have been nottd down by anybody then living, we mustcontent our¬
selves with what we know of it. Certainly it has be n a most extraordinary
occurrence, and shows how under a combination of political or domestic
circ amstances so m iny people can be brought to ridiculous doings, which at
the end must bring rum ana sorrow over their heads.

We now come to an altogether distinct class, the so-cal'ed “ Parrot
Tulips,” which are we l worth our attention. From where they originated
we cannot siy for certain, but I am of op nion that they originated from a
monstrous sport out of the late or fancy Tulips, among which they are
occasionally found. Their curious form of flower and the very striking
beauty of their showy colours may have made them worth growing in
qu intities.

They may be ignored by those florists who claim the right to say what is
and what is not beautiful, but as I am not bound to observe the laws that
regulate the form, shape, and perf ct markings, I prize this class very highly
on account of their smgular p cturesque appearance, and their large and
exceedingly brilliant colours, wale it is a fact that tbe demand for them
from all quarters is very considerable indeel, and has been increasing
considerably of late.

They are unequal'ed for groups in mixed bo-ders or con'p:cuous places
in front of shrubs, and they also prove very oraam utal if plint.d in hang¬
ing baskets or other hanging ornaments.

The variety in this c ase is very limited, thei- co'ours ringing bet veen
deep red and pure yellow ; but they ar •, nevertheless beautiful and attrac¬
tive, and more partuul rly so those of decided colours, such as Monstre
cramoisi, Rub o major, Lut o major, &o.

Besides the cl isses of Tul ps which I have men'ioned and described,
there are some sorts which are grown and sold under filename of Botanical
Tulips, because they do not quite be'ong to the clas-es I have spoken of,
but which are desirable for their particular property and beauty.

Tutipa Clusiana, a small miniature Tulip ; ve-y heaudful.

„ Florentina, yellow, and very sweet s -.enrtd.

„ Gculis soils, crimson, with dark bottom.

„ Persica or Breyniana, fragrant yellow; small flower, and very
dwarf and neat.

,. Eichleri, orange ; of recent introduction.

„ Greigi, light orange, with blotched foliage ; also of recent intro¬
duction.

„ Ilaageri, red.

In me botauical works are f >und several more names of Tulips which
are not in general cultivation, probably because they do not attract, the ey es
of florists by beauty or other properties.

Culture of the Tulip. — The best soil for the culture of the Tulip is a
rich, rather light, well-drained sandy loam. A be! of suflinent size for
planting the bu bs shou'd be dug at least 12 or 14 inch* s deep. The Tulips
should then be planted 4 inch s apart each wav, preseei deep enough to
keep them in their places, an 1 covered with moul 1 to the depth of 3 inch s
on the sides of tbe bed, and 5 inches in the centre. This precaution is
necessary that water may not stand on the bed during the winter. When
the b d is planted and covered it maybe left to the weather until the Tulips
come up, or about March 1st. A slight protection of litter is then required,
as the frost, if severe, has a tendency to check the bloom. Our climate is so
variable that it will well repay the trouble or cost of covering at night and
remove in the morning, in case snow for some time should not prevent this ;
but if the foliage is left for a long time covered up it has a tendency to draw
up, and weakens the plant.

When the flowers appear and they are protected from the Bnnby a light
canvas, the period of bloom may be ketfi up for ih-ee or four weeks. The
colours are generally better if not shaded at all, but in that case the bloom,
particularly in hot weather, would soon he ov r. Sometimes a sing'e day’s
hot sun would completely spoil them. Wnen tbe fl ewers begm to fade they
should be cut away and removed from the bed. I must, however, here men-

F 5 0

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jure 30, 1887.

linn jet what I consider a vrrv important item, and wh’ch I know is very
otten overlooked in planting Tulips — viz., never plant Tulips in the same
bed, or rather in the very same soil, for two or three consecutive seasons,
or if such might he desirable take at least 2 fei t of the old soil out of the
bed and replace by fresh ground. If this is not done the Tulips will
b’oom more poorly every year, and at last not bloom at all. I know that
very often this has been the cause of great di appointment to buyers, who
1 lame, although erroneously, the seedsman or the grower who has supplied
them.

At the conclusion of my present discussion I beg to express the hope to
have given some satisfaction to the members of this Club, and if it should
be considered agreeable and worth your attention, I may endeavour to con¬
tinue my discussion upon other flower roots of importance, esteemed among
the floriculturists, which are so much grown in Holland, and particularly at
Haarlem.

HYBRID PHALiENOPSE?.

Until quite recently very little progress had been made in arti¬
ficially hybridising the various species of Phahenopsis in Cultivation-
Several supposed natural hybrids had, however, been described, and
the characters of these forms were so clearly intermediate, that
there were substantial reasons for expecting some good results from
the experiments undertaken by several cultivators interested in the
matter. The natural hybrids that have been described by botanical
authorities are the following, with the parents : — P. Casta (Schiller-
iana and amabilis) ; P. intermedia (rosea and amabilis) ; P. leu-
corrhoda (Schilleriana and amabilis) ; P. Sanderiana (amabilis and
Schilleriana) ; P. Yalentini (cornu-cervi and violacea, and P. Veitch-
iana (rosea and Schilleriana). It is a remarkable fact that the
accuracy of the conjecture with regard to one of these, P. inter¬
media, has been since proved, and there has also been a near
approach to P. leucorrhoda.

Speaking at the Orchid Conference in 1885, Mr. Harry J. Yeitch
said — “ Crosses between species of Phalasnopsis have been effected
by several operators, and capsules readily obtained. \Ve only know,
however, of three instances besides our own where seedlings were
raised ; the first by Dobbs, in 1868, in the collection of Sir John
Greville Smith, at Ashton Court, near Bristol, but they were
afterwards lost ; then Grey, gardener to the eminent orchidologist,
Mr. Corning of Albany, New York, raised some seedlings, but they,
too, were afterwards lost ; and, lastly, Mr. Hollington at Enfield,
who has, I believe, one seedling still living. Our own experience
with Phahenopsis dates from 1875 ; our first cross was between
P. grandiflora and P. Schilleriana, but with that and with several
s lcceeding crosses no results beyond the capsules were obtained.
The first capsule to yield seedlings was gathered from P. grandi¬
flora X P. rosea ; a few of these are still living. Then we
obtained a few from P. amabilis and P. rosea, which grew with
more vigour than their elder brethren, and may not improbably
flower within the next two years. Still later we obtained seedlings
from P. Schilleriana X P. rosea, P. grandiflora X P. Ludde-
manniana, and from two or three other crosses.”

Since then three of the Chelsea hybrids have flowered, and the
first was that already referred to — namely, P. intermedia. This
flowered in March, 1886, the p'ant having been produced from seed
sown in 1882, the result of a cross between P. amabilis and P. rosea,
the experiment being undertaken to test the opinion as to P. inter¬
media being really a natural hybrid. This plant was mentioned in
the paper already quoted. The reader remarked that, “ The plant
had made three healthy leaves. It was well established in a small
pot, which, to be more secure from danger, was placed upon an
inverted pot that stood in a pan of water. One morning, to the
great dismay of Seden, it was discovered that a slug had eaten two
of the best leaves, and would, if not trapped, certainly devour the
remainder. Anxious to save the treasure, the plant was watched
incessantly for hours in the expectation that sooner or later the
marauder would make his appearance. To induce him to do so the
moss was constantly plunged in water. The repeated duckings had
at length the desired effect, the culprit issued from his lurking
place, and the plant was saved.” It can be readily imagined after
this narrow escape how eagerly the flowers were watched as they
expanded, and the success of the experiment was demonstrated. It
was found to be a true P. intermedia, a good dark variety, the
sepals and petals white, the latter tinged with crimson at the base,
the centre and side lobes of the lip purplish crimson, with a few
dots and a yellowish crest at the base ; the flowers about 2 inches
in diameter, and the foliage the same as a well-grown P. intermedia.

"When the plknt was exhibited at South Kensington on April 13th
last year, it attracted much attention from the orchidists present,,
and when placed before the Scientific Committee a botanical
certificate was awarded for it.

Another interesting hybrid Phalsenopis, which flowered for the
first time at Chelsea eaily this year, has been named P. Rothschild-
iana in honour of Lord Rothschild. It resulted from a cross
between P. Schilleriana and P. amabilis, and presented in many
points a curious resemblance to both parents. The leaves, though
suggestive of P. amabilis in form, but have some of the dark
spotting or marbling which renders the foliage of P. Schilleriana so
handsome. The flowers have been aptly compared to those of P
leucorrhoda in form, the sepals creamy yellow with purplish spots at
the base ; the petals are round, somewhat tinted with yellow and
spotted with purple, and orange in the centre. It will be noticed
that the parentage was the same as that ascribed to P. leucorrhoda,
but though the hybrid resembles it in several characters 't is
distinct in colouring and some minor points.

A third hybrid Phahenopsis raised at Chelsea is that represented
in the illustration (fig. 88). This has been named Phalaenopsis
Harriett® in honour of the daughter of the Hon. Erastus Corning,
Albany, New York, and was obtained from a cross between P.
grandiflora and P. violacea, the former being the seed parent, and
the seed was sown in January, 1882, the first flowers being produced!
in May this year. The leaves are plain green, much resembling F.
grandiflora, while the flower is more like an enlarged P. violacea,
and it might be not inappropriately termed P. violacea grandiflora.
The flower is nearly 3 inches in diameter, the petals about three-
quarter inch across, ovate, pale creamy white, stained with purple at
the base, the sepals being similar in colour and size, but rather more
acute in form. The lip has relatively large purplish-crimson wings-,
and a prolonged acute centre of a purple hue. This neat and at¬
tractive hybrid has been added to Mr. Coming’s extensive collection
of Orchids, which is now one of the richest in the United States, being
especially famed for the Phakenopses and Cypripediums. Of the
Phakenopses alone it is said that he has twenty-seven species and
varieties, comprising some very rare forms. Cattleyas and Laeliaa
are also largely represented, houses being devoted to them and
several other large genera. Those who have seen the collection
speak in the highest terms of the skill displayed by Mr. Grey in
their cultivation, the plants all being in admirable health, and com.
prising some very handsome specimens.

With regard to other experimenters in hybridising, it might be
added that in Mr. Smee’s garden at Wallington, Mr. Cummings has
obtained seed pods from crosses between Phaluenopsis Luddemann-
iana and P. amabilis, also between P. Manni and P. amabilis, but
hitherto no seedlings have been raised, though there is a prospect of
some being obtained shortly. — L. Castle.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

June 28th.

Hardy flowers and Orchids shared the honours at this meeting as
regards attractions, though the former were the more numerous, and pre¬
sented a greater variety of colours. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Paul & Son, Barr
and Sod, and IC-lway & Son were large exhibitors of hardy flowers, the
Orchids coming from amateurs, the handsome collection from Sir Trevor
Lawrence, Bart., M.P., being foremost in all points.

Fruit Committee.— Present : Harry J. Yeitch, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. John Lee, J. Fitt, J. Woodbridge, G. T. Miles, W. Warren, J.
Burnett, G. Norman, Wm. Paul, J. Smith, T. J. Saltmarsh, T. B. Haywocd',
Harrison Weir, P. Crowley, and R. D. Blackmore.

The exhibits were few, but the Melons and Cucumbers in competition)
for the special prizes increased this portion of the display, A cultural com¬
mendation was awarded to Mr. Clark, Twickenham, for some large hand¬
some fruits of Pauline Strawberry, capital in shape, colour, and flavour.
Mr. J. Watkins, Pomona Farm, Withington, Hereford, sent twelve varieties
of Apples remarkably well k*pt, the examples of Dumelow’s Seedling,
Norfolk Beefing, Hambledon Deux Ans, and Rymer being uncommonly
good. Mr. J. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle Gardens, Derby, exhibited a well
set bunch of Lockington Hall Muscat Grape, which is said to he earlier than
Muscat of Alexandria, which it closely resembled, also a la'ge compact
bunch of Rockferry Hamburgh, described as fourteen days later than Black
Hamburgh, keeping its colour better. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, showed a
seedling Melon named Turner’s Green Flesh, of good size, and well netted.
Mr. Woodgate, Warren House Gardens, Kingston-on-Thames, sent samples
of a seedling Strawberry, bright in colour, of moderate size, but it was not
considered distinct enough fora special award.

The special prizes for Melons were adjudged as follows : — Messrs. Sutton
and Sons’ prizes for a brace of M Ions. First, Mr. J. H. Goodacre, Elvastom
Castle Gardens, with Hero of Lockioge. Second, Mr. C. J. Waite, Glen-
hurst Gardens, Esher, with the same ; and third, Mr. Lockie, Oakley Court
Gardens, with Imperial Green Flesh. There were six competitors, all show¬
ing good fruits. Messrs. J. Carter & Co.’s prizes for Blenheim Orange
Melons brought several exhibilors with tine specimens, Mr. T. Lockie win¬
ning the first place, followed by Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl < i
Radnor, Longford Castle, and Mr. C. J. Waite. Tue prizes offered by the
same firm for a braceVjf Carter’s Model Cucumbers were won by Mr. Lockie,
Mr. Waite, and Mr. G. Collins, Wandsworth Common, in the ordtr named,,
the first b.ing beautiful even fruits. Messrs. Webb & Sons contributed

June 80, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

531

prizes for Melons, which were adjudged to Mr. Goodacre for exceptionally
handsome irnits of Royal W arrant, and to Mr. Lockie for Queen Victoria,
a fine green flesh -variety.

Floral Committee. — Present: — Shirley Hibberd, Esq, in the chair;
Dr. M. T. Masters, the Rev. W. Wilks, and Messrs. J. Walker, H. Herbst,
W. H. Lowe, R. Dean, C. Noble, C. Pilcher, H. Bennett, J. Hudson, J.
Dominy, A. J. Lendy, H. M. Pol'ett, J. O’Brien, T. Baines, E. Hill, H.
Turner, J. Douglas, G. Paul, and W. Goldiing.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, H.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking (gardener,
Mr. Bickerstaff), contributed an interesting group of Orchids, comprising
many varieties, and all remarkable for their healthy condition, a cultural
commendation being awarded for them. Several fine Masdevallias were
shown, chiefly varieties of M. Harryana, such as sanguines, regalis, maxima,
and the original Bull’s Blood. Cypripediums were excellent, as C. Curtisi,
with two fine flowers ; C. caudatum, with nine flowers, grown in a cool
Odontoglossum house for six years ; a fine healthy plant, though some ex-
rienced growers have failed with the plant under such treatment ;
Swannianum, six large elegant flowers ; 0. Dayanum, very handsome,
with six beautiful blooms ; C. Lawrenceanum, four flowers, a good variety;
and C. superciliare, which was certificated. Other notable plants were
Catasetum atratnm, with four racemes of green spotted flowers ; Cattleya
Schilleriana, with a crimson veined fringed lip ; Galeandra Dives, Aerides

pink ; the Old Crimson Clove ; Dr. Raymond, a dark crimson Clove ; Mdlle.
Carle, pure white ; Belle Halliday, yellow, and Tissot’s Yellow, similar.
Mr. W. R >pley, Bedford Hi 1 House, Balkarn, showed som s large trusses
and fljwers of the clear yellow Calceolaria Cloth of Gold. Messrs. J.
Veitclufc Sous had flowering branches of Andromeda speciosa pulverulenta,
with large white beil-like flowers, Styrax japonica with drooping white
Snowdrop-like flowers, and Syriuga j aponica (certificated). O. P. Hodges
Esq., Chislehurst, sent some double scarlet and blush coloured Tuberous
Begonias and a dull reddish Sweet Pea named Terra Cotta. Mr. C. Noble*
BagBhot, had some branches of Robinia Decaimeana with numerous flesh
pink flowers. Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, sent flowers of his Invincible Blue
Sweet Pea. Mr. W. Gordon, Twickenham, hal specimens of a new Japanese
Maple with deeply cut green leaves. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, showed some
pretty varieties of Dianthus plumarius and a golden yellow variety of Chrys¬
anthemum coronarium nam d Sunb ;am. Mr. H. Bennett, Shepperton, was
adjudged a vote of thanks for blooms of Roses Princess Beatrice and William
Francis Bennett, his beautiful new variety Cleopatra being certificated.
The Rev. W. Wi ks had a collection of his charming Shirley Poppies, which
we noticed fully some time ago when several were figured in this Journal.

The groups of hardy flowers can oi'y be briefly summarised now, though
they desi' ve a more ample notica. Silver Banksian medals were awarded to
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, and Messrs. Paul St Son, Chsshunt, both of whom

Fig. 88.— Phal.enopsis Harriett.®.

Godefroj®, Rsstrepia elegans, Oncidium Karwinski, Saccolabium ampul -
lacenm, Ly caste Deppei punctatissima, Dendrobium Deari, sixteen pure
white flowers ; Galeandra nivalis, Ccelogyne Schilleriana, the peculiar Bul-
bophyllum barbigerum, Ccelrgyne speciosa in two varieties, one with a red¬
dish orange lip, the other with a dark almost black lip ; Masdevallia,
similar ; Cattleya gigas Sanderiana, bearing four grand flowers ; and the
pretty little Phalaenopsis Mari®. G. Nevile Wyatt, Esq., Lake House, Chel¬
tenham (gardener, Mr. T. Simcoe) was awarded a bronze medal for a grand
specimen of Cattleya gigas, b aring four racem’B of flowers, two of six each,
one with five, and one with nine, huge richly coloured flowers, the lip
3 inches in diameter, and the other parts of the flower in proportion. The
plant was in excellent condition, and was greatly admired. A cultural com¬
mendation was awarded to F. B. Haywood, Esq, Woodhatch Lodge,
Reigate (gardener, Mr. Ridout), for a tine plant of Odontoglossum vexii-
larium var. Regina, bearing two racemes of eight flowers each, v.ry large,
with dark veins iu centre. Several other varieties of Odontoglossum vexil-
larium were sent by different exhibitors, but not of special merit. Mr. F.
Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen, showed examples of Odontog'.o sum
crispum and Dendrobium polyphlebium.

Mr. J. Douglas, The Gardens, Great Gearies, Ilford, exhibited flowers of
the yellow Picotee Almira, which has been previously certificated, and
another named Agnes Chambers, yellow edged with rose. Mr. H. B. May,
Edmonton, had Borne good plants of Carnations — Miss Joliffe, Boft flesh

had very rich collections of flowers. Bronze msdals were awarded to Messrs ,
Ketway A Son for a beautiful display of Pasonies, Delphiniums, and Gail-
lardias ; and to Missrs. Barr & Son for a miscellaneous choice group of
hardy flowers.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Cattleya labiata leucophasa (F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Hammer¬
smith ; gardener, Mr. Cowley). — A distinct variety with narrow sepals,
petals broader, curved, and slightly undulated at the margin, white with a
very faint tinge of colour, lip neatly fringed, white in the throat, the upper
half of a peculiar purplish blue tint.

Aerides expansum Leonias (F. G. Tautz, Esq.). — A handsome Aerides
with large flowers, the sepals aud petals white, spreading, flat, the lip large
with a bold central lobe and two divergent side lobes, ro=e centre, the other
portion white spotted with purple.

Cypripedium supirciliire (Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, M.P.). — An excel¬
lent plant, with seven magnificent flowers, the dorsal senal broad, whit*,
with green and pnrp'e veins, the pstals having hairy margins and dark dot%.
the lip bold and well formed.

Syringa japonica (J.Veitch St Sons).— In general appearance the flowers
of this shrub are suggestive of an Elder, the truss and odour being more like
a Ligistrum. The leaves are elliptical, 6 inches long, 4 inches broad, a:u-
mintte, theflowe-s creamy white, small, in largs loase panicles.

Heuchera sang nine i (T. S. Ware).— An extremely pretty dwarf hardy

532

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 30, 18S7

plant, with small roundish dentate leaves, and panicles of small bright red
tubular flowers, very graceful, and freely produced. The plant shown had
been lifted from the open ground and placed in a pot, and it had fifty
panicles 18 inches to 2 feet high.

Bose Lady Alice (Messrs. Paul & Son). — A sport from Lady Mary Fitz-
william, exactly the same in the style of flower, but nearly white, faintly
tinged with pink in centre.

Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum semi-duplex (Saltmarsh & Son, Chelms¬
ford). — A variety of the Ox-eye Daisy, in which an extra number of narrow
white ray florets had been produced.

Delphinium Chamont (Kelway & Son). — A semi-double variety, bright
blue with purple centre, comoact spikes, very handsome.

Delphinium Britannia (Kelway & Son). — A distinct variety, rich dark
blue, with a white centre.

Gaillardia Vivian Grey (Kelway & Son). — A rich golden yellow variety,
fine heads, handsome.

Pceony Glory of Somerset (Kelway & Son). — A bold variety, the flowers
large, full and fragrant, of a rosy mauve tint,

Bose Cleopatra (H. Bennett). — A pedigree seedling Tea Rose from Mr.
Bennett’s choice store, with grand substantial blooms, delicate salmon pink
in colour, very fragrant, and likely to make a handsome exhibition Rose.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Present : Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair ; Mr. Pascoe. Mr. McLachlan,
Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Ridley, Dr. Lowe, Mr. Lynch, Col. Clarke, and Rev. G.
■Hen Blow, Hon. Sec.

Lonicei a pubescens, Ay 6. —Col. Clarke exhibited sprays of a hybrid raised
■between this species and L. italicum. The plant possesses the perfoliate
foliage of the latter, the male parent, as weii as the climbing habit and
■scent. It has small yellowish flowers.

Bulbophyllum barbigerum. — This Orchid, like B. Calamarii, is remarkable
for the peculiarity of having an oscillating labellum. Remarking on the
mechanical movements of the labella of Orchids, Mr. O'Brien called at‘en-
tion to the interesting fact that he had more than once observed a spon¬
taneous movement in the “ tails ” of Masdevallia corniculata. On watching
them closely they moved backward and forward slowly, but occasionally
with a jerk. This peculiarity does not appear to have been previously
noticed.

M. Simula. — Mr. O'Brien exhibited a plant of this minutely flowered
Orchid, as also of variations in the colouring of the perianth leaves of Cata-
setum stratum.

Liquidamber Styracifiua.— Dr. Lowe called attention to the variety of
tthis plant in modern gardens, but that it was frequently grown in old ones.
He exhibited a branch from an old garden at Putney adjoining another in
which was a Thorn raid to have been planted by Oliver Cromwell.

Hakea linearis. — Dr. Masters showed a branch of this plant grown by
Miss Owen, Ireland. It is remarkable for its flattened leaves btlow, and
•cylindrical above.

Helichrysum ( Swammerdamia) antenarium. — A shrub with snow white
masses of small flowers, was also sent by Miss Owen.

Floipers, Monstrous. — Double form of Silene inflata, and Pteonia prolifera
■superba, with floral bud issuing from tbe open carpels, exhibited by Mr.
Ware; and a semi-double Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum occurring wild,
from Mr. Saltmarsh. In this form tbe additional ligulate florets were very
■narrow, resembling Japanese forms of Chrysanthemum, It received a first-
class (floral) certificate. Dr. Masters observed that it was known to occur
■much more “ double ” than is the present form, and Mr. Lynch had seen it
•with all the florets “ tubular ” — i.e., in the “ quilled form.”

Lilium bulbiferum. — Miss Owen sent flowers with anthers malformed.
It was suggested by the Secretary it might be due to enlargement of the
aerial bulbs (none of which were sent), as he had known cases where
■hypertrophy of the bulbs caused complete atrophy of the flowers. Miltonia
vexillaria, exhibited by Mr. Hollington, showed the peculiarity of the
markings (the BO-called insect “ patb-finders ”) of the labellum repeated in
♦various degrees upon the sepals and petals. This was, however, not coupled
with any attempt at a pelorian condition of the flower. A botanical certi¬
ficate was awarded the exhibitor. Cattleya Wagneri, Mr. Smee exhibited a
blossom in which the median sepal was adherent to the column of the flower.
Acera3 anthropophora, Mr. Ridley exhibited specimens, which he under¬
takes to examine and report upon tbeir malformations.

Plants Exhibited. — From Mr. Veitch came Styrax jiponica and the
Japanese Syringa, the fornqer being a very free- flowering shrub with white
scented flowers. Mr. Lynch showed the following from the Cambridge
Botanic Gardens — Polemonium flavum, Cecropia stapaliaeformis (with a long,
■tubular, slender-rayed and spotted corolla), Helianthus occidentalis, Melia
azedaiach, Cerasus virginiana, Myrsiphyllum asparagoides (in fruit),
Echeandia eleutherandea, Ducliopogon strictus, Hymenocallis Harrisiana
(with very slender perianth-leaves and reduced corona), Fontainesia cali-
fornica (?), a free-flowering shrub with minute flowers. It is said there is
only .one species in cultivation, hence it was forwarded to Kew for identifi¬
cation. A vote of thanks and a botanical certificate for the last-mentioned
plant were unanimously awarded to Mr. Lynch for his interesting exhibits.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING.

As previously announced a special general meeting of the Fellows of the
Royal Horticultural Society was cal’ed for Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m., to
consider the present position and prospects of the Society. There was a
igood attendance of Fellows, the Council and officers present being as follows :
— Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., in the chair, Baron Schroder, Professor
Michael Foster, Colontl Trevor Clarke, Major Mason, Dr. Robert Hogg,
■Sidney Courtauld, W. T. Thiselton Dyer, Wili am Lee (Secretary), Wm.
Haughton (Treasurer), and Captain Bax (Assistant-Secretary).

After the Secretary had read the notice calling the meeting, Sir
Trevor Lawrence proceeded to briefly review what had been done by the
Council since the annual meeting. He said that the arrangements be¬
tween the Royal Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition and the officials of
the Royal Albert Hall had not bem sufficiently advanced to permit the
itoyal Horticultural Society to enter into any engagement with the latter
body as had been originally proposed, so that the actual state of affairs

was very similar to what it was at their previous gathering. Expenses
were, however, still going on, and it was felt that the uncertainty re¬
specting the future of the Society was having a most prejudicial effect ;
they were losing Fellows and not gaining others in the same proportion.
As it seemed useless waiting for the completion of the arrangements re¬
ferred to, the Council had entered into direct negotiations with the Royal
Commissioners, with a view to obtaining the use of such buildings as
might be necessary for their purpose, for it appears that the buildings near
the entrance at the Exhibition Road and that containing the Lindley Library
will shortly be pulled down, so that fresh quarters are absolutely necessary.
The result of the representation made to the Commissioners was that a
Bite near the western arcade was offered to the Society, but it was not a
suitable one ; the approach was bad, and the space — 2700 square feet — was
insufficient, especially as no promise could be given that the conservatory
or other portion of the grounds could be utilised by the Society. It was
th> refore represented to the Commissioners that the site and space were in¬
adequate, and they were asked if some other offer could be made, the reply
being, that pending the settlement of an arrangement with the Royal Albert
Hall officials nothing further could be done. It thus became incumbent upon
the Society to look elsewhere, and a number of sites had been proposed and
their respective merits had been examined carefully, with the result that
all would have necessitated a great outlay besides that incurred in the
erection of buildings, which the Society in its present condition could not
venture upon. Expenses were not decreasing, and the fact that they
would be shortly running into debt rendered it imperative that some de¬
cision should be arrived at immediately. At the present rate there would
be a deficit at the end of the year of £1000, but this would be greatly re¬
duced if the large number of outstanding subscriptions were paid up.
Their financial position was partly due to losses incurred in connection
with the Liverpool Show last year, but he did not consider it alarming,
as if some definite scheme was before the Society he felt that they would
soon recover. There was a large horticultural interest in this country, and
there were plenty of persons anxious to support the Society.

SirT. Lawrence then read the letter which had been sent by the Council
to Her Majesty the Queen, explaining their position, referring to their long
period of useful work, and mentioning the interest taken in their welfare by
the late Prince Consort. Her Maj sty’s reply was as follows : — “ Aix-les-
Bains, April 16th, 1887. — Sin, — I have duly Lid before tbe Queen the me¬
morial you have forwarded on behalf of the Council and Fellows of the
Royal Horticultural Society, in which you express your desire to retain the
connection with South Kensington which has lasted for more than a quarter
of a century. Negotiations with reference to the gardens are going on
between the Royal Commissioners of tbe Exhibition of 1851 and the Council
of the Royal Albert Hall. The Queen hopes that, if the upper gardens and
conservatories are acquired by the Royal Albert Hall, there will be no diffi¬
culty in your Society coming to an agreement with the Hall both for shows
and for office accommodation. As the area left in the hands of the Royal
Commissioners after the dedication of the ground for the Imperial Institute
will be a small one, the Queen does not think the Commissioners would be
able to provide a gratuitous site for the offices of the Society. I am com¬
manded by the Queen to add that Her Majesty trusts some satisfactory
arrangement will be arrived at, as Her Majesty has not ceased to take an
interest in the welfare of the Royal Horticultural Society. — I have the
honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Henry F. Ponsonby.” The Pre¬
sident stated that he had read these letters to show the Fellows that all had
been done to retain their place at South Kensington, but they must now
turn elsewhere, as it was obviously impossible to go on in this way. The
proposals were twofold. Tbe Fellews would be asked to empower the
Council to take such steps as would be necessary for the future conduct of
the Society to remove to Chiswick at the end of the year, or as soon as their
engagements with other societies would admit. In conclusion he said that
he would be glad to answer any questions, and he assured the Fellows that
the one effort of the Council was to restore the Society to the position of
utility it ought to occupy.

Mr. Shirley Hibberd asked whether the Committee appointed at the
annual meeting had made any report, and whether it helped them in any
way out of their difficulty. The President Baid that a report bad been sub¬
mitted to the Council, which he then read, the principal points in it being
that the condition of the Society should be fully explained to the Queen,
that the Soci ty should extend its sphere by admitting gardeners as Fellows
at half a guinea, and that an efficient permanent paid Secretary should be
appointed. Sir Trevor Lawrence said the former they have already done
with the result as stated. They quite concurred in the desirability of increas¬
ing the scope of the Society, also in the o'her points ; but there we?e at
present some financial difficulties in ihe way.

One Fellow thought it undesirable to come to a decision until it was
known definitely what course the Royal Commissioners would take with re¬
gard to the gardens. Another Fellow considered it better to return to Chis¬
wick at once, and hold shows as formerly, rather than remain at South
Kensington with the risk of increasing their d<-bt. Mr. Shirley Hibberd did
not think the position deplorable. A debt of £1000 would be comparatively
insignificant. The country had not been appealed to ; the Society must
enlarge its borders, and become what it professed to be — a Horticultural
Society. They had been strangled by the charter, and he thought it would
be better if they dropped the Royal and became a National Society. He
considered tbeir going to Chiswick was beginning a reorganisation in a
healthy way, that would produce good results.

Mr. Harry J. Veitch, after remarking that the Committee had been met
most favourably by the Council, said tbe general opinion was that it would
be desirable for the Society to grt rid of the onus of South K»nsington and
return to Chiswick, obtaining a hall in London for their mei tings. He then
proposed the fol’owing resolution — “ That this met ting requests the Council
to take such steps for the maintenance and housing of tbe Soc'ety as may
appeartoih m best calculated to maintiin the character and utditv of the
Society and the internets of horticulture committ d to its charge.” This was
seconded by Dr. M. T. Masters. Professor Michael Fos'er tben remarked
that be understood the occupation of Chiswick wcul 1 only be temporary,
and he moved as an aiditional resolut'on, ■* Tbit steps be taken immediately
to secure accommodation for the Society at the c’ose of the year, either per¬
manent or temporary, in some central situation in, or not fir from tbe City.”

June 30, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

533

Baron Schroder seconded this proposal, and said that the importance of a
central situation for the shows and mett'ngs was fully recognised, and he
was certain that it would leal to a great increase of Fellows, and inpart
new life to the Society. Mr. Johnson suggest. d that the two resolutions
he combined, and when put to the meeting they were carried rrnanimously.
The proceedings terminated by a hearty vote of thanks te the President.

A Strawberry Fete is announced to be held in the Royal
Horticultural Society’s gardens at Chiswick on July 9th, for Fellows of
the Society and their friends.

- The Biennial Exhibition of Agriculture and Ento¬
mology in Paris will take place from August 27th next to September
29th, at the Orangerie, one of the terraces of the Tuileries Gardens.
The French Minister of Public Works is the President of the Society
which organises the display.

- A correspondent, “ Pomona,” writes to us from India as

follows on Preserved Fruit : — “ I see it stated in the Times of India
that fruit is preserved in a fresh state in Australia by being exposed to
the fumes of sulphurous acid, and then packed in air-tight cases. Could
you or any of your correspondents kindly linform me if this has been
tried in England, and whether common sulphur should be used, or
sulphuric acid in a liquid state, and how should the fumes of the acid
be applied 1" We do not know that the method is practised in England,
but will readily publish any information that may be sent to us on the
subject.

- Royal Floral Decorations. — Messrs. Charles Turner and

Sons of the Royal Nurseries, Slough, had a busy day on the 23rd inst.,
when Her Majesty returned from Paddington to Slough and Windsor.
The departure platform of Paddington station was representative of a
flower show, which extended outside, large Conifers in tubs flanking the
approach. Specimen Palms, Roses, Pelargoniums, Rhododendrons, and
Ivies were effectively disposed, and groups formed of smaller plants,
such as Gloxinias, Fuchsias, Marguerites, Ferns, Lobelias, Isolepis, and
others, while hanging baskets admirably furnished contributed mate¬
rially to the display. The Slough and Windsor stations were similarly
embellished, and being smaller the effect was the more pleasing, the
arrival platform at Slough representing a well-furnished conservatory,
and countless flags and banners rendered the scene singularly gay.

- Outside the station at Slough a wonderfully fine Triumphal

Arch was erected, Mr. Arthur Turner and a score of men having been
employed on it for three days. It was 45 feet high, with a central span
30 feet wide, and two side spans of 10 feet, with four flanking columns 8 feet
wide ; the sectional width or thickness of the structure was also 8 feet.
It was entirely covered with flowering sprays of lilac Rhododendrons
and scarlet Poppies, large circles of white Rhododendrons being formed
above the central arch, flanked with the letters V. R. 6 feet high wdtli
the same kind of flowers. The shoulders of the arch were furnished
with Palms and Tree Ferns, and the base of the structure with Conifers
and Euonymus. Both as regards magnitude and finish this fine
Jubilee arch merits recognition. A beautiful bouquet made by Mr.
Turner and presented to Her Majesty was composed mainly of Cattleyas,
Odontoglossums, and Marshal Niel Roses.

The Jubilee Celebration in Reading. — The establishment of
Messrs. Sutton & Sons of Reading was decorated and illumined in a
manner worthy of the specially appointed seedsmen to Her Majesty and
the Prince of Wales. As usual the royal standard floated over the
market place frontage, and in addition to this a scarlet banner with the
name of the firm in white lettering extending out over the roadway.
Running the whole width of the building was a handsome design in
festooned drapery of imperial purple with fringe of purple and gold.
Below this, fitting in between the windows on the second floor, the royal
initials, Y.R., with the dates 1837-1887 on each side, were tastefully
shown in gilt lettering on a ground of purple, matching the design
above. It should be mentioned that the dates representing the period

of fifty years over which the Queen’s reign has extended refer also to the
fact that Messrs. Sutton are this year celebrating the fiftieth anniversary
of their removal from King Street to their premises in the market place,
an event co-incident with Her Majesty’s accession to the throne ; hence
they had a special interest in the jubilee rejoicings. The illuminations
at Messrs. Sutton’s establishment were very fine. They consisted of a
magnificent design iu crystal, occupying the centre of the building on.
the first floor, surmounted by a crown, and having the royal arms for a.
centrepiece, with the words “ God Save the Queen and the Prince ” as a
border. On each side was an immense star and garter, also in crystal -r
each of these, together with the central designs, being backed by a trophy
of flags. When lighted up the effect of these illuminations and deco¬
rations was truly charming. It should be further stated that the firm
provided a substantial repast for 2000 aged persons of Reading, who-
partook of it in the great ware-rooms of the establishment that are.
devoted to grass and farm seeds during their season of storage.

- Arcadia. — A scheme is being developed by Mr. Harry Ether-

ington to convert the Agricultural Hall at Islington into a holiday
retreat under the above title, which will be open from July 9th to
September 24th this year. It is said that the Hall has been transformed
into a garden with bedsjof flowering and foliage plants, with walks, rustic
bridges, ferneries, fountains, &c. A series of flower shows will be held
at which cups, gold and silver medals, will be given as prizes, musical
and other attractions being provided.

- An Amateur’s Orchids. — The term amateur has a wide

bearing, but in this instance it refers to a gentleman who practically
grows his own plants, having only occasional assistance, and has raised
many. Mr. John Harrison of Claremont House, St. John’s Grove,
Leeds, has perhaps some of the largest groups of Orchids in tubs to be
found in a garden and house so small — Cattleyas, Odontoglossums,
Coelogynes, Dendrobiums, &c., 3 feet or more in diameter, and established
in a remarkably short period, and if they continue to flourish will soon>
make splendid masses. Smaller plants of Cattleyas are also represented
in good varieties, the chief being C. Mossias Harrisoni, that was certifi¬
cated at York on the 17th inst. It is a fine variety with a beautifully
fringed lip 14 inch across, the crimson markings being remarkably
rich and relieved with light feathery streaks, the flowers being 7 inches
across. We understand it is one of Mr. Bruce Findlay’s importations,
from Venezuela. Mr. Harrison’s Zonal Pelargoniums, Princess Ida and
Princess Alice, that were also certificated at York, were flowering. They
are good in habit, form of flowers and truss, and of a “ crushed straw¬
berry ” colour. Our peep into Mr. Harrison’s little greenhouses was at
an unfortunate moment, for the earnest and successful amateur was not
'at home.

- During the Jubilee week and on the occasion of the Royal

Counties Agricultural Society’s Show held at Reading, MESSRS-
Oakshott & Millard decorated their- premises very tastefully. On
the upper part of the exterior were large letters, “ V. R.,” with mottoes-
on either side, “ Success to Agriculture,” and “ The Profit of the Earth
is for all.” Underneath these were the words, “ God Save the Queen.’'
Immediately over the facia flags were placed along the whole length,
with the royal arms in the centre surmounted with small sheaves of
corn, while a large sheaf of Wheat was placed over the entrance. The
interior of the premises was also tastefully arranged.

_ A party of the Wakefield Paxtonian Society recently

paid a visit to Studley Royal, the seat of the Marquis of Ripon. The
visitors left Westgate station at 1.3 P.M., and on reaching Ripon drove to-
Studley Park. The extensive domain with its fine avenue of splendid
trees, the gardens, the house, and the extensive collection of curiosities-
brought from India by the Marquis and Marchioness were all much,
admired, and the grand old ruins of Fountains Abbey were inspected
with interest. The ornamental grounds and the lake were also sources
of great attraction.

- Mr. J. Mallender sends the following summary of Mete¬
orological Observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop, Notts,
for May, 1887 : — “ Mean temperature of month, 48-7°. Maximum on.
the 17th, 67-0°. Minimum on the 1st, 26-2°. Maximum in the sun on.
the 17th, 128-0°. Minimum on the grass on the 1st, 17'8°. Mean,
temperature of air at 9 A.M., 49-6°. Mean temperature of soil 1 foot
deep, 49-7°. Nights below 32° — in shade, two ; on grass, seven. Total
duration of sunshine in month, 109 hours, or 22 per cent, of possible

534

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ J one 30, 1667.

luration. We had eight sunless days. Total rainfall, 1'44 inch. Max¬
imum fall in twenty-four hours on ]9tli, 0-25 inch. Rain fell on
eighteen daj s. Average velocity of wind, 10 1 miles per hour. Velo¬
city exceeded 400 miles on two days, velocity fell short of 100 miles on
two days, A cold, dry, and very dull month, with a very large propor¬
tion of N. and N.E. winds. Vegetation unusually late.”

- Potato Tercentenary.— Under the auspices of the Royal

Horticultural Society a series of papers will be read and discussions pro¬
moted on various subjects, scientific and practical, bearing on the Potato,
in commemoration of the third century of its introduction to this
country. The meetings commence at South Kensington on July 13th,
and continue at intervals till the 27th of the same month.

- An Australian Herbarium.— It is stated in Nature that

Miss Oldfield has presented to the herbarium of the Royal Gardens,
Kew, the botanical collections made in Australia by her late brother, Mr.
Augustus Oldfield. This gentleman was, as stated by Mr. Bentham in
the preface to “The Flora of Australia,” an acute observer as well as
‘an intelligent collector.” His Serbs of Eucalypti are especially good, as
he took great pains to obtain the various forms of foliage characteristic
of each species, as well as the fruiting and flowering stages. Sir Joseph
Hooker used his Tasmanian plants in his “ Flora ” of that colony. Mr
Oldfield “ made large additions to the West Australian plants previously
known.” These collections were placed at Mr. Bentham’s disposal for
th j purpose of his “ Flora Australiensis.”

- “ B.” strongly recommends Begonias hydrocotil^folia and

manic Ata for conservatory decoration, and remarks that “ The value
of these Begonias for furnishing purposes is unquestionable, for they
last in good condition for fully three months after their blooms are de¬
veloped. The best method of having healthy vigorous plants is to raise
them from cuttings annually after they have flowered. The old foliage
and flower stems should be removed from the cuttings before insertion
singly in 3-inch pots in sandy soil, a good pinch of sand being placed
in the centre for the base of the stem or cutting to rest upon. If the
growing end of the plant is not destroyed they will soon form new
foliage. The top of the cutting should only just be above the surface of
the soil, so that the foliage will hide the pots. The cuttings root freely
in a vinery, or in any warm structure where they can be shaded. Grow
them in heat until they are ready for transferring into larger pots, and
afterwards under cool frame treatment.”

- At a recent meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Royal

Horticultural Society examples of Vines with barren flowers were
shown. Mr. Barron forwarded flowers, some having the stamens spread¬
ing, which set fruit, others with the stamens reflexed, and which were
ail ways barren. Mr. Henslow reported upon a microscopical examination
of the two kinds, and found that the pollen was shrivelled and utterly
useless in the recurved stamens. Like those which remained erect after
the corolla had fallen, they burst their anthers while in bud, but as soon
as the flower has lost the corolla the filaments become reflexed. On ex¬
amination of the stigmas, ovaries, and ovules nothing abnormal was
revealed, so that if these flowers be dusted with the pollen from a normal
kind, a spray being gathered just as the corolla is falling, and shaken
over the others, the probability is that they would set fruit. Such an
experiment would soon show if the pistils were unaffected or not. It
appears that these barren flowers occur on rods growing side by side
with fertile ones, and may occur on any variety, so what is the inherent
constitutional cause of the “ contabescence ” of the stamens would seem
to be obscure. It is discussed by Darwin (“ Animals and Plants under
Domestication,” ii., page 165), but he could not suggest a cause, though
some plants (Dianthus and Verbascum) thus affected grew on a dry and
sterile bank. Dr. Masters called attention to the researches of Engel,
mann and Planchon on this subject, as well as to his own observations
at Chiswick several years since. A tendency to assume a dioecious
condition seems to be general in all Vines, and is completely attained
in the American species. Allusion was also made to corresponding phe¬
nomena in Strawberries.

- Professor Thurber thus describes finding Palafoxia

(Polypteris) Hookeriana in his travels some time ago : — “ When
we came to a water-hole on the road between El Paso del Norte and the
City of Chihuahua, in Northern Mexico, surrounded by a thick growth
of plants having bright, rose-pink flowers, we were glad to find it to be

the same that we had known in cultivation as Hooker's Palafoxia, P
Hookeriana, and quite as large and as showy as we had seen it in gar¬
dens. The plant belongs to the Aster Family (Composite), and bears
numerous Aster-like heads of flowers upon branching stems of 1 to 4 feet
high. The flower-heads have pinkish or rose-purple rays, making it a
showy and pleasing hardy plant for the garden. Upon looking up what
later botanists have had to say about this Palafoxia, a genus named in
honour of a Spanish General, Jos6 Palafox, we find that the plant in
question is not a Palafoxia, but has been placed in an allied genus,
Polypteris, a name from the Greek words for many and wings, in refer¬
ence to the structure of the pappus upon the fruit. The proper botani¬
cal name is Polypteris Hookeriana, but this will not prevent the use of
Hooker’s Palafoxia as its garden name. According to generally ac¬
cepted rules, it sometimes becomes necessary to refer a species to a genus
different from that in which it was originally placed. It is always to
be regretted, as many find it more difficult to unlearn a name than to
learn a new one.”

- Some attention has been recently called to the Choro-Gi,

Stachys af finis, as a new vegetable, and the following reference to
the plant (a native of China and Japan) in a work by M. Poillieux is
interesting : — “ In the spring of 1882 we received from the Acclimatisa¬
tion Society a box containing tubers of Stachys affinis, which had been
sent to the Society by Dr. E. Bretschneider, Physician of the Russian
Legation at Pekin, but all but five or six tubers perished during the
voyage. Such, however, is the ease with which it is propagated, that
the loss of the greater part did not grieve us. From the first year each
tuber planted on an old hotbed gave us a satisfactory increase, and
from the second year the plants left on the bed yielded from 200 to 300
per cent. By this means we were enabled to send plants to the vegetable
section of the Acclimatisation Society, and, following the example of the
Japanese, to introduce into our pickles a pretty large proportion of tubers.
The result has been very satisfactory. For five or six years we had in
vain asked for 1 Choro-Gi ’ in Japan. The plant is hardy, having stood
without protection through the winter of 1882-83, though it is true that
winter was not a very rigorous one. Belonging to Northern China, it
will, however, probably stand the hardest winters. The tubers of
< Choro-Gi ’ are used in Japan for pickling in Plum vinegar, but are not
used in the same way in China. The tubers, which are small, French,
white, and of fine shape, have no flavour of their own, but readily
absorb the aromatic vinegar in which they are immersed. We recom¬
mend that they be mixed with Trichosanthes anguina, Tropseolum
tuberosum, and Mioga (Zingiber Mioga). The sight of the small tubers
of ‘ Choro-Gi’ is sufficient to induce us to consign them at once to the
frying-pan, either in their natural state or plunged into paste and sea¬
soned with lemon juice. Cooked in the latter way particularly, they
make an agreeable dish, which can be made use of the whole winter.
We must observe, however, that the tubers cannot be kept out of the
ground, or out of a sand heap under cover, as if exposed to the air they
soon blacken and wither, and in a few days are lost.”

THE COMING STRUGGLE.

We are now getting within a very appreciable distance of our
Rose shows, and it behoves us all to be upon the alert ; and as I am
not personally engaged in the contest, may perhaps as an onlooker
be able to add something to the items of information all are ready
to advance at this time.

We know what a flutter there was amongst Rose exhibitors a
little while ago, when the long continuance of cold winds and a low
temperature seemed to make the progress of our plants impossible.
Secretaries of societies were in despair. They were badgered on
every side to alter their dates, people never seeming to consider
that thire were other interests to be thought of besides their own,
and that if they altered a date it would probably be for one already
taken up by some other society. There have been complaints
enough already about the fixtures of shows, some days being
crowded in, others left untouched. Especially is this the case with
Thursday ; nor is the reason far to seek. It is the most usual day
for the weekly half-holiday, and secretaries and committees, know¬
ing how very difficult it is to keep up the funds, choose that day in
the hope that it may add to their exchequer. The result is, I
imagine, a very doubtful one. I hardly think that the people for
whom the half-holiday is intended are they who value or attend
Rose shows. I know, for instance, one show in a city of upwards
of 20,000 inhabitants where the proceeds after six o’clock, when the
shops were closed, were exactly 15s. This concentrating of Rose

June 30, ' 87. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

535

shows on particular days is a sore evil, but if societies having fixed
and published the dates of their exhibitions think that it is open to
them to change their day because as the season advances another
date would better suit their locality, the evil becomes intensified.
"What would be thought of a poultry society, which having fixed its
date, should by-and-by alter because the season had been so cold
that the early hatched birds had done badly ? yet that would be as
good a reason for altering it as to alter a Rose show. But this is
•somewhat of a digression, though I feel the matter is one of so
great importance that it ought not to be lost sight of. Well, the
first fortnight in June has made a most marvellous difference.
There has been an unusual amount of sunshine, and the thermo¬
meter has rapidly gone up, reaching for us in June the most un¬
usual height of 83°. The wind has been warm and soft. We had
here in Kent on two days an inch of rain, and the growth that
Roses made was simply marvellous. Buds were rapidly formed,
disbudding soon became necessary, and now, although the wind has
for some days been blowing from its old quarters, N. and N.E., yet
there is every prospect I think of Roses being up to time. The
effect on Tea Roses has been truly wonderful. Already I have
gathered from the open border (although mine is not an early
garden), while those on my wall are a perfect blaze of beauty.
Perle de Lyon is a Rose which in ordinary seasons is very disap¬
pointing. It grows well for a wall, forms a fine bud with beauti¬
fully coloured foliage, but the buds will not expand. This year
they have opened grandly, and some blooms which I have cut
might well have passed for a good Cloth of Gold. William Allen
Richardson is one sheet of brilliant orange-coloured flowers. My
favourite, Comtesse de Nadaillac, has already given me some ex¬
quisite flowers. Climbing Devoniensis and Reve d’Or are very full,
the latter making its way to recover its lost ground ; while Long-
worth Rambler (not so bright in colour as one might wish to see it)
is literally covered with thousands of blooms from top to bottom.
This, with its well nigh evergreen foliage and perpetual blooming
character, makes it a most desirable Rose for a wall. In looking
round those on my own and digesting the various accounts I receive
from other gardens there is every prospect of a good Rose season.
Of course the last fortnight in June may upset our calculations, but
as far as we can see now our hopes are bright.

Of the three great enemies of the Rose, the maggot, mildew,
and orange fungus, the first has as yet only made its appearance, but
it has been (with me, at least) in very considerable quantities ;
however there is one comfort, that it is not difficult to detect its
presence, and when taken in time all injury from it may be pre¬
vented. It requires the careful and patient overlooking of each
shoot, and as soon as it is perceived it should be taken away and
destroyed. As yet I have seen no trace of orange fungus or mildew,
although I have heard of both in other places. It seems hopeless to
try to prevent either of these pests, and to cure them seems almost
as hopeless. Several growers have told me that sulphide of potassium
has proved an effective remedy. I have not tried it myself, but
mean to do so.

On all sides one hears of preparations for the coming fight, and
looking at the two great shows of the year, those of the National
Rose Society, there seems to be every prospect of success. At
South Kensington we shall have a clearer stage than we have had
for some years past, for there will be no exhibition to interfere
with us, and one at least of the corridors will be available. No Roses
will be placed in the back alley, where there was hardly room to
move, and Roses were baked under the concentrated glare of the
conservatory, which no shading seemed to obviate. There will not
be that awful rush of visitors which made locomotion dangerous,
and the lives of exhibitors miserable last year, for the simple-
minded crowd imagined that the Roses were left there for them to
appropriate, and it was difficult to make them understand “ hands
off.” I fear the question is not whether we shall have too great a
rush of visitors, but whether there will be enough. I anticipate a
rush for our Provincial Show in Edinburgh. Our English Rose
growers seem determined to do their “level best” to make it a
-success, so much so that negotiations were opened with the London
and North-Western Railway as to the possibility of running a special
train to convey exhibitors and their boxes on the night of July 12th,
but it was found that this was a little beyond their powers. It has,
however, been determined, if exhibitors agree to it, to attach one or
more special vans to the 8.50 Scotch express on that night, arriving
in “ Auld Reekie ” at 6.25 on the morning of the Show. The
vans will be exclusively appropriated to exhibitors, a good layer of
gfrass will be laid in the bottom to pre"vent .vibration and keep it
cool, and as there will be no other luggage allowed in these vans,
the boxes will not be bundled about by porters who have no mercy,
And never discriminate as to whether they are boxes of flowers or
portmanteaus. The only discrimination i know them to practise is
if a box is marked “ This side up ” to turn it the opposite way.

Exhibitors in the south of London, and probably those in the parts
of Essex and Herts near to London, will join at Euston. Those from
Oxford, Birmingham, &c., will have to reach Rugby so as to meet
the express at 10.52. There is a stopping train for Bletchley at 9.8
which will do it. Then exhibitors from Cheshire will have to reach
Crewe to meet the train at 11.37. The 11.6 train from Chester will
do this. All this is of course contingent on what the exhibitors
themselves may determine ; but the fact of the arrangement being
possible shows that the Committee of the National Rose Society is
quite alive to their wants. It will be a considerable saving of ex¬
pense to those who adopt it, for as the boxes are not reckoned as
passengers’ luggage, and they weigh heavy, and the distance is great,
moieover, they will secure to themselves a greater likelihood of
their boxes being carefully carried.

As our friends in Scotland are very much on the alert and have
entered heartily into the arrangements for the Exhibition, and as,
too, we shall have exhibitors from the noith of Ireland, I am very
hopeful that it will prove to be a grand success. Altogether, then,
our prospects are “ rosy,” and I hope that when we meet we may
be able to say at last we have a good Rose season, and one for
which it does not require us to make apologies. — D., Deal.

ROSE SHOW FIXTURES.

July 12th, * Brockham, * Diss, and
* Oxford.

„ 13th, * Edinburgh (N.R.S.).

„ 14th, Alexandra Palace, Bir¬
mingham and Harles-
ton.

„ 15 th, *Helensburgh, *Hereford,
and Hull.

„ 16 h, * New Br'ghton.

,, 19ih, * L“ek.

,, 20th, * Birkenhead.

„ 22nd, Manchester and * Ulver-
t, stone.

Those exhibitions, which are held by the National Rose Society o- by
Societies affiliated w th it, are di-tinguDh d by an as e risk. In the ab >ve
list there are three 2-days shows (Birmingham, Brighton, and Hull),
and one show extending over three days— that at the Alexandra Palace. In
each of these cases the date of the first d <y’s exhibition only is given. No
less than five fixtures have bsm altered since my last list appeared at the
end of March — viz., Biockham, Crystal Palace, Hereford, JHitchin, and
Reieate.

The clashing of fixtures is much to be re^re'tel, but still more serious
is, I think, the practice of altering fixtures which have been once definitely
decided upon and male generally known. — Edward Mawley, Rosebank,
Ber.. hamsted, Herts.

July 2nd, * Eltham.

„ 5tb, * S. Kensington (N.R.S.).

„ 6th, Brighton, * Ealinv, Re¬
gent’s Park (R.B.S.),
* Sutton, and * Tun¬
bridge Weils.

„ 7th, * Bath, *Faruham,*Farn-
ingham, * Ipswich,

Malvern, * Reigate,

and * Winchester.

,, 8th, * Hitchin and *Maidstone

,, 9th, Crystal Palace.

FLORAL DECORATIONS AT A ROYAL GARDEN

PARTY.

On Wednesday last, on the occasion of the Queen’s garden party at
Buckingham Palace, to which 6000 guests were invited, the floral deco¬
rations were extensive and admirably carried out under the superintend¬
ence of Mr. T. Jones, gardener to Her Majesty at Frogmore. Groups of
plants were arranged in the windows and on the terrace, while several
of the principal marquees on the lawn were most tastefully decorated
with groups and borders of flowering and fine-foliage plants. The
majority of these had been brought from the Royal Gardens at Windsor,
some thousands being so provided, and these included the handsome
specimen Palms, Crotons, Cordylines, Dracaenas, &c., which were re¬
cently noted in these pages as occupants of the large conservatory and
stoves at Frogmore.

The flowering plants chiefly consisted of Hydrangea hortensis varie¬
ties, the blue tinted form being very handsome ; Lilium longiflorum in
abundance, Roses in pots, double yellow Chrysanthemums, Spiraea ja-
ponica and S. palmata, which had a charming effect, Pelargoniums both
zonal and decorative varieties, Chrysanthemum frutescens, Kalosanthes
coccinea, with richly coloured Coleuses, and Isolepis gracilis for margins.
These were displayed in groups at the corners of the marquees and as
marginal borders or screens, while in addition numbers were employed
in the apartments of the Palace. A simple, effective, and natural style
of arrangement was adopted throughout, nothing formal or stereotyped,
and the appearance of the groups was considerably improved by the
neat margin of green painted narrow zinc faced with an ornamental
buff brown wire edge. This is made in various lengths and fixed in its
place by means of iron pins ; it is easily secured in its position, can be
placed round groups of any form or size, and imparts a neat finish to
the arrangement, besides preventing the plants being disturbed by a
visitors. Mr. Jones carefully considers all these seemingly minor matters,
and with the aid of a large staff of assistants he succeeded in completing
his arrangements most satisfactorily early in the day.

RICHMOND SHOW.

June 29th.

A magnificent exhibition was provided in the Old Deer Park on
Wtdnesday last, three large marquees be’ng filled with plants, flowers, fruits,
and vegetables. A’though the shows held at Richmond have long been
noted for their good qualify, the one held this season surpassed all previous

536

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 80, 1887.

efforts. The Committee, and their energetic Secretary, Mr. J. H. Ford,
have every reason t'o be satisfied with the result, and we regret that i he
time at our disposal only admitted of a brief resume of the chi' f
features.

In the large plant marquee, Orchids, stove and greenhouse plants,
Pelargoniums, and fine-foliage plants were the principal featu es.
H. Little, Esq., East Twickenham, had a splendid group of well-grown
Orchids not for competition, comprising some wonderfully fine Cypri-
pediums. The same exhibitor was also first with six exotic Orchids,
capital plants of Cattleya Mendeli, Lselia purpuraia, C. Sanderiana, Cypti-
pedium barbatum grandiflorum, and OJontoglossum vexillarium. Mr.
James, West Norwoid, was s cond with good plmts of Brassia verrucosa
and Cattleya Mendeli ; Messrs. Jackson & Son being third. The stove and
greenhouse plants from Messrs. James, and Jackson & Son, who were first
and second, included some fine specimens that have been noted before this
season. The Zonal and other Pelargoniums made a b ight bank, the prizes
being taken by H. Little, Esq., Mr. C. Tu ner, E. D. Paul, Esq., W. S.
Graham, Esq., Abercorn, Richmond (gardener, Mr. Barnes), and W. Furze,
Esq., Roselands. Mr. Little’s specimens were in excellent condition, as
were also those from Slough.

The Ferns from E. D. Paul, Esq., Cambridge House, Twickenham
(gardener, Mr. Monro), were remarkably fresh and healthy. W. Herrttt,
Esq., Oatlands Park, and E. M. Nelson, Esq , Hanger Hill House, Ealing,
were also good exhibitors. F. Wigan, Esq., in another class was awarded
the premier prize. Messrs. Hooper & Co. took the lead with fine foliage
plants, excellent large specimens, -followed by Mr. James and E. M. Nelson,
Esq. Coleuses from Messrs. Coombs and East were well grown.

The large groups in this marquee were most tasteful p-oductions.
Messrs. Hooper & Co. were first, as usual, with a bright graceful combina¬
tion of plants. Mr. W. Brown was a close second with a charmingly
arranged group, one of the best he has shown, Mr. H. James being third
with a distinct effective group. With smaller groups the executors of the
late J. R. Greave, Esq., Hatfield House, Cambridge Park, was first with a
neat and tasteful group. Lady Parker, Stawell House, Richmond (gardener,
Mr. Bowell), was second with an admirable arrangement. W. Herrett, Esq.,
was third.

In the marquee devotsd to floral decorations and cut flowers the exhibits
were numerous and very interesting. Lady Ellis’s prizes for the best table
arranged for twelve persons brought several good competitors, Mr. Goodwin,
Twickenham, being placed first, the three stands being filled chiefly with
Cornflowers and Alpine Poppies, but, in the opinion of some judges, it was
rather too heavy, the second-prize table, arranged by Mr. Chard, Stoke
Newington, being preferred for it s lightness and the delicacy of the flowers
employed. Graceful Btands of flowers we e shown by Mrs. Chard, who was
awarded first honours. Mrs. Hudson was second, and E. M. Nelson, Esq.,
third.

Rose blooms were abundm*ly and well represented for the season. In
the large classes Messrs. Paul & Son. Cheshunt, C. Turner, Slough,
Keynes Williams <fc Co., Salisbury, and W. Rumsey were the prizetakers
with very bright fresh blooms. In the amateurs’ classes for Roses T. W.
Girdlestone, Esq , Sunningdale, Berks, was first with an excellent stand of
twenty-four blooms ; Mr. R. E. West, Reigate, and J. P. Kitchin, Esq.,
Hampton, following. The honours for bouquets were awarded to Messrs.
Perkins & Co., Coventry, Mrs. Chard, and Messrs. Martin & Co., Kensington ;
for button-holes to Messrs. Perkins & Co., Miss C. R. Little, and Mrs. Chard.
In another class the last named exhibitor was first for a bouquet, Messrs.
Perkins, and Messrs. Martin & Co. following.

The third marquee was devoted to the fruit, vegetables and cottagers’
productions. For six dishes of fruit Sir Philip F. Rose, Bart., Rayners, Penn,
Bucks (gardener, Mr. H. Cakebread), was first with good white and black
Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines. Figs, and a Melon. The Earl of Harrington,
Elvaston C»stle, Derby (ga dener, Mr. J. H. Goodacre), was second with
good Black Hamburgh Grape®. L. J. Baker, Esq., Ottershaw Park, Chertsey
(gardener, Mr. Osman), was third. Black Grapes were shown by five exhi¬
bitors, Mr. O-man leading with good Black Hamburgh. Mr. F. Thompson,
Hurstside, West Moulsey (gardener, Mr. A. G. Hooknip) was second, and
Mr. Cakebread third. The prizes for white Grapes w°re won by Messrs.
Osman and W. Harvey, and Mr. W. Bates, gardener to Mrs. Meek, Pou'ett
Lodge, Twickenham, was third with compact bunches. In the district class
for black Grapes Mr. Bates was easily first with three excellent bunches of
Madresfield Court, well coloured. Mr. Bates was also the premier exhibitor
with three bunches Foster’s Seedling Grapes, well ripened. With fourdishes
of fruit Mr. Bates was first, showing black and white Grape®, Peaches, and
Nectarines. Melons, Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines (well shown by Mr.
Sullivan) and miscellaneous small fruits were numerou®.

Vegetables formed an excellent feature, some admirable specimens being
contributed. With twelve dishes Colonel the Hon. W. P. Talbot, Esher
(gardener, Mr. C. J. Waite), wa3 a capital first, closely followed by W. F.
Hume Dick, Esq., Thames Ditton (gardener, Mr. W. Palmer) ; Mr. J. Coomb,
Sheen House Gardens, MortLke, was third. Messrj. J. Carter <& Co.’s prizes
for collec’ions of vegetibles were gained by Mr. C. Waite, Mr. J. Coombs,
and Mr. J. Stroud, all showing excellent sample®. With six dishes of vege¬
tables Mr. J. Stroud was first, and with nine dishes M1-. Coombs took the
lead. Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes were awarded to Mr. Waite, Mr.
Palmer, and J. R. Tindale, Esq., who contributed admirable col'ections of
vegetables.

Jubilee silver medals were awarded as follows : — To Mr. W. Bates for an
excellent specimen of Allamanda Hendersoni ; to Mrs. Chard for three
vases of flowers ; to H. Little, Esq., for Cattleya intricsta;to Mr. Fitsell
for a group ; to Mr. J. Coombs for a collection of vegetables ; to Messrs.
Hooper & Co. ; and several other exhibitors.

The miscellaneous exhibits were numerous. Messrs. C. Lee & Son*
Hammersmith, sent a fine group of hardy trte and shrub specimens. Messrs-
Gordon & Co., Twickenham, had a group of plants not for competition-
Messrs. Jackson & Co. had a group of stove and greenhouse plants, and
M ssrs. J. Laing <fc Co. contributed a group of Tuberous Begonias. Messrs.
Collins Bros., and Gabriel, Waterloo Road, had a group of hardy flowers.
Mr. T. Sharpe exhibited fine fruits of Empress Eugenie, Marguerite, and Sir
Joseph Paxton. Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, had a fine collec-
of fruit not for competition.

WQKKJQ^he^EEK..

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Watering Vegetables. — We do not remember -a June when
vegetables stood more in need of water than during the past month.
All our crops have suffered severely by drought. Brussels Sprouts, which
were planted in April and had attained a height of 15 inches, have been
at a standstill for the last fortnight and are half starved in appearance.
Cauliflowers which were beginning to turn in are dying, and many of
the others are yellow at the bottom of the foliage. We have so many of
them that we cannot attempt to water all, and they must take their
chance. Turnips are ready and over in a very short time. We are glad
we have many successions of them. Peas are suffering severely, and as-
they do not bear drought with impunity they should be all thoroughly
watered. They pay well for this attention, but it is much better to
water every vegetable once a week thoroughly than to merely damp the
surface daily. This practice is of no use, and is only labour thrown
away.

Early Potatoes. — Those in the borders are turning out in excel¬
lent condition. They are plentiful, large, and first rate in quality. It
is grand Potato weather. Where it is the practice to save seed for
another year the best way is to allow a few rows to remain undug for
this purpose, and do not lift them until they are quite matured. This,
is a good way to prevent Potatoes degenerating, but we have known the
whole of the early Potatoes being dug up, the small ones left behind,,
and only these left for seed, and this is a plan which cannot be too
severely condemned.

Early Leeks. — Where these were planted early in rich soil they are
now gaining a large size, and as they will take any quantity of water,
do not fail to supply them liberally two or three times weekly. It is
the only way to keep them going, and earth them slightly every week
until they are full sized. As more earth is put to them the sun and heat
will have less influence over the roots, and the sooner they are earthed
the better.

Globe Artichokes. — These were severely injured during the winter,
and it was only the other day we cut the first heads. Some seasons we-
have cut them in April. They are plentiful now, but the drought is
telling on them and the foliage is drooping. This will cause the heads
to cease swelling and become flavourless ; but if a good mulching of
manure or long grass is placed round them and a thorough watering
given they will never feel the injurious effects of the drought.

Late French Beans. — In many cases Kidney Beans are plentiful
and good in August and September, but by October they are all far ad¬
vanced in maturing seed, and such pods are quite unfit for the kitchen ;
but it is a simple matter to have abundance of tender Kidney Beans up
to November if the frost does not cut them down before that, and this
is accomplished by sowing a few late rows of seed. The first week in
July is a good time to sow them, and if a row or two of runners and a
few dwarfs as well are sown, both will be found acceptable in the late
autumn. Give them rich deep soil, a sunny position, and sow the seed
4 inches deep.

Seed Sowing in Dry Weather. — Not a week passes at this
season without some kind of seeds requiring to be sown, and as they are
more liable to fail from heat and drought than they were in the spring
from the cold attention should be given to prevent this. In all cases
open drills for the seed. Fill them with water at once and again in two
or three hours’ time, soaking the ground well before sowing ; then
sow and cover at once with dry soil. It is astonishing how long this dry
covering will retain the moisture, and the seed will germinate and the
plants grow freely.

Endive. — So long as Lettuce and other summer salads are plentiful
there is no great demand for Endive, but quantities of it should be ready
the middle of September onwards, and a good sowing of seed should be-
made now. The green Moss Curled is pretty useful, and good as a
first crop, but for a winter supply none equals the Broad-leaved Batavian.
This is a particular favourite of ours, and it and the Moss Curled may
be sown at the same time, the latter coming in first. The seed may be-
sown in a little patch broadcast, and apiece of one yard square will
supply some hundreds of plants.

Planting in Dry Weather. — There are many Savoys, Broccoli,
<fce., ready for planting now, but the weather is not at all in favour of
the operation ; and as the plants are not growing much at present the
best way is to water them thoroughly in the seed bed, not attempt¬
ing to transplant them until the ground has been saturated with
rain. The other day a friend desired some winter Broccoli. He planted
them, and four days afterwards they were almost invisible. Had he
deferred planting until rain came they might have been placed in with¬
out a leaf drooping ; but those who will insist in planting may help
them in this way. Make a little mud pool, stir soil in it until it is like
paint, then draw up the plants, dabble the roots well in it, and plant
before they have time to dry.

Tomatoes. — These are growing freely everywhere. They are forming
a great many superfluous shoots, and this never contributes to fruitful-
j ness. They should therefore be examined once weekly, and all the

Jane 30, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

537

surplus shoots removed. The best of all ways of securing a heavy crop
is to restrict each plant to one, two, or three leaders at most. If the
shoots are pinched out a little way from the main stem it will ODly
induce a number more to appear, but if each side shoot is broken oil
close to the stem they will not readily start into growth again at the
same place, and there will be no further trouble with them. All plants
bearing fruit should have liberal supplies of liquid manure, and those
which have been fruiting since early spring should have a quantity of
the old surface soil removed, and redress with a rich fresh mixture.

Cauliflowers. — Although surrounded by woods it is not very
often that we are troubled with pigeons, and the destruction of six or
eight rows of Cauliflower plants this spring is the only damage they
have done us for ten years. Why they should have fixed on them it is
difficult to say, as another piece not far off is not touched, and we are
cutting the extra early types from this quarter now. The heads are
about the size of one’s fist, and very sweet. Sutton’s King, Webb’s
Mammoth, and Veitcli’s Autumn Giant will be the next to follow in
heading ; but all the first crops will be over by August, and more plants
should now be placed in for a supply in September and October. Deal
largely in Veitch’s Autumn Giant for this purpose. Where any plants
have died fill the blanks, and if they are much injured by worms at the
root water freely with strong lime water.

Miscellaneous. — Put a layer of manure along each side of the
rows of Runner Beans, draw the soil over this in earthing, and
then stake them. Where Peas were sown on the level and not in
trenches, treat them in the same way. Water those which are a little
late with guano water. Clear off all vegetables the moment they cease
to be useful. Sow Radish and Mustard and Cress frequently in small
quantities. Handweed in the rows of all young plants, and Dutch hoe
between the rows afterwards. All gardens should now be looking their
best, and weeds must be kept down. If allowed to flower and seed they
will cause endless labour in keeping them down. Continue cutting the
flowers off Seakale and Rhubarb. Earth up late Potatoes. Some object
to this operation, but it is the only way to prevent the surface tubers
becoming green. Weed and clean walks, and there need be no difficulty
in having the vegetable garden as attractive as any part of the pleasure
grounds.

FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — Varieties are so numerous that to point out any one
specially as possessing particular merit were superfluous, as almost every¬
thing constituting high flavour, no matter what the variety may be, is
due to the treatment to which the plants are subjected. The greatest
aid to flavour is a thoroughly solidified growth, with a rather dry and
warm atmosphere, with adequate ventilation when ripening, but this
will not impart high flavour to fruit that during its period of swelling
has been neglected for the want of the timely removal of the super¬
fluous growth. Liberal supplies of water up to a certain stage are as
essential to a thick melting flesh as is the heat and well-ventilated
atmosphere to secure high flavour. After the fruit is set and is the size
of an egg the laterals should be kept pinched to one leaf, and if this
results in too much foliage, so that the leaves upon the primary shoots
are crowded or shaded by them, thinning the laterals must be resorted
to, removing a little at a time. The plants should be examined at least
once, and in the case of very vigorous plants twice a week, for the re¬
moval of superfluous growths, the principal leaves beinr fully exposed
to light and air. Until the fruit commences setting and for some time
afterwards it should have every encouragement in swelling by main¬
taining a good moisture at the roots and sprinklings at closing time,
dose the house or frame at 80°, and if the temperature rise to 85° or 1)0°
all the better, but after the fruit commences netting less atmospheric
moisture should be given, a light sprinkling at closing time sufficing
with thorough moisture at the roots until the fruit shows indications of
ripening, when the sprinkling should be discontinued and air freely ad¬
mitted. If the old shoots are cut away the young ones will soon show
fruit and set freely. If the plants do not show indications of a free
growth, are infested with red spider, or decayed at the collar, it is better
to root them out and make a fresh start. Remove the old soil, and
where bottom heat is obtained from fermenting material only, a little
fresh hotjdung worked in will sufficiently revive the bottom heat for
this time of year. Observe thorough cleanliness in houses, as the after
success depends upon the plants having a good start. Plant on hillocks
or ridges rammed well down, and maintain a moist genial atmosphere.
Pot any plants requiring it and keep them sturdy. Fertilise the blos¬
soms daily until the requisite number of fruit are set, then remove all
the flowers and earth up the plants. Look well after canker at the
collar, as it spreads rapidly ; it is overcome by rubbing the infested
parts with quicklime. Shade only to prevent flagging. Take care to
cut the fruits with a considerable portion of stem when removing them
before quite ripe, in order to prolong the season of suppty.

If there is any difficulty in setting the flowers in frames apply good
linings and admit air freely, leaving a little on at night so as to prevent
the deposition of moisture on the blossom, it being important that the
pollen be dry and the stigmas not destroyed by moisture. Do not over¬
crowd the foliage, and though it is not desirable to use the knife much
during the setting period, keep the growths regulated so as to admit
light and air. Watering should be guarded against during the setting,
yet the foliage must not be allowed to flag.

Vines. — Early Forced Vines.— Those from which the fruit has been
cut should be kept free from insects, for if the foliage fall a prey to red
spider it is not unlikely a second growth will be made when the Vines

ought to go to rest, therefore syringe them every evening so as to preserve
the old foliage as long as possible. Encourage a moderate extension of
the laterals, especially in the case of weakly Vines and those long sub¬
jected to forcing, being careful to encourage them from the extremities
only ; in any case they must not be allowed to interfere with the prin¬
cipal leaves. Ventilation will need to be given to the fullest extent day
and night, and in the case of moveable roof lights they may be removed.
Where, however, it is intended to lift the Vines and lay the roots in
fresh compost near the surface the roof lights must not be removed, or
they must be held in readiness for placing over the Vines in case of
heavy rains, as a wet soil is not favourable to the Vines for lifting.

Late House. — Grapes to hang over the winter months require more
thinning than those not intended to keep for any lengthened period.
The bunches should be examined for the last time, removing any stone¬
less or superfluous berries. The high and dry borders of modern culture
do not receive, as a rule, anything like the quantity of water they
require, especially inside borders. They should be well mulched and
liberally watered, sprinkling with some approved artificial manure,
watering it well in. The mulching should be kept moist, so as to attract
and keep the roots near the surface. With this, and a due regard to air
moisture, red spider will not appear, or if it do, heating the pipes to
160°, and brushing them over thinly with sulphur and skim milk, so as
to make the sulphur adhere to the pipes, will destroy it. Allow a mode¬
rate extension of the laterals, but keep free of gross ones, and do not
allow a large quantity of growth to be made, which must afterwards be
removed in armfuls, as that gives a check to the roots, not infrequently
resulting in shanking. Admit air, rather increase it early, it being
advisable to leave a little on at night through a chink at the top of the
house. Heat through the day 80° to 85°, increasing to 90° or 95°,
with plenty of atmospheric moisture by early closing in the afternoon.
Damping should be practised freely in dry hot weather, and the venti¬
lation moderated, as nothing is so injurious and inducive of red spider
as excessive evaporation. Fire heat will only be necessary to maintain
a night temperature of (50° to 65°, and 70° to 75° by day.

Grapes Colouring. — Those changing colour will require plenty of air,
with abundance of heat, as nothing contributes so much to high flavour
and finish as a circulation of rather dry warm air, but Vines struggling
with a heavy load of fruit should not be subjected to so high a tempe¬
rature as those luxuriant and carrying no more fruit than what may be
considered a fair crop, but rest must be afforded them at night by allow¬
ing the temperature to fall to 60°. Afford a thorough supply of water
to the border, mulching with a couple of inches or so of short manure,
and over that a little drier and longer material, but this last may be
deferred until after the fi nal watering, if a second be deemed necessary,
as is advisable with Muscats and all Grapes that are rather long in
finishing. In the case of Grapes inclined to crack, increase the thickness
of the dry material, and take care to avoid the deposition of moisture on
the berries.

Young Vines. — Syringe copiously in the early afternoon, and close,
mulch, and keep moist to attract and keep the roots active near the
surface, affording water or liquid manure at a temperature of 90° to
100°. Allow all the laterai extension practicable, only see that it do no
interfere with the leaves of the buds to which the Vines are to be
pruned to in winter.

PLANT HOUSE?.

Eulalia japonica variegata. — Although classed as a greenhouse plant
there is no comparison between its growth in that structure and when
grown in the stove. It grows more rapidly in the latter, and its foliage
is much more beautiful. For groups or any arrangement of an orna¬
mental character it has few if any equals. Its slender grass-like foliage
rising above other plants of a dwarf compact habit impart to the whole
a light effective appearance. For these purposes grow this plant in
quantity ; it is readily propagated by division, and if grown in the stove
it is surprising how rapidly a large stock of plants can be obtained by
dividing every plant as they become ready for the purpose, or by grow¬
ing one on to a good size for the purpose of supplying stock as others
are injured or destroyed. They will, however, do good service for a long
time, and then be suitable for stock purposes. When grown in the stove
harden the plants by removal to the greenhouse for a week or two
previous to using them. This plant is not very particular about compost, '
for it appears to do well in any fertile soil. It requires liberal supplies
of water while growing.

Cyapopliyllum magnijicum. — This and Sphaerogyne latifolia that had
their leads destroyed in spring for the purpose of stock will now have
some good shoots for cuttings upon them. Cut these off with a sharp
knife close to where they issue from the old stem. Insert them in light
s indy soil well watered, and keep them perfectly close under a bell-
glass, and well shaded from the sun until they are rooted. After they
are rooted the greatest difficulty in managing these plants is to harden
them to stand exposure in the house in which they have been rooted.
This must be done carefully and gradually, or else they will flag and
probably go off altogether. Only a little air should be admitted at first,
and gradually increase at intervals of two or three days.

Crotons. — These should be rooted in quantity where a large stock of
plants are required in good condition for decoration through the winter
in 5 and 6-inch pots. They root freely at this period of the year in the
propagatiug frame. Good heads may be inserted in the pots in which
they are to be grown. The smaller plants must be potted directly they
are well rooted, and the whole gradually exposed to full light and sun¬
shine if the high colouring of their foliage is to be fully developed.
This must not be delayed too long, for Crotons will not colour properly

538

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Jane 80, 1887

if this work )6 left to the autumn, but once well coloured they can be
kept in that condition all winter by preventing fresh growth.

Erica*. — Softwooded varieties that have started freely into growth
will, after they are thoroughly hardened, be better outside than in cold
frames. All in a backward state of growth should be retained under cool
frame treatment for some weeks longer until they are growing freely,
when they are better outside than under glass. When the plants are
plunged outside give each one plenty of room. By such treatment the
plants make sturdy growth, which will become thoroughly ripened and
is certain to flower profusely. Every care should be exercised in water¬
ing the plants ; the soil must not be saturated, while on the other hand
they must not be allowed to suffer by an insufficient supply. Syringe
the plants twice daily on all favourable occasions, and keep the material
upon which they are standing or plunged in a moist condition. Hard-
wooded plants must have abundance of air. All plants that it is intended
to retard for flowering as late as possible in the season should be stood
on ashes outside where not directly exposed to the sun. These should
be sheltered with lights, so that thorough protection from heavy rains
can be given them. Light shade can be applied beneficially to all
making their growth, but directlv it is completed harden the plants and
place them outside to ripen. A good crop of flowers depends upon the
state of the wood. While they are outside care must be taken that the
sun does not strike directly upon their pots, or their fine silk-like roots
will be destroyed. The pots can either be plunged or shaded by sacks
or matting bound about them on the sunny side.

Epacrti. — Plants that have been pushed into growth in a close atmo¬
sphere should be at once placed into cold frames. These should be
slightly shaded from the sun and the frames kept moderately close for
ten days or a fortnight, so as to guard against the plants receiving any
check. After this time gradually give air more freely until the lights
can be removed or the plants stood or plunged outside.

Cytisus racemosu s. — This and other varieties may now be stood out¬
side provided they have been thoroughly hardened for the purpose.
Plants that have only just ceased flowering may be cut back and induced
to break into growth in a cold frame, after which they may be
hardened outside.

CJioisya ternata.— Those plants that flowered early by being brought
forward in gentle warmth may now be placed outside. Those that have
only just flowered may be pruned back and induced to make fresh
growth in cold frames. They must be pushed forward rapidly, or they
will not have time to make their growth and ripen it for flowering
another year.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

TJot Weather and the khrvlberies. — June has been a very trying
month for the shrubberies, more especially those newly formed. In
order to keep many transplanted trees and shrubs alive it has been
necessary to water them copiously both overhead and at the root. Nor
must this treatment be discontinued for some time to come, as it is very
rarely indeed that summer rains are sufficiently heavy to thoroughly
moisten the balls of newly planted trees. Ordinary waterings also are
of little avail, these merely damping the surface, but seldom reach the
roots. Prior to watering a tree or shrub the surface soil should be care¬
fully loosened with a fork, and a basin formed so as to retain all the
water poured about each. If on examination it is found that the old
ball cannot be moistened in this fashion, it should be pierced rather
thickly with a pointed iron rod, after which the water will not fail to
find its way into the centre. It should be remembered that transplanted
trees have for some time to depend entirely upon what support they
derive from the small quantity of roots preserved unbroken, and if these
are not kept supplied with water failure is the natural consequence
Much good may be effected by mulchings, these preventing the loss of
much moisture from the soil by evaporation. Strawy manure being
considered unsightly, the next best thing is the grass from the mowing
machine. Not only is this usually wasted material good for mulching
new plantations, but it also greatly benefits those well established.
Rhododendrons, whether in beds or isolated, are greatly improved by
these mulchings of short grass. In addition to preserving the much-
needed moisture it eventually decays and affords a good supply of food
for the roots, therefore distribute the grass among the shrubberies as fast
as it is cut.

Rose*. — These are improving rapidly, and the dwarfs that are not
badly injured by frosts promise abundance of fine blooms. We always
thin out first the shoots and then the buds, too many of either being so
much wasted strength ; nor do we hesitate to cut the blooms freely, this
apparently wasteful practice, at least when several buds are cut with
the blooms, really resulting in a much earlier successional supply. In
order to prolong the supply of early blooms it is a good plan to remove
a good many of the central buds, especially when these are at all mal¬
formed, and this strengthens the later buds. If extra fine blooms are
desired plenty of water and liquid manure must be applied to the roots.
Blooms obtained from plants growing in a semi-starred state are never
so durable or brightly coloured as those produced by liberally treated
plants. The mest generally neglected are those growing against sunny
walls, these being very frequently more of an eyesore than an orna¬
ment. Now is the time to loosen the surface, to well soak the ground
first with water, and then liquid manure. Then if they are further
mulched with manure, and this covered with soil, new life will quickly
be imparted into the trees. The free-flowering and good old Gloire de
Dijon is usually the last to survive starvation treatment, but even this
will give out sooner or later unless assisted at the roots.

NOTES OF THE SEASON.

THE WEATHER AND .SWARMING.

The weather took a favourable change here on the
14th inst., and on June 18th the temperature was 87°
Fahr. in the shade. On the 17th, with the sun obscured,
the thermometer stood at 86°. The weather, although
fine, is rather too warm for bees making much weight.
Then another thing against that is the short time we have
had fine weather. Previous to the 14th the weather was
unfavourable, and hives in general had little honey in
them, and the bees had not secreted wax. They are now
doing so, and the building and drawing out of combs will
go on apace. Swarming commenced in this district on
the 17th of May, but it is only become general about the
16th of June. No comb to speak of was made till the
14th of June, and some bees swarmed that had their
hives only half full of combs. The Hawthorn blossom
has helped the bees much this season, and the hives have
quite an aroma of the blossom. Although our bees had
not done much until the 14th inst., less than three miles
distant bee flight, near extensive orchards and willows,,
during the end of April and beginning of May the bees,
in that district made much comb and stored abundance
of honey.

FOREIGN BEES.

Owing to the excessive and protracted cold the pure
Syrian race lost many adult bees, but are again recover¬
ing, and will no doubt make up shortly what they lost by
the decimation in May, only they are not the farthest
ahead at the present time.

The first, as usual, are the crossed Cyprians. On the
14th June, the first day 1 interfered with them since
September, I found that one in a compound frame hive-
had built out two full combs, 17£ inches deep and
12 inches wide, and had much sealed honey, the contents,
of the hive, bees and combs weighing 10 lbs. ; on the 16th
it rose in weight 12 lbs., and on the 17th 8 lbs. Its
total weight of contents of hive is now 105 lbs. Had the
weather not changed many of the other hives would have-
required feeding, but these Cyprians could give a surplus.
The Carniolians are also in good order, and were as a
rule better provisioned than common stocks hereabouts*
The crossed Cyprians have supers well advanced, while
others are only taking to them yet. All of the same
breed I distributed amongst bee-keepers are in a similarly
advanced state. Many people have witnessed these bees,
and their doings, and should the weather be favourable
for two or three weeks during the profuse bloom of Char¬
lock, Beans, and Clover they will be heavy hives.
Regarding the working qualities of foreign bees when
honey is abundant there is no doubt they far excel our
old British bee, but I fear many people have not estimated
them properly, nor given them a chance to prove their
superiority. They have in some cases judged them by-
appearance, and in others expected more from them than,
bees could do, and so were disappointed, expecting half¬
sized colonies to fill full-sized supers, and to work on>
days that other bees could not.

Their superiority exists in their breeding earlier, being-
always in advance of others, having a great ?r disposition,
owing to their structure, to gather honey when others,
cannot find it, or when they are in search of something
else, and the large hives give the pressure and stimulus

Jane SO, 1887. ]

539

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

at the right times ; and, as many littles make a “ muckle,”
lienee the great weight these bees attain over others.
The secret in managing is large hives, plenty of honey
and pollen in them daring September, keeping them dry
and comfortable ; but never annoy them from the time
they are put up for winter until supers require to be
placed on, and give these just when the hive is full of
bees and honey plentiful, and you will have the satisfaction
to see the bees take to them at once. Whenever well
begun in the first super add a second upon the top of the
first one. If extracting is to be practised have some
empty well-cleaned combs to replace the full ones taken
away. Never put broken and dripping combs to a hive
wrought for extracting purposes. It delays them much
longer to repair old combs than build new ones from
foundation ; and never extract honey from unsealed
combs.

While the honey season is in do not let the bees loiter
nor put back swarms. If they should swarm against
your will, join two swarms if a good hive and fine honey
is wanted. Swarms always work more eagerly than old
stocks; half-filled supers on the latter should be trans¬
posed to the swarm a few hours after hiving. Young
queens should now receive full attention for next year’s
service. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Veldhuyzen Van Zinten & Sons, Lisse, near Haarlem, Holland. —
Catalogue of Dutch Flower Roots.

c0° All correspondence should be directed either to “The
Editor ” or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr.
Hogg or members of the staff often remain unopened un¬
avoidably. We request that no one will write privately
to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to
unjustifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should
never send more than two or three questions at once. All
articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of
the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the
post, and we do not undertake to return rejected communica¬
tions.

LATE INQUIRIES. — It is necessary to again remind correspondents that
letters arriving on WEDNESDAY MORNING cannot be answered
in the “ next issue,” which is then far advanced for press.

Seedling Lilies (W. T.). — It is probable that a cross has been effected as
you state, but seeilings are very variable, and we have recently seen some
seedlings that combine the characters of the two species in a cur ous
manner. By all means preserve those you have, their character may
■develope more fully later on.

Plantsfor Covering Trellis (H. G. B.). — There is really no climber of an
evergreen character that would answer your purpose ; but evergreens (not
cl mbers) that are likely to succeed and form beautiful objects are Berberis
stenophylla, Cemothus azureus var. Gloire de Versailles which requires
protection in severe weather; Crataegus Pyracautha Laelandi, Esca’lonia
macrantha, Garrya elliptica, Ligustrum lucidum tricolor, and Magnolia
grandiflora var. Exmouth. Perhaps, however, green and variegated Ivies
would answer as weU as anything.

Cattleyas (A. B. C.). — Keep all the plants to which you refer in a free-
growing state till the pseudo-bulbs have completed their growth, then
gradually reduce the supply of water and maintain a drier atmosphere.
When the plants are flowering they are usually kept in a rather drier and
cooler house for preventing the petals spotting and prolonging the beauty
of the flowers ; that rests them sufficiently at this season of the year.
Eucourage the young growths on C. Sauderiana, and this will aid these
more advanced to become the finer.

Fertilising Roses ( G . W.). — All the organs of fructification are in the same

bloom, at the base of the petals. Clipping off the latter before they have
developed encourages the growth of the stamens and pistils, and renders
them more amenable to fertilisation, naturally or artificially. The sexual
organs appear, however, to become suppressed in some flowers, and undergo
a change in others, unfitting them for seed-producing; and in all proba¬
bility you will have to make many experiments before you succeed in your
object. Old Bose trees are as a rule better than young plants as seed-
producers, and some varieties much more productive of seed than others.
We know of no work on the subject.

Beetles Infesting Rose3 (S. H. B. j. — These belong to the species some¬
times called the “ flower-loving beetle,” or the June bug. The scientific
name is Phyllopertlia horticoia. In Rose gardens at times they appear
very numerously, nibbling the petals and showing a special liking for
white Boses. They are most abundant on flowers about midsummer, hut
this is not their first appearance. As is the case amongst several of the
tribes of beetles the brood emerges by degrees, and a portion comes out in
May and then attacks the newly formed fruit on many trees, and also on
some low-growing species, such as the Strawberry. The larva or grubs of
these beetles feed on the roots of plants in the later summer and autumn,
occasionally doing perceptible damage to grasses and cereals.

Heating Houses (A. B.). — To heat the small house you have a boiler
which, if you add an inch to its height and width, and 6 inches to the
length, would probably heat another house double the size, and there would
be a corresponding saving in fuel. For two houses six times the length
and enclosed area you would not require six times the quantity of fuel ; but
allowing for waste, a boiler of six times the power would consume about
three times the fuel of the present one. A wide hou^e is much more
econonrcal than a narrow one in the utilisation of heat or fuel, but conve¬
nience is a factor that must be reckoned with on the score of adaptability
for the purpose required and in respect of its bear ng on labour. Had you
given particulars of your present house we should have been able to assist
you more agreeably to ourselves and more satisfactorily to you.

Mildew on Vines (Torbay).— A dry border with a close damp atmo¬
sphere and low night temperature is favourable to mildew, and Vines in
some positions where the air is damp and still, as in valleys, are more
liable to be attacked than where the atmosphere is drier and the circulation
of air free. Leaving the ventilators of vineries closed too long in the
morning is often followed by mildew. All yon can do is to maintain a
very buoyant atmosphere, dry rather than moist, and to take care the roots
are well supplied with water. We have never known mildew on Vines
refuse to yield to sulphur when effectively applied, but it cannot be extir¬
pated by any means without the Grapes having sustained some injury, net
by the Bulphur but the parasite. We have not tried Harris's sulphide of
potassium, that has been advertised, on Vines ; hut it is said to destroy the
mildew that attacks them. We fear you have erred iu someway in the
important work of ventilating the house.

Peach Trees Unsatisfactory (E. 7J.V — The trees having an enormous
crop last year is sufficient to account for their being almost fruitless this
season. An overcrop is a great strain on the trees, and prevents the storing
up of sufficient nutriment in the wood f r the formation of the buds in
the first instance, and their ultimate development into the organs of
f'Uet'fication in a perfect manner, this resulting in a bad set and uneven
swelling of the fru t. We have known trees take two years to recuperate
their wasted energies consequent on overcropping. The thing is to secure
stout, short jointed, we'l fed wood, deposing the shoots thinly, so as to
insure thorough solidification, keeping the toliage clean and healthy as
long as possible. The trees may be safely lifted in autumn, or as soon as
the leaves give indications of falling, preserving all the fibry roots, and
laying them in fresh loam nearer the surface. It is an infallible remedy
for trees that fail to set and stone the fruit satisfactorily, requir.ng only
careful judgment to insure success.

Grapes Scalded (Idem). — The Grapes sent are scalded. Slight shade
from bright sun will prevent it ; but a better remedy is to ventilate rather
freely, especially in the early part of the day, and to maintain a rather
warm condition of the atmosphere, or 65° to 70° at night and 70° to 75° by
day, which with the ventilation keeps the air in motion, preventing the
deposition of moisture on the berries and the consequent excess of evapo¬
ration after the ventilators are opened.

Transplanting Hollies (H. G. B.). — As the Hollies are somewhat large,
and have been grown rather thickly in the hedgerow, their removal is
rendered more difficult, therefore great care and judgment will need to be
exercised in the work. Attempting their removal now, with the ground
as dry as dust and a broiling sun overhead, would certainly result in
failure, and ought not to be attempted. It would have been quite different
if the Hollies had been grown singly, and there were a possibility of
securing a ball of soil with the roots. As there is no hope of this, we advise
your deferring operations until the soil gets thoroughly moist in late
summer, or from the middle of September to early October, or if the
weather be mild up to early November; then take up carefully, preserving
all the roots practicable, and some soil if possible, and replant where
required, giving a good watering unless the soil is in a thoroughly moist
state, when water need not be given. Make secure against winds, cutting
back the heads in spring — the first mild weather in April, and they will
in ail probability grow well. The next best time to move Hollies of the
kind you describe is during the first mild weather and showery that
preva’L after the vernal equinox, or just before they start into growth,
which is pre.'eded by the irees pushing fresh rootlets, a similar process
taking place in late summer or early autumn. In a late season w 11 rooted
Hollies may he safey moved up to June.

Vines not Growing ( C . G.). — Considering you have been a reader of
the Journal for so many years it is a little surprising that you have acted
quite contrary to the advice that has been repeatedly given on planting
Vines in the spring just after starting into growth, cutting them back the
autumn previous to the desired length. We do not assert that Vines will
not grow when planted in the autumn, hut ve do not hesitate saying, that
whin autumn planting has been advised once, planting in sprirg has
been advised a hundred times; still you planted in autumn and : ailed,
then planted in the autumn again with similar results. We fi) d no

540

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 80, 1887.

trace of anything in the soil that would prevent the Vines growing. We
believe that Vines planted at the right time and well managed would grow
in such soil freely. It requires no manure mixing with it. Surface
mulchings would give all the additional support needed. The roots yon
have sent are unhealthy because of the cessation of top growth. We
rather suspect you left the canes much too long. The growth extended
so long as there was sap in the canes, and, this exhausted, growth ceased
because the roots could not absorb and continue the supply over such an
extent of cane. If you will describe the length and strength of your Vines,
how you planted, pruned, and treated them afterwards, we may perhaps
be able to perceive where you erred apart from planting in the autumn.
We are very sorry you have failed, and shall be glad if we can point out
the way to success. Neither you nor anyone need hesitate to write to us
when information is desired such as it is in our power to give.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be
named must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters
referring to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not neces¬
sarily required for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six speci¬
mens can be named at once, and beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(S. A. Woods). — It is necessary for the better identification of Peaches and
Nectarines to know the character of the leaves as well as the flowers.
You have only indicated the flowers. Judging from appearance we think
No. 1 resembles Grosse Mignonne, and No. 2 Belle Bauce.

Names of Plants. — We orlv undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(J. P. MX — The common names of the herbs you have sent are — 1, Tansy ;
2, Tarragon; 3, Chervil. (Juvenis). — 1, The name of the shrub will be
given next week; 2, Impatiens Sultani ; 3, Viburnum Opulus; 4, Pilea
musco8a ; 5, Arenaria balearica. (C. H.). — 1, Stylophorum japonicum;
2, Anchusa officinalis ; 3, Gaultheria Shallon ; 4, Helianthemum poli-
folium; 5, Leucothoe Catesbaai. ( W. B.). — Magnolia acuminata. (Drop-
more). — Calycanthus floridus.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — June 29th.
Strawberries from the open now reaching us in good condition and
supply. Grapes heavy at lower rates. Trade brisk.

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

8.

a.

s.

fl.

P.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi. dozen . .

6

0 to 12

0

Fuchsia, dozen .

4

0

to 9

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Genista, dozen .

0

0

u

0

„ (common), dozen. .

0

0

0

0

Geranium (Ivy), dozen ..

4

0

6

0

Azalea, dozen .

0

0

0

0

„ Tricolor, dozen

3

u

6

0

Begonias, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Hydrsngea, dozen .. ..

9

0

12

0

Caloeolaria, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Lilies Valey, dozen

0

0

0

0

Cineraria, dozen

0

0

0

0

Lilium lmgifljrum, doz.

18

0

89

0

Creeping Jenny, dozen . .

s

0

4

0

Lobelia, dozen .

3

0

5

0

Dracaena terminalis, doz.

30

0

60

0

Marguerite Daisy, dozen

6

0

12

0

„ viridis, dozen..

12

0

24

0

Mignonette, dozen . . . .

4

0

9

0

Erica, various, dozen . .

18

0

30

0

Must, dozen .

2

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var., dozen

6

0

18

0

Myrtles, dozen .

6

0

12

0

Evergreens, in var., dozen

6

0

24

0

Palms, in var., each

2

6

21

Ferns, in variety, dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, dozen

6

0

15

0

Ficus elastics, each

i

6

7

0

„ scarlet, doz.

3

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var., each

2

0

10

0

Spirte t, dozen .

6

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

a.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

a.

Abntilons, 12 bunches . .

2

0 to 4

0

Marguerites, 12 bunches

2

0 to 6

0

Anemones, 12 bunches . .

2

0

4

0

Mignonette, 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Arum Lilies, 12 blooms . .

8

0

6

0

Myosotis, 12 bunches . .

2

0

3

0

Azalea, 12 sprays .

0

0

0

0

Narciss, 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Bluebells, 12 bunches . .

0

0

0

0

„ White, English, bcb.

0

0

0

0

Bouvardias, bunch . .

0

6

1

0

Pansies, 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Camellias, blooms . .

0

0

0

0

Peas, Sweet, 12 bunches. .

8

0

6

0

Carnations, 12 blooms . .

1

0

2

0

Pelargoniums, 12 trusses

0

9

i

0

„ 12 bunches . .

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

Cornflower, 12 bnnohes . .

2

0

4

0

Pinks, White, 12 banches

1

0

4

0

Daisies, 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

„ various, 12 bunch

2

0

4

0

Day Lilies .

5

0

7

0

Pceony, 12 bunches. . . .

6

0

9

0

Eucharis, dozen

4

0

6

0

Poinsettia, 12 blooms . .

0

0

0

0

Gardenias, 12 blooms ..

1

6

8

0

Primula (single), bunch. .

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12

„ (double), bunch . .

0

9

1

0

sprays

0

0

0

0

Polyanthus, 12 bunches..

2

0

4

0

Iris, 12 bnnehes .. ..

2

0

9

0

Ranunculus, 12 bunches

2

0

8

0

Ixia, 12 bunches . .

2

0

4

0

Roses, 12 bunches . . . .

4

0

9

0

Lapageria, white, 12

,, (indoor), dozen

0

9

1

0

blooms .

0

0

0

0

„ Tea, dozen .. ..

1

8

8

0

Lilium longiflorum, 12

„ red dozen . . . .

0

0

0

0

blooms .

8

0

6

0

., de Mois. 12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Lilac (white), French,

Stephanotis, 12 sprays . .

1

6

8

0

bunch .

0

0

0

0

Tropaeolnm, 12 bunches

1

0

2

0

Lily ol Valley, 12 spray?

0

0

0

0

Tuberoses, 12 blooms . .

0

9

i

0

n i, 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Tulips, dozen blooms ..

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes’, dozen . . ..
Asparagus, bundle . . . .

Beans, Kidney, per lb. . .
Best, Red, dozen .. ..
Broccoli, bundle .. ..
Brussels Sprouts, £ sieve
Cabbage, dozen . . . .

Capsicums, per 100 ..

Carrots, bunch . . . .

Cauliflowers, dozen
Celery, bundle .. ..
Coleworts, doz. bunches
Cucumbers, each . . . .

Endive, dozen .

Hero?, bunch .

Leeks-, bunch .

s. d. s. d.

1 0 to 2 0

16 4 0

15 0 0

10 2 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

16 0 0

16 2 0

0 4 0 0

3 0 4 0

16 2 0

2 0 4 0

0 4 0 6

10 2 0

0 2 0 0

0 8 0 4

8.

Lettuce, dozen .. .. 0

Mushrooms, punnet .. 0
Mustard and Cress, punt. 0

Ouions, bunch . 0

Parsley, dozen bunches 8
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 1

Potatoes, per cwt . 4

„ Kidney, per cwt. 4
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 0

Salsafy, bundle .. 1

Scorzonera, bundle .. 1
Seakale, basket .. .. 0

Shallots, per tt> . 0

Spinach, bushel .. .. 8

Tomatoes, per lb . 0

Turnips, bunen .. .. 0

d. g.
9 to 0
6 1
2 0
3 0
0 3
0 0
0 6
0 0
2 0
0 1
6 0
0 0

3 0
0 4
6 0

4 0

d.

0

0

6

6

0

0

0

0

0

8

0

0

0

0

9

6

a.

Apples, £ sieve . 0 0

Nova Scotia and
Canada barre 10 0

Cherries, £ sieve . . . . 0 0

Cobs, 100 lbs . 0 0

Pigs, dozen . 3 0

Grapes, per lb . 1 6

Lemons, case . 10 0

Melon, each . 2 0

MANURES AND FORAGE CROPS.
MR. MARTIN J. SUTTON’S EXPERIMENTS.

Brief reference was made in these columns last year to a series
of experiments with manures on permanent and temporary pas¬
tures at Dyson’s Wood, Oxon, the residence of the gentleman
above named. We have recently had the pleasure of inspecting the
plots that were dressed with different kinds of manures in the
spring of 1886, and which have had no manure this year ; also some
other plots that have been manured this spring only. We have
thus presented the relative effects of manure during the year of
their application, also their after effects, so to say, or the con
dition of two seasons’ crops from one dressing of manure.

After an inspection of the splendid pavilion of Messrs. Sutton
and Sons in the show ground of the Royal Counties Agricultural
Society at Reading on Wednesday, the 23rd inst., a number of
gentlemen were entertained at luncheon by Mr. Martin J. Sutton,
the company including Dr. Voelcker, Professors Harker, Kinch,
McCracken, and thirty students from the Royal Agricultural
College, Cirencester ; Canon Bagot, Messrs. J. Nathorst of the
Government College of Agriculture, Sweden ; J. A. Caird, R. and J.
Stratton, Bernard Dyer, A. Kains-Jackson, W. E. Bear, and several
other representative agriculturists— their presence testifying to the
wide interest that attaches to the subject of developing in a profit¬
able manner the resources of the soil.

Before entering the carriages, first for a passing glanee through
Messrs. Sutton’s trial ground and interesting and extensive grass
garden, and subsequently to the fields wherein the chief experi¬
ments are conducted, Mr. Sutton explained that his sole object in
instituting them was to obtain information of a reliable nature that
might be of benefit to cultivators. The experiments were con¬
ducted on a scientific basis, but above all he desired them to be
practical — that is to say, his object was not to show that so-called
artificial manures increased the bulk and value of crops, as that
was well known, but he wished to ascertain if satisfactory results
would follow the application of manures purchased at a cost that
grass-land farmers might reasonably be expected to incur in the
routine of their operations. That was his object, and having no
interest whatever in the sale of manures it was a matter of perfect
indifference to him as to which proved the better, except in so
far that a way might be pointed out which he and others might
pursue with advantage in obtaining a better return from their fields
than before. In the carrying out of his plan he had secured the
valuable co-operation of Dr. Voelcker, who, within a prescribed
limit of cost, had chosen the quantities and mixtures of the various
manures employed ; indeed, Dr. Voelcker was the real experi
menter, he (Mr. Sutton) having been glad to provide the means for
testing the merits of the different ingredients under conditions
equally fair to all in fields then open for inspection.

Dyson’s Wood is about four miles from Reading, a great part of
the road passing through Mr. Sutton’s estate, and the full, level,
promising fields of corn afford evidence of that good management
which alone can render farming nowadays even moderately re¬
munerative.

In the experiments under notice eighty-four plots are wired off
in six fields, each plot representing exactly a hundredth part of an
acre, and by accurately weighing and determining the precise money
value of the manures applied to each plot, the cost per acre is readily
ascertained ; also by carefully weighing the produce in a green and
dried state, both of the first cutting and aftermath, the increase
per acre, with its money value, is found, and the actual gain or loss,
as the case may be, resulting from the manures determined. The
most scrupulous care is taken both in the application of the manures

fruit.

s.

d.

p.

a.

8.

d.

0

0

Oranges, per 109 .. ..

6

0 to 12

0

Peaches, dozen .. . .

4

0

12

O

18

0

Pears, dozen .

0

0

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples, English,

0

0

per lb .

1

6

0

0

6

0

Plums, $ sieve .

0

0

0

0

8

0

St. Michael Pinea, each

3

0

5

0

15

0

Strawberries, per lb.

1

0

i

6

3

0

■une 30, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

541

and securing the crops, screens having been employed to prevent a
particle of either being blown over the border line, so that the
outcome of the experiments may be regarded as absolutely
correct.

As this season’s crops were not cut at the date of inspection, their
condition in the growing state could only be noted in connection —
and this is important — with the manures applied to each plot and the
value of the produce obtained from it last year. This may be
fairly represented as follows, taking six plots on a very old pasture
as an example, one plot unmanured, the others dressed with the in¬
gredients mentioned, the yield of produce in each case being the
actual increase over the returns from the unmanured plot.

Manures per

acre.

At a
cost of.

Produced

an

increased
yield of
hay.

Net gain
per acre
from

Gain
per cent.

manuring.

on outlay.

s.

d.

cwt.

9.

d.

Sulphate of ammonia 1 cwt.

14

0

10

20

0

185

Nitrate of pnda 14 r.wfc .

1(1

3

7

11

9

7*2

Superphosphate

of lime)

3 cwt .

Kainit 2 cwt .

Sulphate of

ammonia')

15

9

11

28

3

179

1 cwt .

Kainit 2 cwt .

Superphosphate

of lime)

20

0

12

23

0

140

3 cwt . f

Nitrate of soda 1 cwt . T

28

9

11

15

9

54

Kainit 2 cwt .

- In the first year’s returns from that experiment it will be seen
that comparing the effects of the two great nitrogenous manures,
sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, that the former was more
than twice as profitable as the Latter. It is next observable that as
regards bulk of produce, it was equal from superphosphate of lime
and kainit, and from the same quantities of the two with 1 cwt. of
nitrate of soda added, the cost in the former case being 15s. lJd., in
the latter 28s. 9d., showing that the nitrate of soda was ineffective
and its cost, 13s., thrown away. The mixture of sulphate of am¬
monia with kainit was very profitable, but not quite equal to the
superphosphate of lime and kainit above mentioned. It would
thus seem that the superphosphate was sufficiently active to enable
the crop to benefit by the potash without the aid of nitrate of soda.
Now to the after effects — the condition of this year’s crops without
any further manuring. The nitrate of soda plot is weak ; the
sulphate of ammonia plot better ; the sulphate of ammonia and
kainit crop weak ; also, but to a less extent, is the superphosphate
4- and kainit plot, the best plot perhaps being that from manures
• . .. named last in the table, as the least profitable in 1886. The weakness
~ of what may be termed the two potash (kainit) plots is attributed
ito the mass of yellow Suckling it induced, choking the graminaceous
' rherbage, potash being a great promoter of Clover growth and legu-
.’-vffiinous crops generally. It will be interesting to observe the rela¬
tive values of the crops of this year, but it will be seen that the
gain in three of them last year was thereabouts equal to the rent
for an impoverished pasture on brashy soil resting on chalk, and it
will be conceded, perhaps, that saving the whole rent by improved
management is better than an abatement of 25 or even 50 per cent,
as compensation for unremunerative crops. The former is a proud
achievement due to enterprise founded on good judgment ; the
latter, while it may be a fair restitution, still has the savour of a
charitable dole.

In this group of plots were several manured for the first time
this year and still uncut. They appear to have been instituted
mainly for comparing the value of the new basic cinder with other
phosphatic manures ; muriate of potash with sulphate (kainit) ; the
different forms of bone manure, and the whole with the best farm¬
yard manure, prepared under cover, and applied at the rate of
10 tons per acre. The results remain to be proved, but when
inspected the farmyard manure plot was the greenest, latest, and
most succulent, but it is doubtful if it will be the most profitable.
The ground coprolite plot with kainit appeared better than the
basic cinder with kainit. Of the three forms of bone manure —
dissolved, boiled, and raw meal — the advantage (in none very
marked) appeared to rest with the latter. The muriate of potash
plot (with nitrate of soda) was promising. Gypsum, 10 cwt. per
acre, appeared to have little or no effect, and the plot was much
inferior to one that had been dressed with decorticated cotton cake,
5 cwt. per acre ; crop excellent. The potash again brought
Clover in all the plots to which it was applied.

Passing to another field — a four-year-old pasture containing a
good proportion of Perennial Rye Grass and a superabundance of

Cocksfoot, though only 2 lbs, per acre were sown, Mr. Sutton
finding that ample for chalky uplands, we find still more remark¬
able results from manuring.

Manure per acre.

At a
coat of

Pioduced

an

increased
yield of
h ly.

Net gain
per acre
from

manuring.

Gain
per cent,
on

outlay.

s.

d.

cwt.

9.

d.

Sulphate of ammonia, 1 cwt.

14

0

14

42

0

300

Nitrate of soda, 1^ cwt .

16

3

19

59

9

367

Superphosphate of lime,)

3 cwt . >

Kainit, 2 cwt . J

15

9

13

36

3

230

Sulphate of ammonia, 1 cwt.)
Kainit, 2 cwt . }

20

0

15

40

0

200

Superphosphate of lime,)

3 cwt . .’ (

Nitrate of soda, 1 cwt . (

28

9

20

53

3

143

Kainit, 2 cwt . )

Here we find in this stronger pasture of stronger Grasses nitrate
of soda taking the lead of sulphate of ammonia, and we also find
that every shilling expended in this latter brought an extra cwt.
of hay. The mixture of superphosphate and kainit was again
rather better than sulphate of ammonia and kainit ; also that, as
before, the nitrate of soda in the last plot tabulated was super¬
fluous. Regarding the after results — that is, this year’s crop from
last year’s manuring, we find that Clover is practically driven out of
the sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda plots ; but in the
superphosphate and kainit plot it abounds, this plot being slightly
better than the one in which nitrate of soda was added to those
ingredients, again showing that the rather costly addition was not
wanted. The condition of the sulphate of ammonia and kainit
plot has fallen off considerably, suggesting, or rather proclaiming,
that superphosphate was required for the continuous support of the
herbage in this field. The exact results of this year’s manuring
remain to be ascertained, the relative condition of the crops being
practically the same as in those in the field referred to — farmyard
manure, decorticated cotton cake, and a mixture of muriate of
potash and nitrate of soda producing the best plots ; gypsum, nil ;
bone manured plots (without any addition) somewhat disappoint¬
ing, and ground coprolites promising to surpass the basic cinder
manure.

We next entered a field sown down for permanent pasture on
an Oat stubble in August, 1884, the seed being harrowed in and
rolled in the same way as Trifolium is sown. As an experiment
half the field was sown with a mixture recommended by an
agricultural authority, from which Rye Grass was excluded, Cocks¬
foot and Meadow Fescue being inci-eased in its stead. From this
part of the field there was nothing to cut the following year, while
the part in which a suitable proportion of Rye Grass was included
gave a ton of hay to the acre. The difference of the two halves of
the field is very apparent now. It can be both seen and felt, the
part in which no Rye Grass was sown being thin and a poor
pasture ; that containing Rye Grass being full and close to the
tread. The soil is light and apparently thin. Whatever the results
of excluding Rye Grass may be elsewhere, there can be no two
opinions as to the superiority of that half of Mr. Sutton’s field that
contains it, and which was laid down nearly three years ago. The
experimental plots in this field on the part containing no Rye Grass
may be summarised thus : An outlay of 16s. 3d. in nitrate of soda
gave a net gain of 21s. 9d. per acre, and of 14s. in sulphate of
ammonia 21s. an acre. Kainit added to the sulphate only brought
a net increase of 8s. per acre, while a small loss was incurred from
using superphosphate and kainit, also with 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda
added to the two minerals. It would seem that on this poor, thin
pasture the superphosphate and kainit counteracted the effects of the
1 cwt. of nitrate of soda, seeing that 1{ cwt. of this salt alone gave
a very handsome profit indeed. On the part of the field containing
Rye Grass loss was incurred after an outlay of 15s. 9d. in super¬
phosphate of lime and kainit, also on 14s. in sulphate ammonia
alone ; but 20s. expended in 1 cwt. of the latter manure and 2 cwt.
of kainit gave a net gain per acre of 35s., or 175 per cent, on
outlay. The mineral manures appear to have had little effect on
the first crop in this light soil, but are telling on the after crop,
there being pi'actically no Clover where they have not been applied.
Speaking of Clover reminds of a sheep experiment in this field.
A flock was turned into it last autumn, and remained for about a
month, the weather being dry ; but a few small 100th part of an
acre squares were hurdled round. It is only in these squares from
which the sheep were excluded that there is any Clover — a mode-

5 42

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

£ Jur e 50, 1887.

rately good crop — the remaining part of the field being destitute of
this forage plant, the sheep totally ruining it in the time named.
It was of course Red Clover that they cropped so thoroughly. They
would not have served the small white kind in exactly the same
way.

The last field entered was a three-years lay, half including Rye
Grass, the other half being sown with a standard mixture excluding
it, the whole laid down with Oats in April, 1885 ; land poor and thin.
In the following spring the half of the field containing no Rye Grass
was such an utter failure that it was ploughed up and sown with
Tares, except a portion left for these experiments. The unmanured
plot on this portion gave a yield at the rate of 1 ton 14 cwts. 3 qrs.
per acre green, 15 cwts. 1 qr. dried as hay. The unmanured plot on
the Rye Grass portion of the field gave 2 tons 19 cwts. 0 qr. green ;

1 ton 9 cwts. 2 qrs. hay, or nearly twice the weight, and not less in
nutritious value than from the weaker part, for according to Dr.
Augustus Yoelcker’s analysis6 Rye Grass is only exceeded in nutri¬
tious properties by the Foxtail (Alopecurus). The results of the
manurial experiments in this field may be briefly stated. In the
portion containing Rye Grass an outlay of Ids. 3d. for 1J cwt. of
nitrate of soda gave a net gain per acre of 48s. 9d. ; 14s. for 1 cwt.
of sulphate of ammonia resulting in a gain of 4Gs. ; 20s. for 1 cwt,
of sulphate of ammonia and 2 cwts. of kainit showing a clear gain
of 37s. ; while 15s. 9d. expended on superphosphate of lime and
kainit resulted in a loss of 13s. 9d. The after effects — that is, the
condition of the plots— now show that those dressed with the nitro¬
genous manures, and that gave such a remarkable return, are not
equal to the unmanured plot ; and the best results are seen where
the superphosphate and kainit was applied. In the portion con¬
taining no Rye Grass nitrate of soda gave slightly the best results
— again of 51s. 9d. per acre on an outlay of 16s. 3d., sulphate of
ammonia closely following, the other manures being the same and
showing no appreciable differerice from the results in the foregoing
experiment ; the after effects, too, are essentially the same in both
cases, the bast plot now being that dressed with superphosphate
and kainit last year, and the worst those to which nitrogenous
manures were applied.

The lesson so far tiught by these well conducted experiments is
that it is easy to err in applying nitrogenous manures too freely and
exclusively to new pastures with little or no bottom, and thus kill the
goose that lays the golden eggs. Phosphates and potash are clearly
essential, as though, especially when used alone, they show no effects
the first year, they tell very strikingly the second, and may even by
inducing a thick growth of Clover choke out all but the robust
grasses, unless the finer are aided by a further dressing of
ammoniacal salts. On old pastures with a close thick sward super¬
phosphate of lime and kainit are clearly beneficial and profitable,
these materially increasing the yield of produce, and certainly
enhancing its value by rendering it more nutritious. The effect of
the mineral manures would probably have been more marked if
they had been sown earlier in the season.

If property has its duties, as most large proprietors recognise, so
Mr. Sutton appears equally to recognise that success has its obliga¬
tions ; and it may be taken for granted that before the Dyson’s
Wood experiments are concluded information will be elicited of great
value to landowners, farmers, and gardeners ; indeed, to all who
are identified with or engaged in the cultivation of the soil.

value among the grass for hay, and we would recommend it as invalu¬
able for sowing upon thin old pasture.

Our advice was asked recently about the selection of a mov.ing
machine, and we at once recommended the Hornsby mower, of which we
have had three at work lately, all of them doing the work well without
any breakdown. No doubt the machines of other makers do the work
well, but in the Hornsby machine we find the best combination of
strength with simplicity and lightness. The connecting rod is short
and vefly strong ; it is, moreover, attached to the gear on the same side
as the knife, and is altogether preferable to the long, weak connecting
rod .of some makers, which work right across the front of the mower,
and so are liable to clog and often become broken or bent.

SEED STANDS AT READING.

At the Royal Counties Agricultural Show held at Reading last week
Messrs. Sutton <fc Sons surpassed all their former efforts in the erection
of the structure representing their business. In design it resembled a
Swiss chalet, with a broad verandah round three sides, ascended by
steps and surrounded by a balustrade covered with climbing plants.
The walls of the building wTere cased with virgin cork and panelled with
flowers, well furnished hanging baskets being further suspended from
the roof. In the enclosure round the pavilion was an attractive flower
garden, in which various kinds of hardy annuals were charmingly
grouped, and associated with a great display of Irises. The terrace
slope was a close and perfect lawn, though the Grass seeds had only been
sown five weeks, and in this large letters were cut showing the name of
the firm in Golden Feather. Inside were piles of large solid roots grown
at home, and models presented by the Government of India, Grasses-
tastefully arranged, bright panels of Begonias and fine groups of
Gloxinias, among them several plants raised from seed sown in January
of the present year flowering freely. The whole arrangement was quite
a departure from the extensive and elaborately furnished seed stands
and museums that are seen at exhibitions, and attracted, as it could
not fail to attract, crowds of admiring visitors to the show.

Messrs. Webb & Sons of Wordsley, Stourbridge, displayed their ex¬
tensive museum, with which visitors to shows are familiar, and which
is admirably representative of the character of their trade and business
enterprise. Prominent amongst the numerous items of interest to both
farmer and gardener were specimens of Webb’s agricultural roots grown
in 1886, which, in addition to being of great size and fine quality, gave
undeniable proof of keeping properties by their splendid condition.
Webb’s Imperial Swede, Mangolds, common Turnips, and Kohl Rabi
were also of great merit. Pots of Grasses in growth were exhibited,
whilst the extensive collection of natural and other Grasses was interest¬
ing. A splendid collection of Potatoes was an attractive exhibit, com¬
prising all the best sorts, and notably Webb’s new varieties — Kitiver Hill,
Red King, Renown, Wordsley Pride, Discovery, Benefactor, &e., also
new seedlings to be sent out next season, and to some of which first-
class certificates have been awarded. The novelties^ on this stand
included those valuable forage plants, Maize and Sorghum, which
are recommended by Profe-sor Long in a recent issue of the Royal
Agricultural Society’s Journal. Another important feature was formed
by sheaves of Webbs’ Prize Cereals. Samples are also exhibited of
Webbs’ special manures, which have attained popularity owing to the
liigh-class results obtained from their use. They are manufactured on
a large scale at Widnes, Lancashire, and are sold to guaranteed
analyses. Boxes of vegetable seeds, also samples of grasses, cereals, &c.,
adapted for ensilage crops were on view, and numerous large photo¬
graphs and coloured plates of Webbs’ specialities in bulbs, flowers, &c.,
contributed to the attractions of the display.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Meadow hay requires careful management always, and this year we
have to see that it is not over-dried before it is carted to the stack, for
the heat and drought tell so much upon many of the pastures that much
of the grass has been quite brown before it could be mown. We are
still mowing grass, for we have extensive pastures on the home farm,
and the mowing machine is kept going from 4 A.m. till 8 or 9 P.M.,
fresh horses being used every two or three hours. The tedding machines
are also kept briskly at work, the horse rakes follow in due course, and
so fine has the weather been, that up to the time of writing this note
we have made no haycocks this season. The. work was never got through
more quickly and at less cost. Fermentation is going on nicely in the
ricks that are finished, and we believe that with the exception of a thin
crop upon some portions of the pastures, the hay harvest will be a good
and successful one. Two meadows of about forty acres have a fine
deep rich loam, in which the grass is still growing freely ; this will be
left to be mown last of all after the thinner and more forward crops
are saved. The value of the Clovers in permanent pasture was never
more apparent than now, for where the grass has ripened prematurely
and deteriorated in quality for hay, the Clover serves to impart both
flavour and richness. Not only would we have White and Red Clover
in such pasture, but also the common Yellow Clover, which is also
known as Trefoil, Black Medick, and by its scientific name of Medicago
lupulina. It is really a biennial, but once established it reproduces
itself so freely from seed that it may be regarded as a permanent plant.
Its early growth renders it valuable for grazing, but it is of even greater

“ Sutton’s Permanent and Tempor. ry Pastures,” pp. 124 to 148.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N. ; Lmj, 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude, lit feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

d

a

«

1887.

Jane.

Barome¬
ter at 32°
and Sea
Level.

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

j Temp, of

| soil at
j 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg

deg.

i deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

30.240

72.1

628

N.E.

63.9

84 3

53.5

130.4

—

Monday .

2)

30.35 L

60.6

54.3

N.E.

1 64.6

75 6

54 2

1 19.4

52.8

—

Tuesday ...

21

3C.855

62 8

52.9

N.

| 64 2

74.3

45 5

124 3

43 3

—

Wednesday.

22

30.532

58 4

50.9

N.E.

63.7

75.7

49. L

1 19.4

44 7

—

Thursday . . .

23

30.262

59.6

55.7

N.E.

64 2

78.7

52.7

123.6

—

Friday .

24

30.2 7

56 9

54.0

N.

64 5

65.7

52 0

107.5

—

Saturday . . .

25

30.V63

54 7

53.0

N.E.

63 1

76.2

52.3

106 8

53-7

“

30.207

60.7

54.8

64 0

75 8

51.3

1188

48.7

REMARKS.

19th. — Very bright and hot throughout.

20th. — Bright, breezy, and pleasant.

21st.— Clear, bright, end fresh.

22nd.— Cloudy early ; bright day.

23rd.— Cloudy till about 10 A M„ bright after.

24tb.— Overcast all day and cold. , .

2,th. — Gloomy and overcast, with scarcely a breath of wind in the morning; nne an r
blight after 8 P M.

A wee’e of rainless eumtrer werther, hut cloudy at times. Temperature ah'-Ji -
belotv th it of the preceding week, hut still above the average. — G. J. Symo is.

lb

prig '

*'•

f

t